045 Fury Without Cause

Wearing the garments delivered by the Phoenix Evening Pavilion, she sat alone in the carriage, leaning her head to one side with her eyes closed, seeking a moment’s rest. There were three carriages entering the palace today. Duan Nanyu traveled with Yun Xiyin, Mu Wanying with Duan Rui’er, and only she was left solitary, occupying a carriage with emptiness as her sole companion.

The feeling of desolation rose unbidden in her heart, and she could only bury it deep within herself.

Today, at least, she finally saw Duan Rui’er. Despite her dignified bearing, the sickly pallor clung to her, betraying a frail constitution. Why, then, had she chosen to marry into Prince Xiao’s household?

As she boarded the carriage, she caught a glimpse of Duan Rui’er’s eyes—empty and lifeless, rendering her entire presence even more bleak.

“Get out!” The words rang with heavy indifference. Duan Nanyu scrutinized Yun Xueyan’s attire, which traced out her delicate figure. The understated garments were embroidered with pure lotuses, complementing the flower adorning her face.

He had heard from Yun Xiyin that these clothes were sent by Phoenix Evening Pavilion at the Empress Dowager’s command. Unexpectedly, the Pavilion seemed so invested in her!

A layer of icy hostility surged in his gloomy eyes, the chill flashing straight at Yun Xueyan.

She bent to alight, but before she could step out, Duan Nanyu yanked her from the carriage with a force that left her no chance to react, pain searing through her wrist.

“So, you’re quite capable? Even Phoenix Evening Pavilion can be seduced by you?” he said in a sinister whisper, leaning in so only she could hear. “Don’t let this king hear any rumors again, or there will be no mercy. And remember—do not ever fall in love with this king, nor dream of receiving his favor. Your purpose... is nothing more than a tool.”

Each word was delivered slowly, sharp and cold, slicing through every shred of hope within Yun Xueyan.

He shattered her last bargaining chip—her self-deceiving hopes. Yet his words brought her clarity once more, reminding her not to forget her status...

“Nanyu.” Not far off, Yun Xiyin masked her resentment with a smile in this direction.

Duan Nanyu lifted his gaze and returned a gentle smile, then lowered his head again to whisper in Yun Xueyan’s ear, “Remember my words.”

“Yes.” Her voice trembled, thick with emotion, her eyes half-shut, long lashes casting shadows that concealed all feeling.

He had expected to be satisfied by her answer, but when that word escaped her lips, a surge of irritation and suffocation overwhelmed him.

His anger deepened. If she said no, he would be angry; if she said yes, he was even angrier. Her stubbornness and indifference—he loathed them to the core!

She could smile from the heart for Phoenix Evening Pavilion, yet never for him! Furious, he cast Yun Xueyan aside and strode toward Yun Xiyin. That woman was the one he loved; why waste anger on someone so unworthy?

He truly had lost his senses because of her!

Watching Duan Nanyu embrace Yun Xiyin, his hand gently encircling her slender waist, his expression transformed from ferocity to tenderness. Yun Xueyan raised a hand to her chest, her breath growing labored. She believed she could calmly witness all this, but her heart betrayed her, aching with a sorrow so deep it threatened to shatter her.

Everything was beyond her control—just as her fate always had been. Helpless, powerless.