Jade of Another World

Under Lin Ning's meticulous care, Nangong Yu's health gradually improved, and his wounds slowly healed. However, the medicine he had been given to treat his muteness had no effect, and he was still unable to speak. On this day, Lin Ning was unable to go to the prison due to matters at the manor, but Xuan Yuanche unexpectedly appeared in front of Nangong Yu's cell.

When Nangong Yu saw Xuan Yuanche's familiar yet terrifying figure step into the cell, he was instantly struck as if by lightning. His body trembled uncontrollably, like a leaf turning in the wind, his eyes filled with deep fear, as if Xuan Yuanche were a man-eating demon ready to devour him at any moment.

Xuan Yuanche frowned slightly as he looked at Nangong Yu's terrified expression, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He slowly walked up to Nangong Yu, stood quietly, and scanned her with his gaze.

“Nangong Yu, you don’t need to pretend to be so afraid. I’m not here today to do anything to you again.” Xuan Yuanche’s voice was deep and calm, echoing in the silent prison cell.

However, Nangong Yu did not seem to believe Xuan Yuanche's words. He huddled in the corner of the cell, keeping his body as far away from Xuan Yuanche as possible, making indistinct whimpering sounds, as if he was begging for mercy, or as if he was expressing his inner fear.

Xuan Yuanche sighed softly and said, "Do you know that you are only alive because of Miss Lin's help? I could have ignored you, even let you die in this prison. But out of consideration for our past relationship and Miss Lin's request, I acquiesced to her treatment of you." Upon hearing Lin Ning's name, Nangong Yu's eyes flashed with a strange light, as if he had been touched. He slightly raised his head, looking at Xuan Yuanche with a hint of expectation, as if waiting for him to continue.

"I have come today to tell you that if you can truly repent and turn over a new leaf, I might consider sparing your life. But if you still harbor any ill intentions, I will certainly not let you off easily." Xuan Yuanche's tone became serious, and his eyes revealed an undeniable majesty.

As Nangong Yu listened to Xuan Yuanche's words, the fear in his eyes was gradually replaced by contemplation. He moved his body with difficulty, wanting to express something, but could only utter helpless sounds.

Seeing his expression, Xuan Yuanche said nothing more and turned to leave the cell. Nangong Yu remained alone in the cell, his mind filled with complex emotions, unsure of what he was facing…

On the night of the full moon, the bright moonlight shone like water onto the ground of the prison. The tranquil night was shattered by a series of horrific sounds of beatings. Nangong Yu was once again subjected to a merciless beating. He was powerless to resist and could only curl up on the ground, letting the fists and feet rain down on him.

When Lin Ning learned of this news, she was extremely anxious and immediately rushed to the prison. She was filled with doubt and anger, unable to understand why Nangong Yu had been severely injured again. When she arrived at the prison and saw Nangong Yu, her heart sank.

Nangong Yu lay on the ground, his breath faint, his eyes empty like a corpse, devoid of any light. His body was covered with fresh and old wounds, his clothes tattered and stained with blood. Lin Ning quickly walked to his side, knelt down, and gently called his name, but Nangong Yu did not respond, as if he had lost all perception of the world.

Lin Ning was heartbroken. She couldn't understand what had caused Nangong Yu to suffer so much, nor could she understand why he had lost the will to live. Looking at the dying Nangong Yu, Lin Ning had an idea. She decided to go to Xuan Yuanche and ask him to issue an imperial decree allowing Nangong Yu to recuperate at the Imperial Clan Court, hoping that a change of environment would give Nangong Yu a chance to live.

Lin Ning rushed to the palace and, upon seeing Xuan Yuanche, anxiously said, "Your Majesty, Nangong Yu is now critically injured. The environment in the Imperial Prison is harsh and not conducive to his recovery. I implore Your Majesty to issue an edict allowing him to recuperate at the Imperial Clan Court, where there may still be a glimmer of hope."

Seeing Lin Ning's anxious expression, Xuan Yuanche frowned slightly. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Miss Lin, although Nangong Yu is guilty, he is still my brother, and I don't want him to die like this. Since you insist, I will grant your request. However, his every move must be closely monitored."

Upon hearing this, Lin Ning was overjoyed and quickly bowed to express her gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will certainly ensure that he recovers well and will keep an eye on his movements."

Subsequently, Nangong Yu was transferred to the Imperial Clan Court. Lin Ning secretly resolved to do everything in her power to help Nangong Yu through this ordeal, and at the same time, to find out who was behind the repeated attempts to harm Nangong Yu…

Lin Ning stood by Nangong Yu's bedside, looking into his lifeless eyes, her heart filled with helplessness and anxiety. No matter how patiently she persuaded him or how carefully she prepared the medicine, Nangong Yu remained like a lifeless statue, neither cooperating with the treatment nor showing any reaction to anything around him.

Lin Ning felt an unprecedented sense of defeat. She sighed softly and decided to consult with Lin Wan, hoping to find a solution from him. Upon returning to the Prime Minister's residence, Lin Ning went straight to Lin Wan's study and told him everything about Nangong Yu's situation.

After listening, Lin Wan frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Sister, I think that perhaps finding out why he was injured time and time again will help us understand why he lost his will to live. There must be some unknown secret hidden behind this that made him completely despair."

Lin Ning nodded thoughtfully, "You make a good point, but where should we start our investigation now? The prison is heavily guarded, and yet the guards all claim to know nothing about what happened. It's really suspicious."

Lin Wan stood up and paced back and forth in the study. "There's definitely something wrong with the prison guards in the Heavenly Prison. Either they've been bribed, or they're involved themselves. We can start by investigating these guards and secretly look into their recent movements and the people they've been in contact with."

Lin Ning's eyes lit up. "Yes, that's the way to do it. I'll arrange for someone to keep an eye on those jailers right away. Wan'er, thank goodness you reminded me, otherwise I wouldn't know what to do."

Lin Wan smiled and said, "Sister, you're too kind. Although Nangong Yu has made mistakes, his current state is truly heartbreaking. I also hope I can help him."

Therefore, Lin Ning immediately set about arranging for a secret investigation into the prison guards. She knew that the truth behind this might uncover a series of shocking conspiracies, and finding the truth was not only to save Nangong Yu's life, but also to bring peace to the Dayu Imperial Palace…

After several days of intensive investigation, Lin Ning and Lin Wan were still clueless, their faces etched with exhaustion and helplessness. The mastermind behind this was like a ghost lurking in the darkness, elusive and leaving them at a loss for what to do.

Lin Wan frowned, pacing back and forth in the room, racking his brains for a solution. Suddenly, he stopped, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and said excitedly, "Sister, I have an idea! We can lure the snake out of its hole."

Upon hearing this, Lin Ning's eyes lit up with anticipation, and he quickly asked, "Tell me quickly, how do we lure the snake out of its hole?" Lin Wanqing cleared his throat and explained, "We'll spread the news that Nangong Yu's condition has improved. The mastermind behind this, who has repeatedly attacked Nangong Yu, certainly won't let this opportunity pass. We'll make arrangements in advance. We'll join several skilled and righteous Imperial Guards to guard Nangong Yu's side, and as soon as that person appears, we'll trap him like a turtle in a jar!"

After listening, Lin Ning nodded slightly, a hint of determination appearing in his eyes: "This plan is feasible. However, the dissemination of this information must be done subtly to avoid arousing suspicion. In addition, we must protect Nangong Yu."

So the two began to carefully plan. Lin Ning arranged for reliable people to spread the news of Nangong Yu's improved condition quietly inside and outside the palace. At the same time, she also spread the word that the Imperial Clan Court was keeping a much better eye on Nangong Yu than before, which was conducive to his recovery.

Lin Ning personally selected several Imperial Guards who respected him, were highly skilled in martial arts, and were upright, and explained the plan to them in detail. Upon hearing this, the Imperial Guards all expressed their willingness to fully cooperate and vowed to bring the mastermind behind it all to justice.

With everything prepared, Lin Wan and the others quietly stood guard around Nangong Yu's room, waiting for the mastermind to appear. Inside the room, Nangong Yu remained silent, but her condition did indeed show some signs of improvement, just as the rumors had suggested.

As time passed, everyone's nerves were on edge, not daring to relax for a moment. They knew that the success or failure of this plan to lure the enemy out hinged on this moment, and the enemy lurking in the shadows could appear at any time...