Shangguan Lin's scalp tingled slightly, thinking of how that woman was not foolish, and recalling how she had mocked him, cursed him, and even beaten Shangguan Yao. He hadn't expected to be outmaneuvered, and Shangguan Yao had been outmaneuvered too. Yun Xiao was quite formidable. However, thinking that his imperial brother was also involved, he couldn't help but cast a sideways glance.
"Murong, isn't this a bit unfair?"
"Alright, from now on, I'll include you in everything I do."
Murong Chong's lips curved into a smile, his mood exceptionally good. He reached out, grasped Shangguan Lin's hand, and said in a deep voice, "Let's return to the capital. However, without my command, you are not to act rashly."
"Yes, Murong."
Shangguan Lin nodded vigorously. Hearing that he could participate in future endeavors with Murong Chong, Shangguan Lin finally let go of past grievances. Yet, even just thinking about that Yun Xiao sent a shiver of fear down his spine.
He hadn't expected that woman to be so powerful, not only deceiving everyone but also having the formidable imperial brother completely under her thumb.
Most importantly, the entire world had been deceived by her. What was Yun Mo's intention? Shangguan Lin pondered with a thoughtful expression.
The two, leading their subordinates, returned to the capital overnight. Of course, Murong did not forget to bring Jiangnan lotus root and longan for Yun Xiao. More importantly, he had prepared a wonderful gift for her, which he was sure she would adore...
Qingfeng Pavilion, as always, was quiet.
Yun Xiao was performing acupuncture on Qiao Fan. To be honest, sometimes she hesitated to heal Qiao Fan, as she must have gone through something terrible.
If she were truly healed, her life might be in danger. Another possibility was that she had suffered significant trauma.
"Come, Qiao Fan, be good. Brother will help you massage your acupoints."
Yun Xiao gestured for Qiao Fan to lie down on a reclining chair by the corridor pillar. Yun Xiao sat behind her, gently pressing the acupoints on Qiao Fan's head. Qiao Fan was foolish because of a confused brain nerve, coupled with her having sealed off her senses from the outside world, which caused her to be muddled and ignorant.
Now, for her to recover, the only way was to use silver needles to prick the acupoints, followed by gentle acupoint massage every evening. In addition, herbal treatment was indispensable.
Ten days passed, and she had not recovered. However, sometimes she would stand dazed in the corridor, seemingly trying hard to think of something, her face full of confusion. But when they asked her, she would become bewildered, remaining the傻傻 (shǎshǎ - foolish) Qiao Fan.
Yun Xiao never asked her about recalling things. She only did what she was supposed to do.
As for Qiao Fan's memories, they would naturally recover when the time was right. If they were not meant to be recovered, asking would only annoy her and cause her pain, which would not benefit her illness.
"Qiao Fan, does it feel comfortable?"
"Mmm, comfortable. Brother's hands feel comfortable."
Qiao Fan was already very familiar with Yun Xiao and was particularly dependent on her. Most of the time, she didn't act like a patient; she was like a five or six-year-old child, pure and transparent, unaware of the world's wickedness. In this state, she lived a bit happier.
Yun Xiao massaged for a while, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her face. Wanwan brought a silk cloth and respectfully said, "Master, it's late. Please rest early."
"Good."
Yun Xiao released her hands, signaled Qiao Fan to get up, and then gently admonished, "Qiao Fan, be good and go rest with this elder sister."
"Mmm," Qiao Fan rubbed her eyes. She was obviously a little sleepy, so she looked up and waved goodbye to Yun Xiao, obediently following the palace maid away.
Yun Xiao got up and returned to her bedroom with Wanwan. Qiao Fan's residence was not far from hers.
In the room, Yun Xiao stood by the window with a cold aura, her hands clasped behind her back. The moonlight cast a silver sheen on her, making her appear sacred and inviolable. Her unfathomable eyes held a bright, clear radiance, and killing intent permeated the air.
"Liuxing."
"Yes, Master."
Liuxing appeared as commanded, his gaze fixed on his master, not daring to move. He understood what this demeanor of his master signified; it meant she had something on her mind, and it wasn't good.
"I have a premonition that something will happen tonight. You and Zhuiyue must guard Qiao Fan well."
"But, Master, you..."
"I will be fine. You just protect her properly." Now it was no longer just a matter of protection. Yun Xiao couldn't bear to see the innocent and helpless Qiao Fan harmed. As Ye Wuyun had said, a maid's life was also a life. People were not distinguished by their status, but merely by their different origins, and origins could not be chosen.
"Yes."
Liuxing departed. Yun Xiao turned and looked at Wanwan behind her, raising an eyebrow faintly. "Wanwan, tell me, how much of this matter can you discern?"
Wanwan took two steps forward, standing behind Yun Xiao, and looked up at the sky. On her charming face, her eyes flashed with intelligence. By following her master, she had absorbed some of her agility; otherwise, she truly wouldn't be worthy of being by her master's side. She spoke slowly, word by word.
"Qiao Fan must have overheard something she shouldn't have, which is why she was targeted. The people involved are likely the Empress Dowager, which is why Qiao Fan became foolish."
*Clap, clap.*
In the darkness of the night, two clear and pleasant clapping sounds echoed. Yun Xiao nodded with satisfaction.
"Wanwan, you've improved. It seems you will become my capable assistant in the future. From now on, you must observe and think more, and provide me with useful information at all times, do you understand? This palace is not like other places."
"Yes, Master."
Wanwan nodded in acknowledgment and reached out to support Yun Xiao as she went to rest.
The night was deep. The misty Bi Lake, with its lush green lotus leaves, had blooming water lilies resting peacefully within. Adorned with tender green, they swayed in the cool night breeze, resembling beautiful women dancing gracefully under the soft lamplight.
In the sky, the crescent moon resembled a beauty's delicate eyebrows, and the stars were like charming eyes. Everywhere was enchanting.
Qingfeng Pavilion was like a beautiful painted scroll, nestled in the night.
Suddenly, a sharp scream pierced the sky, spreading out boundlessly.
Startled, Yun Xiao leaped out of bed. The scream she had just heard was clearly Qiao Fan's.
Could it be that Qiao Fan was in trouble?
Without a second thought, she rushed out. Meeting Wanwan, who immediately approached and swiftly tied up her raven hair, her mask remained intact.
In the palace, their masks were never removed.
The two turned and exited the sleeping quarters. Wanwan conveniently picked up her zither and they both ran along the corridor. At this time, eunuchs and palace maids were also rushing past on the corridor.
Indeed, there was the sound of fighting from the adjacent room, and dozens of figures leaped out. Yun Xiao immediately turned and commanded Wanwan.
"Yin Sha."
"Yes, Master."
Wanwan's zither could now control the mind and soul. As long as there was evil intent in one's heart, they would fall into a state of madness. The opponents were too numerous, so a direct confrontation was impossible; they could only rely on Yin Sha.
Under the clear breeze and bright moon, Liuxing and Zhuiyue were fighting with more than ten assassins, unable to disengage. Moreover, Qiao Fan was still in the room, and there were still assassins inside.