Dongfang Wei drew his sword and retreated rapidly. His original intention was to kill Yu Qianmo, but an unexpected event occurred, and he stabbed Prince Yusheng Qin!
This was no small matter. Even though the Dongfang family was renowned in the martial world, they were no match for the imperial court!
"Seize them, none shall be allowed to escape!" Xiao Luo immediately ordered.
"Young Master, quickly retreat!" The Four Great Vajras protected Dongfang Wei as he retreated.
However, a great sword suddenly appeared before them, striking with immense force and sending the leading man flying.
"You all go, and inform my father!" Dongfang Wei decided instantly.
He had now injured Nangong Yu, and this matter would likely not be easily resolved. If he dared to flee, he would inevitably implicate the Dongfang family.
"Young Master."
"Go!" Dongfang Wei blocked Duguluo's great sword, ordering the Four Great Vajras to leave, "This is an order."
The Four Great Vajras had no choice but to break through and escape. Once the four had fled, Dongfang Wei abandoned his sword and surrendered. Xiao Man did not know what to feel; her eyes were filled with icy coldness. "Seize him."
"Hey, why are you arresting me?" Yu Qianmo was in a panic, but the soldiers were not ones to reason with him. A round of beatings ensued, knocking him unconscious before he was dragged back to the General's mansion.
Cloud City General's Mansion.
The army doctor's expression was grave. Nangong Yu's clothes were cut open, and everyone discovered that Nangong Yu bore numerous wounds, some of which had not fully healed, indicating recent injuries.
The army doctor first tended to the sword thrust by Dongfang Wei. The blade had passed through him. The doctor was unsure if internal organs had been affected. All he could do was stop the bleeding; the rest was up to fate.
"I'll do it." Xiao Man finally calmed down, waved the army doctor away, and took over herself. She disregarded the possibility of revealing her medical skills, but she knew she couldn't let Nangong Yu die. She wanted Nangong Yu to live!
Si Ye was beside himself with worry, wanting to have Ye Qing treat Nangong Yu, but fearing exposure of Ye Qing's identity. His gaze towards Xiao Man was tinged with reproach.
"Miss Xiao, my Prince... will my Prince be alright?" Si Ye wanted to complain, but he also knew what kind of person this young lady was, and besides, Xiao Luo was watching like a hawk. He was a fiercely protective brother. No matter who was at fault, if his sister was unhappy, it was others' fault!
Xiao Luo watched Xiao Man skillfully clean, suture, medicate, and bandage Nangong Yu's wounds, as if she had done it countless times. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He then pretended not to see it, his gaze falling on the unconscious Nangong Yu.
He was grateful to Prince Qin for saving his sister. If not for Prince Qin, Xiao Man would have been the one injured and lying there today.
However, he couldn't understand why Prince Qin would risk his life to save Xiao Man. Was it to curry favor with the General's mansion?
"Miss Xiao, my Prince..."
"If he makes it through tonight, he'll be fine," Xiao Man said softly. "I will stay here, just in case."
Xiao Luo frowned disapprovingly. "A man and a woman should maintain propriety..."
"Brother, I am a physician now. Physicians do not distinguish between men and women. Moreover, Prince Qin was injured saving me." Xiao Man looked at Xiao Luo. Prince Qin was key to her revenge. How could she let him die? She didn't want to be associated with Prince Qin, merely to conceal her identity and avoid being exposed. But if something were to happen to Prince Qin, Yusheng would lose a crucial advantage. Su Dan Novel Network.
Xiao Luo immediately fell silent, no longer dwelling on the matter. "I will deal with those two."
"Do not touch those two for now. Wait until Prince Qin wakes up and let him handle them," Xiao Man said softly.
These two were from the Martial Arts Alliance of the Four Great Martial Families and the Dongfang family of Jiangnan. While the court did not fear martial arts sects, martial artists did not adhere to imperial rules. Endless assassinations would be troublesome.
"Alright."
"Aman." Duguluo, having discovered the presence of assassins, had returned to the General's mansion for her weapon. The great sword was now slung across her back, making her petite figure appear even more delicate.
"Go rest. You've worked hard tonight."
Duguluo obediently went out. Si Ye stood silently in the corner, minimizing his presence.
Xiao Man looked at the sleeping Nangong Yu, filled with questions. Why had Prince Qin saved her? Even risking his life for her? Was it to win over the General's mansion? If so, it aligned with her own goals.
Xiao Man's gaze inadvertently fell on a sachet lying on the ground. She reached out and picked it up.
This sachet was given to Prince Qin by her during the Dragon Boat Festival. At the time, she had thought Prince Qin was deliberately making things difficult for her. She never expected he would keep the sachet with him all along.
Xiao Man steadied her emotions and fed Nangong Yu the last of her life-preserving pills. As long as he survived tonight, Nangong Yu would be fine.
The morning sunlight streamed through the windowpane and onto the bed. Xiao Man, slumped by the bedside with her hand on Nangong Yu's wrist, finally relaxed, certain he would be alright. However, with the release of tension came overwhelming drowsiness, and she fell asleep by the bedside.
When Nangong Yu awoke, he saw Xiao Man slumped by the bed, holding his hand. A smile curved his lips, and his phoenix eyes seemed to overflow with affection. He couldn't help but reach out to touch Xiao Man's sleeping face.
Just then, Xiao Luo entered from outside. He saw Nangong Yu's hand, which had been about to touch Xiao Man, immediately retract. A flicker of understanding crossed his mind: Prince Qin was after his sister.
"The Prince is awake."
Xiao Man was startled awake. She opened her hazy eyes and instinctively reached out to touch Nangong Yu's forehead. "No fever."
She then lifted the quilt and reached directly into Nangong Yu's embrace. As her soft, warm fingertips touched the smooth skin of his chest, Nangong Yu's breathing quickened, and his earlobes flushed a faint red. Xiao Man, however, remained oblivious. She pulled open Nangong Yu's robes to examine his wound.
"There's blood seeping out. The dressing will need to be changed later."
"Cough, cough." Xiao Luo cleared his throat. "Breakfast has been prepared. Does Prince Qin have an appetite?"
"Brother, just prepare some congee for Prince Qin. He can only eat liquid food now, and not too much. A small bowl of congee will suffice," Xiao Man instructed as she turned to him.
Xiao Luo nodded, a hint of helplessness in his expression at his sister's thoughtful demeanor. "Alright. I'll have the army doctor come change the Prince's dressing later. You should go wash up, eat breakfast, and then get some proper sleep."
"Okay." Xiao Man yawned and walked out. Prince Qin was no longer in mortal danger, and she was extremely tired.
Once Xiao Man had left the room and was out of earshot, Xiao Luo bowed to Prince Qin. "Thank you, Prince Qin, for saving my sister. If Your Highness has any commands, this subordinate will not hesitate to obey."