Xun Zihuai's smile was stiff, with a forced grin, and said, "Only if you're willing."
"It's not me who's in pain, so why wouldn't I be? Didn't you say you wanted to repay me?"
Xun Zihuai: "Sister, I have many talents, it's not just about blocking a knife. You need to use them wisely."
"Oh... just wait and see." Qiann Yan departed coolly.
System 666 indicated this was standard adult behavior. Young one, just endure it. If you think you can outsmart, see how the adult will tear you apart.
On the next day, Qiann Yan woke up to the smell of medicinal food, and as she opened her eyes, she saw the young man sitting by her bed.
Xun Zihuai was still clad in white, though somehow fresher than last night. His eyes were still big and watery, unchanged from yesterday, with a hint of cunning still present.
"Eat something. I wanted to do acupuncture for you, but others disagreed and even had someone watch over me." Xun Zihuai glanced at the person staring at him from the door, his expression full of grievance.
Qiann Yan didn't touch the porridge in the bowl.
Xun Zihuai asked, "Sister doesn't like it?"
"You take a bite first."
Xun Zihuai instantly understood the reason, his eyes showing hurt, while Qiann Yan remained unmoved.
System 666 silently mocked. When will shallow humans realize that the adult isn't swayed by beauty? She's torn through countless enchanting beauties.
Xun Zihuai pouted and tasted the porridge, wondering what bad intentions he could have. Yet he was suspected and distrusted. Does he, Xun Zihuai, need to be so blatant to drug someone?
Seeing Qiann Yan having the porridge, Xun Zihuai couldn't help but say, "Those people outside come begging me for medicine. Even if they kowtow for a year, I might not agree, yet you doubt me."
How ungrateful.
"Young Master Xun, you talk too much. Don't disturb the General, she needs peace." The young guard at the door couldn't stand it anymore. If not given instructions by the General, he'd have punched this frail-looking guy.
"Can you nourish my body back to health?" Qiann Yan ignored the interaction between the two. This young man lacks martial arts. If he dared cause trouble, she could slap him to death.
If her body could be nursed back to health, it would be ideal. Even if it's not hers, she doesn't want to carry on with a body full of scars.
Xun Zihuai's face broke into a confident smile. "I can."
"Good."
"Sister, you don't care for your body? What if something happens to your child? Your husband won't feel for you, it seems he doesn't care at all for you, Sister."
Qiann Yan found the words odd, reminiscent of a concubine talking to the deceased old emperor. With this thought, a sudden clarity came to her eyes.
"Can you tell fortunes?"
"How did you know?" Xun Zihuai was surprised. "You actually know my special skill. Yes, I indeed can read faces."
Qiann Yan realized, Could this guy have foreseen her future as the emperor?
Is he buttering her up to gain power later?
Does he aim to be the Imperial Husband or the concubine?
Xun Zihuai was puzzled. This beautiful sister's face was peculiar, seemingly doomed to a short life, yet it connected miraculously, oddly aligned as if it could break at any time.
Does such a face exist in the world? He needs to observe up close.
"Stay by me to help nurse my body during this period."
The next day, Qiann Yan led the army back to the city, resting in the cart at Xun Zihuai's insistence.
"Report—The General has led the army back to the city."
"Oh! Oh! Oh! The General returned victorious."
"The General returned with war spoils."
Inside the city, the soldiers' cheers buzzed in Ling Shishi's ears. She was in Hee Qingshan's arms. After the three shouts subsided, before she could react, Hee Qingshan pushed her aside.
If she weren't already used to this man, she would have fallen to the ground.