61. Put Down the Riot

Translator: Flying Lines

To help Mu Xiyue come up with a solution as soon as possible, Yanzi asked around in the palace, for some intel abut the tribe. After all, you couldn't fight someone unless you knew him well.

Soon, she managed to get all the news people in the palace knew.

Here was the story. Dissatisfied with the rule of Miao King, the head of the tribe wanted to claim their independence. He, therefore, led his tribe to stand up to the government! At the very beginning, they only strived for independence. As time passed by, they were getting a bit much. They put up riots every now and then. The harassment had become too much to tolerate when the head of the tribe wanted to be the king of Miao Region! Miao King, without doubt, disagreed. Contradiction remained between them when small wars broke out from time to time. The wars brought common people only disaster.

It put Miao King in bewilderment. He had officials and counsellors while none of them helped.

Frequent riots started very long ago, and lasted for a long time. No solution had ever been found yet.

People in town had been suffering.

Yanzi told Mu Xiyue everything she got to know.

"Wow, Yanzi, you're amazing," said Mu Xiyue, "You get so much information in such a short time."

The information was very useful to Mu Xiyue.

"I asked almost everyone I met. Hope it can help you," replied Yanzi. This was all she could do, and Mu Xiyue had to take care of the rest. It would be very hard, as far as Yanzi thought, to put down a civil strife. They were mere women, who weren't powerful enough.

Mu Xiyue thought carefully about it. In the 21st century, all in all, she loved reading books such as The Art of War and Thirty-Six Stratagems. She tried to recall the books. Having analyzed what was happening in Miao Region, Mu Xiyue wrote down a paragraph from The Art of War.

Use a spy who will show the enemy some intel, true or false. The enemy will judge the intel and make plans according to it. Then give the enemy some tangible benefits as the bait and he will come for them, so that we can take the enemy under control. Try to control the enemy in this way, and meanwhile stay in battle array.

Looking at what she had written down satisfactorily, Mu Xiyue said to Yanzi proudly, "Yanzi, look! I've come up with a plan.'

Yanzi read it and failed to understand anything.

"What is it?" asked she with total confusion, "I understand nothing."

"This is part of The Art of War," said Mu Xiyue, "I think of it, combining the reality and many other facts. Go get Miao King here."

She couldn't wait to tell Miao King about it so that she would leave earlier and got the solution to parasitic poison.

"Go get your king here," Yanzi said to the guard at the door, "My Lady has found out a way to put down the riots."

"Your Majesty, I've got something to tell you," said the guard, arriving at Miao King's hall.

"What is it?"

"Her Highness said she found out the way to put down the riots," reported the guard, "And she asked to see you."

"What? Okay, okay. I'm going to see her right away," replied Miao King happily. Finally, there was some good news.

He trotted to Mu Xiyue and asked excitedly, "I heard you came up with a good idea?"

"Yes, look," said Mu Xiyue, showing Miao King what she wrote and explained it in a plain way.

"Will this do?" asked Miao King, hesitating.

"It will do!" replied Mu Xiyue confidently, "If you carry out my plan, you'll certainly put down the riot in less than one month! You will win!"

"Fine. I'm going to discuss with my officials," said Miao King, less assured. He would go and let his officials and counsellors check if Mu Xiyue's proposal would work.

"All right, then," replied Mu Xiyue calmly.

Within minutes, Miao King gathered all his officials for the discussion on this plan.

"Come and have a look at this proposal," said Miao King, showing them the proposal Mu Xiyue wrote, "See if it will work. Feel free to tell me if you've got anything to argue."

An old general of Miao Region said surprisingly, "Your Majesty, where did you get this proposal? It's amazing! With it, we're sure to win."

Miao King respected this general who always had good military advice. What he said relieved Miao King.

"Mu Xiyue proposed it," replied Miao King honestly.

"Wow, a young girl like her has such a brilliant proposal. That's amazing!" said the old general, beginning to think highly of Mu Xiyue. He failed to deal with such a rampant tribe, even though he was experienced in battles for years. The young woman, however, came up with such a good idea in a few days only. He really admired her.

"Well, since you think it will work, let's do it then," said Miao King.

All the others quite agreed.

Miao King, again, came to Mu Xiyue, expecting her to take command and direct operations.

"The old generation find it a really good idea, and we're going to use it. If we succeed, I'll do what I've promised you."

"I can take command," replied Mu Xiyue, "But I need someone to help me."

"Sure."

"I didn't even say who I wanted. I want my friend Jun Luotian to take command with me."

"Okay. No problem," replied Miao King. After all his officials accepted Mu Xiyue's proposal, he was treating her more nicely. In his eyes, she was a once-in-a-century genius.

"May I see him now?" asked Mu Xiyue, "I want to discuss with him."

"Okay. Somebody, take Jun Luotian to us," ordered Miao King.

After Jun Luotian was brought to the room, Miao King said, "I'll leave you alone for the discussion. I've got something else to deal with."

As he shuffled away, Mu Xiyue asked, "Luotian, are you alright?"

"Yes, Xiyue," replied Jun Luotian, "They haven't tortured me."

"Fine, then. I've come up with a plan to put down the riot," said Mu Xiyue happily, "Come and have a look. We can take command together, and we're sure to win."

"Xiyue, I didn't know you were so clever and you even knew military strategies," replied Jun Luotian, wide-eyed. His heart filled with admiration, too.

"I'm almighty," replied Mu Xiyue, "I can do anything. Now, we're safe, at least."

"Okay, then."

Deeply attracted by Mu Xiyue, Jun Luotian replied softly. How could anyone keep from liking such a talented woman!

"Miao King agreed to tell us the way to resolve the parasitic poison. We're shooting two hawks with one arrow this time," said Mu Xiyue with great fun. Seemed like things would mend in the end.

"Xiyue, you're amazing!"

Soon, they came to a detailed battle plan.

Under the command of Mu Xiyue and with the help of Jun Luotian, a small war started. To nobody's surprise, the war ceased a dozen days later. The civil strife, which had persecuted Miao King for two years, was put down.

62. Free and Safe

Translator: Flying Lines

Miao King couldn't help praising them, "You've finally relieved me from anxiety!"

All the officials were grateful to Mu Xiyue, too. Jun Luotian was glad as he witnessed Mu Xiyue's amazing military skills. Through the rumors, Miao King wrongly believed that Jun Luotian and Mu Xiyue were a couple. He felt bad about that, but he kept his promise as well.

"You helped to put down the rebellion," said he seriously, "I'm going to keep my promise and let you go."

Compared to having a wife, suppressing the rebellion and letting his people enjoy a prosperous life were more of a top priority.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," replied Mu Xiyue with gratitude.

At last, she was free.

"Since you're Jun Luotian's wife, I won't break you up," said Miao King gloomily, "I'll let you go."

In case of unnecessary trouble, neither Mu Xiyue or Jun Luotian explained about their relationship and let Miao King continue to misunderstand.

Miao King kept his promise and set them free.

They left the palace and the story came to an end.

In Yanzi's heart, Mu Xiyue was getting more important as her lifesaver.

"Your Highness, we're safe now," said Yanzi, "Why don't we hurry up to find the antidote to parasitic poison and get back to the capital? His Highness must be anxious. It's been months since we left home."

"All right," replied Mu Xiyue who also missed Long Yinfeng. She couldn't wait to see him right away.

Jun Luotian still stayed with Mu Xiyue. Having experienced the life-death struggle, he was surer about his love for her. The adoration grew in his mind. He first had a crush on her, and now he could hardly leave her.

Yanzi felt his crush on Mu Xiyue, too. While the latter didn't know it at all.

Mu Xiyue was Prince Yinfeng's wife. Yanzi, as a result, hated Jun Luotian and she behaved evidently. Jun Luotian didn't give a damn. Instead, he sometimes annoyed Yanzi deliberately.

"Your Highness, shall we go have dinner?" asked Yanzi, trying to keep Mu Xiyue away from Jun Luotian.

"Good idea," replied Mu Xiyue, "Luotian, would you like to go with us?"

Instead of understanding Yanzi's careful thoughts, Mu Xiyue even called Jun Luotian with them. Yanzi was in a very bad temper.

"Sure, let's go." replied Jun Luotian. Seemed like it was by no means a sure thing.

They three went for dinner together. At dinner, Jun Luotian reached over with his chopsticks to refill Mu Xiyue's bowl. It annoyed Yanzi again! She wouldn't let him steal Prince Yinfeng's wife.

She then made up her mind to talk with Jun Luotian, warning him the identity of Mu Xiyue so that he would completely give up on her.

After dinner, Mu Xiyue wanted some rest. She had been exhausted these days when she used up her brain as well as strength.

"I'm full. I'm going back for some sleep," said Mu Xiyue, as she went back to her own room in the inn.

"Yes, Your Highness," replied Mu Xiyue, understanding her fatigue. After Mu Xiyue left, Yanzi wanted to start a conversation with Jun Luotian.

"Have you finished your dinner?" asked she impatiently.

"What's up? You've got something to tell me?"

Knowing Yanzi didn't trust him or like him, Jun Luotian also replied rudely.

"I have something to tell you after you finish your dinner," said Yanzi grumpily.

"It's okay. Feel free to say it now."

Jun Luotian thought Yanzi must have come for Mu Xiyue. She would warn him to stay away.

"I'm going to tell you about Her Highness. She's Prince Yinfeng's wife. Give up on her," said Yanzi directly.

"But it's none of your business," replied Jun Luotian, "Don't bother."

After all these years, Jun Luotian finally had crush on a young woman. He wouldn't easily let her go.

"Her Highness loves my master, and he loves her, too. They make a sweet couple. Why must you interfere?" screeched Yanzi crossly, as she was getting more agitated.

Jun Luotian was speechless. What Yanzi said frustrated him.

"It's my own business. Save your breath," Jun Luotian blurted out and left without hesitation.

Terribly upset, Jun Luotian went to drink alone. He couldn't stop worrying or get his minds out of the color unless he got hammered.

Surprisingly, the more he drank, the more frustrated he turned.

Mu Xiyue, lying in her bed, was thinking of Long Yinfeng. It was more than two months that they hadn't met. How she missed her husband! And she wondered if he was doing all right.

Sure, she didn't know Long Yinfeng was already on his way to find her.

Long Yinfeng was missing Mu Xiyue, too. He knew he would see Mu Xiyue in only a few days. Though he didn't know if Mu Xiyue had already been out of danger.

Before Mu Xiyue settled down the riot, she had made a deal with Miao King that he would tell them something about the parasitic poison, Mu Xiyue was going to see Miao King the next day. She could barely wait.

"Go tell your king that I want to see him," said she to the guard at the palace gate.

"Yes."

Knowing Mu Xiyue managed to solve the riot problem, all guards worshiped her. Also, she was famous for healing sick villagers. Almost everyone in Miao Region knew her and respected her greatly. In their eyes, she was a fairy from the heaven! And for the sake of her gorgeous face, she was quite popular in town.

"Your Majesty, Miss Mu asked to see you," reported the guard. Sensible enough, he said Miss Mu, instead of the queen.

"Get her in," replied Miao King nicely. Since the riot was solved with the help of Mu Xiyue, he was deeply grateful.

"Your Majesty, I come for your promise. You haven't helped me with another thing yet," said Mu Xiyue sharply.

63. About Parasitic Poison

Translator: Flying Lines

She meant the parasitic poison. Miao King remembered what he had promised Mu Xiyue.

"Fine, what would you like to know?" asked Miao King generously.

"Tell me whatever you know. I'll see if there's any clue or useful information," replied Mu Xiyue. Anyway, she knew very little about the parasitic poison, and didn't even know where to start.

"All right, then," Miao King replied, and he continued to explain, "There are four types of parasitic poison, known as parasite poison, animal position, plant poison and object poison. There are various types of doing parasitic poison, too. Some are done by spells, which is the simplest and most basic way. Some are done by contracts. Not everyone can manage to do parasitic poison. It's a trick of some special guys. Oh, some are done by magic. Such are done by wizards. Once a month, they let out the parasitic poison, or it may hurt themselves. This is all I know. You know, the parasitic poison is too complicated."

Miao King explained everything he knew to Mu Xiyue, yet the latter still couldn't figure out which parasitic poison Long Yinfeng had.

"I still figure out nothing," said Mu Xiyue, "I'll think it over again."

She would like to go back to the inn, and digested it. Maybe, someone information was omitted.

"Fine. Let me know if you need any help," replied Miao King politely.

"Okay, see you."

Mu Xiyue left the palace with Jun Luotian and Yanzi, returning to the inn they were stationed.

"Luotian, have you got anything useful from what Miao King just said?" asked Mu Xiyue when he failed to figure it out.

"To be honest, we know very little about parasitic poison. But Miao King only knows a bit more than we do. What he said might help. But there's still a lot for us to investigate. After all, it's never a simple poison. Why don't we think carefully about what Miao King said and trying to find any clue? If we fail, we must go to the palace and ask him for help again. Anyway, he's the only guy who might help. And he's powerful," replied Jun Luotian.

"You make sense," said Mu Xiyue, "Let's start from the four types of parasitic poison and three forms of doing it. Hope we'll get something."

Whatever happened, she remined calm with a clear head. She always knew what she should do. That was why Jun Luotian admired her a lot.

Mu Xiyue and Jun Luotian studied on it the whole night without any sleep. Yanzi, of course, wouldn't let them stay alone. She also watched them until the day broke. She said she would help, but it turned out she helped nothing.

They tried and tried, but no progress had been made throughout the whole night. Mu Xiyue didn't figure out which type of parasitic poison Long Yinfeng had. Her nerves were already stretched to the breaking point with anxiety about her husband. He had been tortured for years, after all.

"I don't think we've figured out anything," said Mu Xiyue, losing heart.

"Don't lose heart," said Jun Luotian, trying to comfort her, "We still have time. Let's take time to study on it. It'll be all right."

"Yes, I have a lot of time. But Long Yinfeng doesn't. My heart aches whenever I see him suffer from the parasitic poison. I don't want him to suffer anymore," said Mu Xiyue is a pitiful whisper.

"What did you say?" aske Jun Luotian. He faintly heard Long Yinfeng's name, and asked curiously.

"Oh, nothing. Why don't you go have some sleep? We've been working the whole night," replied Mu Xiyue. She realized that they had to go and ask Miao King for help again.

"Okay. You should go have some rest, too," replied Jun Luotian. Hearing her concern for Long Yinfeng, Jun Luotian was kind of sad and jealous.

With little chance to make Mu Xiyue fall in love with him, Jun Luotian still didn't want to give up. He believed that he would move her someday.

After Jun Luotian left, Mu Xiyue started a chat with Yanzi.

"Yanzi, do you think we'll get nothing? Can we finally find the antidote to parasitic poison?" asked Mu Xiyue, with disappointment. For the first time ever, she wasn't confident enough.

"Yes, Your Highness. I believe you'll make it!" replied Yanzi. She was glad to see Mu Xiyue still cared so much for her master. At least, Mu Xiyue loved Prince Yinfeng, instead of Jun Luotian. It relieved Yanzi quite a lot.

"Hope so," said Mu Xiyue, "Go have some sleep, too. We'll visit Miao King tomorrow and see he can help."

Knowing Mu Xiyue was tired, Yanzi left her room without a murmur and closed the door.

Mu Xiyue, left alone, was going to have enough sleep and then cheered up. Strong as she was, she would never be defeated by difficulties. The more frustrated she was, the braver she would be. "Trust yourself," Mu Xiyue said to herself, "You can do it!"

She slept soundly as far as she could.

Meanwhile, Long Yinfeng was rushing to Miao Region with Mo Heng and Su Ruixue. On the way, Su Ruixue took care of Long Yinfeng as close as she could.

She knew her feelings for Long Yinfeng. She loved him for years as they grew up together. She was reluctant to give up. Though Long Yinfeng had married Mu Xiyue, she was still willing to be his concubine, as long as she could stay with him.

Long Yinfeng, however, always remembered what Mu Xiyue said about expecting to spend her life with her husband and didn't share him with any other woman. Long Yinfeng knew what Su Ruixue wanted, too. Yet he explained to her last time, and hoped she would find herself another man.

Early next morning, Mu Xiyue woke up. After thinking about it again and again, she decided to visit Miao King and ask for help.

"Why don't we go to see Miao King, Luotian?" proposed Mu Xiyue, "We can ask him to introduce us someone who is experienced in the parasitic poison."

This could be the best way she had thought of.

"Sounds great," replied Jun Luotian, "Let's do it. Let's go and have breakfast before we visit Miao King."

He forced a smile to Mu Xiyue, caught up in his own feelings. He had been struggling, not knowing how he should confront his feelings for Mu Xiyue.

Chapter 64

It didn't take long for the three to go to Miaojiang Palace again. Mu Xiyue decided to tell King Miao Jiang his thoughts.

"I still haven't researched anything, it seems that I know too little about poison. So I still need your help." Mu Xiyue said sincerely.

King Miao Jiang admires Mu Xiyue very much, so King Miao Jiang satisfies all reasonable requirements of Mu Xiyue as much as possible.

"You can say it. How else can I help you. As long as I can do it." Although King Miao Jiang is a very rude person, Miao Xinjiang is still very committed and committed. Mu Xiyue