Nan Haitang was deeply shaken upon seeing this Aunt Yin.
It wasn’t because Aunt Yin was exceptionally beautiful, nor was it because she had an extraordinary presence, but because she was the confidante of Princess Liang, Rong Si!
Moreover, Li Qingmu had also t this Aunt Yin before.
Nan Haitang knew that this day would co sooner or later; he just didn’t expect it to happen so suddenly, so unexpectedly.
He looked at Aunt Yin for a long ti before gradually bowing in salute: "Greetings, Aunt!"
Aunt Yin looked at him, her smile slowly blossoming: "Good, you’re such a good child, knowing not to forget where you ca from. Ah, why bother saluting? Hurry and get up!"
After saying this, she quickly helped Nan Haitang up.
Nan Haitang said, "Aunt, have you co to see this ti for any specific instructions?"
As he spoke, Nan Haitang’s heart was trembling.
Because Aunt Yin had never sought him out all these years, he had even forgotten whom his master truly was, and thought he had always been loyally serving Dazhou, serving Emperor Zhou.
But in reality, that was not the case!
His true master was Princess Liang, Rong Si!
To clarify this point would require a very long story.
Years ago, Rong Si lost her mory and ca to Dazhou, where she beca Qi Yun’s most favored consort, Princess Consort Yun. Once, while traveling to Nanyuan Palace with Qi Yun, they passed by a tavern and happened to see Nan Haitang, who was beaten nearly to death.
That year, Nan Haitang was only eight years old, rely a small child.
Qi Yun had eyes only for Rong Si and didn’t care about such matters; naturally, he wouldn’t pay attention to soone who was almost dying, except Rong Si.
At that ti, Rong Si was pure and kind, so she requested Qi Yun to save him.
Out of gratitude for Rong Si’s life-saving grace, Nan Haitang earnestly requested the Emperor to keep him so he could serve Rong Si. Qi Yun, seeing his sincere affections, agreed and assigned him to Yulong Pavilion, under the tutelage of Yama.
Nan Haitang did not disappoint, performing excellently in Yulong Pavilion. Moreover, with Rong Si’s care, he gradually beca the third-in-command of Yulong Pavilion.
Thus, Nan Haitang appeared to be serving Qi Yun loyally, but in reality, he was devoted to Rong Si. Yet, because so much ti had passed, everyone had forgotten this.
Now, a true confidant of his allegiance had co to his door. What exactly... does she intend to do?
Nan Haitang was uneasy in his heart, but he couldn’t show any discomfort on his face.
Aunt Yin’s eyes were as sharp as a hawk’s; how could she not see that Nan Haitang’s heart had completely sided with Qi Yun?
However, he couldn’t ignore the debt he owed for his life!
Years ago, the Princess saved his life, and it’s about ti for him to repay that kindness.
Aunt Yin said indifferently: "Haitang, Aunt knows what you’re thinking, but don’t worry. You will find this task rather easy."
Nan Haitang remained silent for a long ti before saying, "I shall heed Aunt’s instructions!"
Aunt Yin nodded slightly, judging him to be sensible, and took a packet of powder from her bosom, handing it to him: "Put this in Li Qingmu’s drink and let him consu it."
"Aunt?"
Nan Haitang sharply raised his head, eyes filled with disbelief.
Especially while looking at that packet of powder, a sense of terror began to surge within him.
What was Aunt Yin intending to do?
"Why? Do you have concerns?"
"Aunt, please forgive my inability to carry out this order!"
Nan Haitang abruptly knelt down and kowtowed.
He truly couldn’t do it; this was a harmful deed. Moreover, Li Qingmu’s identity... His body stiffened slightly, and he raised his head again, eyes full of disbelief.
Aunt Yin’s face wore a faint smile, but there was no warmth in that smile.
"Are you foolish? How could the Princess intend to harm him? It’s just that Dazhou... is not where he should be staying, Haitang. Wouldn’t you say so?"
Nan Haitang looked at her blankly, then at the packet of powder.
"Haitang, Aunt could entirely have found soone else for this task. Do you know why I chose you?"
"I... I don’t know..."
Nan Haitang’s voice trembled as he spoke these words.
Aunt Yin: "It’s to give you the opportunity to repay the favor! Once this life-saving debt is repaid, in the future, the Princess will no longer concern herself with you, and you may serve whoever you wish. Wouldn’t that be good?"
Nan Haitang took a deep breath, with a hint of struggle in his eyes.
Aunt Yin said coldly: "Nan Haitang, please do not mistake the situation! Since this matter has been entrusted to you, if you don’t act, there will be no other path except death. Would you want your wife and children to lose their husband and father? The idea, after all, is rely to take him away!"
This statent was like the final straw that broke the cal’s back. Nan Haitang took a deep breath and kowtowed: "Yes... I... I understand!"
"Hurry up, or it’ll be too late!"
"Yes."
Aunt Yin departed, leaving Nan Haitang staring blankly at the packet of powder in his hand.
"I’m sorry, I’m sorry..."
He muttered to himself, then turned and went ahead.
Monts later, he carried a food box inside.
"Greetings, Lord Nan!"
"Sir, let help you carry it!"
"..."
Wherever Nan Haitang walked, there were layers of flattering voices, with everyone trying to curry favor with this third-in-command of Yulong Pavilion.
However, Nan Haitang remained expressionless as he entered the prison cell.
Due to Qi Yun’s special instructions, the condition of Li Qingmu’s prison cell was an oddity in the Ministry of Justice, with a clean bed, neat bedding, brand-new tables and chairs, and occasional little snacks; it truly seed like a heavenly life.
This left the people in nearby cells hiding in the corners, feeling this was less punitive confinent and more like enjoynt!
Nan Haitang arrived at the cell door, and naturally, soone eagerly opened the door for him.
Nan Haitang was responsible for delivering food to Li Qingmu, so no one dared to question him.
Li Qingmu was inside painting.
He hadn’t painted for a long ti, and today he was in a good mood. He asked soone for ink, paper, and brush, and began painting.
He painted a picture of his family of three: himself, Yue’er, and the little critter who was always making a racket.
Looking at the painting on the table, warmth flowed through Li Qingmu’s eyes.
For the past two months, he’d spent his ti resting and recovering at ho, and his health had improved a lot. It was just that last night’s incident with the deposed Crown Prince truly sickened him and his condition had a resurgence.
Fortunately, he adjusted his mindset promptly, painted to settle his mood.
"Creaaak—"
The cell door slowly opened, Nan Haitang entered with the food box, and Li Qingmu looked up and smiled: "Brother Nan, have you brought sothing to eat?"
Nan Haitang stared at his sunny smile, his heart trembling slightly.
He dared not et Li Qingmu’s gaze directly, but if he hesitated, the task would not be accomplished.
He tried his best to hide the guilt within his heart and stepped forward with a laugh: "Hm, seeing you so bored here, co, I’ll treat you to a drink!"
With that, he opened the food box, revealing three plates of delicious dishes and a jug of wine.
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