"It's impossible," Su Zimo instinctively refuted.
"Master Uncle," Mu Yunxuan finally couldn't hold it in any longer.
"Good! Good! Don't worry, she may have no hope of survival in the eyes of others, but in my capacity as a ghost doctor, there is still a glimmer of hope. My skills can save her as well," Su Zimo thought bitterly, glaring fiercely at Li Zifu.
This old man was intentionally playing with her emotions! She felt like she had been thrown from heaven to hell multiple times in just one day.
Couldn't he sense the gravity of the situation?
"Just now, Master Junior said that Xin'er was infected by the silkworm ice moth from the Wu Clan. How did the silkworm ice moth get into Xin'er's body?" Mu Yunxuan questioned, his eyes revealing a hint of bloodlust as his doubts grew.
"The incident happened while Xin'er was painting in Mingyuexuan. Liu Yue and the others were closer to Mingyuexuan. Qinghe only heard Xin'er's screams and rushed over, but Xin'er disappeared. How did they manage to put Xin'er into the carriage without being noticed by Liu Yue and the others?" Su Zimo also found it strange. Liu Yue and the others were very vigilant, and it seemed impossible for someone to infiltrate Mingyue Villa without their knowledge.
"The Wu Clan is a highly secretive and mysterious group. They have some practitioners of Wuzhu in their ranks. Not only are they skilled in deception, but they are also experts in stealth. They can easily deceive people without being noticed. Be cautious when dealing with anyone associated with the Wu Clan," Li Zifu explained, observing Xin'er's pale face.
He rummaged through the wooden frame and retrieved a pill from a porcelain bottle for Xin'er to take.
"After Xin'er consumes this Soul-Repairing Pill, she will sleep for five days. During this time, I will find a way to lure out the silkworm ice in her body. You need to stay here for these five days," Li Zifu instructed.
Five days, Su Zimo calculated. It wasn't too long. As long as it meant healing Xin'er, she was willing to stay for even five years.
"Shhh," Li Zifu suddenly seemed to remember something.
"Yunxuan, isn't the Wu Clan connected to your Mu family? How could they harm your own daughter? Yun Han is currently investigating this matter, and we should have results soon," Li Zifu recalled, trying to piece together the puzzle.
"This is also what Yunxuan wants to know. My mother might have a temper, but she would never resort to threatening others with children. Give me some time, and I will definitely find out the truth," Mu Yunxuan assured, meeting Su Zimo's gaze filled with anger, his heart filled with sorrow.
Ling Qiushui, it must be her. Everything this woman does seems to have a strong connection to the Wu Clan.
"Mother, even though she has a bad temper, she would never stoop so low as to threaten others with children. If you give me some time, I will definitely find out the truth," Mu Yunxuan added, his voice filled with determination.
"Girl, Xuan'er is right. I dare to guarantee with my reputation that Zixi has been spoiled since childhood, but she has a good heart. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been easily manipulated by others," Li Zifu interjected, realizing the situation as soon as he heard the conversation. He hurriedly stepped in to mediate.
"You don't need to say anything. I only believe what I see with my own eyes. As for the rest, we'll wait until we find evidence," Su Zimo remained indifferent, though the sharp words pierced her heart.
Despite telling herself not to care, she couldn't help but blame herself for not protecting the children.
"Niangzi, my mother is unaware of the truth behind this. Ling Qiushui is plotting something, and if my mother learns the truth now, it will be detrimental to her," Mu Yunxuan tried to explain. He wasn't defending his mother-in-law, but he hoped that Su Zimo wouldn't misunderstand.
Tears silently streamed down Su Zimo's face as she choked up, "You don't have to explain to me. Regardless of whether Ling Qiushui is plotting against me or not, until you are certain, you shouldn't jump to conclusions. We, as adults, have made mistakes. Why should the children bear this burden? It's Xin'er who suffers the most. Do you know how challenging her life has been since childhood? She couldn't run and play like other children. Her childhood was spent watching others enjoy themselves while she had to be cautious of her fragile health. She has always been sensible, understanding that her body is not strong! She has never done anything to worry me. Instead, she comforts me, saying that she's happy every day. When I'm away, she obediently waits for me at home. Since childhood, all three siblings have been so responsible. But why is life so unjust? Why must my beloved Xin'er endure such suffering?"
Su Zimo vented her deep frustrations, wanting to release the unhappiness in her heart.
Mu Yunxuan bit his lip, feeling powerless. No matter what he said, it would sound like an excuse. Wrong was wrong, but he was grateful to have the opportunity to make amends.
"Okay, okay, don't say anything more. Let the past be the past. Dwelling on yesterday will only make things more difficult for you. You must learn to let go, not approach everything with hatred, but rather learn to resolve things," Li Zifu expressed his distress, observing the two of them. Xuan'er had been under their watchful eyes since childhood, and this kid was undoubtedly an exceptional husband.
And his judgment was right—this girl was also a good person. They were well-matched.
"You two go downstairs and prepare dinner. I'll start treating Xin'er now," Li Zifu urged, changing the subject.
Upon hearing this, Su Zimo and Mu Yunxuan also prepared to leave. Saving Xin'er was their priority, and they wouldn't delay the process.
"By the way, I don't like eating wild vegetables. There are plenty of fish and shrimp in the river on the mountain. Go catch some, and my mood will improve. Xin'er's condition will also improve soon," Li Zifu cajoled, feeling hungry after not having a proper meal for several days.
He enjoyed having this girl around.
"Uncle, do I look like someone who knows how to cook?" Su Zimo was a bit speechless. How could she focus on cooking now when her little Xin'er hadn't woken up yet?
"Whether you can or cannot, you have to do it. Didn't you forget what I just said? Serve me well. Xin'er's illness will be cured in five days at most. If I'm not pleased, it might take five years..." Li Zifu looked embarrassed and widened his eyes, indicating that if Su Zimo didn't fulfill his request, there was no telling when Xin'er would wake up.
Mu Yunxuan shook his head, completely speechless. In plain terms, his uncle was blackmailing them.
"Fine! Fine!" Su Zimo compromised. "Is it delicious?" she muttered. "I'll do it. As long as you can heal Xin'er within five days, I'll cook for you every day."
Su Zimo gritted her teeth. For Xin'er, what was the inconvenience of cooking a few meals? Wasn't it a small sacrifice for her?
"Now, get out! Get out!" Li Zifu pushed them out of the doorway and slammed the door shut.
"Hmph! Xuan'er should be grateful to me now! Five days should be enough for you to sort out your feelings!" Li Zifu muttered to himself, leaning against the door.
A trace of a mischievous smile flashed in his eyes as he made his way towards Xin'er.
Outside the door, Mu Yunxuan glanced at Su Zimo.
"Junior Uncle has such a temper, just like an old rascal. Madam, don't judge him too quickly," Su Zimo said with a faint smile. "Can I make a deal with him? After all, he is the one who saved Xin'er."
Mu Yunxuan looked at her with a hint of anger in his eyes. "Madam..."
"Don't call me 'Madam'."
Su Zimo stopped him coldly. It felt strange to hear such a low voice from a high-ranking Cloud City Saint Lord in front of her.
"Hmph!" Mu Yunxuan huffed, his anger evident on his face.
"It feels a little strange. At first, I didn't feel awkward, but after saying it once, I realized that I can't stop."
Su Zimo remained silent, deliberately ignoring the odd feeling in her heart. The gentle voice calling her 'Madam' unsettled her, and she wasn't ready to discuss a love from a different world here.
Changing the subject, she asked indifferently, "Where did you go with Qi'er and Que'er today? It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to ask, but now seems like a good time."
Looking at Su Zimo's distant gaze, Mu Yunxuan's heart ached, but he spoke softly, "I wanted to make Li'er forgive me quickly, so I took them to the cliff and apologized to their brothers. I owe you and your son too much, Su Zimo. If it weren't for that forced marriage, maybe I, Mu Yunxuan, would have met the same fate as the previous generations of the Mu family. According to the curse, I wouldn't have lived past twenty years old."
Su Zimo looked at him in shock, not because he wanted to apologize to Li'er and Qi'er, but because he mentioned not living past twenty.
"Are you really alive because of that marriage?"
Su Zimo found it hard to believe. Was this some kind of trick? But the truth was right in front of her. She had traveled through time and space because of that forced marriage.
"Yes, the eldest sons of the Mu family don't live past twenty, and all the ancestors of the Mu family are buried on the cliff. None of them lived beyond twenty. Before I lost consciousness for three days, my family thought I wouldn't wake up. My father even looked forward to my funeral day. But then Wuzhuzi from the Wu clan, who had been favored by the Mu family for generations, suddenly appeared and claimed that the curse could be lifted through the marriage. Coincidentally, I learned about your suicide, and the Zi Void Daoist calculated that our birth charts were highly compatible and could break the curse that prevented the Mu family sons from living past twenty. And it turned out to be true. I've lived well for the past six years!"
Mu Yunxuan explained the whole story to Su Zimo, wanting to ensure she didn't misunderstand.
"I didn't want the marriage. I always thought the curse was fake, and the deaths of the Mu family sons in previous generations were likely due to various coincidences. I never expected I would be dragged into it."
"Are you really sure that the curse was lifted because of our marriage? In that case, is Li'er now the eldest son of the Mu family?" Su Zimo's heart filled with fear. She came from the 21st century, where she didn't believe in saving people through marriage. The rumors about the curse on the Mu family sons not living past twenty had long been dismissed by her. But now, Mu Yunxuan brought it up, forcing her to face the issue head-on.
"Madam, don't worry. Li'er won't be affected by the curse anymore. The Zi Void Daoist has confirmed that the curse has been broken, and Li'er will be fine."
He didn't want her to worry too much. He just wanted to share everything he knew.
"Mu Yunxuan, don't you think this situation is suspicious? Why did the Mu family support the Wu clan for generations? What kind of relationship does the Mu family have with the Wu clan? Have you ever thought about it? Think about it. Did the Mu family have this curse before encountering the Wu clan?"
Su Zimo didn't believe it was all a coincidence. She hadn't forgotten that night—the eerie and creepy atmosphere in the tomb on the cliff still haunted her.
"Madam, I have never thought about the issues you mentioned. But I know that throughout history, the eldest sons of the Mu family have never lived past twenty. As for the relationship with the Wu clan, it goes back a very long time, maybe even my father doesn't know. But there are records in the secret room's history books. Once I return, I will thoroughly investigate."
Mu Yunxuan realized his wife's reminder was valid. He needed to explore the connection between the Mu family and the Wu clan.
Over the years, the Wu clan had enjoyed the Mu family's support, yet they not only failed to show gratitude but also dared to harm his Xin'er.
"Remember to investigate. Only when I'm certain the curse has been broken can I feel at ease."
Su Zimo pleaded. She didn't want the same fate to befall Li'er.
Mu Yunxuan looked at Su Zimo affectionately. "Madam, don't worry! Li'er won't experience the same fate as me."
Mu Yunxuan held Su Zimo's shoulders, gazing at her deeply, and sincerely apologized, "Su Zimo, I, Mu Yunxuan, still owe you a heartfelt apology. I'm sorry, truly sorry."
"Su Zimo, I'm sorry, truly sorry!"
These words echoed in Su Zimo's mind.
Suddenly, Su Zimo felt the hatred in her heart slowly dissipating.
"Su Zimo, forgive him! I have been waiting for this moment. Now that I've heard it, thank you for coming back to avenge me. From now on, Li'er and I will be your family."
A voice reverberated in Su Zimo's mind, suddenly remembered and then vanished.
Su Zimo's eyes widened, larger than a copper bell.
Just now, she heard another woman's voice in her mind. Was that voice her own? Was it really her?
"Su Zimo, is that you? Can you hear me?"
Su Zimo asked abruptly, her strange behavior confusing Mu Yunxuan.
"Madam, what's wrong with you?"
Su Zimo seemed to ignore his question, staring at Mu Yunxuan with a blank expression. Her heart trembled. What was happening? Did she possess the soul of the original owner?
She was afraid, afraid that, just like in a soul novel, there would be two souls vying for control of her body. If it weren't for her three children, she could have gone back without any hesitation. But now she couldn't, she had grown accustomed to this world, and what she cherished the most were her three children.
After a while, the voice didn't return.
Su Zimo's heart sank slightly, and she sincerely spoke in her heart, "Su Zimo, thank you as well. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be reborn, and thank you for giving me your body. I don't know where you will go, but I sincerely hope that you will find happiness."
She felt as if something was withdrawing from her body. Su Zimo experienced an unprecedented ease, and at that moment, she felt truly connected with this body.
Perhaps, sometimes, a sincere apology could make a person let go of the past and depart with a heart full of blessings.
When she was about to leave, Su Zimo was still conscious, and the Mu family didn't offer any assistance, causing her to die in vain. But today, Mu Yunxuan sincerely apologized and allowed her to leave peacefully.
"Lady... Wife?"
Mu Yunxuan looked at Su Zimo with a worried expression, holding her shoulders and shaking her.
This shake brought Su Zimo back to consciousness.
She felt a great sense of relief in her heart, as if she could face anything calmly.
However, she had some doubts. Could it be that the soul of the original owner had always been hidden within her body? Was all that strong hatred coming from her, and did Mu Yunxuan's sincere apology completely eliminate her hatred? Wow! Su Zimo felt speechless, realizing how amazing this world was.
"Am I alright?"
Su Zimo moved her body, feeling a heat rise to her face.
Mu Yunxuan was too close, and the strong masculinity and faint dragon aura emanating from him permeated her body, making her feel a little uneasy.
Suddenly, Su Zimo looked at Mu Yunxuan intently, and even her hatred towards him had disappeared. She couldn't believe that she didn't feel so averse to Mu Yunxuan's proximity anymore.
"Let's go catch fish and shrimp!"
Su Zimo walked towards a path, indicating that they should go there.
"Huh?"
Observing her retreating figure, Mu Yunxuan burst into laughter, a hearty and joyous laughter that made Su Zimo blush even more, causing her to bury her head and walk faster.
What did he just witness? He saw his wife's shy and charming side.
"Madam, we're not going that way to catch fish and shrimp."
Su Zimo suddenly stopped and wore an embarrassed expression on her face.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier that I didn't know the way?"
Su Zimo scolded Mu Yunxuan and lightly hit him.
"It's 'Madam,' and you're the one going in that direction."
Mu Yunxuan found her reaction amusing. He always felt that she was different, but he couldn't quite pinpoint how.
"Lead the way."
Su Zimo looked at Mu Yunxuan with a mix of anger and a mischievous smile. Yet, that smile was undeniably charming, making her want to steal a few more glances.
That smile was so beautiful, so beautiful that she wanted to pinch his cheeks, and his fair skin must feel great!
Mu Yunxuan wasn't in a hurry either. He picked up two bamboo baskets from a corner and led the way to the other side.
"We're going this way?"
Mu Yunxuan pointed in a certain direction.
After walking for a while, Su Zimo frowned, "Mu Yunxuan, is this really a 'road'...?"
Su Zimo pointed towards a cliff ahead. Although it wasn't very high, there was no visible path to walk on!
"Silly girl, the water flows down here. Do you want to go up?"
Silly girl? Su Zimo was dumbfounded. It was the first time a man called her that, but she didn't feel anger. Instead, she felt a sense of being spoiled.
While Su Zimo was in a daze, Mu Yunxuan lifted her up and carried her towards the bottom of the cliff.
It didn't take them long to reach the bottom.
There, they saw a river cascading down from the cliff, forming a clear lake at the base. The water wasn't deep, with the deepest part reaching only up to the waist.
The surrounding green meadows and trees, some adorned with delicate yellow rabbit silk grass, added to the enchanting scenery of the lake.
"Wow! Such a beautiful lake! You can even see the fish and shrimp swimming in it."
Su Zimo was instantly captivated by the breathtaking view, completely forgetting about the strange events that had just occurred.
The water in this realm was exceptionally clear, and the landscape was unique. It seemed like the people here were skilled in cultivation. The houses were built right next to the cliff, taking advantage of the terrain, which created a perilous yet beautiful scene.
"As they say, clear waters hold no fish. Madam, the majority of the fish are in the grassy lake over there, where they gather in large numbers. You can catch them using a bamboo basket."
Mu Yunxuan pointed towards a lower area on the edge of the lake.
"Let's go. We can make some food tonight."
Su Zimo took a bamboo basket from Mu Yunxuan's hand and became instantly interested. Wild fish and shrimp were incredibly delicious.
Upon reaching the shore, Su Zimo removed her embroidered shoes and lifted the hem of her skirt, revealing her fair calves.
Carrying the bamboo basket, she entered the water.
Mu Yunxuan's gaze darkened as he watched. She could casually expose her fair calves in front of him, something she would never do in front of other men. He quickly approached her.
The slightly cool water caused Su Zimo to shiver. It wasn't too deep, only reaching her knees, but it was crystal clear. Su Zimo assumed that the fish wouldn't be too big.
But she was mistaken. Fish, as big as two pounds or more, swam around her feet.
"Wow! There are so many fish here! Some of them are even gathered together. Who said that clear water doesn't hold fish? The water is so clear that you can see exactly which ones you want to catch."
Su Zimo exclaimed in surprise.
Glancing back at Mu Yunxuan, she saw him standing on the shore, gazing fixedly at her.
"Mu Yunxuan, why haven't you come down to catch shrimp? The fish will be enough soon, but catching shrimp one by one will take time."