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Kapitel 12

Yu Chi Mingyue felt a chill in her heart. Trembling, she reached out and gently stroked his cheek, calling out, "Di Xiu?"

Beneath her fingers, his skin was still warm, but his breath was gone. Yu Chi Mingyue burst into tears, choking out, "Don't die...don't die..."

Upon seeing this, Yu Chi Caiyao frowned deeply. She walked over in a few steps, pulled Yu Chi Mingyue aside, squatted down, and reached out to feel Di Xiu's pulse.

At that very moment, Di Xiu opened his eyes, grabbed Yu Chi Cai Yao with one hand, and used the other hand to choke her throat.

Yu Chi Caiyao was instantly stunned, and said in a trembling voice, "So you..."

Di Xiu looked tired and dejected, but upon hearing these words, he smiled slightly.

Yu Chi Mingyue, standing to the side, was stunned for a moment before bursting with joy. Tears streamed down her face, her voice trembling slightly, as she said, "...You lied to me..."

Di Xiu glanced at Yu Chi Mingyue, a hint of guilt in his eyes. But he quickly composed himself and, with all his remaining strength, shouted to the surrounding servants, "Fire signal!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Chi Caiyao gave a cold laugh: "Fire signal? Chief Steward Di is taking too much of a risk. If it were my third sister's men who came, all your efforts would be for naught..."

Before she could finish speaking, Di Xiu tightened his grip, silencing her.

"Signal for arson!" Di Xiu shouted again, pressing his finger harder, causing Yu Chi Caiyao to groan.

Seeing this, the surrounding servants dared not delay any longer and brought out the fire signal.

A burst of fire shot into the sky, illuminating the night. The firelight reflected in Di Xiu's eyes, turning into a smile.

The light faded, and silence and darkness returned. The crowd remained frozen in place, none daring to make the first move.

Time passed slowly, the snow fell heavier, and the view became mesmerizing.

The cold made Yu Chi Mingyue shiver involuntarily. But at this moment, she felt no fear. A confidence that came from nowhere made her feel that she could definitely escape.

However, blood loss caused Di Xiu to gradually lose her focus, and the strength in her hands also decreased.

Yu Chi Caiyao noticed this, grabbed Di Xiu's wrist with one hand, and struck him in the abdomen with her elbow with the other. Di Xiu hurriedly pulled his hand away to dodge and released her.

Yu Chi Caiyao broke free of her bonds and turned to strike him with a palm. Di Xiu didn't hesitate, deflecting her attack and reaching for her heart with his claws. Yu Chi Caiyao immediately blocked his attack and then kicked his left leg. Di Xiu didn't dodge, taking the kick squarely and closing in on her. As Yu Chi Caiyao was taken aback, he struck her in the chest with his palm.

Yuchi Caiyao was knocked to the ground and coughed up blood.

All of this happened in the blink of an eye, and everyone was caught off guard. Only now did they come to their senses and rush forward to help.

Di Xiu, however, was too weak to support himself and collapsed limply. Yu Chi Mingyue hurriedly caught him, but unexpectedly, a sharp pain shot through her left foot, and she lost her balance and fell down with him.

Yu Chi Mingyue hurriedly sat up and hugged him. Seeing a long sword lying to the side, she quickly grabbed it, using it as a threat.

"Kill them!" Yu Chi Caiyao roared shrilly.

Upon receiving the order, the crowd did not hesitate any longer and charged forward with murderous intent.

At this critical moment, a figure flew over and stood in front of Yu Chi Mingyue.

Yu Chi Mingyue was overjoyed to see the visitor.

"gentlemen!"

The newcomer was none other than Mei Ziqi. Holding a folding fan, he swiftly struck down several people before he could react. Only then did he speak with a smile, saying, "Luckily, I made it in time..."

At this moment, a group of men dressed in black robes and red belts flew in, each wielding a knife and sword. In just a moment, they subdued all of Yu Chi Caiyao's men and stabilized the situation. Seeing this, Yu Chi Caiyao barely managed to stand up, threw a firework bomb, and vanished without a trace.

"She escaped so quickly..." Mei Ziqi sighed with a smile, fanning herself, and then instructed the others, "No need to chase her. Let her go."

After he finished speaking, he turned around, squatted down, patted Yu Chi Mingyue's head, and coaxed her, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, the master is here, everything is alright."

Yu Chi Mingyue then put down her long sword and nodded with tears in her eyes.

Mei Ziqi looked down at Di Xiu in Yu Chi Mingyue's arms. He reached out and pinched Di Xiu's cheek, scolding, "You really know how to hide! I searched all over for you!"

Seeing this, Yu Chi Mingyue slapped Mei Ziqi's hand away and said with displeasure, "Don't pinch him! Can't you see he's injured!"

Mei Ziqi rubbed her hand, which had been slapped so hard, sighed, and said plaintively, "Oh dear, Xiao Si, you've forgotten how to respect your teacher... I'm so heartbroken..."

Yu Chi Mingyue frowned and ignored him. She lowered her eyes and looked at Di Xiu in her arms.

By this time, he was barely breathing, and his brows showed only exhaustion.

Yu Chi Mingyue hugged herself tighter and couldn't help but shed tears.

Seeing her like this, Di Xiu spoke up, comforting her in a weak voice: "...Avoid...the vital points...it's alright..."

Yu Chi Mingyue nodded through her tears and gently wiped the blood from the corner of his lips.

Seeing this, Mei Ziqi smiled with relief. He reached out and sealed several of Di Xiu's major acupoints to stop the bleeding. He then took Di Xiu's pulse and frowned as he said to Yu Chi Mingyue, "He needs to be treated as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Yu Chi Mingyue nodded and released her embrace.

Several men in black robes stepped forward, helped Di Xiu up, and led him to a carriage that had been prepared to the side.

Yu Chi Mingyue also stood up and stepped forward. Seeing her stagger, Mei Ziqi wanted to help her, but she ignored her, seemingly forgetting her pain, and followed closely behind Di Xiu.

Mei Ziqi smiled, shook her head helplessly, and followed them into the carriage.

...

After a short journey, the group arrived at a small town. The inn in the town had been booked, and all the servants from the Prince of Nanling's mansion were there. They were all overjoyed to see Yuchi Mingyue return safely.

Yu Chi Mingyue paid no attention to her own foot injury, focusing solely on staying by Di Xiu's side and watching everyone receive treatment.

Several basins of bloody fluid were changed, and several stacks of white cloths were used. No expense was spared in using hemostatic drugs and life-saving pills. By the time the treatment was completed, two hours had passed.

Yu Chi Mingyue knelt by the bed, looking at the unconscious Di Xiu, still unable to feel at ease. She took his hand and pressed it against her cheek. The warmth of his palm slightly eased her worries.

Yu Chi Caiyao's words still echoed in my mind:

“My father betrothed me to the Chen family, hoping to undermine my power. Don’t even think about it! ... But he still won’t give up, and he’s chosen another man for me…”

"He's a pitiful man too... Father groomed him to eliminate dissidents, but he also worried that his power would grow too strong and become uncontrollable. Making me marry him would not only ruin my plans, but also keep him in check..."

"It's so good to know nothing..."

Yes, she knew nothing. She didn't know how much helplessness lay hidden beneath his seemingly glamorous exterior. She knew nothing of the brutal struggles he had endured to achieve everything he had. She hated him, despised his actions, yet it was his only way to survive…

This person, however, said he liked her. His feelings were genuine; he was even willing to risk his life for her.

Only now does she realize how hurtful her past attitude towards him was. Every thoughtless word she uttered trampled on his feelings.

Overwhelmed with regret and sorrow, she couldn't help but shed tears.

At this moment, Mei Ziqi pushed open the door and came in. She walked to her side and gently advised, "Xiao Si, you must be tired. Go back to your room and rest. You need to treat your foot injury too..."

Yu Chi Mingyue looked up at him with tears in her eyes, and choked out, "Sir...you've always known, haven't you?"

"What do you know?" Mei Ziqi asked.

Yu Chi Mingyue said, "Sir has always known what kind of place Yu Chi Manor is, and what kind of person he is, right?"

Mei Ziqi was silent for a moment, then squatted down, looking directly at Yuchi Mingyue, and said, "I did know about the affairs of Yuchi Manor. The intrigue and power struggles there are truly extraordinary. But Xiao Si, you only stay at Yuchi Manor for two months a year, so there's no need for you to get involved. Besides, you're of marriageable age now. After you get married, the affairs of Yuchi Manor will no longer concern you. The Prince and the Princess don't want you to get too involved; they want you to believe in the facade of harmony and goodwill, which is for the best. As for him..." Mei Ziqi glanced at Di Xiu, a smile suddenly appearing on her face, "Before you told me he slapped you, I didn't know his character. But now it seems I was absolutely right..."

Yu Chi Mingyue frowned, slightly dissatisfied, "You should have told me sooner!"

Mei Ziqi looked completely innocent and said, "Hey, didn't I already say? The Prince and the Princess told you not to know too much about what happened at Yuchi Manor..."

“I didn’t say that!” Yu Chi Mingyue interrupted him, “I… I meant his matter…”

"Oh!" Mei Ziqi suddenly realized, and a smile returned to her face. "That was really my fault. Oh dear, how could I forget to tell you? My apologies!"

"Sir!" Yu Chi Mingyue knew that Mei Ziqi was just joking, and called out in dissatisfaction.

Mei Ziqi smiled and said softly, "Little Si, his feelings are not something you can easily accept. If I had told you earlier, it would have only added to your troubles. But now, it's different, isn't it?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Chi Mingyue blushed instantly and stammered, "What's different... how is it different..."

Mei Ziqi laughed happily and said, "Good, good, no difference. But Xiao Si, after going through hardships, you should cherish it even more. Take good care of yourself, that's also doing your best for the other person."

Upon hearing this, Yu Chi Mingyue looked at Di Xiu with lingering reluctance. After a long while, she finally let go of his hand and tucked him in. Only after doing this did she leave the room with Mei Ziqi.

After they left, a wisp of white smoke suddenly rose from the room, gradually transforming into a fox.

The fox was no bigger than a house cat, pure white, gleaming in the sunlight. It gently leaped onto the bed and nuzzled Di Xiu's cheek.

From the darkness came a low chuckle: "To go this far, it's really worrying..."

Chapter Fifteen

The world was covered in ice and snow, the moonlight was bright, and the surrounding area was completely peaceful.

Before my eyes, white smoke swirled and slowly coalesced into a fox.

The fox was entirely white, except for its pair of deep blue eyes, which shone brightly.

The fox smiled and said, "For hundreds of years, you are the only one who has opened the 'Suppressing Pot.' Unfortunately, the constraints I bear are not merely those of a 'Suppressing Pot.' Hehe, though it's only a moment of freedom, it's quite interesting... Young man, tell me, what do you desire?"

"I……"

He heard his own voice, was terrified, and suddenly woke up.

Before me, a green gauze curtain, adorned with gold tassels, hung. Sunlight dappled through the fabric, slightly dazzling. The pillows and mats were infused with the sweet, refreshing scent of sandalwood, soothing and delightful.

He was somewhat dazed, unsure of where he was.

Just then, a woman's cheerful voice rang in my ears.

"Steward Di is awake! Quickly, go and inform the Fourth Miss!"

All that could be heard was the sound of hurried footsteps; the place was bustling with activity.

A large group of maids gathered around his bedside, each one smiling and concerned, calling him "Ah Xiu" in their voices.

He became increasingly bewildered and confused. Just as he was about to make a move, he felt a dull pain in his chest and his limbs were weak and sore, making it impossible for him to get up.

Just then, hurried footsteps were heard outside the door. The maids inside rose in unison, bowed, and called out, "Fourth Miss."

Before the words could even be finished, a figure had already arrived at the bedside.

He looked at the person in front of him, momentarily incredulous.

The visitor was none other than Yuchi Mingyue. She had kept watch all night and only slept for an hour at dawn. Hearing from her maid that he had woken up, she didn't bother with her hair or makeup, but simply threw on a felt cloak and hurried over. At this moment, her hair was disheveled, her clothes were in disarray, and she looked somewhat disheveled. Her eyes showed signs of weariness, revealing her exhaustion, unlike her usual bright and beautiful self.

When Yu Chi Mingyue saw him wake up, she was overjoyed. She took his hand in her palm and said softly, "You're finally awake."

His heart skipped a beat, and he didn't know how to react.

At this moment, the maids came up laughing and said, "Fourth Miss, you're not dressed yet. Come back to your room with us!"

Yu Chi Mingyue ignored them, still holding Di Xiu's hand, unwilling to leave.