Chapter 81: Hanging Between Life and Death (1)

After a brief moment, he broke the silence and spoke, “Xingzhi was poisoned very badly and he’s… in a life or death situation right now.”

Clearly shaken up by what she had just heard, the book in Zhou Xiaoxiao’s hands fell to the ground with a thump.

“Our troops won and Xingzhi had repeatedly made miraculous contributions to our victory, we managed to kill the South Vietnam king and take dozens of people from the royal family with us. As we were about to head back to the capital with the captives and wait for the Emperor to offer us our rewards; of course, after he takes a look at them. We were all delighted and cheerful, it was to the point that we were caught off guard and jumped on by those crafty scoundrels in the forest.”

Cheng Shizhao clenched his teeth as his face was filled with rage, almost like a ferocious beast that was about to explode at any time.

“When we were approaching the capital city the day before, I was extremely happy in my heart. However, Xingzhi entered my tent and saw some pastries on my desk, it probably made him remember about you… As a result, he took a bite… what happened soon after is the state he is in now.”

Without noticing it, he broke the armrest of the wooden chair he was sitting in. It seemed that he didn’t even feel the sharp fractures digging into the palm of his hand.

“We headed back as quickly as we could and brought him into the capital. Despite their knowledge, the imperial physicians could do nothing but only slow down the poison. This was the moment that everyone knew it was truly hopeless. Those pastries were meant for me…! He ended up enduring this for me again!”

The bright red blood oozed between his fingers and dripped on the ground, converging into a small puddle.

“Where is Xingzhi right now?” A voice rang out.

Cheng Shizhao, who was currently staring at the puddle of blood, snapped out of his trance. He hurriedly calmed his irritated mood.

When he looked up, he saw the woman across him sit quite steadily.

He laughed sarcastically and couldn’t help but mock himself. That’s right, when was this woman ever afraid?

The so-called thing they call “love” was nothing more than this after all.

“Bring me to see him, okay?” Zhou Xiaoxia asked while she stood up. However, she tumbled over due to the lack of balance.

Thankfully, Cheng Shizhao held onto her elbow just in time. Once he touched her, he could feel her shaking.

Cheng Shizhao’s heart softened at this. As it turned out, she too was scared, this meant that Xingzhi did mean something to her in the end.

This was the first time he tried comforting someone, “You don’t need to be too anxious. I’ve already promised Xingzhi that if he recovers from the poison, I will use WangFu’s power to make sure you guys will be married. If he… by then, we will address each other as brothers and sisters, I will take care of you for the rest of my life! I won’t do anything out of boundaries, and I, Cheng Shizhao, will make this vow to the Heavens!”

“I… just want to see him right now. Can you bring me to the State Duke Residence?” Zhou Xiaoxiao raised her head and stared at him. Tears fell down her face and dripped on the back of Cheng Shizhao’s hands, the tears felt blindingly hot, as if he was scorched by them.

He turned his face to the side and responded, “You can’t go. Aunt is… influenced by anger, she said that if something happens to Xingzhi, she will make you pay for it. If you’re in trouble as well, what am I supposed to say to Xingzhi? Come to my WangFu and avoid this situation for now.”

While he said this, the door to the courtyard suddenly opened with Juanzi hurriedly running over.

The Lady of the State Duke followed behind with a gloomy face.

Lady Guo walked over to Zhou Xiaoxiao in large strides, a faint anger lingered in her eyes; her body couldn’t help but tremble.

However, Cheng Shizhao blocked the path. “Aunt!”

Lady Guo fiercely glared at him and said in a hoarse voice, “Zhao’er, do you still don’t know what you did wrong?”

Cheng Shizhao looked down with shame and embarrassment after hearing this. “Aunt, I’m sorry about what happened to younger cousin but…”

Lady Guo brushed her sleeves and interrupted him, she lifted her thin finger up and pointed at Zhou Xiaoxiao. Even though her lips were moving, her voice wasn’t coming out.

After a moment, she placed her hand down and curled it into a fist. After closing her eyes, she took a deep breath before finally saying this with difficulty, “Xingzhi, he… you probably already know what happened to him. He’s unconscious right now and is in a life or death situation, however, he’s vaguely calling out your name.”

With tears flowing down her face and her voice turning ever-so hoarser; she clutched her chest and continued, “He only has you in his heart! I’m his mother and I would be shameless if I disobeyed what my son wants on his deathbed! I especially came to invite you over and accompany him with what little time he has left. At the very least, I can grant this last wish.”

“Just tell me if you’re willing to or not!” She couldn’t help but twist her handkerchief in nervousness as she was about to pay her obeisance at her.