amaotonovel Chapter 431
Chapter 431
Chapter 431
Night fell like a thick, black silk, silently spreading across the world. Ye Jiuchen sat in the ornately decorated room, the candlelight flickering, its dim light gently illuminating him and Dongfang Wan'er. Dongfang Wan'er wore only a thin bodice, her delicate, snow-white skin faintly visible in the dim light. Ye Jiuchen's eyes initially burned with a fierce desire, but in an instant, that raging fire gradually subsided, replaced by endless tenderness, like a deep, still lake, brimming with affection and gentleness.
"Wan'er, I was presumptuous." Ye Jiuchen's voice was low and tinged with guilt. He gently took off his outer robe, which was embroidered with exquisite patterns and made of the finest silk, and draped it over Dongfang Wan'er's body. The robe, warmed by his body heat, instantly enveloped Dongfang Wan'er.
Dongfang Wan'er raised her head, her eyes filled with a hint of reproach. Her appearance was like a peach blossom in early spring, delicate and charming. "You, you'd better restrain yourself next time." Her voice was soft and sweet, a mixture of reproach and complaint, echoing gently in the quiet night.
Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside, which had been quiet. Upon hearing this, Ye Jiuchen frowned, his sword-like eyebrows furrowing slightly, revealing both his heroic spirit and confusion. He instinctively pulled Dongfang Wan'er behind him to shield her, then strode towards the door, preparing to go out and check what was happening.
When he stepped out of the room, he found it was just a servant from the Prince's mansion, looking flustered and covered in fine beads of sweat, frantically trying to clean up the overturned medicine stove. Various medicinal herbs were scattered all around the stove, creating a chaotic scene. Seeing this, Ye Jiuchen suddenly remembered Dongfang Wan'er's medical expertise, so he quickly returned to his room, took Dongfang Wan'er's hand, and together they headed towards the scene of the incident.
Arriving at the scene, Dongfang Wan'er crouched down, her movements elegant and practiced, carefully examining the medicinal herbs on the ground. Her fair fingers gently stirred the herbs, and after a moment, she raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. She discovered that several of the herbs, mixed together, produced a peculiar fragrance, a scent that lingered in the air and smelled somewhat unusual. After a while, Dongfang Wan'er suddenly realized that part of the uncontrollable impulse she had felt with Ye Jiuchen earlier was due to these medicinal herbs.
After hearing Dongfang Wan'er's explanation, Ye Jiuchen's expression hardened. He immediately ordered his servants to properly dispose of the medicinal herbs, ensuring they wouldn't cause any further trouble. Then, he turned to Dongfang Wan'er, his gaze gentle, and said softly, "It seems today's events weren't entirely my fault. But Wan'er, no matter what, I will respect you." Dongfang Wan'er's lips curved into a slight smile, and she nodded gently. At that moment, the atmosphere between them became warm and harmonious, as if time itself had stood still.
However, this warmth didn't last long. Just then, the Prince's steward rushed over, looking flustered. He reached Ye Jiuchen, panting and his face full of anxiety. "Your Highness, something terrible has happened! The Old Madam has suddenly fainted!" Upon hearing this, Ye Jiuchen's expression changed instantly, his usually composed face now showing worry and tension. Without thinking, he hurriedly took Dongfang Wan'er and headed towards the Old Madam's residence.
Upon arriving at the old lady's room, Dongfang Wan'er immediately went to the bedside and carefully examined her. Her expression was focused, her brows furrowed, and the room was so quiet that only her breathing could be heard. After a moment, Dongfang Wan'er straightened up and slowly said, "The old lady's old illness has relapsed, but fortunately she was brought here in time. However, she is still missing a precious medicinal herb, which grows on cliffs and is extremely difficult to find."
Upon hearing this, Ye Jiuchen replied without hesitation, "I will send people to search for him immediately." His voice was firm and powerful, exuding an unquestionable authority.
Dongfang Wan'er stopped him, saying firmly, "I know the exact location of these medicinal herbs. I will go and retrieve them myself and bring them back as soon as possible to treat the old lady." Ye Jiuchen was filled with worry. He knew the dangers of the cliff, but he also knew Dongfang Wan'er's abilities. After hesitating for a moment, he could only instruct the guards to ensure Dongfang Wan'er's safety.
Escorted by numerous guards, Dongfang Wan'er reached the cliff. The cliff was towering and steep, shrouded in mist, seemingly a mysterious place leading to the clouds. Dongfang Wan'er struggled, using both hands and feet to painstakingly climb the precipitous cliff face. Finally, she harvested the precious medicinal herb. But on her return journey, she was suddenly ambushed. It turned out to be the work of others who coveted Ye Jiuchen's power; they hid in the shadows, intending to deliver a fatal blow to Ye Jiuchen.
Dongfang Wan'er was startled, as if struck by lightning, but after a moment of panic, her eyes quickly regained their composure. She stood tall and calm, her gaze sweeping around with piercing intensity. She saw that the guards around her had already drawn their swords, the blades gleaming coldly in the dim light. Their teeth were clenched, they were ready for battle, each prepared to fight to the death.
However, the situation was far from optimistic. The enemy surged in like a tidal wave, numerous and densely packed, seemingly endless. Although the guards were all brave and fearless, fighting with all their might, each swing of their swords carrying a do-or-die spirit, they were no match for the overwhelming numerical superiority of the enemy. As time passed, the guards gradually fell into a disadvantageous position, and wounds of varying severity began to appear on their bodies, their clothes stained red with blood, dripping onto the cold ground.
Dongfang Wan'er was extremely anxious, but she knew she had to remain calm. She discreetly and quietly hid the precious medicinal herb in her bosom, her movements gentle yet resolute. She thought to herself, "This herb concerns the old lady's life; it must not be harmed in the slightest."
At this moment, the leader of the enemy strode forward, a smug smile on his face. His laughter was unrestrained and arrogant, as if victory was already in his grasp. "Dongfang Wan'er, you will not escape today." His voice was sharp and piercing, echoing in the empty valley.
Dongfang Wan'er glared angrily, her eyes burning with fury, her gaze seemingly capable of scorching her enemies. She said coldly, "You are so despicable, you will not succeed." Her voice was clear yet firm, without the slightest tremor. Despite being in a dangerous situation, she still exuded an awe-inspiring aura.
At this critical and perilous moment, a rapid clatter of hooves suddenly came from afar, growing clearer and clearer as it approached. It turned out that Ye Jiuchen was deeply worried about Dongfang Wan'er's safety. Since her departure, he had been restless and uneasy. Finally, he could no longer suppress his anxiety and personally led reinforcements, riding at breakneck speed to her destination.