Chapter 329: Intimacy (1/2)

The mistress was the only other person left in the room. She took Jun Huang's hand and frowned. “You should've stayed indoors. What are you going to do if your illness has lasting effects? We've done all we could to help you recover, but all our work has been undone. You don't want to be riddled with illness in the future, do you?”

Her forehead creased in concern, her tone reprimanding. Nan Xun balled his hands into fists and scowled. It was hypocritical of the woman to say such things.

Jun Huang lowered her eyes and made a sound of a.s.sent. She didn't want to risk exposing her fake illness.

“I just want the best for you,” the mistress said, letting out a sigh at Jun Huang's meek look. She stroked her hair and looked at her with sympathetic eyes. “If you don't recover, I'm going to be worried.”

Jun Huang looked up at her and smiled. “I'll keep that in mind. It's my fault for getting careless with myself. As your daughter I should've shouldered your burden rather than making you worry. I...”

She choked out a heartbreaking sob.

Nan Xun clenched his fists and took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he recalled the way Jun Huang used to snuggle close to him in a moment of weakness. The destruction of Western Que had always been her biggest regret. It turned a carefree princess into a woman driven by revenge, her naturally caring heart hardened by hatred.

He knew better than anyone how tired Jun Huang had been. Too many things were weighing her down, keeping her on edge.

Perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing for her to lose her memory. However, family remained her biggest weakness. Even though she didn't remember, she ached for the loved ones she'd lost.

The mistress looked at her pityingly and wiped her tears with an embroidered handkerchief. “Don't say such things.” She sighed. “The only thing I want is for you to be well. Remember that, and take care of yourself.”

Although the mistress wasn't her real mother, Jun Huang couldn't help feeling touched. She took a deep breath and rested her head on the mistress's shoulder. It took some time for her to recover her composure.

The mistress sighed in relief and patted her back rea.s.suringly.

“I'm fine now, mother.” Jun Huang sat up. “It's getting late. You haven't eaten yet because of me. You should have something and rest well.”

The mistress nodded and sighed again. She gently touched Jun Huang's sharp cheekbone. After saying a few more comforting words, she left.

Jun Huang quickly masked the emotions in her eyes. The tears on her face were in stark contrast with her cold expression.

She closed her eyes and breathed out slowly, as if to push out all her painful feelings. When she opened her eyes, Yin Yun and Nan Xun had come back to her room.

Nan Xun retrieved a handkerchief and wiped away her tears for her. He took her cold fingers.

Jun Huang looked at him and spoke up, “You should go. I worry that Jun Hao may not be safe on his own. I'll feel better with you by his side.”

Nan Xun gave her a hurt look and said with something like envy, “You used to worry about me as well, but now you're driving me away for someone you don't remember. It breaks my heart.”

He averted his gaze and looked at Yin Yun. “Besides, isn't Yin Yun your brother's personal guard? He has more of a personal investment in Jun Hao, and Jun Hao will be happier seeing him.”

Yin Yun's eyes lit up. “You've found the prince?”

Nan Xun's smile deepened. He nodded. “We have. He's kept in a safe place, but the ones guarding him are all strangers to him. He was still unconscious when we left. He's going to be scared when he wakes up to a strange environment. He doesn't know me, and Jun Huang hasn't regained her memory. He might not react well to that since he's still young. That leaves you the best candidate. Will you go and keep him safe?”