"If it weren't for your Qin Family, this country would have fallen long ago."
Na Muqi was genuinely frustrated. All the life-threatening tasks were given to him, as if they were afraid he might live too peacefully.
Qin Yuchuan: "Na Muqi, some things shouldn't be said."
"I'm an old man now. What do I have to fear? Is he afraid to let people speak of what he dares to do?"
Neither father nor son were good people. If he had known it would turn out like this, he should have encouraged Qin Xu to rebel. Perhaps that old bastard would still be alive and well now!
"Na Muqi, don't say such things in the future. He is the ruler, and I am his subject. This is how it should be for life."
Na Muqi sighed, "It seems your father has poisoned your mind."
In the western part of the city, where the common people of Shengjing lived, everyone was now on edge and extremely vigilant.
As Na Muqi and Qin Yuchuan walked around, they didn't see a single person.
Na Muqi took the initiative to knock on the door of one household. An elderly woman with tear-filled eyes opened the door.
"Madam, what's the matter?" he asked.
The old woman cried, "I don't know what sin our family has committed! My son was fine this morning, but after going out once, he came back unconscious."
"The doctor said there's nothing to be done. He's my only son, and he hasn't even had the chance to marry and have children. I don't want to live anymore!"
Na Muqi asked, "Madam, do you know where your son went today?"
The old woman shook her head, "If you have no other business, please leave! Our family is not in a state to receive visitors today!"
Na Muqi and Qin Yuchuan continued their inquiries along the way.
"General, after observing the surrounding area, I believe the most likely place for the poisoning is the Qingxi River," Na Muqi reported.
"From what I've seen, most of the poisoned victims live near the Qingxi River. The few households that weren't poisoned have their own wells. I suspect they put the poison in the water."
Qin Yuchuan suddenly remembered Qiu Tongfu. "Qiu Tongfu also died from poisoning. Is there any similarity between his poison and that of these people?"
"I'll go find the coroner to check right away," Na Muqi said.
Qin Yuchuan: "Find the coroner, but also invite all the doctors from the city's medical halls. Have them examine whether there's poison in the water and find an antidote as quickly as possible."
"Also invite the imperial physicians from the palace. Such a major incident in the capital requires their effort as well. Remember to seek the Emperor's permission first."
Na Muqi nodded, "I understand. I'll get on it right away."
Qin Yuchuan ordered soldiers to surround the Qingxi River and posted notices warning people not to draw water from there until it was confirmed to be safe.
Na Muqi acted swiftly, forcibly bringing all the doctors in Shengjing to treat the poisoned victims and research an antidote.
Seeing this situation, the surrounding citizens cooperated fully, as it was a matter of life and death. With soldiers on guard, they dared not act rashly.
In the secret passage of Changle Palace within the Tianqi Imperial Palace.
"How are things progressing?" Murong Yan asked.
The man in black: "Your Highness, everything has been arranged. Within two months, Shengjing will surely be in chaos."
Murong Yan seemed unsatisfied with this.
"Qin Yuchuan is truly capable. He's eliminated more than half of our people. Even Qiu Tongfu, who had been undercover in Shengjing for years, was discovered."
"Remember to tell the remaining people to stay hidden. This is our last group of operatives. We have no one else to deploy at the moment."
The man in black bowed his head, "I understand."
Murong Yan suddenly remembered something, "How are things in the southern frontier?"
"Everything is as usual," the man in black replied.
"I see. Xuanyuan Sheng has sent Qin Yuchuan to investigate the poisonings. This period is a good opportunity."
"Ye City is the largest city in Tianqi after Shengjing. That will be our next target."
The man in black: "I understand."
After the man in black left, Murong Yan touched her belly, revealing a bright smile.
With this child, Tianqi would eventually be hers.
A disregarded general, a ruler consumed by romance, and the rest were just small fry, not worth worrying about.
...
Feng Qingyi had noticed that Qin Yuchuan seemed extremely busy lately.
Although they still communicated daily, their conversations were brief and hurried.
She didn't even have the chance to ask him what was happening.
Considering that he might have important matters to deal with, she didn't want to disturb him.
The martial arts club's annual event was about to begin. Feng Qingyi and Shen Hanyue made a special trip to check out the club.
This was their first visit to the martial arts club since they had signed up.
Feng Qingyi watched the martial arts instructor and suddenly began to doubt the club's capabilities.
The instructor was merely teaching people to hit punching bags, with insufficient force and seemingly unprofessional techniques.
"I think I could be the martial arts instructor!" Shen Hanyue exclaimed.
Feng Qingyi thought to herself: Actually, I could too.
"Hanyue, let's give them the benefit of the doubt," she said aloud.
At that moment, Luo Qingyu walked towards the corner where the two were crouching. "Do you two want to sign up?"
Shen Hanyue asked, "Is this for the martial arts competition?"
"Yes, we need five men and five women. We've found enough men, but no women have signed up yet." Luo Qingyu was clearly desperate.
Shen Hanyue thought for a moment, "If we sign up, will we get beaten badly?"
Luo Qingyu: "Don't worry about that. It's not a formal competition, just light contact."
"If worse comes to worst, you can forfeit as soon as you get on stage. It wouldn't be the first time that's happened."
"That's so embarrassing. We should at least try to fight. Qingyi, are you going to sign up?" Shen Hanyue turned to Feng Qingyi.
Feng Qingyi took a registration form from Luo Qingyu. "I'll sign up. We came for the credits, so we might as well put in some effort."
Shen Hanyue agreed, "Alright then, I'll sign up too."
"Hanyue, if you don't want to, you don't have to. I'll be fine on my own. I've had some training."
Feng Qingyi was a bit worried that Shen Hanyue might get hurt. Although they said it would be light contact, what if someone got injured?
Shen Hanyue had already started filling out the registration form.
"I'll see how tough the opponent is. If they're too strong, I'll just forfeit right away."
Luo Qingyu assured them repeatedly: "Don't worry. Although it's called a martial arts competition, it's essentially just an inter-school exchange to get to know each other."
"It's been many years without any injuries occurring. I've also arranged for a school doctor. I'll notify you when the time comes."
"Alright, then Feng Qingyi and I will be going. See you next time," Shen Hanyue said, pulling Feng Qingyi along as they left.
"Yue Yue, are you sure you really want to participate?" Feng Qingyi was genuinely concerned.
Shen Hanyue patted Feng Qingyi's shoulder.
"Come on, don't worry. I've already filled out the registration form, so I'm definitely going. I've never watched a martial arts competition before, so this is a perfect opportunity."
"Besides, you've signed up too. As Luo Qingyu just said, worst case scenario, we can always forfeit."
"It might be a bit embarrassing, but what embarrassing thing haven't I done before? You really don't need to worry."
