"Just as we expected, it is indeed the Snow Spirit Snake!"
The imperial physician by her side was somewhat smug.
Their medical skills had previously been overshadowed by Yun Shu, creating the illusion that their abilities were subpar.
But now, their medical prowess had been proven.
Zuo Yan's expression was grim. "The venom of the Snow Spirit Snake, if left untreated for too long, will damage the body!"
He searched through his medical kit with extreme speed, and as he did, he questioned, "How did the Snow Spirit Snake appear in the Imperial Palace?"
However, no one could answer his question.
After a moment, Jiang Luoxi's complexion eased somewhat after taking the medicine.
Seeing her condition improve, Zuo Yan spoke again. "It's fortunate I arrived promptly. Had I been a moment later, even a celestial being couldn't have saved you! Consort Jiang... your life was targeted."
Jiang Luoxi picked up a handkerchief and dabbed the sweat from her forehead. She looked at Zhan Tianhong. "Your Majesty, the Snow Spirit Snake, which is only found in deep mountains, has appeared in the palace. It must have been brought in intentionally. Perhaps it just happened to bite me, but it's possible someone intended to use it to harm Your Majesty."
Zhan Tianhong's expression immediately turned stern upon hearing this.
Zuo Yan, knowing he had said all he needed to, remained silent.
He had not forgotten that he had some past grievances with the Emperor, and the Emperor might already be holding a grudge against him.
Furthermore, he still couldn't understand why Miss Jiang had suddenly become the Emperor's consort.
It was too unusual.
"I will order a thorough investigation into this matter!" Zhan Tianhong commanded in a deep voice.
A moment later.
Zhan Tianhong departed.
Zuo Yan also quickly left the Imperial Palace.
Jiang Luoxi lay on the bed, looking at the bite marks on her calf.
Though they appeared as mere pinpricks, they had almost claimed her life!
Even now, she couldn't be certain if the attack was truly aimed at her.
She had to guard against the Night King and Yun Shu, and now also against this unknown enemy!
"Someone, go place anti-snake and anti-rodent medicine outside the door beneath the window!" she ordered immediately.
"Yes, Consort."
Not far away, Jiao Meiren gnashed her teeth, glaring at the brightly lit palace before her.
"Hateful! Utterly hateful!"
That vixen!
Didn't the Emperor like the second Miss Yun? Why had he suddenly taken a liking to Jiang Luoxi?
They were completely different types!
She touched her face. Did she need to change her approach?
Otherwise, the Emperor might not want to see her again!
...
That afternoon, the entire capital was investigating matters related to the Snow Spirit Snake.
Anyone who provided information about where the Snow Spirit Snake could be found in the capital would receive a generous reward.
Upon hearing the news and knowing that Jiang Luoxi had been bitten by a snake, Yun Shu realized this must have come from Yun Xiaojing.
Within the capital, there were few who possessed the ability to bring a Snow Spirit Snake out of the deep mountains.
She had never truly believed that Xiao Jing's unique ability was the only one of its kind. Perhaps there were others in the shadows with such capabilities, but they might have hidden them, fearing being labeled as outcasts, and were unknown to the world.
She felt a mix of helplessness and pride.
The three little ones stood in a line, heads bowed in apology.
"We were so eager to avenge our great-grandfather that Xiao Jing let the little snake into the palace," Zhan Xiaoli stepped forward to defend Yun Xiaojing.
Yun Xiaojing's heart warmed. He quickly patted himself. "It was my fault. I came up with the wicked idea. Mother, I didn't do wrong. The bad woman sent people to kill our great-grandfather, and we don't want her to get away with it."
"I urged Xiao Jing to quickly have the little snake bite someone. I didn't expect the Emperor to have people searching all over the capital. Mother, it's my fault," Zhan Xiaofeng lowered his head and bravely stepped forward to admit his mistake.
Xiao Jing was their younger brother, and they were his older brothers; they had to protect Xiao Jing.
Yun Shu looked at the three children who bravely admitted their mistakes. Just as she was about to speak, Yun Changfeng's voice came from the doorway.
"Well done! You did nothing wrong! Since that woman dared to assassinate Elder Master Qin, she deserves to pay the price!" She should even pay with her life!
And if she had someone behind her, then those behind her should also be punished!
Otherwise, how could Elder Master Qin's spirit find peace?
Seeing Yun Changfeng's indignant expression, Yun Shu felt a little helpless. He had already said what she intended to say.
"However, I am somewhat surprised that the Emperor cares so much for Jiang Luoxi. Now, the Emperor's intentions are unpredictable, and it's difficult for others to fathom," Yun Changfeng said, his brow furrowed.
The three little ones immediately hugged Yun Changfeng.
They remained silent.
Mother hadn't yet said whether it was permissible.
In truth, they should have told Mother first.
"Next time you want to take action, tell your mother," Yun Shu said to the three of them very seriously.
She knew that wanting to avenge Elder Master Qin was a good thing, showing they had affection and loyalty.
However, if they didn't think things through, it would be easy for people to seize upon their actions at their young age.
If someone had followed the Snow Spirit Snake back to the General's mansion at that time, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Of course, there were very few in the martial world who could keep up with the speed of a Snow Spirit Snake.
This was merely a matter of probability.
"Mmm! Mother, I know I was wrong. I will definitely tell you in the future!" Yun Xiaojing, having realized his mistake, was ready to change.
Zhan Xiaoli and Zhan Xiaofeng looked somewhat apprehensive. Their strict mother had truly frightened them.
Thinking about it carefully now, their actions had indeed been impulsive.
"Alright, alright. Since you know you were wrong, remember it in the future. Also, your maternal grandfather wants to tell you that matters of revenge should be left to adults. Your only task is to grow up healthy and happy, which is what your great-grandfather, your maternal grandfather, and your parents want to see most. Go play now; your maternal grandfather has something to discuss with your mother." Yun Changfeng said to them gently.
The three of them listened attentively and obediently went out.
However, once outside, they huddled together and said, "The little snake did a great job!"
"From now on, we must tell Mother."
"Mother will help us think of an even better plan!"
Meanwhile, Yun Changfeng watched with a smile as the three little ones disappeared from view, then turned his gaze back to Yun Shu.
"Father, what do you want to say?" Yun Shu saw that Yun Changfeng's expression was somewhat solemn, as if he had made a difficult decision and found it hard to speak. Yun Changfeng only found it difficult to speak when matters concerned her.
Yun Changfeng sighed deeply, his hands clasped behind his back. "Ever since I returned from the palace that day, I've been contemplating one matter. The Emperor has grown powerful, the common people live in peace, and the army is not short of talented generals. Now, I am old and have lost my former vigor. I only wish to live a simple life with all of you. Therefore, I wish to resign my official post and retire to my hometown. Shu'er, this is a decision I have made after careful consideration. Do you... do you agree?"