Nian Zhen laid on my bed, completely dead to the world.
The physician had informed me that she was badly injured and hadn't tend to her injuries aside from bandaging them. The wounds had been festering for at least three days.
There was a chance she might lose her life.
She had returned clutching my dagger. The slashes and cuts on her body would be enough to immobilise a warrior for days. The fact she was able to endure the agony and return to Jin Tang...
I couldn't imagine what had happened to her in Yin Shang.
Self-reproach threatened to force me into a reclusive state. First Zheng and his entire manor, now Nian Zhen...
I never should have wished to be able to escape Prince Lang's harem. Then I wouldn't have met these people, and none of us would be in such a situation.
After feeding Nian Zhen some water, I exited the West Hall. The smell of medicine clung to my clothes and hair, following me even as I entered the wintry air.
