Jade of Another World

Nangong Jin knew that his physical condition was deteriorating and the Gu poison was flaring up more and more frequently, especially at night. The excruciating pain made him extremely irritable and bloodthirsty, and he was unable to think normally.

To avoid jeopardizing the overall situation and to prevent harming others in his moment of weakness, he reluctantly ordered his personal guards to lock him in a secret underground chamber within the palace before the poison took effect. In that chamber, the cold walls and heavy chains became his barrier to the outside world. Whenever the poison raged, he could only endure the agonizing pain alone, waiting in madness for the poison to subside and for him to regain his senses.

Only when he was lucid could he think clearly and handle government affairs. However, these lucid moments were becoming increasingly shorter, and he knew he was no longer able to devote himself fully to many complex matters.

Therefore, he decided to entrust some investigations to Lin Ning and Lin Wan, because they were women, upright and decisive, and seemed indifferent to his throne. He felt comfortable entrusting them with these matters. He himself arranged for his guards to search for an antidote. Looking at Lin Ning and Lin Wan, his eyes were full of trust and expectation: "Miss Lin Ning, Miss Lin Wan, I am currently unwell and cannot be distracted. I entrust this investigation to you. I believe that with your intelligence and ability, you will surely unravel the mystery of the other man. We must give Consort Zhao an explanation. I truly feel sorry for Consort Zhao regarding her situation. Please, if you need anything, just ask, and I will fully support you."

Lin Ning and Lin Wan sensed the weight and trust in Nangong Jin's words. Lin Ning stepped forward and said firmly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, we will do our utmost to find out the truth and live up to Your Majesty's trust."

Lin Wan nodded in agreement: "Yes, sister is right, we will not let His Majesty down."

Nangong Jin nodded slightly, a relieved smile appearing on his pale face: "With the help of the two of you, I am relieved. However, there will definitely be people who hinder you on this investigation journey, so you must proceed with caution."

After Lin Ning and Lin Wan took their leave, Nangong Jin sat alone in the imperial study, silently praying that they would uncover the truth soon. At this moment, he could only hope for good news from Lin Ning and Lin Wan during the intervals between the poison's attacks, while also worrying about his deteriorating health and how much longer he could hold on…

Lin Ning and Lin Wan, fully aware of their heavy responsibility, immediately began their investigation after leaving the palace. They decided to start with Lord Liu's residence, hoping to find clues related to Consort Rou's past. A more challenging investigation officially began with their determined steps, and what awaited them were even more unknown challenges and truths hidden in the darkness…

Consort De was quietly laying the groundwork in the palace. Since leaving Nangong Jin's palace, she had intensified her schemes. Previously, she had secretly contacted people from the martial arts world, and now, she had found them again. With a sinister expression, she ordered, "Find a way to spread the news that Nangong Jin forced Lord Zhao to his death. The more people who know, the better. Make sure the entire court is in an uproar!"

Those martial arts figures departed to carry out their orders, and within a short time, the news spread like wildfire throughout the capital, causing an uproar in the court. Ministers discussed the matter animatedly, with voices of doubt rising and falling regarding Nangong Jin.

Consort De's actions were precisely to bolster her son, Nangong Yu's, career. Now that Nangong Yu's confinement period was over, her ambition burned even more fiercely. She was determined to have Nangong Yu ascend the throne so that she could become the supreme Empress Dowager and control the entire realm.

The support of Consort Xi further empowered Consort De. Consort Xi formed an alliance with her, indicating that she would help behind the scenes to jointly promote Nangong Yu's ascension to the throne. Upon learning that Nangong Jin's poison had relapsed and was becoming more frequent, Consort De was overjoyed, feeling that this was a perfect opportunity bestowed upon her by heaven.

“Now that Nangong Jin is preoccupied with his own problems, it is our opportunity.” Consort De spoke privately with Consort Xi in her palace, her eyes flashing with greed and ambition.

“Sister is right. If we don’t act now, when will we?” Consort Xi echoed, a sinister smile on her face.

The two discussed their next plan, intending to take advantage of the chaos in the court to further suppress Nangong Jin's power and pave the way for Nangong Yu. They plotted how to win over more ministers and gain the upper hand in this power struggle.

Meanwhile, Lin Ning and Lin Wan's investigation at Lord Zhao's residence had hit a snag. They questioned numerous servants but obtained no valuable clues. However, just as they were about to leave, an inconspicuous servant caught Lin Ning's attention. The servant's eyes darted around, seemingly deliberately avoiding their gaze. Lin Ning and Lin Wan exchanged a glance, deciding to try and find a breakthrough with the servant. They led the servant to a secluded room, and Lin Ning said softly, "Don't be afraid. We just want to know some things about Lord Zhao. If you tell us the truth, we will ensure your safety."

The servant hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke: "Ladies, I... I do know some things, but I've never dared to say them. Before Lord Zhao died, he received a mysterious letter. After that, he looked flustered, hurriedly left the house, and upon returning, he remained secluded at home. Not long after..."

Lin Ning and Lin Wan felt a chill run down their spines; this mysterious letter might hold the key to unlocking the mystery of Lord Zhao's death. They continued to press the servant for details about the letter, but the servant knew very little.

Meanwhile, the turmoil in the capital caused by the rumor that Nangong Jin had "forced Lord Zhao to his death" was growing. Amidst this complex situation, Lin Ning and Lin Wan had just grasped a clue that might reveal the truth. They knew that time was of the essence and they had to follow the trail as soon as possible to find out the truth...

Nangong Jin's Gu poisoning worsened repeatedly, casting a shadow over the entire palace. He spent most of his time locked in an underground chamber, suffering agonizingly from the poison, and his conscious moments became increasingly rare.

However, misfortune never comes singly. At this critical moment, the second prince of Nanzhao arrived uninvited, claiming he wanted to pay a visit to Dayu. When this news reached the palace, everyone was shocked.

Given the delicate relationship between Nanzhao and Dayu, the intentions of the second prince's visit at this time are truly unpredictable. Moreover, although Dayu is currently quite powerful, Yue is watching it with predatory eyes. If it were to break ties with Nanzhao now and find itself caught in a pincer movement, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Nangong Jin learned of this news during a brief respite from the Gu poison's effects. Despite his weakened state, he summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures. The atmosphere in the court was as heavy as the calm before a storm.

“Your Majesty, the arrival of the second prince of Nanzhao at this time may indicate treacherous intentions. However, given the current situation in our Great Yu, it is truly unwise to provoke a conflict with Nanzhao,” an old minister said with deep concern.

The other ministers nodded in agreement, but all looked troubled, unsure how to handle this difficult situation.

Nangong Jin frowned, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said, "We cannot refuse his visit, but we must also be wary of his schemes. Convey my decree to treat him with courtesy, but make sure to arrange for people to secretly monitor him, and do not be negligent in the slightest."

The ministers received their orders and departed, each busy with their own tasks. Lin Ning and Lin Wan, upon learning of this news, also felt the urgency of the situation.

"Sister, the Second Prince of Nanzhao has come at a really bad time. His Majesty is currently unwell, and the court is in chaos because of those rumors. Da Yu is probably facing a major crisis," Lin Wan said anxiously.

Lin Ning nodded solemnly: "Yes, Wanwan. We must speed up the investigation and find out the cause of Lord Zhao's death as soon as possible, otherwise things might get complicated."

So the two sisters threw themselves back into the intense investigation. They followed the clues provided by the servant to find the mysterious letter, while keeping an eye on news from the palace.

Meanwhile, the second prince of Nanzhao, accompanied by a retinue, swaggered into the capital of Dayu. A faint smile played on his lips, but his eyes revealed a cunning and ambition. In his view, Dayu, though seemingly powerful, was actually riddled with internal cracks, presenting him with the perfect opportunity to use his methods to gain benefits for Nanzhao…

Wanyan Qiang entered the capital of Dayu, ostensibly to pay a visit and display friendly manners, but secretly harboring a clandestine plan. He had heard that Liu Yushu was pregnant, and based on the timeline, he was certain the child was his own. He couldn't allow the descendants of the Wanyan family to be left adrift, so he devised a plan to secretly rescue Liu Yushu. After settling into the inn, Wanyan Qiang began planning the rescue. He knew the Dayu palace was heavily guarded, and a direct assault would be suicidal; he needed an alternative route. Therefore, he used his entourage to scout the capital, trying to find a viable rescue route.

He first sent people to secretly contact the old subordinates around Consort Rou, but most of them had scattered like birds and beasts after Consort Rou was banished to the Cold Palace. The few who were still working in the palace were afraid of the majesty of the Dayu royal family and dared not easily collude with him.

But Wanyan Qiang did not give up. He changed his strategy and began to pay attention to the daily operations of the palace, looking for weaknesses in the guards. After several days of observation, he discovered that a horse-drawn cart carrying food would enter the palace every day, and the guards did not check it very strictly.

Wanyan Qiang saw this as an opportunity and decided to bribe the coachman transporting the ingredients so that Liu Yushu could disguise herself and escape from the palace by hiding in the carriage. To ensure the plan went smoothly, he also arranged for trusted confidants to meet her outside the palace and take her back to Nanzhao as soon as she escaped.

Meanwhile, during their investigation into Lord Zhao's death, Lin Ning and Lin Wan unexpectedly discovered some clues related to Nanzhao. They found an unsigned letter in a hidden compartment in Lord Zhao's study. Although the letter's contents were cryptic, it repeatedly mentioned Nanzhao and certain transactions.

Lin Ning frowned, carefully studying the letter: "Wanwan, the things mentioned in this letter seem to be closely related to Nanzhao. Could it be that Lord Zhao's death is also related to Nanzhao?"

Lin Wan leaned closer, looking at the letter with a puzzled expression: "Sister, if it's really related to Nanzhao, then the conspiracy behind it is huge. Moreover, is it just a coincidence that the Second Prince of Nanzhao is coming at this time?"

The sisters realized the situation was becoming increasingly complicated and decided to delve deeper into this clue. While investigating the truth behind the letters, they also kept an eye on the movements of Wanyan Qiang, the second prince of Nanzhao.

Meanwhile, Wanyan Qiang's rescue plan was being prepared in full swing. He thought everything was under control, but little did he know that Lin Ning and Lin Wan had gradually noticed his abnormality. A thrilling contest was about to unfold inside and outside the Dayu Palace...

Lin Ning and Lin Wan rushed to Nangong Jin's palace to inform him of Wanyan Qiang's intention to rescue Liu Yushu. Upon hearing this, Nangong Jin's face instantly darkened. He knew that if this matter was not handled properly, it would not only cause the Dayu royal family to lose face, but could also trigger a conflict between the two countries.

"Your Majesty, Wanyan Qiang plans to disguise Liu Yushu and take him out of the palace," Lin Ning said anxiously.

After a moment's thought, Nangong Jin immediately summoned Xuanyuan Che and solemnly instructed him: "General Xuanyuan, this matter is of great importance. You must make thorough preparations to prevent any mishaps. We must not let Wanyan Qiang succeed. If Liu Yushu is rescued, Dayu will be greatly disgraced."

After receiving the order, Xuanyuan Che quickly mobilized elite troops to establish a tight defense at all entrances and exits of the palace, especially at the various passageways, where heavy guards were deployed. At the same time, he also secretly monitored the suspicious personnel sent out by Wanyan Qiang.

However, at the crucial moment of the rescue, an unexpected incident occurred. News of the operation had leaked out, and Wanyan Qiang learned of Dayu's defensive preparations in advance, causing him to change his plans at the last minute. Although Xuanyuan Che and his soldiers fought valiantly to stop him, Liu Yushu was ultimately rescued by Wanyan Qiang in the chaos.

Upon learning this news, Nangong Jin was furious. He slammed his fist on the table, making the teacups jump. "Outrageous! They actually managed to rescue someone right under my nose! There must be a traitor who leaked the information. I swear I will find that person!"

Lin Ning and Lin Wan were also filled with self-reproach. Lin Ning said, "Your Majesty, it was our negligence that prevented this from happening in time. We are willing to assist Your Majesty in thoroughly investigating the traitor and giving Dayu an explanation." Nangong Jin took a deep breath, trying to calm his anger, and said, "This is not your fault. The enemy is too cunning. Now, the most urgent tasks are, firstly, to find the traitor who leaked the information, and secondly, to closely monitor the movements of Nanzhao to prevent them from using this as an excuse to cause trouble."

Thus, an investigation into the traitor quietly unfolded within the palace. Lin Ning, Lin Wan, and Xuan Yuanche formed an investigation team, meticulously examining each individual involved in the defense plan. Meanwhile, intelligence agents from Dayu intensified their gathering of information about Nanzhao. A war without gunfire was raging both inside and outside the Dayu palace, and behind it all, a deeper conspiracy seemed to be lurking…

After successfully rescuing Liu Yushu, Wanyan Qiang greeted her with a face full of concern. He gently supported Liu Yushu, his eyes filled with heartache: "Yushu, you've suffered so much." Liu Yushu looked up, tears welling in her eyes, and gazed at Wanyan Qiang with gratitude. Having endured so much fear along the way, seeing Wanyan Qiang now felt like finding a safe haven.

Wanyan Qiang knew this place was not safe to stay any longer. After rescuing Liu Yushu, he immediately arranged for his most elite guards to escort her quietly back to Nanzhao. He held Liu Yushu's hand and said softly, "Yushu, it's too dangerous here. I can't let you take any more risks. You should go back to Nanzhao first." Liu Yushu nodded slightly, deeply grateful for Wanyan Qiang's thoughtfulness.

In fact, Wanyan Qiang had a deeper calculation behind this move. On one hand, the Dayu Palace was heavily guarded, and even if Liu Yushu was rescued, she would still be in danger within Dayu territory. The Dayu Emperor would certainly not let it go easily, and once Liu Yushu's whereabouts were discovered, a search would definitely be launched, which would inevitably lead to a fierce conflict between the two sides, which would be a loss for him.

On the other hand, he also worried that if Liu Yushu remained in Dayu and was found by Nangong Jin, not only would Liu Yushu's life be in danger, but it could also potentially trigger a large-scale conflict between the two countries. Although Nanzhao possessed considerable strength, a direct confrontation with Dayu at this time was not a wise move. He hoped to safely send Liu Yushu back to Nanzhao and ensure the safety of her unborn child, who was the bloodline of his Wanyan family. As long as Liu Yushu and the child were safe, his position in Nanzhao would be greatly consolidated.

Escorted by elite soldiers, Liu Yushu embarked on his journey back to Nanzhao. Meanwhile, Wanyan Qiang remained in Dayu, maintaining the facade of a visit to conceal his true purpose of rescuing Liu Yushu.

As Liu Yushu fled, relations between Dayu and Nanzhao became increasingly tense. A storm brewed, involving the interests of both countries, court intrigues, and personal grudges, drawing in various forces. The truth remained shrouded in mystery, waiting to be revealed...