Xin Suiyun struggled between life and death for three whole days. During this time, Qi Yue stayed by her side day and night, watching over her. The imperial physicians took turns examining her, each time shaking their heads and sighing, implying that her injuries were too severe and that she might not survive.

"As long as there is a glimmer of hope, I will not give up." Qi Yue stubbornly changed the wet towel on Xin Suiyun's forehead and carefully fed him the herbal medicine.

Qi Huaihe and Xin Xiyao felt both heartache and helplessness seeing their daughter's persistence. What worried them even more was that some people in the court had begun to criticize Qi Yue's overly close relationship with a bodyguard.

"Yue'er, you are still an unmarried young lady. Staying with a man like this might cause gossip," Xin Xiyao advised gently.

Qi Yue looked up, her eyes bloodshot but unusually firm: "Mother, if it weren't for Sui Yun, I would have already died. Now that he is seriously injured and on the verge of death because of me, if I abandon him because of what others say, wouldn't I be ungrateful?"

Looking at her daughter's stubborn face, Xin Xiyao seemed to see a reflection of her younger self. She sighed softly and stopped trying to dissuade her.

Late on the third night, Xin Suiyun's condition deteriorated rapidly. He developed a persistent high fever and began to speak. Qi Yue held his burning hand tightly, listening to him call out "Mother" and "Yue'er" intermittently, her heart breaking.

"Imperial Physician, is there really no other way?" she asked, her eyes brimming with tears.

The imperial physician shook his head: "His injuries are too severe, and he has developed a high fever. Now we can only wait and see how his life goes."

Qi Yue refused to give up and ordered someone to bring strong liquor, then personally wiped Xin Suiyun's body to cool her down. Seeing this, Yun'er quickly stopped her, saying, "Miss, this is improper!"

"Human life is at stake, what's the point of talking about etiquette?" Qi Yue unhesitatingly unbuttoned Xin Suiyun's clothes and gently wiped his burning chest with a cloth soaked in strong liquor.

Just then, Xin Suiyun suddenly grabbed her wrist with astonishing force. Qi Yue was startled and looked up to meet his half-open eyes.

"Yue'er..." His voice was hoarse, and he seemed to have regained some of his senses.

"I'm here," Qi Yue quickly replied, squeezing his hand tightly in return. "How do you feel?"

Xin Suiyun breathed heavily, his gaze lingering on her face: "I dreamt... that you were leaving..."

“I won’t leave,” Qi Yue said firmly. “I will stay by your side until you recover.”

Xin Suiyun shook her head weakly: "No...you should stay away from me...I will only bring you danger..."

Qi Yue leaned closer to him and whispered, "When I said I was willing to accept your world that day, it wasn't just a momentary impulse. Sui Yun, I truly love you, and no matter how difficult the road ahead may be, I am willing to walk with you."

Shock and joy flashed in Xin Suiyun's eyes, then turned into deep worry: "You don't understand... my past... my hands..."

“I understand,” Qi Yue interrupted him, gently stroking his calloused hands. “I understand how much you have sacrificed to protect others, and I understand the pain you have endured. It is precisely because of you that I admire you and admire you.”

Xin Suiyun gazed at her, the frozen emotions in his eyes finally melting away completely. He laboriously raised his hand and gently stroked her cheek: "Silly girl..."

That affectionate call brought tears to Qi Yue's eyes. She leaned down and gently kissed his chapped lips. The kiss was brief and tender, yet it spoke volumes.

“Live on, Suiyun,” she whispered against his lips, “live on for me.”

Perhaps it was this kiss that brought about a miracle, for Xin Suiyun's high fever miraculously subsided that night. The next morning, after examining her pulse, the imperial physician exclaimed in amazement, "Her pulse has become much more stable; it's truly incredible!"

When the news spread, everyone in the Qi family breathed a sigh of relief. When Xin Rui came to visit, he saw his cousin's haggard face and felt both heartache and relief: "It seems that Suiyun's life is not meant to end."

Qi Yue smiled and said, "It's a blessing from heaven."

Xin Suiyun's condition gradually improved, but new problems arose one after another. Crown Prince Xiao Chengji came to visit him personally, and after expressing his gratitude to Qi Yue, he tactfully suggested: "Once Suiyun's injuries stabilize, I will arrange for him to leave the capital to recuperate."

Qi Yue's heart tightened: "Why leave the capital?"

The Crown Prince's expression was solemn: "Although Ashina Lu is dead, the threat from the Northern Di has not been eliminated. Sui Yun's identity is special, and staying in the capital might lead to unforeseen circumstances. Moreover..." He paused, "Your affair with him has already caused controversy in the court. Temporary separation is better for both of you."

Qi Yue wanted to argue, but seeing the Crown Prince's unquestionable gaze, she knew there was no turning back.

Upon learning of this arrangement, Xin Suiyun remained remarkably calm: "His Highness the Crown Prince has considered everything thoroughly, and I should comply."

"Where are you going? How long will you be gone?" Qi Yue asked anxiously.

"Heading south, but I cannot disclose the exact location. As for the timing... it depends on the situation," Xin Suiyun said, downplaying the important point.

A strong sense of reluctance welled up in Qi Yue's heart, but she understood that this was a necessary arrangement. With separation imminent, the two cherished every moment they spent together.

After Xin Suiyun was able to get out of bed, she often accompanied Qi Yue for walks in the courtyard. They rarely talked, but simply walked side by side in silence, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

Sometimes, Xin Suiyun would teach Qi Yue to identify herbs and recount his experiences on missions. Qi Yue discovered that beneath his cold exterior, he was actually knowledgeable and thoughtful.

"If I have the chance, I really want to see the water towns of Jiangnan that you described," Qi Yue exclaimed during a walk one day.

Xin Suiyun gazed at her: "When the world is at peace, I will definitely take you to see it."

This was his first promise to the future, and Qi Yue cherished it in her heart.

However, good times are always fleeting. Ten days later, the Crown Prince's arrangements were finalized, and Xin Suiyun was about to depart from the capital. On the eve of his departure, he requested to speak with Qi Yue alone.

Under the moonlight, the two stood in the courtyard where they first opened their hearts to each other. Xin Suiyun took out a jade pendant from his bosom and handed it to Qi Yue: "This is the only keepsake left by my mother. I am now entrusting it to you for safekeeping."

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