Li Xianyun studied Yelu Yan with an inquisitive gaze. From the first moment she saw him, she knew this tall and robust man was no ordinary character. The two questions he just asked surely had his own purpose behind them.
But what could that purpose be?
As the sky was getting light, Li Xianyun once again felt sleepy. Seeing that Yelu Yan was utterly ignoring her presence, she casually leaned on the soft pillow and closed her eyes, ready to rest for a while. But then, she heard a deep and authoritative voice.
"Come here."
Li Xianyun opened her eyes abruptly and saw Yelu Yan rise from his chair, leaning over to look at the patient in the bed. It seemed that Minister Xiao, who they were talking about, had woken up.
Li Xianyun got up and walked over. Sure enough, Xiao Dilu had opened his eyes and was looking at Yelu Yan with red, tear-filled eyes.
However, although he was awake, he was still extremely weak.
Yelu Yan said with some excitement, "Take his pulse for him."
Li Xianyun sat on the chair by the bed and took Xiao Dilu's pulse. His pulse had stabilized quite a bit, but due to the long-term drugging, he was fundamentally depleted and extremely weak.
After taking his pulse, Li Xianyun looked up at Yelu Yan and said, "Khan, his body is severely depleted. He cannot speak or move at the moment. He needs to recuperate slowly."
Yelu Yan nodded and said, "Good. Whatever is needed, just say it. No matter the cost, we must cure him."
"Okay," Li Xianyun declared firmly.
Xiao Dilu was so agitated that he couldn't speak, and his face was flushed red.
Yelu Yan leaned down and asked, "My master, is there something that makes you uncomfortable?"
Xiao Dilu was so anxious that sweat broke out on his forehead.
Yelu Yan looked at Li Xianyun with concern and asked, "What's going on?"
Li Xianyun just glanced at him, then turned to Xiao Dilu and asked in a low voice, "Minister Xiao, are you afraid that the Khan will neglect his duties because of you? If so, blink once. If not, blink twice."
Xiao Dilu blinked hard once.
Yelu Yan clenched his jaws and said, "My master, I have completed all of my official duties. Rest assured."
But Xiao Dilu was still terribly anxious.
Li Xianyun said, "Khan, the patient comes first. Let's accommodate Minister Xiao."
Yelu Yan glanced at Li Xianyun, then back at Xiao Dilu, and said, "My master, I will go attend to my duties now. But, you must promise me that you will take care of yourself."
Xiao Dilu showed a look of relief and blinked heavily again in agreement.
Li Xianyun glanced at Yelu Yan, walked over to the desk, and handed him the prescription she had written, saying, "Khan, have someone prepare the medicine for Minister Xiao according to this prescription. In three days, I will adjust it based on his condition."
Yelu Yan looked at the prescription and said simply, "Someone come."
Huo Dun immediately entered with the utmost respect.
Yelu Yan handed the prescription to him and said, "Prepare the medicine as the princess instructed."
As soon as these words were spoken, not only were Huo Dun and Xiao Dilu shocked, but so was Li Xianyun.
Rumors had it that Yelu Yan was a ruthless killer who was both cold-hearted and indifferent to women. She thought he was unwilling to accept her, but now he called her "princess," acknowledging her status?
For Li Xianyun, this wasn't bad news at all; at least no one would dare to bully her openly in this unfamiliar place.
Was this Yelu Yan's way of repaying her for saving Xiao Dilu?
Huo Dun quickly snapped out of his daze, saluted, and said, "Yes."
"Furthermore," Yelu Yan commanded in a stern voice, "seal the news. No one should know Minister Xiao has awakened."
"Yes."
After saying this, Huo Dun left.
Yelu Yan had trustworthy people watch over Xiao Dilu and then turned to Li Xianyun, saying, "Let's go, back to the palace."
Li Xianyun, her face full of concern, looked at Xiao Dilu and said, "Should I stay to take care of him?"
Yelu Yan said, "You're a newlywed bride. According to Khitan traditions, you must meet the women of the palace."
This tradition wasn't much different from that of the Houtang. Li Xianyun said, "Alright."
Yelu Yan gave her a look and took the lead to walk outside.
Li Xianyun hurriedly followed.
The two walked one behind the other on the long flagstone path, flanked by towering ten-meter-high walls.
Youlan wanted to come forward to serve, but Jinwu, the guard, stopped her with his curved sword.
Youlan looked puzzledly at the tall and robust guard in front of her.
Jinwu gazed at her and said, "According to Khitan customs, servants must maintain a certain distance from their masters."
Facing the cold, intimidating blade, Youlan trembled and said, "Understood... understood."
Only then did Jinwu lower his curved sword, leading the guards, palace servants, and maids to follow.