Chapter 291: Blood Tribute (1/2)

The housekeeper nodded, watching Nan Xun leave. He sighed. Not even Nan Xun could resist the call of love.

The herbs arrived at Southern Mu before Nan Xun did. He'd ordered his men to go as quick as possible, worried that Jun Huang might need the herbs soon. They didn't even know if Nan Xun would come as well.

Once they met up with the guards Jun Huang had taken with her, they sought out Oleg Cragfiend, who silently took them to the palace and then to the building Jun Huang was staying in.

“She hasn't been feeling well lately,” Oleg Cragfiend said before they entered. “Don't keep her up too long. Be brief with whatever you're going to say. We still need to draw her blood.”

The guards were Nan Xun's confidantes. They knew how serious Jun Huang's condition was. They nodded before entering the room. Jun Huang turned to the door, her eyes lighting up when she recognized Nan Xun's personal shadow guard. She propped herself up. “Why are you here?”

The shadow guard told her everything. She was a little disappointed that Nan Xun wasn't here, but she managed a smile. The guard pursed his lips and offered, “Don't think too much. The prince is deeply worried about you.”

Jun Huang chuckled and shook her head. “I know. I'm just a little tired. It's been a long trip for you. You must be exhausted as well. You should get some rest.”

The guard knew Jun Huang didn't want to continue the conversation. He nodded and took the other guards out of the room. Once outside, one of them couldn't help asking, “Aren't we here for Gentleman Feng? That is a girl, isn't it?”

Someone else added, “She's beautiful. She must be the emperor's consort. Isn't it inappropriate for us to barge in?”

It dawned on the leading shadow guard that the others didn't know Jun Huang was a woman. Noting their confused expressions, he told them everything he knew and reminded them to watch themselves when they were with Jun Huang. They shouldn't treat Jun Huang like they would a man.

The guards fell silent once the realization set in. They silently followed a maid to their temporary residence.

After some time, Nan Xun arrived at the imperial city as well. However, all the guards had entered the palace. He could only contact Nan Jihan through the House of Heavenly Fiends.

Early the next morning, Nan Xun was led to the palace. He exchanged a few words with Nan Jihan before making his way to Jun Huang's residence. She was still asleep. The maid was busy doing ch.o.r.es. His shadow guards were training in the garden. And Oleg Cragfiend was grinding herbs.

Nan Jihan introduced Nan Xun to Oleg Cragfiend, who gave Nan Xun a considering look. Nan Xun nodded to acknowledge him and gingerly opened the door to Jun Huang's bedroom, his footsteps faint as he approached the bed.

Jun Huang lay on the bed with her eyes shut, her eyelashes fluttering in the breeze. Her face was pale and cool and her form thin and sickly. He froze, his throat tightening.

Jun Huang opened her eyes slowly, seemingly woken up by Nan Xun's gaze. She blinked the haziness in her eyes away and spotted Nan Xun. For a moment, she was too stunned to say anything.

“Why haven't you been taking care of yourself?” Nan Xun asked gently, carefully pulling her into his arms.

“Why are you here? What's happening in Northern Qi? It's careless of you to just leave.” She was thrilled that Nan Xun had come, but her more logical mind urge her to question Nan Xun, her voice disapproving.

“Don't worry. We've caught Qi Chen.” Nan Xun patted her lightly on the back. “With Ji Bo there, Northern Qi will be fine.”

Jun Huang allowed herself to relax, her heart filled with adoration and content. She looked up at the dark shadow under Nan Xun's eyes. He must have hurry here without a lick of rest. “It's still early. You should get some sleep.”

Nan Xun shook his head, his lips curved into a smile. “It's fine. I actually arrived yesterday. I just didn't have a way to enter the palace. I've had a good night sleep already.”

Jun Huang didn't argue with him.

Oleg Cragfiend knocked. Nan Xun let go of Jun Huang and went to get the door. He frowned when he saw the equipment in the poison master's hands.

Nan Jihan realized then that Jun Huang hadn't told Nan Xun about the blood drawing. Jun Huang noted Nan Xun's expression as well. She put on a smile and beckoned Nan Xun over.

“What is that for?” Nan Xun asked bluntly.

“The lotus has to be fed with my blood before it can be used to cure me,” Jun Huang admitted. Nan Xun would know sooner or later.