Volume One, Chapter Two: Detoxification

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As Shi Qingqian crossed the courtyard heading west, she recalled the scant descriptions from the book.

The Northern Town King, Qin Moque, was the second son of the Qin family, born to the old Marquis of Qin in his later years. He was four years older than Qin Lang, making him Qin Lang’s paternal uncle.

After the old Marquis of Qin died in battle, the main branch of the Qin family inherited the title and soon divided the estate.

The old Madame Qin decided to split the mansion into two: the east courtyard belonged to the main branch, while the west courtyard was occupied by her and the second uncle of the Qin family.

Fortunately, the manor was vast; even divided in two, each courtyard was still one of the most prestigious residences in the capital. A moon gate was deliberately left in the middle for the convenience of both households.

This second uncle, despite his divine talent and mastery of both civil and military arts, earned military honors through his own strength and thus became the Northern Town King. However, his great achievements stirred jealousy from the emperor, who harbored murderous intent.

He was secretly poisoned with cold venom at the northern gate. Though he returned home and lived for three years, he remained sensitive to cold. In the fourth year—just days before Qin Lang’s return—he suddenly fell into a coma and paralysis, passing away months later.

Reading this, Shi Qingqian felt a deep sense of regret.

After transmigrating into this body, she absorbed all the memories of the widow’s three years, bit by bit.

The original owner was gentle, dutiful, and grateful.

Her maternal grandfather had been the head of the Imperial Medical Institute, inheriting the family’s medical talents.

Widowed for three years with no support, if not for her second uncle’s just governance and military-like discipline, her temper might have been worn down countless times.

So she longed to serve Qin Moque like a respectful elder, administering needles and medicines with utmost care to ease his pain.

Over time, the household in the western courtyard grew to appreciate their young lady deeply.

Today, guarding the door were Mo Yun and Mo Yu, who, seeing Shi Qingqian approach, felt some puzzlement but no suspicion.

Mo Yun stepped forward, slightly bowing, “Young Madam, what brings you here at this hour?”

“I’ve heard that Second Uncle’s condition has worsened. My husband sent me to inquire.”

While speaking, Shi Qingqian scanned for any hidden guards nearby.

“How is he?”

“He’s still unconscious. Imperial Physician Xu said…” Mo Yun hesitated, unable to bring himself to finish the grim news.

Shi Qingqian’s brows furrowed lightly, worry clouding her face. “Let me go in and see him. Though my medical skills are limited, I can at least ease his discomfort.”

“Thank you, Young Madam!” Mo Yu opened the door, gesturing politely.

Seizing the opportunity, Shi Qingqian approached the two guards. The moment she stepped inside, both collapsed to the ground.

Upon closer inspection, two gleaming silver needles were embedded in their necks.

Shi Qingqian dragged them into the adjacent room, then entered Qin Moque’s chamber.

Despite the sweltering summer, several charcoal braziers burned inside.

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A remarkably handsome man lay quietly on the bed, his face pale beneath layers of thick quilts.

His brow was deeply furrowed, clearly suffering immense pain.

Shi Qingqian took out silver needles and carefully inserted a few into Qin Moque’s body. Gradually, his tense brows relaxed.

She exhaled softly. Judging by his appearance, he was in a light coma—a state in which he could still engage in intimacy.

Having been single all her life in the modern world, twenty-eight years without a partner, she felt both shy and awkward about such matters.

Yet now, for the sake of survival, she could no longer afford such hesitations.

Biting her lip, cheeks tinged faintly with red, she slowly approached the bedside Qin Moque.

First, she checked his pulse to confirm he could physically endure what she was about to do.

Though it defied ethical norms, under these extraordinary circumstances, she had no choice.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she gently pulled back the thick quilts covering Qin Moque.

Her hands trembled slightly; after all, this was entirely new and embarrassing for her.

“Second Uncle, forgive me. This is a desperate act. If it helps us overcome this crisis, I promise to find a way to save you afterward.”

With that, she closed her eyes, summoned great courage, and began the intimate act.

Shadows flickered on the wall, filling the room with an air of passion…

After an indeterminate time, Shi Qingqian collapsed beside Qin Moque, suppressing her heavy breaths.

After resting briefly, she rose and meticulously erased all traces, opened the windows to disperse the lingering atmosphere, then dragged the two guards back to the door.

Once everything was arranged, Shi Qingqian administered a needle to herself. As she withdrew the silver needle, her body collapsed outside the door.

It appeared as though all three had been ambushed simultaneously.

Shi Qingqian awoke in the Listening Wind Pavilion.

“Miss, are you alright?”

A young maid dressed in emerald green spoke, her delicate features and large, expressive eyes filled with worry.

Shi Qingqian recognized her as Hongzhu.

“I’m fine. No one is to speak of what happened in the courtyard last night, understood?”

The fact that she had been poisoned with an aphrodisiac could not be made public. Aside from the rumors that would drown her, even the Northern Town King’s household piecing together any clues would spell trouble.

After all, having their prince poisoned was a grave matter…

“Yes!”

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Everyone in the room nodded firmly.

Though they couldn’t fully grasp what had occurred, they knew their young lady had been wronged.

Shi Qingqian struggled to sit up; the frenzy of last night left her aching all over.

Hongzhu quickly placed a soft pillow behind her back.

Nanny Zhao brought a cup of warm water. “Miss, what exactly happened last night? Why were there two guards and a groom poisoned by the aphrodisiac in your room?”

Nanny Zhao was Shi Qingqian’s wet nurse. Yesterday, the young lady left hurriedly, so she hadn’t asked for details but had cleaned the courtyard as instructed.

Having lived many years, she knew someone was plotting against their young lady.

Shi Qingqian quietly looked at those before her.

In the original story, these people were mere antagonists set up to make the heroine’s triumphs more satisfying.

After her death, Nanny Zhao and Hongzhao fought desperately with Lu Hongzhao and were beaten to death by Qin Lang’s men.

The remaining maids were sold into brothels; they used their earnings to seek help but were secretly disposed of by Lu Hongzhao’s men.

Therefore, Shi Qingqian had no intention of hiding the truth from them.

She recounted everything from last night in detail.

After hearing her, their faces burned with rage. Nanny Zhao immediately turned to leave.

“They’ve gone too far. I’ll send a pigeon to inform the mistress; she must return to the capital to stand up for you!”

The Grand Tutor Shi had already retired to his hometown; otherwise, even the powerless Yong’an Marquisate wouldn’t dare let Qin Lang and Lu Hongzhao bully Shi Qingqian so openly.

“Don’t be angry, Nanny. There’s no need to trouble my parents. Rest assured, I will handle this.”

“Qin Lang and Lu Hongzhao think they can control me and force me to divorce, but they don’t know I am no longer the timid Shi Qingqian they once bullied.”

Shi Qingqian’s eyes narrowed slightly, shining with newfound confidence.

“Miss, what are your plans? We will do everything to support you.”

Nanny Zhao looked at Shi Qingqian resolutely; the other maids nodded in agreement, pledging their loyalty.

Shi Qingqian smiled faintly. “No need to do anything. Just pretend last night never happened. Leave the rest to me.”

“Zizhu, help me get ready. Soon, I’ll show you all a good show!”