Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The investigation into Xu Qingqing’s second poisoning was concluded.

This time, it was a eunuch who claimed that I was holding his relatives hostage, forcing him to follow my orders to murder Xu Qingqing.

My Imperial Father and Mother were once again furious.

However, the expressions on Song Tingye and Jiang Yi’s faces were very strange.

Song Jingxi’s mouth hung open as if he wanted to say something, but he was silenced by a sharp look from Song Tingye.

The eunuch was interrogated in secret by Song Tingye.

This time, he obtained a completely different confession.

As he stared at the name of the instigator-Xu Qingqing-he lashed out with a whip in a fit of rage.

“Impossible! This is absolutely impossible! If you dare lie to me, I will have your entire clan executed right now!”

The eunuch’s eyes widened, and a rattling sound came from his throat as he let out a bizarre laugh.

“Princess Zhaohui is in the Cold Palace, barely able to save herself. What power does she have to command a servant like me? Is Your Highness afraid to believe it? Hahahaha! But this is the truth! I will prove that this is the truth!”

He bit off his own tongue, letting it block his throat, and choked to death on the spot.

Song Tingye’s hands were trembling as he left the Shenxing Department, and he immediately vomited.

Song Jingxi looked indignant.

“Imperial Brother, I don’t believe it. This must be a trap left behind by Song Zhaohua. Sister Qingqing is innocent.”

Song Tingye’s face remained dark, and he said nothing.

He turned and left the palace. For many days after that, he remained busy and never went to see Xu Qingqing again.

Meanwhile, the date for Xu Qingqing and Jiang Yi’s wedding was set.

To ensure the wedding happened as soon as possible, Xu Qingqing’s health miraculously improved.

I heard her complaining to the System: “Can you improve the System’s fake blood? It has a plastic taste-it’s disgusting. And that poison and antidote were way too hard to swallow.”

“Understood, Host. I will submit the request. What flavor would you like?”

“Floral would be best. I’ll naturally carry a floral scent, so even the blood I spit out will smell lovely. Wouldn’t that be beautiful?”

“Beautiful. You are the best Host I have ever guided.”

The person and the System giggled together, incredibly happy.

I couldn’t watch any longer.

I floated out of the palace and unexpectedly saw Jiang Yi standing quietly by the Tongzi River. The willow tree we had planted together years ago was now deep-rooted and lush with leaves.

Willow trees symbolize parting.

With this ‘parting,’ he had certainly sent me away for good.

How unlucky. I turned and floated away.

The wind carried his mutterings to my ears.

“Song Zhaohua, don’t meet me again in your next life.”

Even unluckier.

Not long after, the day of Jiang Yi and Xu Qingqing’s grand wedding arrived.

That day, Xu Qingqing was stunning.

The System had activated a halo for her; everyone who looked at her was involuntarily drawn to her.

Jiang Yi was no exception; he stared at her without blinking.

It seemed her halo extended to him as well.

When the two entered the bridal chamber and drank the nuptial wine, Xu Qingqing’s expression suddenly changed.

A trace of blood leaked from the corner of her mouth, and a strong floral fragrance emanated from her body. She slumped into Jiang Yi’s arms with exquisite grace.

“The wine is poisoned… there’s poison in the wine…”

Panic erupted.

Xu Qingqing’s eyes were filled with tears.

“Husband… I can finally call you husband… I don’t want to die. I want to stay by your side forever… Husband…”

Tears rolled from the corners of her eyes as she slowly closed them, her breath fading away.

“No!”

Jiang Yi let out a terrified roar, his heart-wrenching cry echoing over the Duke’s Mansion.

Xu Qingqing transformed into her soul state, leisurely admiring Jiang Yi’s agonized expression.

“What a shame! It’s a pity I didn’t get to sleep with such a handsome man. But then again, what you can’t have is always the best. If I actually let him have me, he probably wouldn’t pine for me for the rest of his life. I have to make a few sacrifices to achieve glory.”

“System, System, have the Affection Points reached the target?”

The System said proudly, “They’re rising. Almost there. Wait a little longer.”

Xu Qingqing’s lips curled slightly. “I’ll give him one last ‘blame-shifting’ gift set.”