Yu Mingyue, worried, ordered a carriage to be prepared and went to visit herself.
Luo Lingyi, still in mourning for the Grand Princess, wore plain clothes, her dark hair dry and brittle like withered branches in late autumn.
In just a few dozen days, she had become so frail that she seemed as if a gust of wind could blow her away.
Seeing this, Yu Mingyue's eyes also reddened. She recalled the Luo Lingyi she first met, always by the Grand Princess's side, drawing envious glances from everyone.
Now, in less than two years, this was her state.
Although her marriage to the Seventh Prince was not orchestrated by the Yu family, she had secretly rejoiced at the time. If it weren't for Sister Lingyi's appearance, it would have been difficult for her to break off the engagement.
Su Mu took her pulse. It was a sign of a setting sun. The poison was indeed insidious, and she couldn't identify it.
Su Mu shook her head gently, deciding to administer acupuncture for now.
"Sixth Sister, can my sister really not be saved?" Luo Lingyuan cried.
"How can that be? Su Mu is not skilled in poisons. Once I find a physician adept at detoxification, I will surely be able to cure Sister's poison."
"Really?" Luo Lingyuan was willing to believe her words at this moment.
After a while, Luo Lingyi slowly regained consciousness.
As Luo Lingyi slowly opened her eyes, she saw her sister's red and swollen eyes, her arms clasped tightly around her.
Luo Lingyi held back her tears and said, "Yuan'er, don't cry."
"Sister, you're finally awake."
Luo Lingyi nodded. "Sister is awake. Don't be afraid. Go outside for a bit. Sister and Mingyue have a few words to say."
Although Luo Lingyuan was reluctant, she had always obeyed her sister and obediently went out.
Luo Lingyi reached out and grasped Yu Mingyue's hand tightly, as if using all her strength. Yu Mingyue didn't know how to comfort her and choked out, "Sister!"
"Mingyue, I know I probably won't survive this time. My only wish now is for you to leave the capital safely." Luo Lingyi's face was pale, and tears welled up in her eyes.
"Sister, please don't say that," Yu Mingyue comforted her.
Luo Lingyi shook her head. "Consort Yao will not let me live. With the Sage currently unconscious, she will act even more recklessly."
The Sage might remember their mother's affection, but Consort Yao would not.
"Sister, don't overthink it. I've come today to tell you that Empress Wang is not dead. She is returning to the palace. She is your maternal aunt, and she will surely protect you."
Luo Lingyi gasped for breath after a few words and shook her head. "It's too late, sister. In this vast capital, you are the only one I can trust. Sister begs you."
"Alright, I promise. I will be heading to my maternal grandfather's home in Qinghe in a few days. I will take Sister Lingyuan with me then. As long as the Cui family and the Duke's mansion exist, I will ensure Sister Lingyuan's safety." Yu Mingyue said.
Luo Lingyi nodded tearfully and pointed to a hidden compartment by the bedside, signaling Yu Mingyue to press it.
Yu Mingyue did as she was told. The hidden compartment slowly opened, revealing a box. Yu Mingyue took it out and placed it in front of Luo Lingyi.
Luo Lingyi opened the box and took out something that looked like a map. "We don't need this anymore. I'm giving it to Mingyue today. Perhaps it will be useful to you one day."
"What is this?"
Luo Lingyi gave a bitter smile. "A treasure map. This is what the Sage wants most. I had intended to find an opportunity to give it to Xiao Che after our marriage, but I didn't expect... I won't be able to."
Luo Lingyi coughed up a mouthful of black blood, staining the brocade quilt, and nearly fainted again.
"Sister," Yu Mingyue's tears also flowed. "Sister, I can't take it. Please leave it for Sister Yuan."
"She has no family protection now. This thing... it's a death sentence. If you keep it, Sister, you can earn military merit for the Duke's mansion. If the Duke's mansion is well, then Yuan'er will be well..." Luo Lingyi's tears streamed down.
Her mother had instructed her to protect her sister, but she couldn't even protect herself. It was fine, it was fine. For the past year or so, she had lived every day in fear, and it was truly exhausting.
"Sister, please don't be like this. I can save you, I can definitely save you. Please keep this map yourself..." Yu Mingyue, disregarding Luo Lingyi's objections, put the treasure map away and returned it to the hidden compartment.