Jade of Another World

Since the incident involving the stolen letter, although Nangong Jin did not severely punish Rosa due to their past relationship, his trust in her had been greatly diminished. He knew that regardless of Rosa's innocence, there must be many unknown schemes behind this farce surrounding the secret letter, and Rosa, being at the center of the storm, could hardly escape involvement.

So, without making a sound, Nangong Jin secretly launched a purge. In the court, officials who were usually close to Rosa and flattered her were transferred from key positions or directly demoted to remote places on various pretexts; in the harem, the trusted maids and eunuchs who were always by Rosa's side, informing her and running errands for her, were also replaced one by one and sent to do the most arduous and peripheral menial tasks.

He acted ruthlessly and precisely; within a few days, almost all of Rosa's capable followers were eradicated. The once bustling, sycophantic scenes surrounding her were gone, and the palace suddenly became much quieter. Rosa saw this and was shocked, but she could only pretend not to know, still putting on a submissive and obedient act in front of Nangong Jin. But behind his back, her nails were digging into her palms, and her heart was filled with surging hatred and resentment.

Nangong Jin's actions were intended as a warning to Rosa. He wanted her to understand that he would no longer tolerate any of her overstepping boundaries. If she dared to cause trouble again, the consequences would be far more severe than simply having her wings clipped. Ultimately, the court of Dayu would remain under his control, and no one should be allowed to easily disrupt this hard-won peace.

Nangong Jin knew that after these actions, even if Rosa was full of resentment, she wouldn't be able to cause any trouble in the short term. He continued to handle state affairs as usual, but the remaining warmth he felt for Rosa was gradually worn away by his growing suspicion. Every time he saw Rosa, the intimacy of the past was gone, replaced by scrutiny and weighing of options.

Nangong Jin had also heard that Lin Ning seemed to be encountering some troubles. His spies, whom he had secretly sent out, occasionally reported back that Lin Ning had visited Ouyang Qingchuan. He couldn't help but frown slightly, a strange emotion rising in his heart. What kind of past did Lin Ning share with him? Why couldn't he remember anything about her? Yet her beautiful image kept drifting into his thoughts; she should be with Xuan Yuanche now. And the fact that Xuan Yuanche and Lin Ning were often together was a thorn in his side. As an emperor, possessing the entire world, he felt so powerless to control this matter. He secretly pondered whether he should find an opportunity to talk to Lin Ning, or perhaps she dreamt of him, wondering why she went to Ouyang's place, and perhaps he could go and investigate Ouyang to see what Lin Ning was asking about.

Ever since he witnessed Lin Ning and Xuan Yuanche being intimate, Nangong Jin's heart felt as if it had been squeezed tightly. After a sharp pain, what remained was a lingering, bittersweet feeling. Since then, his gaze would unconsciously follow Lin Ning's figure, secretly observing her every move. Even just hearing a few words about her from others would stir up ripples of joy or sorrow in his heart.

Nangong Jin grew increasingly cold and distant towards Rosa. His former doting affection had vanished, replaced by perfunctory indifference. He barely tasted the delicacies Rosa had meticulously prepared; her charming smiles and playful teasing only elicited lukewarm responses. At palace banquets, he no longer made a point of bringing Rosa along to display his favor, leaving her alone in a corner, isolated and forlorn. Nangong Jin's suspicions about Rosa never faded. The storm caused by the secret letter was like a rift between them, widening with time. Each time he looked at Rosa, the tenderness of the past was replaced by doubt and wariness. He felt Rosa was like a fog, unfathomable and unrecognizable. He increasingly felt that Rosa was not his true love, and he no longer wanted to explore why he felt this way about her. Perhaps he only wanted to control her tightly, preventing her from causing any more trouble in the palace.

At this moment, Nangong Jin's suspicion of Rosa's identity was like a seed buried deep in the palace soil, silently taking root and sprouting, growing stronger day by day, and eventually growing into a towering tree blocking Rosa's path, completely blocking her steps toward the throne of Empress.

In the ancestral system and traditional concepts of Dayu, the position of Empress is of paramount importance, bearing the heavy responsibility of continuing the royal bloodline and serving as a model for the world. Even a woman from Nanzhao, with unparalleled beauty and skillful maneuvering, would find it extremely difficult to overcome this insurmountable barrier of status. Previously, with Nangong Jin's love and persistence, Rosa might have had a chance, but now, even Nangong Jin feels she is completely unsuitable for that position.

Nangong Jin was unaware that from the moment he met Rosa, it was all part of a scheme, a dream woven specifically for him. As an emperor, he certainly possessed the power to act arbitrarily, but he also had to consider the advice of his ministers and the opinions of the public. Therefore, Nangong Jin and Rosa drifted further and further apart. The further they were now, the clearer he seemed to see Rosa. Before, he would often be with her; back then, he was still a prince, and their feelings seemed genuine. But now, Rosa was shrouded in mystery regarding her identity. Her unclear past and the vague rumors of spies had all become fatal obstacles to her becoming empress. Even if Nangong Jin still harbored some lingering affection for her, he dared not easily defy the world and hand over the Phoenix Seal to her.

Rosa had longed for the glorious moment of being crowned empress, and for that, she had schemed and plotted, even staining her hands with blood, struggling and fighting her way through the palace intrigues. But she never expected that she would ultimately be defeated by her deeply concealed identity. Looking at Nangong Jin's increasingly cold eyes, listening to the whispers of the palace servants about her hopeless chance of becoming empress, her heart was filled with hatred and resentment. She began to think of ways to remedy the situation, but in every lonely night, she still gritted her teeth and cursed the injustice of fate. After all, everything was prepared, but she was just one step away. Rosa, unwilling to accept defeat, played her magic flute. In the distance, several figures dressed in black from the Nanzhao medical clinic flashed into the palace like ghosts. Under the deep moonlight, the entire palace was shrouded in silence. Rosa dismissed all the servants in her bedchamber, leaving only the flickering candlelight trembling in the wind. She moved quietly to the door of the secret chamber, unlocked the hidden lock, and a musty, decaying smell wafted out. Inside the secret chamber, several witches dressed in strange attire and wearing masks with mysterious patterns on their faces had been waiting for a long time.

Upon Rosa's entry, the witch protectors all knelt in reverence and obeisance, their eyes filled with awe and loyalty. Rosa's expression was stern as she gave low instructions. The group huddled together, chanting incantations, and began preparing for a secret and dangerous witchcraft ritual. Rosa pulled an exquisitely carved box from her sleeve. Opening it, a multicolored Gu worm slowly wriggled inside, emitting a faint glow. This Gu worm was the key to controlling Nangong Jin's emotions; it was through it that she had won his favor.

But now, that faint affection is gradually fading. Such things rarely happen; usually, those afflicted with this love potion are obedient and devoted. However, for some unknown reason, Nangong Jin has broken free of the potion's control, forcing Rosa to reinforce this invisible barrier. The witches and protectors surrounded the potion, sprinkling various powders, their incantations growing increasingly rapid, obscure syllables echoing in the secret chamber. As if summoned, the potion suddenly flapped its wings and took flight, tracing eerie arcs in the air before landing back in the box, its light intensifying. Rosa carefully picked up the box, a confident smile playing on her lips. If the potion's effects could be strengthened further, Nangong Jin would surely rekindle his passion for her; then, perhaps there would still be a glimmer of hope for her as Empress.

However, she was completely unaware that her secretive actions had already been observed by someone with ulterior motives. In the shadows of the palace, a pair of eyes were watching her every move; if the matter of witchcraft were exposed, it would be a crime punishable by death.

Ever since the witch protector reinforced the Gu worms' effectiveness, Nangong Jin's attitude underwent a complete 180-degree turn. His previous aloofness and indifference vanished instantly, and he reverted to his doting self, always obedient to Rosa and inseparable from her. In court, after finishing his official duties, he couldn't wait to rush to Rosa's palace; in the harem, all sorts of rare and precious items were sent to Rosa's bedchamber like a flood, arousing both envy and jealousy among the concubines.

Rosa was secretly delighted, feeling that the time was ripe. Taking advantage of the moment when Nangong Jin was whispering sweet nothings to her, she coquettishly complained, "Your Majesty, you have been very kind to me these days, but I still feel like there is a heavy stone weighing on my heart." As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes, making her look pitiful.

Seeing this, Nangong Jin felt distressed and quickly asked, "My beloved consort, what's wrong? What's troubling you? I'll help you resolve it."

Rosa sobbed, "It's Consort De. I heard she's been making up baseless accusations against me in the palace." She became more and more agitated as she spoke, tears streaming down her face, and leaned into Nangong Jin's arms.

Nangong Jin frowned slightly, recalling the series of troubles surrounding the secret letter, and felt somewhat displeased. He immediately comforted Rosa, saying, "My dear consort, don't be afraid. I will handle it myself and will not let you suffer this unwarranted grievance."

The following day, after the court session, Nangong Jin summoned Consort De to the Imperial Study. Upon receiving the decree, Consort De's heart skipped a beat, a vague sense of foreboding creeping in. When she arrived at the Imperial Study, she saw Nangong Jin's grim face. Before she could even offer her greetings, Nangong Jin coldly asked, "Consort De, I've heard that your people have fabricated slanders against my beloved consort. Is this true?"

Consort De knelt down with a thud and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I did not! I have absolutely no intention of harming anyone, and I would never dare to use this to spread rumors."

Nangong Jin snorted coldly, "Whether you have it or not, you must examine yourself. I don't want to hear any more rumors, lest I lose my temper." Consort De was unwilling, but dared not disobey the imperial decree, and could only tremble as she agreed. She knew that her entire scheme would likely be ruined by Rosa's underhanded trick, but at this moment, survival was paramount, so she could only endure it for now.

Consort De emerged from the Imperial Study, her mind filled with worry and confusion. She couldn't understand why Nangong Jin's attitude was so fickle. Just a few days ago, he was cold and wary of Rosa, but now, in just a few days, he had returned to his doting and obedient self. The more she pondered, the more uneasy she felt, and her steps unconsciously led her toward Consort Xi's palace.

Upon seeing Consort Xi, Consort De disregarded pleasantries and said urgently, "Sister, something terrible has happened today! His Majesty suddenly summoned me to the Imperial Study and gave me a dressing down on behalf of Rosa. He acted as if I had committed some terrible crime." As she spoke, Consort De's eyes reddened, filled with grievance.

Upon hearing this, Consort Xi was initially startled, then pulled Consort De to sit down and gently comforted her, "Sister, don't be anxious, tell me slowly, what exactly happened?"

Consort De took a deep breath and recounted the whole story: "I'm puzzled too. His Majesty seems to be bewitched by something, completely believing Rosa's words. I don't know what Rosa said about me to His Majesty, but as soon as he arrived, he came to interrogate me, and I didn't even have a chance to defend myself. Sister, what kind of sorcery does Rosa use to have His Majesty so completely under her control?"

Consort Xi frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Sister, I've long felt that this Rosa is no ordinary person. The fact that she could rise from a peasant girl in Nanzhao to gain such favor in our palace shows that her methods must be extraordinary. Now it seems that she might be hiding some underhanded means to manipulate His Majesty."

Consort De nodded hastily: "Sister is right. His Majesty's temperament is too strange. Sometimes he is distant from her, and sometimes he is very close to her. We have to think of a way. We can't just let Rosa run wild and bewitch His Majesty."

Consort Xi looked determined and gently grasped Consort De's hand: "Don't worry, sister. If we join forces, we will definitely find Rosa's weakness. Since she dares to use such despicable means, she must have left clues. Let's have someone secretly observe her first and see if we can find any clues. As long as we grasp the key, we won't have to worry about bringing her down."

The two huddled together and discussed their countermeasures in detail. They were determined to uncover Rosa's secrets in this turbulent palace, to let Nangong Jin see her true colors, and to secure a peaceful life for themselves.

Upon returning to her palace, Consort De was filled with unease and anxiety. With Rosa now so powerful and Nangong Jin completely infatuated, she knew her and her son's situation was becoming increasingly precarious. She needed to rely on her family's support for stability. Liu Jia and Liu Si, as the pillars of the Liu family, were her most dependable confidants. However, when it came to political maneuvering, she decided to seek Liu Si's help. Therefore, Consort De immediately summoned her most trusted eunuch and solemnly instructed him: "Quietly leave the palace and go to the Liu residence to deliver a message to the Second Master. Tell him I have urgent business to discuss and that he must come to the palace to pay me a visit tomorrow. Remember, this must be kept secret; not a word of it may leak out."

Knowing the gravity of the matter, the trusted eunuch quickly agreed. After disguising himself, he left the palace under the cover of night. He skillfully avoided the patrolling guards, slipping out through a hidden side gate in the palace wall and hurrying towards the Liu residence. Upon arriving at the Liu residence, he gently knocked on the door according to the code given by Consort De. After a short while, the gatekeeper peeked out and, seeing that it was someone from the palace, hurriedly welcomed him inside.

Upon hearing his sister's urgent summons, Liu Si had a hunch and readily agreed. At dawn, Liu Si rushed to Consort De's palace. The siblings had a private conversation, during which Consort De revealed to Liu Si the drastic change in Nangong Jin's personality and Rosa's suspected use of witchcraft. Liu Si's brow furrowed more and more as he listened, realizing the matter was thorny. He quickly left the palace and returned to his residence, immediately sending for Xuan Yuanche and Lin Ning.

The atmosphere in the room was heavy. Liu Si recounted everything she had heard from Consort De. Xuan Yuanche's face was cold and stern, his hand unconsciously tightening around his teacup. He thought to himself, "If Rosa, a mere woman, truly possesses such abilities, it's far too dangerous." At this moment, Lin Ning, who had been listening quietly, spoke up: "I once saw an ancient book that recorded an extremely sinister witchcraft in Nanzhao that can bewitch people. Those afflicted are as if their own consciousness has been taken away, acting entirely according to the will of the one who cast the spell, like puppets." Lin Ning paused, her face showing worry, "If Rosa is truly the Holy Witch of Nanzhao, possessing this evil art, then Nangong Jin's strange behavior now would be explained. However, Nangong Jin doesn't seem to be completely controlled by Rosa, or perhaps it's not the kind of witchcraft I saw."

Xuanyuan Che nodded solemnly: "If that's the case, then we must find a way to break it as soon as possible. We can't let Rosa continue to control His Majesty, otherwise the Great Yu court and the harem will be in chaos. However, this witchcraft has always been mysterious, and we know very little about it. Breaking it is no easy task."

Liu Si chimed in, "That's right, this matter is urgent. We need to gather more clues about witchcraft and see if we can find someone who knows how to break it. Otherwise, not only will the emperor be in danger, but the entire Dayu royal family will be in grave peril." The three of them reached a consensus, and an investigation into and cracking Rosa's witchcraft quietly began.