Ye Luansighed and opened all the windows for ventilation.
"If you feel uncomfortable anywhere, just say so."
Her rib, which had been stabbed to the heart, must have hurt terribly.
Feeling distressed, she walked to the bedside and looked at his pale, weak face. "If it hurts, say it. Don't endure it."
Xiao Chizhan, taking advantage of the situation, grabbed her hand and said with a straight face.
"If you kiss me, it won't hurt anymore."
"---"
Her sincere concern was always twisted by him.
Ye Luans eyelids trembled slightly, but she still leaned down and kissed his cheek. "There, now lie down and rest."
He was clearly in great pain, and she could even feel his body trembling uncontrollably, but he never showed it, just endured it numbly.
"I don't want to sleep. Luanluan, if you come lie with me, I'll sleep."
This Ice Jade Bed was very spacious, more than enough for several people to sleep on.
But Ye Luan, afraid of hurting him if she tossed and turned, refused.
"Hurry up and lie down to rest. I'm not sleepy."
"Then I'm not sleepy either."
"----"
Ye Luan felt so annoyed she wanted to hit him, but seeing his frail expression, she could only take a deep breath and walk over.
"I'll just stay here with you."
Xiao Chizhan lay on the bed, paused for a moment, then tightly gripped her hand, and finally closed his eyes slightly.
His face was very pale, almost bloodless. Fine beads of sweat seeped from his forehead, his lips were tightly pressed, and his breathing was shallow and weak, a picture of illness.
Watching him, Ye Luans expression became a little dazed, and she couldn't help but reach out and touch his face.
He was awake.
He wasn't dead.
He really wasn't dead.
In just a few days, she had experienced extreme sorrow and joy, it felt like a dream.
Ye Luan didn't know how to describe her feelings at that moment; they were too complex.
She didn't want to do anything but sit by the bed and quietly watch him.
Soft sunlight pierced the sheer curtains and spilled onto both of them, casting a faint green glow.
Ye Luan didn't know how long she had been sitting by the bed watching him.
He was very weak, and the wound on his chest was severe. Blood had seeped through the bandages, staining a large area crimson, yet he hadn't even furrowed his brow, enduring it all.
She extended her slender fingers to trace his brow bone, his eyes, his lips, his cheeks, a faint smile unconsciously appearing on her face.
He was truly so devilishly handsome.
Ye Luan couldn't help but recall the first time she saw him in the dark chamber.
"Aluan."
Just then, a low voice suddenly came from outside.
Ye Luan withdrew her gaze and looked outside. She saw Lan Murou push open the door and beckon to her.
She quickly got up to go out, but he held her hand tightly, and she couldn't break free.
She leaned down and quietly pried his fingers open, one by one. By the time she finally managed to release his hand, she was drenched in sweat.
"What is it?"
Lan Murou pulled her out of the room. "Is the Prince asleep?"
"Mmm."
"Are you staying here?"
Ye Luan followed her to the corridor and said softly, "Yes, after he recovers, we'll talk about other things."
She had already sent someone to report her safety to the Duke's mansion, so her grandmother wouldn't worry.
Lan Murou chuckled softly. "After all the twists and turns, it's still the two of you."
Hearing this, Ye Luan touched her slightly cool Bingli Yue and curved her lips.
"I've let him go, and I've let myself go."
"The Prince has deep feelings for you. That's good," Lan Murou said with a smile. "Since you're both alright, I'll be going back now."
Ye Luan asked, "What about Tantai Ye?"
"He's in the wine cellar. We'll be leaving soon."
"Murou, he's getting married. What are your plans?"
Tantai Ye's personality was even more ruthless and his methods more vicious than Xiao Chizhans. Murou was gentle and no match for him.
Upon hearing her words, Lan Murou's expression became a little dejected.
"Your brother has gone to the northern frontier, hasn't he? You're all alone. He wouldn't kill you, would he?"
"I don't know what to do. I'm surrounded by hidden guards and watched very closely."
She had no martial arts skills and was constantly monitored. Every day after he finished work at court, he would seek her out, leaving her no personal space.
Hearing this, Ye Luan fell silent for a while. Thinking of Tantai Ye's cruel and heartless nature, once he married, the women from noble families would not be easy to deal with, and Murou would surely be bullied to death.
"Murou, his wedding day will be your best chance to leave."
Yes, that was what she thought too. She could only try her luck then.
"If you need my help, I'll definitely help you."
"I'll help you too!"
Suddenly, Wei Qingges voice came from behind her. She walked over with her arms crossed.
"Hmph, I heard them say he's really getting married. The wedding date is almost set. Murou, you can't keep following him. I'll help you leave then."
She didn't want to offend Tantai Ye, but now, there was no other way. She couldn't just stand by and watch Murou fall into a desperate situation.
Lan Murou's eyes became a little moist upon hearing their words. She suppressed the涩意 and nodded with a smile.
"It's not suitable to talk here now. I'll find a place, and then we can discuss it further."
"Mmm."
Wei Qingge nodded. "Aluan, we'll be leaving now."
"Alright."
After they left, Ye Luan walked around. She hadn't had a proper bath while taking care of him these past few days. Since he was asleep, she could take the opportunity to wash up.
But this Yun Shang Que was too vast, and she couldn't find the bathing area. She had to ask a maid before she found the natural hot spring.
As soon as she entered, she saw a very large pool. The water was drawn from somewhere, and it was steaming hot.
She took off her clothes and stepped directly into the pool. The warm water enveloped her body, making her feel as if she had come back to life.
"Ye Luan--"
"Ye Luan---"
Not long after, Xiao Chizhans weak voice suddenly echoed from outside.
Ye Luan was startled and quickly tried to get up, but she was only halfway through her bath. She had to grab a towel to cover herself and glare at the person who walked in.
"Weren't you asleep? Why are you here again?"
Xiao Chizhan looked at her leaning by the pool, her dark hair spread out in the water, forming a fine net that concealed her alluring figure beneath the water, hazy and indistinct.
Her eyes were moist, and her skin, as delicate as congealed fat, was like a lotus flower at the bottom of the water. Her partially covered figure was both shy and enchanting.
He couldn't help but look up.
"You lied to me."
Seeing him walk over, Ye Luan sank lower into the water. "How did I lie to you?"
"You promised to sleep with me, but you ran away."
He had felt her absence in his daze, and his heart felt empty.
"I'll come back after I've washed up. You should go back and rest."
She dared not delay, thinking she would just quickly wash up and return. Yet, in this short time, he had already found her.
Ye Luan helplessly supported her head. "Your injury isn't healed yet. What are you doing?"
"No, I can't sleep without you by my side. It hurts."
As he spoke, Xiao Chizhan sat by the edge of the pool, staring at her intently.
Ye Luan felt goosebumps prickle her back under his gaze, and she shifted uncomfortably.
"Luanluan, I'll bathe with you."
Seeing the look in his eyes, Ye Luan immediately refused sternly, "No, your wound cannot touch any water."
---
ps: Happy New Year's Day! Wishing everyone wealth and beauty in the new year.