Chapter Nine, two thoughts linger in the cold north wind

Aunt Xi frowned and said: "Princess, could you go find Guard Yan and see if you can bring back some healing ointment? He often rolls around in the midst of swords and blades, so he must have plenty of healing ointment."

On the third day, An Yichen finally woke up. His gaze towards Aunt Xi was filled with immense gratitude, and when he looked at me, his eyes sparkled brightly

I remember that Yan Yuanfeng used to love wearing plain and simple clothing. Even when clad in armor, he would wear a moon-white robe over silver armor, exuding a heroic aura. Since when did he start to prefer wearing such deep and ominous black attire?

Regarding his own position and power, he has never complained, nor has he even mentioned the matter of being demoted. He dutifully obeys the instructions of my mother and me, yet he becomes increasingly melancholic. I can clearly see the deepening wrinkles between his brows, as if they were carved by a knife

"Princess, my child is also a boy. If he were alive, he would probably be about as tall as him by now," Aunt Xi said, carefully moistening An Yichen's bruised lips with a wet cotton ball

I am in despair; this Du Mo'er, Du Guipin, has already left the palace, yet she still remembers me, this nominal princess. Is she trying to harm me? I hurriedly explained: "I haven't left the palace for so long, how would I know her situation? Moreover, whether she has entered the palace or not, can't you find that out? After all, the palace is still under the control of your Yu Wen family. If she truly wanted to escape, would she return to the palace? Yu Wen, think carefully!" After all, the palace is still under the control of your Yu Wen family. If she truly wanted to escape, would she return to the palace? Yu Wen, think carefully!

Aunt Xi was very anxious, almost administering double the dosage of medicine to him, continuously applying a cold, damp towel to his forehead

That night, until midnight, I lay on Aunt Xi's bed and could still hear his suppressed cough from the inner room

I believe that if An Yichen were to open his eyes now and call Xigu Gu a mother, she would certainly be willing to give her life for him

An Yichen's face showed a slight tremor as he leaped up and swiftly darted under the bed, not even forgetting to pull his outer robe into the depths beneath the bed.

A person who is so young yet possesses such confidence and is formidable

The intense killing intent of the two individuals, in this moment of facing danger, has transformed into a tacit understanding that need not be spoken.

I am usually quite active, and it is inevitable that I get bruises and injuries. Therefore, there are always some medicinal supplies for injuries in the palace. Aunt Xi did not dare to disturb others and quietly went to fetch them herself. After carefully applying the medicine, she wrapped An Yichen with soft gauze and finally let out a sigh of relief, worrying, "He has such a high fever; I fear that just applying medicine externally will not be enough."

Aunt Xi! An Yichen's eyes were already shimmering with a glimmer of water. He grasped Aunt Xi's frail hand in return and said softly: "I know that Aunt Xi has treated me well, and in this lifetime, Yichen will never forget Aunt Xi's kindness"

Lu Lu I, having gained nothing.

When Yuwen Hong lifted the tent curtain, I was sitting there in a daze, with my hair disheveled and wearing an outer robe, looking as if I had just been startled awake by the initial light.

An Yichen forced a smile and said, "Aunt Xi, I am in great health. After resting for two days, I will be fine naturally"

But he wants to rush in, and Aunt Xi absolutely cannot stop him. What kind of medicine has Yu Wenhong taken? In the past, Yu Wenzhao and Yu Wenjie would occasionally come to my room to check on me, but Yu Wenhong is naturally aloof, has always kept his distance from me, and has never set foot in my room. ... Could it be that he has discovered ...

My nose tinged with a slight ache as I grasped Yan Yuanfeng's hand and tilted my chin up, saying: "But Uncle Yan, you will always be my most remarkable uncle. Others may not know, but my mother and I do."

An Yichen still wore a confident smile, his eyes shimmering as they gazed at me, his expression soft and gentle. It gave me a feeling, a sense that this young man would one day rise above the masses. In light of today's life-saving grace, he bestowed upon me his affection, while simultaneously flaunting his wealth and power.

Yan Yuanfeng's misty black eyes were somewhat sparkling, and she quickly turned her face away, saying: "The princess is waiting here, I will go fetch the medicine"

Aunt Xi, he is the son of An Shiyuan from Jinzhou. His father rebelled against the Great Yan Dynasty while His Majesty was still alive

Because we share a pair of very similar gazes, bright and clear, yet concealing turbulent undercurrents, unfathomable.

Qing'er fell silent at once

A chill ran through my heart as I quickly glanced at An Yichen

However, in his condition, it was evident that he was completely weak and exhausted; if he did not seek a doctor, it would surely be very dangerous

Aunt Xi clearly had a very good impression of him, and turning around, she grabbed my arm and said: "Princess! Save a life..."

He said not to leave the palace, so you should obediently stay inside. The mother said: I heard that An Shiyuan's second son, An Yichen, has gone missing. Now the Yuwen clan and the An clan, one in the light and the other in the dark, are about to turn the capital upside down.

On the night of New Year's Eve, although we faced each other with swords drawn, we still exchanged laughter and pleasantries. Today is merely the fourth day of the new year, yet the seeds of resentment that have taken root in our hearts have already grown wildly like spring grass, brimming with murderous intent.

It is fortunate that I have always been particular and my temper is not too good; it is not difficult to find an excuse to lose my temper and prevent a palace maid from entering my room

The princess is resting!" Aunt Xi replied hurriedly

"Threat?" I laughed as I threw the cat out, disdainfully saying, "Although your An family is formidable, does the court really fear you? Rather, you should know whose hands your life is in now, right?"

Did I corrupt Du Mo'er? I am utterly amused and bewildered. Listening to Yu Wenhong's words, it seems he has been concerned about Du Guipin for more than two or three months; it is possible that even the assassination of the emperor by the Yu Wen clan is related to this

Where are my mother and younger brother

I was taken aback for a moment, then hurriedly smiled and said: "Aunt Xi, if you are worried, it is also fine for him to rest a few more days before leaving"

Unknowingly, I have arrived at Yan Yuanfeng's residence

The road ahead is uncertain, and the enemy and I are unpredictable

Aunt Xi said in a low voice: "Princess, I know you have always been determined. However... do you think he can escape the palace in his current physical condition?"

An Yichen finally raised his eyes, the sharpness barely concealing the anger and hurt within him, which took a long time to fade. His pupils became clear and bright again, so bright that they overshadowed all his emotions, and then he smiled faintly and said: "Alright, I will leave tonight." It sounded light and breezy, devoid of any love or hate.

"Princess, has his fever completely subsided?" Aunt Xi's voice suddenly came from the doorway

Thank you, Aunt Xi. An Yichen's young, gentle, and magnetic voice was irresistible, especially for someone as gentle as Aunt Xi

I took a deep breath, grabbed the cotton pillow, and forcefully pressed it against his face, obscuring his entire visage in his astonished gaze

An Yichen was still resting in bed, recuperating in a manner unique to martial artists. Upon seeing me enter, he opened his eyes and asked lightly, "Is the princess leaving now?"

"Should we save him?" I felt somewhat reluctant and unwilling. For some reason, I instinctively felt that this person should not be alive. His existence would surely pose a threat to Junyu and to our Great Yan Dynasty in the future.

Help me do something I said

Aunt Xi held his hand and choked out, "Your hand is so cold, how could it have recovered? You... you can rest assured, the princess was just speaking casually and will not drive you away; you just need to take good care of yourself."

Demon? Perhaps!

Uncle Yan! I called out to him loudly, unable to suppress a hint of sorrow amidst my joy. Yan Yuanfeng, why have I never seen his genuine smile?

Yan Yuanfeng was sitting at the eaves of a certain building, drinking wine against the wind

I smiled and turned to walk out

Outside the door curtain, Aunt Xi stood straight, her eyes filled with tears

He did not even glance at me, turned around, and returned to the room, sitting cross-legged on the bed to recuperate. Having not properly groomed himself, a few strands of disheveled hair hung down, draping over his cheeks, which made his already pale and emaciated face appear even more haggard. If he were not somewhat good-looking, he would surely resemble a ghost.

As a princess of my stature, should I take care of this unfortunate sickly person

One place desires death, another place desires life

Yan Yuanfeng gently said: "The princess has grown up and should have her own ideas"

By the time I returned to the bedroom, my heart had settled considerably

I cast a cold glance at him and turned to walk out

This thought swiftly and intensely overshadowed all my other concerns and thoughts

I am Princess Xianfeng!" I proudly pouted and said, "You do not have the right to call my name directly.

"Young Master, do you have something to attend to?" Suddenly, Aunt Xi's anxious voice came from outside.

No need. An Yichen suddenly lifted the curtain, walked out calmly, and smiled, saying: "Aunt Xi, I have almost recovered, and I can leave tonight"

I was taken aback, and my hand relaxed. An Yichen seized the opportunity to forcefully push away the cotton pillow, turned his face aside, exhaled, and began to cough violently

An Yichen's complexion had long since deteriorated, his chest heaving and his whole body trembling. He looked at me in panic, struggling to articulate the words: "I'm fine, I just drank some water... and choked."

I also feel a bit cold at heart, kicking the carefully selected smooth multicolored pebbles by the roadside, I murmured: "So, Uncle Yan, should we save him or not?"

He caught sight of me, dropped the wine jug, bowed in greeting, and said politely: "Princess, is there something you need?"

"Haha, you... you should focus on surviving first!" I scoffed, but my voice lacked strength

There was a fleeting sting in Yan Yuanfeng's eyes, and he forced a smile as he said, "Princess, what are you talking about? Yuanfeng is merely a lowly guard, completely ignorant of these military affairs."

Yes, it will definitely happen

The gloom in Yan Yuanfeng's eyes was even more pronounced. He pondered for a moment and slowly said: "If we look at it from the present perspective, those who oppose Yu Wen Zhao are all our friends, and we should save them. However, if the An family... if the world falls into the hands of the An family, the Huangfu family will have even less of a foothold."

Oh, my evening aunt! Tears are about to come out.

I gazed at the vast blue sky resembling the sea, feeling a surge of emotions within me: "Uncle Yan, if the Empress asks you, would you respond to her in such a perfunctory manner as well"

During lunch, Yu Wen Zhao arrived. Although he appeared to be burdened with worries, he still forced a smile and engaged in conversation and laughter with my mother and me for quite some time before finally taking his leave

If this person is not removed, there will be endless future troubles

Does this person still not understand the situation? I have already looked at them with new eyes! In just one day's time, they have already won over Aunt Xi's heart!

A heavy weight settled in my heart

I asked gloomily, "Uncle Yan, won't you help me come up with an idea?"

His original strength certainly surpassed mine by many times, but unfortunately, he has been unconscious for such a long time and is also injured, causing his struggling force to gradually diminish

What about me

Rescue An Yichen

Mother gazed at us, her once beautiful and enchanting smile, captivating the world.

The next day, An Yichen got out of bed and poured himself a drink. It was evident that his health had not recovered well; he felt unsteady on his feet, and there were dark circles around his eyes amidst the pallor.

In the blink of an eye, I saw Aunt Xi looking at me. Although she did not speak or argue, tears were already streaming down her face. I couldn't help but take a deep breath and said: "Otherwise, let him stay for another two days"

For external and internal use, Yan Yuanfeng brought a large bundle, secured it with a package, and had me quietly take it away hidden beneath a thick fur coat

After his injuries stabilized, although he remained a third-rank guard, he was no longer the commander of the Eastern Palace guards. Yu Wen Zhao had dismissed all of his former subordinates and assigned him a nominal position, solely because both my mother and I trusted him as a guard.

The task I assigned to Yan Yuanfeng is quite risky, but I believe that Yan Yuanfeng will definitely be able to accomplish it

But Aunt Xi is also my Aunt Xi. I naturally have to respect her wishes

I really want to splash cold water on his head

His strength should be greater than mine, right? Now, wanting to kill him, I fear it won't be easy. I deeply regret not taking action earlier yesterday; today, this young man has become a corpse that can no longer glare at me fiercely.

I instructed him to find someone from the An family and secretly inform them to wait at the palace tonight to rescue the person

An Yichen's lips also bore a smile, cold.

Such a pale face unexpectedly radiated a peculiar brilliance as he spoke these words. It was a kind of unwillingness, a sense of confidence, a form of pride, and a natural nobility

I gazed at him with a smile that was not quite a smile and said, "Did you sleep well last night?"

He did not tell me what I should do

"Uncle Yan," I called out as I walked over to him

The coughs in the inner room have also fallen silent, leaving an eerie stillness.

His words are indeed strange! I said, holding the cat, feeling puzzled.

I smiled and said: "I am not that bad. It is daytime now, where can you go? But no matter what Aunt Xi says, you must leave tonight."

I want this person to die

He continued to sit quietly, focusing on drinking his water, gazing at the exquisite blue-and-white patterns on the white porcelain tea container, not uttering a word about my intention to put him to death in advance

"Not now, but in the future," An Yichen replied briefly, a fleeting hint of arrogance crossing his brow. "The princess fears that I may pose a threat to the Great Yan Dynasty in the future, which is why she wants to eliminate me now"

I am a princess, do you intend to be a prince, or even an emperor

In the princess's eyes, is Yichen's threat really that significant? His voice suddenly became deep, his gaze dark and profound, staring intently at me

Will such a wonderful man also grow old and desolate in the blink of an eye

Unable to breathe, An Yichen struggled, his hands even pressing against my chest. I could not care less, I just pressed tightly, pressed tightly.

Where will we be

Aunt Xi hurriedly approached, set down the basin of water, and patted his back, asking: "What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell again?"

The Persian cat, Qing'er, seems to be afraid of the cold, meowing incessantly in the corner of the cat nest, which annoys me unexpectedly. I casually picked up the embroidered shoes from the footboard and slapped them down onto the cat nest with a "bang," angrily shouting, "What are you meowing about? If you keep it up, I'll have you for dinner tomorrow! Are you going to let anyone sleep?"

He felt somewhat awkward, then fell silent for a moment, before looking at me and saying with undeniable certainty: "I will have this qualification, Princess. One day, I will surely call you Qiqing as an equal."

However, An Yichen immediately withdrew his hand after touching my chest, only pressing aimlessly on the mattress, engaging in futile struggles

Every time Yu Wen Zhao came to the palace, he was only focused on finding someone, which instead distanced my mother and me. Other than seeing my mother, I could only stay in the room, keeping an eye on An Yichen's movements for Aunt Xi.

Aunt Xi still spoke to An Yichen with kindness, saying: "Our princess may be tough on the outside but is soft-hearted inside; she will definitely help you find the medicine!"

"I have never seen her!" Yu Wenhong grabbed my collar and said, "She has always talked to me the most about you! Whether her feelings are deep or shallow, she has been insisting on wanting to meet you! I was just annoyed by her chattering yesterday and left in a huff, and now this morning, she has disappeared without a trace! Who else could be hiding her but you?"

If you eliminate me now, you will surely regret it; and if you do not eliminate me, you will also regret it. Princess, I know you are in a difficult position, which is why you are forcing me to leave, forcing me to take my own life!" An Yichen continued, his tone growing increasingly stern: "But Princess, have you ever considered that tonight, if I die, it will be over; if I do not die, in light of the pressures you have exerted on me yesterday and today, I will not remember your kindness in saving me, nor will I show mercy to your subordinates in the future!"

My heart skipped a beat

It seems that you have almost recovered. I took out a bundle from behind me and said lightly: Inside is a set of eunuch's attire. After nightfall, change into it and find an opportunity to sneak out of the palace.

The outdoor air is filled with a chilling wind, accompanied by the gentle sound of plum blossom petals falling to the ground. Tomorrow, the path will surely be strewn with fallen red petals again

I met his gaze without fear, almost feeling the terrifying sparks igniting between our two pairs of eyes, both harboring the same hidden anger, a mix of hatred and annoyance

Rescuing him is nothing more than saving a Zhongshan wolf

An Yichen turned to look at me, his eyes dim, yet he still smiled slightly, took a sip of water, gathered his spirits, and said: "I slept very well. Especially after the princess made your cat be quiet."

When the curtain depicting the twin phoenixes playing with pearls was lifted, I heard An Yichen bitterly whispering, "Huangfu Qiqing, you are a demon"

He actually managed to guess it!

How have you been recovering? I asked while Aunt Xi was going to fetch water for him

Although it is a joyous day in the first month of the lunar calendar, the lingering bloodshed from the previous year still hangs over the palace. The so-called concubines have little to celebrate, and even the customary firecrackers have been omitted, leading to an even greater sense of boredom

Thus, the two days when An Yichen was in a coma were almost the most distressing days of my life

Yan Yuanfeng gathered my white fox fur coat and said softly, "I will give the medicine to the princess; the princess may decide how to proceed."

How could Yan Yuanfeng's talent be compared to that of an ordinary guard wielding a sword? During his father's lifetime, he had mentioned several times the intention to grant him military power and assign him important responsibilities. However, his mother clearly felt more at ease with Yan Yuanfeng remaining in the palace, just as Yan Yuanfeng evidently wished to be a guard protecting us, the mother and daughter, and Junyu.

"Princess, what is the matter?" Yan Yuanfeng leaped down, and his gaze was still as warm as before

For immediate considerations, I wish for him to live; for long-term considerations, I wish for him to die

I pulled him aside and recounted the events of rescuing An Yichen one by one. Naturally, even though Yan Yuanfeng and I were very close, I could never bring myself to speak of the embarrassing incident regarding Kui Shui. I said with distress: "Uncle Yan, what do you think? Should I save him?"

"Brother Yuwen, do you have something to discuss?" I asked in surprise, my face filled with confusion

Du Mo'er? I thought for a long time before I remembered that Du Guipin's given name is Mo'er. I hurriedly said: "Is it Sister Du? Isn't she in your residence? I haven't seen her at all lately"

My mind is filled with the image of that pale and haggard youth, and I can no longer distinguish whether it is sympathy or hatred I feel. At this moment, I fear that this youth must be feeling both fear and hatred towards me.

There is no need to trouble yourself. Despite being in such a condition, An Yichen remains gentle and refined, with an outstanding demeanor

He is half-reclining, resting his head on my dragonfly-dotted water lily cotton pillow. Beside him is a soft and thick cotton pillow, which I usually enjoy hugging while I sleep

Still a person at the eaves, drinking wine towards the sky, with a face full of desolation. The black robe flutters in the cold wind, making a rustling sound, the belt billowing, like a flurry of fallen leaves dancing in the air.

At this moment, the usually cold eyes of Yuwen Hong were ablaze with fire. He slammed his hands on the bed, leaned down, and gritted his teeth as he asked: "Where have you hidden Du Mo'er?"

I hurriedly covered my ears and shouted, "I can't hear, I can't hear!" before rushing out.

I unfastened my clothing and leaped onto the bed, still warm from An Yichen's body, covering myself with the brocade quilt

What about me at that time

I feel uneasy, and then I think, if one day he were to take my place, would he kill me?

I rolled my eyes and said, "Haven't you heard? An Yichen is the reincarnation of a celestial being, not an ordinary person. Even the heavens will assist him; he won't die!"

Because it is inconvenient to rely on others, when Aunt Xi is unable to take care of things, she asks me for help

She... hum, even if she hasn't returned to the palace, it is you who has taught her to be so difficult and peculiar. Before she entered the palace, she was clearly a well-behaved good girl. It is you and your dog of an emperor father who have raised her to be this way!" Yu Wenhong seemed to believe my words, loosened his grip on my collar, and let me go

He not only understands me, but also understands his own capabilities

Much better," he replied weakly, the corners of his lips curving up into a beautiful arc, saying: "Thank you, Qi Qing.

As he was about to leave, he muttered to himself, "Things have not been very peaceful lately; it is better not to leave the palace if there is nothing urgent."

Where is Princess Qi Qing? Step aside! Is that Yu Wenhong? Such anger, unrestrained and unabashed.

Moreover, I finally recalled why I felt a sense of familiarity when I first laid eyes on An Yichen

Move aside

I have never encountered such an impressive individual before

an identity equal to mine

In this day and age, those who wish to live well have almost all become demons

Aunt Xi said dismissively, "How old is this child? What can they possibly understand? If they had any sense, they wouldn't recklessly venture into danger for the sake of others."

I feel a bittersweet longing, thinking that I should actually tell him that I do not wish to be the formidable princess who must make all the decisions by herself. I just want to be that carefree little girl who can be pampered in the arms of my father and mother.

With this person's demeanor, talent, family background, and unparalleled innate charm that is inherently attractive, it is absolutely possible for them to thrive in this chaotic world and ultimately become an extraordinary hero of their time

Just as I can no longer grasp Yan Yuanfeng's fingers with my small chubby hands, I stroll along the path in the flower garden, wearing the warmest and happiest smile, walking towards my mother at the end of the flower garden

The golden sunlight, the cold wind, the burning wine, combined with such a beautiful appearance, he always seems so unconventional, with outstanding charm, yet disheveled and melancholic

My mother and I exchanged astonished glances, while Yu Wen Zhao had already gone far away

If I do not find him medicine, Aunt Xi will start to nag me just as insistently

Unfortunately, everything has passed and cannot be revisited

By nightfall, An Yichen had already fallen into a state of unconsciousness. His once plump cheeks had become gaunt, with his cheekbones protruding, displaying a terrifying pallor. He could no longer wear his carefree and sweet smile, nor could he call out to Aunt Xi with a hint of affection.

I am too lazy to appreciate his goodwill

But I had no time to think this matter through, as I was startled by the sudden narrowing of Yu Wenhong's gaze