TPGA - 32

Ji Rong smiled slightly, “Don’t worry, how could I let you be in danger?” As she spoke, she took out a small box from under the bed, opened it, and inside were various bottles and jars along with a few books. Chun Xiu had seen this box before. Whenever there was a headache or fever, Ji Rong would take medicine from it, which was quite effective. As for those books, they were medical texts passed down through the Ji family.

Ji Rong took out a small paper packet from it and handed it to Chun Xiu, saying, “This contains medicinal powder made from Datura flower pollen, which has the effect of inducing sleep. If ingested, it will cause one to sleep for at least a day and night before waking up. You hold it in your hand, and if you see Shen Yunyi, immediately sprinkle this powder on her face. The inhalation effect may be weaker, but it’s enough to make her limbs weak and unable to harm you. Then, you can immediately bring people to capture Shen Yunyi.”

Chun Xiu took the packet of medicine, worriedly asking, “Sister Ji Rong, will this... really work?”

“Of course it will, what’s wrong? Are you afraid I’ll harm you?” Facing Ji Rong’s words, Chun Xiu quickly shook her head, “Not at all, it’s just... just a bit worried. After all, the assassin is so vicious.”

“I understand. This matter should be done by me, but you argued with them so fiercely earlier. I’m afraid that before luring them out, you’ll start arguing again.” Seeing Chun Xiu remain silent, she continued, “However, if you’re really not reassured, then I’ll do it.” Saying this, she reached out to take back the paper packet. Chun Xiu gritted her teeth and pulled her hand back, “I’ll go. As Sister said, I don’t have the patience to deal with them.”

A trace of relief flashed in Ji Rong’s eyes, “Then it’s settled. Be extremely careful.”

They waited until evening. Ji Rong went alone to knock on the door of Mei Xue’s room. Jiang Caiping opened the door and saw it was her, pulling a long face and coldly asking, “What are you here for?”

Ji Rong smiled, “I think it’s time for dinner, so I came to call you to go to the kitchen together.”

Jiang Caiping looked at Ji Rong in surprise, then shook her head, “No need, we’ll get it ourselves.” Since entering the mansion, they had almost been sworn enemies. Now Ji Rong suddenly showed goodwill, which made her very uncomfortable.

Seeing her about to close the door, Ji Rong said, “What’s wrong, are you still angry about what happened at noon? Chun Xiu is like this, saying whatever comes to mind, but her heart isn’t bad. Don’t take it to heart.”

“Not bad?” Jiang Caiping sneered, “Have you forgotten how she became the lead dancer?”

At this moment, Mei Xue also came over. She hadn’t heard their conversation clearly in the room and asked puzzledly, “Caiping, what’s wrong?”

“Sister, don’t...” Before Jiang Caiping finished, Ji Rong had already pulled Mei Xue’s hand and said, “Mei Xue, I know Chun Xiu did some things excessively, but grudges should be resolved rather than prolonged. Rather than continuing to argue, it’s better for everyone to take a step back and stop endlessly quarreling. What do you think, Mei Xue?”

Mei Xue looked at her and said, “I never wanted to fight for anything. It’s Chun Xiu who insists on competing with me.”

“I understand. I’ve scolded Chun Xiu more than once. In fact, she realizes her mistakes but can’t bring herself to apologize.” With a sincere expression, she said, “Mei Xue, let’s forget about the past.”

Before Mei Xue could speak, Jiang Caiping sneered, “Last time, Chun Xiu also said to let it go, but what happened? She tricked Sister into drinking a whole bowl of ginseng soup and then accused her of stealing it. Now you say this, who knows if you’re planning to harm us again. Besides, you talk so nicely, why doesn’t Chun Xiu come herself?”

Ji Rong sighed, “In the end, you still refuse to believe. Well, I won’t force you. But for now, can we at least go together to get dinner?”

Jiang Caiping was about to say something more when Mei Xue said, “We need to get dinner anyway, so let’s go together.”

Seeing her speak, Jiang Caiping reluctantly nodded. After taking the food boxes, the three of them walked towards the kitchen together. When they were out of sight, Chun Xiu came out from her room and quietly sneaked into Mei Xue’s room, tightly holding the Datura powder given to her by Ji Rong.

According to Ji Rong’s plan, everything should have gone smoothly. By the time they returned with dinner, Chun Xiu would have already finished her task. However, they hadn’t walked far when Mei Xue stopped, her face looking somewhat pale.

Jiang Caiping asked concernedly, “Sister, what’s wrong?”

Mei Xue touched her shoulder and said, “I don’t know if it’s because I pulled the wound while wiping the table and chairs earlier, but it hurts a lot now.”

“I told you, I should have done these things myself. Although medicine was applied, how could it heal so quickly? You never listen.” Speaking thus, Jiang Caiping said, “Since this is the case, Sister, go back and rest. I’ll get the dinner.”

Hearing this, Ji Rong immediately became anxious and hurriedly said, “There are so many things, it might be difficult for one person to carry them all. Let’s go together. The kitchen isn’t far.”

Jiang Caiping dismissively said, “It’s just one food box, what’s so hard to carry? And aren’t you alone too?” Then she said to Mei Xue, “Sister, go back and rest. We’ll have dinner together later.”

Mei Xue smiled gently, “Alright, thank you for your hard work.”

Seeing Mei Xue walk back, Ji Rong became extremely anxious. She wanted to call her back but couldn’t think of a suitable reason, so she could only watch as Mei Xue walked further away, hoping that Chun Xiu had already finished on her end.

As for Chun Xiu, after closing the door, she began searching everywhere—under the bed, inside the cabinets—but found no trace of anyone. Strange, had they guessed wrong? Was Shen Yunyi not hiding here?

But Ji Rong clearly heard from the cook that Jiang Caiping had requested many things today. It was unreasonable for just two people to eat so much; there must be somewhere she hadn’t searched yet.

The room wasn’t large, and Chun Xiu carefully examined every inch. Finally, she discovered an inconspicuous cabinet in the corner. Yes, the assassin must be hiding there!

Chun Xiu tightly clutched the Datura powder and walked towards the cabinet, her heart pounding fiercely. If she caught the assassin here, no matter how much the second master protected them, Mei Xue would surely die, and she wouldn’t have to see this annoying person again. Moreover, capturing the assassin would be a great achievement, and the second lady and the eldest master would surely reward her.

Just as Chun Xiu was two steps away from the cabinet, Mei Xue suddenly walked in. Seeing Chun Xiu in the room, she was momentarily stunned and asked in surprise, “Why are you here?”

Chun Xiu was also startled and quickly hid the hand holding the Datura powder behind her back, awkwardly saying, “I... I came looking for you, but didn’t know you weren’t here.”