Chapter 229: Forced Smile (1/2)

Nan Xun nodded after some hesitation. Jun Huang wouldn't be happy if he forced her to stay. He had wanted to let her take a good rest, but that wasn't on the table now.

He sighed. Jun Huang gave him a smile. “Don't worry about my health. I'm better now. I want only to destroy Eastern Wu and take Jun Hao back. Even though our time together will be a short one, I won't let him live a life with no home to return to. I'll stay with him.”

“Don't say that.” He took her hands in his, his tone earnest. “The House of Heavenly Fiends is looking for a cure. Maybe they'll find one and save you.”

Jun Huang laughed bitterly. They both knew the chance for them to find a cure was slim. Even if they did, there was no telling if her condition would still be treatable then.

He felt a pang in his heart seeing her resigned look. He took a deep breath and pulled her into his arms, consequences be d.a.m.ned. “No matter what your future entails, don't lose hope. It's good that you're now willing to think about a shared future with Jun Hao. Stop worrying about other issues. Once you're back to the imperial city, do whatever you need to do. I'll always stand by you.”

She nodded slightly against his chest. “Thank you.”

“There's no need for formality between us,” he insisted. He let go of her for fear of offending her and cleared his throat. “We'll return after having breakfast. It won't take long.”

Jun Huang didn't argue. She was a little hungry. She nodded and walked downstairs with him.

During the meal, Nan Xun was as attentive to her as he'd always been. He knew her preferences. He always prioritized getting food on her plate, and left little time for himself to eat.

Jun Huang glanced at him every now and then. She lowered her eyes and thought about the past couple of days. She had felt at peace and content.

Once they returned to the imperial city, Nan Xun had his guards take Jun Huang back to his manor straightaway. The travel was taxing. Even a general like him felt tired, let alone Jun Huang, who had been plagued with illnesses. She obliged reluctantly.

He had to go to the palace to take care of some business. He promised to take Ji Bo back with him afterwards. Jun Huang acquiesced and let the coach take her away. Exhaustion set in once she reached the manor. She fell asleep sitting on the empress chair.

When Nan Xun took Ji Bo back to the manor, Jun Huang was nowhere to be seen. When asked, a servant told Nan Xun that she had been in her room the whole day. He left Ji Bo in the garden with some tea before making his way to her room.

The sun had just set. The lamps in the manor weren't lit yet. It was a little dark, but years of training had given him a keen eyesight. He saw her on the empress chair as soon as he entered the building. He quietly approached her and looked down at her face.

Her breathing was shallow. Her moonlit face was softer than usual. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly in the wind. Her broad sleeves hung loosely over her arms and dropped to the floor. She looked unguarded.

He watched her quietly. He could never get enough of her. She was so close to him. He could touch her if he reached out. Once he took her into his arms, he could just refuse to let go.

But then she would grow to resent him. He couldn't bear seeing the light in her eyes dim. He could wait. He'd wait until she accepted him, until she let go of her burden. No matter how long and arduous this path would be, he was willing to brave through the challenges.

While he got lost staring at her, she suddenly opened her eyes. Her eyes were as bright as the moon. A layer of ice spread through them before her gaze settled on Nan Xun. Her expression softened.

She watched him quietly. The moon cast a silver glow on his face, hardening the line of his cheekbones and the sharpening the glint in his eyes. She smiled at him openly.

“You're awake.” He was startled when she woke up, worried that his staring would offend her. He relaxed when he saw the gentle smile on her face. She wasn't mad at him for that.

She covered up her eyes. Her temples were throbbing. The pain faded after a while. She dropped her hand and nodded at him with a smile. “Is Mister Ji Bo here?”

Nan Xun nodded, pointing at the outside. “He's in the garden.”