Chapter 054: Humble Plea

Stepping into the Pavilion of the Dark Moon, Duan Nanyu caught sight of the pink garments hanging to dry in the courtyard. He could scarcely restrain the urge to stride over and tear them to shreds.

She actually still kept the clothes gifted by Feng Xilou.

With long strides, he entered the room. Yun Xueyan was sitting there, lost in thought, her gaze empty and unfocused. Even as he stood in the doorway, she took no notice of him. His brows knit tightly together as he swept aside his black robe and walked up to her. “What are you thinking about? Feng Xilou?”

The chill in his voice startled Yun Xueyan from her reverie. It took her a moment to collect herself before she hurriedly rose to her feet. “Greetings, Your Highness.” As she lowered her head, her body trembled almost imperceptibly.

Did he truly believe there was something between her and Feng Xilou?

“Get up!” he ordered coldly, then turned to sit in a chair. His eyes, dark as ink, fixed on her relentlessly. “He just came to see you, didn’t he? Finished your clandestine meeting?”

His words, cold and biting, pierced Yun Xueyan’s heart like frozen daggers. A secret meeting? That was a charge she could neither accept nor endure.

Once more, the grief welling from the depths of her soul surged over her.

She had once thought she would never let this man before her into her heart. Yet, in the end, she realized it was not that she couldn't—it was that she dared not, and could not.

In the past, she had spoken so resolutely, only to wound herself time and again, powerless to fight back.

He—Duan Nanyu—the ruthless god of war on the battlefield, had never known defeat. Assassins had hunted him countless times, yet none could deter his resolve to bring corrupt officials to justice.

Yun Qixiao had once said that Duan Nanyu was a man who regarded life and death with utter indifference.

Yet his coldness was laid bare before her, granting not a shred of pity.

It wasn’t that she lacked fragility, but that she forced herself to stand strong.

“Your Highness, I have no connection whatsoever with Prime Minister Feng. He merely came to pay me a visit, nothing more.” Her words were calm, without evasion or panic, simply stating the truth.

He could misunderstand her if he wished, but she refused to let others be implicated.

“‘Mere servant’?” He let out a scornful laugh, standing where he was, his knuckles cracking as if he were suppressing immense rage. “At least you know your place. Yes, the Emperor has conferred upon you the title of Consort Yan, but it means nothing—just an empty title. For you, it will never be more.”

Stung by his icy, disdainful gaze, Yun Xueyan instinctively retreated a few steps.

She cared nothing for the title. The events of that grand banquet were nothing but an ill-fated mistake, a collection of errors at the wrong time, and all of it had become her bitter pain and sorrow.

Seeing her shrink back, Duan Nanyu pressed closer, step by step. “Are you afraid of me?” he demanded, his tone chilling and merciless, a cruel smirk on his lips. “Then I will make you fear me even more.”

At his words, Yun Xueyan continued to retreat. At this moment, what could she possibly plead for? To humble herself, to beg him? She had just been wondering whether she should ask Duan Nanyu for permission to bid farewell to Yun Qixiao.

But his suspicion of her ran too deep. She dared not utter even a single word.

She closed her eyes, hiding her fear, her sorrow, and the tears that threatened to spill forth. Still, Yun Xueyan lifted her head, and slowly approached Duan Nanyu. She had to try, even if he would not allow it, even if he would wound her again with cruel words—she had no choice.

That man was her brother. She only wished to see her own brother off on his journey. What malicious words could he possibly use against her for that?

He could not.

“Your Highness, I wish to see my second brother off as he departs for war. Please, grant me permission. May I?” Her voice was soft, tinged with timidity, yet carried a quiet dignity. She raised her head and looked into his nearly glacial face, waiting for Duan Nanyu’s reply.