V2C52

Parsed with an automated reader. The content accuracy is not guranteed.

Translator: Anne

Editor: Miqich

Proofreader: Ani and Sal

The only person who had the recipe for the antidote was Great Imperial Concubine Feng Qing. Qiao Chu had asked Meiren to go back to the Northern Lands to steal the antidote. With Meiren’s skills, obtaining the antidote wouldn’t have been an issue. However, Meiren said that she would instead use her skills to suppress the poison from her body and would only return to the Northern Lands after ensuring Qiao Chu had successfully joined the competition.

Staring at the woman before her, Qiao Chu realised Meiren would have never gone back to the North. She didn’t dare to touch Meiren, afraid she’d die in her arms, just like a man once did.

“Master, you should hurry up and go, I’ll catch up with you after I’ve rested.”

Meiren gazed at her earnestly as she struggled to get out of Si Da’s embrace, “What are you still doing here? Stop that dumbfounded staring and go with Master… go.”

Si Da choked back her sobs and looked at Qiao Chu, who had shut her eyes firmly, getting back on her feet, “Si Da, stay here with her, I’ll continue with the competition.”

Si Da stared dazedly, unable to comprehend what Qiao Chu had said. After a long while, she whispered under her breath, “Ok.”

However, she noticed Meiren staring at Qiao Chu’s back as if she was in a trance. Si Da tightly clasped both of her hands. She bit her lip, “Meiren, Master… she…”

“She’s not at fault! If you… if you dare resent her, I won’t show you any mercy once I’ve become a ghost. I don’t have a lot of time left. What’s the point of her remaining here? Prince Rui’s residence is where she needs to go. I cannot protect her anymore, so from now on, you must take my place… take my place and protect her for me.”

The all-too familiar face in front of her had been stained with blood. This girl excelled in martial arts, was very ambitious and proud of her accomplishments, and yet she was about to die in such a lamentable state. Si Da wanted to say something—anything that would comfort her, but she couldn’t utter a single word. She could only feel the strength of Meiren’s grip gradually diminish. The only thing that appeared the same was her usual ice-cold voice. But even that voice was weak and small.

Finally, the hand that had been grasping Si Da’s lost its strength and fell to the ground.

Si Da felt an immense amount of grief wash over her, but Meiren’s body was suddenly lifted out of her arms and she froze, looking at the woman dressed in purple, “Master!”

Qiao Chu didn’t answer her. She held Meiren tightly in her arms and whispered softly, “Meiren, don’t close your eyes yet. There will surely be a doctor in the Prince’s residence. You just need to bear it for a little longer, I’ll take you there now.”

Si Da shook her head and sobbed silently, “Master, you know this isn’t something a doctor can cure, otherwise we would’ve looked for a doctor a long time ago.”

Qiao Chu did not seem to hear her and tried to pick Meiren up. However, her internal organs had sustained injuries and she had been forcing herself to get through the competition. How could she possibly have the strength to pick Meiren up?

Looking at the girl curled up in Qiao Chu’s arms, Si Da couldn’t contain it any longer. She wailed bitterly as she stood up, “Master, she’s dead. She’s already dead!”

Qiao Chu grit her teeth and forced herself to pick Meiren up. The weight strained her body and aggravated her injury, blood spurting out of her mouth.

Si Da was both saddened and alarmed. As she reached her hand out to help support Qiao Chu, Meiren’s feet suddenly touched the ground and she placed her hand behind Qiao Chu’s back. Meiren only a few moments ago, had stopped breathing.

Qiao Chu’s apricot eyes were filled with tears as she looked at the young girl who was quivering whilst still supporting her with her hand.

“Master, I won’t die. I’ll wait for you to come back. Quick, go to Prince Rui’s residence before it’s too late.”

The weak, hoarse voice that came out of her bloodstained mouth was so quiet that it was nearly unrecognisable.

Qiao Chu didn’t pay her any mind. She looked at Si Da and ordered in a deep voice, “Help me carry her, we’ll bring her over and I’ll beg the Dongling Emperor to save her.”

Si Da didn’t dare to wait any longer and put Meiren’s arm over her neck. Suddenly, a pair of calf-high black satin boots unexpectedly came into view. A light voice as faint as a tuft of cotton could be heard, “She’s just a mere servant, is she really worth it?”