Three years ago, all 173 members of the General of Zhenguo's household were executed, their blood staining the stone steps. As the sole surviving legitimate daughter, Gu Qingshang clawed her way out of the pile of corpses, blood and mud wedged beneath her fingernails.
Three years later, the capital had a new wandering miracle doctor, known as "Shen Qi," whose silver needles could snatch people from the jaws of death. Everyone said Doctor Shen had the heart of a bodhisattva, treating the poor for free, a celestial being living among mortals.
Only Shen Qi knew that half the medicine in her case could save lives, while the other half was poison that sent people to hell.
Every bit of her reputation paved the way for revenge. Every time she saved someone, she set another piece in place to get closer to her enemies.
When the Minister of Personnel suffered from chronic migraines, she entered his residence with her "secret needling technique" and took the opportunity to replace his letters of treason.
When the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards loved his son more than life itself, she saved the boy from "danger" and made the man willingly become a blade in her hand.
When the high and mighty Noble Consort sought eternal youth, she offered her "Immortal Jade Dew," gradually hollowing out the foundations of her maternal family.
She thought her heart had long since turned to stone, until the Embroidered Uniform Guard commander, always scowling yet appearing whenever she was in danger, pushed a steaming bowl of plain noodles toward her.
"Doctor Shen," the man's voice was low, his gaze sharp as an eagle's. "Your hands are meant to save people. Don't let them get too stained with blood."
Gu Qingshang lowered her eyes to the clear broth in the bowl and smiled softly.
"Lord Xiao, I save people, and I kill people. Are you going to arrest me?"
