Chapter 72: Han Lei Poisoned
The breath of spring quietly descended, with an almost imperceptible warmth in the breeze, as if nature were whispering softly.
Inside the Zhao Mansion, Zhao Qiao’er was dressed in luxurious attire, her head adorned with ornaments, as if she had put on all the family’s valuable jewelry, seemingly to show off when visiting her maternal home.
She walked with light steps through the long-missed gates of her maternal home. Her face was brimming with an irrepressible joy, yet her eyes glinted with a trace of malice.
"Mother, I’m back."
Zhao Qiao’er arrived at the elderly lady’s room to greet her, bowing gently with an effort to appear choked with emotion.
The elderly lady exchanged a glance with Zhao Zun, who was sitting beside her, and said indifferently, "Qiao’er, you’re back. Your mother said you’re here to see us off, and both your brother and I are quite saddened."
"Qiao’er, we’re traveling far to Canzhou this time, not knowing when we’ll return. In the Capital City, it’ll just be Ms. Qin and you; you must take care of each other, definitely take care." Zhao Zun’s gaze was full of gravity, and he spoke like an elder brother.
Zhao Qiao’er dabbed at nonexistent tears with a handkerchief and nodded.
"Mother, brother, you must take care too. But I’m married now and can’t go with you, and it truly saddens me."
Though she usually disfavored this concubine’s daughter, having lived under the same roof for over a decade, seeing Zhao Qiao’er wiping her eyes made the elderly lady feel quite melancholy about the impending separation.
"Come, sit by mother’s side," the elderly lady said kindly, patting the seat beside her.
Zhao Qiao’er took small steps and obediently sat beside the elderly lady.
The elderly lady held her hand and comforted her, "Qiao’er, you’re now part of another family, focus on them, but we’ll always remember you."
"Mother." Zhao Qiao’er’s eyes moistened.
The elderly lady talked to her affectionately, like her own daughter, "Qiao’er, how is life after marrying there?"
Zhao Qiao’er smiled slightly, though her eyes showed some impatience. "It’s all right, my husband treats me well."
"That’s good!"
The elderly lady, intending to impart some marital advice as the household matriarch, seemed to notice Zhao Qiao’er’s impatience and sighed lightly in her heart.
She then said, "Since you’re back, go see your mother too! Stay for dinner before going back. Who knows when we might have the opportunity to dine together again."
"Yes."
Zhao Qiao’er stood up and bowed before wiping her eyes again, then turned to Ms. Qin’s courtyard.
Zhao Zun also saw through Zhao Qiao’er’s façade and, after she left, took the elderly lady’s hand with guilt in his eyes.
"Mother, I am unfilial, having not been here these years, letting you and my sister suffer."
The elderly lady smiled gently, comforting Zhao Zun instead. "It’s good that you think this way, I’m not wronged. You and your father holding the border are heroes in the hearts of Da Jing’s people and mother’s pride!"
"Mother, I am now just a leisurely Prince. Once in Canzhou, I will stay by your side, and Han Lei and I will serve you faithfully."
"Good! Good! I think it’s wonderful for you to be a leisurely Prince! Our family enjoying the joys of family life together."
The elderly lady was reassured to hear him think so and afraid he might not understand otherwise.
In one corner, the mother and son conversed in the room. Meanwhile, Zhao Qiao’er, not far from exiting the main building, gestured to the maid Liu’er beside her and handed her a small package.
Liu’er understood, nodded, and then turned towards another direction of the Prince Mansion.
Soon, it was time for dinner.
The elderly lady’s family and Ms. Qin with her daughter sat around the dining table.
The Zhao family hadn’t gathered like this for a long time, and today’s dinner was both a reunion and a farewell feast.
At the table, everyone silently ate, the air heavy with quietude.
The elderly lady and her children were full of parting emotions, feeling heavy-hearted, and the exquisite dishes seemed tasteless.
Ms. Qin and her daughter were uneasy, exchanging glances now and then as if communicating something.
As a recent addition to the family, Han Lei didn’t know what to say and could only focus on eating.
The meal was uneventful and tedious!
After dinner, in Han Lei’s room.
Han Lei sat at the table diligently organizing her business plans.
From barren land, a pig farm, a winery, to a restaurant and inn, she now had several ventures. However, they were just beginning operations, showing no signs of success yet.
Once in Canzhou, she planned to follow the markings on the mineral map to start a cement factory, a salt factory, and more.
The flickering candlelight cast the silhouette of Han Lei’s slim, busy figure on the window. Unknowingly, it was midnight when Han Lei suddenly felt unwell in her stomach.
She frowned, assuming she was just too full from dinner and hadn’t moved around to digest.
So she casually took two Gastric Health and Digestion Pills, hoping to alleviate the discomfort.
However, the symptoms didn’t improve. Maid Jin Ju brought water for her night routine and noticed Han Lei’s lips had turned a bit pale.
"Miss, why are your lips so pale? Is it cold at night?"
Jin Ju exclaimed, setting down the copper basin to fetch her a cloak.
Han Lei was startled and swiftly retrieved a small mirror from her space, holding it up.
Oh, my!
Her lips were indeed an abnormal shade of black. She quickly connected it to the discomfort in her stomach, shocking her.
The Gastric Health and Digestion Pills hadn’t helped, and the abdominal pain seemed to be worsening.
She checked her eyelids in the mirror and, drawing on her extensive medical knowledge, recalled Ms. Qin and her daughter’s behavior today, confirming she was indeed poisoned.
"Damn it, these ancients resort to poisoning at the slightest disagreement."
Han Lei couldn’t help but curse in her heart; she had to stop the poison in its tracks before it fully took effect.
"Jin Ju, I’m fine for now. Go immediately to report to the Prince."
She forced herself to remain calm, instructing Jin Ju to inform Zhao Zun, then sent Zitan to fetch a basin of cold water.
After Jin Ju left, she quickly bought a few special detox capsules from the system, swallowing two of them to observe the effect.
If that didn’t work, she would have to consider giving herself IV fluids.
...
The night was as dark as ink, the moon hidden, stars concealed, and despite the glowing lanterns, a deep undercurrent flowed through the Prince Mansion.
Zhao Zun had not yet rested, sitting upright at his desk, writing something with a faint worry between his brows.
Tomorrow, he would depart from the Capital City to Canzhou, with the mansion’s affairs being numerous and complex, compounded by his impending marriage to Han Lei, leaving him utterly exhausted.
"Prince," Jin Ju’s voice came from outside, carrying urgency, "Prince, the maid has an important matter to report."
Zhao Zun set aside his work, his voice steady, "Come in."
Jin Ju entered with a tense expression, barely catching her breath as she reported, "Prince, Miss Han seems to be poisoned!"
"What!" Zhao Zun suddenly stood, a flash of anger crossing his eyes, "Quick, go get a doctor!"