The moonlight bathed the capital, and the city’s fear and clamor gradually subsided as the Capital Patrol swiftly restored order.
The chaos at the palace gates was cleaned up, and by the latter half of the night, calm had returned to the streets, accompanied by the rhythmic “bang, bang” of the night watchman’s clapper.
In Heliting Hall, Xiao Yan sat with his back to Tang Ning, his shirt removed, revealing a network of crisscrossing scars on his shoulders and spine.
There was medicine for wounds on the paulownia wood low table beside him, and the water in the basin had turned scarlet.
Tang Ning tossed a cloth back into the basin, expertly sprinkling medicinal powder on his wounds. The powder stung, causing Xiao Yan’s muscles to tense, but he said calmly, “If Lady Qin saw you now, she’d probably laugh and say you’re ready to graduate.”
He recalled how her hands trembled when she first tended his wounds.
“Raise your arm.”
Xiao Yan complied, extending his arm. Tang Ning wrapped a clean bandage around his shoulder, her hands passing under his armpit as if embracing him.
“The wound on your back shoulder is deep, and the one on your right arm, you can see bone at the gash.”
“Though these medicines are from Sister Qin, we should still have someone check tomorrow. Liu Tong’en and his men didn’t hold back. If there’s internal damage…”
Tang Ning’s words cut off as Xiao Yan lowered his head and kissed her lips.
The young woman looked up at him, and Xiao Yan’s hand rested in her hair. “Don’t be afraid. It’s over.”
Tang Ning’s eyes reddened instantly, and she ducked her head. “I’m not afraid.”
Her voice was thick with a nasal tone, but she continued bandaging his wounds. “They’re just so ugly.”
The scars, old and new, crisscrossed in streaks of blood, stark against his otherwise pale skin.
Xiao Yan pulled her back, pressing his forehead to hers with a smile. “Your brother’s looks are unmatched. How are they ugly?”
Tang Ning’s eyes were still red. “Shameless.”
Xiao Yan chuckled. “Who can resist when Little Begonia likes it?”
But Tang Ning didn’t blush as usual. Instead, she reached out, touching a cut on his face. “You almost got disfigured.”
Her fingers traced downward along his cheek, landing on a scar on his neck.
The wound was a thin line, no longer bleeding, but it was mere inches from his throat. Thinking of the dangers in the hall tonight, Tang Ning’s heart filled with dread. “You always risk yourself to achieve your goals. What if something goes wrong?”
“It won’t,” Xiao Yan said, his throat tightening. “Before acting, I prepared countless contingencies. Whether it was the people in the hall or the Dragon Court Guards outside, I calculated every possibility thousands of times. Even if something went wrong, I could ensure you and Aunt leave safely.”
“And you?”
“I’d find a way out. A few wounds won’t stop me. At most, it’s a bit risky. I…” Xiao Yan’s confident smile froze as his pupils suddenly contracted.
He looked down at the girl kissing his scar. The soft, warm sensation sent a shiver down his spine, his usual boldness and smile stiffening as his grip on the chaise lounge tightened.
His voice turned hoarse, laced with tension. “Tang Ning, you…”
When her warmth enveloped his Adam’s apple, Xiao Yan’s mind went blank, his words cut off, a tremor running from his tailbone, leaving him almost afraid to breathe.
The little girl was bolder than ever before. She almost pressed herself against him as she lay on him, her fair hands softly resting on his shoulders. The faint fragrance from her body almost drowned out the blood in the room
Her dark hair cascaded like a waterfall, their clothes entwining.
The tantalizing warmth moved upward, from his neck to his jaw, from his jaw to his lips, until a trace of salty blood lingered, making Xiao Yan’s lashes tremble.
“Tang Ning…”
“Brother, I don’t like you getting hurt. I don’t like you risking your life.”
Tears welled in Tang Ning’s eyes, her flushed gaze fragile and pale.
“I’m afraid of you bleeding, afraid of you getting hurt, afraid you won’t dodge in time when a blade comes.”
Her trembling fingers touched the scar on his neck. “This cut, if it had gone half an inch deeper, it could have killed you.”
“You always use your life to scheme. You plan everyone’s escape, but what if? What if a tiny misstep costs you your life?”
Tears rolled down her cheeks, falling on his face, scalding his heart.
Their breaths intertwined, and Xiao Yan could see his bloodied reflection in her misty eyes. He heard the fear in her voice, felt her panic as their lips brushed.
His body felt like it had been doused in boiling water, painful yet warm. He lifted her by the waist, pulling her into his arms.
“Don’t be afraid.”
Xiao Yan lowered his head, gently kissing away her tears, drawing them into his mouth.
“I just wanted to resolve the capital’s affairs quickly. Liang Guangyi and the others are already suspicious, leaving me no time to delay. Tonight’s risk was unavoidable, but it won’t happen again.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Xiao Yan nuzzled her temple. “I haven’t married you yet, haven’t cleared Father’s name. I have too many things left to do.”
“My life is too precious. How could I bear to die before my Little Begonia says so?”
Sweet words flowed effortlessly, and Tang Ning, tears turning to a smile, said, “When did you learn to be so smooth-tongued? Who taught you?”
“No one. I taught myself.”
When you care for someone, your heart and eyes are full of them. Their joy becomes yours, and you learn without needing a teacher.
Xiao Yan stretched out his arm, avoiding his wounds, and held Tang Ning as they reclined on the chaise lounge. “I’ll cherish my life. Unless absolutely necessary, I won’t take risks like tonight again.”
Tang Ning murmured a soft “mm,” her cheek pressed against his chest, listening to his steady, pulsing heartbeat.
After a moment, she said, “If you must take risks, let me know.”
Xiao Yan paused, then smiled. “Alright.”
The night breeze was gentle, and Heliting Hall was exceptionally quiet.
They sat together by the Carp Leaping Platform, listening to each other’s breathing.
Outside, Xue Ru, carrying a tray and intending to enter, saw the tender scene and stepped back, quietly closing the door and leaving.
“Lady Ru, weren’t you bringing food for the young lady? Why bring it back out?” Xichun asked, puzzled.
Xue Ru’s eyes curved, revealing dimples. “Big Sister just returned from the palace, and the Supervisor is injured. They surely have other matters to discuss. Go find a brazier to keep the soup warm here, and tell the servants to deliver it later.”
Looking at the night sky, she recalled the chaos in the capital earlier and the disarray in the residence, adding, “Tonight, everyone in both residences worked hard. Have the kitchen prepare some warming dishes for the guards of both estates. Also, ensure the maids and servants who were frightened are comforted properly to prevent any trouble.”
“The capital is unstable these days, and too many eyes are on Jiyun Lane. Big Sister stood out at the palace banquet, so countless gazes will be on her now.”
“Instruct the household to act cautiously. Unless it’s urgent, no one leaves the residence for the next few days. Tomorrow, send word to the academy to alert Dean Shi and Teacher Tong to be careful as well.”
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T/N: Miss Ru is really capable
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You can read ahead to chapterr 770 (100+ extra chapters) here
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