C19 Misunderstanding

Nan Yanwu couldn't dodge in time, and in an instant, the dagger, gleaming coldly, plunged straight into her chest. Her blood spread out like a blooming poppy. Her frail body slowly fell to the ground.

Lvyu stared at Nan Yanwu's fallen form, a bit shocked, as if she hadn't expected her to not dodge. But moments later, a ruthless expression appeared on her face.

Just as Lvyu was about to discard the dagger and flee, she was caught off guard by Xiao Zhen, who had suddenly returned. She was so startled that she froze in place, her slender body trembling slightly, even forgetting to defend herself.

Xiao Zhen rushed over, his brows furrowed with urgency, yet he carefully picked up the fallen Nan Yanwu. Fortunately, the dagger hadn't pierced her heart; she had only fainted from blood loss. He narrowed his eyes at Lvyu, his gaze icy and intimidating.

Lvyu suddenly realized the gravity of the situation and dropped to her knees, desperately pleading, "Your Highness, have mercy! It wasn't me!"

Xiao Zhen, holding the barely conscious Nan Yanwu, kicked Lvyu aside, casting a cold glance at her. "I'm not blind," he said, then turned and left with Nan Yanwu in his arms.

At that moment, Mo Ruyan arrived with a royal physician. Seeing the scene, he quickly understood most of what had happened. A look of heartache flickered in his eyes, but as he watched Xiao Zhen leave with Nan Yanwu, he couldn't help but feel a sense of sorrow.

Mo Ruyan looked coldly at Lvyu, who was sprawled on the ground, seemingly scared out of her wits, and announced loudly, "Guards, this woman attempted to assassinate Princess Nan Yanwu. Take her away and hold her for questioning."

Lvyu pleaded desperately, "It wasn't me, truly it wasn't. I'm innocent!"

Mo Ruyan remained unmoved, turning away and leaving.

Inside the room, the royal physician looked at Xiao Zhen with concern. "Your Highness, please allow me to tend to the princess's wounds. If we delay, she may lose too much blood, and her life could be at risk."

Xiao Zhen stood anxiously by Nan Yanwu's bedside. "You? Where does that leave the princess's reputation? Go find a woman skilled in medicine. Quickly. If anything happens to her, you'll be held accountable."

The royal physician reluctantly left the room.

Meanwhile, Mo Ruyan, who had been waiting outside, dashed off the moment he heard Xiao Zhen's command. Shortly after, a woman was brought in.

Xiao Zhen, frowning, glanced at the still-unconscious Nan Yanwu and spoke without looking up, "If anything happens to her, I trust you know the consequences."

The woman shivered slightly and replied, "Yes, Your Highness."

Xiao Zhen then stepped outside to wait, while Mo Ruyan hid nearby, watching over Nan Yanwu with concern.

After a long while, the woman emerged, her forehead glistening with sweat. "Your Highness, the princess is out of danger."

Xiao Zhen breathed a sigh of relief, a smile breaking through his worry. "You may go. There will be a reward." He entered the room to find Nan Yanwu wrapped in a blanket, leaning weakly against the headboard, her face pale and eyes half-open.

Xiao Zhen sat down at the table, a smile playing on his lips as he picked up a cup of tea and spoke leisurely, "Why put yourself through this? Trying to be clever only to end up in trouble."

Nan Yanwu ignored him, closing her eyes to rest. After a while, she spoke softly, "You are not a fish; how can you know what a fish wants?"

Xiao Zhen smiled silently, remaining seated.

Nan Yanwu looked at him for a moment before speaking, "If there's nothing else, could you please leave? I'm feeling a bit tired and would like to rest."

Xiao Zhen gracefully waved his elegant white robe, stood up, and walked to the door. Suddenly, he turned back with a meaningful look and said, "Then I won't disturb you any longer. Take care and heal well."

After Xiao Zhen left, Nan Yanwu sat up and wrapped a light shawl around her shoulders. She stared at the closed door, lost in thought, and softly called out, "Ruyan, come in."

No sooner had she spoken than Mo Ruyan appeared hesitantly at the doorway, unsure whether to enter. After a moment, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

"How did you know I was here..." Mo Ruyan asked, his head lowered, his expression unreadable. Then, with respect, he added, "I meant no offense. I was just worried about you, so I stayed nearby."

Nan Yanwu's expression was complex, her heart aching slightly. She knew. She had always known. He had always been there, silently watching over her in his own way.