Ambiguous Affection

In the prince’s residence, Ji Yun sat upright at the table, the steam from the hot tea softly enveloping his delicate features—a strange blend of sharpness and warmth playing across his face.

Han Wen entered and reported, bending close to Ji Yun’s ear.

“Young master, Chen Xianzhi is not dead. He has already awakened.”

“Hm, this afternoon then,” Ji Yun said casually, lifting his teacup.

He had discovered something far more intriguing than Chen Xianzhi’s survival.

Tonight, he had witnessed the miraculous power of temporal healing firsthand—Chen Xianzhi, nearly drowned, had turned the brink of death into safety.

It seemed temporal energy was far more than just a mere lady from the noble family.

He summoned a guard and instructed him to fetch a skilled mystic.

It appeared that Chen Xianzhi’s luck was truly extraordinary; whether such fortune would come again remained to be seen.

Within the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage’s mansion, the young master had just awakened, yet the noble lady had collapsed once more, casting a heavy gloom over the household.

“Tell me, how did the lady fall unconscious right after leaving the young master’s room? What could have happened?”

“Let’s speak less of our master’s affairs.”

Hearing the maids’ whispers outside, Chen Xianzhi hurriedly called for Wansheng.

Wansheng, upon hearing the young master’s hoarse voice, rushed in, his eyes red as though he had just wept.

“Temporal energy… how is she?” Chen Xianzhi struggled to sit up, despite the many wounds on his body.

“She’s fine, Miss Shi is fine,” Wansheng avoided the young master’s gaze and quickly pressed him back down.

Seeing Wansheng’s evasiveness, Chen Xianzhi seemed to understand, grabbing Wansheng’s clothes and asking, “Did Shi save me?”

Wansheng’s dodging eyes confirmed the answer without words.

Determined, Chen Xianzhi insisted on rising from the bed; he had to see how Shi was doing.

Unable to resist, Wansheng helped Chen Xianzhi to his feet, and they made their way to Shi’s room.

Entering, Chen Xianzhi saw Shi lying pale and motionless on the bed, serene beyond words.

“Young master, the doctor says Miss Shi is merely suffering from a deficiency of qi and blood. She will awaken soon.”

Wansheng patted the young master’s back, comforting him as he bore the weight of guilt.

Chen Xianzhi sat by Shi’s bedside, refusing to leave despite Wansheng’s coaxing.

“I’ll wait here until she wakes,” Chen Xianzhi insisted stubbornly.

Seeing the young master’s resolve, Wansheng draped a coat over him and kept vigil alongside him.

After an uncertain time, Shi’s long lashes trembled, and upon awakening, Chen Xianzhi met her bright, clear eyes.

Delighted beyond measure, Chen Xianzhi quickly summoned the doctor.

Shi, reassured that Chen Xianzhi had awakened, smiled inwardly at his flustered state.

Their gazes met, both smiling involuntarily, a new and tender feeling blossoming between them.

Madam Qi, arriving hastily, sensed the strange atmosphere between the two and quietly left with a smile.

It seemed this rogue was finally ensnared by the lady’s charm; perhaps it was time to prepare the betrothal gifts in advance.

In the residence of the Third Prince, a mystic in ceremonial robes sat before Ji Yun.

“Third Prince, from what you’ve said, this woman is no ordinary person. To determine her exact nature and affiliations, I must see her personally.”

The mystic stroked his long beard, his expression grave.

“Then I entrust this matter to you, Master Zhang,” Ji Yun said with a composed smile.