Chapter 14: A Dream of Mirrors, Flowers, Water, and Moon

Jiu Qing furrowed his brows slowly, staring at him with a world-weary look in his eyes, and remained silent for a long time.

"Jiu Qing, let me tell you, helping me will not bring you fame or riches in the end. It will only bring you death - that is the only outcome you will face."

If Ye Jin thought that Jiu Qing would show any fear or unease after hearing such words, he was clearly mistaken.

Jiu Qing showed no change in her expression, and calmly replied, "The imperial decree only states that if I fail to cure you, I will be punished with death. It doesn't say that if I succeed, I will be punished as well."

"You are too naive," Ye Jin sneered, "It's a dead end either way. You have no chance of survival, so don't bother making futile plans. It's pointless."

"Who says?" Jiu Qing raised an eyebrow slightly. "Just because someone wants my life, doesn't mean I have to give it to them. So, I will make my plans. Do I have to sit and wait for death?"

Ye Jin fell silent for a moment, perhaps lacking the energy or spirit to respond with his usual disdain. Instead, he said in a subdued tone, "You haven't told me why you want to help me."

"Do you really want to know the answer?" Jiu Qing thought for a moment, then shook her head slowly. "It's a bit mystical, and you probably won't believe it."

"How do you know I won't believe it if you haven't said it yet?" Ye Jin frowned. "As long as it's not a random excuse to appease me, I will be able to discern if what you say is true."

Jiu Qing paused for a moment, then said calmly, "It's because of a dream."

"..." Ye Jin fell silent.

Jiu Qing continued, "A strange and mysterious dream, where I couldn't distinguish whether the scenes were real or illusory. That's why I need to verify it myself."

Ye Jin's voice trembled slightly as he asked, "What was in the dream?"

"A man in red clothing, it was you," Jiu Qing said, "covered in wounds, calling for help."

Ye Jin's face changed, the slight color that had returned to his face drained away, and he looked at Jiu Qing with a cold smile. "Are you suggesting that I was asking for your help?"

"I didn't say that," Jiu Qing replied calmly. "As I said before, I couldn't distinguish whether the scenes in the dream were real or illusory. That's why I came here to verify it myself."

Ye Jin's face became dark and inscrutable. After a long silence, he asked, "How long do you plan to stay in my mansion?"

"About three months," Jiu Qing said. "First, I will cure your poison."

And after the poison is cured?

Ye Jin asked himself silently, but he didn't press for an answer.

Jiu Qing didn't ask him whether he believed her explanation or not. This question was not important to her.

"Starting tomorrow morning, I will officially diagnose and treat you. During this time, I hope you won't leave the mansion," Jiu Qing looked at him. "The Emperor dotes on you the most, doesn't he? He won't refuse such a small request to cure your illness."

"The Emperor dotes on me the most?" Ye Jin's lips curled into a mocking smile, cold and ruthless, and a hint of murderous intent flashed through his stunningly beautiful face. "Indeed, he dotes on me the most. Ha, the entire Western Ling Kingdom... who doesn't know this fact?"