Sun Ningning’s gaze would occasionally fall candidly upon Bai Ze’s arm.
Her attention was so fervent and direct that even Bai Ling felt he could perceive something unspoken.
This Second Miss of the Sun family—whom he rather fancied and who might very well be betrothed to him by imperial decree at the Emperor’s birthday banquet in half a month’s time…
Was she infatuated with Second Brother?
For a moment, Bai Ling felt a sour pang in his jaw.
It would have been easier if he hadn’t known she was the Second Miss.
Privately, all the brothers knew that the eldest Sun daughter was destined to be the Crown Princess, while the second was meant to become his own Wu Wangfei.
To encounter her so coincidentally today—truly, she was lively and amusing, radiant yet unaffected.
Even before knowing her identity, he had been unconsciously drawn to her.
No wonder she had been aloof when he tried to strike up a conversation earlier—had all her attention been fixed on Second Brother instead?
Bai Ling’s gaze toward Bai Ze deepened with unspoken speculation.
It was hard not to suspect Bai Ze was doing this intentionally.
Bai Ze cast a light glance at Bai Ling’s slightly bowed head, noting his thoughtful expression.
Thinking of the impending birthday banquet and arranged marriage, Bai Ze’s lips curled into a mocking smile.
Completely ignoring the Third Prince nearby, Sun Ningning anxiously urged Bai Ze:
“Cousin, hurry and bandage it! You’re bleeding so much, quickly…”
She was so frantic she nearly reached out to do it herself.
When reading the novel, she had first seen him as a child to cherish, then as a younger brother, until it eventually became “Xiao Ze is my husband!”
Now, watching the man she’d adored for six years injured, blood continuously dripping from his arm, her heart ached so fiercely her eyes reddened, tears beading on her lashes.
Bai Ling watched the usually amusing yet distant Sun Ningning fretting over Bai Ze with tearful eyes, his heart growing even more sour.
Bai Ze pressed his hand over the wound, crimson seeping through his fingers, as his gaze settled on Sun Ningning.
Her glistening eyes filled with genuine concern made him momentarily lose focus.
For that fleeting moment, it seemed there truly existed someone in this world who wanted nothing from him—someone who cared for him selflessly, if only for his appearance.
See? Such a simple reason.
…
The wound he had intentionally revealed to Bai Ling was now silently allowed to be bandaged by Feiyun under Sun Ningning’s anxious care.
Ling Shuang stood behind Bai Ze like an iron statue, lifting her head in surprise to glance at Sun Ningning.
Seeing Feiyun’s swift and precise bandaging, Sun Ningning hesitated, then anxiously leaned closer to watch.
Her face was a portrait of distress and heartache as she inwardly complained:
Ugh, can’t you be gentler? Why wrap it so tightly? Feiyun, are you taking out some grudge on him?
When she saw Feiyun pulling the silk bandage taut with excessive force, Sun Ningning finally couldn’t hold back:
“Feiyun, be gentler!”
Her sugary voice made Bai Ze frown.
Feiyun’s hands stilled momentarily before loosening the bandage slightly, instinctively replying:
“As you wish, Second Miss.”
But Bai Ze displeasedly commanded, “No. Tighter.”
Feiyun hurriedly readjusted, responding, “Understood, Master.”
What a difficult position to be in!
Sun Ningning couldn’t bear to watch, her heart aching as she turned and walked away.
Bai Ling swayed leisurely into an armchair, watching his subordinates drag away the corpses and clean the room.
His eyes followed Sun Ningning to the washstand.
She washed her hands clean, then moved to the table to pour a cup of cold water. From the pouch hanging at her waist, she retrieved a medicinal pill.
Ancient pills lacked gelatin coating—they would dissolve upon contact with water, leaving a sticky residue clinging to the tongue.
Sun Ningning scrunched up her face again from the bitterness.
Bai Ling found her expression quite adorable and let out a clear, bright laugh, asking:
“What medicine is Second Young Lady taking?”
Sun Ningning replied indifferently, “Your Highness, it’s nothing. Just an old injury—this is for pain relief and reducing swelling.”
Bai Ling looked at Sun Ningning with surprise and careful scrutiny, noticing bloodstains soaking through her clothing at the chest area, already blending with the color of the floral patterns.
“Has the wound reopened? Then why are you still here? This prince will have someone escort Second Young Lady back!”
Bai Ling took a step forward, his expression concerned, making as if to summon attendants.
Sun Ningning immediately dissuaded him, “No need, thank you, Your Highness.”