Only after Wu Youji had left did Xue Chongyin step forward and ask softly, concern in his voice, "Mother, how do you feel?"
Taiping slowly opened her eyes. Seeing the worry in her eldest son's gaze, her expression softened, and she waved a hand. "I'm fine now, just a little weak... Keep this quiet. Tell everyone I'm gravely ill and must recuperate until just before the Buddha-Bathing Festival. Go to the palace and explain everything to His Majesty. Let the Prince of Liang take more trouble over welcoming the Buddha's relic."
Xue Chongyin nodded. Rather than ask why, he said, "Do you have any other instructions, Mother?"
Taiping's gaze unconsciously swept toward the hall's entrance again. After a moment of silence, she said, "...Go to the Hundred Herbs Garden on my behalf and choose some medicinal herbs as a thank-you gift for Mr. Lu. Deliver them to him. He worked... very hard today."
Xue Chongyin's eyes flickered, and he answered respectfully, "Yes, I understand. Rest easy, Mother. I'll take my leave."
Taiping nodded.
Xue Chongyin bowed and withdrew from the inner hall.
Then Zhao Lanjun, Mu Qinghong, Jinghong, and Fu Rong approached.
Forcing herself to stay alert, Taiping said, "The Gu Poison was triggered at this particular moment. There must be a plot behind it! Wait and see what follows. If someone sends a threatening letter, that means the culprit is an outsider. Follow the trail to its source, find him for me, and tear him into ten thousand pieces! If no letter comes, that means the other side already knows I've been cured, and their accomplice must be among those who know! Keep everyone aware of tonight's events under strict surveillance-including the Crown Prince and Li Xi!"
Zhao Lanjun and Mu Qinghong nodded.
Jinghong asked in surprise, "Your Highness