Chapter 655 - 655 652 Self-Sacrificing Stratagem_1

Chapter 655: Chapter 652: Self-Sacrificing Stratagem_1 Chapter 655: Chapter 652: Self-Sacrificing Stratagem_1 Xiao Rongyan leisurely lowered his head and leaned close to Bai Qingyan, whispering, “This life is short, without you, what joy is there?”

A cool breeze lifted a corner of the bed curtain, and the wind chime sachet hanging by the bed that her sister once tied to bring blessings to Bai Qingyan jingled softly.

The two grew closer and closer. He quietly gazed into Bai Qingyan’s eyes, tentatively touching her nose with his own.

Bai Qingyan held her breath as her hand resting on Xiao Rongyan’s wrist felt itchy, her fingers went limp as if she had suddenly lost all strength, hanging softly on his wrist.

Bai Qingyan gently touched his lips, gazing at his excessively deep eyes…

The tingling sensation between their lips made Xiao Rongyan’s hand tighten on the edge of the bed. He tightly grasped the brocade quilt beside Bai Qingyan, struggling to control himself…

Bai Qingyan was still injured; a light kiss must end quickly. Yet he couldn’t help but move a few inches closer, gently touching her lips again, his throat rolling as he spoke, “Rest well these few days. I will come to visit you. Surely… the Bai family, considering my effort in protecting the Bai Mansion this time, will allow me to visit you.”

Hearing footsteps approaching from outside the courtyard, Xiao Rongyan kissed Bai Qingyan’s forehead, stood up calmly, straightened his clothes, and stood aside.

As Chun Tao lifted the curtain and entered, she bowed to Bai Qingyan, saying, “Miss Bai, the second lady has returned!”

The second lady, Mrs. Liu, had brought back a hundred-year-old wild ginseng. She went straight to find Doctor Hong, who was concocting medicine in the small kitchen, to check if the ginseng could be used for Bai Qingyan.

Xiao Rongyan solemnly bowed to Bai Qingyan, “Then, Rong Yan shall not disturb Miss Bai’s recovery…”

“Mr. Xiao, if the Crown Prince inquires about my injury, you should know how to respond. I won’t need to remind you,” Bai Qingyan said earnestly, though her ears were already burning hot and red.

“Miss Bai is now in a coma. Whether she can pull through depends on whether she wakes up in three days. Xiao Rongyan is also anxious. I will certainly gather the best medicines and good doctors for Miss Bai!” Xiao Rongyan said.

“Thank you for your efforts, Mr. Xiao!” Bai Qingyan nodded, “Chun Tao, see Mr. Xiao out…”

Chun Tao responded, bowed to Xiao Rongyan, “Mr. Xiao, this way please!”

Xiao Rongyan bowed to Bai Qingyan again, then looked deeply at her before turning to leave.

As Xiao Rongyan exited, he encountered Mrs. Liu again. After expressing her thanks, Mrs. Liu turned solemnly to command Nanny Luo and Chun Tao to see Mr. Xiao out of the mansion. She then entered the main room to see Bai Qingyan.

Mrs. Liu burst into tears upon seeing Bai Qingyan. Earlier, she had met Bai Jinse on the road and understood how to explain Bai Qingyan’s injury to others. But seeing Bai Qingyan’s pale, bloodless face made her heart ache tremendously.

·

The Crown Prince returned to the palace drenched, ignoring his wet clothes to meet with Prime Minister Lu, Prime Minister Li, Minister of War Shen Jingzhong, and Minister Lu of the Court of Judicial Review. He entrusted all follow-up matters to Prime Minister Lu, instructed Li Mao to oversee the capture of Liu Ruofu, and handed Bai Qingyan’s feathered arrow to Li Mao as evidence, ordering Prime Minister Lu to severely punish the criminals in Nandu before changing his clothes.

Elder Fang had been waiting a long time in the Crown Prince’s study. Unaware of the Crown Prince’s assassination attempt, Elder Fang hurriedly approached him upon his return, “Your Highness, I just heard that when the Princess of Zhen killed King Xian, she used a single silver spear to lift him, scaring off the rebel army. Think about it… the Princess of Zhen is so formidable, she doesn’t seem weak at all! Your Highness must be wary!”

Quan Yu, following behind the Crown Prince, couldn’t remain calm. While helping the Crown Prince remove his wet clothes, he said in a soft voice, “Elder Fang, the Princess of Zhen saved Your Highness. Could there be a mistake? She can’t even lift her arm now!”

“I was present when the Imperial Physician examined her. Her arm won’t lift, yet no bones are broken! The Princess of Zhen’s archery is peerless, surely capable of hitting a hundred targets. Her intellect is extraordinary, and now… she commands troops in Shuoyang, meaning she has an army…”

“Elder Fang!” The Crown Prince suddenly shouted, interrupting him.

Elder Fang froze, detecting the anger in the Crown Prince’s tone. He quickly bowed respectfully.

Seeing Elder Fang’s respectful demeanor, the Crown Prince slightly clenched his mouth, swallowing his anger as he said, “Today, I was attacked… It was the Princess of Zhen who stood before me. She took an arrow to the chest. Her life hangs by a thread! Look at all the blood on Quan Yu; it all belongs to the Princess of Zhen!”

Elder Fang glanced at Quan Yu only to see his back covered in blood…

Due to today’s rain, Quan Yu’s clothes were already wet, with blood spreading widely.

“The Princess of Zhen is on the brink of death and still made arrangements for me, saying… Elder Fang is cautious and prudent, so I should rely on you! But you? You repeatedly slandered her in my presence, telling me to guard against her!” The Crown Prince’s voice could not help but rise.

After Bai Qingyan risked her life to shield him today, the Crown Prince felt a deep sense of guilt toward her, inevitably blaming Elder Fang… He believed Elder Fang’s manipulation had led him to mistrust Bai Qingyan repeatedly.

Elder Fang’s face turned pale. He hurriedly knelt and kowtowed, “Your Highness, this old servant’s actions are all for Your Highness! The Princess of Zhen’s military prestige is too high. She is practically another King of Zhen. Your Highness must be cautious!”

“Elder Fang!” The Crown Prince slammed his hand on the table, making a loud noise. “The arrow meant for me is right here! Right here!”

The Crown Prince jabbed his chest, roaring, “Now the Princess of Zhen lies in bed, facing death in three days… If she doesn’t make it, what then? How else should I act? How?!”

Elder Fang’s face changed dramatically. After hesitating, he weakly said, “That… that might also be a ruse by the Princess of Zhen to gain your trust!”

The Crown Prince swept the inkstone and writing brushes off the table, shattering them on the floor.

“Don’t think I don’t know your petty schemes!”

Already filled with guilt towards Bai Qingyan, especially since she made plans for him, thinking she was at death’s door, the Crown Prince… could not tolerate anyone speaking ill of her.

In a fit of rage, he berated the kneeling Elder Fang, “Your loyalty is not in question! Over the years… it is true I’ve relied heavily on you! But your jealousy of those more talented than you has not gone unnoticed!”