Jade of Another World

The announcement of the military examination results caused quite a stir in the capital. Previously, only three candidates were selected, but this time, due to the court's shortage of personnel, ten were chosen. Lin Jun, under the name "Jin Ming," stood out and was successfully selected.

Consort De was delighted to have acquired these dozens of talented individuals and arranged a banquet in the palace to celebrate. She had her own plans: firstly, she wanted to win over these newly promoted martial arts candidates and use them for her own purposes; secondly, she wanted to take this opportunity to demonstrate her authority in front of everyone, thereby consolidating her power and suppressing the old subordinates of Nangong Jin in the court.

Upon learning of the palace banquet, Lin Jun immediately discussed it with Lin Wan. "Wanwan, this is a good opportunity. I can attend the banquet and perhaps find out about Ning'er's situation." Lin Jun's eyes were full of anticipation.

Lin Wan nodded, her expression concerned: "Brother, you must be careful. The banquet is a mixed bag; Consort De and Prince Xiaoyu will definitely be there. Don't reveal your identity. Once you find out about my sister, don't act rashly." Lin Jun also felt Lin Wan's words made sense. Although his father's whereabouts were unknown, he was very happy that his two younger sisters had grown up. Even Lin Wan was now mature and no longer the troublesome sister she used to be. Thinking of this, he went to prepare for the banquet.

Meanwhile, Lin Ning also received an imperial decree to attend the palace banquet. She knew perfectly well that Consort De was up to no good; this banquet was likely a carefully orchestrated trap. Sitting before the mirror, she did her makeup while racking her brains for a solution. "What exactly does Consort De want? She certainly won't let me off easily. I must be extremely careful at this banquet."

On the night of the palace banquet, the palace was brightly lit. Lin Jun, dressed in his brand-new martial arts examination attire, entered the palace with the other newly promoted martial arts candidates. He appeared calm on the surface, but was inwardly very nervous, his eyes constantly searching for Lin Ning's figure in the crowd.

Lin Ning entered the banquet hall surrounded by palace maids. She wore a simple, plain-colored long dress, and although she wasn't deliberately dressed up, her elegant and refined temperament was still undeniable. As soon as she entered, she attracted everyone's attention, and the Little Jade Prince's eyes lit up, and he immediately stood up to greet her.

"Miss Lin, it's wonderful that you could attend the banquet today," said Xiao Yu Wang with a beaming smile.

Lin Ning bowed slightly, her expression indifferent: "Your Majesty's hospitality is too kind for this humble woman to refuse."

At this moment, Consort De stood up, surveyed the entire room, and said loudly, "Today's banquet is for two reasons: first, to celebrate the newly promoted martial arts candidates, and second, to allow everyone to gather together in joy. Please do not be reserved and enjoy yourselves."

Everyone rose to express their gratitude. While everyone was raising their glasses, Lin Jun quietly inquired about Lin Ning from a nearby palace maid. The maid hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "That Miss Lin is a guest of His Majesty and the Empress Dowager."

Lin Jun's heart sank. It seemed Ning'er's situation was even more difficult than he had imagined; she was being held captive. He clenched his fists, determined to find a chance to rescue Ning'er.

Lin Ning remained vigilant throughout the banquet. She noticed that Consort De and Prince Xiaoyu frequently exchanged glances, their eyes seemingly concealing some kind of conspiracy. Suddenly, Consort De stood up and said with a smile, "On such a grand occasion as today, I propose that Miss Lin play a piece for everyone to liven things up, what do you say?"

Everyone echoed her sentiments, and Little Jade Prince looked at Lin Ning with anticipation. Lin Ning inwardly cursed, knowing that this was Consort De deliberately making things difficult. She took a deep breath, stood up, and said, "This humble woman is unworthy and may spoil everyone's enjoyment. But since the Empress Dowager and His Majesty are in such high spirits, this humble woman has no choice but to make a fool of herself."

Lin Ning stood up and walked to the center of the hall, her mind racing as she considered how to handle this perilous "performance." Lin Jun, standing to the side, watched everything nervously, ready to lend a helping hand at any crucial moment...

Lin Ning took a deep breath and slowly sat down at the zither table. Her delicate fingers lightly touched the strings, and instantly, a powerful and stirring melody resonated throughout the palace. The music seemed to carry the momentum of a thousand armies, moving everyone present. For a moment, the entire banquet hall was immersed in this grand and majestic tune, everyone captivated by Lin Ning's musical artistry.

As the music ended, the crowd snapped out of their daze and erupted in enthusiastic applause. Lin Ning rose, gracefully curtsied, and prepared to leave the stage. Just then, a palace maid carrying imperial wine hurried past, and whether intentionally or unintentionally, bumped straight into Lin Ning. With a "splash," the wine splashed all over Lin Ning's outer robe, instantly soaking a large area.

Lin Ning's heart skipped a beat; she knew that Consort De's scheme had finally begun. She glanced calmly at the palace maid, who knelt in panic, begging for forgiveness: "Your Highness, please forgive me! I didn't mean to!" Before Lin Ning could speak, Consort De feigned anger, saying, "Such carelessness! She's ruined everyone's enjoyment at this banquet! Guards, drag this maid away and punish her severely!"

Lin Ning immediately understood that Consort De was using this as an excuse to make trouble. She was about to plead for the palace maid when she caught a glimpse of Lin Jun's anxious gaze not far away. Lin Jun's fists were clenched, and his body leaned slightly forward, clearly preparing to rush over to protect her. Lin Ning felt a warmth in her heart, yet also immense anxiety. She shook her head slightly, signaling to Lin Jun with her eyes not to act rashly.

Lin Ning knew all too well that Lin Jun had only managed to distinguish himself among the martial arts candidates and successfully infiltrate Consort De's circle of influence by using the identity of Jin Ming. If his identity were exposed now, all his previous efforts would be in vain, not only failing to save himself but also plunging the entire plan into ruin.

Seeing Lin Ning's gaze, Lin Jun felt a surge of anxiety, but he suppressed his impulse and slowly relaxed his tense body. He loosened his clenched fists, secretly observing the situation and waiting for the right opportunity.

Lin Ning turned around and calmly said to Consort De, "Your Majesty, please calm down. This palace maid must have made an unintentional mistake. It would be unseemly to get angry over such a trivial matter at such a grand occasion. Why not forgive her this time?"

Consort De frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes. She had intended to use this opportunity to make things difficult for Lin Ning, but she hadn't expected Lin Ning to be so calm and collected, easily deflecting her first attack. Consort De snorted coldly and said, "Since Miss Lin has pleaded for you, I will spare you this time. Now get out of here!"

The palace maid, as if granted a pardon, scrambled away. Consort De's gaze returned to Lin Ning, her mind secretly considering her next move. Lin Ning, however, remained calm, but inwardly waited warily…

Consort De looked at Lin Ning and forced a fake smile: "Miss Lin, look how dirty you are, it must be very uncomfortable. I have prepared a set of fine clothes in my palace, especially to thank you for your kindness to my son. Please go and change into them."

Lin Ning sneered inwardly. She knew this was Consort De's trap, but under the watchful eyes of everyone, she could not refuse and could only curtsy and thank her, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

Lin Ning followed the palace maid to Consort De's palace, her mind racing as she tried to decipher Consort De's intentions. She knew that Consort De would not be so "kind" for no reason; there must be a larger conspiracy behind it.

Stepping into Consort De's palace, the luxurious decorations came into view, but Lin Ning had no time to admire them. A palace maid approached with a set of magnificent clothes and respectfully said, "Miss Lin, please change." Lin Ning took the clothes and went into the inner room. She carefully checked the clothes and found nothing unusual, but her vigilance remained undiminished.

After changing her clothes, Lin Ning had just stepped out of the inner room when she heard a voice from the outer room: "You may all leave." Lin Ning's heart tightened; she knew that Consort De's "last move" was about to begin.

Consort De slowly walked up to Lin Ning, looking her up and down with a hint of ill intent in her eyes: "Miss Lin, you are so beautiful and intelligent. It would be wonderful if you could marry my son. I noticed you seemed a little cold to my son just now. Do you not find him repulsive?"

Lin Ning thought to herself, "As expected, we've come back to this matter again." She calmly said, "Your Majesty, you misunderstand. I am of humble origin and dare not presume to be of royal birth. Your Majesty is the ruler of the country and should be matched with a lady of noble birth. I am truly unable to comply."

Consort De's face darkened, and her tone hardened: "Miss Lin, don't be ungrateful. This is an opportunity that countless women dream of. If you agree, you will enjoy endless wealth and glory; if you insist on refusing, I'm afraid you can't bear the consequences."

Lin Ning understood that Consort De was using coercion and enticement. But her mind was made up; she would never yield to Consort De's tyranny. She took a deep breath and said firmly, "Your Majesty, my mind is made up. I beg Your Majesty to grant my request."

Seeing Lin Ning's determination, Consort De's eyes flashed with a hint of ruthlessness: "Hmph, since you are so stubborn, then don't blame me for being impolite." With that, she clapped her hands, and several burly old women came out from the side room and surrounded Lin Ning.

Lin Ning was startled, but remained calm. She knew she had to stay composed to devise a solution. Looking directly into Consort De's eyes, she said, "Empress Dowager, as the Empress Dowager, such actions would damage your reputation. Moreover, forced relationships are never sweet; even in your high position, you cannot force a commoner to compromise."

Consort De did not answer her, but simply stood there, while Lin Ning was already lost in confusion...

Lin Ning stared directly at Consort De, trying to find a flaw in her expression. However, Consort De simply stared at her coldly, a hint of smugness in her eyes.

Suddenly, Lin Ning felt a wave of dizziness, and Consort De's face gradually blurred before her eyes. She knew something was wrong; she realized she had been poisoned by Consort De. She instinctively tried to resist, but found her limbs weak and powerless, even standing was a problem.

Various thoughts flashed through Lin Ning's mind. She had been practicing medicine for many years and was quite familiar with all kinds of drugs and poisoning methods, but even now, she still couldn't figure out when and how Consort De had poisoned her.

"What... what did you do to me..." Lin Ning managed to squeeze out a few words, her voice so weak it was almost inaudible.

Consort De sneered, "Hmph, do you think you can escape my scheme with your petty cleverness? This poison is colorless and odorless; it's mixed into the dye of the clothes, so you won't even notice it."

Lin Ning then remembered that the clothes she had just changed into were prepared in advance by Consort De, and she had tested them for poison with a silver needle while wearing them. However, she hadn't expected that the poison in the dye might be more than just that. The poison in the dye wasn't undetectable; it must have been combined with other substances to be so well-hidden. Now, however, she was at the mercy of others.

“You… are so ruthless… Da Yu will be destroyed in your hands sooner or later…” Lin Ning said fiercely with the last bit of strength.

Consort De glanced at her disdainfully, "Da Yu? As long as my son can sit firmly on the throne, this world will belong to my son and me. As for you, you are nothing but a woman who doesn't know her own death. If my son likes you, I will give you what he wants."

Lin Ning's consciousness grew increasingly blurred, and the scene before her eyes darkened. In her final moments before losing consciousness, she was filled with resentment; she still cared about Lin Wan, Lin Jun, and the future of Da Yu…

Gradually, Lin Ning's body slumped down, and she fell into a deep sleep. Consort De looked at the unconscious Lin Ning, a ruthless glint in her eyes. "Guards, carry her to the bedchamber. No one is to approach without my order."

Several maids responded and carried Lin Ning towards the bedchamber. Consort De straightened her clothes and calmly walked out of the palace, as if everything that had just happened was a trivial matter. Inside the bedchamber, Lin Ning lay unconscious, her life hanging in the balance…

Meanwhile, in the banquet hall, Lin Jun noticed that Lin Ning hadn't returned for a long time, and his unease grew stronger. He decided to risk everything to find Lin Ning...

Lin Jun was frantic, searching the palace for Lin Ning's whereabouts, but to no avail. He knew he had to find the palace maid who had taken Lin Ning away as soon as possible; perhaps he could get information about Lin Ning's location from her. Just as he was in a state of extreme anxiety, he suddenly heard someone call his name: "Jin Ming, your martial arts are superb. You have been selected as a martial arts candidate this time. You must dedicate yourself to the Great Yu Kingdom in the future!" Lin Jun's heart skipped a beat. He looked up and saw it was Prince Xiaoyu. He quickly bowed and respectfully said, "Your Majesty flatters me. This humble subject will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

The Little Jade King patted Lin Jun on the shoulder with a smile and continued, "Work hard, and I, Your Majesty, will certainly not treat you unfairly in the future. Promotion and titles are a natural thing." Lin Jun looked at the Little Jade King's beaming face and felt a surge of disgust, but he had to suppress it. He knew that this was not the time to act impulsively. Lin Ning's whereabouts were still unknown, and he could not expose his identity because of a moment of anger.

At this time, there were still many officials and newly promoted martial arts candidates attending the banquet, so Lin Jun could not continue searching for palace maids. He could only suppress his anxiety, agree with the young prince, and then leave with his colleagues.

After exchanging pleasantries with Lin Jun, Prince Xiaoyu headed straight for Consort De's bedchamber. He was worried about Lin Ning and wanted to know if Consort De had managed to persuade her.

Upon entering the bedchamber, Prince Xiaoyu saw Consort De sitting on the couch, looking slightly tired. He quickly asked, "Mother, has Miss Lin... agreed?"

Consort De glanced at her son and snorted coldly, "Hmph, that girl is very stubborn and refuses to agree at all. I originally wanted to teach her a lesson and make her realize the situation, but I didn't expect her to be so ungrateful."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuwang immediately became anxious: "Mother, what should we do? Your son really likes Miss Lin. Please think of another way."

Consort De sighed helplessly: "Fine, she's already been drugged by me and locked up in the back chambers. If you really want her, then go ahead."

Xiao Yu Wang frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Mother, I want to go and talk to her myself. Maybe I can persuade her."

Consort De said, "What's the point of talking? Everyone's already infatuated. Just go ahead and make it a fait accompli, don't be soft-hearted." She thought to herself how she could have given birth to such a stupid and dull son who always procrastinated.

Little Jade King responded and turned to walk towards the inner palace. Meanwhile, Lin Jun had already left the palace. He returned to the Prime Minister's residence, frantically telling Lin Wan that Lin Ning had disappeared again after being in the palace. Upon hearing this, Lin Wan was immediately anxious, and the two began discussing ways to rescue Lin Ning… Unbeknownst to them, their chance to save Lin Ning had already quietly slipped away.