LoT Phoenix 1

Chapter 73: Poison in the Painting

Signs of Being Poisoned

Qing'er's fever and rash recedes quickly after taking the antidote. She's still a bit confused after waking up. She holds your hand right away after learning about what happened from someone else.

Qing'er: I know it's not you. Don't worry, I feel much better now.

Xiu Ying: Thank you for believing in me. Whether they want to hurt you, or frame me, it's unforgivable!

The imperial physician returns at this time with Shi Lian.

Imperial Physician: Your Highness, the desserts were not poisoned.

Qing'er: Does poison have to be taken orally though? Could it be that she came into contact with something that's toxic?

Imperial Physician: It looks to be an oral poison case, but it could be that something was caught on her lips and she swallowed it by accident.

Xiu Ying: Like makeup!

You immediately thought of makeup, but the makeup Qing'er used was not toxic. Thankfully Qing'er is safe after the whole incident. But you still feel heavy because the mystery is unsolved. You bump into Concubine Zhuang while on a walk next morning. You want to avoid contact, but Concubine Zhuang walks straight to you.

Concubine Zhuang: There is no sisterhood in the back palace. People who look close might end up backstabbing one another.

She obviously means that she thinks you are the culprit and wants to give you a hard time. You are annoyed but don't have the energy to fight with her.

Concubine Zhuang: Too bad for Princess Qing. She goes to see the new lady's great portrait and only ends up getting poisoned...

Concubine Zhuang just doesn't let up. She smiles but talks fiercely. Suddenly, you find some clues in her words. You turn around right away and go back, leaving Concubine Zhuang still ranting.

Shi Lian: [Chasing] My Lady! My Lady! Did you just remember something?

You say nothing, and run into the Phoenix Hall. You just happen to see Eunuch Yin taking the painting off your wall!

Xiu Ying: How dare you! What are you doing?

Eunuch Yin gets startled and kneels. Shi Lian runs up and grabs the painting and gives it to you. Eunuch Yin's appearance confirms your suspicion. You take a handkerchief and wrap it around your hand, then take the painting.

Xiu Ying: I'm afraid this painting might be poisoned. Go wash you hands a few times carefully.

You turn to look at the panicking Eunuch Yin as Shi Lian goes to wash her hands.

Eunuch Yin: My lady, it's a misunderstanding! Please! Someone snuck in to steal the painting, and he got scared and ran off when I came inside. I was too scared to go after him and don't want you getting mad at me either, so I tried to hang it back up, and then you came back...

Shi Lian: [Scolding] If you lied, I'll have your tongue!

Xiu Ying: I let you guard my door because you looked trustworthy. Didn't think you're also a scaredy cat. Now, try to remember, how did the person look like?

You tell Shi Lian to stay with Eunuch Yin as he tried to recall what happened while you take the painting to the imperial physician.

Imperial Physician: [Looking serious] My lady, the paint is toxic. It's exactly the type of poison in Princess Qing.

As you have guessed. But you are still furious after confirming it with the physician.

Xiu Ying: I knew the smell of the painting was a bit odd, so I went to wash my hands right after touching it. Then Qing'er came to see it, and had some dessert before she could wash her hands... That's why I thought the painting might be a bit fishy. Qing'er's visit was definitely not scheduled event. In other words the person wanted to harm me, not Qing'er.

Imperial Physician: Not just that. The amount of poison used is so high that just smelling it for a long time would be poisonous.

You feel blood rush away from your hands and legs. If you didn't avoid the smell and wash your hands quickly, it would have been disastrous.

Imperial Physician: This is great matter. It's best to report to His Majesty right away. What do you think?

Xiu Ying: His Majesty is busy with politics. It's best not to disturb him during this time.

Imperial Physician: Makes sense. Best not to alert the culprits either. Those who touched the painting were nobles, and it won't easy to handle them.

You agree with the physician. By appearing ignorant, you'll be ready to defend and retaliate