Chapter 364: How About a Little Poison?
Hearing Chi Jincheng’s proposal, Yu Luo’s mind began working rapidly.
If everything was arranged as he described, the chances of outsiders discovering his private army were minimal.
However, Chi Jincheng was a man of deep scheming.
If he ever decided to turn against them, their hard-earned Luo City might fall into his hands.
Then again, would he even bother?
With his resources and manpower, he could build his own city outside of Luo City anytime he wanted.
He had no shortage of people, nor money.
“Alright, but I have one condition.”
“Go ahead, Yu Luo.”
“If we agree to this, we’ll be in the same boat. If Luo City ever faces trouble, your fifty thousand troops must defend it.”
“Of course. By then, they’ll be Luo City’s citizens. Naturally, they’ll fight for Luo City.”
Seeing his firm response, Yu Luo’s skepticism faded.
“Alright. Once we find my mother and return to Luo City, I’ll speak to my father.”
“Good. From now on, our fates are tied together. I will prioritize Luo City’s safety.”
With just a few exchanges, they formed an alliance.
Though some doubts remained, Yu Luo decided to keep them to herself.
Perhaps it was better not to know too much about Chi Jincheng’s true motives.
After another day’s journey, a message from Chi Jincheng’s subordinates arrived.
“Yu Luo, your mother was switched.”
Even someone as composed as Chi Jincheng couldn’t help but frown deeply.
Hearing this, Yu Luo bolted upright, but before she could jump off the carriage, a firm hand gripped her wrist.
“Chi Jincheng! Let’s use light-footed movement to head straight for the Imperial City! You said you have influence there, right? My mother is a skilled physician—if they abducted her, it must be for her medical skills. Most likely, someone needs treatment, while another party wants to prevent that treatment. The ambush was to ensure she couldn’t heal that person.”
“I came to the same conclusion. Yesterday, I received word that the Emperor of Lanyue suddenly fell critically ill. If I had to guess, your mother was taken to treat him, while the ambush was meant to ensure his death. The ones transporting your mother likely anticipated this attack and changed routes. We’ll use light-footed movement to get there. Stay calm.”
At first, panic gripped Yu Luo’s heart, but as she listened, she gradually steadied herself.
If her mother had truly been taken for medical reasons, then she was likely safe for now.
Still, she could only pray that the one escorting her was competent enough.
Otherwise, she would personally hunt them down.
*
Five days later.
Someone finally removed the blindfold from Ye Jiamei’s eyes.
The blinding light stung her vision, making her squint in discomfort.
As her vision adjusted, she glanced around, and her expression turned from confusion to shock.
Her eyes widened in disbelief!
“Yu Zhengqing! You really had the audacity to abduct me?! What exactly are you planning?!”
Over the past few days, Ye Jiamei had already deduced the reason for her abduction.
For the sake of her unborn child, she had decided that if an opportunity arose, she would attempt to clear their family’s name.
That was why she did not seek refuge in the medical space—she wanted to see how things would unfold.
But never did she expect that the first person she’d see after the blindfold was removed would be Yu Zhengqing!
“Lady Ye, no need to be so agitated. You already understand why you’re here.”
His words only made her expression darken further.
A cold, mocking glint flashed in her eyes.
“The esteemed Lord Anrong… Even if there was animosity between us, you didn’t need to resort to abduction.”
“You wouldn’t have come if I invited you, would you?”
Hearing his response, Ye Jiamei lost all patience.
“Enough with the nonsense. Get me some food and hot water—I need a bath and some rest before I treat anyone.”
“There’s no time. If we delay any longer, he won’t last.”
That nearly made Ye Jiamei laugh out loud.
“Fine, fine. Then at least give me something to eat—I’m exhausted. If I collapse, how am I supposed to help?”
“Food has been prepared. Follow me.”
When she saw the plain white porridge and two mediocre side dishes, Ye Jiamei had no complaints.
After days of surviving on cold water and stale biscuits, even plain porridge felt like a feast.
She ate hungrily, occasionally glancing at Yu Zhengqing, who had now changed into casual clothing.
Between bites, she suddenly smirked.
“Lord Anrong, you’re quite ambitious. Sneaking back into the capital like this… Do you really believe that if I cure this person, the Emperor will grant amnesty to our family?”
Yu Zhengqing’s expression stiffened slightly.
He wasn’t sure.
This was a gamble.
The Second Prince had promised that if he saved the Emperor, he would seek a pardon for their family.
But right now, the only person Yu Zhengqing could rely on was the Second Prince.
His former allies had all distanced themselves when the Yu family fell from grace.
During his risky return to the capital, he had sought out a few old connections, but their attitudes were cold.
Just the fact that they hadn’t turned him in was already a blessing—let alone helping him.
“What’s that supposed to mean? You’re not sure?!”
Seeing his silence, Ye Jiamei sneered.
“So I suffered all this for nothing?”
“If we succeed, there’s a chance for redemption. If we fail, we will never return.”
Sensing her growing anger, Yu Zhengqing let out a deep sigh, his voice filled with helplessness.
“Ha! If the chances are so uncertain, why don’t I poison him instead? That way, you’ll at least have leverage.”
