He ultimately couldn't bring himself to harm Murong Jinyun, even though she no longer held any place in his heart. He still couldn't bring himself to be so heartless.
Now, the only thing he could do for Murong Jinyun was to do everything he could to protect her. This was already the extent of his capabilities.
Baili Xi's gaze fell upon the bright moonlight outside the window, casting its glow upon the desk. The moonlight was truly beautiful tonight, just as it had been when he first met Murong Jinyun. It was under such beautiful moonlight that he first saw her dancing.
It was the first time he had seen such a beautiful girl in his life. With just one glance, he was smitten.
In his youth, due to family reasons, he was chosen as a companion to the Crown Prince, which gave him the opportunity to move within the imperial harem and catch glimpses of Murong Jinyun.
But she was a high and mighty princess, incomparably noble, while he was merely a lowly minister. How could he be worthy of standing beside the princess? Just to be able to see the princess from afar was already his greatest fortune.
His feelings for Murong Jinyun were thus kept hidden in his heart, unknown to anyone.
He never dared to hope that the princess's gaze would linger on him. As long as the princess was safe for the rest of her life, he would be content. Even if the princess were to marry someone other than him, he would still be willing.
Baili Xi sighed helplessly. He was a coarse man, how could he be worthy of a princess? His feelings were destined to remain hidden in his heart for a lifetime.
Now, the princess had long chosen a path opposite to his. They had different ways and could not plan together. The princess must be extremely disgusted with him now and wouldn't even spare him a glance.
...
"Who told you to get out of bed? And you're still practicing your sword? Hurry back to your room and rest!"
Feng Jin's furious voice echoed throughout the courtyard. She had never expected that after being out for just a short while, Ling Mohan would dare to practice his sword instead of lying obediently in bed. It was as if he didn't value his life.
After all, if his wound were to reopen, even immortals would be helpless. She was so angry at his reckless behavior that she wished she could tie him to the bed for the rest of his life.
The hand holding the sword trembled slightly. Ling Mohan hadn't expected Feng Jin to return so quickly. He had been lying in bed for so many days that his bones felt as if they were about to break. He had seized the opportunity while Feng Jin was out to get out of bed and move around.
He hadn't expected that as soon as he got out of bed and held the sword, before it could even warm up, Feng Jin would return and catch him red-handed.
"My injuries are all healed, you can't keep me lying in bed. I just came down to move around a bit. Don't worry, I'll be fine."
How could he not know that Feng Jin was concerned for him, which was why she was being so cautious?
Although being controlled and lacking freedom felt stifling, his heart was also warm. He was quite willing to be managed by Feng Jin like this.
Ling Mohan quickly dropped the sword aside and walked towards Feng Jin with a placating gesture, ushering the woman forward.
"Slow down, don't trip..."
"My hands and feet are fine, and I have no injuries. You don't need to be so careful. It's you who knows your injuries aren't healed yet but still insists on such strenuous exercise. Do you know that if your wound reopens, it will be very difficult to heal again..."
"Then won't you be the one suffering? Why don't you care about yourself like this? Do you want to anger me to death before you're satisfied!"
Her chest was filled with burning anger. If Ling Mohan weren't injured, she would have kicked him several times to vent her frustration.
Ling Mohan knew he was in the wrong and humbly accepted Feng Jin's criticism, not daring to say a word in return.
Feng Jin let out a long sigh, feeling somewhat better after scolding Ling Mohan: "What are you still standing there for? Hurry back to your room!"
"Alright, I'll go back to my room now. Please don't be angry. Anger harms the body, don't damage your health."
Ling Mohan quickly agreed and ran back to his room with swift steps. He quickly lifted the covers, lay down on the bed, and remained completely still, appearing incredibly foolish.
"Look at that silly look on your face..." Feng Jin took in his current appearance and mocked him without mercy.
"Drink your medicine first."
Feng Jin handed the medicine to Ling Mohan, and immediately a strong medicinal aroma filled the entire room.
Ling Mohan glanced at the dark, murky medicinal soup in the bowl and immediately felt a wave of nausea. A surge of sourness threatened to rise. The amount of medicine he had drunk these past few days was more than the food he had eaten.
"Can I skip it today? I already drank a bowl this morning."
He felt like even the sweat he produced smelled of medicine. If he continued to drink it, all his blood would turn into medicinal soup.
"No!" Feng Jin refused decisively, giving Ling Mohan no room to argue. "You ate breakfast, so do you want to eat lunch? Asking these questions is a waste of time. Drink it quickly. The medicine will lose its effectiveness if it gets cold, and drinking cold medicine will cause stomach upset. For your own health, drink it quickly."
Feng Jin held the medicine bowl up to Ling Mohan, gesturing for him to drink it quickly.
Ling Mohan sighed helplessly, knowing there was no room for negotiation. He hardened his heart, took the medicine bowl, and drank it down in one gulp. The bitter taste of the soup spread through his mouth, rushing all the way to his head.
This feeling was truly intense. Why did he feel that the medicine Feng Jin brewed was even more bitter than usual? Was it his imagination, or was it really the case?
He hesitated for a moment, then decided to ask clearly: "Why does this medicine taste so bitter?"
"It's naturally bitter. The concentration of this medicine is higher than what you've drunk before, which will help your wounds heal faster. I've also added tonics for nourishing qi and blood and strengthening the body, which will only benefit your health and do no harm."
"Good medicine tastes bitter, and the bitterness is for your own good. After all, are you, a grown man, unable to tolerate bitter medicine? It would be a laughingstock if word got out."
Feng Jin said this intentionally. She had tasted the medicine herself, and it was indeed unusually bitter. Ling Mohan had drunk it in one gulp every day for the past few days, as if he couldn't feel the bitterness.
She had always thought that Ling Mohan didn't find the medicine bitter, but it turned out she had misunderstood.