Mu Luoxiao was suddenly overwhelmed with grievance. Her pitiful gaze made her look like a wronged young bride, yet she was also furious with herself. Crying was never her style—but in front of this man, she always lost control.
The imperial physician delivered the antidote. Gu Qizhen immediately stood up, stirred it carefully, tested the temperature, and fed her spoonful by spoonful. She swallowed slowly, spilling some. He set the spoon down and gently wiped her clean.
Though Li the Imperial Physician had served in the palace for decades, he had never seen a prince so tender. Stroking his beard, he smiled in relief and quietly withdrew, leaving them alone.
After taking the medicine—perhaps only psychologically—Mu Luoxiao felt stronger. She pressed her lips together subconsciously. It was only a tiny movement, yet Gu Qizhen noticed at once.
"Are you thirsty?"
He frowned slightly, brushing her cheek. Unable to move or speak, she could only look at him. His hand was rough, covered in calluses—the marks of years gripping a sword. A sudden thought rose in her heart: to hold that sword hand, fingers entwined, for a lifetime.
"If you're thirsty, blink," he said softly.
Her lashes fluttered. He immediately poured tea and brought it over. Watching him walk back, she felt warmth flood her chest—so much that she wanted to both laugh and cry.
He helped her sit up, letting her lean against his shoulder as she took a sip.
More?
She didn't blink. He set the cup aside and suddenly pulled her into his arms, breathing in her scent."From now on, you're not allowed to go anywhere alone. If you don't believe me—just wait."
His voice was like sunlight, melting even the thickest ice in her heart.
Fifteen minutes passed. All her discomfort faded. She tested her fingers—they moved. But she didn't dare reveal it, afraid that once she spoke, this warmth would vanish forever.
She would rather stay in his arms, even without food or water.
But mercy never lasts.
A sudden commotion erupted outside. A swordsman reported an emergency.
Gu Qizhen's expression hardened. He placed her back on the bed, tucked her in, and said gently, "I'll be back soon."
The door closed.
Mu Luoxiao stared blankly at the ceiling as the night replayed in her mind—her despair, his tenderness, his promises.
Gu Qizhen… if Luo Qingning really did this, how will you explain it to me?
Outside, guards and servants gathered below the roof, watching Mu Lifang and Miss Luo argue fiercely above them.
A strip of black gauze writhed like a snake. Mu Lifang seized it, twisting with force. The two confronted each other.
He demanded to know if tonight was her doing. She didn't deny it—only mocked that becoming the seventh consort was Mu Luoxiao's "honor." When he surged with killing intent, she struck first.
Chaos erupted. The guards hesitated—this was the first time they had ever seen Mu Lifang strike a woman.
Barehanded, he countered her attacks. The black gauze wrapped him again. With a sharp turn, he slammed the rooftop. Tiles flew. Luo Qingning stumbled back—but he showed no mercy.
A thunderous sound echoed.
She didn't fall—she landed in someone's arms.
Mu Lifang descended in fury, pointing at Gu Qizhen."You're still protecting her?!"
Gu Qizhen released Luo Qingning and asked coldly, "Was it you?"
She had never imagined he would look at her that way. Bitterness surged.
Her fists clenched, trembling. Ten years of restraint shattered."Yes! I did everything!"
The sound was chilling. Servants gasped.
Mu Lifang finally snapped and swung at her—only for Gu Qizhen to stop the blow once again.
From a distance, Mu Luoxiao saw everything.
She admitted it.
Enough.
Before anyone could speak, Mu Luoxiao stepped forward.
"Leave."
Her tone was calm, absolute."This is between me and her. Stay out of it."
She turned to Luo Qingning, eyes cold."You've hurt me too many times. Do you think I'll let this go?"
"Third Brother—"
"Shut up. Get out."
Even Gu Qizhen was ordered away.
When he tried to stop her, she shoved him aside and ran toward the back garden."Luo Qingning! If you've got the guts—come!"
Black gauze flew, blocking Gu Qizhen as the two women collided.
This was no ordinary fight.
Luo Qingning sealed the area with threads drawn from the earth, forming a private battlefield.
Mu Luoxiao had training—taekwondo blended with ancient techniques. Every move was precise.
They fought barehanded.
A palm strike. A dodge. A flip. A block.
She slammed Luo Qingning down—but her opponent rose again.
Three meters apart.
"You want to kill me? Dream on!"
Moonlight flickered as they clashed again.
Fatigue crept in.
One punch sent Mu Luoxiao crashing into a tree.
"Don't come closer!"
She forced herself upright—she would not fall.
Hair disheveled, eyes fierce, she looked like frost-covered plum blossoms—cold, proud, beautiful.
"Come on!"
She spun, kicking—
Missed.
Her foot caught the black gauze.
In that instant—
She screamed and collapsed.
The moonlight revealed Luo Qingning's face as the veil slipped away.
From neck to forehead—red scabs, ridges like crawling centipedes.
A monstrous face.
Mu Luoxiao stared in shock.
"Gao… Gaoshan Yan?!"
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