Silent Lover (The Silent Concubine) - Chap 129
Chapter 129 – Medicine
Shen Yu’s forehead throbbed with pain, feeling dizzy and light-headed for a while before he regained his senses. His hands and feet were tied to a chair, and his mouth was gagged with a piece of cloth.
Before him was a secluded residence in a remote part of the imperial palace, sparsely furnished. Shen Yu surveyed his surroundings and recalled being on his way back to the side hall when someone had covered his mouth and nose with a cloth, causing him to lose consciousness shortly after…
The door creaked open, and a lame eunuch walked in, smiling at Shen Yu…
“Don’t blame this servant for being rough, young master. Under General Song’s strict guard, even a fly can hardly enter the palace. This servant took precautions just in case, which unfortunately caused you some discomfort, didn’t it?”
Although the lame old eunuch smiled, his features were somewhat sinister, making Shen Yu feel uneasy…
“I don’t have much time. If Prince and General Song find out within a few hours that you haven’t returned to the side hall, they will surely come looking for you… So, this servant will untie you now. I hope you cooperate. Otherwise, this servant will have no choice but to accompany you in death. Will you agree or not?”
Shen Yu could only nod…
The old eunuch drew a dagger from his sleeve and pressed it against Shen Yu’s throat. With his other hand, he quickly untied Shen Yu, demonstrating his skill with a certain ruthlessness…
The ropes around Shen Yu’s wrists and ankles were left intact, indicating the old eunuch’s lingering suspicion, but at least Shen Yu could breathe freely.
“You probably guessed that I used to serve in the palace. Now, I am acting under the Emperor’s orders. Let’s discuss whether you can assist the Emperor by helping to assassinate that dog thief surnamed Jun?”
Shen Yu’s pupils contracted slightly, then he showed confusion.
“Are you wondering why they would seek my help?” The old eunuch’s voice was hoarse and sharp. “Indeed, you have no martial skills, but you are crucial. After all, the person that dog thief trusts the most is you.”
Shen Yu shook his head. Did Jun Xuexiao really ever trust him?
“You don’t want to?” The old eunuch asked disappointedly. “If you refuse, this servant dares not let you leave. This servant has no choice but to accompany you. Death is inevitable. Will you agree or not?”
Shen Yu raised his hand, signaling for him to untie the ropes. The old eunuch complied, also thoughtfully fetching paper and a pen.
“I cannot understand sign language,” the old eunuch apologized with a terrifying smile under the dim lantern.
“Why do you think I would help the Emperor?” Shen Yu wrote.
The old eunuch smiled, “The Emperor’s orders say that Jun has wronged you, causing the death of your loved ones. You deeply resent him, so there is a great possibility that you will assist the Emperor.”
Shen Yu wrote decisively on the paper, “But the one who ordered the killing of my mother was the Emperor himself. I hate Prince Zhenbei, but the Emperor… I want to drink his blood and eat his flesh.”
The old eunuch was astonished, then chuckled, “So, you think that letting that dog thief sit securely on his throne means you will never get your revenge? Whether the assassination succeeds or not, you can relieve your hatred. Isn’t that right?”
This old eunuch was persuasive indeed, and Shen Yu fell silent…
…
Shen Yu returned to the side hall after just an hour, and no one noticed his disappearance on the way…
He rubbed his sore wrists and, after washing with hot water, went to sleep…
The next day, Bian Shisi came as usual to treat him. He glanced around the door and, seeing Hong Lian absent, swaggered inside.
“This room smells like that flirtatious peacock has been here for too long… Ah-choo!”
Bian Shisi muttered to himself, rubbing his nose made itchy by the scent of cosmetics.
“Did that medicine you took have any effect?”
Shen Yu smiled and shook his head, and Bian Shisi scratched his head, unable to think of any other prescriptions.
Suddenly, Shen Yu gestured with his hands, “Do you have… aphrodisiacs?”
“What?” Bian Shisi thought he had misheard, incredulous.
Shen Yu had to write it down: aphrodisiacs…
Bian Shisi widened his eyes, reading the words and then looking at Shen Yu…
“Tsk tsk tsk… I didn’t expect this, didn’t expect this,” Bian Shisi clicked his tongue incessantly. “You really… would fall for this? Hmm? Itchy for Prince Zhenbei for a long time, aren’t you? No, no, has Jun Xuanxiao finally exhausted himself from indulgence? Can’t get it up anymore? Ha ha… that bastard, defiling so many handsome men and women, karma is coming for him! This divine physician knew he’d have such a day!”
…
Shen Yu watched Bian Shisi mutter on and smiled wryly…
“You want the medicine, right? This divine physician has several kinds. Jin Qiang is not down, a piece of firewood, and tired to death… It’s a three-point poison in medicine. I remind you, killing chickens and taking eggs is something for once or twice. Use more to let the animal be increasingly withered… But he deserves it!”
Shen Yu took the small medicine bag handed over by Bian Shisi and clenched it in his hand, pondering deeply.
