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Chapter 82: Eighty-Two Treasures

Unfortunately, she might never see the gentleman again.

With this thought, Xun Qianchun closed her eyes.

The favored concubine watched her and asked, "Are you crying?" She saw tears trickling down Xun Qianchun's face.

Xun Qianchun replied, "No."

The concubine pressed, "Then what are you doing?"

Xun Qianchun said, "The poison is acting up, that's all."

With that, she turned to leave.

The concubine, lips tight, asked again, "Even if the poison is acting up, there are solutions. Where are you planning to go, and what do you intend to do?"

Xun Qianchun did not answer.

The concubine saw her heading towards the palace gates, reminiscent of that friend who once left with a sword, never to return.

She murmured, "Don't go."

Xun Qianchun remained silent.

The concubine raised her voice, "Where are you going?!"

Xun Qianchun was about to step out.

The concubine, disregarding her own dignity, continued, "If you don't tell me, I won't help take care of your gentleman!"

Xun Qianchun paused, lowered her foot, and turned back to bow to the concubine, saying, "You are my sister's dear friend. I entrust my gentleman to you."

They locked eyes for a moment.

The concubine realized that the person leaving was not the friend she remembered. She calmed down, returning to her usual demeanor, leaning against the couch and softly said, "You know how to detoxify, kill her! I can't bear to watch you suffer, your sister would hate me..."

Xun Qianchun shook her head.

Then she turned and left completely.

She needed to find a place.

A place where she couldn't harm the gentleman.

...

Most people would never know the affairs of the palace, and they were too distant from it anyway.

People only cared about their daily essentials, as long as they could afford food and avoid war, it was enough.

Yet, a prolonged battle continued just kilometers away on the official road, with snow and mud splattering.

Those unaware only hoped the battle wouldn't be lost, for it would be the common folk who suffered.

Those in the know were too shocked to comment, as no one expected the battle to turn into a stalemate.

The Li family, facing them, had a hundred thousand strong army, known for their military strategy and skills. Even the least competent among them, Li Sanlang, was a standout.

Now, the Li family, with their massive forces, was being held back by a newcomer strategist from Chang'an with just thirty thousand troops?

It seemed unbelievable!

People were both curious and fearful.

Only Xu Zhen sat in the military tent, smiling contentedly.

The situation was favorable for her. If she could capture Li Sanlang's territory, she might soon obtain the antidote. She wondered what Little Beggar was doing at home—practicing martial arts, reading? Hopefully not still teaching martial arts at the academy.

Xu Zhen sat with her legs crossed in the tent, waiting for reports, sweetly thinking, "Whatever you're doing, Little Beggar, stay safe, I'll be back soon."

The battle seemed optimistic; attempts to cross the river for an ambush were thwarted by Xu Zhen's foresight, posing no threat to the Chang'an troops.

Days passed.

Xu Zhen began plotting how to extract information from the favored concubine.

But plans often go awry.

While she was fighting against Li Sanlang with full vigor, her beloved Xun Qianchun had already left Chang'an wearing a bamboo hat.

And the favored concubine unexpectedly appeared in the military tent, dressed in elegance, softly offering to reveal the past of the Xun family.

Xu Zhen was dumbfounded.

Author's Note: The painful part is over! The erratic behavior of Little Beggar was due to the poison! The next chapter should bring the antidote, finally!

[Please ignore the promise of early updates made yesterday.]