Chapter 278: Chapter 278: Signing the Life-and-Death Contract
After traveling for three or four consecutive days, they finally arrived in Zi’an.
"Master, we’ve also secured a residence here in Zi’an, right at the end of East Street," Mò Lei announced, leading his horse forward.
Jun Mo nodded, taking Su Li’s hand. "Lead the way."
The travel-worn group followed Mò Lei, arriving before a grand estate. Rows of weeping willows concealed it, yet its vermilion walls hinted at both opulence and grandeur.
"Young Master, Young Mistress, please enter."
At the large gate, a doorman bowed in greeting.
Stepping inside the estate, pavilions, towers, ponds, and waterside gazebos were arranged with elegant refinement.
"Master, your and Madam’s courtyard is in the back. This way, please." A servant led the way. Jun Mo and Su Li followed, with Mò Yun bringing up the rear, carrying their luggage.
Beyond the front hall, the rear courtyard’s rockeries, exotic stones, flowerbeds, and potted landscapes clearly showed meticulous care in their arrangement.
Finally, they reached a large courtyard with a serene and secluded environment.
"Master, we’ve arrived."
Mò Lei pushed open the room door. "Young Master, Young Mistress, please rest and settle in. Servants will bring hot water shortly."
Su Li nodded. "Thank you."
"Young Mistress, you are too kind. This is merely our duty."
Su Li looked at Mò Yun. "Just put the luggage down. You’ve also worked hard for several days; go and get some proper rest."
Mò Yun always maintained a frosty demeanor toward everyone, except Su Li. Faced with such a gentle person, no one could remain cold.
Mò Yun softly replied, "Mò Yun is not tired, Miss. Please rest. Mò Yun will take her leave."
Once only the two of them remained in the room, Su Li collapsed onto the bed.
"Finally, we’re here!"
For almost half a month, they had rushed ceaselessly, finally reaching their destination.
Jun Mo sat beside her, observing her tumble on the bed, a faint smile playing on his lips.
After rolling around for a while, Su Li sat up.
"Next, we need to consider how to approach the Xichen imperial family. The Violet Emperor rarely leaves the palace, so we won’t be able to approach him without revealing our identities. We’ll have to start with Princess Violet Moon and Lan Jun, who reside outside the palace."
"No rush," Jun Mo said calmly, "There will always be an opportunity."
Su Li frowned. "How can I not be in a rush? Your poison cannot be delayed, and who knows when it might flare up."
Jun Mo pulled her into his embrace, planting a kiss on her cheek, soothing her uneasy feelings.
"It won’t. Without a trigger, this cold affliction won’t act up."
Su Li said gravely, "We’re in dangerous Xichen. If we’re discovered, it will be very risky."
"It’s alright, Li’er. I will definitely protect myself. Let’s rest today, and tomorrow, I will personally go to investigate."
Su Li nodded. "Let’s go together. In Xichen, men are restricted in some places, making it harder to get information."
"Alright, we’ll go together."
Knock, knock, knock. A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
A maid’s voice came from outside. "Young Master, Young Mistress, the hot water has been prepared."
"You may leave it and go."
"Yes."
Once the maid had departed, Su Li nudged him. "Let’s wash up. Dinner will be served soon."
...
After a night of rest, Su Li and Jun Mo appeared on the streets early in the morning.
The two circled around, only hearing some scandalous stories about Princess Violet Moon. Besides that, it was news that the Violet Emperor’s fiftieth birthday was being prepared for a grand celebration.
They exchanged glances. This might be an opportunity.
"Let’s sit here and have a bowl of tea. Roadsides are the best places to gather information."
They sat down and ordered a bowl of tea.
"The Violet Emperor’s birthday is approaching. We can use this opportunity to blend in," Su Li said.
Jun Mo nodded. "Indeed, but how to blend in still requires some thought."
Just then, a surge of people pushed past them, all flowing in one direction.
"Quick, go look by the city gates! Princess Shaowen has put up another hefty reward! I wonder who will win this time."
"Hurry, hurry, it’s about to start!"
Su Li looked at the crowd in confusion, then turned to ask the tea stall owner, "Old man, what are they going to do?"
"You must be from another town, right? This is already the third time this month."
Su Li nodded. "Yes. Old man, could you tell me more?"
"There’s nothing to hide. Princess Shaowen’s only daughter fell ill with a strange disease half a month ago and is still unconscious. Even the Violet Emperor went to see his niece, but only knew she was poisoned, not what kind of poison. So Princess Shaowen posted a proclamation, offering a hefty reward. If you understand poison, you can go try; the reward money is substantial."
Su Li and Jun Mo exchanged a look.
This was truly a case of "when you need a pillow, one appears"!
Jun Mo placed some silver on the table and stood up. "Let’s go!"
Su Li told the tea stall owner, "Thank you, old man."
When they arrived at the city gate, they saw a platform already erected. A woman dressed in Xichen official robes stood on the stage, speaking loudly. The gist was that those skilled in poison arts could register, sign a life-and-death contract, and then participate in a poison duel. The victor would be allowed into the Princess’s Estate to treat Princess Shaowen’s daughter. Furthermore, everyone who participated in the poison duel would receive a generous reward.
"Li’er, let’s find another method," Jun Mo frowned upon hearing about the poison duel. The requirement to sign a life-and-death contract showed how perilous it was.
Su Li was unwilling to give up. "Ziyan, this is such a good opportunity. If we succeed, we can enter the Princess’s Estate."
Princess Shaowen was the Violet Emperor’s imperial sister. If she cured her daughter, then asking to enter the imperial palace to gain experience would be perfectly reasonable.
"But it’s too dangerous."
"Ziyan, trust me. Even if I can’t win, I can protect myself."
Seeing her persistence, Jun Mo relented. "Alright, winning or losing doesn’t matter, but you must be careful." He would also keep a close eye on her and intervene if anything went wrong.
Su Li nodded and walked over to write her name on the life-and-death contract.
The female official on the platform said, "Good. Now, each competitor will draw lots to determine their opponent and the order of competition."
Su Li stepped forward and drew a wooden slip. The slip was red. She looked around and found another competitor holding a red wooden slip. That person was very thin, somewhat short, with sunken cheeks and deep-set eyes. He was currently glowering at Su Li.
Jun Mo glanced at the opponent. "This person doesn’t look like a good person."
Although Su Li had a similar feeling, she still said, "You can’t judge a book by its cover."
"I’m always very accurate in judging people. Based on his appearance, he has some skill, but you need to watch out for dirty tricks."
Su Li chuckled. "When did you learn to read faces?"
Jun Mo saw that she didn’t believe him and shot her a look. "Li’er, don’t be careless."
Su Li stopped smiling and took his hand. "I’m not underestimating them, don’t worry. My master’s medical and poison arts are unparalleled in the world; few are his match. Master once said that I have already surpassed him. I will not lose."
This was an affirmation of her master’s medical and poison arts, and also her confidence.
Just then, the female official’s voice carried over. "Everyone has drawn their slips. Opponents are determined by color, and sequence by length. Register over there. The competition will begin today during the wei hour! If you miss the time, it will be considered an automatic forfeiture. Please remember the time, everyone."
Su Li held the red wooden slip in her hand and went to register.
"The wei hour. Then let’s have lunch first, and then come back."
Jun Mo took her hand, left the crowd, and walked towards the street.
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