MSW Chapter28

59

Duan Linzhou remained unconscious for a long time. When he finally woke up, it was already dusk the next day.

 

He stared at the dim patterns on the bed curtains, and only after a long while did he realize that he hadn’t died. Every time the poison flared up over the past two years, Duan Linzhou would wake with a sense of bewilderment, as if reborn into the world once more, uncertain how many times he had drifted between life and death.

 

“Duan Linzhou, you’re awake.” A voice came from beside the bed. Duan Linzhou turned his head and saw Mu Peixuan. The young man stood at the bedside, a vivid joy lighting up his eyes. As Duan Linzhou looked at him, the last scene before he lost consciousness surfaced in his mind — it was the image of Mu Peixuan, eyes wide and flustered, utterly at a loss.

 

Mu Peixuan’s temperament had always been more composed and mature than his age. In all the days they had known each other, Duan Linzhou had never seen him so panicked, thinking this, a honey-like sweetness welled up in Duan Linzhou’s heart, but it was swiftly followed by an overwhelming bitterness and confusion.

 

Duan Linzhou couldn’t help but seriously reassess the decision he had made back then. Was marrying Mu Peixuan truly too selfish of him?

 

With a tender yet melancholy heart, he thought, Mu Peixuan probably liked him.

 

Had it been a few years earlier, Duan Linzhou might have been overjoyed, perhaps even boastful enough to let the whole world know. But now, all he felt was a vague, inescapable sense of regret and helplessness.

 

Duan Linzhou remained silent for a long while, which made Mu Peixuan grow a little worried. He spoke in a low voice, “Are you still feeling unwell? I can have someone bring that old man to take another look at you.”

 

As he spoke, he turned to leave, but Duan Linzhou finally opened his mouth. His voice was hoarse and faint. “…I’m fine.”

 

Duan Linzhou noticed the open worry in Mu Peixuan’s expression, the knitted brow, and returned a smile. “Isn’t it because I just woke up and saw Xiao Junwang? Naturally, my heart is full of joy—” As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted them, wishing he could take them back. Mu Peixuan, seeing his usual unserious demeanor, relaxed slightly and gave a soft snort. “You think you just had a nap?”

 

Duan Linzhou only smiled and said nothing.

 

Mu Peixuan poured a cup of warm water and sat on the edge of the bed, half-holding Duan Linzhou. “Drink this to soothe your throat.”

 

Duan Linzhou drank the water from his hand, and once the cup was empty, Mu Peixuan didn’t let go of him. He casually placed the cup aside and rubbed his chin against Duan Linzhou’s head, gently stroking his soft hair. “Duan Linzhou.”

 

Duan Linzhou felt weak and frail all over, so he had no choice but to lean against Mu Peixuan. He heard him call his name in a deep voice. Duan Linzhou tried to lift his head to look at Mu Peixuan, but Mu Peixuan wouldn’t let him. He tightened his arms around him and softly said, “Those ghost-faced people came for me.”

 

Duan Linzhou responded, “En.”

 

Mu Peixuan wasn’t sure what else to say, but seeing Duan Linzhou awake, he just wanted to talk to him.

 

He didn’t want to see Duan Linzhou lying weakly on the bed anymore.

 

Mu Peixuan said, “It’s my fault, I’ve dragged you into this.”

 

Duan Linzhou was startled for a moment, then let out a faint, half-hearted smile and said, “En, since you’ve pulled me into this, so what are we going to do about it?”

 

Mu Peixuan said, “If something like this happens again, you should leave first—”

 

He didn’t get to finish his sentence before Duan Linzhou let out a long sigh and said, “So, you find me a bother after all.”

 

“I don’t,” Mu Peixuan interrupted him, seemingly realizing his words sounded too harsh. He softened his tone and continued, “I don’t think you’re a bother.”

 

Mu Peixuan paused, then added, “I’m just afraid you’ll get hurt.”

 

Duan Linzhou’s smile faltered at those words. They were too direct and honest, like a flame, burning so intensely that Duan Linzhou didn’t know how to respond. He murmured, “…Mu Peixuan.”

 

Mu Peixuan repeated, “Duan Linzhou, those ghost-faced people couldn’t harm me, but I’m afraid you’ll get hurt.”

 

As soon as he finished speaking, Duan Linzhou began coughing heavily. His frail body shook uncontrollably, and an abnormal flush appeared on his pale cheeks. His eyes turned red from the force of the coughing. Mu Peixuan was startled, hurriedly and awkwardly patting Duan Linzhou’s back. “Duan Linzhou…”

 

Duan Linzhou weakly waved his hand, leaning against the headboard. His black, ink-hair, spilled across his back. He took a long time to steady his breath, his chest heaving with each intake of air. Duan Linzhou closed his eyes and said, “I’m a bit tired…”

 

Mu Peixuan looked at him and couldn’t help but reach out to touch his cheek. He said softly, “You rest for a bit. I’ll go ask the kitchen to prepare something for you. You haven’t eaten all day.”

 

Duan Linzhou only murmured a response, not looking at Mu Peixuan again. Mu Peixuan assumed his illness had left him weak and fatigued, so he paid no further attention, adjusting the blankets around him before leaving the room.

 

Once Mu Peixuan left, the room fell silent again. Duan Linzhou turned his head, quietly staring at the door that had closed behind him. His eyes suddenly grew hot, and he clenched his fingers tightly, taking deep breaths to suppress the tumult of emotions churning in his chest.

 

60

Duan Linzhou’s illness this time was far more severe than the cold he caught not long after their marriage. For several days, he slept more than he was awake, he was weak and listless, even speaking far less than usual, which left Mu Peixuan increasingly agitated.

 

Old Physician Jo was renowned throughout Ruizhou for his medical skills, and since Mu Peixuan needed his help, he dared not offend him. With his face constantly tense, the servants of Wen’an Courtyard all treaded carefully around him.

 

It wasn’t until the third day that Duan Linzhou was able to get out of bed.

 

The weather outside was pleasant, with warm sunlight and gentle breezes. Liu Sanjiu helped Duan Linzhou walk into the courtyard to sit for a while. The attack on Duan Linzhou and Mu Peixuan during the Lantern Festival was a major incident. To investigate any accomplices, rumors spread through the city, and the commotion was so great that it couldn’t be kept secret from Lu Chong, Liu Sanjiu, and the others. They had all come to visit Duan Linzhou. Lu Chong had visited and left, but Liu Sanjiu, whenever free, stayed at Wen’an Courtyard, helping to care for Duan Linzhou along with Liu Guang.

 

Mu Peixuan felt somewhat dissatisfied with Liu Sanjiu constantly sticking to Duan Linzhou, but since Liu Sanjiu was Duan Linzhou’s person and also a Kunze, Mu Peixuan could only suppress his feelings.

 

The past few days had been hectic for him. That evening, he hadn’t managed to wipe out all the ghost-faced people; a few survivors, barely clinging to life, had been discovered by the patrolling guards and were now under interrogation. Mu Peixuan was worried that the ghost-faced people might return, so he ordered the mansion to be under strict guard. Liu Sanjiu was highly skilled, and with him staying by Duan Linzhou’s side, Mu Peixuan also felt a little more at ease.

 

When he arrived, Mu Peixuan happened to see Liu Sanjiu holding a bowl, feeding Duan Linzhou medicine with a spoon.

 

The soft sunlight bathed Duan Linzhou, making his pale face seem fragile like fragile glass. His long eyelashes hung low as he drank the medicine one spoonful at a time, guided by Liu Sanjiu’s hand. They seemed to exchange a few words, and Duan Linzhou smiled. Liu Sanjiu smiled too. The closeness between them looked unexpectedly harmonious.

 

Mu Peixuan felt a surge of discomfort in his chest but took a deep breath and walked over.

 

Duan Linzhou, hearing the footsteps, spoke up, “Your Highness.”

 

Mu Peixuan looked at him, his expression softening slightly as he asked in a gentle tone, “How are you feeling today?”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled. “Much better.”

 

Mu Peixuan cast a glance at Liu Sanjiu, who bowed respectfully and said, “Greetings, Your Highness.”

 

Mu Peixuan stared at Liu Sanjiu for a few moments, then reached out and took the medicine bowl from his hands. “I’ll do it.”

 

Liu Sanjiu instinctively tightened his fingers around the bowl, and the two locked eyes for a brief moment, their gazes clashing. Mu Peixuan maintained his impassive expression, not breaking the silence. After a short while, Liu Sanjiu finally relaxed his grip and stepped back.

 

Mu Peixuan no longer looked at Liu Sanjiu, instead sitting beside Duan Linzhou. He scooped a spoonful of the yellow medicine and brought it to Duan Linzhou’s lips. “You should go back to your room soon. Don’t catch a cold.”

 

Duan Linzhou watched his awkward movements, a brief flicker of distraction in his expression. He reached out and took the bowl from Mu Peixuan’s hands. “I’ll drink it myself.”

 

Mu Peixuan was caught off guard by his refusal to be fed the medicine. He paused, momentarily stunned, staring at Duan Linzhou. Sensing his hesitation, Duan Linzhou gave a faint smile and said casually, “It’s just a few sips, I’ll manage.”

 

Before Duan Linzhou could finish his sentence, Mu Peixuan interrupted him. “Open your mouth.”

 

With the spoon in his hand, Mu Peixuan stared at Duan Linzhou. Duan Linzhou’s smile faltered for a moment, and the two of them held a tense silence. After a pause, Duan Linzhou opened his mouth, jokingly adding, “Our Highness is really getting better at taking care of people.”

 

Mu Peixuan casually responded, “Does Junwang Fei not like it?”

 

He called him ‘Junwang Fei’, not ‘Boss Duan’. Duan Linzhou swallowed the medicine, the bitterness clinging to his tongue, and let out a quiet sigh in his heart. Changing the topic, he asked, “Have you figured out the identities of those people?”

 

Mu Peixuan didn’t hide anything from him. Seeing Duan Linzhou drinking the medicine, his head slightly lowered, revealing a slender neck, Mu Peixuan’s thumb moved, gently rubbing the patterns on the bowl. He answered, “Those people are death warriors[mfn]”death warriors” or “assassins” who are typically loyal to a cause or person, often willing to die without hesitation.[/mfn]. Their faces were slashed, making it impossible to tell their features. However, one of them, judging by the accent, isn’t from our Daliang.”

 

Duan Linzhou said, “Are they from a foreign tribe?”

 

Mu Peixuan nodded. “There are numerous tribes along the southern border. A few years ago, the Arles tribe rose in rebellion. The Arles are the most powerful and ambitious. Four years ago, the Arles tribe launched an invasion, but their leader, Yan Zhen, was captured. He was later sent to the capital as a hostage, and his faction was relocated to Daliang, where they surrendered. The Arles tribe then chose a new leader, and since then, they’ve remained relatively quiet.”

 

Mu Peixuan said, “From what that masked man said, the master he mentioned seems to have a past grievance with me. Combined with the foreign tribesmen, these masked men might be linked to the Arles tribe.”

 

Duan Linzhou pondered for a moment and asked, “Are you suggesting that this was the work of Yan Zhen’s faction?”

 

Mu Peixuan tugged at the corner of his mouth and replied, “Over the years, Marquis Annan Mansion has consistently held the Arles tribe back from crossing Liyang Pass. If anyone bears the deepest grudge against the Mu family, it’s the Arles tribe.”

 

“The new leader, Qi Mu, is weak and indecisive. In these past four years, there have been signs of internal dissent within the tribe, and his position as leader is unstable. He is unlikely to have the strength to provoke our Daliang. The former Wang clan may have stayed in Liangdu as hostages, but based on my understanding of them, they won’t easily accept being silent. My father once told me that the Hu people in the northern border are like wolves, while the Arles tribe is like a poisonous snake coiled in the southern border mountains. Greed and cruelty run in their veins, it’s part of their nature. As long as they’re alive, they’ll always strike when given the chance.”

 

Duan Linzhou frowned slightly and asked, “Then why weren’t they executed back then?”

 

Mu Peixuan glanced at him, a shadow crossing his brow, and replied in a low voice, “Back then, my eldest brother submitted a memorial, but His Majesty and the court scholars disagreed. They said the tribe had already yielded and that the Daliang should demonstrate the grace of a mighty nation, using benevolence and virtue to civilize the barbarian clans.”

 

Duan Linzhou let out a sigh, then asked, “They’ve held back for years, could all of this have been just to plan one assassination attempt?”

 

Mu Peixuan wasn’t surprised by Duan Linzhou’s perceptiveness and replied slowly, “I suspect that the so-called rebel army in Fengzhou is being incited by them.”

 

Duan Linzhou’s eyes widened. Mu Peixuan rubbed his brow and said, “I’ve already sent a letter to my elder brother. If the Arles tribe is truly behind these rebels, I’m afraid this won’t end peacefully.”

 

“These masked men are extremely tight-lipped, and they’re injured too, we haven’t been able to get much useful information from them so far.”

 

Duan Linzhou seemed thoughtful for a moment, then suddenly smiled. “If we can’t use torture, there are other ways. However—” He paused and looked at Mu Peixuan. Mu Peixuan, sensing something, met the sly glint in his eyes, and his own expression softened as he said, “Does Boss Duan have a clever plan?”

 

Duan Linzhou gave a short laugh and replied, “I wouldn’t say it’s clever, just that I happen to know a few friends who are well-versed in some… unconventional techniques from the martial world.”

 

Mu Peixuan said, “Then I’ll have to trouble Boss Duan.”

 

Duan Linzhou asked, “No matter life or death?”

 

“Life or death doesn’t matter.” Mu Peixuan replied without hesitation.

 

Duan Linzhou smiled faintly and turned to Liu Sanjiu. “Sanjiu, I’ll have to trouble you to make the trip.”

 

Mu Peixuan looked at Liu Sanjiu with some surprise. Liu Sanjiu straightened his spine and glanced at Mu Peixuan with a hint of defiance, then said to Duan Linzhou, “Yes, don’t worry, Boss.”

 

After a brief discussion among the group, Liu Sanjiu took his leave. A hint of weariness showed on Duan Linzhou’s face. Mu Peixuan stepped forward, intending to carry him back to his room, but Duan Linzhou subtly brushed his hand away.

 

Mu Peixuan froze for a moment. He couldn’t explain why, but ever since Duan Linzhou had awakened, it felt as though something had come between them. Duan Linzhou was clearly joking with Mu Peixuan as he always did, yet Mu Peixuan couldn’t shake the feeling of distance between them, leaving him confused and empty.

 

“Duan Linzhou,” Mu Peixuan called out, eyes fixed on Duan Linzhou’s back.

 

Duan Linzhou paused. “Hm?”

 

He turned around, looked at Mu Peixuan, and smiled. “What is it?”

 

Mu Peixuan opened his mouth to speak, but the words faltered. He didn’t know where to begin or even what to say. After a long pause, he finally asked, “…Are you mad at me?”

 

Duan Linzhou let out a soft laugh. “What would I be mad at you for?”

 

Mu Peixuan stared at him intently, silent.

 

Duan Linzhou’s expression shifted as if a thought had just struck him. “Don’t tell me that… Your Highness has done something unspeakable behind my back?” He drew in a sharp breath. “Does Your Highness have someone else?”

 

Mu Peixuan responded stiffly, “No.”

 

Duan Linzhou smiled and said, “Then tell me, why would I be upset with Your Highness for no reason?”

 

Mu Peixuan remained silent for a moment before speaking again, “Duan Linzhou, we are husband and wife. If something is wrong, don’t hide it from me.”

 

Duan Linzhou paused briefly, locking eyes with the youth’s dark, piercing gaze. Though his fingers curled tightly within his sleeves, his expression stayed composed as he smiled and said, “What could I possibly be hiding from Your Highness?”

 

Mu Peixuan remained silent, stepping forward and wrapping his arms around Duan Linzhou. Duan Linzhou stiffened, while Mu Peixuan rested his forehead against his, planting soft kisses on his brow and nose. One hand cradled his neck, gently massaging the skin at the nape. His voice was slightly hoarse as he said, “Duan Linzhou, I like you.”

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T/N: I scheduled the date wrong yesterday🌚so there are two chapters today.