MSW Chapter3

10

Mu Peixuan ate the whole meal without tasting a thing, while Xu Ying and the others were in high spirits, well-fed, and satisfied. By the end of the meal, the way they looked at Duan Linzhou had noticeably lost some of its formality and distance.

 

Duan Linzhou’s expression remained unchanged, still all smiles, and he handled his words with just the right touch, easygoing and pleasant to be around.

 

After the meal, the group stepped out of Weixiang Lou. Xu Ying exchanged glances with a few colleagues. They had originally planned to find a place to enjoy some music and have a bit of fun after the meal.

 

But now that they had accepted Duan Linzhou’s hospitality, they felt it would be inappropriate to drag Mu Peixuan off to fool around. After all, it’s hard to act freely after receiving someone’s favor.

 

Xu Ying grinned and said, “Thank you for the hospitality, Boss Duan. We brothers still need to return to the military camp, so we won’t keep you any longer.”

 

“Look at all these people coming and going. Xiao Junwang, you should send Boss Duan back. There’s nothing else going on at the military camp anyway, so why don’t you take the afternoon off and head home early?”

 

Mu Peixuan glanced at Xu Ying with a neutral expression.

 

Xu Ying winked at him.

 

Duan Linzhou pretended not to notice their subtle exchange, smiling lightly as he said, “If Xiao Junwang has official duties, those should come first—”

 

“No official duties, no official duties,” Xu Ying hurriedly interrupted, “Our Ruizhou city is peaceful, even if there’s something, it wouldn’t be necessary to trouble Xiao Junwang either, right?”

 

The few colleagues beside them all nodded in agreement.

 

Mu Peixuan: Heh.

 

These idiots, Duan Linzhou had only fed them one meal, and now they were all bought over.

 

Duan Linzhou raised his hand, covering his mouth as he coughed twice, then glanced at the cold-faced Mu Peixuan. Xu Ying and the others, sensing the mood, courteously bid their farewells and quickly grabbed the reins of their horses, riding off in a flash.

 

A smile flickered in Duan Linzhou’s eyes as he looked at Mu Peixuan and said, “Xiao Junwang, do you have any other business?”

 

Mu Peixuan: “Hmm?”

 

Duan Linzhou continued, “It’s rare to have such a nice warm sun today. I’d like to take a walk.”

 

Mu Peixuan was about to refuse, but then he recalled that Duan Linzhou would have to go back alone. So, the words that nearly left his lips were swallowed, and he said indifferently, “Let’s go.”

 

The two of them didn’t ride the horse or take a carriage; instead, they walked side by side down the long street of Ruizhou. The winter sun was gentle, and the afternoon light cast a warm, languid glow, filling the air with a sense of calm and drowsy ease.

 

The street was bustling with people, the calls of peddlers occasionally ringing out, mixed with voices both high and low, creating a lively, noisy atmosphere.

 

Both Duan Linzhou and Mu Peixuan were strikingly handsome, drawing attention as they walked. Mu Peixuan, with his imposing aura, couldn’t tolerate such probing gazes. He shot a cold glance, and the furtive looks were quickly retracted.

 

Duan Linzhou said, “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such good sunlight.”

 

This winter in Ruizhou was especially cold. Normally, it didn’t snow at all, and even when it did, it was just a few flakes mixed with rain, not like this year, where it had snowed for an entire day and night.

 

Mu Peixuan casually responded.

 

Duan Linzhou said, “I remember Xiao Junwang has been to the capital. I’ve heard that it often snows there.”

 

Mu Peixuan replied, “More than Ruizhou.” He paused, then added, “And colder than Ruizhou, too.”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled, “I’ve been to the capital a few times myself in the past. I still remember an eating house there called Penglai Chun. They brewed a special wine with the same name. It’s smooth and long-lasting, with an aftertaste that lingers.”

 

Mu Peixuan said, “The one at Kangle Lane?”

 

Duan Linzhou nodded, “That’s the one.”

 

Mu Peixuan replied, “The wine was good. I’ve been there a few times. But when I left the capital, I heard that the business wasn’t doing well, and the eating house had closed down.”

 

Duan Linzhou chuckled, “Their main business was brewing wine. Later, the owner got greedy, seeing how well the restaurant was doing, and wanted to open one too. But running a restaurant is different from running a wine brewery. They lost a lot of money and ended up closing the restaurant as well.”

 

Mu Peixuan suddenly understood. He glanced at Duan Linzhou’s frail, broken body and said, “Ruizhou is a thousand miles away from the capital.”

 

Duan Linzhou understood the implication of his words. He smiled gently, but then suddenly coughed several times, his shoulders trembling. His whole body seemed on the verge of collapsing, making Mu Peixuan’s heart skip a beat. After a few moments, Duan Linzhou recovered, his pale face flushed with an unnatural hue. His eyes also glistened with tears from the coughing, adding an unexpected layer of fragility to his appearance.

 

Duan Linzhou took a breath and said in a hoarse voice, “My illness started three years ago. In the early years, I went to the capital in the north and Dan’er in the south and visited many places.” He smiled again and said, “Xiao Junwang should have heard that our Duan family was originally in the spice business, but it was only when it came to me that I set up a caravan and resold some goods all over the world, and then I gradually made a fortune.”

 

The Duan family, once in the spice trade, had been little more than a modest business. It was only with Duan Linzhou that the family became the most prominent merchant in Ruizhou and even in all of Lingnan.

 

Mu Peixuan looked at Duan Linzhou and suddenly realized that Duan Linzhou was only twenty-eight this year, not yet at the age of thirty, but he had already been in the business for more than ten years.

 

Mu Peixuan pressed his lips together and suddenly asked, “You went back today, why did you return so early today?”

 

Duan Linzhou glanced at Mu Peixuan.

 

Mu Peixuan regretted asking as soon as the words left his mouth.

 

Duan Linzhou thought for a moment before answering, “I am a son born of a concubine, and my mother has already passed away. My relationship with my stepmother — is not particularly close.”

 

He looked at Mu Peixuan and, in a gentle tone, said, “Xiao Junwang need not worry about me returning home. Although my stepmother doesn’t treat me well, I am still Junwang Fei. Even if Your Highness is too busy with official duties to come, she will not neglect me either.”

 

Mu Peixuan: “……”

 

Mu Peixuan stiffly replied, “What’s so great about such a small matter?”

 

11

The thought turned in Mu Peixuan’s mind, and he understood that Duan Linzhou was not someone who would suffer a loss easily.

 

The old master of the Duan family had already passed, and Duan Linzhou had been in charge of the family for eight years by now. Even if the old madam was his legitimate stepmother, she wouldn’t dare show him a bad face either.

 

Not to mention, Duan Linzhou had even managed to extend his influence into their Marquis Annan Mansion, persuading both his mother and elder brother to accept him and securing this marriage with him. That level of means could only be described as extraordinary.

 

Mu Peixuan felt a twinge of frustration.

 

Duan Linzhou, however, only smiled faintly. Though he was somewhat tempted to tease, he knew well the importance of stopping at the right moment and didn’t say anything further to provoke Mu Peixuan.

 

The two of them didn’t stroll for long. The weather was pleasant, but it was still the depths of winter. Duan Linzhou’s health was poor, and after walking for a while, he began to grow short of breath, unable to suppress the persistent coughs.

 

Mu Peixuan furrowed his brows tightly, halted his steps, and instructed Fen Mo, who had been following a few steps behind, “Call for a carriage.”

 

Duan Linzhou stifled his coughing, his eyes full of mirth. With a hoarse voice, he said, “Many thanks… for Your Highness’s concern.”

 

Mu Peixuan tugged at the corner of his mouth. “No matter how much this prince shows concern, it’s no match for your own reckless tendencies. With a body this frail, you still insist on going out. It seems you’re determined to get this prince branded as someone cursed to harm his wife.”

 

Duan Linzhou wasn’t angered. Instead, he mulled over those words — cursed to harm his wife — and actually chuckled. In a gentle voice, he said, “Rest assured, Your Highness. For the sake of your good reputation, I’ll do my best to live at least a few more years.”

 

Mu Peixuan let out a cold snort.

 

The carriage was the one Duan Linzhou used when traveling, lined with thick velvet cushions. As soon as he got in, Liu Guang brought over a cup of warm water that had been kept over a small burner. Duan Linzhou personally poured a cup, then extended his hand and pushed the delicate porcelain teacup toward Mu Peixuan. “To warm up the body.”

 

Duan Linzhou said, “I added honey.”

 

Mu Peixuan’s gaze briefly shifted from his pale fingertips, his tone indifferent as he replied, “I don’t drink sweet tea.”

 

Only after the warm water slid down his throat did Duan Linzhou feel somewhat better. Leaning back against the carriage wall, he said, “Whatever tea Your Highness prefers, I’ll have Liu Guang prepare it.”

 

Mu Peixuan closed his eyes. “That won’t be necessary.”

 

The two of them remained silent along the way. The main street was even, and the carriage rolled steadily, its wheels making a soft sound as they turned. The windows were shut tight, muffling the clamor outside until it felt distant and far removed.

 

Inside the carriage, it was quiet. Mu Peixuan listened to Duan Linzhou’s faint, shallow breaths and almost thought he had fallen asleep. But when he opened his eyes, he found Duan Linzhou staring right back at him.

 

Duan Linzhou was watching him.

 

Duan Linzhou didn’t seem to expect Mu Peixuan to open his eyes. He was stunned for a moment, then instinctively looked away. The moment he averted his gaze, the atmosphere instantly turned vague and difficult to define.

 

Mu Peixuan’s mind was still lingering on that look in Duan Linzhou’s eyes — heavy, unsettling, almost enough to make one’s heart skip a beat. But that moment of awkwardness hadn’t escaped him either. Choosing not to delve deeper into its meaning, Mu Peixuan stretched his long legs in the spacious carriage, crossed his arms, and leaned lazily against the wall, drawling, “What’s Duan Boss staring at me for?”

 

Duan Linzhou’s expression didn’t change. With a soft smile, he replied, “Duan merely thinks, since we’re newlyweds, it’s only natural I take a few more glances.”

 

Mu Peixuan asked, “Do I look good?”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled and said, “Xiao Junwang is graced with the bearing of a dragon and phoenix, the most elegant figure in all of Ruizhou. And since you are my husband, naturally you are peerless in this world, how could a mere ‘good-looking’ begin to describe it?”

 

His praise was so sincere that Mu Peixuan found himself momentarily at a loss for words. With a light snort, he tossed out a curt “Frivolous,” then turned his face away.

 

Duan Linzhou couldn’t help but laugh, “How can it be considered frivolous when speaking to one’s own husband?”

 

Mu Peixuan felt a little uncomfortable with him constantly calling him “husband,” as if the two of them were genuinely a deeply affectionate couple. But they had only married for mutual benefit, he had no choice, and Duan Linzhou had his own intentions.

 

Mu Peixuan mocked, “Boss Duan seems to call out ‘husband’ quite naturally.”

 

Duan Linzhou laughed, “If Your Highness likes it, I can call it a few more times.”

 

Mu Peixuan replied, “No need, it sounds disgusting.”

 

Duan Linzhou’s expression paused for a moment, and the smile in his eyes disappeared completely. He stared at Mu Peixuan for a while, then suddenly smiled again, though his interest seemed to fade. “It was Duan’s mistake.”

 

After saying that, Duan Linzhou turned his face away and stopped speaking.

 

Mu Peixuan had interacted with Duan Linzhou several times before, and Duan Linzhou always wore a smiling expression. This was the first time he had seen him with a cold face, and for some reason, a sense of discomfort rose in his heart.

 

12

Duan Linzhou, looking weary, didn’t say another word. The atmosphere inside the carriage became stiff and tense as they made their way back to Marquis Annan Mansion.

 

Upon entering the courtyard, Duan Linzhou politely told Mu Peixuan that he was feeling unwell and would rest first. Without waiting for a response, he lifted his leg and walked away.

 

Mu Peixuan: “……”

 

Mu Peixuan kept a stern expression as he headed to the study. He remained there until dusk, with his meal brought to him by Fen Mo.

 

Looking at the darkening sky outside, Mu Peixuan noted how early it grew dark during the harsh winter. Lanterns were already lit along the corridor. From the study, he couldn’t see Duan Linzhou’s room, but he knew well enough that he had truly angered him. However, even if he had, what did it matter? They weren’t really a couple to begin with, it’s just a forced marriage. There was no need to play with any fake affection.

 

Mu Peixuan thought to himself as he took a bite of food. The taste was different from what he usually ate. He asked Fenmo, “Did we get a new cook?”

 

Fenmo replied, “Yes, it’s the cook added to our small kitchen in the courtyard. Junwang Fei arranged for it.”

 

Mu Peixuan: “……”

 

Mu Peixuan casually asked, “Has he eaten?”

 

Fenmo blinked and asked, “Which one is Your Highness asking about?”

 

Mu Peixuan glanced at Fen Mo, who grinned and said, “You’re talking about Junwang Fei, right? Not yet. When I went to get the dinner, I ran into Liu Guang, who was about to bring medicine to Junwang Fei. He said, Junwang Fei had no appetite.”

 

Mu Peixuan clicked his tongue, thinking to himself, Using medicine as a substitute for food.

 

Mu Peixuan’s mind wandered as he thought about the phrase “no appetite” — it was just a casual remark, yet it seemed to have led to him skipping his meal. His body was already frail, and he couldn’t help but let his thoughts spiral. However, he soon snapped out of it, casting a cold, half-smiling glance at Fen Mo. “I asked one question, and you gave me ten answers. What did Duan Linzhou offer you?”

 

Fen Mo protested in vain, muttering, “Your Highness, you asked, didn’t you?”

 

Mu Peixuan raised an eyebrow. “Did I?”

 

Fen Mo “……” pouted, muttering, “I was just talking too much.”

 

Mu Peixuan: “En.”

 

He then instructed, “Send some light food to him later.”

 

Fen Mo eagerly nodded but couldn’t resist adding, “Since Your Highness is so concerned about Junwang Fei, why not go see him yourself? My parents always say that couples shouldn’t hold grudges overnight. Don’t stay angry with Junwang Fei, Your Highness.”

 

Mu Peixuan, with a stiff expression, responded, “Who’s angry with Duan Linzhou?”

 

Fen Mo, a little sheepish, replied, “Well, you did make him upset this afternoon.”

 

Mu Peixuan raised an eyebrow and said, “Who exactly are you serving?”

 

Fen Mo quickly smiled and replied, “Naturally, I serve Your Highness! Fen Mo is utterly loyal to Your Highness, as clear as the sun and moon!”

 

Mu Peixuan gave a slight smile and said, “Say another thing I don’t like, and I’ll send you to Duan Linzhou.”

 

Fen Mo immediately shook his head rapidly, like a rattling gong, and muttered, “Fen Mo will follow Your Highness! I’ll keep my mouth shut!”

 

That night, the two did not sleep together.

 

Mu Peixuan was awakened in the middle of the night by faint noises coming from the courtyard. As someone trained in martial arts, he had sharp senses and was a light sleeper. He listened closely and called out, “Someone, come in.”

 

A maid on night duty pushed open the door and said, “Your Highness.”

 

Mu Peixuan frowned. “What’s going on outside?”

 

The maid replied softly, “Junwang Fei suddenly developed a fever. They’re sending someone to fetch the physician.”

 

Mu Peixuan froze for a moment, his brows knitting even tighter. “How did he suddenly develop a fever?”

 

The maid was tongue-tied, unable to answer.

 

Mu Peixuan hesitated for a moment, then said, “Go and check…” Halfway through his sentence, he stopped, got up directly, and said, “Bring me my clothes.”

 

The maid glanced at Mu Peixuan, answered with a “yes,” and helped him change his clothes. It was a bitterly cold winter night, the northern wind howling, and the lanterns under the corridor swayed violently in the gusts. By the time Mu Peixuan arrived, Duan Linzhou’s room was in chaos. The physician lifted the hem of his robe and hurriedly stepped over the threshold. Upon seeing Mu Peixuan, he instinctively wanted to bow, but Mu Peixuan waved his hand and ordered, “Check him first.”

 

Mu Peixuan lifted his foot and followed inside. Several servants were already in the room, some adding charcoal to the brazier, others holding basins of water. Liu Guang sat by the bedside, wringing a cloth and placing it on Duan Linzhou’s forehead.

 

As soon as the physician arrived, Liu Guang hurriedly made room for him. Only then did he notice the tall figure standing quietly to the side. He froze for a moment, then softly greeted, “Your Highness.”

 

Mu Peixuan looked at Duan Linzhou lying on the bed. His eyes were tightly shut, brows furrowed, and he looked to be in great discomfort. A feverish flush colored his thin, pale cheeks.

 

Mu Peixuan asked, “Why did your master suddenly develop a fever?”

 

Liu Guang lowered his eyes and said softly, “Master’s health has always been poor, especially in winter. Perhaps he caught a chill from the wind during the day…”

 

Mu Peixuan said nothing.

 

The physician checked the pulse, his expression growing somewhat grave. Turning to Mu Peixuan, he cupped his hands in a respectful salute and reported that Duan Linzhou’s frail constitution had left him vulnerable to the cold wind, resulting in a chill. As he spoke, he paused slightly, casting a sidelong glance at Liu Guang before lowering his voice and adding, “Your Highness, has Junwang Fei ever been poisoned in the past? The residual poison may not have been fully cleared and has damaged his internal organs… resulting in harm to his heart meridians.”

 

“I’m afraid—”

 

Mu Peixuan interrupted him, “Poisoned?”

 

The physician lowered his voice and said, “Indeed.”

 

Mu Peixuan’s gaze settled on Duan Linzhou’s face as he asked, “What kind of poison?”

 

The physician looked troubled and stammered, “This old man’s medical skills are limited…”

 

Mu Peixuan looked at Liu Guang, who bit his lip and quietly said, “It’s a rare poison from the Southern Regions. Young Master has consulted many physicians, but…”

 

He couldn’t continue. Mu Peixuan’s face also darkened as he asked, “He’s just a merchant. How could he be poisoned?”

 

Liu Guang remained silent.

 

Mu Peixuan pressed his fingers to his brow and waved to signal the physician to prepare the medicine.

 

After the medicine was brewed, Mu Peixuan stood by and watched as Liu Guang skillfully fed it to Duan Linzhou. During that time, Duan Linzhou stirred awake for a moment. His face and lips were flushed with fever, eyes hazy as he looked at Mu Peixuan. He stared for a long while, and for a moment, Mu Peixuan thought he was about to say something, but then Duan Linzhou closed his eyes once again.

 

Mu Peixuan’s heart sank, and an indescribable feeling of loss immediately surfaced.

 

Liu Guang said, “Your Highness, please go rest. This humble one will stay here and watch over the Young Master.”

 

Mu Peixuan responded casually, but his feet didn’t move. He continued to stare at Duan Linzhou, his gaze fixed on him.

 

Liu Guang cautiously lifted his head to glance at Mu Peixuan but said nothing further.

 

Mu Peixuan suddenly asked, “Does your master always get sick so easily?”

 

Liu Guang considered his words before replying, “He was sick last month, and Old Physician Ji treated him with silver needles. He had been fine this month, until…”

 

Until yesterday, when he went back home — Mu Peixuan’s lips tightened, then he asked, “Who is Old Physician Ji?”

 

Liu Guang replied, “He’s the head physician at the Huichun Tang. Our Young Master has always been treated by him.”

 

Mu Peixuan understood and instructed, “Have Fen Mo bring him here.”

 

13

Once Liu Guang left, the room was left with only Duan Linzhou and Mu Peixuan.

 

Duan Linzhou’s breath was weak, lying there on the bed, his body radiating the scent of illness as if he might silently vanish in the next moment. To be fair, if Duan Linzhou hadn’t been the one Mu Peixuan had married, and if it had been under different circumstances, Mu Peixuan thought that perhaps they could have become friends.

 

Mu Peixuan didn’t care much about the distinction between scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants. The fact that Duan Linzhou, who had come from a humble background as a son of a minor household, had risen to become the well-known “Boss Duan” that everyone recognized was enough for Mu Peixuan to regard him with a certain level of respect.

 

Yet, it just so happened that Duan Linzhou was the one he had married.

 

As Duan Linzhou had said, Mu Peixuan did not lose out in marrying him. Apart from Duan Linzhou’s merchant status, he was also quite moderate in his demeanor. If one were to look at it from a practical standpoint, Duan Linzhou’s immense wealth could very well be a good choice for the current Marquis Annan Mansion.

 

Decades ago, when the border officials of the northern regions rebelled, it caused the imperial court to grow wary, and Marquis Annan Mansion, which held control over the 200,000 troops stationed at the southern border, came under the emperor’s scrutiny. Eventually, the establishment of new military camps led to the gradual dispersal of the military power once held by Marquis Annan Mansion.

 

The Marquis Annan Mansion of today could no longer be called by that name.

 

Let alone the fact that the new emperor had only recently ascended the throne, and with the treacherous ministers controlling the court and the eunuchs causing chaos, the imperial court was in disarray. The regional kings had long harbored rebellious thoughts, and if unrest were to break out, Marquis Annan Mansion would likely have no strength to defend itself.

 

Mu Peixuan was no fool; he could clearly see the gains and losses in the situation. However, what he couldn’t understand was why Duan Linzhou had chosen to marry him.

 

Even if Duan Linzhou had said that he hoped the Duan family could be taken care of by him.

 

Once Duan Linzhou passed away, what would happen to the Duan family? Wouldn’t it all be left to him to handle? Duan Linzhou was a shrewd businessman; how could he dare to place everything in Mu Peixuan’s hands?

 

Mu Peixuan’s gaze lingered on Duan Linzhou, who had one hand resting outside the quilt. His skin was pale, his fingers long and slender, like jade, slightly bent as they lay on the side. Perhaps due to his prolonged illness, his nails appeared slightly bluish-white. Mu Peixuan stared at them for a moment, then slowly took a step closer and reached for that hand, intending to tuck it back into the quilt.

 

Suddenly, two damp fingers latched onto his, and Mu Peixuan’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly looked at Duan Linzhou, only to find that his eyes were still closed. With a sigh of relief, he calmed himself.

 

Mu Peixuan looked at the fingers that had grabbed his own. Duan Linzhou’s hand was slender, almost skeletal, as if only the bones remained. Unable to help himself, Mu Peixuan gently squeezed it, loosely wrapping it in his hand before softly tucking it back into the quilt.

 

By the time it was the third watch of the night, Duan Linzhou’s fever had completely subsided. Mu Peixuan had stayed up all night but felt no weariness at all. He practiced with his long spear in his courtyard for a while, working up a sweat. After a bath, he felt refreshed and full of energy.

 

The servant came to report that Duan Linzhou had woken up.

 

The maid, Qing Bi, was tidying Mu Peixuan’s hair when he heard the news. Mu Peixuan raised his brows slightly and asked, “Has the physician seen him?”

 

The servant replied, “Yes, Old Physician Ji has already seen him. He instructed Junwang Fei to take his medicine on time, avoid overexertion, and getting angry. He must rest more.”

 

Can’t getting angry.

 

Mu Peixuan rubbed the tip of his nose. Before he could say anything, he heard the servant say, “Your Highness, Junwang Fei requests your presence for breakfast.”

 

Mu Peixuan hesitated for a moment, then gently brushed aside Qing Bi’s hands and said, “I’ll go in a little while.”

 

The charcoal fire in Duan Linzhou’s room was burning strong. As soon as Mu Peixuan entered, a wave of heat hit him. He had spent quite a while in Duan Linzhou’s room the night before, and it wasn’t until he left that he realized how much sweat had gathered on him from the heat.

 

Duan Linzhou was already up, and the servants were setting up breakfast.

 

The servants in the room all greeted Mu Peixuan, and Duan Linzhou turned his gaze toward him. He had just recovered from an illness, and his brows still carried the lingering fatigue of sickness. His complexion was pale, but he still appeared relatively energetic. He gave a faint smile and said, “Your Highness.”

 

Mu Peixuan responded indifferently, “You’re still unwell. Why aren’t you lying in bed and resting instead of causing trouble?”

 

Duan Linzhou said, “I got tired of lying down.”

 

“I’ve already heard from Liu Guang. Thank you for your concern last night, Your Highness.”

 

A trace of awkwardness flickered across Mu Peixuan’s face. His expression remained impassive as he replied, “As soon as I return, Boss Duan immediately falls ill. What will people think when this gets out?”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled faintly and said, “It’s my own carelessness. I was too greedy for the warmth of this winter sun. It has nothing to do with Your Highness.”

 

Mu Peixuan remained silent, not offering any opinion.

 

The two stopped with the pleasantries. Duan Linzhou could only eat light porridge, while the food on the table was abundant, clearly catering to Mu Peixuan’s preferences. For a while, only the gentle sound of eating filled the air.

 

Mu Peixuan watched as Duan Linzhou slowly drank his porridge, the two pale, snow-like wrists extending from his wide sleeves, strikingly noticeable. His skin was thin, with clear veins and bones visible at the wrists.

 

Suddenly, Duan Linzhou asked, “Is Your Highness going to the military camp today?”

 

Mu Peixuan snapped back to his senses and replied, “Naturally.”

 

Duan Linzhou nodded but didn’t continue the conversation. He slowly set down the bowl in his hands.

 

Mu Peixuan furrowed his brow and remarked, “Even Xu Ying’s birds are eating more than you.”

 

Duan Linzhou sighed and laughed helplessly, saying, “There’s still a bowl of medicine waiting for me. I can’t eat anymore.”

 

He added, “Is Your Highness concerned about me?”

 

Mu Peixuan looked at the smile that appeared in Duan Linzhou’s eyes. He instinctively wanted to retort, but then the physician’s warning about avoid having him getting angry flashed through his mind. After a moment’s thought, he simply said, “Yes.”

 

Duan Linzhou was momentarily stunned.

 

Mu Peixuan watched Duan Linzhou’s stunned expression, feeling even more emboldened. He continued, “No matter what, Boss Duan is my Junwang Fei. Since you haven’t fully recovered from the wind chill, naturally, I should show some concern.”

 

Duan Linzhou stared directly at Mu Peixuan, and just as Mu Peixuan was about to look away, he finally saw him smile. Duan Linzhou then turned to Liu Guang and said, “Serve me half a bowl more.”

 

Mu Peixuan froze for a moment, not expecting Duan Linzhou to actually follow through. He awkwardly dropped his chopsticks and said, “I’m done, I’ll leave first.”

 

With that, he stood up and walked out. Duan Linzhou watched Mu Peixuan’s retreating figure with a smile, unable to hold back a quiet chuckle.