121 Waiting to Choose

“You said you would drink it, Yan’er. You can do this,” Duan Nanyu’s throat was dry, his voice hoarse and rough. “You must not vomit it up, or I’ll find another doctor to treat you—one who will surely cure your illness.”

“Yes, Yan’er, at least hold on until Siyi returns,” Feng Xilou said, handing over the medicine with trembling hands, a pang of pain stirring in his heart.

Hearing the comforting words whispered by her side, Yun Xueyan’s heart ached. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she swallowed the bitter medicine, the taste harsh and relentless. Her stomach churned violently, but she dared not move, enduring each dose Feng Xilou passed to her.

Her nails dug deep into her flesh, restraining the urge to spit the medicine out. She... had to get better.

Finally having swallowed the medicine, her entire body stiffened, afraid that any movement would bring it back up. The bitter liquid surged up her chest several times, but she forced it down again.

Duan Nanyu didn’t dare move either, fearing all their efforts would be in vain. He felt every slight motion she made. After a while, his body grew rigid as Yun Xueyan slowly fell asleep, her face paler than before.

He truly did not want to force her, but there was no other way.

Feng Xilou rose, handing the medicine to Ziyu and signaling her to leave before returning to the bedside. Looking at Duan Nanyu’s solemn expression, his voice caught as he said, “I’m taking her with me.”

Duan Nanyu’s eyes widened in panic. He sprang up, his face cold and terrifying, his gaze as icy as frost as it locked onto Feng Xilou. “No! Feng Xilou, you cannot take her away!”

Losing her would be worse than death.

The gentle eyes held no fury, speaking calmly, “You promised that once she recovers, you would let her go. Then I will come for her, and she can choose not to follow me.”

Casting a glance at the sleeping Yun Xueyan, Feng Xilou headed for the door. “I hope you honor your word. She cannot bear any more torment. If this continues... perhaps both of us will lose her forever.”

“But... she hasn’t made a choice yet. I know Yan’er wouldn’t bear to leave me,” Duan Nanyu said uncertainly, aware it was only a comfort to himself. He knew better than anyone.

Yet he was unwilling to let go. He couldn’t.

“If you don’t want her to suffer more, then don’t interfere with her choice. The Xiao Prince’s mansion is full of her nightmares: the child, her mother, and your consort—each one a source of torment. From what I know,” Feng Xilou deliberately prolonged his tone, tightening Duan Nanyu’s heart, “at the Grand Tutor’s residence, Yun Xiyin never treated Yan’er as a person. Yan’er was kind and endured Yun Xiyin’s cruelty repeatedly, only to receive injury after injury in return. Think of the pain your distrust caused her back then! It put her in danger, on the brink of death.”

With that, Feng Xilou swept his robe and stepped out the door.

Watching the white figure vanish, Duan Nanyu slumped beside the bed, running his hand through Yun Xueyan’s dark hair, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. “Yan’er, should I really let you go? Should I? Would you truly leave me?”

He received no answer. He could not bear to let her go...