"How can I leave the capital without making Father suspicious?" Xiao Man was troubled.
Before heading to the Western Regions, she had to visit the Myriad Ghost Forest. The forest held many treasures, among them the Purple Garment Immortal, a supreme poison. However, during her last visit, it hadn't been ripe yet. By now, it should be.
"Miss, is the situation with Prince Qin very dire?"
"Alas, it is *my* situation that is dire," Xiao Man sighed, rubbing her temples. "The residual poison will be cleared in a few days. After that, I need to find a way to convince Father to let me travel."
"General never stops you from going out, Miss."
"This is different. If I leave this time, it will be for at least two months. If Father were to let me run off alone for two months, he wouldn't be my father." Xiao Man's head throbbed. She suddenly realized the double-edged sword of having her father around.
"Where does Miss intend to go?"
"The Western Regions," Xiao Man slowly uttered the two words. "Prince Qin's poison is an urgent matter. He was poisoned by a rare venom from the Western Regions, and to find a cure, I must go there."
"But Miss's eyes..."
"My eyes will return to normal in a few days. My concern now is that Father won't let me travel far, and I'll have to leave secretly. Otherwise, if the news leaks, those who wish me dead will surely intensify their efforts to kill me." Xiao Man's head ached. Should she learn from Chu Qingge and leave a letter behind? S.D. Novel Network
Xiao Man pictured her father's reaction upon seeing such a letter and shook her head. Her father was not Lord Chu; if he secretly found her, he would surely bring his iron cavalry to drag her back!
When Nangong Yu woke up, he found Xiao Man dozing by his bedside. A wave of relief washed over him. Indeed, this girl was more capable than she appeared, even having her own people within the deep palace.
As Nangong Yu sat up, Xiao Man immediately woke up. "You're awake."
"I am. Thanks to you last night," Nangong Yu said with a smile. "You saved me. How should I repay you?"
"Does Your Highness forget that when I was being hunted by assassins from the Jiuyu Tower, it was Your Highness who arrived in time and saved my life?" Xiao Man said softly. "This is tit for tat, and we are even."
"A fitting 'even'," Nangong Yu said softly. "But what if I wish to owe you?"
Xiao Man smiled. "It's not difficult for Your Highness to owe me. I happen to have something that requires Your Highness's help."
"What is it?"
"Can Your Highness help me keep Father occupied? I need to go out and attend to some matters."
"For how long?"
"At least two months."
Nangong Yu's expression changed. "Two months? You don't expect me to arrest your father and release him when you return, do you?"
"That's a good idea."
"My dear young lady, you think too highly of me, or perhaps, too little of your father!" Nangong Yu said helplessly. "If your father were an incompetent official, do you think he could hold the position of Great General and remain favored for so long?"
"True. Let's not dwell on that. What exactly happened in the palace?" Xiao Man inquired.
"An intruder broke into the Yuqing Palace, intending to commit impropriety against Imperial Concubine Yu. Imperial Concubine Yu identified me as the perpetrator, and I have now been stripped of my duties and confined to my residence."
Pfft, Xiao Man burst into laughter upon hearing this.
Nangong Yu's face darkened. "Are you gloating?"
"I just find it unbelievable, what kind of bizarre, foolish plan was this?" Xiao Man laughed until her stomach hurt, practically rolling on the bed. "You committing impropriety against Imperial Concubine Yu? Hahaha, it's hilarious! No, I'm laughing so hard my stomach aches."
Xiao Man rubbed her stomach, laughing so hard she was practically on the bed. Nangong Yu looked at her with amusement. "Is it really that funny?"
"It's hilarious! Prince Qin, who eschews women, committing impropriety against an imperial concubine? Hah, I think it wasn't you who committed impropriety against Imperial Concubine Yu, but rather Imperial Concubine Yu who attempted to do so to you. When you staunchly refused, she, in her embarrassment, reported you to the Emperor for misconduct."
"Who says I eschew women?" Nangong Yu's voice held a hint of annoyance. He didn't eschew women; he simply disdained to associate with those who weren't to his liking.
"Your Highness has no close confidantes, not even a maidservant. If that's not eschewing women, then what is?" Xiao Man asked righteously.
Nangong Yu was momentarily speechless, unsure how to explain. Could he say he desired Xiao Man? If he dared to say so, Xiao Man would surely distance herself from him.
"Did the Emperor believe this?"
"Whether he believed it or not is irrelevant. What's important is that I'm confined at home, and Imperial Concubine Yu has lost favor," Nangong Yu said slowly. "Killing two birds with one stone."
"Are there any leads on the perpetrator?"
"It's undoubtedly one of the princes," Nangong Yu said faintly, though the identity of the specific brother was yet to be confirmed.
"Is it the Crown Prince?" Xiao Man asked.
"It's possible," Nangong Yu said, looking at Xiao Man. "But I don't think tonight's affair is his doing."
"Then, is it Prince Han?" Prince Han was notoriously shameless and lacked any moral compass, resorting to any means to achieve his goals. "However, I suspect this scheme is more akin to a woman's tactic. Your Highness, have you perhaps wronged a young lady, treated her carelessly, and now she's seeking revenge?"
"Xiao Man."
"I'm just joking, joking," Xiao Man quickly clarified, lest Nangong Yu get angry with her.
"You plan to leave for two months. Where will you go?"
"The Western Regions."
Nangong Yu's expression shifted slightly. "What are you going to the Western Regions for?"
"Your Highness's poison is an urgent matter. You were poisoned by a蛊 (gu) poison from the Wuyue Kingdom in the Western Regions. The cure likely lies within Wuyue Kingdom, so I must personally go there to find it."
"You are going to the Western Regions for my sake?"
"I am going for my own sake. If Your Highness dies, our cooperation will be impossible, and I have no interest in any of the other princes," Xiao Man said frankly.
Nangong Yu looked at Xiao Man's determined expression, a gentle smile gracing his face. "Since that is the case, I shall accompany you to the Western Regions. If it is to cure me, I cannot let you go alone."
Xiao Man listened, and asked with some concern, "Can you... can you leave the capital?"
"I have been relieved of my court duties and am currently reflecting on my mistakes at home. I am free."
Xiao Man nodded understandingly. "In that case, we shall go together. With you there, we might find the antidote smoothly. However, before that, I need to have a talk with Father and get his willing consent to leave."
Nangong Yu reached out towards Xiao Man, but retracted his hand just as he was about to touch her face. "When will your eyes recover?"
"Once the residual poison in my body is completely cleared, they will return to normal," Xiao Man said indifferently.
Nangong Yu sighed. "Then I shall return to my residence to prepare. Notify me when you are ready."
"Alright."