Chapter 164: Sleeping Powder

This... is really quite unexpected.

Chu Bing never imagined that this was the exact reason why that unseen mistress wanted to silence Old Man Qian.

She twitched the corner of her mouth, feeling too awkward to make any comments on the matter. Therefore, she briskly pulled the old man to his feet and said, "Let's hurry up and leave before they bring people over here. I won't be able to save you then."

Old Man Qian’s expression changed, and he quickly stood up to follow Chu Bing outside.

He had completely had enough of this damn place and didn't want to stay here for even a single second longer!

Just as the two of them stepped out of the courtyard gate, the gate suddenly slammed shut, and a flirtatious voice rang out from behind, "Where are you heading?"

Chu Bing frowned. Why did this voice sound so familiar?

She turned around, and a familiar figure came into view.

It was actually Yun Xin!

Why was she here!

Chu Bing widened her eyes and carefully examined the girl in front of her. Yun Xin was dressed in a peach-pink gown, the pearl hairpins on her head sparkling brightly. As she walked with seductive and charming grace, she looked even more attractive than before.

Yet... how on earth had she become someone else's mistress once again?

Looking at the expression on Yun Xin's face, Chu Bing was utterly astounded by her unbelievable antics.

Yun Xin also felt that Chu Bing looked somewhat familiar.

However, Chu Bing was currently dressed in men's clothing, and having previously consumed the Marrow-Cleansing Fruit, her features had become even more refined and delicate, causing Yun Xin fail to recognize her immediately.

Instead, Yun Xin found Chu Bing exceptionally handsome, stirring a fluttering sensation in her heart.

"Who are you? What is your relationship with this quack doctor?" Yun Xin asked, lifting her chin and looking at Chu Bing with an extremely proud expression.

She actually hadn't recognized her?

Chu Bing looked at Yun Xin with a complicated expression, then her eyes darted as an idea flashed through her mind.

She purposely put on a stern face and pretended not to recognize Yun Xin either, saying, "This is my grandfather. My grandfather kindly came here to treat your illness, so why did you have him thrown into the river?"

Old Man Qian stood nearby, staring at Chu Bing in utter horror, completely bewildered as to when he had acquired such a grandson.

However, seeing the look in Chu Bing's eyes, he realized she must be up to some mischief. He moved his lips, but ultimately said nothing, standing obediently beside Chu Bing.

Yun Xin's gaze flickered. As she stepped closer, she realized even more just how incredibly handsome Chu Bing was—that dashing, pretty face completely matched her desires.

Covering her mouth, she deliberately put on a fragile, pitiful act and said, "There must be some huge misunderstanding here! How could I possibly have my savior thrown into the river on purpose? It must be that the servants underneath us misheard my orders and caused this entire farce."

She stepped forward as she spoke, deliberately taking hold of Old Man Qian's hand, and feigned deep affection as she said, "Doctor Qian, I am so sorry. I truly put you through quite a fright."

Old Man Qian was dumbfounded by this act. Never having expected someone's attitude to flip so drastically in such a short time, he waved his hands frantically in fright and retreated several steps before finally regaining his composure.

Seeing her hand brushed aside, a flash of annoyance crossed Yun Xin's eyes. However, when her gaze landed on Chu Bing, she suddenly calmed down again and looked aggrievedly at Chu Bing, saying, "Doctor Qian, you really have misunderstood me."

Her eyes drifted as she looked at Chu Bing, heavy with seductive implication.

The corners of Chu Bing's eyes twitched twice.

She never expected Yun Xin to have such utterly zero bottom line. She still remembered how Yun Xin had tried to seduce Li Yuxi, and now she was pulling the same stunt on her.

How truly...

Chu Bing curled her lips in resignation, but her tone remained extremely righteous and stern, "Madam, since it is all a misunderstanding, may I take my grandfather away now?"

"Why are you in such a hurry?" Yun Xin chuckled softly, exchanged a glance with a maid beside her, and then said to Chu Bing, "Doctor Qian saved me after all, and I feel terribly guilty for letting him suffer such a fright. How about this, I'll play host and invite the two of you to a meal?"

Seeing the smile on Yun Xin's face, Chu Bing was certain she was plotting something evil again.

And she was actually quite curious about it.

Chu Bing looked over at Old Man Qian.

Old Man Qian only wanted to escape this cursed place and shook his head incessantly, his refusal entirely obvious.

Chu Bing smiled warmly and patted his shoulder, "Grandfather, since the hospitality is so hard to decline, why don't we just stay and have a meal here?"

Old Man Qian glared at Chu Bing, having no idea what kind of trick she intended to play.

However, Chu Bing gave him no chance to refuse, pushing his shoulders and nodding in agreement to Yun Xin.

Beaming with joy, Yun Xin immediately arranged for someone to escort them to the reception parlor.

Maids weaved back and forth through the folding screens, continuously serving dishes.

Yun Xin sat in the seat of honor, while Chu Bing and Old Man Qian sat together. The moment they took their seats, a maid approached carrying a wine pitcher.

Yun Xin picked up the pitcher and personally poured wine for Chu Bing, saying, "Doctor Qian, Young Master Qian, I was in the wrong today, and I offer my apologies to the two of you here."

The moment Old Man Qian picked up his wine cup, he noticed the scent was wrong and subtly shook his head at Chu Bing.

A playful smile played at the corners of Chu Bing's lips as she raised her cup and drained it in a single gulp.

Almost the moment the maid appeared in the room with the wine pitcher, Chu Bing had detected the heavy scent of sleeping potion inside it.

Yet she still drank it down without the slightest hesitation.

Because... back when she was testing medicines, what hadn't she tried before?

This kind of ordinary sleeping potion had long ceased to have any effect on her!

Watching her actions, Old Man Qian was struck with utter shock.

Was this fellow out of his mind?

Chu Bing ignored him.

Fortunately, Yun Xin's attention was entirely focused on Chu Bing, so she completely missed the expression on Old Man Qian's face.

"Young Master Qian is truly straightforward. This slave girl just loves men like you..."

Yun Xin's eyes curved into crescents, her smile exceptionally alluring.

While bantering back and forth with Yun Xin, Chu Bing gave Old Man Qian a subtle signal. Not long after, her head suddenly drooped to the side, and she slumped over onto the table.

Seeing this, Old Man Qian closed his eyes and began faking unconsciousness as well.

Watching the two of them collapse, Yun Xin no longer concealed the triumph in her eyes.

"Come here, tidy up my bedchamber and help our guests over to rest," she said loudly.

A maid glanced at her apprehensively and braced herself to say, "Madam, is that really appropriate? If the master comes back later..."

What if the master found out that the mistress had brought a strange man into her own bedchamber? That...

The maid shrank back in fear, terrified that none of the servants would escape punishment if that happened.

*Slap.*

A crisp, vicious blow landed squarely across the maid's face.

Clutching her cheek, the maid instantly fell silent.

Yun Xin slowly withdrew her hand, a trace of ruthlessness flashing in her eyes, "What qualifications do you, a mere maid, have to lecture me? Let me tell you, I am the mistress, and in this estate, I have the final say!"

She stood up, her tone icy, "Whatever I want, I will definitely get."