Chapter 11: Suspicion
Translated by algoo | Proofread by algoo
For the latest updates, visit: ProNovels.com
Join our Discord for release updates: https://discord.gg/Eh2ayfR4FB
Early morning, the Lin residence.
Sun Dali lay in bed, his face bruised, still unconscious.
Supervisor Chen from the Ministry of Records entered. “We’ve identified the man. He’s an assassin, long wanted by the court, with several murders on his record. I didn’t expect him to target Lin Xiu.”
The assassin had died before the city guards arrived.
Sun Dali’s full-force charge was lethal, even to an elephant.
Before the assassin died, Lin Xiu had tried to copy his ability, but the power within him didn’t react, indicating the man wasn’t an ability user.
Baron Ping’an’s face was grim. “But who would hire an assassin to kill Xiu’er?”
Supervisor Chen thought for a moment, his expression changing. “Could it be the Qin family?”
Baron Ping’an pressed, “What Qin family? What happened? Why do you suspect them?”
Supervisor Chen recounted the events at the Ministry of Records. Baron Ping’an pondered, then shook his head. “I doubt it. I believe the Qin family might retaliate against Xiu’er, but hiring an assassin? They wouldn’t dare.”
Even in decline, the Lin family was still part of the nobility.
While not always harmonious, there was a line among the capital’s elite. Open assassination would result in the loss of noble status and condemnation from their peers. A First Rank Baron wouldn’t dare assassinate another noble, especially immediately after a conflict.
Baron Ping’an turned to Lin Xiu. “Xiu’er, think carefully. Have you offended anyone else?”
Lin Xiu shook his head. “No.”
He had suspected Qin Cong, but as his father said, their quarrel wasn’t a life-or-death feud. The Qin family wouldn’t resort to such a self-destructive method.
If exposed, the consequences would be too severe.
If not the Qin family, who else wanted him dead?
Before Lin Xiu’s arrival, the original Baron Ping’an’s son was a recluse, spending most of his time at home. He had no friends, let alone enemies…
Lin Xiu’s second suspect was the Zhao family.
The Zhao family couldn’t deny the engagement without appearing treacherous and damaging their reputation.
But if Lin Xiu died, the engagement would naturally be void, preserving the Zhao family’s honor.
This possibility made Lin Xiu feel conflicted.
In this world, apart from Baron Ping’an and his wife, Lingyin was the kindest to him. He didn’t want to suspect the Zhao family, but the possibility existed.
Putting these thoughts aside, Lin Xiu’s immediate concern was Sun Dali.
He hadn’t expected Sun Dali, who always ran faster than him when encountering Zhao Lingyin, to unhesitatingly shield him. If not for him, Lin Xiu would be dead a second time.
The assassin’s darts were poisoned. Sun Dali, struck by multiple darts, was still unconscious, his breathing faint.
Only his stronger-than-average physique had kept him alive this long. An ordinary person would have died last night.
Supervisor Chen approached the bed, examined Sun Dali, and reassured Lin Xiu. “Don’t worry. I’ve informed the court. The Imperial Hospital will send someone soon…”
The Imperial Hospital was quick. Within fifteen minutes, a carriage stopped at the Lin residence.
A beautiful young woman in a white dress stepped out, her voice gentle. “Where is the injured person?”
She appeared to be sixteen or seventeen, with an oval face and long, cascading hair styled in twin buns adorned with white ribbons. Her bangs gave her an elegant air.
Baron Ping’an looked at her, puzzled. “Miss, are you…?”
The young woman introduced herself, “I’m from the Imperial Hospital.”
“So you’re the Imperial Physician,” Baron Ping’an said, understanding dawning. “Please, come in.”
The young woman blushed slightly. “I’m not a physician. Let’s see the patient first.”
Led by Baron Ping’an, she entered the room and, seeing Sun Dali’s bruised face, hurried forward, placing her hand on his forehead.
She sighed in relief. “Not too bad…”
Lin Xiu asked anxiously, “Miss, can he be saved?”
The young woman nodded. “Yes.”
Her young age made Lin Xiu doubt her skills. But the next moment, he changed his mind.
Her hand remained on Sun Dali’s forehead. As time passed, the bruising on his face visibly faded, replaced by a healthy flush.
This wasn’t medicine; it was a mystical art!
Lin Xiu couldn’t help but ask, “Is your mystical art a healing type?”
The young woman smiled, not denying it.
Enjoying the translation? Stay updated with the latest chapters at ProNovels.com.
Lin Xiu maintained a calm expression, but inside, he was excited.
Healing! This was one of his most coveted abilities!
This ability granted immunity to poisons and diseases. After further awakenings, it could heal others. More importantly, those with this ability had lifespans two or even three times longer than average. It was a unique and precious ability among mystical arts.
It wasn’t for combat, but it was rarer than any combat ability. After all, even the strongest practitioners, the wealthiest nobles, even emperors, couldn’t escape aging, sickness, and death. Having a healer by one’s side was like having multiple lives.
The young woman’s hand had been on Sun Dali’s forehead for fifteen minutes. Lin Xiu wished he was the one lying in bed. If it were him, he would have this dream ability by now.
If only he could switch places with Sun Dali. Sadly, he couldn’t.
If he had been poisoned last night, with his current physique, he likely wouldn’t have survived this long.
Looking at the young woman, Lin Xiu considered hiring an assassin to fake an attack on himself. He could feign injury, have the Imperial Hospital send her again, and then… wouldn’t that be wonderful?
As he plotted, the young woman removed her hand from Sun Dali’s forehead. She stood up. “Alright, the poison is purged. He just needs to recuperate now. I’ll take my leave.”
She turned to go, but Lin Xiu quickly said, “Miss, let me see you out…”
At the entrance, Lin Xiu asked eagerly, “I am indebted to you, miss. May I know your name?”
The young woman thought for a moment. “My surname is Bai. You can call me Shuangshuang.”
“Bai Shuangshuang, what a lovely name,” Lin Xiu smiled. “Allow me to escort you back.”
Bai Shuangshuang shook her head gently. “There’s no need. I’ll take the carriage.”
Lin Xiu wouldn’t miss a chance for closer contact. “Then allow me to treat you to a meal. If it weren’t for you, my guard might have died. Please, allow me to express my gratitude…”
She refused again. “There’s no need, sir. It was my duty. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going.”
Realizing his persistence might annoy her, and wanting to leave a good impression, Lin Xiu relented. “Safe travels, then…”
Watching the carriage depart, Lin Xiu sighed regretfully.
It seemed acquiring Shuangshuang’s ability would require a long-term plan.
“If you’re so reluctant, why not chase after her?”
As soon as he sighed, a cold voice came from nearby.
Lin Xiu turned to see Zhao Lingyin standing there, arms crossed, glaring at him.
For the latest updates, visit ProNovels.com. Join our Discord for release updates: https://discord.gg/Eh2ayfR4FB.
