Emperor Jing ultimately held back from speaking too bluntly, he had to leave Zhao Ting with some hope, didn’t he? He instructed Shuangxi to escort them back properly and also rewarded them with a substantial amount of valuable medicinal herbs and jewelry. Content orıginally comes from 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝✶𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✶𝕟𝕖𝕥 The medicinal herbs were for Zhao Ting, to nourish him; it would certainly do him good. The jewelry was for Zhao Ting’s wife and daughter. This was probably the only thing he could do for Zhao Ting now. Zhao Ting lay half-dead in the soft sedan, and Eunuch Shuangxi also took a soft sedan, side by side with Zhao Ting. He glanced at Zhao Ting, then at Zhao Ting again, sighing. Their fate as eunuchs was tragic. But being a General, isn’t much better off. As men, they were incomplete. But at least they were alive. Life, ah, is just so unfathomable. Shuangxi securely returned Zhao Ting to the Zhao Mansion and also met with Madam Zhao and Meng Yao. With his glib tongue, he comforted them both a little. Madam Zhao shed some tears, and Meng Yao pressed her lips tightly, appearing somewhat sorrowful. Shuangxi felt he couldn’t stay any longer; if he did, he might end up crying too. "His Majesty instructed that General Zhao should recuperate well. If there is any need, just send someone to the palace; the guards at the palace gate have already been told by His Majesty." Shuangxi said, "General Zhao is a blessed person; surely he will have good fortune." Although the Imperial Physicians made things quite clear, what if a miracle happens? People always need to hold onto hope, don’t they? After returning to the palace, Shuangxi proactively told Emperor Jing that he had met General Zhao’s wife. "She seems quite dignified without the timid demeanor of a rural woman. Appearance is quite good, matching well with General Zhao. Looking at Madam Zhao’s demeanor, she seems quite satisfied." Shuangxi said, "She doesn’t look like the type with a sweet exterior and a deceitful heart." "The one Zhao Ting fancied shouldn’t be too bad. At the time, he had lost his memory, not his mind." Emperor Jing said. "Your Majesty, the Grand Princess seeks an audience." A young eunuch came to report. "Announce her." Emperor Jing rubbed his forehead, a trace of helplessness flashing between his brows. The Grand Princess entered the hall and saluted Emperor Jing, and Shuangxi, receiving a look from Emperor Jing, quickly helped the Grand Princess. "Sister, I’ve said that privately between us siblings, these cumbersome ceremonies aren’t necessary." Emperor Jing said, "Sister, coming to the palace today, is there a matter?" "Your Majesty, Zhao Ting has returned." The Grand Princess was straightforward. Emperor Jing nodded, "I know, Minister Zhao just came to report." "I don’t want to wait two years." The Grand Princess said, "World events are unpredictable; who knows what the situation will be in two years?" Emperor Jing was momentarily stunned, then forced a smile, "Sister, there are plenty of good men in the world..." "But I just have my eyes on Zhao Ting." The Grand Princess rarely showed a bit of a girlish attitude, "Brother, although I’ve been surrounded by people all these years, you know they’re just trifles, easily dismissed." "Sister, I won’t hide from you, Zhao Ting is now gravely injured; Physician Li and several physicians have seen him, and fear there’s not much time left." Emperor Jing said, "Knowing that, how could I bear to let Sister..." "Therefore, I must act quickly. Otherwise, if Zhao Ting dies, won’t I regret it for a lifetime?" The Grand Princess looked determined. Why was she acting so stubborn? "Zhao Ting says he already has a wife and children." Emperor Jing had to be honest, "Even as the Emperor, I can’t break up a family... Sister, don’t worry, I’ll definitely help you find someone better than Zhao Ting in every way." "Already has a wife and children?" The Grand Princess said with deep meaning. As expected, that Zhao Xiaohua was not coincidental. "Zhao Ting said it himself." Emperor Jing said. The Grand Princess’s face gradually turned sorrowful, "Why am I so unfortunate?" After she spoke, she began to weep quietly. Emperor Jing hurried to console her, but he was somewhat awkward in this area, the more he coaxed, the more the Grand Princess couldn’t stop crying. Emperor Jing almost softened towards her tears. Luckily, at the crucial moment, he held firm. A loyal minister like Zhao Ting, he couldn’t betray. For his sister, later, he could always send people to cheer her up regularly. Shuangxi seized the opportunity to say that a minister sought an audience, and Emperor Jing instructed the palace staff to take good care of her, almost fleeing. Emperor Jing already decided, once his sister left, he would show up again. After all, it wouldn’t be long until the palace closed the gates. Sister would surely leave before the gates closed. Zhao Dahe was painting, sketching based on the details described by Meng Yao. He drew one after another, then let those people identify them. After drawing a dozen or so, finally, those people assuredly said it was this person who sought them out. Zhao Dahe then drew a few more copies and distributed them to Zhao Ting’s trusted men. First, they needed to find this person. Zhao Dahe also took some sketches out, additionally giving a few to Yun Ying; finding this person, more people meant more strength. The search went relatively smoothly; Zhao Dahe’s friends from various walks of life were the first to provide useful information. However, Zhao Dahe didn’t act impulsively; this person was skilled in using poisonous insects, and he, a scholar without the strength to truss a chicken, didn’t want to get himself involved. Meng Yao wanted to meet this person, and Zhao Ting was uneasy, so he disguised himself as one of his trusted men and went with Meng Yao. His main body was now half-dead and couldn’t openly wander around. They found the person in a secluded tavern. She was about eight to nine points similar to the person in Zhao Dahe’s drawings. Meng Yao quietly ordered a pot of wine, observing the woman covertly. A half-silver mask covered from her left cheek up to her forehead. Her eyes were icy, and her entire presence warned others to stay away. The table she sat at had no one else around. "Can you confidently subdue her?" Meng Yao whispered to Zhao Ting. Zhao Ting shook his head, "This person’s aura is intense, and her skills aren’t lacking. If it were solely a contest of martial skills, I think it might be possible, but you said she’s adept with poisonous insects..." If she managed to use her poisonous insects, wouldn’t he become like a fish on a chopping board? Meng Yao sipped her wine, while in her mind communicating with the system, "Do you have anything that can defend against poisonous insects?" [Yes, though it’s somewhat expensive.] Meng Yao didn’t have any points left. However, the system kindly offered her credit. She only needed to pay some interest when repaying. Meng Yao calmly took out a pill, "Swallow this, and your body will emit a scent that poisonous insects detest. Unless the opponent uses a lifebound Gu against you, no other poisonous insects will have any effect." "But what if they do use a lifebound Gu?" "A lifebound Gu is very precious, it’s used by Gu masters to save their lives in emergencies." Meng Yao shot Zhao Ting a glance. Zhao Ting swallowed the pill. After the system spoke, Meng Yao immediately repeated it for Zhao Ting. Zhao Ting stood up, quietly moving towards that woman. When they were at their closest, Zhao Ting made his move, swift as lightning.