She felt like she had slept for a long time. The blankets were fragrant and soft, and the bed was very comfortable. Zheng Yong had finally finished his business and was willing to take her out of the prison cell.
The headache had lessened considerably, but he was still hungry and felt weak and powerless in his limbs. Satisfied, Nan Yi poked his head out from under the covers and sat up halfway.
Judging from the room's layout, it appears to be an inn.
She smelled the aroma of burning charcoal, and her gaze swept around the room, noticing two stoves inside.
Before she could get out of bed, the door creaked open.
Zheng Yong walked in and said with a smile, "You're awake. How are you feeling?"
Nan Yi glanced at him and said, "You're in a good mood, you found some money." He had a big smile on his face early in the morning.
People are just incomparable.
Both women emerged from the dungeon, but while she was sick the entire time and drank bitter medicine for several days, the other woman didn't lose a single hair and remained as handsome as ever.
Zheng Yong shook his head and chuckled, his expression suddenly becoming inscrutable. He said, "Thanks to you, I didn't find any money, but I've gained quite a bit."
Nan Yi leaned against the bedpost, her eyes filled with jealousy. "You've made a profit, while I... Hmph, it's all tears now. I'm hungry, order me something to eat."
I've been drinking medicine for the past few days, and my mouth always tastes bitter.
She couldn't help but sigh. She had gotten used to the good life and her body had become weak. She was prone to getting sick. She still wanted to have a good time outside. How could she possibly do that?
"Brother Yong..."
"Nan Yi, I'm leaving." Zheng Yong suddenly spoke, his expression serious. "Take good care of yourself."
"Ah, you're going back to Beijing. Good, take care too." Nan Yi knew that Zheng Yong was one of Lao Kang's men and a very busy man.
He was able to help her get rid of Yuan Qingyi, which took eight or nine days, and that was already the limit.
Parting is inevitable, and Nan Yi didn't forget to give a final instruction: "Zheng Yong, don't forget what you promised me. Don't mention me when you return to the capital, and it would be best if the Emperor asked about it. After all, we fought together and studied together."
She silently repeated to herself, "Even iron bars are still windows."
Zheng Yong's lips twitched slightly. If he were to say that he had sold her out of desperation a few days ago, would she want to bite him to death? Oh well, let Fourth Master worry about this.
Anyway, he had to go back to Beijing, and he didn't know when they would meet again. Surely he wouldn't have a third chance to catch her running away.
The Fourth Prince treated her well, not only bringing the imperial physician but also asking her three times in detail about how they met.
There was no questioning; in the Fourth Prince's eyes, there was only worry. For a concubine to receive such treatment, it seemed she was quite favored by the Fourth Prince.
Compared to freedom, someone who can keep Nan Yi in their heart is rare and precious, and he does not regret his decision.
"Take care of yourself."
Zheng Yong stared at her intently for a moment, a flicker of something passing through his eyes. He opened his mouth, then suddenly, as if making a decision, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, opened the door, and left.
Nan Yi was quite easygoing; without saying much, he returned the greeting with clasped hands and watched him leave.
The door opened and closed again. Nan Yi, slightly lost in thought, wondered if Zheng Yong had something to say to her.
What is he hesitating about?
He even left mysteriously, making Nan Yi wonder what he was thinking. Nan Yi thought to himself, whatever he wanted to say, the fact that Zheng Yong hesitated meant it must be related to the capital.
It certainly wasn't something she wanted to hear.
Since we've decided to leave and not go back, we shouldn't stay here any longer. What if Zheng Yong regrets it and mentions her to Lao Kang?
The cold had subsided, and although she was still weak after the illness, traveling was not a problem. She got out of bed and put on her clothes.
All his belongings had been stolen, leaving him with no luggage. Nan Yi tidied himself up a bit, intending to leave the inn and find another place to stay.
But before that, she needed to get some food to fill her stomach and pack some more to eat on the way.
Having nearly completed her plan, Nan Yi walked to her room and heard footsteps outside. Thinking it was the innkeeper bringing her food, she happily opened the door. However, her bright eyes met Yinzhen's indifferent gaze, and her smile froze. She slammed the door shut.
Yinzhen, standing outside the door, stared intently at the two tightly closed doors, considering whether he should kick them open to get rid of the eyesore.
Nan Yi, inside the gate, felt his heart pounding. Was he seeing things? How could Fourth Master be here?
His father is incredibly busy, and he's a very busy man himself. Why would he personally come to hunt down someone who's escaped? Don't be ridiculous, she's not that important.
Yes, she must be seeing things, or perhaps they are two people who look quite similar.
Nan Yi took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and suddenly opened the door. Yinzhen stood in front of the door like a statue, his eyes deep and his brows showing deep displeasure.
Seeing her open the door, his sharp, narrow eyes fell intently on her face, observing, scrutinizing, and probing.
Nan Yi inwardly cried out, confirming that he wasn't seeing things; it really was him. His escape hadn't even begun before it failed, and he'd been caught red-handed before he even got started.
Zheng Yong—well, no, Zheng Yong's hesitant look as he left... Damn it, that bastard! And she trusted him so much.
Nan Yi was furious.
Choosing friends carelessly!
She pressed her throbbing temples, dragged her heavy steps and turned around. As expected of a servant of the Aisin Gioro family, in terms of loyalty, Zheng Yong was second to none.
A despicable person who doesn't keep their word.
Nan didn't even glance at Yinzhen, who had suddenly appeared before her.
That slap was so hard that even now, when she thinks about it, her face goes numb and she hears a throbbing in her ears for days.
What good is a man who hits a woman?
I never had any hope for him. The first time, I felt a little sad and disappointed, but the second time, all that remained was calm.
He was a high and mighty prince, and she, living under his eaves, accepted being slapped a few times. Who told her to wear the wrong clothes and take over the body of his concubine?
You deserve it.
Yinzhen watched her walk into the house and silently followed her in. He was about to speak to break the silence, but Tong Shi's face, which could express anger or resentment, was now only indifferent, and even her hair seemed to convey rejection.
Her expression told him that she didn't want to talk to him.
He wanted to reprimand her for running away, but seeing her like this, he couldn't bring himself to say it.
Her words from last night were still ringing in his ears: she would rather die than go back. When he heard these words, his heart trembled.
He knew her too well; she was tactless, impervious to both soft and hard approaches, and if pushed too far, she could turn the world upside down.
What should he do with this Tong woman? Yet, he finds himself so infatuated with her.
Nan Yi went back to bed, pulled the blanket over herself, and pretended that no one was in the house.
Yinzhen stood in the room. He had tried to coax his concubine before, but now he felt inexplicably embarrassed and couldn't bring himself to say it.
Until the waiter came knocking on the door with medicine and food.
Yinzhen took the tray and carried it into the room, his eyes darting back and forth between the bed and the food; the medicine was getting cold.
He finally moved and sat down on the edge of the bed, softly saying, "Get up and take your medicine."
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