Perhaps I didn’t have a good impression of him before, but since seeing him that way last time, my disgust towards him had somewhat dissipated. Moreover, his attitude towards me had changed dramatically. This change surprised me and left me unsure how to respond, but ultimately, we were no longer as confrontational as before.
“It’s nothing… I know some medicine myself. This poison won’t kill me immediately. Even when it acts up, it won’t be sudden. Initially, the eyes go blind, then hearing is lost, then hands and feet lose sensation, and only then will the poison attack the heart.” I said this casually, but in my heart, I knew Yin Can wouldn’t let me die so easily. I might not know his thoughts, but he probably still found me useful.
“Is Shui Zixi now with Yin Can?”
” I asked instinctively, though I already knew the answer, yet couldn’t believe he would use me like Yin Can. If he was with Yin Can, he couldn’t be unaware of my poisoning.
Cang Lian’s voice was silent for a long time before slowly responding: “The soldiers returning from Xiangzhou say so, but I’m not entirely sure.” He ultimately considered my feelings and didn’t give me an answer I didn’t want to hear.
“Can you take me with you on your expedition?” I asked uncertainly.
My hand was still tightly held by him, and when I asked, I unconsciously gripped tightly.
“We’ll go together, the poison in your body will be cured quickly—very quickly!” he assured.
Hearing his words, I felt a touch of emotion in my heart. I once hated him for taking away my freedom, hated him for making me stay in that hellish palace for a year, hated him for taking away my innocence. But now, I could no longer hate him.
“I know, I know Yin Can won’t end well! I believe you, I know you’ll cure my poison, I know!” I murmured.
I felt him pull me into his embrace, felt his familiar breath.
“I will give you the happiness you want, I won’t force you anymore, won’t make you do anything!” he said softly.
“I know!”
“I answered softly.
Expedition (1)
Half a month later, I set out with Cang Lian to Xiangzhou.
