Deng Xuelian resorted to her old tricks, bribing a palace maid to spike Deng Youning’s wine with Soft-Bone Powder, which had been prepared by Wu Tong. Meanwhile, Deng Yi laced He Xiangzhe’s wine with Hehuan Powder. What the siblings failed to anticipate was that He Xiangzhe, intent on forcibly taking Deng Xuelian for himself, had also dosed her with Hehuan Powder. By a stroke of blind luck, it was Deng Yi who ended up drinking that particular glass. Unlike other poisons, Hehuan Powder was sold openly by any bold apothecary. To be caught in an illicit affair within the Imperial Palace, under the very eyes of the Emperor, with every high-ranking noble present as a witness—that would bind the two parties together for a lifetime!
"Princess Youning, I have often heard Lian'er speak of you. At the recent Bear-Viewing Banquet, we were all truly indebted to you and Lord Li for working together to slay that beast and save us all."
Crown Prince Jun Wenci approached Deng Youning, wine cup in hand, appearing as though he wished to toast her.
Chapter 66