069 Enjoying Exclusive Honor

Standing in the Pavilion of Elegant Words, Duan Nanyu gripped the jar with one hand, gazing at Yun Xiyin before him, his heart aching with pain.

“Yin’er, I ask you—was this your doing?” The air froze instantly, chilling to the bone.

“I don't understand, Yin’er knows nothing of this. What is this jar?” Yun Xiyin feigned confusion, though her eyes flickered with unease.

Every nuance was caught by Duan Nanyu. He had given her his deepest trust, only for her to repay him with deceit. Fury surged swiftly within his chest.

“Yun Xiyin, how much longer do you intend to deceive me?” The jar shattered in his hand, shards scattering at Yun Xiyin's feet, and the jar’s almonds bounced and scattered across the floor.

Each sound struck Yun Xiyin’s heart like a blow of terror, pounding relentlessly.

Seeing the almonds strewn across the ground, Yun Xiyin’s eyes widened in realization. Even in her naivety, she now understood the significance. Looking at the enraged Duan Nanyu, she wondered when he had ever been so harsh with her.

“Nanyu.” Yun Xiyin called softly, her eyes brimming with tears.

“I have treated you well, given you everything, even my love. Why would you still do this? That was our child.” His voice brimmed with anguish—how could the woman he chose be so heartless?

“Love?” she echoed with a scornful murmur, suddenly dropping to her knees before him. Her tear-streaked face was as delicate and pitiable as a rain-drenched blossom.

Duan Nanyu’s heart softened despite himself as he looked at her.

“My lord, it is because of your love that I did this. Do you truly love me? I was afraid… afraid you would no longer want me, that’s why—” Her fragile voice rose almost to a scream.

“Foolish!” He turned away, refusing to look at the woman kneeling at his feet, his jaw clenched in rage. “Get up!”

“You care more and more for my sister, and it terrifies me. You were the first to break your promise to me!” she cried.

Duan Nanyu froze for a moment, then suddenly pulled Yun Xiyin into his arms. His broad hand gently wiped away her tears, and his tone softened. “It was my fault. I should not have broken my promise to you.”

“Nanyu…” Yun Xiyin wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his chest. “You promised me, didn’t you? That I would be the only princess of your household, the only woman you would ever have.”

His heart stung with regret; the promise he once made had now become the very chain that bound him.

“Yin’er, I promise you, only you are worthy of enjoying the honor of being my princess.” He paused, his arms loosening slightly around her. “As for her… she will never threaten you.”

Her steps faltered. Lifting her face to the sunlight, Yun Xueyan’s lips curved into a smile, yet she felt as though her chest was splitting apart. Though her face was pale and weak, she forced herself to remain calm. A solitary tear slid from the corner of her eye, refracted by the sunlight into a dazzling brilliance.

Yet her world was a bottomless darkness. Her chest tightened painfully, and she stumbled before finally steadying herself.

She had only come because she feared Duan Nanyu would lose his temper with Yun Xiyin. But now, she realized her presence was meaningless; Duan Nanyu’s heart was filled with Yun Xiyin alone. Even if he had come to punish her today, what good could Yun Xueyan’s words possibly do?

Her lips curved faintly, but she quietly withdrew.

“She won’t threaten me?” Yun Xiyin looked up at Duan Nanyu. “What do you mean?”

“The honor of the princess is yours; this I promise, and it will never change. But though I care for you, I care for her as well. Yet she will never lessen my love for you.” His voice was deep, the chill in it swept away. “Yin’er, she is your sister too. Do you not also wish for me to treat her with kindness?”

He felt utterly wretched; for Yun Xueyan’s sake, he had to bargain with the woman he truly loved. Yet whenever he recalled those eyes, they stabbed at his heart with pain.

Yun Xiyin’s body trembled faintly, but she could only nod her consent. She could not quarrel with Duan Nanyu any longer. But what Yun Xueyan owed her, she would surely make her pay it back.