After provoking the holy maiden of Miao territory, she was infected with a love curse.

It has been raining for several days in a row.

The green hills and clear waters were shrouded in mist. Yin Qingyue, wearing a bamboo hat, finally met the guards dressed in dark blue brocade robes.

Rain dripped from the brim of Tian Jian's hat. He gripped the horse's belly with his legs and dismounted.

"Qingyue, I was ordered by my superiors to investigate this matter personally."

"You shall hand over all the clues you have obtained to the Feather Guard and cooperate with me."

When Yin Qingyue's subordinates heard Yu Wei say this, their expressions changed instantly.

This is how the Imperial Guards have always acted.

Anyone who gets involved in any case will inevitably seize power and become a one-man show.

However, since they were the emperor's direct subordinates, no one dared to say anything; even adults had to bow their heads.

"Yes, Lord Tian."

Yin Qingyue didn't offer any further explanation. She looked at the group of people Tian Jian had brought with him and frowned slightly.

These people are of high rank.

Logically speaking, a case as insignificant as a wealthy family from the capital being abducted to Lingshui City shouldn't have drawn their attention.

Could there be some clues she doesn't know about that the court is intentionally hiding?

After giving the order, Tian Jian's guards began setting up camp. He discussed official business with Yin Qingyue, then coughed lightly and casually inquired, "Qingyue, do you have any information about my niece?"

"My brother is very worried about her because she hasn't been home for so long."

Upon hearing that Lord Tian had indeed come for this matter, Yin Qingyue made no attempt to conceal it.

"The spies who infiltrated the Miao village have lost contact, sir, but I received information that the village is imprisoning countless Han people."

"If... sir, your niece went missing by the Silver Moon River in Lingshui City, she should be in the village."

The report was exactly the same as the one given by his spies, and Tian Jian clenched his fists.

His Majesty's instructions echoed in his ears again, making his head throb.

The Miao people of Miao territory are the most treacherous and cunning, skilled in Gu magic, using Gu worms to create puppets.

We need to hurry.

Once the location of that person is confirmed, a letter must be written to the emperor.

If he had informed His Majesty any later, he would have lost his official hat and his head.

Seeing that Tian Jian's expression was off, Yin Qingyue silently shut her mouth. Having been in officialdom for a long time, everyone there was a "veteran".

Tian Jian's reaction didn't seem like the panic and confusion one would expect from someone who had lost their niece.

It's more like a frantic rush to complete a task assigned from above.

It seems that the identity and background of the "niece" that Lord Tian is investigating are not simple.

Just right.

Since the higher-ups are determined to find that person, they will spare no effort to forcibly break into the village and take him away.

She could also use this opportunity to find her younger sister.

She only hoped that her sister was still safe and sound, and that the Miao people had not planted any Gu worms in her.

Yin Qingyue stepped into the soft, wet mud, looking at the mud stains on her black shoes, and began to ponder.

It's better to be safe than sorry.

The wisest course of action is to send someone to find a master who can cure the poison.

This matter needs to be discussed with Lord Hotan.

If the imperial court intervenes, it will be much safer than her and her elder sister running around like headless flies.

Yin Qingyue has been in contact with Yin Baishuang these past few days, but since it involves official business, Yin Qingyue has not provided details about the progress.

It seems that now we need to have the eldest sister turn around and find a folk master who can cure the curse.

In case of unforeseen circumstances.

...

After a few days, Jiawan found Zhao Huining more and more pleasing to the eye.

When she was thirsty, Zhao Huining would pour her a cup of tea; when she was sleepy, Zhao Huining would hand her a pillow.

Gentle and considerate.

Such a good person could also serve as her test subject; it couldn't be more perfect.

"Ah Ning, please take this medicine to Yin Huaixi for me later."

"Oh, and this ointment too, take it with you and give it to the guards at the door, they'll take care of it."

A heavy, brown medicine packet was handed to Zhao Huining. Her fingertips touched the hemp rope, and she feigned confusion, asking, "Why...why give this to her?"

Jiawan sat on the ground, her hands resting on the animal skin rug, her tone languid.

"It's simple. She was disobedient and tried to run away, but Ah Che caught her and locked her up."

"I told you, A-Che has a terrible temper. Just look at how she's locked up, and you'll know that A-Che is the last person you should offend."

"She's also very petty and holds grudges, so don't say anything nasty, lest she come after you and I get scolded too."

Jiawan's tone was filled with "fear" of Sang Che, which Zhao Huining found fascinating, and she burst out laughing.

She seemed eager to stir up trouble, saying, "You... you listen to her so much? What will you do if you two have a fight?"

Zhao Huining didn't ask this question for no reason. She just wanted to know what Jiawan's attitude was towards Sang Che and whether she was trying to sow discord.

Feeling that Zhao Huining's words had a hidden meaning, Jiawan glanced back at Zhao Huining suspiciously, but couldn't find anything unusual. She took a deep breath and tried to defend herself.

"She is the holy maiden of our Miao region, a descendant of the great god Chiyou. All of us Miao people must listen to her... even the king must listen to her."

"It's nothing shameful!"

"Besides... A-Che treats me very well and has never been angry with me."

Swaying unsteadily, the silver bells on her sleeves jingled. Jiawan muttered again, "My Mandarin was taught to me by A-Che... Never mind, why am I telling you so much? Go and deliver the medicine."

After observing Zhao Huining these past few days, Jiawan tentatively believed that Zhao Huining had no intention of escaping, so she felt at ease letting Zhao Huining move around the village freely.

Anyway, with her Gu worms following her, Zhao Huining wouldn't dare to do anything she shouldn't.

"Okay, I'll go right away."

Zhao Huining got up, took the medicine, and slowly went out the door, following the direction Jiawan had told her, heading towards the place where Yin Huaixi was being held.

The Miao people at the entrance, with curved knives at their waists, stood solemnly, motionless, like statues.

Upon seeing Zhao Huining, the two men reached out to stop him.

"This is what Lord Ah Shui instructed me to give to Yin Huaixi."

Zhao Huining told the truth.

She then heard one of them reply in very broken Mandarin, "Just give us the things, you can go back now."

A small insect on Zhao Huining's shoulder trembled with its long antennae, watching Zhao Huining's every move.

She knew she couldn't stay there any longer.

Suspicion arose regarding the evening meeting.

So he nodded, turned and left.

Zhao Huining had slipped a note into the ointment, anticipating that the Miao guards would check it carefully, so he had prepared in advance.

To see the note buried at the bottom of the ointment, you have to dig out all the ointment.

They probably wouldn't have the guts to touch the ointment that Jiawan had personally prepared; at most, they would open it, smell it, take a look, and put it back if there was nothing unusual.

As Zhao Huining had predicted, the Miao man opened the medicine packet, twisted open the ointment, and after a cursory inspection, he hurriedly took out his key, opened the wooden door, and rushed to throw the contents inside.

Master Ah Shui is renowned.

They love to play pranks on people and use them as test subjects.

If they use this thing to prank Yin Huaixi, they don't want to get hurt in the process!

Half-asleep, Yin Huaixi was dazzled by the light coming through the door. Before he could react, the wooden door creaked shut again.

Only the items brought by the guards remained on the table. Yin Huaixi lifted her foot, and the iron chain swayed.

She walked to the table and saw a familiar ointment box in front of her. Yin Huaixi smelled a familiar fragrance inside.

I was startled.

This thing doesn't exist in Miao areas.

Immediately twisting open the ointment box, Yin Huaixi stared at the white jade-like ointment, digging her fingers inside.

Soon, Yin Huaixi successfully dug out a piece of paper filled with the scent of medicine.

She couldn't wait to open it.

It was clearly written on it.

"I have a way to get you out of here. Just tell me if that Miao holy maiden has any taboos, so I can make my move."