Even those with special constitutions, like the legendary Innate Absorbent Body, faced severe limitations; they couldn't use it for a longer period without risking spiritual corruption or physical deterioration. The Mei Dao Shu remained a weapon for the truly exceptional, a perilous path only the rarest few could walk.
Suddenly, with a convulsive shudder, Ming Huan's eyes snapped open, amethyst blazing with newfound clarity. The ghoulish, crimson-eyed apparition of himself recoiled, shrieking silently before dissolving like smoke. He had won; he had finally overcome his malicious self.
Regaining consciousness quickly, and before Dai Yu could collapse fully from the strain, Ming Huan swiftly swatted the flute from his weakened grasp. He didn't hesitate, bringing the instrument to his own lips and immediately playing a series of notes from the Mei Dao Shu—not for attack, but for cleansing. A gentle, purifying melody, far different from the volatile tunes, began to ripple through the chamber, nullifying the oppressive, malicious energy that had accumulated.
As the air cleared, Ming Huan shifted, adopting a steady, grounded posture. Without a moment's delay, he began to cultivate the Revitalization of the Pure Spring Technique. This was a profound spiritual cleansing technique, renowned for its ability to thoroughly cleanse and nullify evil energy, restoring balance and purity to one's essence and surroundings.
Ming Huan channeled the Revitalization of the Pure Spring Technique with potent focus, its purifying essence sweeping through his own spiritual channels. He managed to cleanse ninety-nine percent of the malicious aura that had threatened to consume him, the pervasive darkness dissipating under his will. The remaining one percent, however, proved incredibly persistent, clinging stubbornly to the deepest recesses of his being. Unable to completely expunge it, he skillfully sealed this stubborn remnant, rendering it dormant within him.
His own spiritual crisis managed, Ming Huan turned his full attention to Dai Yu. Gently, yet firmly, he positioned Dai Yu's weakened body into a proper cultivation posture, ensuring his meridians were aligned for optimal absorption. With a renewed surge of energy, Ming Huan extended his hands, drawing upon the same purifying technique, and began to absorb the remnant dark energy that had infiltrated Dai Yu's system from wielding the cursed Mei Dao Shu. The malevolent wisps, now detached from their original source, flowed from Dai Yu into Ming Huan, where they were instantly neutralized by the dormant cleansing technique within him.
A soft sigh escaped Ming Huan's lips as the last vestiges of dark energy left Dai Yu's form. He finally relaxed, the tension in his shoulders easing as the immediate danger passed. Carefully, he gathered the still-unconscious Dai Yu into his arms and placed him gently on his bed. From a hidden pouch, Ming Huan retrieved a small jade bottle and fed Dai Yu two rejuvenation pills, their potent essence designed to mend strained meridians and restore depleted spiritual energy.
Ming Han walked alongside Wei Dan as they arrived at the elegant Plum Blossom Residence. The guards at the gate, recognizing the duo, immediately bowed respectfully and parted, allowing them passage to the main entrance. Jian Chen, who seemed to have been awaiting their arrival, stood by the chamber doors. He clasped his hands in a formal greeting and offered a brief, acknowledging nod, his gaze sweeping over them. With a silent gesture, he opened the doors wide, ushering them into the inner chamber .
They stepped into a lavishly appointed room, its air thick with the sweet scent of blooming plum blossoms. Their eyes were drawn almost immediately to the center of the chamber, where a young man sat in an almost indolent pose. In his left hand, he held a delicate cup of plum wine, swirling the deep crimson liquid with languid grace. On his right leg, a strikingly beautiful woman was perched, her head thrown back in soft laughter as she openly flirted with him, her fingers tracing patterns on his arm.
The young man, evidently Ming Chen, offered the beautiful woman a soft, indulgent smile, a fleeting warmth in his eyes before he shifted his attention.
"Greetings to second brother, Chen," Ming Han said, his voice calm and steady, as he and Wei Dan clasped their hands in formal greeting.
Ming Chen slowly turned his head, his gaze sweeping over them with a languid, almost dismissive air. A smile, impeccably polite yet utterly devoid of genuine warmth, touched his lips. "Third brother Han," he purred, his voice smooth as plum wine, "what a lovely surprise, welcome." He gestured vaguely to the room, but the smile never quite reached his eyes.
Ming Han moved, taking a seat on an ornate seat adjacent to Ming Chen. Wei Dan, positioned himself silently behind Ming Han.
Ming Chen subtly gestured to his companion. Understanding the unspoken command, the beautiful woman gracefully excused herself, offering a final, lingering glance at Ming Chen before departing. Ming Chen then turned his gaze, to Wei Dan. Wei Dan met his look with a brief, respectful nod, acknowledging his highness's unspoken dismissal, and then bowed subtly before exiting the chamber, leaving the two brothers alone.
"What is it?" Ming Chen asked, his previous languidness replaced by an immediate, almost predatory focus.
Ming Han met his gaze directly. "First brother found out about the mole, unfortunately. And he doesn't know we..."
Ming Chen's eyes narrowed, a cold glint appearing within them.
"I placed him in their midst," Ming Han corrected, "I made sure to leave no trace behind to suspect my involvement."
"Damn," Ming Chen cursed, the single word sharp and frustrated, revealing the unexpected setback.
But I have a plan," Ming Han whispered, his voice barely louder than the rustle of leaves. "This is our chance—the moment we've waited for. Our eldest brother leads the guests through these woods, proud and blind, thinking the path is safe because of him. But it isn't. Not anymore."
"He thinks he leads them to safety. He only leads them to slaughter." Ming-Han's voice, a silken rasp,
"Tonight, we claim your birthright and rightful position to the throne."
Ming-Han's eyes, cold as jade, did not waver. "A third party will bargain with their chieftain beneath a moonless sky. Every detail - the procession's path, its timing, the brittle points in its defenses - has been meticulously delivered. The ambush will erupt at the Choke, by the ancient bridge where escape is an illusion. The perfect crucible."
An excited feeling jolted through his brother's voice. "The feast… the offerings to the spirits?"
"The next layer of the snare," Ming-Han breathed, lowering his voice further.
"Forgeries will fester within his pavilion - missives hinting at secret meetings with these very brigands.
Min Chen's breath hitched.
"But what if he survives? What if he proves his innocence?"
Ming Han met his gaze steadily. "We've silenced those who would defend him. Servants who might speak the truth have vanished. Others have been bought or threatened. The evidence, the witnesses—it all points to him. It will be enough."
A shadow crossed his face. "And the guests? You don't mind risking their lives... innocent lives."
Ming Han smiled, the weight of the truth pressing down on him. "Innocent? In this game, there are no innocents. Only those who stand in our way. Our family's honor, our future—it demands sacrifice. If we fail, we remain forever in his shadow. If we succeed, we rise."
He nodded slowly, a smile in his eyes. "Then let the forest be our witness. Let the ambush be the blade that cuts him down."
After an hour of polite, yet ultimately hollow conversation, Ming Han took his leave. Ming Chen remained, a pensive frown furrowing his brow. After a moment, he beckoned his most trusted guard from the shadows. "Observe him carefully," he instructed, his voice low and serious. "I don't entirely trust him to make the right decisions."
"Yes, Your Highness," the guard responded, clasping his hands respectfully before disappearing silently into the shadows.
Ming Han, his expression composed and serene, made his way towards his mother's residence. Within the Imperial Concubine Ehuhng's chambers, both she and Ming Liguan were engaged in the delicate art of embroidery. Ming Han knocked softly on the door before announcing his presence.
"Mother, sister, A'Han is here."
Ehuhng's face lit up at the sound of her son's voice. Abandoning her needlework, she rose quickly and hurried to greet him at the entrance of her chamber, her genuine affection evident in every movement.
"Come in, Han'er," Ehuhng said, her voice warm with affection as she swung the door open, gesturing for him to enter.
Ming Han's features softened, his usual carefully constructed mask of composure melting away, replaced by a bright, genuine smile. He could finally be himself around his family, free from the constraints of courtly expectations.
He settled into the designated seat and couldn't help but ask, "Mother, why are there no maids around, opening doors and standing at the ready? It seems necessary."
"Oh, my dear," Ehuhng replied, her brow furrowing slightly. "It's tiresome to stand at one place attentively all the time, and besides, we're perfectly capable of doing most things ourselves."
"Yes, Brother," Ming Liguan chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "The poor maids need their rest too, you know."
Ming Han shook his head gently, a fond smile gracing his lips. They were far too kindhearted for their own good, a trait that often worried him in the cutthroat environment of the Imperial Court.
"Brother, how about a game of chess?" Liguan suggested, her eyes bright with anticipation.
He readily nodded, his thoughts momentarily banished as their mother began setting up the chessboard. They played several games, with Ming Han allowing his sister to claim victory more often than not.
"Brother, you're not even trying!" Liguan exclaimed, a playful frown furrowing her brow.
"And why is that?" Ming Han asked, feigning innocence.
"You're letting me win too easily! Are you so rusty that you can't even beat me anymore?"
"Don't worry, I'll teach you a thing or two," she declared, puffing out her chest in mock pride. "Because I'm an expert now, you see!"
"You little brat! When did you get so good? Don't let me tickle you for that boast," Ming Han retorted playfully, reaching out to tickle her.
Liguan shrieked with laughter, squirming away from his grasp as they broke into a playful chase around the chambers, their unrestrained joy echoing through the room.
Ehuhng watched them, a fond smile gracing her lips as she wiped away a stray tear. They seemed so carefree, so happy... just like when they were children, before the weight of the world had settled upon their shoulders.
"Now, now," Ehuhng chuckled, gently restoring order. "You're both experts in your own right."
The two siblings, breathless from their playful antics, settled onto cushions on the floor, leaning into their mother's comforting presence. Ehuhng tenderly wiped their flushed faces with a soft handkerchief, her touch gentle and loving. As if drawn by an invisible force, they both instinctively laid their heads on her lap, surrendering to the soothing rhythm of her caressing fingers that gently mussed their hair.
Time seemed to stand still in those precious moments. They both smiled, their hair delightfully disheveled, making them look utterly endearing. Ehuhng meticulously combed Liguan's hair and then turned her attention to her son, smoothing his disarrayed hair..
With their hair and robes once more properly arranged, they realized it was nearing dinnertime. Time always seemed to slip away far too quickly whenever he was fortunate enough to spend it with his family.
Moments later, several maids entered the chamber, bearing trays laden with delectable food and tempting desserts. They arranged the dishes meticulously on the dining table, transforming it into a feast for the senses. Just as they were about to partake in the meal, the head resident maid stepped forward, her voice tinged with formality as she announced, "The Empress and the Second Princess have arrived."