Chapter 11.1: heart-penetrating arrow again

Su Xi-er wore a smile on her face, bringing the bowl of soup to her lips as her gaze discreetly darted towards Old Maidservant Zhao’s face. There is definitely something wrong with this bowl of chicken soup. Old Maidservant Zhao usually doesn’t have such an expression.

“Look at you. Your body is weak. The palace maids in the Palace Side Quarters must be more robust. Only then can they carry out more manual labour. You can’t disclose the matter of you drinking this bowl of chicken soup. If the other palace maids find out, they will mock me for being unfair.” Although Old Maidservant Zhao’s tone was calm, her eyes were firmly fixed on Su Xi-er’s slightly opened mouth.

She had originally planned on leaving a way out for Su Xi-er, enjoying an entertaining show in the process. However, He Ying, the Empress Dowager’s favourite, had mentioned more than once that this person can’t be kept. He Ying’s idea is the Empress Dowager’s idea.

Aw, Su Xi-er, don’t blame me. You can only blame yourself that beautiful women suffer tragic fates. There are many problems when you are good-looking.

“Old Maidservant Zhao, you’re so nice to me. How can I enjoy this bowl of chicken soup alone? Why don’t you drink a little too?” Su Xi-er placed the white bowl in front of Old Maidservant Zhao. 

She had carefully smelled it and recognised the scent of herbs mixed in the chicken soup. The scent wasn’t that of a medicinal chicken soup, but from a special herb that had been added. If I’m not wrong, that herb is Heartbreak Grass[1].

One would fail to notice any effects for up to two days after consuming it. On the third day however, one would suddenly die, and die in a ghastly manner at that.

When killing someone, it would be better to leave the person with an intact corpse, yet this method causes a person to die in such a painful manner. It looks like the person behind Old Maidservant Zhao is extremely ruthless.

“This was purposely simmered for you to drink. If you don’t drink it, it will signify that you’re not giving me face.” Old Maidservant Zhao gave her a dirty look and smacked the table. Her tone had become stern.

“Old Maidservant, don’t be angry. I’ll drink it now.” A subtle glint flickered across her eyes. There have been countless attempts on her life as Ning Rulan in my previous lifetime. I have a way to deal with a mere Heartbreak Grass. 

After watching Su Xi-er raise her head to drink a mouthful of chicken soup, Old Maidservant Zhao became relieved. It’s alright as long as she has drunk it. As long as she takes one mouthful, it is already sufficient to take her life!

“This servant pays her respects to Imperial Bodyguard Wu. You are here to…” A palace maid’s anxious voice could be heard. Immediately after that, Su Xi-er’s door was pushed open, revealing Wu Ling standing outside with a stern countenance.

“Su Xi-er, make a trip with this imperial guard.”

His tone was calm but Old Maidservant Zhao’s heart was trembling. Why is Imperial Bodyguard Wu here again? Didn’t Empress Dowager order for this matter to not be investigated anymore?

A smiling look flitted across Su Xi-er’s eyes. Imperial Bodyguard Wu has come just at the right moment!

“Old Maidservant…” Su Xi-er pretended to be flustered, the white bowl in her hands trembling along with her hands. Then, it dropped onto the floor and the chicken soup spilt all over the floor.

As Wu Ling looked at the chicken soup on the floor, the look in his eyes involuntarily became profound.

“Su Xi-er, what’s wrong with you? You lacked in manners before Imperial Bodyguard Wu. Quickly go out!” Old Maidservant Zhao was afraid that Wu Ling would discover something and pushed Su Xi-er out with both of her hands.

Actually, Su Xi-er hadn’t drunk a mouthful of that chicken soup. She had simply made a swallowing motion as her lips had moved close to the chicken soup.

Su Xi-er looked at Wu Ling and appeared to be very unwell, her voice quivering. “Imperial Bodyguard Wu, this servant suddenly feels that my body doesn’t feel comfortable. I don’t know why, but I feel dizzy, and my breathing is unsmooth.” At the same time, she pressed her hand at her chest.

Old Maidservant Zhao was panicking. The Heartbreak Grass’s effects won’t set in so quickly! What on earth is going on? If Su Xi-er faints right now, I won’t be able to free myself from responsibility! 

Although the death of a palace maid in the palace is an inconsequential matter, if their investigation reveals that I privately caused someone’s death without an appropriate reason, I will suffer the consequences as well! Furthermore, maybe Su Xi-er is the woman who seduced Prince Hao last night! 

Wu Ling glanced at Su Xi-er before walking into the room. He crouched down, reached out for the white bowl and brought it before his nose.

Old Maidservant Zhao clenched her hands tightly in nervousness. Prince Hao’s subordinates are all highly skilled. Wu Ling is his personal guard and is even more powerful. He will definitely spot that there’s something amiss with the chicken soup!

“Old Maidservant Zhao, this chicken soup…”

1. It’s a poisonous plant that can be found in China.

Source: http://www.baike.com/wiki/%E6%96%AD%E8%82%A0%E8%8D%89?hf=hdwiki