Chapter 3 — Bloody Moon Dew

He didn't say anything more, just ordered someone to bring the medicine to try. The effect, of course, was seen immediately. His condition quickly improved. That night, for the first time, he looked straight at me - the lowly servant.

“Raise your head.”

I obediently raised my head, revealing a face that inherited seven parts of my mother's appearance - elegant and worldly, pitifully weak. A ray of surprise flashed in the emperor's eyes, but very quickly, it turned into a profound and unfathomable meaning. I know — my bait, successfully made the biggest fish take the hook. My revenge plan has taken the crucial first step.

03

The Emperor began to develop an interest in me — but not a male or female interest, but a pure interest in a "tool". For several days in a row, he summoned me and asked me a lot about my medical history and background. I have long established a perfect identity without any flaws. As the daughter of a medicinal herb picker, from childhood she followed her parents to roam the mountains and forests in search of medicine, mastering herbal medicine and folk remedies. Later, my parents unfortunately slipped and fell down a cliff while picking medicine, I was orphaned, and was sold into the palace by dishonest relatives. Every word I replied, without a single flaw, every detail was so meticulous that it was difficult to refute. My appearance forever maintains the respect and reserve that a lowly palace maid should have. But in the depths of my eyes - I revealed a trace of unwillingness, like light sealed in the abyss. It was that kind of strange opposition that made the emperor even more determined in his intention to take advantage of me. He needs my "cure" to control the consequences of "eternity". But at the same time, he cannot let a palace maid of unknown origin like me get too close to the center of power. I used to think that he would make me a female official, or keep me by his side as a trusted maid. That way, we can easily execute our plan. Who would have thought that just a few days later, a holy edict came down, completely destroying all the plans in my heart. The emperor gave me, as a gift, to reward the seventh prince who was forgotten by everyone - Ta Vo Cuu. The beautiful name is: "Rich Joy." When the decree was transmitted, I was kneeling in the main hall. At that moment, my mind turned to stone. Seventh Prince Ta Vo Cuu, I've heard of it before. He was the most disgraced prince among the emperor's sons. His mother died early, his body was weak, he was sick all year round, and lived like an invisible person in a forbidden palace. The emperor imprisoned him in the most solitary place in the harem - a remote corner of the palace, without asking questions, leaving him to live or die. But now - suddenly giving me to him to "happy"? In the blink of an eye, I immediately understood the emperor's malicious intentions. This is a challenging move, one shot and two birds. The seventh prince's body was weak, something everyone in the palace knew about. If I can cure him, it will prove that my medical skills are truly superior, and he will feel secure in using me. And if the seventh prince dies, then I - the "happy" palace maid - is the best sinner to bear the blame. He can rightly execute me, suppressing public opinion, and eliminating someone who knows too many secrets. An absolutely evil move! I knelt on the ground, my whole body trembling slightly because of anger. I thought I was about to reach the center of power, but unexpectedly I was kicked into a dead corner. turns into a chess piece ready to be thrown away at any time. But very quickly, I regained my composure. I bowed my head in gratitude, my voice as peaceful as water, without any ripples.

“— Servant, obey.”

On the outside, I appeared frightened and extremely grateful. But deep inside, there was just a cold smile. Emperor, emperor... do you think that by pushing me into the cold palace you can make me give up and be tied down? You are wrong. That's the place - that's what we need. An identity far away from power, not attracting anyone's attention. A place where you can come into contact with medicine without being suspicious. A place where I can safely research how to send you to hell - unparalleled in the world, infinitely perfect. I was "escorted" by two eunuchs and brought to the seventh prince's residence - Tinh Tu Vien. This place is not like a palace, but more like a hospital. The yard was overgrown with weeds, the eaves were covered with spider webs, and the air was filled with a musty smell mixed with the smell of rotting medicinal herbs. An old eunuch with a withered face welcomed me and led me into the inner palace. In the gloomy hall, the smell of oriental medicine was so strong that it made it difficult to breathe. Ta Vo Cuu lay there on the bed, his face as white as paper, his lips dry and bloodless. He coughed continuously, each cough seemed to destroy his lungs. His eyes looked at me, clearly showing wariness, disgust, and fatigue to the core.

“The thing that my father gave me... I don't dare to accept it.” His voice was hoarse and cold, carrying a cold air that pushed people thousands of feet away.

I'm not like other palace maids, who kneel down and beg in fear. I walked to the edge of the bed, calmly knelt down, raised my head, facing his eyes.

“Your Highness, I just... want to live.”

My voice is very soft, but every word clearly resonates in his ears.

“You want to live. I want to live too. We — can cooperate.”

Ta Vo Cuu was stunned. He probably didn't expect that a palace maid who seemed weak and harmless could express her intentions so frankly. A flash of surprise flashed in his eyes, followed by a heavier guard than before.

"Cooperate? You are the chess piece sent by the emperor to supervise me, on what basis do you want to discuss cooperation with me?"

He laughed coldly.

“Only by me can your highness live on, moreover — live better than anyone else.”

I looked straight at him, my tone was firm.

“Your Highness's constant illness is not actually an incurable disease, but a disorder of the yin and yang in the body, and the blood vessels are in conflict.

The royal physician in the palace only dared to use warm tonic methods to prolong the fading breath, but did not dare to use tiger wolf medicine to cure the disease completely. Because… they cannot bear the responsibility.” I have prepared these words since I was on my way here. From the old eunuch's mouth, I inquired about the seventh prince's illness, and combined with my own unique constitution, I dared to make a guess. Ta Vo Cuu's pupils suddenly shrank sharply. He stared at me, as if he wanted to penetrate my entire being.

“Who exactly are you?”

“Someone who can save your highness.” I didn't answer his question directly, just continued, "Your Highness, are you willing to lie here and wait for death for the rest of your life?"

Are you willing to look at the people who killed your mother-in-law, and still want to make you disappear silently, still noble and enjoying the glory and wealth?" Word Me, like a sharp, precise blade stabbed straight into the softest and most painful place in his heart. His breathing became rapid, an unusual blush appeared on his pale face. He tightened his grip on the corner of the blanket, the blue veins on the back of his hand clearly standing out.