Feng Yun was carried back to the manor in Wen Xingsuâs arms.
Her dress was soaked in a large patch, and the embracing figures cast a long shadow under the moon, hazy and romantic, accompanied by the gentle breeze and falling leaves, delicate and tender, presenting a stunning scene.
Of course, this was Wen Xingsuâs perception.
Feng Yun only felt pain in her foot.
Not just the ankle, but also the toes were hurt from stepping down forcefully and being injured by the broken stones, a pain so deep it felt like it was drilling into her heart; she didnât dare to touch it at all now.
But she didnât want to appear in front of others like this.
As they approached the manor, she tugged at Wen Xingsuâs sleeve.
"Elder brother, put me down. I can walk on my own."
Wen Xingsu looked down and knew what she was worried about, his brows knitting together.
In that moment, a strong sense of loss weighed down his heart as if he couldnât breathe, not only did he not loosen his grip, but he also tightened it.
"Are you afraid your brother-in-law wonât like it?"
A single mention of "brother-in-law" demonstrated his forthright stance as an elder brother.
For Feng Yun to say anything more would be inappropriate.
"He wonât mind, itâs just that people talk too much. If someone harbors ill will and starts spreading rumors, it could tarnish elder brotherâs good reputation..."
"Then thatâs settled."
Wen Xingsuâs gaze was tranquil as he looked at the servants by his side.
"Will you all gossip?"
The group was startled.
"We will not, my lord."
Wen Xingsu lowered his head, looking at Feng Yun.
"You heard them."
In the face of his intense gaze, Feng Yun suddenly found clarity.
She was just injured; what was wrong with her brother carrying her back? Why play at being coy or try to deceive others?
She moved the injured foot, and it hurt sharply again before she finally said:
"Thank you, elder brother."
Wen Xingsu hummed in acknowledgment, glancing sideways to instruct a servant.
"Hurry and fetch Doctor Yao to the manor."
The servant complied and ran off.
Wen Xingsu slowed his pace while still carrying Feng Yun...
He walked very steadily for fear of dropping her again, yet his arms were extremely stiff.
The skin his fingers touched was soft as if boneless, creating a dense layer of goosebumps on his body, unsure how his fingers should be arranged.
Feng Yun was off guard, clutching Wen Xingsuâs lapel with both hands, her mind still pondering the scolding Puyang Yi received, wandering in her thoughts. Wen Xingsu, however, needed to breathe deeply to restrain the ripples in his heart...
He was worried.
And secretly pleased.
He was self-reproachful.
And yet happy.
It was difficult for him to describe what he was feeling at that moment.
It was like a small creature hiding in a corner, peering at the sun, suddenly finding a gust of wind blow open the window, letting a ray of sunlight in for him...
He wanted to hold on tight to that sliver of light, not willing to let go.
Because once it slipped from his palm, it would never return.
It was still early, and the sky hadnât completely darkened. On the road, they encountered a few villagers returning from the east of the village. Their gazes naturally fell upon the two figures close together, scrutinizing them.
Then, out of curiosity, they asked:
"What happened to the Village Chiefâs wife?"
Wen Xingsu simply replied, "She twisted her ankle."
The villagers expressed their concern, just as lights started to shine brightly up ahead.
Before Pei Jue himself arrived, the air had already begun to thin.
The atmosphere became inexplicably tense.
He approached with his attendants, his large feet making strides, the lantern in his hand blinking.
As he got closer, he glanced at Feng Yun, handed the lantern to Zuo Zhong, and extended his hand toward Wen Xingsu.
"Let me."
Apparently, the person who went to notify Doctor Yao had also informed Pei Jue.
Wen Xingsu was somewhat annoyed.
A subtle, needle-like pain rolled across his heart...
He paused for just an instant.
In that instant, Pei Jueâs gaze met his.
Locked in eye contact in front of so many people, they stood motionless as if frozen in place...
Feng Yun faintly sensed a trace of tension.
"Elder brother. Let me down."
She touched Wen Xingsuâs arm, reaching her hand innocently towards Pei Jue under his sharp gaze, and said with a hint of coquettishness, "I carelessly stepped into a ditch earlier, it hurts terribly..."
With such a tone, no one could bear to scold her.
Pei Jue held her in his arms, his gaze lowered, not looking at Wen Xingsu. His tone was indifferent yet filled with concern, "Donât go out after dark next time."
Feng Yun grunted, her face contorted:
"I was even planning to visit Andu City tomorrow, to check on Xiaoqiâs house. Now itâs all ruined; Iâll surely wake up swollen like a bun and wonât be able to walk anywhere..."
Pei Jue: "Then rest for a couple of days. Thereâs no rush."
The two conversed without overt displays of deep affection, yet there was an air of lingering intimacy around them, difficult for outsiders to penetrate...
Wen Xingsu slowed his steps further, trailing far behind them.
The residual warmth on his fingers lingered, yet his arms felt emptily hollow.
Unwarranted feelings of loss amplified his emotions, as well as the sensation of holding her soft, fragrant body in his arms just a moment ago...
He lowered his head.
By the moonlight, he noticed a crease on his clothing.
It was made when he held Feng Yun, creased by her bodyâs pressure.
Wen Xingsu gently smoothed it out, and let out a low, bitter chuckle.
-
When Feng Yun was placed on the wooden couch by Pei Jue, Yao Ru came rushing over with a medicine chest in tow.
The others who accompanied him included Puyang Jiu and the little Yuan Shangyi.
They had come from the Yangxin Restaurant.
Puyang Jiu had been called by Pei Jue.
Yuan Shangyi had followed on his own.
Seeing the roomful of people awkwardly standing around, Feng Yun felt embarrassed.
Was all this fuss necessary just for a sprained ankle?
Two doctors in attendance, and even the Young Emperor showed up.
Pei Jue had not expected Puyang Jiu to bring Yuan Shangyi along. He gave him a casual glance and performed the necessary courtesy, gesturing for everyone to take their seats.
Yuan Shangyi didnât sit on a stool but instead settled himself at the edge of Feng Yunâs couch. His eyes full of worry, he reached out as if wanting to touch her but felt it inappropriate and drew his hand back courteously.
"Does it hurt, my lady?"
"No." Feng Yun shook her head, her voice warm as she smiled, "See, being inattentive while walking comes with punishmentâIâve reaped the consequences..."
Yuan Shangyi frowned and looked up at Puyang Jiu.
"Medical Officer Puyang, is it serious?"
Puyang Jiu glanced at Doctor Yao.
He and Doctor Yao had arrived at the same time, and at that moment, Doctor Yao was already rolling up his sleeves preparing to examine Feng Yunâs injury, so it wasnât appropriate for him to intervene.
"Your Majesty, do not worry." Puyang Jiu smiled slightly, choosing words that could be universally applied, to comfort the Young Emperor.
"The Princess is blessed by Heaven, she will be fine, really fine."
Pei Jue gave him another look.
Puyang Jiu felt a tingling at the back of his neck, unsure of what had irked the Prince of Yonghuai, as his gaze seemed ready to impale him.
Yao Ru examined Feng Yunâs injury, had a servant bring a round stool to place in front of the couch, and gestured for her to stretch her foot out onto it.
"Fortunately, thereâs no damage to the bone. Iâll first apply massage and then a warm compress. It should be nothing serious, but with the tendons damaged, it will take some time to heal completely. My lady will have to endure..."
Hearing Yao Ruâs words, Feng Yun felt a bit frustrated.
She had so many things to attend to recently...
Wen Xingsu, watching the conflict on her face, apologised:
"Itâs my fault. If I hadnât gone to look at the houses, this wouldnât have happened."
Feng Yun started to laugh, "It was my idea to take you to see them... You need to get up early tomorrow, brother, so you should go rest. Iâll be fine."
Wen Xingsu pursed his lips.
He wanted to stay, to personally take care of her.
Just like when she was injured in their childhood...
Back then, by her side, it was only him, her close one.
But times are indeed different now...
"Alright." Wen Xingsu agreed, turning to the Young Emperor and the rest inside the room, offered a salute to each, and withdrew.
Pei Jue looked up, his eyes following Wen Xingsuâs retreating, lonely figure.
Feng Yun turned to Yuan Shangyi, "Itâs getting late, Ayuan. You should go back too, so you donât keep Female Historian Lin waiting..."
Yuan Shangyi pouted slightly.
He really wanted to stay.
But, meeting Pei Jueâs gaze, he lost his nerve.
In the end, he obediently nodded his little head and stood to follow Dong Bai back to the Yangxin Restaurant.
Puyang Jiu, waiting for Yao Ru to properly treat Feng Yunâs injury, also planned to leave stealthily. But as soon as he stepped out of the room, Pei Jue followed suit.
"Good heavens! Quiet as a ghostâare you trying to scare me to death?"
Puyang Jiu, playing the villain-in-advance, clutched his chest and turned to glare at him.
Pei Jue gave him a cold look and gestured, "Come here."
He walked beneath the eaves of the corridor, standing tall.
Puyang Jiuâs lips twitched slightly, and he hesitantly followed, whispering, "What secret matters do you want to discuss in the dead of night?"
Pei Jue said, "Whereâs the medicine you prepared?"