The imperial physician turned to apply medicine to Hua Yun Jin's chest. Seven days had passed, and Hua Yun Jin's chest bore seven clear and painful scars. Each one was so distinct, each so agonizing. Even the imperial physician couldn't bear to watch. Their Highness was too strong; despite such pain, not a single groan escaped.
After applying the medicine, the imperial physician stepped aside. Hua Yun Jin held the medicine bowl with his right hand, took a sip, and then lowered his head, transferring the entire mouthful of medicine into Ming Yu's mouth. Each movement caused Hua Yun Jin to wince, his chest aching intensely, so much so that he could barely endure it.
"There!" Hua Yun Jin sighed in relief after feeding Ming Yu the last mouthful. The imperial physician took the bowl, placed it on the table, and then stepped forward to feel Ming Yu's pulse.
As the pulse under his palm grew stronger, the imperial physician's face lit up with joy. "Your Highness, the poison is gone," he exclaimed with delight. Although he knew the antidote's formula, it was his first time administering it. Thus, the imperial physician had been anxious for the past seven days, fearing any slight mistake. Now that Madam Ming Yu's poison was gone, the imperial physician was so excited he nearly jumped.
"This King knows," Hua Yun Jin said coldly. Seeing this, the imperial physician immediately rose to take his leave. His Highness's expression was grim, likely due to discomfort. Since Madam Ming Yu was out of danger, it was time for him, the imperial physician, to withdraw.
After the imperial physician left, Hua Yun Jin, enduring his pain, stared intently at Ming Yu on the bed. Hua Yun Jin could barely breathe, fearing that hope would turn to disappointment, fearing any harm to Ming Yu.
The sky quickly darkened. Hua Yun Jin waited from morning till afternoon, from sunset until night. His patience was almost completely gone. Just as Hua Yun Jin began to despair, the woman who had been unconscious for seven days on the bed finally stirred.
First, her fingers moved, then her eyelids fluttered. Hua Yun Jin watched with surprise, almost forgetting to breathe.
As the first ray of morning sunlight streamed through the window, Ming Yu opened her eyes. She looked at the unfamiliar surroundings with a hint of blindness, momentarily unsure if she was in reality or a dream.
"You're finally awake," a voice said. She turned her head and saw a gaunt, pale face. The once spirited and handsome man was now frighteningly thin.
"You..."
Hua Yun Jin seemed to sense her unspoken question and smiled awkwardly. "Did I startle you?"
Ming Yu shook her head and asked, "What happened to me?"
"You fainted," Hua Yun Jin replied, his gaze holding an indescribable light.
"I fainted?" How could she have fainted?
Hua Yun Jin nodded. "Yes, but it's good that you've woken up."
Seeing Hua Yun Jin's pale face, Ming Yu felt an inexplicable emotion. "Your Highness, you should go and rest as well!"
Hua Yun Jin nodded. "Indeed, I should go and rest." He hadn't rested for a full three days. Hua Yun Jin summoned the palace maids outside the chamber, gave them instructions, and left.
"Miss Ming Yu, are you thirsty?" a young palace maid asked as she approached her bedside.
Ming Yu nodded. "Please get me a cup of water." The young palace maid quickly poured a cup of water and brought it over.
"What's your name?" Ming Yu asked while drinking the water.
"Miss Ming Yu can just call this servant A Luan."
Ming Yu nodded. "A Luan, how long was I unconscious?"
A Luan replied, "Three days and three nights."
"So long?" Ming Yu couldn't believe she had been unconscious for that long.
A Luan nodded. "Yes. Your Highness also took care of you day and night for three days and three nights."
Ming Yu was stunned. She looked at A Luan and asked, "Are you saying Your Highness took care of me for three days and three nights?"
A Luan said, "Yes. Your Highness has not attended court for three days, which has reportedly caused dissatisfaction among the court officials. However, this servant envies you, Miss. Your Highness has never shown this much concern for anyone before!"
Concern? Ming Yu's gaze deepened. In this manner, she seemed like a temptress.
In the imperial court, officials proposed that Hua Yun Jin favoring only one person was detrimental to the governance of the realm, causing Hua Yun Jin's displeasure. Some officials even committed suicide in the court, using their deaths to make Hua Yun Jin see clearly.
Ming Yu heard all of this. Soon, rumors spread among the common folk about a demoness mesmerizing the Flower King. Hua Yun Jin dispatched troops to suppress them, but it was futile. Hua Yun Jin not only did not restrain himself but also proclaimed to the world that he would make this woman his queen, citing her as having the destiny of a phoenix.
One day, Ming Yu was resting in her room when a large fire suddenly broke out. Even after the flames were extinguished, no body was found. Hua Yun Jin was furious and had all the palace servants attending Ming Yu and others beaten to death.
The tale of the phoenix destiny thus became a legend. Those who served the woman with the phoenix destiny said she possessed extraordinary abilities and could control people's minds.
Half a month later, in a civilian residence in Hua City, a woman sat on a stone chair, leisurely making tea. Soon, a voice called from outside, "Ming Yu, Ming Yu..." The young woman looked up at the man rushing in in a panic and asked, "Father, what's making you so anxious?"
The man swallowed hard. "Ming Yu, the Prince has arrived."
"The Prince? Which Prince?" the young woman asked, unmoved.
At that moment, a man stood at the doorway, his tall figure accentuated by a moon-white robe, exuding exceptional elegance. His stern face was framed by a pair of dazzling, star-like eyes. He looked at the young woman and slowly walked forward. "Ming Yu, I have arrived."
The young woman stood up and walked forward, a smile gracing her lips. "You've come so slowly."
The man smiled. "From now on, shall we live a life of simple domesticity?"
Ming Yu nodded, responding with a smile, "Okay."
"But without the symbols of status, without a life of wealth, Ming Yu, are you still willing?"
Ming Yu stepped forward, took his hand, and said word for word, "Hua Yun Dan, I love you, not because of my life, nor because of what you can give me, but simply because I love you, I love you as a person. If it wasn't you, no matter how supreme the power he possessed, I wouldn't even glance his way."
Hua Yun Dan trembled all over. He walked over and pulled her into his embrace. "Ming Yu, thank you, thank you for letting me not regret what I've let go of..."
Outside the door, Xue Zi Ning withdrew his gaze and looked at the person beside him. "You've seen it too. Ming Yu loves someone else. Do you still want to force it?"
"Your Majesty, I will let go..."
"Hua Yun Jin, one day, you too will find your destined person."
"Perhaps!" After speaking, he suddenly knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, the matters of Hua City are all my fault. I beg Your Majesty to punish me and not to implicate others. The people of Hua City are even more innocent."
"Rise. This King will not mete out punishment."
Hua Yun Jin was stunned. "Why?"