Chapter 34: Even the Maiden Family Has Been Dragged Into This

Seeing Li Zhizhu flush red and cover her chest with her arms, Yang Zhan understood.

Subconsciously, he blurted out, "Is something wrong? Let me see!"

Li Zhizhu hung her head so low it nearly touched her chest.

Yang Zhan gave a dry laugh. "That... I didn't mean it that way."

Li Zhizhu, face burning, bit her red lip. After a moment, she stepped forward. "General, please hold still. If you keep moving around like this, it’s difficult for me to channel my energy to force out the poison."

"Yes, yes, don't worry, I won't move again!" Yang Zhan said, his expression solemn and earnest.

With the previous experience, Yang Zhan forced himself to endure the pain. A white glow emanated from Li Zhizhu's hands. Soon, a warm, gentle aura permeated his skin and flesh. Yang Zhan could feel this power working to repel the toxic venom. However, fine beads of sweat quickly broke out on Li Zhizhu's forehead and the tip of her nose.

Yang Zhan looked down and noticed that her small hands had not moved downward even an inch. This indicated that the healing techniques of the Heavenly Physician Sect had limited effect. Finally, Li Zhizhu grew breathless, as if she had just engaged in strenuous exercise; her face, neck, and ears were flushed deep red. Yet, her pretty face was filled with self-reproach. "It’s no use. This poison is too overbearing; I cannot force it out."

Yang Zhan hadn't held much hope to begin with, so he didn't feel much disappointment. "Thank you regardless. That’s enough; you should head back."

"I'm sorry... I, I, I think my cultivation is just too weak."

"Don't blame yourself. This 'Tu' poison is a legendary toxin, after all."

"My master could do it. I’ve heard her speak of it. By the looks of it, if it isn't resolved within three days, I'm afraid..."

Three days? Yang Zhan was speechless. In another day, if the toxins reached his internal organs, even a god would struggle to save him.

Yang Zhan sent Li Zhizhu away. The girl was deeply saddened and felt guilty for failing to help him. She looked back every few steps, wanting to say something but ultimately remaining silent. Yang Zhan knew she truly wanted to help, but her skills were simply insufficient.

After closing the door to the interrogation room, Yang Zhan sat cross-legged, gathering his blood energy to surge into his right arm. A while later, sweat streamed down his forehead, and a layer of mist rose from his body. He looked at the black blood being forced out of his right arm. While the color of his arm seemed slightly lighter, Yang Zhan could not bring himself to be happy. He realized he could only slow the process; he was utterly incapable of purging this tyrannical poison.

He continued to channel his energy to force out more poison, further lightening the skin of his right arm. However, by now, he had no more blood energy to draw upon. Having already fought several battles, this additional effort had completely exhausted him.

***

Outside, chaos reigned. Many members of the Imperial Guard rushed over, eager to follow Yang Zhan and seek justice for him. However, Sanzi and the others blocked them, driving them away.

"Brothers, our General appreciates your intentions, but these are extraordinary times. You must return at once. You all have wives, children, and families—do not get involved in this!" Sanzi’s voice was loud and clear, echoing across the plaza.

"Things have already reached this point. If General Yang won't take us in, we’ll surely be punished when we go back. We have nowhere left to go!"

Sanzi frowned. "Rest assured, the law does not punish the masses. You aren't acting alone; you are a collective, so there won't be any issues. Go back!"

Though he said this, Sanzi felt a pang of guilt. After all, they had mutinied for the sake of their General. Even if there was a justification, it was something the Imperial Court could not accept. Sanzi looked at Lao Liu. "Lao Liu, why don't you go ask the General?"

Lao Liu frowned. "The General has already given his orders."

"But look, they aren't leaving. See? They’ve set up camp right here in the plaza."

Lao Liu looked at Sanzi. "Do you still not understand? What kind of army is this?"

"The Imperial Guard, of course."

"And whose army is it?"

"Don't be ridiculous. It's the Emperor's private army, isn't it?"

"If the General were to take control of the Emperor's private army, even if it wasn't treason before, it would certainly make people believe he intends to commit treason."

Sanzi was stunned for a moment. "Then are we just supposed to let the Third Prince slaughter us?"

Lao Liu countered with a question: "Do you really think controlling this Northern Imperial Guard will accomplish anything?"

Sanzi frowned.

Lao Liu added, "You want to take an army loyal to the Emperor and have them turn their weapons against him? Do you think you're that important?"

Sanzi swallowed hard, wanting to speak but finding no words.

Lao Liu continued, "Just how many people are in this Northern Imperial Guard?"

Sanzi laughed bitterly. "They won't leave on their own! Besides, I’m talking about preparing in case the Third Prince calls for reinforcements."

Lao Liu’s eyes flickered. "Sanzi, you’ve been with the General for so long—can you really not see that the outcome of this battle won't be decided here?"

"If not here, then where?"

"In the imperial court. Why do you think the Crown Prince came here? Why have so many assassins appeared to attack our prison? I doubt these people are from the Fenglin Kingdom!"

Lao Liu’s words made Sanzi’s expression grow serious.

Lao Liu glanced at him. "If I’m not mistaken, this is an internal struggle among the royal family, but it has implicated the General."

"Why would an internal royal struggle implicate the General? Is the General considered part of the royal family? Oh, the General’s surname is also Yang... could it be..."

*Smack!*

Caught off guard, Sanzi was kicked across the room.

Lao Liu bowed his fists. "General!"

Sanzi rubbed his backside, feeling wronged. "General, why did you kick me again?"

"Learn from Lao Liu. Use your brain more."

Sanzi laughed dryly. "After hearing what Lao Liu said, it’s all too complicated. I think I’d better not use my brain."

Yang Zhan glared at Sanzi, then looked out at the Northern Imperial Guard stationed outside. The sky was beginning to brighten. Yang Zhan narrowed his eyes. "Day has broken. The Third Prince has not arrived; the outcome has already been decided!"

Hearing this, Sanzi and Lao Liu felt a surge of energy.

"We won?"

"We have laid the foundation for victory. The true outcome still depends on today, but not here."

"General, what else can we do? I think these Northern Imperial Guards could be reorganized to better defend against those who might raid the prison."

Just then, Yang Zhan saw a dozen riders galloping from the distance. "They’re here," Yang Zhan said.

Sanzi and Lao Liu turned to look. They saw a man in golden armor leading the group, exuding an imposing aura. He held an imperial decree in one hand and a military tally in the other. "All officers of the Northern Imperial Guard, come forward to receive the decree! I hold the authority to mobilize the troops!"

After a brief glance, Yang Zhan turned away and went to the private room where the Crown Prince and his family were staying. Seeing Yang Zhan, the Crown Prince grumbled, "Brother Yang, there are three of us; couldn't you give us an extra room?"

"It’s better for a family to be together."

"Lü Yang is no longer a member of my Crown Prince’s mansion, so don't misunderstand."

Yu Shu also spoke up, "That's right, Lü Yang is no longer part of my household!"

Yang Zhan was stunned for a moment. He looked at Lü Yang, who suddenly knelt on the ground, her eyes turning red. "Your Highness, Crown Princess, what did I do wrong?"

"You didn't do anything wrong. It's just that you are now Brother Yang's person, so from now on, my place will be your maiden home."

Lü Yang was dazed. "Maiden home?"

Even Yang Zhan was taken aback. "What are you all talking about? 'Maiden home'?"

"General, Lü Yang has been with you for so long now; she is definitely your person," Yu Shu said righteously. "Don't tell me you're looking down on her, or that she hasn't served you well?"

"No, that's not it, but why are you talking about a 'maiden home'?"

"Lü Yang grew up with me. Even though she follows you now, my home is her home. Is there a problem with that?"

No matter how he listened, it didn't sound like that was what they meant. Yang Zhan didn't want to dwell on it further. He looked at Yang Xing. "Your Highness, let's step out and have a talk!"

"Very well!" Yang Xing immediately stood up and walked out of the unlocked cell.