442 Worried Sick (1/2)

Li Xueyue eventually managed to escape from Yu Zhen's deadly grip. It was a miracle in itself, considering how strong his grip was, but she supposed he was simply too exhausted. The dark circles under his eyes were telling enough.

She quietly approached the window and pushed it open, a chilly air drifted into the room. Her attention was the sky, bright and clear. It was morning. Did that mean she slept through the entire night? She supposed so. But then, what happened?

”I could've sworn I was in Yu Zhen's private study,” she mumbled to herself.

Li Xueyue recalled the events that took place prior to her fainting. What could've caused it? She was uncertain of it. One minute she was overwhelmed with decision making, and the next, she woke up in utter darkness.

”Hah, my life is a mess again,” she sighed whilst running a tired hand through her hair. The First Prince was the one who had broken into the bedroom, but why?

Li Xueyue couldn't even come up with a reason for the First Prince's action. She didn't know the brothers had such a closely-knit relationship. Then again, she didn't ask Yu Zhen about it, in fear it would trigger unhappy memories.

”The First Prince seemed quite kind, albeit very playful, much like Hu Dengxiao and the Chancellor's son, Wu Xiang,” she observed.

Li Xueyue was familiar with these types of men, for Li Wenmin was one of them. She just wondered if they had ulterior motives when they behaved like that, or was it just their personality?

Li Xueyue had expected the First Prince to be a lot more stern or strict, maybe even resentful and sardonic. But it seemed he was far from that, considering his behavior in the private study.

”Was it a prank?” she wondered out loud. It was the only explanation with the highest plausibility.

Li Xueyue hadn't given Yu Zhen a response that day. Even now, he must be uncertain of who the perpetrator was. Given his temper, she wondered if someone was already punished for the crime.

Li Xueyue quietly fiddled with the ends of her sleeves and continued to contemplate whether she should tell him or keep it a secret. If she kept it a secret, then the First Prince would owe her a favor. But keeping it a secret also meant an innocent life might be taken. In the end, she was still stuck. Though, having the First Prince owe her one would be quite a powerful card to pull out in the future.

Lost in thought, she did not hear the commotion outside of the bedroom until someone knocked on the doors. Instantly, Li Xueyue's eyes snapped to Yu Zhen, wondering if he was awakened by the sound. Usually, the slightest noise could stir him awake.

”Yu Zhen?” she whispered.

He did not respond. Li Xueyue blinked at this. 'He's not dead, is he…?'

”Your Highness,��� a low, shaky voice spoke from outside the door, certain that the Crown Prince was the only one awake. ”The First Prince is outside and he insisted on seeing you. He claimed he has seized the medicine from the Imperial Physician and would not hand it over unless he sees your face.”

Li Xueyue raised her brows. The First Prince was bold. Even if he was the eldest son, there were not many people who would threaten Yu Zhen like this. Curiosity got the best of her, as she pulled the doors open.

The servants flinched back as if they expected to be scolded. But relief quickly filled their eyes when they saw who was standing at the door. The Crown Princess, she was awake and well!

Whispers quickly erupted, as many people rushed forward to greet her.

”Keep quiet,” Li Xueyue instructed whilst shutting the doors behind her. ”His Highness is asleep.”