In that overcast military camp, the passage of time seemed to be bound by invisible shackles, each moment heavy and suffocating.
Xu Yuehuai's condition continued to worsen, and she could not be fed anything. Qi Guze could only try his best to feed her, but she would vomit after eating and then fall asleep, spending almost every day in sleep.
Qi Guze, the prince who once roamed four kingdoms and was renowned throughout the world, could only helplessly stay by her bedside at this moment.
"Ah Yue, open your eyes and look at me..." With an unyielding insistence, Qi Guze gently cupped Xu Yuehuai's pale face, his fingers trembling slightly, as if afraid that the slightest force would shatter this fragile life.
Xu Yuehuai's eyes were tightly closed, her eyelashes trembled slightly, but she was unable to open them. Only her occasional faint breaths proved that she was still fighting against death.
The Ghost Doctor stood to the side, his eyes filled with helplessness and pity. "Your Highness, I have done everything I can. I have tried all the methods in the ancient books, but the Princess Consort..."
Before he could finish speaking, Qi Guze interrupted him.
"Enough!" Qi Guze whirled around and glared at the Ghost Doctor. "If she's really gone, what's the point of my life? This world, this power, are nothing but an empty dream to me. If you still want to preserve peace in this world, find me a way to save her!"
The Ghost Doctor shuddered, knowing that Qi Guze's determination was unwavering. He could only bow deeply and say, "I will do my utmost to explore the ancient books again and find a glimmer of hope." After saying that, he turned and left in a hurry.
Inside the room, only Qi Guze and Xu Yuehuai remained.
Qi Guze slowly sat down, placed Xu Yuehuai's hand on his chest, feeling the faint but real beating, and his heart was filled with endless tenderness and reluctance.
“Ah Yue, do you know? I’ve fantasized countless times about leaving everything in this world behind with you, finding a secluded paradise, working at sunrise and resting at sunset, only wishing to spend the rest of my life with you and the children. But you have great love in your heart, and deep affection for all living beings. How could I selfishly take you away?”
At this point, Qi Guze's eyes reddened slightly. He gently kissed Xu Yuehuai's forehead, as if saying a final farewell. Then, without hesitation, he picked up the dagger beside him and slashed his wrist hard. Blood gushed out instantly and dripped onto Xu Yuehuai's chapped lips.
Miraculously, Xu Yuehuai slightly opened his mouth and gently licked the warm blood, a barely perceptible glint in his eyes.
"It seems you still can't bear to part with me." Qi Guze smiled bitterly, then slit his wrist again, letting more blood flow into Xu Yuehuai's mouth.
He carefully wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth, his movements gentle and devout, as if performing a sacred ritual.
As time went by, Qi Guze's face grew paler and paler. He held Xu Yuehuai tightly in his arms, the two of them clinging to each other, as if the whole world had stood still.
Just then, Xu Yuehuai's eyelids trembled slightly and she slowly opened them. Her once vibrant eyes, though weak, now shone with a longing for life.
"Aze..." Her voice was as soft as a whisper, yet it was enough to stir ripples in Qi Guze's heart.
He excitedly grasped her hand. "Ah Yue, you're awake! How are you feeling?"
"I...I'm fine. Aze, you must be tired." With all her might, she kissed his lips back, then fell asleep again.
Looking at her sleeping face, Qi Guze secretly vowed that he would protect Xu Yuehuai from now on.
In the dim candlelight, the air in the pharmacy was filled with the distinctive bitterness of herbs and the soft rustling of pages turning.
The Ghost Doctor was immersed in a sea of ancient books, seemingly cut off from the world.
Every page of "The Secret Canon of Medicine" records the ancients' profound understanding and relentless pursuit of life; "The Record of Heavenly Secrets" is even more mysterious, revealing the subtle connections between heaven and earth and all things between the lines.
His fingertips glide lightly over each word, as if exploring the mysteries of life. His awe of the unknown and his yearning for healing are particularly vivid in the dim light and shadow.
“It’s been three days, and the princess…” Wang Mang broke the silence.
The Ghost Doctor didn't look up, but sighed softly, "I know, but we can't give up. Every ancient book might hold a clue to save our lives."
A short while later, Wang Mang rushed in, panting, "I just met a strange old man outside the camp. He said he can save the princess!"
Upon hearing this, the Ghost Doctor's book slipped from his hand. He looked up at Wang Mang, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by caution.
Qi Guze suddenly stood up, the medicine bowl in his hand shattering from the force, shards scattered all over the ground, blood dripping from his fingertips onto the cold ground, adding to the desolate scene.
"At a time like this, someone still uses this excuse to try to get close to the military camp! But... if such a person really exists, I'm willing to give it a try."
The Ghost Doctor pondered for a moment and said, "Wang Mang, go and invite that old gentleman in."
Before long, Wang Mang led an old Taoist priest with white hair and beard to the pharmacy. He was dressed in rags, but his eyes were unusually clear, as if he could see into people's hearts.
Upon seeing this, the Ghost Doctor's expression changed drastically. He quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and bowed.
"Uncle-Master! So it was you! Heaven truly never forbids us from leaving a way out!"
The old Taoist smiled slightly, took out a bottle of pills from his pocket, and handed it to the ghost doctor.
"I have a medicinal pill here that might save her life, but I don't know what the side effects will be. Whether you use it or not is entirely up to you."
After saying this, he put down the pills, turned around and left, leaving everyone with a meaningful silhouette.
"Respectfully seeing off my martial uncle!"
The Ghost Doctor took the medicine bottle, his hands trembling slightly. He looked up at Qi Guze and said, "Your Highness, this is also an opportunity, and we cannot miss it."
Qi Guze remained silent for a moment, then took the medicine bottle, carefully opened it, and brought the pill to Xu Yuehuai's lips.
Her face was pale and her breathing weak, as if she might disappear into the endless darkness at any moment.
Qi Guze took a sip of water and gently fed it to Xu Yuehuai, helping her swallow the pill that carried hope.
Time seemed to freeze at that moment, and only the heavy breathing of the three people could be heard in the pharmacy.
Qi Guze, the Ghost Doctor, and Wang Mang all stared intently at Xu Yuehuai, hoping for a miracle.
However, as time went by, Xu Yuehuai did not react at all, remaining lying there quietly, like a sleeping princess, waiting for an unknown awakening.
"Could it be... this pill..." The Ghost Doctor's voice carried a hint of uncertainty, but more so disappointment and resentment.
Qi Guze clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms, drawing blood, but he was completely unaware of it.
Wang Mang looked anxious, but dared not utter a sound to disturb the heavy wait.
In that ancient pharmacy filled with the aroma of herbs, time seemed to stand still until Xu Yuehuai's subtle yet tenacious signs of life broke the silence.
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