Premature Illness

In those years, alongside the valiant lords who rode into battle with Emperor Qin, there were also numerous aspiring heroes from the martial world. These individuals sought not fame or fortune, but yearned for an era of peace, where the common folk could thrive in harmony. After the realm was unified, they declined the emperor's generous rewards and chose to wander freely in the world. Grateful for their contributions, Emperor Qin designated a special plot of land during the construction of the Tianfu, where they could gather in leisure.

Unlike the Lanyixuan's Lanxuandian, Shen'an Pavilion, where Jun Pinyu resided, was situated quite far from Haitang Garden. When Xianyue arrived at Shen'an Pavilion, she realized, to her surprise, that her pristine white garments clung to her skin, damp with dew.

The winter sun emerged late, and though the sky was brilliantly lit, the light that bathed her did little to offer warmth. 

Hastening to Jun Pinyu's main chamber, Xianyue was abruptly halted at the entrance. She paused to sweep aside the disheveled strands of hair obscuring her face and regarded the gatekeeper. Despite his travel-worn appearance, he still exuded an undeniable air of authority. 

Initially, he resisted, but upon noticing the vermilion mark between her brows, he hesitated, bowing slightly and retreating a few paces. The rumors surrounding the incident at the Autumn Sun Inn had spread rapidly these past days. Clad in simple attire, with the distinctive mark on her brow and a jade flute at her waist, it was evident that he recognized her. As a mere gatekeeper, he dared not offend a princess of Feng Kingdom.

"Is Jun Pinyu inside?" Xianyue inquired casually, continuing to stride forward. The man trailed closely behind, meekly responding, "The divine physician is still resting."

Even if he had the courage, he wouldn't dare to call out Jun Pinyu's name directly.

Waving her hand dismissively, Xianyue called, "Jun Pinyu!" Her voice, neither too loud nor too soft, was clear enough for those within to hear, yet there was no response from inside. Growing anxious, she swept aside the beaded curtain, only to find the bed neatly arranged, devoid of any sign of Jun Pinyu.

"Where is Jun Pinyu?" she demanded, her finger pointing accusatorily at the bed, her expression frantic, as if her tail were on fire. "Wasn't he said to be resting inside?"

The man glanced at the empty bed, then timidly peered at Xianyue, frightened, he knelt down, "I—I don't know!"

Xianyue huffed in frustration. After running for so long without finding Jun Pinyu, how could she return home at ease? She reasoned that the physician brought from the palace should suffice for the time being and decided to search around.

"Jun Pinyu! Jun Pinyu!" 

Disregarding her image, Xianyue began calling out, unmindful of the astonished gazes from onlookers as she searched through Shen'an Pavilion.

"Why are you kneeling? Send someone to look for him!" she scolded at the man kneeling behind her. He scrambled to his feet, instructing the curious bystanders to join the search.

In the rear courtyard of Shen'an Pavilion, the lavishness of other courtyards was absent, replaced by a row of towering sycamore trees. In the early morning, fallen leaves danced about the ground, while the trees above still flourished with their green foliage, contrasting with the desolation of winter at Haitang Garden.

A rockery stood in the courtyard, its jagged stones obscured by remnants of leaves, providing a secluded hiding spot. Jun Pinyu sat atop a grayish-brown stone, while a man dressed in green stood beside him, blending into the verdant sycamores.

"Master," the man's voice was low, raspy, and far from melodious, yet it bore a distinct quality that captivated the ear.

He bent forward, listening intently, then suddenly turned to survey the entire Shen'an Pavilion from his elevated position.

Noticing something amiss, Jun Pinyu rose and approached, despite the distance, he immediately recognized the figure clad in white, running and calling out as if searching for someone.

In an instant, the morning sun broke through the clouds, illuminating his handsome features, enveloping him in a gentle radiance.

He imagined her urgency, driven solely by the desire to find him.

"Sir, she's looking for you," the man beside him remarked.

Jun Pinyu responded with a soft acknowledgment, turning to the man in green, "Don't let her see you."

Xianyue dashed into the courtyard, spotting servants busy sweeping leaves. She inquired of everyone she met, but none had seen Jun Pinyu. Anxious for Feng Jiu Lan, she was about to instruct the servants to inform Jun Pinyu to hurry to Haitang Garden when she caught sight of him approaching, illuminated by the morning light, a smile gracing his face.

"What's the matter?" he asked, his gentle tone akin to the comforting warmth of the rising sun.

"Let's go to Haitang Garden," she replied without hesitation, grasping Jun Pinyu's hand and sprinting towards the main hall of Shen'an Pavilion. He allowed her to pull him along, matching her quick pace.

After a few strides, Xianyue suddenly released his hand, abruptly turning to look towards the rockery. Through the sparse leaves, she felt a searing gaze fixed upon her, as if it were burning a hole through her back. Despite the surrounding verdant shades, she sensed the presence of someone concealed there.

Sunlight streamed through, causing the low bushes to tremble violently. Xianyue instinctively loosened her grip on Jun Pinyu's hand, stepping back a few paces. Inadvertently, she caught a glimpse of a pair of eyes—dark and profound, cold as ice—sharp and frigid like a wolf poised to attack. Such instincts were reserved for animals and trained individuals, inducing a sense of unease.

The intensity of those eyes made Xianyue furrow her brow. She felt a sense of familiarity, yet couldn't recall where she had seen them before.

Jun Pinyu followed Xianyue's gaze, but only spotted the vanishing figure in green. He felt a jolt in his heart and approached her, tugging at her hand, "What's wrong?"

She was sure she recognized that gaze from somewhere, feeling oddly familiar, but couldn't place it. Turning to Jun Pinyu, she chuckled lightly, shaking her head, "Nothing, let's go."

She took his hand again, but a sudden shadow loomed over her heart. She was certain she had seen that figure before; however, her thoughts were consumed by anxiety, leaving no room to ponder their relationship.

If he didn't wish to speak, asking him would yield no answers.

As they made their way, Xianyue briefly explained Feng Jiu Lan's condition to Jun Pinyu, who listened quietly, simply saying, "Let's go back for my medicine box."

Upon returning to the room, Jun Pinyu began organizing the jars and bottles in his medicine box, while Xianyue rummaged through drawers, emerging with a bundle in her hands. "You should stay in Haitang Garden for the next few days."

Seeing her casual tone yet still clutching the bundle containing his belongings, Jun Pinyu nodded, a wave of melancholy washing over him.

He observed the jade bracelet still adorning Xianyue's wrist; its translucent hue accentuated her fair skin. He smiled gently, yet deep within his gaze lay an incomprehensible pain and struggle.

Noticing him lost in thought again, Xianyue pulled his hand, hurriedly making their way towards Haitang Garden. Along the way, they encountered Bai Zhanfeng, who was also heading to Haitang Garden. Upon seeing Xianyue holding Jun Pinyu's hand, he erupted in fury. "In broad daylight, a girl holding a man's hand—what are you thinking?"

Xianyue, uninterested in engaging with him, frowned and attempted to sidestep. However, Bai Zhanfeng refused to relent, following her every step, determined not to let her pass.

Having seen her cry sorrowfully the previous night, he intended to console her, but was taken aback to find her walking hand in hand with another man, further fueling his anger.

"Step aside!" 

Xianyue halted, her heart racing with urgency. If only she had wings to fly away. Jun Pinyu, unaccustomed to such haste, trailed behind her, out of breath and glistening with a thin sheen of sweat. The moment Xianyue stopped, he squatted down, panting heavily.

"What a failure."

Initially, she had considered designating him as her rival, but upon witnessing Jun Pinyu's current state, she promptly dismissed the notion. In her eyes, a skilled fighter like Xian Yue surely deserved a worthy opponent, one with whom she could spar in the future.

"You are now my woman. How can I maintain my dignity while holding the hand of another man?" Bai Zhanfeng's face flushed crimson as he positioned himself protectively in front of Xian Yue, evidently unwilling to concede so easily.

If only she could pry open his mind to understand why he felt entitled to label her as Bai Zhanfeng's possession, especially at this moment when she found him even more detestable than Lan Yixuan. Yet now was not the time to dwell on such matters.

She released Jun Pinyu's hand and stepped towards Bai Zhanfeng, lifting her chin and raising an eyebrow. In her haste, her fair skin had taken on a delicate blush under the sunlight, resembling a hint of rouge, becoming even more radiant under the gentle light.

"Bai Zhanfeng!" 

She called out sharply, and he responded, his gaze fixed intently upon her. 

"If you dare to obstruct me again, I will marry Lan Yixuan immediately."

Clearly, such a threat was effective for Bai Zhanfeng, who viewed Lan Yixuan as his foremost rival. 

Unbeknownst to Xian Yue, and unnoticed by Bai Zhanfeng, Jun Pinyu, crouched on the ground, visibly trembled at her words. His gaze towards Xian Yue grew increasingly complex—filled with reluctance and a myriad of unexpressed emotions, tangled and chaotic.

Bai Zhanfeng lowered his head, stepping aside obediently, and Xian Yue turned to glance at Jun Pinyu. "Let's go."

She made no move to pull him along; his only focus was on getting back to treat his brother, almost forgetting that without martial arts or lightness skills, he could never keep up with her swift pace.

"Then I will step aside, but you cannot marry Lan Yixuan." 

Bai Zhanfeng followed closely behind her, his stubbornness evident. Xian Yue did not respond, and unlike before, she did not rush. Instead, she walked steadily towards Haitang Courtyard.

Leading the way, she smiled as sunlight bathed her face, yet her heart felt desolate. 

Could she truly dictate whether to marry or not? 

Upon returning to Haitang Courtyard, she was informed that Feng Jiulan had fallen ill prematurely, causing a wave of panic within her. She tossed her burden to a figure clad in gray, saying, "Jun Pinyu stays here." 

The figure understood her intent and immediately turned to prepare Jun Pinyu's room. 

Seeing this, Bai Zhanfeng was nearly beside himself with anger, exclaiming, "I want to stay in Haitang Courtyard too!"

Xian Yue ignored him, snatching the medicine box from Jun Pinyu's shoulder and pulling him along, racing towards the main courtyard. 

Jun Pinyu trailed behind, only able to see his profile from his vantage point—pale as a ghost. Sweat trickled down his forehead, cascading onto his hand, burning like fire, seemingly igniting everything around him. The warmth of her grip had turned icy, devoid of any heat.

The jade bracelet on her left wrist suddenly felt blindingly radiant, and her vision blurred, gradually coalescing into an unbearable pain hidden from ordinary perception. 

Yun Qinghen stood beside the bed, his eyes brightening upon seeing Xian Yue, while the royal physician behind him trembled even more violently at her arrival.

"What happened? Why did he fall ill early?" 

Xian Yue did not shy away from Jun Pinyu or Bai Zhanfeng. When she had turned down Ning Yunyan's invitation for Feng Jiulan, she had already resolved to shoulder the burdens of Feng Nation alone.

She looked up at Yun Qinghen, who remained silent. The prince had always been frail; from Feng Nation to Pan City, it was a long, arduous journey. The weather in Pan City had been harsh, and she had noticed the white-haired woman take the princess away, her heart heavy with worry. Lately, her sleep had been poorer than in the palace, and she was deeply concerned that the prince might not endure this time.

The room was eerily quiet, allowing her to hear the faint moans emanating from the bed. To her, they sounded unbearably loud, more resounding than the drums of battle, reverberating like a clarion call, striking at the core of her heart. It thudded heavily in her chest, an agonizing sensation, akin to needles piercing her, an ache that spread relentlessly.

She lifted the edge of the bed, biting her lip, waves of salty bitterness flooding her mouth. She felt that pain acutely, far more intense than lashes on her back, but she could only endure. These past few days, she had already shed every tear she had left from her facade of strength.

She had resolved to be strong; she did not wish to cry. Tears were not merely a sign of weakness, yet she understood that if she cried now, it would surely signify surrender.

Grief-stricken and pained, yearning to flee, her fingers clutched the silken drapery surrounding the bed. This time, her concern for Feng Jiulan was greater than when she had covertly observed him as a child.

He lay on the bed, perhaps curled up was more accurate. She reached out to caress his forehead; the fever had not subsided, and his entire body burned like fire. His pallor had intensified, shifting from ashen to a deep red, fluctuating between fiery and ghostly hues.

Xian Yue's hand trembled as it moved downward, stopping at the tip of his nose. It felt as though she had been shocked, instinctively retracting her hand. Jun Pinyu retrieved the medicine box she had carelessly tossed aside and placed it beside the bed. The heavy sound failed to draw her thoughts back to reality as he stepped closer, gripping her arm firmly.

In her moment of panic, Xian Yue's hand hovered in mid-air, startled by Jun Pinyu's touch. She instinctively turned to face him, and he shuddered at the sight.

Her gaze was clear and piercing, devoid of any tears, wide and vacant, filled with helplessness, like a drowning soul in the depths of the sea, desperately clutching onto driftwood.

Suddenly, she grasped Jun Pinyu's hand. In that fleeting moment, he wished earnestly that he could be the source of her warmth, yet his heart remained resolute—it was not him, not him, not him.

"My brother—"

She raised her chin, pointing at Feng Jiulan on the bed. Though she did not weep, her voice quivered, more heart-wrenching than the night of her despairing cries.

"Mm—" 

Feng Jiulan softly whimpered from the bed, causing Xian Yue to tremble, springing to her feet and turning to look at him. He writhed beneath the covers, his veins visibly bulging, clearly suffering immensely.

Xian Yue instinctively tightened her grip on Jun Pinyu's arm, yet remained oblivious to it, her eyes fixated on Feng Jiulan, frozen and cold.

"Yue'er."

His voice was soft, barely audible, but the call was etched into her very being; just by watching his lips move, she knew he was calling for her.

She released Jun Pinyu's hand and knelt by the bedside, leaning forward to hold Feng Jiulan's hand against her cheek. A shiver coursed through her; his hand was icy, its frigidness chilling her heart, a stark contrast to the warmth she remembered.

"Brother, I'm here."

"Yue'er is always here."

Just as Xian Yue had resolutely held onto her heart's conviction, she did not weep, swallowing her fears, terror, and worries, transforming them into tears held within.

Jun Pinyu took a step closer, sensing his own hands tremble. Genuine concern swelled within him; if he could not withstand this, he feared he would be unable to bear the thought of what would come should he leave her one day.

"You should step outside." 

Jun Pinyu, unable to bear the sight of Xian Yue in such distress, patted her shoulder, glancing at Yun Qinghen behind her.

Xian Yue remained still, shaking her head. "I will stay here with my brother."

"Bai Zhanfeng."

"Jun Pinyu called out heavily, and Bai Zhanfeng, who had been standing stunned outside the curtain, jumped and rushed in. 

Jun Pinyu gazed deeply at Xianyue, understanding that such pain was beyond what mere words could comfort—an anguish that rendered all expressions of sympathy pale and futile. Therefore, he chose silence. 

'Take her outside.' 

He understood her feelings, and for this reason, he did not wish to subject her to the cruelty of witnessing everything unfold. She had already endured enough; there was no need to impose additional emotional burdens upon her. 

As a healer, one must be guided by benevolence, yet one cannot afford to be overwhelmed by emotions that would only serve as distractions. 

Xianyue brushed aside Bai Zhanfeng's hand, refusing to rise. Yun Qinghen felt a pang of compassion; had it been his princess, he too would never allow her to remain in such a place—it was far too cruel. 

'For the princess's sake, the prince must endure.' 

Thus, even if it was to reassure the prince, the princess should not linger in this dreadful setting. 

Xianyue glanced at Feng Jiulan on the bed and took a deep breath. She wished to express that she could quietly watch from the side, doing nothing. 

'You cannot do that.' 

Jun Pinyu had already taken a seat beside the bed, his tone firm and unwavering. Yes, she could be indifferent to everyone else, even to herself, but he knew she could not be so towards Feng Jiulan, just as Feng Jiulan could not bear to see her suffer in any regard. 

Noting that Xianyue remained obstinate, Jun Pinyu's tone grew slightly sharper. 'Your presence will interfere with my work.' 

Xianyue's back stiffened, and without hesitation, she stood, looking at Jun Pinyu with a mix of trust and hope. Suddenly, recalling something, she dashed out, followed by a flurry of rustling sounds. 

'Qinghen, where is the medicine room?' 

Seeing Xianyue leave, Yun Qinghen bowed to Jun Pinyu. 'I leave everything in your capable hands, revered physician.' He then hurried after Xianyue. 

Once Xianyue and Yun Qinghen departed, the room was left with only Jun Pinyu and Feng Jiulan. Jun Pinyu looked at Feng Jiulan on the bed, lifting his eyelids to check his pulse with eager hands. His brow, already furrowed, twisted into a tight knot as he surveyed Feng Jiulan. Fear, panic, and an unprecedented sense of helplessness flooded his eyes. He turned, lost in thought, gazing at the flickering candlelight, feeling as though its glow was pitifully weak, as if it could extinguish at any moment. 

'So this is how it is—' 

'So it truly is—' 

'So indeed it is—' 

Along with the despair came a profound heartache, a premonition of a future conclusion he dreaded to witness. 

Xianyue clutched the divine herb obtained from Ning Yunyan and hurried to the pharmacy, with Bai Zhanfeng closely trailing her. 

This version of Xianyue was entirely different from the playful girl he once knew; her vulnerability now seemed as if she could shatter into pieces with a mere touch. 

He seldom contemplated matters of romance, but his attraction to Xianyue was entirely unconscious. He thought he admired her strength and spontaneity, yet now this fragile side of her evoked feelings of tenderness within him, a desire to cradle her in his palms and never let go. 

He was unsure if this was what Xiao Yu referred to as love, but he recognized that his feelings had deepened beyond mere infatuation. 

Xianyue had previously learned to brew medicine on Pear Blossom Mountain. Although Liu Xinyou forbade her from reading medical texts, she was often assigned such menial tasks, treated as an all-purpose maid. 

With a fan in hand, she faced the flames, which, despite not being very large, made her feel uncomfortably hot all over, especially in her eyes. 

Bai Zhanfeng squatted at the pharmacy door, quietly waiting for about three hours before Xianyue finally rose. She lifted the lid, grasped a hefty grinding stone, and skillfully poured the concoction into another bowl. 

The more time they spent together, the more confused he felt; could this truly be the princess? In his mind, a princess was someone who lived in luxury, like the delicate flowers of a greenhouse, entirely oblivious to the world—much like Hua Chuxue, who would cry at the slightest provocation. 

The longer he observed her, the more he realized that Xianyue was akin to himself—noble by birth yet unconstrained by convention. She exuded a sincerity that was absent in many other women, and as he witnessed her devotion to Feng Jiulan, a mix of envy and jealousy welled up within him. 

Regardless of his feelings, he ultimately concluded that whether it was Xianyue or the princess of Fengguo, they were both deserving of his love and commitment. 

With a lid on the jade bowl, she balanced the tray and walked to the door, where she spotted Bai Zhanfeng, who stood up, glancing at Xianyue and then up at the sky, where the sun hung high, signaling midday. 

'Aren't you hungry?' 

In his memory, Xianyue was someone who only thought of eating and sleeping. Having brought Jun Pinyu from Shen An Pavilion so early in the morning, she certainly hadn't had breakfast yet; now it was already noon. In the past, she would have complained about her flat stomach by now. 

Xianyue did not respond; at that moment, no amount of delicacies or fine wine appealed to her. 

'Why aren't you going back?' 

Xianyue's face lacked its usual smile. She dropped this remark and headed outside. Bai Zhanfeng sensed her foul mood and, with a sincere yet somewhat foolish grin, said, 'I'll stay with you.' 

Though his words were equally caring, Xianyue felt a fondness for Bai Zhanfeng, while thoughts of Lan Yixuan, and the words he had spoken the previous night, stirred a simmering anger within her. She was uncertain of their truth, but the very sound of them incited a desire to confront him. In contrast, she realized that Bai Zhanfeng was far more genuine than Lan Yixuan. 

'Jun Pinyu is here to tend to your brother. I'll stay here to care for you.' 

Xianyue ignored Bai Zhanfeng, doubting his ability to look after her properly. 

Reflecting on it, she realized that Bai Zhanfeng was indeed a good person—righteous and generous, unlike others who were riddled with ulterior motives. Perhaps it was his arrogance or his indifference towards Xiao Yu that left her cold; she simply did not like him. 

Carrying the medicine, she noticed Yun Qinghen approaching and handed him the freshly brewed concoction. 'This will ease the pain; please take it to my brother.' 

Yun Qinghen accepted it, glancing at Xianyue. 'Princess, I've arranged for lunch.' 

Xianyue nodded absently, her demeanor mechanical, and though her spirit appeared somewhat dim, her eyes sparkled brightly, as if harboring the strength of a giant, one who would never falter. 

'Take it while it's hot and deliver it promptly; don't let it cool.'"

Yun Qinghen nodded and strode directly toward Feng Jiulan's room, opening the door only to close it softly behind her. Xianyue stared blankly at the sound, so light yet so resonant. 

Taking a few steps forward, Xianyue noticed that Bai Zhanfeng had not followed. She turned to look at him, saying nothing, and continued on her way.

Seeing Xianyue had distanced herself, Bai Zhanfeng hurriedly caught up. He found it curious that anyone could see her feelings for Feng Jiulan were far beyond mere concern, yet in the present situation, she did not weep. Her calmness struck him as astonishing.

Xianyue had her lunch, eating with the same hearty appetite as before. Her crude manners made people frown, yet gradually, her face bore a smile indistinguishable from the past, though he felt that smile lacked vitality, revealing nothing.

After lunch, some servants brought tea and snacks, which Xianyue also consumed, filling herself to the brim once more. Leaning back in her chair, she sighed deeply. In the past, such sighs evoked feelings of satisfaction and happiness, yet now, Bai Zhanfeng was uncertain of what to feel.

In her current state, he would have preferred to have her collapse in his embrace and weep freely. He wanted to ask if this burden exhausted her, but the words caught in his throat, inexplicably unuttered.

Having finished her meal, Xianyue sat silently on the steps outside Feng Jiulan's door, remaining there until the azure clouds transformed into a blazing sunset, yet she still did not see Jun Pinyu emerge.

Suddenly, a memory surfaced from her childhood, a time when her recollections were scarce. However, within her, there dwelled more than just the essence of a three-year-old child.

She recalled a night when she stealthily crept to her brother's quarters, dragging a small stool to peer through the window. At a distance, she saw him tossing restlessly in bed, but the extent of his agony remained unclear. She stood there for a long time, until the sound of a thud signaled that her brother had fallen from the bed. The room was dimly lit, and she could perceive the flickering light of the candle, faint yet disquieting. She saw him sprawled on the floor, his dark hair casting a pallor across his face, rendering him ghostly pale.

At that moment, fear engulfed her, and she cried silently, too frightened to make a sound. It wasn't until her time at Pear Blossom Mountain, when Liu Xinyou whipped her painfully, that she began to grasp the nature of suffering. Only when her brother had fainted did she secretly summon help before sneaking back to Xue Sang Palace.

She understood why Bai Zhanfeng regarded her with such a scrutinizing gaze; she knew he was perplexed. If it were anyone else, they might have already burst into tears, but she had not. Instead, she continued to act as if nothing were amiss. It wasn't that she lacked fear; rather, she had grown accustomed to it. She had chosen resilience over apathy.

To be a sufficiently strong person meant shielding her brother from life's tempests, rather than languishing in his embrace, seeking solace. No one in this world was truly carefree; such a facade only masked deeper entanglements, or perhaps they had never encountered the person who could anchor them. From the moment she was born, when that person cradled her in their arms, gently kissing her cheek and promising that her brother would protect her from harm, it sealed her fate: she could never be truly free-spirited.

He made her feel warm inside; no one had ever given her that sense before, nor had anyone ever vowed to protect her. To others, she was merely a tool—valuable enough to be nurtured, but easily discarded when deemed useless.

That night, as Jun Pinyu remained inside, Xianyue chose not to linger by the door. Instead, she lay down on her bed, unable to sleep throughout the night. It wasn't until the following evening that Jun Pinyu finally emerged, finding Xianyue sitting at the door, bathed in a glow of fiery clouds, breathtakingly beautiful.

Hearing the door open, she turned to see Bai Zhanfeng leaning against the pillars, also gazing at Jun Pinyu. 

Jun Pinyu appeared somewhat fatigued, cold sweat beading on his forehead, yet beneath that weariness lurked a tempest of worry. He couldn't restrain it; perhaps from the outset, he never intended to, even seeming to encourage the turmoil.

"The Crown Prince is still quite weak and needs ample rest."

Upon hearing this, Xianyue instinctively covered her mouth, letting out a laugh. The tension within her finally eased. She walked to Jun Pinyu's side, moving toward the ajar door. While it did not guarantee access to Feng Jiulan, it granted her a sense of reassurance. She told herself this would be the last time.

"Bai Zhanfeng, you may leave now."

Xianyue firmly issued the dismissal, then turned to Jun Pinyu, saying, "I have questions to ask you."

She recognized that Jun Pinyu desperately needed rest, yet she felt she could hardly wait another moment.

"Is there anything I cannot hear?"

Bai Zhanfeng attempted to follow her but was stopped. Frustrated, he struck the pillar where he had leaned, leaving a dent with his fist, but he refrained from confronting those who obstructed him.

Xianyue led Jun Pinyu to her temporary quarters. She first poured him a cup of tea, which he accepted. A faint smile diminished his fatigue, and he sat down opposite her.

"Has my brother been poisoned?"

Xianyue leaned over the table, directly voicing her deepest concern. Liu Xinyou had claimed she had poisoned her brother, but observing Qinghen's demeanor, he seemed unaware of it, likely because the palace's quack doctors had failed to detect it. Thus, she could only turn to Jun Pinyu for answers.

Jun Pinyu lowered his gaze to the tea, his hand trembling slightly as he lifted the cup. When he met Xianyue's earnest eyes, he nearly choked; had she realized? Yet, upon seeing her expression, it was as though she remained oblivious.

Setting down the cup, he wrestled with whether or not to speak, unsure how to phrase his thoughts. His mind raced while his face remained inscrutable. "Why do you ask?" he inquired.

Xianyue's fingers drummed erratically on the table as she fixated on Jun Pinyu, shaking her head. "It's nothing. I returned with my brother yesterday, and he was perfectly fine. Yet after I stepped out for just a moment, he suddenly lost control and developed a fever. I can't quite comprehend it."

Xianyue sensed that Jun Pinyu seemed to relax, though a nagging feeling lingered within her, as if he were concealing something.

"Longing can be a disease."

Jun Pinyu set down the tea cup with a quiet sigh. Having witnessed countless separations, he felt a pang of sympathy for Feng Jiulan. Looking up at Xianyue, he understood why she was so concerned for such a brother.

Xianyue ceased her tapping, softly clenched her fist, and murmured a light acknowledgment. She harbored countless questions, fearing whether he could heal him, but the anxiety lingered, terrified that the answer would not align with her hopes.

"I shall take my leave now. You must rest well."

As Xianyue pushed the door open, Jun Pinyu abruptly stood, grasping her arm. Xianyue turned to face him, perceiving a swirl of complex emotions reflected in his gaze—too many feelings intertwined.

"What is it?"

Jun Pinyu hesitated, lips parting multiple times without sound. Xianyue's heart quickened, her gaze upon him growing increasingly fearful, dreading the truth she did not wish to confront.

"Do not allow yourself to develop feelings for anyone."

Xianyue regarded Jun Pinyu, her mouth opening to question why, but he had already turned away.

"If you dare to fall for him, that person will die."

"Remember my words: do not allow yourself to fall for any man." 

She was suddenly reminded of Liu Xinyou's statement, a shiver coursing through her, but she quickly dismissed it. For her, harboring any hope for love now would be an indulgence. 

Once she could entertain such thoughts; now, she dared not even contemplate it. 

"I understand. I won't," she replied with calm resolve, her gaze fixed on Jun Pinyu's retreating figure. So much awaited her attention, yet matters of romance were not among them—her experiences in that realm were far too scant. 

By the time Jun Pinyu turned around, she had already closed the door, leaving him with only a fleeting glimpse of her features—so cool, so resolute, as if she genuinely intended not to fall for anyone. 

He pondered her assurance, feeling a swift ache in his heart; if only it were possible, even amidst the torment of illness, he would willingly assume the role of her brother. 

Perhaps Feng Jiulan had foreseen his impending illness. Haitang Garden was filled with subjects of the Feng Kingdom, and none were privy to his condition. Xianyue had specifically instructed Yun Qinghen to keep these matters under wraps. 

Feng Jiulan's fever had subsided, and his strength gradually returned. Xianyue personally prepared meals for him each day, varying the dishes. With Jun Pinyu's attentive care and treatment, his health improved significantly within a mere ten days. As Xianyue observed his recovery, her previously anxious heart began to ease. 

The weather in Pansheng was splendid, with clear blue skies stretching endlessly, though the winds were rather brisk. With Feng Jiulan steadily regaining his strength, he could now rise from bed. Seeing the fine weather, Xianyue suggested they bask in the sun and stretch their limbs together in the courtyard. 

Feng Jiulan reclined in a lounge chair, cushioned with thick tiger fur, while Xianyue brought over a small stool for herself, and the two engaged in casual conversation. 

As Yun Qinghen had remarked, Feng Jiulan seemed to have forgotten the events of that day. 

"In a short while, it will be my brother's birthday," Xianyue noted with a hint of regret. If they were in the Feng Kingdom, it would surely be a cause for grand celebration. 

Feng Jiulan's brow furrowed; it had been ten years since he had celebrated a birthday. Had it not been for the arrival of numerous envoys that day, and if his sister hadn't fallen into the water, she would not have endured so much suffering over the past decade. 

"What gift would you like, brother?" 

Leaning against Feng Jiulan, Xianyue looked up at him, her dark eyes sparkling as she pondered what to present him. 

"Whatever you give, dear sister, I shall cherish," he replied warmly. 

Xianyue smiled, and just then, Yun Qinghen approached her, bowing slightly. "Princess, a summons from Princess Yunyan has arrived." 

Xianyue stood and took the invitation from Yun Qinghen, opening it with a smile, her lips curling upwards as she handed it to Feng Jiulan, exclaiming, "Brother, how fortuitous the date is!" 

Little did she know, a weasel bringing New Year greetings to a chicken could hardly be well-intentioned.