Shadow of the Moon in Frost

"Qinghen, I wish to take a stroll." 

In the sleeping quarters of Feng Kingdom's Xinyang Palace, an eerie stillness prevailed, echoing an unsettling quietness. 

The winter sun streamed through the tightly shut window panes, casting cheerful shadows on the floor that flickered in the light, infusing warmth into the space and awakening a sense of vitality in one who had not ventured outside for an extended time—a beauty that was indescribable. 

Yun Qinghen nodded in agreement, assisting him in donning his garments and a heavy outer coat. Feng Jiulan, sensitive to the cold, found winter harsher than for others; he had to endure not only the biting chill and cutting winds but also the agonizing toll of his ailments. The memory of Feng Jiulan spitting blood incessantly on New Year's Eve filled Yun Qinghen with dread. 

As Feng Jiulan rose from the bed, he stood unsteadily; having been confined to bed for so long, his legs felt weak upon touching the ground, and he nearly stumbled. Fortunately, Yun Qinghen was there to support him in time. 

"Your Highness, allow me to assist you outside for a brief walk." 

Yun Qinghen steadied Feng Jiulan, who leaned his entire weight against him, yet he felt surprisingly light, his frail body composed of little more than bones, pressing against Yun Qinghen's frame in a way that tugged at his heartstrings, though he concealed his emotions from view. 

No matter how mournful he felt, he knew it wouldn't alleviate the prince's condition; it would only deepen his own sorrow. 

Feng Jiulan chuckled softly and shook his head. "Guide me to the window." 

Despite the stringent guards surrounding Xinyang Palace, he could not guarantee the absence of others at that moment. Should anyone witness his frail state and spread the news, it would undoubtedly draw the attention of court officials, and despite his efforts to keep it hidden, it would surely reach Yue'er. 

Yun Qinghen escorted Feng Jiulan to the window, opened the shutters, and took a few steps back to respectfully stand behind him. 

The sunlight, mingling with the crisp winter breeze, brushed against them, brimming with life and dispersing the gloom that had lingered from days spent bedridden. The pungent scent of herbs in the room also faded significantly; the cool air was unexpectedly refreshing. Feng Jiulan wrapped his cloak tighter around him but could not suppress a shiver, yet his mood lifted considerably. 

"Your Highness." 

Yun Qinghen expressed his concern; the prince could not afford to catch a chill. 

"It's nothing," Feng Jiulan replied softly, his feeble voice tinged with a hint of joy. 

Yun Qinghen refrained from further comments. Remaining confined within such a small room daily could stifle even the healthiest individual; thus, it was undoubtedly beneficial for the prince to bask in the sunlight and feel the wind on his skin. 

He dutifully stood behind Feng Jiulan, golden winter sunlight bathing him in warmth, illuminating his pallid face with a gentle glow that made him seem almost translucent. The once-fitting garments now appeared considerably oversized on his emaciated form, as if a mere gust could carry him away. Contemplating this, Yun Qinghen felt a pang of sorrow, realizing how heartbroken the princess would be to witness the prince in such a state. 

"Qinghen," Feng Jiulan called softly, pointing towards the small courtyard outside the window. "Let's relocate some pear trees to Xinyang Palace." 

Yun Qinghen blinked in surprise but quickly nodded in response. 

Feng Jiulan's fragile health made him more sensitive and melancholic than the average man; each autumn, the sight of lush branches shedding leaves reminded him of his own suffering body, which could easily wither away like those falling leaves, evoking countless reflections. Thus, Xinyang Palace held no trees, and even less so flowers, which were shorter-lived than trees, creating a particularly desolate atmosphere during this season. 

"Choose a robust one and plant it at the entrance to Yue'er's chamber." 

Feng Jiulan sighed contentedly. "Yue'er cherishes pear blossoms the most." 

Yun Qinghen was not surprised by this response; the prince had always been this way. Who, besides the princess, could occupy such a significant place in his heart? 

"Your Highness, please allow the princess to return." 

For the princess, he had endured all manner of suffering to persevere until now; he yearned to see her more than ever—why not let her return? 

"This matter must remain hidden from Yue'er." 

Feng Jiulan turned his gaze to Yun Qinghen, his resolve unwavering. 

He understood Yue'er's nature well; her feelings for him matched his own intensity. She had put herself in danger on numerous occasions for his sake, something he deeply wished to avoid. Without Yue'er, his existence would be as barren as the winter of Xinyang Palace, devoid of life. How could she bear to see him in such a state? He did not want her to act foolishly for his sake. 

He genuinely wished to see her again, but as long as it was possible to conceal the truth, he would keep her in the dark. She had already borne too much for him; the burdens of Feng Kingdom were heavy enough. As an elder brother, this was the final thing he could do for her: ensure her happiness, and what more could he desire? 

"Your Highness, if the princess learns of this in the future, she will undoubtedly regret it." 

She would regret not being there for him during this critical time, lamenting her inability to care for him properly. Given the princess's feelings for him, such realizations could become an unhealable wound within her heart. Even with the prince consort by her side, she would still remain unfulfilled. 

"At that time, everything will be well again." 

Feng Jiulan turned away, his gaze drifting back to the window, tilting his head slightly. The azure sky above him glimmered with clarity; the bright light was somewhat blinding, yet he smiled serenely, devoid of fear, as if everything would genuinely transform for the better. 

"Your Highness, the princess sent a thousand-year-old ginseng." 

Feng Jiulan was unaware that Xuan Yue had taken the initiative to lead the expedition on behalf of both Feng and Lan Kingdoms. Yun Qinghen, fearing for the prince's health, hesitated to reveal this information. According to Jun Pinyu, the princess should already be aware of the entire situation and had chosen to act for the prince's sake. Knowing this would only amplify his worries. 

"Mm." 

Feng Jiulan replied, facing the sunlight, a joyful smile gracing his lips. Just knowing that Yue'er cared for him was more than enough. 

Yun Qinghen gazed at Feng Jiulan's silhouette, momentarily lost in thought. After a brief hesitation, he finally voiced his concern: "Your Highness, would you like to have Miss Bai come back to care for you?" 

Feng Jiulan retracted his gaze from the sky and sighed lightly. "She must not learn of this matter." 

Being close to Yue'er, she would find it impossible to remain calm about his condition. Yue'er was astute and would surely sense something amiss. Should she grow suspicious, the situation would unravel. He had previously wished to avoid involving Ping Ting; now, he was even more reluctant to burden her. 

"Qinghen, if that day ever comes, ensure Yue'er does not witness my condition."

If possible, he wished to keep her in the dark for a lifetime, allowing her to remain blissfully unaware of his existence, just as it had been for the past ten years. At least, they would both harbor thoughts of one another, continuing to live resiliently. 

Yun Qinghen remained silent, a profound ache swelling in his heart, as if something were lodged within it; though warm sunlight poured over him, his hands and feet felt icy. 

His heart was no longer in turmoil, for the pain had become a familiar numbness. During this time, he had pondered his future in the wake of the prince's departure. 

"Your Highness, what about the prince consort?" 

Concealing the truth from the princess and from Miss Bai, yet he could not indefinitely avoid meeting the one he wished to entrust the princess to. Even now, he hoped the prince would reconsider his initial decision; only by living better could he provide the best for the princess. 

"Hmm." 

Feng Jiulan nodded. "In a few days." 

He worried that Lan Yixuan shared Yun Qinghen's sentiments, but he was not Yun Qinghen. Even for the sake of Yue'er, he might not act according to his own wishes. Even if he desired to intervene, he might be unable to; if that were the case, it would all be for naught. 

"Your Highness, why do you place such trust in Jun Pinyu?" 

Yun Qinghen understood that the prince's actions stemmed from his concern for the princess; he could not tolerate any threat to her safety. But what of himself? Though he could comprehend Feng Jiulan's reasoning, he remained fundamentally opposed to it. 

"Your Highness, while the princess was in Chu, she narrowly escaped death in the Valley of Death. Feng and Chu were at war, and these events were orchestrated by him. From the very beginning, his interest in the princess was anything but innocent. He is allied with the Xuanyuan heir, and currently, only Feng and Lan can contend with Xuanyuan. If anything were to happen to you, the princess would undoubtedly crumble, and in the end, Xuanyuan would be the greatest beneficiary." 

Yun Qinghen's tone was remarkably calm, yet tinged with helplessness. He had spoken these words to the prince more than once, fully aware that no matter how much he argued, he could not sway the prince's thoughts. Nevertheless, the mere prospect of such a day felt akin to the apocalypse. 

"Xuanyuan harbors grand ambitions; one must be vigilant." 

The same could be said for Jun Pinyu, who was closely tied to Xuanyuan Hao. 

"Jun, the physician, does have feelings for the princess, yet he still placed her in peril. Such a person is genuinely terrifying; he would stop at nothing for Xuanyuan." 

"Commander Yun, when discussing others behind their backs, remember to close the door." 

Jun Pinyu stood at the threshold, his smile unwavering—seemingly warm yet chilling. 

He smiled and offered a slight nod of acknowledgment to the turning Feng Jiulan before approaching him and Yun Qinghen. 

"You look much better." 

Feng Jiulan nodded. "Qinghen means no harm." 

Jun Pinyu glanced at Yun Qinghen. "Commander Yun is merely speaking the truth." 

Yun Qinghen felt a pang of shame; gossiping about others was indeed unbecoming, especially since the prince's recent safety was largely due to Jun Pinyu. If he truly intended to harm the prince, he would not have waited this long. Yet, he remained uneasy about this individual and could not help but harbor hopes that this physician could perform miracles for the prince, allowing him to recover and the princess to live happily. He longed for a harmonious conclusion for all. 

"Qinghen, you may leave for now." 

Yun Qinghen glanced at Feng Jiulan and then at Jun Pinyu before bowing and exiting.