"Bone-Burning Incense is a poison of fire, concealed in ash. It does not react when it comes into direct contact with gold or silver, so ordinary methods of testing for poison are ineffective." Gu Shen's voice echoed through the great hall, clear and cold. "But its poison activates when it meets water and lies dormant when it meets fire. I heated the needle with fire, then quenched it in water to bring out the trace poison remaining on the Golden Needle. This color is called Nether River Purple. Once you see it, death is not far off."
"Clatter!"
The Jade Ruyi slipped from Emperor Cheng'an's hand and shattered on the floor.
He stared blankly at the murky, purple-black poison in the cup and at the strange Golden Needle. It felt as if all his strength had been drained away.
It was true.
Every bit of it was true!
He, the dignified Emperor of Great Yan, had been poisoned day after day, right in his own bedchamber, by such means!
"Pfft—"
A mouthful of black blood burst from Emperor Cheng'an's lips, splattering across the bright yellow Dragon Robe in a horrifying sight.
"Your Majesty!" Little Fuzi screamed as he rushed forward.
"I'm fine..." Emperor Cheng'an waved him away and pushed him aside. Yet a fire burned in his eyes, the blaze of one reborn: the relief of surviving a calamity, and an all-consuming fury. "I... won't die!"
He turned to Gu Shen, his gaze impossibly complex. There was admiration in it, and wariness, but above all, the desperate hope of a man clutching at a lifeline.
"You're called Gu Shen?"
"This commoner is Gu Shen."
"Good. Very good!" Emperor Cheng'an panted, yet laughed, his laughter laced with a chilling murderous intent. "From this day onward, you will be My Imperial Physician,