Lu Hao appeared calm on the surface, but his heart was pounding. After all, he didn't want the Regent to discover his true identity. However, he couldn't lie in front of the Divine Doctor and the Night King.
Yun Shu watched Lu Hao, curious to see how he would weave his story. If he did well, perhaps she'd receive an extra reward. Zhan Tianye, with his sharp eyes, noticed a fleeting smile on Yun Shu's lips, a smile that struck him as odd. In contrast, Yun Changfeng seemed somewhat tense. This was the normal reaction. Unless Yun Shu was exceptionally confident in her medical skills.
"There's no need to worry, just speak truthfully," Zhan Ming said in a deep voice, assuming Lu Hao was intimidated by Zhan Tianye and the others. He was determined to deliver a heavy blow to Zhan Tianye and Yun Changfeng that day.
Lu Hao's expression grew serious. "Looking at their pulses, all of them have some underlying health issues, to varying degrees."
Zhan Ming's eyes lit up. "Issues? Oh?"
"Is it that after being poisoned, their bodies became very weak?" Yun Dezhi quickly asked. *So the Divine Doctor is indeed remarkable! Even after the poison was removed, he could tell!*
Zhan Tianye narrowed his dark eyes, giving Lu Hao a threatening look. Lu Hao noticed, his eyelashes fluttering. Glancing at Yun Shu smiling, he felt a shiver run down his spine. He took a deep breath. "Perhaps, perhaps not. But from the pulse alone, I can only discern a certain weakness." *This statement seems to have no flaws, right?*
Zhan Ming's face suddenly darkened. "Even you couldn't determine if it was due to poisoning?"
Lu Hao slowly shook his head. "Yes."
A weight lifted from Yun Changfeng's heart. He looked at Yun Shu with immense pride. *My Shu'er's medical skills are incredible! This renowned Divine Doctor's skills might not even be as good as Shu'er's!* He stood even straighter.
"How is that possible?!" Yun Dezhi cried out in disbelief. *I clearly administered the poison! That poison would have no problems!* He looked at Zhan Ming anxiously.
Zhan Ming's face was already as black as ink. He remained silent, his anger palpable. He shot a furious glare at Yun Dezhi, *Useless! If not for Yue Yin's sake, I could kick you to death right now!*
"Nothing is impossible," Yun Shu said with a smile.
Zhan Ming suddenly turned his gaze to Yun Shu. From beginning to end, she had been remarkably calm, showing no trace of panic. Her composure was truly beyond his expectations!
"Since this is all a misunderstanding, I shall take my leave. However, the soldiers in the camp are weak. General Yun, you must not be careless. If you lack food and meat, submit a memorial to the court during the morning audience." Zhan Ming didn't want to stay, feeling he had lost face in front of Zhan Tianye. He uttered a few perfunctory words and attempted to leave.
However, the moment he took a step forward, Yun Dezhi, who was also trying to slip away, was stopped by a cold shout. "Stop!"
"This matter is not simple. Does Sixth Uncle think a single sentence can resolve it?" Zhan Tianye said coldly.
Yun Changfeng's gaze, sharp as a knife, fell on Yun Dezhi. "Someone did indeed administer poison yesterday. Fortunately, it was discovered by the army doctor, preventing a major disaster."
"Since poison was administered, General Yun should investigate thoroughly. Once evidence is found, I will support you." Zhan Ming said with a fake smile, still in a dismissive tone. He then turned to Zhan Tianye and added, "Night King, you've really lost your charm since childhood. Why be so stubborn about some things? Don't forget, I am your Sixth Uncle."
Yun Shu almost burst into laughter. *Cute? That word has nothing to do with Zhan Tianye. It sounds like an insult.* As expected, Zhan Tianye's aura grew considerably colder. "I suspect this matter involves Sixth Uncle."
Zhan Ming's smile vanished. "What nonsense are you spouting!"
"Someone in the army saw Yun Dezhi moving around several water vats. Yun Dezhi poisoned them in an attempt to harm the soldiers," Yun Changfeng stated, a hint of helplessness in his voice. The thought of Yun Dezhi poisoning soldiers, and wanting to harm him, made Yun Changfeng's heart ache.
Yun Dezhi's face turned ashen, his legs trembling. He angrily retorted, "I didn't poison anyone! How could I possibly poison soldiers! I would never harm soldiers! Yun Changfeng, I am your elder brother, and you are slandering me! Regent, believe me!"
Zhan Ming's lips tightened, his hands clenched. *Idiot!* He sneered at Yun Changfeng. "There are countless people in the army who had access to the water vats. Why are you so certain it was Yun Dezhi who poisoned them?"
"He hadn't visited the army for days, yet he suddenly came yesterday and lingered only at the water vats. Such obvious evidence, coupled with someone seeing him put something into the water. When asked what it was, he said it was ground ginseng powder to nourish the soldiers," Yun Changfeng explained.
"In the face of evidence, Sixth Uncle still intends to protect Yun Dezhi? Or perhaps Sixth Uncle instructed Yun Dezhi?" Zhan Tianye inquired.
Yun Shu glanced at Zhan Tianye. From that look, she could tell that Zhan Tianye desperately wanted to kill Zhan Ming. They had a grudge, and that was why Zhan Tianye was helping Yun Changfeng.
Yun Dezhi fell to his knees with a thud. "I did not poison anyone! I truly put ginseng powder in the water! Regent, how could I possibly harm soldiers? I once fought alongside them, defeating the enemy on the battlefield! I would never poison them!" *As long as I don't admit it, I didn't poison anyone! And I absolutely cannot admit it!*
Zhan Ming's usually charming face was devoid of any smile now, emanating a sinister aura. "It seems there has been a misunderstanding."
"There is no misunderstanding. Why not let the Divine Doctor examine the water vats for ginseng powder? There is still plenty of water left. I'm also curious, Uncle is so generous. With so many large water vats, to put ginseng powder in them. To have any medicinal effect from ground ginseng, a considerable amount is needed. Where did you buy it all? In the capital, people sell ginseng as it is; why would they grind so much into powder to sell?" Yun Shu said with a smile.
Lu Hao's eyelids twitched, and he took a step towards the water vats. This movement was noticed by Zhan Tianye. Zhan Tianye realized there was something suspicious between Yun Shu and Lu Hao! *The two of them... Could Yun Shu's medical skills have been learned from Lu Hao? Did they know each other long ago?* For some reason, a discomfort arose in his heart. He furrowed his brow.
Zhan Ming suddenly grabbed Lu Hao's hand, cast a cold glance at Yun Shu, and then at Yun Changfeng. "This matter does not require the Divine Doctor's intervention. It is merely a farce. We shall discuss it when we return to the capital." He then looked at Zhan Tianye. "I have matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave."
Lu Hao dared not move. Zhan Ming pulled, but Lu Hao didn't budge.
"Regent may leave, but Yun Dezhi must remain. This is a grave matter with conclusive evidence. I intend to question him thoroughly and then escort him back to the capital," Yun Changfeng declared.
"Insolent!" Zhan Ming thundered.