Jade of Another World

Liu Yushu was now forced to become a double agent. A few days later, the Second Prince allowed her to leave Nanzhao and return to Dayu with the wooden box. She and her entourage rushed back to the Liu residence to discuss with her father how to open the box. She was on edge the whole way, knowing that her current situation was like walking a tightrope, and the slightest mistake would mean certain death. Upon arriving home, she didn't even rest, going straight to her father's study.

Just as Liu's father was about to relax after seeing his daughter finally return, he saw her rushing over with a mysterious wooden box. He immediately realized the seriousness of the situation. He quickly dismissed the servants, closed the door, and asked with a frown, "Yushu, what happened? Why are you in such a panic?"

She placed the wooden box on the table and briefly recounted her experiences in Nanzhao to her father, including being captured by the second prince, having no choice but to agree to cooperate, and the possibility that the wooden box might be related to the Mother Gu.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Liu's expression turned extremely solemn. He paced around the wooden box, carefully examining the Sanskrit inscriptions. "These Sanskrit inscriptions are ancient and obscure; it seems the box has an unusual origin," Mr. Liu murmured to himself.

She said anxiously, "Father, we don't have much time left. The Second Prince may send someone to check on the progress at any time, and the Gu poison in my body can't wait much longer. If we can't open the box and find the mother Gu soon, all our efforts will be in vain."

Mr. Liu nodded, and after a moment's thought, he said, "I know a very knowledgeable elder who is quite knowledgeable about various ancient scripts and rare treasures. Perhaps he can help us decipher these Sanskrit texts and find a way to open the box."

Liu Yushu's eyes lit up: "Then let's hurry and invite him." But Liu's father waved his hand: "This matter cannot be rushed. This elder has an eccentric temperament, and we cannot go rashly. I will write a letter first and send someone to deliver it, inviting him to our home. In the meantime, we must keep it a secret and not let the Second Prince or the First Prince's people find out about our progress."

So Liu Yushu and her father began arranging the delivery of the message, while simultaneously strengthening the security of their home to prevent anyone from spying on them. Every passing second filled her with anxiety. Gazing at the mysterious wooden box, she silently prayed, hoping to open it successfully, unravel the mystery of the poison, and escape their current perilous situation.

The elder, disguised, arrived at the Liu residence. Seeing the box piqued his interest, and he studied it diligently for three days without sleep, finally deciphering how to open it. After opening the box, he asked to leave, knowing that such boxes usually contained classified information; he simply enjoyed deciphering them but didn't want to risk his life. Lord Liu seemed to sense the danger and thanked the elder profusely as he saw him off.

After the elder left, the two eagerly gathered around the opened box. Inside, they saw a simple, ancient brocade handkerchief and a small crystal cube. Inside the crystal cube lay a wriggling worm, while the handkerchief was covered with writing and obscure symbols drawn in a strange pigment. There was also a small roll of parchment, densely covered with tiny, fly-sized characters.

Lord Liu carefully unfolded the parchment, squinting as he meticulously examined the writing. "This parchment says that what's recorded on this handkerchief seems to be an ancient method of practicing Gu magic, along with some taboos. That's roughly the gist of it, but we can't understand the writing on the handkerchief," Lord Liu said, his brow furrowed and his expression grave.

Liu Yushu was overjoyed, but then worry overwhelmed him. "Father, these things could bring us death. We can't just sit here and wait to die. The Second Prince and the First Prince are watching us. If we're not careful, we'll be doomed."

Lord Liu pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Yushu, this matter is of great importance, and we must act with caution. What should we do now?"

Liu Yushu said, "The current situation is very unfavorable for us. In order to turn the tide, we need to find a stronger backer."

"You mean?" Liu Fu stared at his daughter tentatively.

“Yes, now that we are in Dayu, the emperor of Dayu will be our best support. I must go to the palace immediately and tell His Majesty about this,” she said confidently.

Liu Yushu carefully tidied her clothes, clutched the box, and hurried into the palace. Her heart pounded like a drum the whole way, and she rehearsed in her mind what she would say to Nangong Jin upon seeing him.

Stepping into Nangong Jin's study, she saw him bent over his desk reviewing memorials. Under the lamplight, his face appeared even more stern. Liu Yushu bowed softly, "Your Highness, your subject Yushu requests an audience."

Nangong Jin raised his head, saw Liu Yushu, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes before he regained his composure: "Get up. What brings you to the palace in such a hurry?"

Liu Yushu took a deep breath and told Nangong Jin everything without reservation: she had gone to Nanzhao to retrieve the box, had the elder decipher the method to open it, and the Gu worm inside the box. After speaking, she respectfully presented the handkerchief and parchment: "Your Highness, I know this matter is of great importance and dare not conceal anything. I hope Your Highness will protect me and my family, considering my father's and my unwavering loyalty to you. From beginning to end, my loyalty will only be to Your Highness."

Nangong Jin took the handkerchief and parchment, examining them carefully, his expression growing increasingly solemn. After a moment, he raised his head, his gaze landing on Liu Yushu: "Why did you go to Nanzhao?"

"To be honest, when I learned that Your Highness was poisoned by Gu, I was determined to find a cure for Your Majesty. Although Miss Lin has already found a doctor from Nanzhao to cure Your Majesty, I was still worried after my previous investigation came to an end. So I decided to go and find out what was going on. And what I found out was so many unexpected discoveries."

Looking at her expression, which seemed to indicate she wasn't lying, Nangong Jin said, "Although you may have acted without authorization, you were able to inform me of the news in time, which is commendable. However, the eldest and second princes of Nanzhao also have designs on the Mother Gu, so we cannot be careless."

Liu Yushu hurriedly said, "Your Highness is wise. I am willing to obey Your Highness's orders, even at the cost of my life. Now, the Second Prince is probably also paying close attention to this matter. I am worried about the safety of my family. I hope Your Majesty can lend a helping hand."

Nangong Jin nodded slightly: "Don't worry, I will send people to protect your family secretly. As for the clues about the mother Gu, we need to plan carefully and not act rashly."

Liu Yushu was grateful and bowed again: "Thank you, Your Majesty. I am willing to serve Your Highness and work together to unravel the mystery of the Mother Gu and thwart the Nanzhao people's conspiracy."

Nangong Jin looked at Liu Yushu with a hint of trust in his eyes: "Get up. Report to me immediately if there is any news. Go back first. I will send people to protect you. Be careful in everything." He gave her an encouraging look at the end.

Overjoyed, Liu Yushu took her leave. Though still troubled, she felt somewhat reassured by Nangong Jin's protection. She knew the struggle with the Second Prince would intensify, and her only way out was to closely follow Nangong Jin. Otherwise, as a spy for both the First and Second Princes, a double agent, how could she expect a good end? She hoped to achieve her goal in this perilous struggle.

In fact, Liu Yushu did many things for Nangong Jin. She had a little secret in her heart: she had always loved Nangong Jin. When she was eight years old, she came to the capital with her father to take up a post. She met Nangong Jin at a palace banquet. Unlike other princes, Nangong Jin was friendly and did not look down on her because she came from the countryside. From then on, Liu Yushu fell deeply in love with Nangong Jin.

Leaving the palace, Liu Yushu sat in the carriage, looking at the guards sent by Nangong Jin to protect her around the carriage, her thoughts involuntarily drifting back to the palace banquet many years ago.

At that time, she was just a nine-year-old girl, accompanying her father on her first trip to the capital, filled with curiosity and fear about everything in the palace. At the palace banquet, the lanterns were bright, the singing and dancing were lively, and the princes and grandsons in gorgeous clothes chatted and laughed, while she huddled in a corner, feeling extremely awkward because of her status as a country girl.

Just as she was filled with unease, Nangong Jin appeared. He wore a light blue brocade robe, a white jade belt around his waist, and his eyes radiated gentleness and friendliness. He noticed Liu Yushu in the corner, smiled, walked towards her, knelt down, and softly asked why she was there alone. At that moment, Yushu looked into his bright, star-like eyes, and her nervousness instantly vanished. How could there be such a handsome boy in the world? He was not only handsome but also kind; he didn't look down on her for coming from the countryside, and even took her to play in the palace gardens, introducing her to the exotic flowers and plants of the palace. His voice was gentle and melodious, every word like a spring breeze blowing into her heart. From then on, His Highness Nangong Jin's image was deeply imprinted in her young heart. As time passed, this budding affection gradually took root and sprouted, growing into a towering tree of deep-rooted love.

That's why she recklessly plunged into this complex struggle, all to help Nangong Jin and become his staunch support. She knew the road ahead was fraught with thorns, but the thought of Nangong Jin filled her with boundless courage. She had to fight no matter what; otherwise, how would she know where she would end up? After all, Lin Ning, that country girl, had once been by Nangong Jin's side, so why couldn't she? Her family background and intelligence were no less than Lin Ning's; Lin Ning was merely prettier and had slightly better medical skills.

The carriage moved slowly forward. Liu Yushu looked out the window at the bustling streets of the capital and secretly vowed that no matter how many difficulties and obstacles she encountered, she would become the woman standing beside Nangong Jin and together with him become the most honored people in this country.

After Liu Yushu left, Nangong Jin summoned Xuan Yuanche and Lin Ning to the palace overnight to discuss what Liu Yushu had said.

Night fell, and the palace was brightly lit. Nangong Jin sat upright in the main seat of his study, his expression solemn. The flickering candlelight illuminated his resolute face. Soon after, Xuan Yuanche and Lin Ning rushed in, immediately sensing the heavy atmosphere upon entering.

"Your Highness, why have you summoned us to the palace so late? Has something happened?" Xuan Yuanche spoke first. He was tall and strong, and his eyes revealed decisiveness and keenness.

Nangong Jin nodded slightly and handed them the brocade handkerchief and parchment that Liu Yushu had presented: "Take a look at this. Liu Yushu brought it back from Nanzhao. It is of great importance and is related to the whereabouts of the Mother Gu."

Lin Ning took it and examined it carefully. He was thin and had sharp eyes. He was a well-known strategist: "The writing on this silk handkerchief is obscure and difficult to understand. However, judging from the parchment, this mother Gu seems to be very important. But why would Nanzhao give such an important thing to Liu Yushu?"

Xuanyuan Che frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Your Highness, the most urgent tasks are, firstly, to decipher the secret of this script as soon as possible and ascertain the details of the mother Gu; and secondly, to strengthen our defenses to prevent Nanzhao from plotting any conspiracy that could be detrimental to us."

Nangong Jin nodded slightly, his gaze firm: "I have already arranged for people to secretly protect the Liu family. As for deciphering the clues, I will need your two efforts. Lin Ning, you are well-versed in various ancient books, so this matter will be entrusted to you. Find out the contents of the handkerchief as soon as possible. Xuan Yuanche, you are responsible for strengthening the guards in the capital and the palace, and at the same time, keep an eye on the actions of the Nanzhao people. Report any abnormalities immediately."

"Yes, Your Highness!" the two replied in unison.

Lin Ning added, "Your Highness, this matter must be kept strictly confidential. The fewer people who know about it, the better. If the news leaks and the Nanzhao people are prepared in advance, our plans will definitely be hindered."

Nangong Jin agreed wholeheartedly: "That's right. After you go down, be sure to tell your men to keep quiet. This is a covert contest with Nanzhao, and we must take precautions early in order to win."

The three discussed some details for a long time until late at night before Xuan Yuanche and Lin Ning took their leave. Nangong Jin gazed at the dark night sky outside the window, secretly pondering that this battle surrounding the Gu worms would inevitably be a fierce one, and he could not afford to be careless in the slightest; he had to protect everything he cherished. On the Nanzhao side, the Second Prince and the First Prince grew increasingly anxious as Liu Yushu had not yet reported any news. The First Prince believed that since he had poisoned Liu Yushu with Gu, Liu Yushu would not dare to betray him, so he decided to wait. The Second Prince, however, seemed much more impatient. Finally, he approached the King of Nanzhao, his father, and suggested that he pay a visit to Dayu. Although his father didn't know what he was doing, he knew his sons were very intelligent and agreed to help him issue a visiting card. The second prince was secretly delighted to receive his father's permission, but outwardly he remained respectful and thanked him, saying, "Thank you, Father. I will certainly live up to your expectations, establish good relations with the King of Dayu, and seek the well-being of Nanzhao." The King of Nanzhao nodded slightly, looking at his deep-thinking son. Although he did not know the true purpose of his trip, he believed that the son had his own plans.

Back at his residence, the Second Prince immediately began preparing his luggage. At the same time, he secretly summoned his trusted confidants and instructed them, "My trip to Dayu is ostensibly to pay a visit to the King of Dayu, but in reality, I'm to investigate Liu Yushu's situation. You will follow him secretly, and report back to me immediately if you discover any of Liu Yushu's movements." His confidants obeyed and left. A ruthless glint flashed in the Second Prince's eyes as he muttered to himself, "Liu Yushu, do you think you're safe hiding in Dayu? I will make you understand the consequences of betraying me."

On the other side, although the eldest prince appeared calm and collected, he was beginning to feel uneasy. He knew that the clues Liu Yushu possessed were crucial, and if the second prince got there first, his years of planning would likely be in vain. Therefore, he secretly dispatched spies to Dayu to closely monitor the movements of Liu Yushu and Wanyan Qiang. However, his own forces were still too weak to confront them directly.

On the Dayu side, Yu Shu was completely unaware that the two princes of Nanzhao were already plotting something. Under Nangong Jin's arrangement, she and her family were temporarily residing in a secluded villa, anxiously awaiting news from Nangong Jin's side regarding the deciphering of the clues.

One day, Yu Shu was pacing in the courtyard, pondering how to help Nangong Jin next. Suddenly, the steward rushed in to report, "Miss, someone from the palace has arrived, saying His Majesty requests your presence." Yu Shu's heart tightened, and she quickly straightened her clothes and followed the messenger into the palace.

Upon seeing Nangong Jin, Yu Shu noticed his grave expression, and her heart sank. Nangong Jin looked at her and slowly said, "Miss Liu, I just received news that the Second Prince of Nanzhao has sent a letter of invitation to the King of Dayu and will arrive in Dayu soon. He must have sensed something; his arrival is likely not well-intentioned." Liu Yu Shu was greatly alarmed. She knew the Second Prince's methods well; if he found an opportunity in Dayu, she would be in grave danger.

"Your Highness, what should I do?" Yu Shu asked anxiously. Nangong Jin frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Things have come to this, don't panic. On one hand, Lin Ning is working hard to solve the clues, and I need her to speed things up; on the other hand, I will strengthen the guards of the Prince's Mansion and the villa to prevent the Nanzhao people from causing trouble in secret. During this time, you must be careful and try not to go out. If you need to go out, tell your guards to accompany you, just in case." Liu Yu Shu nodded firmly: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I understand. I will do my best to assist Your Majesty."