Jade of Another World

Nangong Jin had been extremely busy with the poisoning case at the Crown Prince's wedding banquet these past few days. He and his men were searching for clues and asking around, trying to find the real mastermind behind the complicated situation. However, the key suspect, Xue San'er, died mysteriously, leaving behind a confession letter that was difficult to verify, which brought the whole case to a standstill and made it difficult for the investigation to make any further progress.

Just as he was racking his brains about how to crack the poisoning case, another scout rushed in with an urgent report. The scout, with a grave expression, knelt on one knee and said urgently, "Your Highness, I have just received news that several Qiang spies have secretly infiltrated the capital. These people are disguised and scattered in various places. Their intentions are still unclear, but they are certainly up to no good and may be plotting against our dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Jin's brows furrowed tightly, and he inwardly cried out in alarm. Shangjing was the capital of the Dayu Dynasty, a place of utmost importance. If those Qiang spies were to stir up trouble here, the consequences would be unimaginable. Moreover, the current political situation in the court was already delicate, with various forces checking and balancing each other. If, in addition, external enemies were to secretly sabotage the situation, it would likely descend into complete chaos.

Before Nangong Jin could recover from the news, the attendant beside him handed over a thick stack of official documents, saying with a helpless expression, "Your Highness, look at this, there's quite a lot of official business that has accumulated over the past few days."

Nangong Jin took the stack of official documents and looked at the numerous urgent matters on them, feeling his head spin. The poisoning case was still unsolved, and now there was this Qiang spy affair; with so much official business piling up, he was truly overwhelmed.

He rubbed his temples, trying to clear his head, then took a deep breath and quickly skimmed through the official documents, considering which matter to address first. The poisoning case had to be put on hold for now, and the matter of the Qiang spies needed to be investigated and prevented as soon as possible.

He first summoned his subordinate in charge of intelligence and solemnly instructed him: "Immediately increase manpower and make sure to closely monitor the movements of those Qiang spies. Report back immediately if you have any news. We must not allow them to run rampant in the capital and endanger the people and the court."

After the subordinate left to carry out the order, Nangong Jin sat down at his desk again and began to bury himself in official business. He quickly reviewed documents while simultaneously piecing together clues about the poisoning case in his mind. He planned to investigate the spy's activities more thoroughly after finishing these urgent matters; no matter how minor, he couldn't afford to be careless. He had been too busy lately to seek treatment from Lin Ning, and unknowingly, Lin Ning had already cured much of his poison. Lin Ning was indeed very capable. Sitting at his desk, gazing at the mountain of documents before him, Nangong Jin couldn't help but recall the scene of his poisoning, his thoughts drifting away. It was an extremely dangerous reconnaissance mission to the enemy camp. Nangong Jin had been secretly injected with this extremely rare poison without his knowledge. Initially, he only felt a slight discomfort and didn't pay much attention. However, as time passed, the poison began to ravage his body. He became increasingly weak, his face as pale as paper, often feeling dizzy, and his breathing became rapid. Later, he simply couldn't stand up anymore.

He had indeed sought out renowned physicians, but none could cure his poison. Many ordinary doctors couldn't even detect the poisoning. Just when everyone was at a loss and he was about to give up, Lin Ning was able to discern the poison. She carefully took Nangong Jin's pulse, her brows furrowing slightly, her focused expression seemingly oblivious to everything around her. After a moment, Lin Ning raised her head, her gaze resolute, and said, "Your Highness, you have been poisoned by a kind of insidious poison. Fortunately, it was discovered not too late. I will try my best; perhaps I can alleviate some of it."

After saying this, Lin Ning began to methodically prepare the necessary items for the detoxification. She first took out a box of silver needles, selecting several of varying lengths, and skillfully applied them to several acupuncture points on Nangong Jin's body. The silver needles seemed to possess a spirit in her hands, precisely piercing the acupuncture points. With each needle, Lin Ning would slightly twist it to better stimulate the acupuncture points and guide the flow of qi and blood. Watching her focused expression, Nangong Jin's previously agitated state due to the pain gradually calmed down.

After the acupuncture, Lin Ning instructed someone to prepare a large tub of specially made medicinal bath water. This bath water contained a carefully blended mixture of various detoxifying herbs, emitting a rich yet not pungent medicinal fragrance. She helped the weak Nangong Jin slowly into the tub, immersing him in the medicinal water. The water temperature was just right, and the medicinal properties slowly seeped through his skin into his body, beginning to fight against the rampant toxins. While soaking in the medicinal bath, Nangong Jin could clearly feel that the discomfort in his body seemed to have lessened somewhat, and his admiration for Lin Ning's medical skills grew even stronger.

What impressed Nangong Jin most was the cupping detoxification process. Lin Ning took out several small ceramic jars, heated them slightly with fire, and quickly placed them on several acupoints on Nangong Jin's back. As the jars adhered to his skin, Nangong Jin first felt a slight pain, followed by the skin inside the jars gradually turning purplish-red, a sign that toxins were being drawn out little by little. While performing the procedure, Lin Ning gently explained the principles of cupping and the corresponding effects of each acupoint to Nangong Jin, giving him some understanding of this previously unseen detoxification method.

Thanks to Lin Ning's meticulous and unique treatment, although the poison in Nangong Jin's body was not completely eliminated, it was reduced by more than 60%. It should be noted that before this, many renowned physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy had come to treat him, but they all frowned and shook their heads at his symptoms, unable to even diagnose the poisoning, let alone find a cure.

Thinking of this, Nangong Jin was filled with emotion. It was truly intriguing that Lin Ning, a woman raised in the countryside, possessed such superb medical skills. From that moment on, he paid more attention to Lin Ning, not only because she had saved his life, but also because he was attracted by her intelligence, kindness, and dedication to medical research.

It had been quite a while since he'd seen Lin Ning, and he wondered how she was doing. Nangong Jin thought to himself that once things calmed down, he would definitely find an opportunity to visit her and properly thank her for saving his life.

He gently shook his head, trying to put these thoughts aside for the time being. After all, a mountain of official business awaited him, along with the thorny poisoning case and the potential crisis of Qiang spies, leaving him no room for complacency. So, Nangong Jin refocused his attention on the documents before him and continued working.

The sun shone brightly during the day, and the capital city was bustling with activity. The streets and alleys were teeming with people, a vibrant scene of activity. The princess, dressed in an exquisite pink silk dress, the hem swaying gently in the breeze, her jeweled ornaments shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight, exuding a charming and adorable aura, stepped out with joy. She was thinking of finding Nangong Jin; she hadn't seen him for some time and wanted to see what he was up to, and perhaps inquire whether the person who poisoned her had been found.

The princess intended to go directly to the Prince Xian's residence, but as she walked, she spotted Nangong Jin's familiar figure. Nangong Jin's brows were slightly furrowed, his gaze deep, as if he were pondering something important. He walked hurriedly forward, completely unaware of the commotion around him.

Upon seeing this, the princess's face immediately lit up with a bright smile. Lifting her skirt, she ran towards Nangong Jin, calling out, "Brother Jin, Brother Jin!" Her voice was clear and melodious, but Nangong Jin seemed to be immersed in his own thoughts, ignoring the princess's calls. He continued walking briskly forward, his eyes focused and serious, as if he were tracking some clue.

Princess was taken aback when Nangong Jin didn't respond. She felt a little disappointed, but she quickly thought, "Brother Jin usually loves to investigate interesting cases. Does he look like this today because he's discovered some new and interesting case and is about to go and find out? Humph, he's ignoring me. I'll just follow him quietly and see what's so attractive to him."

So, the princess slowed her pace, cautiously following behind Nangong Jin, glancing left and right every now and then, afraid of being discovered. She was both nervous and excited, like a child with a secret, eagerly anticipating what incredible things she would discover by following Nangong Jin. Her large eyes sparkled with curiosity as she stared intently at Nangong Jin's back, following him step by step. Nangong Jin, however, seemed completely unaware, continuing towards his destination, oblivious to the little tail that had secretly appeared behind him.

The princess followed Nangong Jin cautiously all the way out of the city, until they reached a dilapidated market outside the city. Although the scene was bustling, the constant flow of pedestrians and vendors made the princess feel very unfamiliar. Various stalls were filled with a dazzling array of goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade trinkets, and some local snacks. The sounds of hawking and shouting mingled together, creating a unique atmosphere of everyday life.

Nangong Jin did not stop walking. He followed the flow of people into the depths of the market, occasionally observing the surroundings as if searching for some key clues. He seemed completely unaware that the princess was secretly following him.

The princess, while curiously observing everything around her, kept a close eye on Nangong Jin's retreating figure, not daring to relax for a moment, lest she lose him. But just as they passed a fork in the road in the market, suddenly, a strange fragrance wafted over. The fragrance was faint, yet it possessed a magical power that could instantly make one's head spin.

The princess didn't pay much attention at first, but before she could react, she felt a wave of dizziness, her vision began to blur, her legs went weak uncontrollably, and she swayed a few times before collapsing to the ground.

Just then, several mysterious figures dressed in black and with their faces covered darted out from a nearby corner. They moved swiftly and deftly, lifting the unconscious princess and quickly heading in a secluded direction, disappearing into the corner as if they had never been there. And Nangong Jin, who had been in front, was also gone.

The princess groggily woke up, feeling dizzy and weak all over. She slowly opened her eyes, looked around, and realized that she was in a dilapidated temple.

The surrounding walls were dilapidated, drafts were everywhere, cobwebs hung in the corners, the ground was covered with dust and tangled withered grass, and the Buddha statue on the altar was missing arms and legs, lying there crookedly. The whole dilapidated courtyard exuded an old and decaying atmosphere.

The princess panicked immediately. Her first reaction was to call out Nangong Jin loudly, trying to utter the words "Brother Jin." However, she was horrified to find that no matter how hard she tried, she could only make a faint breathy sound in her throat and could not produce a normal sound at all.

Only then did she suddenly remember that she seemed to have been forced to drink something before she lost consciousness—it must have been a drug to make her mute. The princess's eyes instantly reddened, tears welling up in them. She was terrified, helpless, and filled with despair.

She struggled to get up, but found that her hands and feet were tightly bound with ropes, and she couldn't move at all. The princess could only helplessly call out Nangong Jin's name in her heart again and again, hoping that Nangong Jin would realize that she was missing and come to rescue her.

But this dilapidated courtyard was in a remote and quiet place, with only the occasional cawing of crows, as if lamenting her current miserable situation. The princess recalled her carefree days in the palace, the wonderful times she had been pampered by everyone, and then looked at herself now, trapped in this gloomy and terrifying courtyard, and having lost her voice. Her body trembled uncontrollably, and tears streamed down her cheeks, but she could only weep silently.

The mysterious people who kidnapped her are nowhere to be found, and their purpose remains unknown. They have simply abandoned the princess in this dilapidated temple, leaving her to endure this fear and torment alone. Meanwhile, a much larger conspiracy seems to be slowly unfolding around the princess.

As darkness fell, night, like a black silk ribbon, slowly enveloped the earth. The princess's attendants initially did not notice anything amiss and continued with their tasks as usual.

As night deepened, when they instinctively went to check on the princess, they were horrified to find that she had vanished without a trace. The attendants panicked, frantically searching the surrounding area, but the princess was nowhere to be found.

Realizing the situation was dire, they didn't dare delay and immediately ran to report to Nangong Jin. Upon hearing the news, Nangong Jin's brows furrowed instantly, his eyes filled with anxiety and worry. He knew the princess's special status, and for her to disappear outside was extremely dangerous; there was no guarantee she wouldn't encounter some unexpected mishap.

"What's going on? How come you can't even keep an eye on one person!" Nangong Jin couldn't help but scold, his voice filled with anxiety and anger, but he couldn't care less about them at the moment.

He immediately ordered his guards to be gathered and rushed off in the direction where the princess had disappeared. Along the way, Nangong Jin was frantic with worry, constantly urging everyone to quicken their pace. His usually composed face was now filled with tension, his mind racing with all sorts of possible dire situations, hoping only to find the princess as soon as possible and bring her back safely.

Although Nangong Jin and the princess were not related by blood and shared a mother, their bond was even stronger than that of siblings. Back when the princess was still young, she was raised by Nangong Jin's mother, Empress Zhangsun. From then on, they lived together in the Empress's palace, experiencing every moment of their growth together.

Nangong Jin had always doted on his younger sister since she was a child. In his heart, the princess was just like his own sister. No matter what fun or delicious things he had, he would always think of sharing them with her first. He would also protect her in every way and not let her suffer any grievances.

Empress Zhangsun treated the princess as her own daughter, showing her great care and attention, taking meticulous care of her daily life, teaching her to read and write, and imparting wisdom on how to conduct herself in society. She gave the princess a lot of maternal love, allowing her to feel the warmth of home even in the deep palace.

Unfortunately, fate was unkind. Empress Zhangsun passed away due to illness, and this sudden blow plunged the entire palace into grief. The princess was heartbroken and cried for three days and three nights straight. Her sorrowful appearance seemed to be trying to release all the grief in her heart. She even fell ill and became extremely haggard. If it weren't for the strong persuasion of others, she would have almost followed the empress in death.

Seeing the princess in such pain, Nangong Jin felt a pang of heartache, as if being stabbed with a knife. At that moment, he secretly vowed in his heart that no matter what, he would protect the princess for the rest of his life, never letting her suffer any more heartbreak, and ensuring she lived a happy and peaceful life. That's why Nangong Jin was so anxious and desperate to find the princess now that she had suddenly disappeared—because the princess was an incredibly important and irreplaceable presence in his heart.