Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 59: Undercurrents

The cold wind howled in solitude, and snowflakes drifted down endlessly from the sky, covering the world in an icy chill. This season was extremely difficult for both the soldiers and their horses.

In the vast, boundless snowy landscape, a long line of troops stretched forward endlessly, resembling a trail of marching ants.

At the very front of the army, Qi Yan sat atop his horse. A subordinate beside him said, “Vice General, the wind is too strong. The soldiers are struggling in these conditions. Should we take a short break?”

Qi Yan turned back to glance at the soldiers behind him. Their faces were flushed red from the biting wind, their bodies covered in snow.

He responded, “The wind is indeed strong, but if we stop now, we’ll be in even more trouble if it starts snowing later. There are just over ten more li before we reach the border camp of Jin. Tell the soldiers to stay alert and push through.”

He paused for a moment before adding, “Once we reach the camp, they won’t have to hurry anymore. They can rest there. I will separate from you all and take a small unit ahead to report back to His Majesty.”

Zuo Ying, standing beside him, frowned and spoke up, “But, Vice General, your injuries…”

Qi Yan looked ahead at the road, his voice calm. “I’m fine.”

Zuo Ying lifted his gaze. The young man on horseback carried a sword at his waist, his features sharp and striking, exuding a newfound steadiness. In these past days, Qi Yan had been tirelessly handling military affairs, growing visibly more worn. Outsiders believed the turmoil in Chu had been quelled with ease, but behind the scenes, it was he who had been orchestrating everything.

And now, despite his injuries still being unhealed, he was already setting off for Jin once more.

Zuo Ying knew Qi Yan’s personality well. There was no point in arguing further, so he simply said, “Vice General, if you keep pushing yourself without proper rest, lingering injuries will haunt you for life, no matter how well you try to recover later.”

Qi Yan was silent for a moment before replying, “I understand. I won’t gamble with my own health. But no matter how slowly we travel, we must reach Jin’s capital before the New Year and deliver the deposed Crown Prince of Chu to the royal court.”

At the mention of the deposed prince, Zuo Ying frowned. “I still believe he should be executed immediately to eliminate future threats.”

Qi Yan exhaled a warm breath into the freezing air. “True, as long as he remains alive, there’s always a chance for him to rise again. But His Majesty and his advisors have decided that keeping him as a hostage in Jin is a more useful strategy. This is something I will discuss further with the King upon my return.”

The wind suddenly intensified, whipping Qi Yan’s dark cloak into the air.

He leaned forward slightly and called back to the soldiers, “Men, let’s move faster and reach the next city before nightfall!”

“Yes, sir!” Their voices echoed through the vast expanse.

By the time Qi Yan reached the next city, he parted ways with the main army.

The farther north he traveled, the colder the weather became, the winds sharper, the snow heavier. The mountains stood silent, with not a single bird in flight, the bare branches eerily still.

Traveling through snow was already difficult, and as they neared the capital, a heavy blizzard sealed off the mountain paths, delaying them by two full days.

Today was New Year’s Eve.

In Jin’s capital, Jiangcheng, the royal attendant Hong Shuo had already been waiting at the palace gates since morning, having received news of Vice General Qi’s imminent return.

By afternoon, the sky remained a dull gray. At the distant end of the road, a small figure appeared, growing larger as the army approached. Hong Shuo immediately stepped forward to greet him.

“Vice General, you’ve finally returned. When His Majesty heard you were arriving today, he sent me to welcome you personally.”

Qi Yan dismounted and helped Hong Shuo up. “No need for formalities, Gonggong. It’s freezing out here—let’s continue inside.”

Hong Shuo quickly agreed, but his gaze shifted toward a carriage trailing the soldiers. Puzzled, he looked at Qi Yan. “The person inside the carriage is…?”

Qi Yan lowered his voice. “The deposed Crown Prince of Chu.”

A gust of wind lifted the carriage’s curtain slightly, revealing a pale face within.

Just a few months ago, the Crown Prince of Chu had arrived in Jin with dignity, elegantly dressed, his charm effortless. Now, in a matter of months, he had fallen to such a miserable state. It was a fate that inspired sighs.

Qi Yan asked, “Does His Majesty wish to see him immediately?”

Hong Shuo shook his head. “Today is New Year’s Eve. His Majesty is not handling state affairs today. He said it can wait until after the holiday.”

“Understood.” Qi Yan followed Hong Shuo into the palace.

The corridors were bustling with palace maids decorating trees with red banners. The palace was brightly adorned, filled with the festive spirit of the new year.

Hong Shuo smiled. “Tonight’s banquet is both a New Year’s celebration and a feast in your honor. His Majesty is extremely pleased with your achievements and has already prepared an edict to promote you.”

He clasped his hands together. “Congratulations, General.”

Qi Yan responded with a faint smile before asking, “While I was away, did anything happen in the palace?”

“Nothing of great importance. All is well.”

As they turned a corridor, Qi Yan asked, “How is His Majesty’s head ailment?”

Hong Shuo sighed with a smile. “We have Princess Chu to thank for that. She massages His Majesty’s head daily, and his condition has improved greatly. The King is quite fond of her and has even mentioned arranging a marriage for her, likely planning to keep her in the Jin palace permanently.”

Qi Yan’s smile faded slightly. “His Majesty intends to arrange a marriage for the princess?”

“Yes. Not just the princess—His Majesty also mentioned that you have reached the right age.”

When Hong Shuo received no immediate response, he wisely chose to drop the topic. Instead, he said, “His Majesty is waiting inside. The princess should be there as well.”

Qi Yan quickened his pace as he neared the royal hall.

It’s been three months since he last saw her, and he wondered how she had been faring in the palace.

Arriving at the entrance of the hall, Qi Yan gazed at the tightly shut doors and exhaled deeply a few times.

Hong Shuo chuckled and said, “General, there’s no need to be nervous.”

Qi Yan responded with a simple “Mm,” then raised his hand and knocked on the door. After receiving a response from inside, he pushed the door open and stepped in.

Inside the grand hall, warming braziers were burning, making the air as warm as spring. As soon as he entered, a wave of heat washed over him, instantly melting the snowflakes on his armor.

At the entrance of the hall stood a freestanding purple sandalwood screen, its surface adorned with a painting of plum blossoms, their shadows dense and overlapping. Through the screen, the silhouette of a slender young woman could be seen in the distance. She was kneeling quietly beside the Jin King, her posture graceful and composed as snow from outside the window cast a serene glow upon her.

Through the screen, their eyes met from afar.

As Qi Yan stepped around the screen, the young woman’s dark eyes momentarily froze before a gleam of light bloomed within them.

Qi Yan strode forward, stepping into the center of the grand hall, then knelt down and bowed. “Your subject, Qi Yan, was entrusted with the royal command to quell the rebellion in Chu. Today, I return to court to report my success. Greetings, My King.”

The Jin King raised his hand. “Rise. Why did you come straight here without even changing out of your armor?”

Qi Yan slowly got to his feet. “I just arrived back, and I was eager to see Your Majesty, so I did not take the time for such matters.”

He cast a glance at Wei Zhen, and Wei Zhen’s lips curved into a faint smile.

The Jin King gave a slight nod. “Qi Yan, you have rendered great service this time. You have done well. I promised before that I would reward you, and I am a man of my word. However, do not be too hasty. Take your time to consider carefully, and once you have made up your mind, present your request to me.”

Qi Yan clasped his hands and replied, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Jin King then looked toward Wei Zhen. “You may leave first. I have a few words to say to Qi Yan.”

Wei Zhen lowered her eyes and replied, “Understood.”

She rose gracefully from the floor, her skirt trailing across the ground. The ornaments around her waist jingled softly as she moved. Raising her gaze, she met Qi Yan’s eyes and then slowly brushed past him.

“Princess,” Qi Yan suddenly called out.

Wei Zhen turned back, and the Jin King also looked up at him.

Qi Yan crouched down and picked up a sachet that had fallen to the floor, then extended it toward Wei Zhen. “Princess, you dropped your sachet.”

Wei Zhen reached out to take it, smiling gently. “Thank you, General.”

Qi Yan responded, “It was nothing.”

She gazed at him with warmth in her eyes. Though they stood with their backs to the Jin King, they looked at each other in plain sight within the great hall.

Their fingertips brushed for just an instant, yet it felt as if a thousand words had been exchanged.

Wei Zhen fastened the sachet back onto her belt and then walked out of the hall.

Qi Yan turned back and met the Jin King’s gaze—it was deep and unreadable.

“Come here,” the Jin King gestured for him to step forward.

Qi Yan took a seat beside the Jin King, meeting his scrutinizing gaze. The Jin King spoke, “Tell me everything that happened in Chu over the past three months.”

Qi Yan then recounted in detail how he had collaborated with former officials of Chu and maneuvered to render the Chu royal family powerless. The story was intricate, and the Jin King listened in silence.

By the time Qi Yan had finished his report, the sky outside was already turning dark.

Hong Shuo emerged from behind the curtain and spoke softly, “Your Majesty, Princess Ji Ying has arrived.”

The Jin King gave Qi Yan a glance. “What is she here for?”

Qi Yan lowered his eyes, his expression unreadable.

The Jin King said, “Let her in. Qi Yan, go change your clothes and prepare for the banquet later.”

Qi Yan took his leave. The Jin King, weary, closed his eyes for a brief rest. Moments later, voices drifted in from outside, muffled through the gauze-covered windows.

The voices lingered for quite a while before finally fading into silence.

The hall doors opened, and Ji Ying stepped inside, her face pale and her expression dazed, as if she had lost her spirit.

The Jin King spoke coldly, “Did you not come to see me? Who is this pitiful act for?”

His voice was laced with authority and chill, making Ji Ying tremble. She quickly lowered her head. “Grand… Grandfather.”

The Jin King regarded her with cold eyes for a moment before he said impatiently, “What did Qi Yan say to you just now?”

Though the Jin King treated Ji Ying differently from the other royal grandchildren, he had never been particularly affectionate toward her. Ji Ying, in turn, felt more fear and reverence for him than warmth.

Faced with his question, she dared not remain silent.

“Just now, I saw General Qi outside and exchanged a few words with him… I asked about his marriage…”

The Jin King’s brows furrowed.

Ji Ying recalled the conversation, and her face burned with humiliation.

When she heard that Qi Yan had returned, she had rushed to the royal hall, hoping to see him. She waited outside for a long time, her legs going numb from the cold, before finally seeing him emerge.

She approached him, addressing him as “Cousin” and inquiring whether they could sit together at the evening banquet.

Fearing he would refuse, she had even mustered the courage to bring up an old incident from years ago, hoping to rekindle a connection.

If Qi Yan had simply rejected her outright, she could have accepted it. But instead, he had smiled softly and said, “Apologies, Cousin—I already have someone in my heart.”

With those words, he had drawn a clear boundary, cutting off any room for hope.

Ji Ying’s lips trembled as she recounted, “General Qi said… he already has someone he admires.”

The Jin King scoffed.

That single laugh struck Ji Ying like a whip across her face, stinging sharply.

The Jin King asked, “What about him makes him so worthy of your affections? Why must you persist like this?”

Ji Ying’s face flushed red as she bit her lip. “Grandfather, have you forgotten? Four years ago, when Grandmother passed away, Qi Yan came from Chu to attend the funeral. Grandmother’s coffin was taken to Jiang Mountain for burial, and I accompanied the procession. But I got separated from the others in the freezing wilderness… It was my cousin who found me and brought me back.”

The Jin King seemed to recall the incident.

“And did Grandfather not promote him to General afterward? Many young ladies in the academy admire him. It is entirely natural that I would like him as well. But since he already has someone in his heart, I will not press the matter further. I just… I just want to see who it is, this girl who outshines even me.”

Her face was flushed with agitation.

“Is it the daughter of the Situ family? Or the young lady from the Gongsun family? Or perhaps…”

Names of noblewomen flitted through her mind.

“Enough of this disgraceful display,” the Jin King rebuked. “To lose composure over a mere man—is this how a princess should behave?”

Ji Ying’s face turned pale, and she quickly lowered her head. “Yes, Grandfather, your reprimand is justified.”

After a long moment, Jin King finally relented. “Today is New Year’s Eve. I do not wish to lecture you too much. Reflect upon your actions and conduct yourself properly.”

Ji Ying felt as though she had been given a cold rebuff in an invisible way. Not daring to linger, she rose and left.

Jin King tapped his fingertips against the table, the muscles on both sides of his face tense.

Hong Shuo said, “The Young General spoke to the princess in such a manner, perhaps to put an end to her thoughts.”

Jin King let out a faint sneer. “Who can say? But I am quite curious—if he does not think my granddaughter is good enough, then whom does he favor?”

Hong Shuo glanced outside the window and reminded, “It is getting late, my king. You should change your attire.”

Jin King rose and walked toward the rear hall.

In the banquet hall, many people had already gathered. Tonight’s palace feast was a family banquet, attended mostly by noble families of the royal house.

When Qi Yan entered the hall, he had already changed out of his armor into a brocade robe, washing away the weariness of his long journey. His steps were steady, and the moment he arrived, he attracted countless gazes.

From the young men, there was envy and jealousy; from the young women, admiration and deep, lingering glances.

Qi Yan paid them no mind and walked forward, taking a seat on the right side. His gaze happened to meet Wei Zhen’s from across the hall.

Wei Zhen stood by the curtains and gave him a gentle smile. She had yet to take her seat, as she would soon be accompanying Jin King.

Just then, a report was heard from outside, announcing the arrival of Jin King. Everyone rose to greet him. “Greetings to the King.”

Jin King ascended the steps and granted them permission to forgo formalities. Not long after the banquet began, he called for Hong Shuo.

Hong Shuo stepped forward, holding the royal decree, and began reading aloud. The decree promoted Qi Yan to the rank of Supreme General.

According to the military hierarchy of Jin, the position of Supreme General was second only to that of Grand General, placing him on equal footing with several other highly experienced generals of the kingdom.

Since Qi Yan had come to Jin, his rank had risen repeatedly within just half a year, stirring the envy of many.

Some who were unaware of the full situation assumed that Qi Yan was receiving special treatment simply because he was the son of Princess Ji Qin. But those with discerning eyes could see that Jin King truly valued him.

Seated above, Wei Zhen watched as Qi Yan expressed his gratitude.

The young man’s face was illuminated by the glow of the candles. He raised both hands to receive the decree and knelt in reverence, surrounded by voices offering their congratulations.

A low voice whispered in Wei Zhen’s ear, “Princess, the Young General’s men just sent word that he left something in your palace. He will come retrieve it later tonight.”

Wei Zhen was momentarily stunned upon hearing Liang Chan’s words.

Qi Yan had been away from the capital for three months. What could he possibly have left in her palace?

The message’s true meaning was obvious—tonight, he would be coming to see her.

Wei Zhen knew that Qi Yan was looking at her. She parted her lips slightly, then said to Liang Chan—though it felt as if she was speaking to Qi Yan below—“I understand.”

Qi Yan returned to his seat. But aside from him, there was another person Jin King intended to see at tonight’s banquet—Fifth Prince Ji Chi.

Ji Chi had been sent by Jin King to the eastern regions as an envoy to the Kingdom of Qi and had only just returned.

In recent years, the relationship between Jin and Qi had remained relatively peaceful, with no direct conflicts. However, Qi had been harboring ambitions in secret, frequently stirring up border disturbances. Yet, fearing Jin’s strength, they dared not act recklessly.

The King of Qi was young and indulgent in pleasures, yet he also craved glory, longing to restore the splendor of his predecessors and expand his territories. He had already launched two wars against the southern Kingdom of Chu.

Though not a significant threat at present, Jin could not afford to be complacent.

After all, a centipede does not topple easily—even when severed, it struggles on.

No one could predict what reckless decision the foolish King of Qi might make.

Ji Chi stopped before the throne, cupping his hands in salute. “Your Majesty, this time I traveled to Qi as an envoy to convey our respects to their king. The King of Qi has pledged his continued submission to Jin, claiming to harbor no ill intentions. He has also offered a tribute of one hundred chests of jewels and vowed to present annual tributes without fail.”

Jin King said, “Good. You shall be rewarded.”

Ji Chi expressed his gratitude but did not immediately step back. Instead, he clapped his hands.

At that moment, a deep, guttural growl came from outside, like the roar of a wild beast. A massive shadow fell across the windows.

“Your Majesty, in addition to the treasures, the King of Qi has also sent you two striped tigers and three fierce bears as tribute. I have brought one of them here tonight for you to see.”

As he spoke, the brown bear was dragged into the hall.

A chorus of gasps filled the room.

The noblewomen’s faces turned pale with fright. No matter how well-mannered they usually were, they could not maintain their composure in this moment. Only a few of the bolder young men remained curious enough to observe the bear closely.

The bear’s limbs and neck were restrained by iron chains, and four men stood around it, each holding a long spear, ready to react should anything go wrong.

Ji Chi, seeing the others so fearful, turned to Jin King and said, “Your Majesty need not worry. This bear was trained by the King of Qi himself. It will not harm anyone.”

Wei Zhen furrowed her brows.

The brown bear let out a deep growl, its entire chest vibrating with the sound. The soldiers holding its chains struggled to maintain their footing, clearly unable to stand firm.

The King of Qi indulged in debauchery, raising wild beasts for his amusement. His men may have had the skill to control them, but others who lacked such knowledge might not be able to do the same.

Moreover…

Wei Zhen observed the beast closely. Though it was restrained, its eyes gleamed with a green light, growing increasingly agitated. A vague sense of unease rose within her.

Just as she was about to speak, Ji Chi had already signaled to his men. “Your Majesty, take a close look at this bear, and I shall have it taken away afterward.”

The beast was dragged toward the steps, thrashing against its restraints. The iron chains clanked and rattled with each struggle.

Jin King said, “That will do. Take it away.”

The beast roared, and a guard at its side was dragged off balance, his feet slipping as the iron chain in his hands slid away.

By the time the guards reacted, it was already too late—the scene descended into chaos.

Amidst a chorus of screams, the beast broke free with all its might, flinging aside several nearby guards. The iron chains crashed onto the ground with a bone-chilling clang. The guests cried out in terror and fled from their seats.

All of this happened in the blink of an eye. Today was the New Year’s Eve family banquet, and only a limited number of guards had been assigned inside the hall.

The beast lunged toward the fleeing crowd, and in an instant, blood splattered in all directions.

“Protect His Majesty! Quickly, protect His Majesty!”

Wei Zhen turned to Jin Wang. “Your Majesty, I will accompany you outside!”

Just as she spoke, she caught a glimpse from the corner of her eye—the massive creature was leaping toward them from above.

With no time to think, Wei Zhen kicked over the table, momentarily blocking the beast. Enraged, it roared madly, raising its sharp claws and fangs as if it could tear a person’s limbs apart with sheer force.

There was no retreat left behind them.

The onlookers could only watch as the beast once again pounced toward Jin Wang.

“Your Majesty!”

Wei Zhen forcefully pushed Jin Wang aside, causing herself to lose balance and fall backward. As she fell, she heard someone call out her name—”Wei Zhen!”

Wei Zhen shut her eyes, expecting pain to follow. Yet, instead, she felt herself pulled into someone’s embrace, rolling across the ground several times.

Her heart trembled as she opened her eyes again, only to see the person shielding her—it was Qi Yan. His eyes were filled with concern, staring at her motionlessly. The moment he confirmed she was unharmed, he immediately pulled her up.

Behind them, the massive beast was rising once more.

It bared its teeth in a ferocious snarl, saliva dripping from its mouth.

This small space had become a battleground. The two sides circled each other, but the surroundings were in utter disarray, leaving nothing that could be used as a weapon.

“The sword! Bring me my sword!” Jin Wang stood at a distance but had not left.

The beast lunged again. Qi Yan shielded Wei Zhen in his arms, at the same time kicking up a dagger from the ground, catching it in his grip, and hurling it fiercely at the beast.

A piercing cry rang out as the dagger embedded itself deep into the brown bear’s right forearm, blood gushing instantly from the wound.

Enraged, the beast thrashed its limbs wildly, eyes burning with savage fury, launching another attack.

The crowd screamed in terror. Qi Yan dodged sideways, grabbing a fallen chain from the ground and wrapping it around a hall pillar. The bear, in its pursuit, was ensnared after three full turns, one of its arms pinned against the column.

It struggled furiously to break free.

At the same time, a gleaming sword arced through the air. Qi Yan caught it completely.

The sword was three feet long, its cold light flashing like a rainbow, reflecting in his strikingly handsome eyes as he stepped toward the beast.

His expression was as cold as ice, his presence commanding.

With a sharp “pfft,” the long sword plunged deep into the bear’s back.

The bear let out an anguished wail and fell to its knees. Qi Yan swiftly kicked it down, seized another iron chain from the ground, and wrapped it around the beast’s throat—once, twice, three times—until the subdued creature could struggle no more, its life completely extinguished.

A vast pool of blood slowly spread beneath it.

Qi Yan rose, gripping the sword tightly as he pulled it out with force. Bloodstains marked his chiseled face as he gazed down at the lifeless beast beneath his feet.

Wei Zhen hurried to Qi Yan’s side and lowered her head, only then noticing that his sleeve had been torn. “Are you hurt?”

Qi Yan shook his head. “What about you? Are you alright?”

Wei Zhen took out a handkerchief, intending to wipe the blood from his face, but remembering they were still in public, she hesitated and lowered her hand.

The young man stood in front of her, his posture as straight as a sword, filling her with an overwhelming sense of security.

Droplets of blood dripped continuously from the blade, landing with a soft, rhythmic patter on the ground.

At this moment, he no longer seemed like a mere youth, but a man who could be relied upon.

“General Qi!”

“General Qi has slain the wild bear!”

Qi Yan gave a subtle nod to Ji Yuan across the hall, acknowledging his aid in firing those arrows at the beast earlier. Without them, the creature would not have succumbed so quickly.

Ji Yuan set aside his bow and approached Jin Wang.

“Your Majesty, your arm is injured. Summon the physician immediately.”

Wei Zhen stepped forward and saw blood seeping from Jin Wang’s arm. “When did this happen?”

Jin Wang had still been fine when he threw the sword to Qi Yan. Wei Zhen recalled pushing him aside earlier, hearing the sound of fabric tearing, but she had assumed it was nothing. Had he been wounded by the bear at that moment?

Her face filled with concern, but Jin Wang remained composed. He placed his hand over hers and spoke gently, “I am fine.”

The guards helped Jin Wang into a side hall for treatment. Once the physician entered, the doors were shut.

Such a grave incident on New Year’s Eve—Ji Chi would not escape responsibility.

The noble sons and princes gathered outside the hall, still feeling the chill of their near brush with death.

Wei Zhen waited outside. By reason, if Jin Wang’s injury was merely to his arm, it should not have been too serious. Yet, for some reason, the physician had been inside for a long time without emerging, and unease gnawed at her heart.

And as long as Hong Shuo did not come out to report that all was well, none of the gathered nobles dared to leave.

Wei Zhen stood at the front, aware of the many eyes upon her.

Just moments ago, Qi Yan had publicly rushed to save her—everyone had seen him holding her, shielding her.

This matter could be explained away as General Qi simply acting out of kindness, but under those circumstances, he had risked his life for her. Would an ordinary man do such a thing for a woman with whom he shared only a casual acquaintance?

The incident could be brushed aside, but if scrutinized, it was thought-provoking.

She did not know whether, in that moment of chaos, she had unconsciously made any intimate gestures toward Qi Yan.

Wei Zhen looked into the distance, where Qi Yan was speaking with Ji Wo.

She had been avoiding him in public, but tonight, he had saved her. They had not seen each other in three months, and her heart was filled with a swelling ache that she had no way to express. She wanted to exchange a few words with him.

The night wind grew colder. Ji Yuan instructed everyone to wait in the side hall for news.

Inside the side hall, Jin Wang leaned against a pillow, the candlelight outlining the sharp contours of his gaunt face. His arm and chest were tightly wrapped in layers of gauze.

The physician dipped his hands into a basin of water. “Your Majesty, your chest and arm are both injured. In particular, the wound near your heart and lungs—though not severe—is still significant. You must rest well and avoid any emotional agitation or excessive exertion.”

Jin Wang gave a slight nod and said weakly, “You may go.”

Hong Shuo turned to the physician. “Do you understand how to report this outside?”

“I understand, my lord. I will simply say that His Majesty suffered a minor injury to the arm.”

The physician took his medicine box and departed.

Jin Wang felt the candlelight flickering too brightly. He raised a hand to his forehead. “Summon Wei Zhen.”

Hong Shuo noticed the pain in Jin Wang’s expression and realized his chronic headaches were flaring up again. He quickly responded, “At once, Your Majesty.”

Before long, footsteps sounded outside.

Jin Wang did not open his eyes. “You have come?”

Wei Zhen bowed, then sat by his bedside, tucking the blanket around him. “Your Majesty, I heard your headaches have worsened. I’ve sent for the medicinal balm. Once it arrives, I will apply it for you. Shall I first massage your acupoints?”

Just as she reached out, the man on the bed suddenly opened his eyes. They were bloodshot.

His dark pupils held an eerie coldness that sent a chill down her spine.

“I ask you—what exactly is your relationship with Qi Yan?” he demanded.

The candlelight flickered, casting a soft glow. At that moment, Wei Zhen’s face turned deathly pale.

She knew Jin Wang would not ask without reason—he must have suspected something.

Was it because Qi Yan had risked everything to save her? Had that raised his suspicions?

Jin Wang’s gaze was icy and scrutinizing. Sweat beaded on Wei Zhen’s forehead.

His voice echoed in the hall: “Think carefully and answer me properly.”