“I won’t call for a dog that bites.” Jun Wu Xie casually said while stroking the little black cat’s smooth fur.

Want to stab her in the back? Well, she must first give you an opportunity for that.

In the past, she only trusted her back with one person. In this world, she wouldn’t give anyone that chance other than Jun Xian and Jun Qing.

Seeing that she understood his meaning, Jun Qing laughed.

Sometimes he felt that his little niece grew up way too fast. Her perception and mentality seemed to have gone through an enormous change overnight – fortunately it was a good change.

More and more carriages entered and dropped off various important Ministers of the State as the crowd trickled in to join in the celebration of the Crown Prince’s birthday. While waiting to enter the banquet, all the guests entered from the side door and were ushered into a large waiting reception area.

When it was finally their turn as the carriage arrived at the side door, Long Qi prepared the wheelchair, assisted Jun Qing and took a thin blanket to cover his legs.

With the arrival of the three generations of the Jun Family, there was a huge commotion as many shifted their attention to the newly arrived guests.

Jun Xian was like a sleeping tiger, although he had more wrinkles over the years, no one dared to underestimate him. By his side was a young maiden who was an alluring beauty. She was like a little flower bud which had yet to bloom. In a few years, she definitely would be a beauty that could topple nations! She seemed to grow more beautiful each time they saw her.

In terms of appearance, very few could rival this precious flower from the Lin Palace, however everyone knew under this beautiful exterior lay a hot tempered fiery girl who could burn them easily and she brought trouble wherever she went! Jun Wu Xie’s notoriety was known throughout, no one dared to treat her as a well behaved little rabbit!

However now the one that they were most concerned about was the handsome man sitting on the wheelchair.

Although he sat there quietly with his pale face, one could tell he had quite a bit of difficulty even breathing. His raspy and disorderly breathing could be heard, gripping people’s hearts as they hear him struggling for his breath.

It was known that Jun Qing was in a bad shape for quite some time and everyone speculated that he would have died after a few days when Jun Xian forced his way into the palace asking for all the Royal Doctors. With one look at Jun Qing today, one did not need to be well versed in medicine to tell that he was really hanging onto his life by a fine thread. Even if Jun Xian used up all the precious herbs, nothing would be able to save his son.

Affirming their own notions, they looked over at Jun Xian and saw him brooding, this further confirmed their own speculation.

Some ministers went over and offered him some words of encouragement, portraying a noble front and disappeared into the crowd soon after.

This whole facade went on as both father and son played the victims and looked vulnerable. Jun Wu Xie on the other hand, was totally ignored.

Compared to Jun Qing’s imminent death, being dumped by Mo Xuan Fei paled in comparison.

Anyway the impending fall of Lin Palace was nearing, what can this outrageous tyrannical little girl do? She seemed to have toned down a lot from previous occasions. At least she knew her place – various inner thoughts and whisperings went around masked with bright smiles and vibrant music. Regardless of what’s happening on the surface, everyone had deemed Lin Palace a huge joke.

They had been in power for such a long time,showed their prowess before but all of that was in the past, now they were only waiting for their downfall.

After passing through the reception area, the guests were led to their seats in the banquet hall. Soon, it was in full swing as music, laughter and lantern lights filled the whole palace.

Many gasped at the scale of this banquet. The banquet was held at the Crown Prince Palace Wing and one could see that the Emperor really held the Crown Prince birthday in high regard. The main hall was decorated lavishly and the feast itself was pure luxury. Silk brocades with exquisite embroidery could be seen all around as beautifully carved wine glasses out of precious materials graced their presence. The finest dishes were brought out with rare and delectable ingredients in beautiful artistic designs were presented to the guests.

For this banquet alone, how much gold was splurged?

Jun Wu Xie was pushing Jun Qing on the wheelchair, following quietly behind Jun Xian as they entered the banquet hall. A small memory flashed by, in the past, the previous Wu Xie had attended the Crown Prince’s birthday once and that was the time when she had met Mo Xuan Fei and fell for him.

“The Crown Prince doesn’t have it easy as well.” Jun Wu Xie looked at the grandeur surrounding her as she coldly stated her thoughts.

Jun Xian and Jun Qing’s expression stiffened.

Jun Qing was about to say something when Jun Xian suddenly cut it and said: “Wu Xie, why do you think so?”

Jun Wu Xie replied: “If his Majesty really loved the Crown Prince, he would create an image of a benevolent ruler that doesn’t spend the people’s money in such ways. The way I see it, it’s not the case.”

“The Crown Prince’s abode is so luxurious and just for a banquet such extravagance splashed out isn’t it just for all to see?” She stated everything very matter of factly, in front of her this beautiful scene was just like an invisible shackle.

Jun Xian widened his eyes in shock, he did not think that the young Wu Xie could see through the secret.

Jun Xian glanced at the servants walking in front of them as he whispered softly: “His Royal Crown Prince was born by the Queen, her own family was very powerful which enabled her to sit on the Queen’s throne. In just a few years after her death, her family also faced an unexpected calamity and their power declined tremendously.”

Jun Wu Xie finally understood, the only reason why the Crown Prince could hold on to his title was because of his Mother’s side of the family, not because the Emperor favoured him. From the look of things, with the decline of the Crown Prince’s support, the Emperor seemed to have started making his move.

To say the least, the current Crown Prince’s predicament was similar to Lin Palace.

Without a powerful backing, the Emperor who was previously helpless before them had his own designs.

However his schemes really ran deep, even when dealing with the Crown Prince, he portrays it as if he doted heavily on this son of his.

“Then who does His Majesty actually favor?” Jun Wu Xie asked softly.

“The Second Prince.” Jun Xian answered coldly.

Jun Wu Xie suddenly realised how everything fell into place. No wonder Mo Xuan Fei was so persistent on pursuing Bai Yun Xian, her identity itself could boost him up to take over the coveted position of Crown Prince. If they were engaged, it was a great opportunity to make the favored son the Crown Prince instead.

“He have eyes but fail to see, how ignorant.” she scoffed.

Although she did not know the Crown Prince very well, however in the eyes of Jun Wu Xie, Mo Xuan Fei’s personality was rotten to the core.

Even a lump of **** was better than Mo Xuan Fei.

Jun Xian laughed, although his little princess did not talk much, her mouth was really quite toxic.

After all the ministers have arrived and sat at their seats, the Emperor turned to his right and whispered something to the handsome youth seated by his side.

 

The youth seated by the Emperor was handsome and had similar features to Mo Xuan Fei, however he looked more uninhibited, when the Emperor was conversing with him, his brow was wrinkled. He was donned in a silver silk brocade, however he was dressed quite casually for the occasion as compared to all his guests, with his inner snow white robe peeking out. He was sitting idly with a wine cup in hand.

Although the feast had yet to start, he had already drank a lot, his eyes seemed to be intoxicated but there was still a hint of sharpness.

At first glance, Jun Wu Xie felt something was amiss with the Crown Prince but she said nothing and continued sitting quietly at her seat.

On the other side of the Emperor sat the Second Prince, Mo Xuan Fei was seated with his beautiful lady companion, Bai Yun Xian. The golden couple was smiling and in high spirits as their laughter added to the festive mood.

When viewed from the hall, the contrast between the Crown Prince and Second Prince was apparent.

A beautiful cue presented by the court musicians invited the Emperor to make a toast. Mo Xuan Fei straightened his back and gave a congratulatory speech to his brother and expressed gratitude for everyone’s presence and gifts.

The main lead tonight, Crown Prince Mo Qian Yuan had been silent throughout, sitting at his own corner drinking his wine.

“Qian Yuan, today is your birthday, when you were just born, when you and your mum were in grave danger, luckily Jun Gu saved you both! Today, Lin Wang, Jun Qing and Jun Wu Xie are all present, why don’t you take the opportunity and give a toast to them.” The Emperor smiled and asked the silent Mo Qian Yuan.

Mo Qian Yuan frowned deeper as he contemplated for a short while before taking his wine cup and got up, trying to stabilise himself. He seemed to be a bit drunk as he staggered over.

A lot of ministers secretly shook their heads. People were really not optimistic about this future king as they inwardly judged him.

Mo Qian Yuan held out his cup: “Thank you Lin Palace for your grace.” Without waiting for any response, he downed his whole cup of wine in a single swig.

His actions were very brash and sudden that he lost his balance and tumbled towards the table.

Jun Xian helped the Crown Prince up as the strong smell of alcohol assaulted his nose. Jun Xian couldn’t help but let out a sigh softly.

“Sorry.” Mo Qian Yuan straightened himself as he frowned and tapped his head absentmindedly as he muttered a few more words and went back to his seat.

Jun Wu Xie looked at him as a glint flashed by her deep eyes.

“Meow!” Faint meowing came from her sleeves.

Before entering the banquet, the little black cat had hid itself in her large sleeves, fortunately it was very small and it had gone in unnoticed.

[Master, that man has something nasty on him!]

The little black cat had an extraordinary sense of smell and with a whiff of the strong alcoholic smell from the Crown Prince, it sniffed up something bad along with it.

“Mmm.” Jun Wu Xie sat there without moving, the reason which why she herself had an ultra sensitive nose was mainly due to her soul link with the little black cat. In her previous world, this deed was due to that person’s extreme experiments and had her increase her sense of smell by few times, although it was nothing compared to what the little black cat, it was still much more sensitive than an ordinary person’s.

 

At that moment when Mo Qian Yuan had tumbled over, she could pick out a faint floral scent, one that she was very familiar with. In the previous world, there was a type of flower and the extract of that flower could be made into a type of drug. If a person was taking that drug, their clothes would have this faint floral scent on them.

After taking this drug, it would make people all floaty and happy, throwing all their problems away. If taken long-term, it could change a person’s mental capacity. If a person ate it for an extended period, he would turn into a waste very quickly as the drug not only damage a person’s nerves, it also corroded their organs. Moreover, it was highly addictive and if not taken on time, it was as though there were hundreds of ants on them and this extreme discomfort could even cause personality disorders.

Jun Wu Xie did not think that such a vile drug had existed in this world as well and what made her even more surprised was that this scent came from the Crown Prince!

Looking at his disorderly state, it seems that it was not simply excessive drinking of wine but more related to that flower scent emitted.

“The period of him taking the drug seems to be for quite some time.” She touched her chin as she assessed it based on her experience. It seems that he had been taking this drug for a few years, he can’t drag this on for much longer. If he continues, it is estimated he had only two more years left.

It made no difference to her if he lived or died.

However, the Emperor can justify his death and use it as a means to raise the Second Prince, Mo Xuan Fei.

This was something she did not want.

“This man cannot die.” She decided immediately as she narrowed her eyes in determination. It may also be a great opportunity to help a desolate prince and perhaps he may prove useful to change the current State of Qi.

Well, whatever makes her enemy unhappy, she’ll be more than happy to lend a helping hand.

“Grandfather, father saved the prince’s life before?” She asked softly.

“That was a long time ago, your father had just taken over the command of Rui Lin Army. That year, the Crown Prince was born and the Queen was on the way to bring him to visit her family. They met with bandits on the way, luckily your father happened to be in the vicinity and he saved them.” Jun Xian casually replied.

“Mo Qian Yuan’s performance had been pretty good, however, over the past few years he seemed to have undergone a personality change. If he really becomes the King of Qi, perhaps our Lin Palace might not have such a hard time.” Jun Xian sighed, the only promising Crown Prince was now also at stake.

Jun Xian and his sons had saved too many people before, hence he didn’t say much more.

Jun Wu Xie narrowed her eyes as she looked at the Crown Prince.

From the memory of the previous Wu Xie, she could only find a little bit of rumours on him. Mo Qian Yuan was born six months earlier than Mo Xuan Fei, as the Emperor’s eldest son, once he was born, he was given the title of Crown Prince. When he was young, the common folk had all said that he was talented, modest, mindful and polite, many sang praises of him. At that time, the Emperor too had doted on him and everyone praised him.

All these of course was when the Queen was still around and her family was a large faction that had lots of power. She was still in charge of the harem then.

With the passing of the Queen, the whole country was mourning and Mo Qian Yuan fell terribly ill for three whole months and after his recovery, his temperament had undergone major changes.

 

“Jun Qing also came today? Are you feeling better?” The Emperor smiled gently at Jun Qing.

Jun Qing sat weakly on the wheelchair and as he tried to speak, his breathing became chaotic and he started gasping for his breath.

The Emperor’s face changed immediately and quickly said: “Quick! Imperial Doctors quickly go have a look!”

Upon the Emperor’s order, the two Imperial Doctors on standby quickly rushed over to Jun Qing’s side and attended to him.

During the whole process, Jun Qing’s face was pale and his breathing was very faint.

Jun Wu Xie sat there quietly sipping her tea looking at the two doctors taking the pulse of her uncle.

This uncle of hers was not bad, he added quite a clever touch. The purpose of the Emperor’s invitation to Jun Qing was clear as day. When the Emperor started probing, Jun Qing immediately gave him this opportunity.

Jun Qing’s situation was no different from the previous time they had taken his pulse. His pulse was very weak and his breath was faint… his life seemed to be so fragile and could be extinguished any moment.

After both the Imperial Doctors thoroughly checked, they whispered amongst themselves and turned towards the Emperor with a serious tone, said: “Please pardon us, but we are unable to resolve this for his highness. We can only advise his highness to rest as much as he can and do not cause any unnecessary strain on the heart.” They were very subtle in their diagnosis.

The two Imperial Doctors were helpless and with their diagnosis, Jun Qing was already deemed dead.

The mood was heavy as all the ministers showed a face of regret and remorse, a total different emotion from what they were feeling inside.

“Go prepare some Ginseng.” The Emperor ordered as he gave out a long sigh, giving the impression of a helpless enlightened ruler, he turned to Jun Xian and said: “If there is anything you need, just feel free to speak out. Since today Bai Yun Xian is also present, how about we let her have a look as well?”

Jun Xian got up respectfully: “This humble one is touched and very thankful for Your Majesty’s grace!”

The Emperor nodded and Bai Yun Xian who was seated beside Mo Xuan Fei got up from her seat and walked over to take Jun Qing’s pulse.

Jun Wu Xie rested her chin on her hand and looked at the approaching Bai Yun Xian, her eyes flashed an icy cold glint.

“Meow.”

[This old fool is really disgusting, if he had truly wanted to save your uncle, he should have asked Bai Yun Xian to have a look earlier. What use is there to ask her come now?] The little black cat sneered as it puffed it’s chest up unhappily. It naturally sided Jun Wu Xie’s family and was lamenting on the unfair treatment they received.

“She’s not here to see if she’s able to save him but to check whether is he really dying.” Jun Wu Xie calmly assessed. The Emperor thought that he was so smart but to her he was hopelessly stupid.

Want to use Bai Yun Xian to check on Jun Qing? He really regarded that woman too highly.

Qing Yun Clan’s disciple? So what? In her eyes they were nothing but a joke.

Bai Yun Xian carried an air of aloofness as she covered his wrist with a thin cloth and tapped his wrist gently and took his pulse.

Jun Xian was nervous as he looked at Bai Yun Xian.

She was after all not an ordinary doctor but from the famed Qing Yun Clan. He was not sure of how good her abilities were as he had not witnessed them for himself but he knew they had to take this gamble.

His heart was filled with anxiety but when he looked over at Jun Wu Xie, he was surprised that his own granddaughter was preoccupied with the teacup in her hands and too lazy to even look at Bai Yun Xian.

With Jun Wu Xie’s calmness, Jun Xian had a little peace of mind.

Shortly after, Bai Yun Xian straightened herself with a cold and aloof expression: “The Imperial Doctors’ diagnosis was not wrong, my Master had tried his best to neutralise his poison but if my Master can’t even clear his poison, I’m afraid no one can. It is already a miracle that my Master managed to suppress the poison for so many years.” After singing praises of her master, she proudly glanced around the hall.

 

Even if Qing Yun Clan’s Sovereign could not cure, who else is in this world could?

Bai Yun Xian’s diagnosis gave the Emperor a huge relief, he felt as though a huge boulder was lifted off his shoulders.

Jun Xian whispered his thanks with a pale face as he silently sank bank into his seat. Those with sharp eyes noted his hands holding onto his wine cup was trembling.

Looks like Jun Qing’s condition was really hopeless, look, even Jun Xian’s hands were shaking! Indeed his hands were trembling but it never crossed their minds that it was not due to grief but due to him holding back his own laughter.

If it wasn’t for the situation at hand, he could not wait to shout out to the whole world and tell them that his son’s poison had already been completely cleared by his brilliant granddaughter! Not only that, his son would soon be able to walk again! Qing Yun Clan…was simply.. to simply put it they were simply ****!!!

Just his granddaughter alone could clear the poison that the Qing Yun Clan’s Sovereign deemed hopeless, under the guidance of an esteemed master. This Bai Yun Xian actually had the audacity to say that her Master’s solution was the best and if he could not cure it, no one else could! Hmph!

Previously he had admired the Qing Yun Clan fervently, however after seeing with his own eyes how his granddaughter easily did what their Sovereign could not accomplish, he had lost all his respect for the clan and scoffed at them instead.

Other than his family’s Wu Xie, who else dares to say that they are best in the world?!

Jun Xian looked around at the reaction of the crowd and swore in his heart that after the comeback of his Lin Palace, he would make these guys know where they stand! He couldn’t wait to see their expressions after they knew the truth!

For now, he played a distraught man.

Jun Wu Xie simply admired her own grandfather and uncle for their acting skills and gave them full points.

After completing the task, Bai Yun Xian went back to the Second Prince’s side. He immediately looked at her gently and said: “Yun Xian, you’ve worked hard.”

Bai Yun Xian smiled sweetly back.

“You really are a romantic at heart dear brother, looks like your feelings run deep.” The silent Crown Prince suddenly spoke up, with a pair of sharp eyes staring intently at Mo Xuan Fei.

“Big Brother, you really know how to joke.” He did not know why his brother suddenly praised them.

“Well, I don’t know if this romantic you is a bit too irresponsible, favouring the new over the old is not the style of our Royal Family. Now here you are acting all lovey dovey with Miss Bai, have you ever thought about the feelings of others?” Mo Qian Yuan sneered.

Mo Xuan Fei’s face stiffened.

Even a fool knew what Mo Qing Yuan meant as all eyes subconsciously shifted to Jun Wu Xie who had been neglected the whole night.

The infamous lady in question was surprisingly really quiet tonight, if not for the Crown Prince mentioning her, everyone had almost forgotten about her presence.

Mo Xuan Fei and Jun Wu Xie were betrothed, however after the appearance of Bai Yun Xian, Mo Xuan Fei no longer met up much with Jun Wu Xie and not long ago, the Emperor even broke their engagement.

When their engagement was broken off, the incident sparked a major uproar that spread beyond the State of Qi. Everyone had been anticipating the trouble she would bring with her, however she had instead remained low-key and disappeared for such a long time. In fact, this was the first time people had seen her after that incident.

Although she was more beautiful now, somehow they felt that there was something different about her from the past.

In the whole country, it could be said that she was one of the finest beauties. However with her brash,fiery,rude and arrogant personality it conflicted with her outward appearance. Today she was sitting quietly in the corner made her seem like totally different person!

Misty ramblings: In the beginning it was emphasized that she was not a beauty however it changed after awhile. My guess is that… after she went through the whole lotus seed conditioning, her complexion had improved and she looked fresher too. In many other novels usually such changes will let them have virtually poreless skin almost akin to a baby’s skin. So think models without the photoshop and without makeup.

Also her demeanor is now different so the charisma she exudes now makes her more poise. And also she’s still growing, there’s this chinese saying “女人十八变” which if you do a search these are the literal :a girl changes eighteen times between childhood and womanhood (idiom) and not so literal: girl changes fast in physical appearance from childhood to adulthood.

Also, it had been emphasized over and over again how horrid the previous Wu Xie’s character was so perhaps her personality really was so bad that her beauty did not matter. No one wanted to have anything to do with her…