A tear fell onto Ji Wushang's lips. Unconsciously, Ji Wushang's lips moved slightly, tasting it; it was bitter...
Nan Xuzong nestled in her arms, "I can't bear it, I can't bear it, I don't want to give up, don't give up... Why is God torturing me like this? Haven't I done enough? Haven't I done enough? Wushang, give me an answer... Is it true, as they say, that we should... should separate..." He cried as he spoke, completely unlike the expressionless Nan Xuzong of the past. He was nothing more than a man who evoked pity and heartache.
Ji Wushang opened her eyes and looked at her husband crying like a woman, her heart filled with bitterness. But seeing that he was awake and alright made her happy. However, she was at a loss as to what to do about his crying. "Cong, what's wrong?" Ji Wushang was able to speak for a long time. She placed her hand on his face and gently touched it.
Nan Xuzong was stunned for a moment, then looked up and saw Ji Wushang's smiling face. She was looking at him with a puzzled look in her eyes.
Nan Xuzong realized he had lost his composure and immediately took out a silk handkerchief from his bosom to wipe his tears and snot from his face. When he saw that Ji Wushang's chest was wet, he panicked and used the handkerchief to wipe it.
Ji Wushang reached out and grabbed his arm. "What happened to you just now? You cried."
"I, I'm fine, Wu Shang, I'm just too happy, it's nothing." Nan Xuzong looked at her, put the silk handkerchief aside, and hugged her tightly in his arms. "Next time, don't be so silly, okay? Wu Shang, don't use your blood to feed me, I won't allow you to do that!" He spoke with a slightly domineering tone, his dark eyes looking at her.
Ji Wushang was taken aback. "But I can't lose you. I... I have no choice. Cong, I have no choice. I don't know what to do... Last time, blood was able to be used as a catalyst. This time, this time I want to... I want to try..." As she spoke, tears immediately fell. "Are you feeling better now? I want to see." She immediately reached out to grab his wrist to check, but he grabbed her hand. "What kind of silly girl are you? Wushang, don't do this... I'm sure I'll be fine." He said, wiping away her tears with his hand.
"You were so fierce back then... You didn't tell me what happened..." She looked at him with her watery eyes, her lips pursed. He looked so scary.
"I, I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Wushang, I was wrong, it's all my fault..." Nan Xuzong held her in his arms, his hand reaching for her pulse, grasping her wrist, and transferring his inner energy to her.
Ji Wushang felt a surge of heat entering her body. She looked at him and realized it was him who had done it. "No, Cong, don't do this..." Ji Wushang pushed him away, but he held her tightly. "My life is yours... don't refuse me." He kissed her lips.
Her tears flowed silently, and he covered her with his thin lips, kissing them dry one by one. His warm lips gave her a touch of heat.
Ji Wushang felt much warmer. "That's enough. Don't waste your inner strength, otherwise, you'll definitely be no match for them." Ji Wushang pushed him away.
Nan Xuzong closed his eyes and slowly withdrew his internal energy. Immediately, he used his spiritual fingers to press several acupoints on his chest.
Ji Wushang held his lean waist, listening quietly to his heartbeat, "Cong, if I leave one day, please bury me at the foot of the road you often walk on... okay?"
"No." Nan Xuzong cupped her face in his hands. "Why, why did you say such things? I won't allow you to say such things!"
"I really want to sleep..." she looked at him. "It's so cold, I want to take a nap." She smiled faintly.
"I'll stay with you, okay? I'll sleep as long as you sleep, and when you wake up, I'll wake up too. When you sleep, I'll continue sleeping." He looked at her and kissed her lips. Her body, after lying on that stone bed, felt even colder… Heavens, why?! Even transferring his own internal energy to her had little effect!
"You have so many things to do, you can't be with me," she said, slowly pulling away from his lips.
“I’ll stay with you. If you don’t sleep, I can do those things.” Nan Xuzong looked at her. “Listen to me, it’s daytime now, you can’t sleep.”
"Is tonight okay?"
"Sure." He smiled slightly. "Would you like to know who tried to murder me?"
"Who?" She looked at him, then suddenly remembered something, and her mind cleared a bit. "Who dares to impersonate me! Cong, have you... have you..."
"No, don't worry, how could those people possibly succeed in their scheme?" Nan Xuzong looked at her. "But I don't know who that person is. Would you be willing to help me find them?"
"Mm." Ji Wushang nodded.
“We still have so many things to do. Can you help me finish them?” Nan Xuzong looked at her again and placed his hand on her waist.
She regained some of her energy, perhaps due to the effects of Nan Xuzong's internal energy, or perhaps because Nan Xuzong's words and request had stirred her spirits, or perhaps because Nan Xuzong's previous treatment had stabilized her heart.
“I’ll help you. I’ve said it before, I want to walk with you, to stand shoulder to shoulder with you.” Ji Wushang looked at him.
Nan Xuzong held her in his arms. "Yes, I want you to walk with me. I need you, Wushang. I need you. Without you, my world will cease to exist!"
Ji Wushang listened to his words and nestled quietly in his arms, listening to his heartbeat.
Nan Xuzong kissed her dark hair, "Wu Shang..."
"Mmm." She responded to his call.
Nan Xuzong breathed a sigh of relief. Ji Wushang had slowly fallen asleep again, and Nan Xuzong checked her pulse. Her heartbeat gradually stabilized and returned to its original rate.
The Prince of Jinnan, Nan Xianxian, Nan Zaiqing, and others were puzzled when they couldn't find Ji Wushang. They sent a message and received news that the Fourth Princess Consort was unwell and the Fourth Prince was with her, not allowing anyone to disturb her.
At this time, it is Xianxian Garden.
Nan Xianxian sat in the chair, and in front of her was Nan Zaiqing, who looked at her with a sarcastic and disdainful expression. "Hmph, you can't even handle this? You were so confident back then. I even wasted so much breath asking my father to discuss those marriage matters! I even personally talked to her about this and that. Humph!"
"He's too powerful. How was I supposed to know he could push me away?" Nan Xianxian said coldly. She turned to look at Nan Zaiqing. "However, I used the Seven Deadly Soul-Destroying Powder. If he can't have intercourse with a virgin, he'll surely die!"
"Bah! Do you think our Jinnan Prince's Mansion can still exist if the Fourth Prince dies here?" Nan Zaiqing sneered. "If that's really the case, I'm afraid we'll both die!"
"Don't you feel calm? That means the Fourth Prince isn't dead! Heh, not dead means he found the antidote! I think it's probably because the Fourth Princess couldn't stand it anymore and caught the Fourth Prince doing his business, causing her to vomit blood and faint. The Fourth Prince felt guilty, so he stayed by her side!"
"Hmph, you're dreaming!" Nan Zaiqing sneered. "You'd better have your way! Otherwise, neither of us will survive!"
"You think I have no other way? Bah! I'll see how they are now before I carry out my plan!" Nan Xianxian looked at Nan Zaiqing with a rather smug expression.
Nan Zaiqing gave a sarcastic smile, "Then I won't help you anymore!" Nan Zaiqing laughed, "Father has found me a good family! I'll be the principal wife when I marry into that family! Humph, I'll be the one calling the shots in this household!"
"Which family is it?" Nan Xianxian immediately perked up and asked.
"It's a family outside the capital, and they're merchants! Their entire household holds the lifeblood of our Great Xia Zhou Dynasty! If I marry into that family, hmph, I'll be living a life of luxury, with all the gold and silver jewels, the gold and jade hairpins—all at my command! Hmph!"
"Look at you, what's so great about you!" Nan Xiang sneered. If she were to become the Fourth Prince's wife, and if she could help the Fourth Prince become Emperor, then she would be the Empress! She was just a merchant's wife! What was there to envy!
Nan Zaiqing snorted coldly, "Since that's the case, let's wait and see who marries into a good family!"
"Alright!" Nan Xianxian said, head held high. "Let's each go our own way and see who goes further!"
"We'll see!" Nan Zaiqing snorted and walked out.
Nan Xianxian watched her walk away before sitting down. Feeling uneasy, she immediately went into the inner room, took out the mask, paint, and some clothes, and threw them all into the brazier to burn.
Nan Xianxian was still afraid of Ji Wushang's methods, and also afraid of Nan Xuzong's methods... She hadn't succeeded in her scheme yet, so she couldn't leave any clues for Ji Wushang to gather evidence against her!
After finishing her task, Nan Xianxian finally breathed a sigh of relief. She needed to think of another approach.
——
When Ji Wushang woke up, the city lights were already on. Nan Xuzong had been watching over him the whole time, never leaving his side.
Upon seeing that she had woken up, Nan Xuzong immediately instructed Hongfei to bring the medicine over.
He helped Ji Wushang sit up against the headboard. Hongfei brought in the medicine, placed it on the table, and then respectfully withdrew.
Nan Xuzong pulled the bowl closer, stirred it gently, looked at Ji Wushang with his dark eyes, and asked softly, "How are you? Shall I feed you your medicine?"
"What medicine is it? Is it bitter?" Ji Wushang looked at him. He had been afraid of taking medicine since he was a child, but he had still taken quite a few. Now he had to drink medicine again... Oh well.
Nan Xuzong smiled, "It's not bitter. I specially prepared it to be mild, which suits your taste." Apart from having a poor appetite and liking to eat some flavorful dishes, she usually eats very bland food.
"Really?" Ji Wushang stared at him with wide eyes.
He smiled and nodded, gently stirring the medicine. "It can't be too sweet, too bitter, too sour, too salty, too bland, spicy, or too heaty. Just a light flavor, that's what you like best."
Ji Wushang nodded, moved. Yes, he liked this flavor just the way it was, light and subtle, just as he said.
"Thank you, Cong, I'm so touched." Ji Wushang smiled.
"Then drink this medicine! It's good for your health." Nan Xuzong smiled; she looked so lovely that he loved her to the core. How could he leave her? He just couldn't do it! More than a month! More than a month! Could time slow down? Could it linger even a little longer?
Nan Xuzong scooped up a mouthful of medicine, then blew on it. He looked so devout, so gentle.
After he finished preparing it, he waited until it was no longer hot before placing it on her lips. Ji Wushang nodded and opened her cherry lips, and he placed it inside.
Ji Wushang frowned immediately, but looking at him, he still swallowed the bitter medicine.
Her watery eyes looked at him, "It's still a little bitter..." she said softly.
Nan Xuzong put down his spoon and looked at her. She lowered her head, feeling his gaze, and said, "I'm sorry, I... I was too willful..."
"It's my fault... Wu Shang..."
"I'll drink it myself!" Ji Wushang interrupted him, then reached out to pick up the bowl, but as soon as she touched it, she was scalded and pulled her hand back. "It's so hot!"
"Quick, let me see if you're burned." Nan Xuzong said anxiously, immediately putting the medicine bowl aside and carefully examining her hand. Ji Wushang looked at his serious expression and was deeply moved.
"I'm fine," she said.
"Don't take it again, it hurts my heart if you burn yourself." Nan Xuzong looked at her, kissed her cheek, and then said, "Why don't you have a few more sips?"
"Yes." Ji Wushang nodded.
Nan Xuzong smiled, then brought the bowl back, scooped a spoonful, and Ji Wushang opened his mouth, but Nan Xuzong put it in his own mouth and tasted it carefully. "It is indeed a bit bitter."
"I'm not afraid anymore," Ji Wushang said.
Nan Xuzong picked up the bowl and took a big gulp of the medicine himself. Ji Wushang was surprised, "You, how could you... um..." Unexpectedly, Nan Xuzong kissed her lips and then made her drink the medicine in his mouth.
Ji Wushang's tongue was being stirred by him, kissed by him, and in those brief moments, Nan Xuzong slipped the medicine down her throat. As a result, the medicine became sweet. Her fragrance was so intoxicating that Nan Xuzong forgot everything else.
Reluctantly releasing her lips, she breathed slightly, her small fist pounding against his chest as she playfully scolded, "You've been up to no good again!"
"Hehe!" Nan Xuzong chuckled twice. "This is called sharing joys and sorrows. Wushang, come on, let's do it again, okay?" He seemed a little greedy.
Ji Wushang shook her head, "I can do it myself." She lowered her eyes, not letting him see the shyness beneath them.
Nan Xuzong smiled, took a big gulp of medicine, and kissed her lips again. Her fragrant tongue was the place he cherished, the place that made him lose himself.
Ji Wushang wrapped her arms around his waist, and gradually he pulled her close, leading to a passionate kiss. She missed him so much, she was so worried about him. Did he know? Did he understand?
Seeing that she took the initiative, Nan Xuzong deepened the kiss.
After taking a few sips, he finished the medicine.
After a long while, Nan Xuzong finally released her. Her flushed face was lowered, and she dared not look at the man in front of her.
Nan Xuzong put the bowl aside before holding her, asking, "How are you feeling?"
"Mmm." Her long eyelashes trembled slightly.
"That's good!" Seeing her like this, Nan Xuzong felt much better.
"I think we should find out who did it. I will never let her get away with this!" Ji Wushang said, immediately trying to pull back the covers, but Nan Xuzong grabbed her hand. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to go out into the yard and take a look. I'm going to find the murderer!"
"Wu Shang, listen to me, rest first, and we'll look for her again tomorrow, okay?" Nan Xu Cong looked at her. Her body hadn't fully recovered yet, and she had lost too much blood. He would have to frequently brew some blood-nourishing herbs like Angelica and Polygonum multiflorum for her to eat.
"I, I'm fine now," she said, trying to get up, but Nan Xuzong helplessly pressed her acupoints.
Ji Wushang couldn't move an inch. "Cong..." she pouted, expressing her displeasure.
"Be good, okay? I'll tell you what happened last night. You can rest while you listen, okay?" He looked at her. "You haven't fully recovered yet, and I'm so worried."
"Alright!" Ji Wushang said, feeling rather aggrieved, "Then first release my acupoints. You've pressed them, and I'm so stiff and uncomfortable."
Seeing her on the verge of tears, Nan Xuzong completely surrendered. "Okay, okay, be good." He immediately released her pressure points. "Be good, I'll stay with you, okay? We won't go anywhere."
"Okay." She nestled in his arms, but suddenly poked his chest with her finger, her tone turning fierce as she said, "You actually used a pressure point technique on me! You're so mean!"
Seeing her expression, Nan Xuzong immediately smiled and grabbed her small hand with his large one, saying, "I'm bad, I'm bad."
"Hmph!" Ji Wushang, unable to break free from his grip, could only glare at him. "If there's a next time, I won't talk to you anymore!"