Yu Mingyue felt a sense of guilt towards Luo Lingyi, but more so, a pity for her as a fellow woman.
The Eldest Princess, Empress Wang, Sister Luo – what was their fault? They were merely sacrifices for their families.
"Sister Mingyue, I, Luo Lingyi, owe you a great debt. If there is ever a chance, I will repay you tenfold."
Yu Mingyue was like a light in her darkness, a piece of driftwood when she was on the verge of drowning.
At this moment, only she was willing to help her.
"Sister, it is too early to say such things. If you truly wish to thank me, then live well. Live well for the Eldest Princess, and for all innocent women. I will be back soon. Sister, you must wait for me." Yu Mingyue smiled, her appearance that of a child, yet she exuded an extraordinary trustworthiness.
Yu Mingyue gave Su Mu a few instructions and hurried away. Finding the carriage too slow, she directly took a horse, whipped it, and galloped off.
Yu Mingyue suddenly thought of Xie Jia'yan. The last time she went to Lijing Gate to save Li Fu, Li Fu's injuries were healed by Xie Jia'yan. It was then she realized he was not only knowledgeable but also skilled in medicine.
Darkness had completely fallen, and there were few pedestrians on the road. Yu Mingyue dared not stop for a moment, fearing she would be late.
"Brother Jia'yan, hurry and come with me." Yu Mingyue ran, panting, a sheen of sweat on her forehead.
"What has happened?" Xie Jia'yan's expression was serious.
"Sister Lingyi is dying. Hurry and save her."
The sweat beads on Yu Mingyue's forehead glistened under the lamplight, making her look even more playful and spirited. Xie Jia'yan instinctively reached for his handkerchief, but then felt it was inappropriate. He handed it to her instead: "Wipe your sweat first."
"Su Mu said Sister Lingyi was poisoned, and with a poison she had never seen before. Sister Lingyi just vomited black blood and cannot hold on much longer."
Xie Jia'yan nodded: "Don't worry. I will prepare some things and go with you immediately."
If even Su Mu had no solution, ordinary antidotes would likely be useless.
When Xie Jia'yan rushed to Luo Lingyi's side with Yu Mingyue, Luo Lingyi had just vomited blood. Her face was as pale as paper, her breathing shallow, and she was on the verge of death.
"Brother Jia'yan?" Even Yu Mingyue was unsure if she could be saved.
Xie Jia'yan took her pulse and examined Luo Lingyi's eyelids. It was indeed poisoning, and not ordinary poison.
In the martial world, it was also known by the resounding name "Drunk on the Breeze." Those poisoned by it initially felt drowsy, and later began to vomit blood. Luo Lingyi's symptoms had reached the late stage, the poison having entered her very bones.
Xie Jia'yan took a pill of Baihuadan, dissolved it in water, and had her take it first. This pill could protect her heart and veins, preventing the poison from spreading further. Otherwise, if the poison attacked her heart, even an immortal could not save her.
This poison, though seemingly as gentle as a breeze, was extremely potent. To save her life, a forceful method had to be used in conjunction.
Xie Jia'yan's acupuncture technique was different from Su Mu's. Yu Mingyue watched in awe. Could this be the legendary three life-saving needles of Master Hua, which were now lost?
Heavens, such a master was by her side, and she hadn't noticed.
"Is Sister Lingyi alright now?" Yu Mingyue asked after Xie Jia'yan finished his acupuncture.
Xie Jia'yan withdrew his needles and said, "Her life is not in danger for now! But to completely detoxify her will take at least a year."
"A year?" Noble Consort Yao was truly ruthless to administer such a vicious poison to Sister Lingyi.
At that time, it would be convenient to attribute Sister Lingyi's death to excessive grief for her mother.
Xie Jia'yan nodded: "Don't worry. I have already given her the pill, and the poison will not spread. With daily medicinal baths, the remaining toxins can be removed."
However, the medicinal baths would cause unbearable itching, as if countless small insects were crawling on her skin. Many people could not endure it and committed suicide.
Yet, Xie Jia'yan did not tell Yu Mingyue these details, not wanting her to worry too much.