Chapter 85: Lin Wanwan’s Condition Worsens

“My lord, truly, it’s impossible. You see, I’ve been swamped with matters lately. You know, the Empress Dowager’s issue is just about settled. The Empress has also fallen ill for no apparent reason, and some unruly elements in the palace have been dealt with. But… it all seemed too easy. I feel I should investigate further to see if there’s something suspicious going on.” Zhuo Yue’an anxiously exaggerated his recent busyness, worried that peaceful days might come to an end starting tomorrow.

“Is it appropriate for you to speak of these things here?” Xiao Jingxuan frowned. Though the house was relatively secure, caution was still necessary. If he could plant secret guards in various places, so could others—especially the Emperor.

Zhuo Yue’an froze for a moment, understanding Xiao Jingxuan’s warning. He had been thoroughly intimidated by being forced to act as Yunbai’s tutor.

“Don’t refuse. The greater your ability, the greater your responsibility. This task is yours—nothing is more important than shaping the child’s future. He must learn to protect himself. So begin tomorrow.” The sooner Yunbai acquired the ability to defend himself, the sooner Xiao Jingxuan would be at ease. It would also keep the boy occupied—otherwise, who knew whom he might poison next, just because someone displeased him.

Yunbai needed to protect himself? Not harming others would already be a blessing. Yet, in the eyes of parents, their own children were forever gentle and kind—willfully blind to all else. What could Zhuo Yue’an possibly do about it?

“My lady, my lady! Wanwan has returned—please, I beg you, help me!” As Xiao Jingxuan and Zhuo Yue’an whispered at the entrance to Luo Jing Pavilion, Lin Wanwan hurried in from the outer court.

Xiao Jingxuan’s heart skipped a beat. When had Lin Wanwan arrived, and how much had she overheard? A glint of deadly intent flickered in his eyes.

“What’s the rush? Jingluo is already asleep,” he said, positioning himself in front of the door to block her way.

“My face—within an hour it’s gotten worse! Cousin, please, wake the lady for me!” Lin Wanwan was truly desperate. The boils on her face were swelling ever larger. Some had ruptured, oozing yellow pus with a faintly putrid stench.

“No. Jingluo drank heavily last night, and today she had to receive many official wives. She’s utterly exhausted. Wait until tomorrow.” Xiao Jingxuan was genuinely worried for Su Jingluo—and she really was asleep. If he woke her now, who knew what barbed words she might hurl at him? In truth, he was somewhat afraid.

“Cousin, I beg you, have mercy—must you treat me like everyone else? If the lady is truly asleep, why are you still standing outside her door?” Lin Wanwan could not understand why Xiao Jingxuan cared so much for Su Jingluo, a woman as shrewish and coarse as a fishwife. The recent changes had eroded her former gentle demeanor.

Xiao Jingxuan frowned. No wonder Su Jingluo disliked Lin Wanwan—she always seemed to feign innocence and her words were seldom pleasant. If Su Jingluo hadn’t invited him in, he wouldn’t have shamelessly entered either; the fact that he was still standing outside was ludicrous!

“Must I answer to anyone for keeping vigil outside my own wife’s door?” Xiao Jingxuan regretted his words as soon as they left his mouth, but he stubbornly turned his head. The shared woes of their childhood now seemed a lifetime away. The Lin Wanwan before him was nothing like the pitiable child of old—every gesture now reeked of performance.

Besides, he knew the Empress had likely schemed for Lin Wanwan’s return to the capital. Xiao Jingxuan detested being manipulated or plotted against. That was why his approach to Lin Wanwan had changed so drastically; every interaction was now laced with caution.

Lin Wanwan stared in despair at the tightly shut doors of Su Jingluo’s inner quarters. Su Jingluo’s evasions and Xiao Jingxuan’s cold indifference filled her with dread. The pain on her face and the urgency in her heart made her vision swim with blackness.