051 Collapse and Ruin

Holding Yun Xueyan in his arms as he returned to the prince’s residence, Zi Hun was already standing in the main hall.

“Is the princess all right?” Duan Nanyu asked, his brows furrowed with barely concealed anger.

“She’s fine, just a little frightened. She’s already been taken to her rooms, and the physician has been summoned. But, Your Highness, what should be done with those assassins? Do you wish to interrogate them?” Zi Hun inquired, awaiting Duan Nanyu’s decision.

“No need! There are plenty who wish to assassinate me. Hmph, what use are a few assassins? Execute them all!” he ordered coldly. Yet, he felt the person in his arms tremble involuntarily. Looking down at her tear-streaked face, he called out to Zi Hun.

“Zi Hun, wait.”

“Is there anything else, Your Highness?” Zi Hun turned and asked.

“Find the one who startled the carriage and punish them severely! If you can’t find the culprit, deal with them all—leave no one behind!” With that command, he watched Zi Hun’s figure disappear and carried Yun Xueyan toward the Xuan Yue Pavilion.

Perhaps it was time to return something to Zi Hun.

“Your Highness...” Her voice was weak and trembling, disbelief coloring her words. Was he truly punishing those people for her sake?

“Silence! All you do is bring trouble upon me!” Duan Nanyu snapped, quickening his pace. Did she not understand that she ought to rest well?

Burying her head in her disheveled hair, Yun Xueyan smiled bitterly. She had been foolish yet again. How could he possibly act for her sake? It was merely a way to vent his anger.

She thought it was for her? How ridiculous... how pitiful...

Placed gently on the bed, Duan Nanyu began fumbling with Yun Xueyan’s robes. Damn it, why are they so complicated! Too impatient to undo each layer, he tore them open in one swift motion.

Terrified, Yun Xueyan looked up at the angry man before her, her body limp and powerless to resist. Could he not show her mercy?

Yet, the next moment, Duan Nanyu simply covered her with the quilt. “Your clothes are dirty. Rest well,” he said, then lay down beside her without bothering to undress.

Her body froze. Her watery eyes lingered on his faint silhouette, but after a moment, she turned away and closed her eyes.

“Is it that you truly don’t wish to see me?” He propped himself up, his fingers gripping her delicate, pale chin. His cold aura spread instantly.

If only she would listen, if only she would yield to him—at least when he held her, she could return his embrace. Then perhaps he wouldn’t torment her so.

But she insisted on opposing him, stubborn until he grew weary of her. He loved Yun Xiyin, but he didn’t mind treating another woman well; he simply could not give her a share of that love.

He swore he would love only one woman in this lifetime!

Silent, Yun Xueyan lay there, her mind still reeling from the bloody scene of the night—scarlet blood spurting forth, filling her with terror.

Seeing her face grow ever paler, Duan Nanyu fell back onto the bed, pulling the petite woman into his arms and closing his eyes to rest.

Hidden beneath the quilt, her hand longed to wrap around his strong waist, but she lacked the courage. Would he allow it? Thinking of his harsh and humiliating words, Yun Xueyan took a deep breath, banishing all the past. He was her husband, her sky, her support.

She ought to obey him, to be utterly compliant.

Slowly, she raised her hand toward the man beside her.

“Your Highness!” A voice suddenly rang out from outside the door.

Duan Nanyu rose impatiently, his voice cold. “What is it? Has something happened?”

“Your Highness, the physician just examined the princess and discovered she is pregnant.” Yi Cui deliberately raised her voice, ostensibly so Duan Nanyu would not miss it, but truly for Yun Xueyan to hear.

“I’ll go at once.” Duan Nanyu sprang up with joy.

Her hand froze in midair, her mind exploding. She watched as the man who had just lain beside her rose in delight and left. All the courage she had summoned drained away in an instant. She smiled through her tears, struggling to hold back the torrent that threatened to fall.

She had gathered all her bravery, hoping to make him her sky, but that sky collapsed once again.

Only now did she realize it had all been a mistake; she would forever stand outside the world shared by him and Yun Xiyin, never able to set foot within...

But what was she to do with her heart?