Chapter 125: Complete Severance (1)

Han Yan buried her head deeper, not daring to meet Fu Yun Xi’s eyes: “You know I was given spring poison…” After waking, she checked her body and found no signs of injury, suggesting that Fu Yun Xi hadn’t done anything to her last night. Realizing this, she felt grateful to him. Still, she asked in confusion: “How was the spring poison cured then?”

Fu Yun Xi straightened up, shifting his gaze elsewhere: “The Imperial Physician naturally treated you.”

Han Yan felt something strange about his response but couldn’t pinpoint exactly what. She just instinctively felt he was lying. She had wanted to express her gratitude, but then noticed his bandaged palm and asked: “You’re injured?”

Fu Yun Xi turned away: “Just a minor wound.”

“Is it related to me?” For some reason, Han Yan felt the wound had some inextricable connection to her. But Fu Yun Xi’s cool voice replied: “It has nothing to do with you.”

Han Yan looked up, finally noticing that his complexion was paler than usual. Compared to his typically sharp and cold demeanor, there was now a hint of gentle frailty. Though uncertain, Han Yan kindly suggested: “You don’t look well. If you’re feeling unwell, perhaps you should see a doctor.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Fu Yun Xi seemed unwilling to continue this topic, but looked at her again: “You should rest well here.”

Han Yan was startled. She had been at Prince Xuan Qing’s residence for a day and night now. She had originally been with Imperial Consort Chen and others at the palace and feared this might cause gossip. She made to get up: “That might not be appropriate…”

“Word has already been sent to the Zhuang residence,” Fu Yun Xi’s voice carried a barely perceptible coldness: “Don’t worry about the palace. You are this prince’s wife – Prince Xuan Qing’s residence is your home.”

These simple words stirred an indescribable warmth in Han Yan’s heart as if something she had long sought was right before her eyes. To her, the Zhuang residence was just a place full of scheming and plotting, holding her tragic memories from her previous life. In this vast world, she had long lost the concept of “home,” yet now this handsome, cold man was telling her this was her home.

She curved her lips slightly: “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Fu Yun Xi raised an eyebrow: “Last night, that’s not what you called me.”

Han Yan was startled: “What?”

He quirked his lips, his usually cold countenance suddenly turning somewhat devilish: “When you forcefully kissed this prince last night, you called me… Yun Xi.”

Sure enough, hearing Fu Yun Xi’s words, Han Yan was dumbfounded, her cheeks burning red, completely at a loss.

She’s becoming more like a silly goose, Fu Yun Xi secretly evaluated as he observed her small figure. He turned and took the empty medicine bowl from the table before leaving.

After leaving the room, he walked a few steps along the eastern corridor before stopping in the courtyard. Many scenes flashed before his eyes.

Last night, when Han Yan’s symptoms had subsided and she had finally fallen asleep quietly, he had sat by the bed to watch over her in case of any changes. He had noticed sweat gradually gathering on her forehead, her expression becoming terrified and angry as she shook her head continuously, seemingly caught in a nightmare.

He had risen and approached the bed to comfort her through the nightmare, noticing her lips moving as if speaking something, muttering unclearly. Fu Yun Xi had leaned closer, only to hear her repeatedly calling one name: Wei Ru Feng.

Standing under the courtyard tree, the medicine bowl still carrying traces of medicinal fragrance, Fu Yun Xi pondered: Wei Ru Feng?

In her nightmare last night, when calling Wei Ru Feng’s name, her manner had been one of terror and anger, her tone filled with infinite despair and hatred. What grudge could she have against Wei Ru Feng? Fu Yun Xi’s eyes flashed with contemplation. From the very beginning, Han Yan’s attitude toward Wei Ru Feng had been extremely cold. Strangely, Wei Ru Feng had an excellent reputation in the capital – a refined gentleman of distinguished background, gentle and attentive. Young ladies like Han Yan usually found him most admirable. Han Yan wasn’t typically cold toward others – even with her enemies, she always maintained a smiling facade, and with unfamiliar people, she rarely revealed her true emotions.

Han Yan was very polite to Cheng Lei, He Lian Yu, and Jiang Yu Lou, but uniquely toward Wei Ru Feng, she was always cold and vigilant. It seemed from their first meeting at the palace banquet, that she had given Wei Ru Feng the cold shoulder. Though he had been far away then, despite Han Yan’s efforts to hide it, he had caught a glimpse of hatred in her eyes.

One doesn’t hate someone without reason unless Han Yan has prior knowledge of Wei Ru Feng’s character. But he had investigated Wei Ru Feng, and their first meeting truly was at the palace banquet. How could a sheltered young lady who rarely saw men outside her family know about someone’s character?

Thinking of her unusual behavior toward Yi Lin Na previously, Han Yan seemed a bit too mysterious. There were far too many mysteries surrounding her. But there was no need to rush – she was the Princess Consort of Prince Xuan Qing, and he had plenty of time to uncover everything.

“Master.” Mu Feng appeared beside him: “Everything has been arranged at the palace.”

“Where is Mu Yan?” Fu Yun Xi frowned slightly.

Mu Feng scratched his head, smiling mischievously: “Taking care of the Princess Consort’s two maids.”

Fu Yun Xi said nothing more: “Go keep watch at the palace.”

“Yes!” Mu Feng called out loudly before running off quickly. The master’s anger was truly frightening, but those women had targeted the Princess Consort – the palace was likely to be in chaos now.

Fu Yun Xi remained silent. The wind lifted his snow-white outer robe, his tall figure like a painting. From afar, he looked like an immortal about to ride the wind home, though no one could see the killing intent beneath his cold, severe expression.

Those who touched what was his would naturally pay the price.

In Colorful Phoenix Hall.

Imperial Consort Chen sat beside the Empress Dowager, gritting her teeth: “That Han Yan is truly lucky, to escape even after all that yesterday!”

“Yun Xi is quite protective of her.” The Empress Dowager glanced at Imperial Consort Chen’s somewhat frantic expression: “Control your expression for my sake. It’s just a failed attempt, don’t let everyone see your thoughts!”

Imperial Consort Chen said hatefully: “Little Seven asked me to handle this matter, and now I’ve failed. I can’t even help my son as his mother…” Though she said this, her expression did become more controlled.

“Hmph, don’t worry about Seven’s matters. I expect Yun Xi won’t let this go easily. You’d better behave yourself these days.” The Empress Dowager lifted her tea for a sip, then spat it out with a “pah”: “Bring another cup, this doesn’t taste right.”

Imperial Consort Chen quickly said: “Of course. It’s just a pity about the ‘Smoke Flower Charm’ that cost your servant a thousand taels of silver.”

The Empress Dowager didn’t even lift her eyelids: “How petty! A thousand taels of silver caught your eye!”