Huaining's face loomed close, filled with tension. Yue Yao, her complexion pale, took a moment to steady herself before finally regaining clarity.
It was just a dream.
Huaining clasped Yue Yao’s hands tightly, her eyes reddened. "You got hurt so badly saving me. I was terrified. Thank goodness you’re alright."
If Yue Yao hadn’t pushed her out of the way of that arrow, she might not have survived.
Yue Yao managed a faint smile, still weak. "As long as the princess is unharmed."
She glanced at her left shoulder, already bandaged, though crimson blood had seeped through the gauze. The pain made it impossible to move.
"Of course I’m fine! But you—you were hit by an assassin’s arrow, lost so much blood, and then thrown into the valley by that crazed horse. If Brother Xiao hadn’t found you in time, you might’ve bled to death."
Huaining’s voice was thick with guilt. Had Yue Yao died saving her, she would never have forgiven herself.
Yue Yao blinked in surprise. "The marquis saved me?"
"Of course! When Brother Xiao heard you were missing, he mobilized almost the entire hunting grounds to search for you. They finally found you in the valley. The Imperial Physician said any later, and you’d have been in mortal danger!"
Yue Yao was stunned. Ling Xiao had actually saved her?
She’d assumed he’d prefer her dead.
Huaining rambled on, "Those assassins had the audacity to ambush us during the hunt! Brother Xiao will track them down and make them pay!"
A nearby maid interjected softly, "Princess, the Imperial Physician emphasized that Madam Ling needs rest."
"Oh, right." Huaining snapped back to attention. "Then you should rest. I’ll visit again tomorrow."
Yue Yao nodded lightly. "Mm."
Just as Huaining stood, she sat back down, gripping Yue Yao’s hand solemnly. "You saved my life. I owe you a debt. If you ever need anything, I’ll help."
Yue Yao smiled. "Thank you, Princess."
"What’s there to thank? I always repay my debts!"
After urging Yue Yao to rest again, Huaining finally left, ushered away by her attendants.
The tent fell quiet. Chun'er entered with a bowl of medicine. "Madam, please drink this."
She helped Yue Yao sit up, propping her against soft cushions.
Chun'er spoon-fed her the first sip, but Yue Yao grimaced at the bitterness and took the bowl with her right hand. "I’ll do it myself."
She downed the medicine in one go.
Chun'er hurriedly wiped her lips with a handkerchief and patted her back. "Madam, you should drink slowly."
Yue Yao set the bowl aside. "Drinking slower would’ve made it even more unbearable."
Chun'er chuckled. "How can you joke at a time like this?"
"Surviving is something to celebrate, isn’t it?"
"Still, we’re lucky the marquis found you in time. A moment later, and..."
Yue Yao couldn’t help asking, "Did he really send people to search for me?"
She’d thought Huaining was exaggerating earlier—after all, the princess adored Ling Xiao and never missed a chance to praise him.
"Of course! Who else could mobilize the imperial guards so easily? The marquis values you greatly, Madam."
Yue Yao pressed her lips together. "He doesn’t value me—just his wife’s dignity."
Still, Ling Xiao was more considerate than she’d expected.
"Well, as long as you’re safe!"
Yue Yao nodded faintly. "Mm."
---
Ling Xiao emerged from the palace, and Jian Shuang approached. "Marquis."
"How is she?" he asked coldly.
Jian Shuang hesitated briefly before replying, "The Imperial Physician treated her wound. It’s not life-threatening, but she needs rest. Chun'er sent word that Madam has woken up. The princess stayed with her, but they’re talking now."
Ling Xiao’s brow furrowed slightly. "Have someone escort the princess away."
Otherwise, she’d chatter endlessly and disturb Yue Yao’s rest.
"Yes."
"Bar all other visitors too. No disturbances."
"Understood."
They were returning to the capital tomorrow. The hunting grounds would be crowded with well-wishers, but the estate would be quieter for her recovery.
Jian Shuang hesitated before asking, "Will you visit her, Marquis?"
In all his years serving Ling Xiao, he’d never seen him care for someone so meticulously. Surely he’d want to see her himself.
Ling Xiao lowered his gaze, expression indifferent. "No need."
With that, he strode off.
Jian Shuang was momentarily stunned but quickly followed.
---
After Huaining left, no other visitors came.
Yue Yao finished her medicine and forced down a light supper before retiring early. According to Chun'er, they’d depart for the capital at dawn.
The next morning, the emperor’s return was heralded by a horn blast.
"Madam, we’re heading back. The journey will be rough, so the princess arranged a larger carriage for you to lie down in. Let me have you carried out on a stretcher," Chun'er said briskly as she packed.
Yue Yao pushed herself upright. "I’m not that fragile. My shoulder’s injured, not my legs. I can walk to the carriage."
"Madam!" Chun'er dropped everything to steady her.
Yue Yao took two steps. "See? It’s fine. Don’t fuss."
Chun'er smiled. "As you wish, Madam."
She draped a pale blue cloak over Yue Yao’s shoulders before guiding her outside.
The carriage awaiting them was opulent—twice the size of a standard one, adorned with carved nanmu wood and intricate designs.
Yue Yao paused. "Isn’t this too extravagant?"
Chun'er shrugged. "Why? You’re part of the Ling household. The marquis hasn’t objected."
Yue Yao bit her lip but said nothing more, letting Chun'er help her in.
As she stepped onto the carriage’s footboard, Yue Yao spotted Ling Xiao standing not far away.
The scene outside was chaotic—endless rows of carriages waiting for nobles to board, servants bustling about, and clusters of aristocrats chatting.
Yet Ling Xiao stood out effortlessly—tall, commanding, impossible to overlook.
The moment their eyes met, he averted his gaze and turned to leave.
"Marquis," she called out.
He paused and glanced back.
She stood there, cloaked in pale blue, her slender frame like a willow, hair loosely draped without adornment, her delicate face bare of makeup. Her clear eyes held his.
His fingers clenched briefly in his sleeves before relaxing. With icy detachment, he approached. "What is it?"
