Han Yunxi dropped the lantern in her hands again, so shocked that her face turned white. Wedding night? Your lordship? What was this guy trying to say?
Long Feiye rose to his feet, measuring her with one look before brushing past her to the bedroom, exactly like someone who owned the place. It took awhile for Han Yunxi to chase after him.
âYouâŚyouâre Long Feiye?â
âImpertinence!â Long Feiye replied coldly. There were few people in this world who dared called him by his full name. When he hurried back home, he hadnât expected them to send Han Yunxi here. This place was his private quarters.
While Han Yunxi found it a bit unbelievable, she was still convinced of his identity. Now she was berating herself for being so foolish. What kind of assassin didnât even bother with a face mask? What kind of killer carried such a lordly aura about them? There was vexation because things had suddenly gotten complicated. There was still poison inside this fellowâs body. Even if only a trace was left, there was still a risk of death. With this man as the duke, if he diedâwouldnât she be buried alive with him?
âYouâre really Han Yunxi?â Long Feiyeâs icy gaze seemed to bore right through her. There were too many suspicious details in regards to this woman. Plenty of people in this world wanted to kill him, though none had successfully planted agents by this side. Then again, if this woman really was an agent, he wouldâve died just then. Han Yunxiâs face was full of depression as she allowed him to continue to stare. She couldnât help but think that there was no way this man would see the truth about her time travel.
âAnswer your lordshipâs question,â said Long Feiye.
Han Yunxi sucked in a breath and walked over to lean against a pillar. âDuke of Qin, this question isnât important. Whatâs crucial now is the poison in your bodyâŚactually, âŚI didnât get rid of it all.â\nâWhat did you say?â Long Feiye was surprised.
âThereâs still some poison left in your body that I couldnât draw out with my needles. Youâll need medicine to absorb the toxins, but I donât have any of those kinds on hand. If you donât believe me, then breathe deeply and see if that spot beneath your heart gives you a stabbing pain.â Han Yunxi spoke earnestly.
Long Feiye took a deep breath and did feel some pain. In an instant, his eyes were filled with killing intent. âYou really are bold.â
âDuke of Qin, you have a poor choice of words. When I thought you were an assassin, you didnât reveal your true identity. Even if Iâd killed you then, it wouldâve served you right.â Han Yunxi said in her defense.
Served him right?
Long Feiye turned his ice-cold stare on Han Yunxiâs eyes, but she wasnât afraid. She merely gave a level look back and allowed him to gaze as he wished.
This woman had guts.
A flicker of admiration passed through his eyes, unnoticed by even himself, before he spoke in a cold tone. âNow you know. You should tell me which ingredients youâre missing, right?â
Han Yunxi couldnât help but suspect what various kinds of unsavory things this man had done. Instead of finding a doctor to treat his poisons, heâd hidden himself away in these rooms. It seemed like he couldnât afford to make his injury public. Although it was against her medical morals to take advantage of misfortune, this concerned her post-marriage life. She had to consider things carefully. Everyone knew that it was no guarantee sheâd stay in the Duke of Qinâs house even if she got in. She was very clear on this point. In that case, she needed someone to depend on and the strongest pillar would be the lord of the household, Tianning Countryâs all important member of the imperial family, the Duke of Qin, Long Feiye.\nA crafty smile crept onto Han Yunxiâs features. âYour highness[1], actuallyâŚthe medicine I gave you now can still hold back the poison for 10 days.â
âSo?â Long Feiye stared at her as before, the pupils filled with endless ice.
Han Yunxi adopted an innocent, timid manner as she spoke pathetically. âTomorrow when I serve tea to the grand imperial concubine and pay my respects in court, could your highness accompany me as well?â
The first day after the wedding, the bride had to serve tea to the elders in her new family. As long as this fellow agreed to go with her, then itâd mean he accepted her as his wangfei [1]. With his recognition, her life in the household would be much less difficult.
âAnd if his lordship isnât willing?â Long Feiye asked coldly.
Han Yunxi lowered her head innocently. âWangyeâs[3] poison isnât so rare, you can find any kind of imperial physician to treat it.â
âTch, youâre very clever!â If he could find an imperial physician, why would Long Feiye waste his time here? This roundabout woman had managed to tactfully threaten him again.
Han Yunxi had a very pretty smile. âThanks to your highness for his praise.â
Long Feiye couldnât help but knit his brows, feeling somewhat helpless against her. There was no way to tell what he was thinking, but he finally waved her off. âJust watch your mouth. You may leave.â
Han Yunxi was thrilled. Success!
âYes, many thanks to Your Highness Duke of Qin,â she excitedly retreated from the bedroom, even taking care to let down the curtains for Long Feiye.
OnlyâŚafter sheâd turned around to face the dark room, she realized that this was her wedding night. Where exactly was she supposed to go?
-o-
[1] Your highness (掿ä¸) â dian xia, different from your lordship (ćŹç/ben wang) in its a more formal way of address.\n[2] wangfei (çĺŚ) â his official wife in name and in title, his duchess to his duke, his married partner, etc. Higher status than any concubine.
[3] wangye (ççˇ) â male counterpart to wangfei.\n