Chapter Eight: The Peculiar Sixth Prince

As Yan Heru struggled with indecision, Shen Yi suddenly burst in, much to Shen Hezhi’s displeasure. But as soon as Shen Hezhi saw the blazing lights outside the window, he sprang up from his chair.

“How could there be such a big fire?” Shen Hezhi strode over to Yan Heru, seized her hand, and led her out of the study.

Staring at his hand gripping hers, Yan Heru felt an inexplicable flutter in her chest.

Shen Hezhi was actually concerned for her—perhaps it was only because of her illness, but it was concern nonetheless.

“It was deliberate,” Shen Yi said anxiously. “Multiple spots in the courtyard were doused with oil, so the flames spread quickly. I’ve already sent people to put out the fire, but Your Highness and my lady, you’d best leave the residence now.”

Shen Hezhi nodded and was about to lead Yan Heru away, but she clutched his arm, unwilling to let him go.

Shen Hezhi paused, uncertain what she meant, his expression turning cold—so much so that Yan Heru felt a sudden pang of fear.

She swallowed hard. “Today, Mo Yi and I saw many suspicious people. They want to kill you. It’s too dangerous for you to leave the residence alone. I can’t protect you. Please, take a few guards with you.”

At her words, Shen Hezhi’s furrowed brow gradually relaxed. He smiled faintly and replied, “Don’t worry. I don’t need your protection. I can manage on my own—and I can protect you as well.”

With that, Shen Hezhi wrapped his arm around Yan Heru’s waist. Before she could even gasp in surprise, he leapt with her onto the rooftop, then carried her away from the residence.

Yan Heru was fearless in all things—except heights. A past danger had left her with a lingering trauma. Instinctively, she covered her eyes.

Seeing her reaction, Shen Hezhi chuckled softly and murmured in a gentle voice, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll hold you, my lady.”

That single “my lady” made Yan Heru’s ears flush red. The intimate posture between them left her no chance to remain calm, and Shen Hezhi’s bewitching tone was enough to make anyone swoon.

If only they weren’t skimming rooftops, this moment would have been perfect.

“I…I’m…scared,” Yan Heru stammered, still covering her eyes.

Shen Hezhi did not press her, only finding her all the more endearing.

“Brother Nine, long time no see.”

Just then, as Shen Hezhi was looking at Yan Heru, a figure suddenly appeared atop the opposite roof, blocking their path.

Upon seeing this person, Shen Hezhi halted and gently set Yan Heru down. “Wait here for me. Don’t move. You’ll be fine.”

Leaving Yan Heru, Shen Hezhi leapt to the other rooftop. “Brother Six, what are you doing blocking my way? Do you mean to catch up with me in the middle of the night?”

The man before him was Prince Six, Shen Heye.

“Catch up? Brother Nine, do I look like I’m here to reminisce?” Shen Heye drew his sword and leveled it at Shen Hezhi.

Behind them, Yan Heru’s face was deathly pale—not from fear of this confrontation, but because the “flight” had left her shaken and breathless.

But when she glanced at Shen Heye, she thought—perhaps it was her imagination—that he was looking at her with a rather suggestive gaze. Yet she searched her memory and found no trace of him.

The Prince Six she remembered had left the capital long ago, only returning in recent years. They’d had no interaction.

His gaze slowly shifted away from her, and Shen Hezhi took note of that subtle gesture.

“Ahem…Brother Six, the night wind is strong. Don’t tease me. I’m just passing by with my lady, nothing more. We’re on our way home,” Shen Hezhi coughed twice, his face growing even paler.

The cold poison within him was flaring up. He was keenly aware that, in this state, he would be helpless if Prince Six decided to attack.

“Oh? Going home?” Shen Heye raised his brows and sheathed his sword, his thoughts unreadable.

Yan Heru found the two brothers rather odd—especially this Prince Six, who had just drawn his sword as if for a fight, only to put it away so casually moments later.

“If you’re only out for a stroll, then I won’t keep you. Take your wife and go,” Prince Six said with a sudden smile.

Now, they looked like nothing more than affectionate brothers. But moments before, it was as though they were mortal enemies.

“I’ll visit you another day, Brother Six. Rest well,” Shen Hezhi replied with a faint smile. He turned back to Yan Heru, picked her up once more, and left.

“Ah!” Yan Heru cried out as Shen Hezhi took to the rooftops again, hastily covering her eyes.

This time, Shen Hezhi had no time to admire her charm. With her in his arms, he sped into a nearby forest.

Just as he landed on a branch, preparing to descend, the cold poison seized him. He lost his strength and tumbled down with Yan Heru still in his arms, but at the last moment, he used his remaining clarity to shield her from harm.

He hit the ground hard with Yan Heru in his embrace, but she, aside from a fright, was unscathed.

“Your Highness! Your Highness!” Yan Heru, fighting her own discomfort, shook him, but Shen Hezhi did not respond.

When her hand touched his arm, she realized his body was as cold as ice.

“Oh no… The cold poison has struck again!” Yan Heru immediately took out the silver needles she always carried, piercing them into Shen Hezhi’s body to temporarily stabilize the poison.

But in his current state, there was no way he could awaken. Her supply of needles was limited, enough only to keep him from immediate danger.

If she wanted to bring him back to consciousness, they would have to return to the residence and use a proper set of needles.

Staring into the pitch-black forest, Yan Heru frowned. It was so late—how could she possibly carry Shen Hezhi back alone? Yet if she left him here, she feared something terrible might happen to him.

“How maddening! If only I had a phone…” Yan Heru slumped beside Shen Hezhi, knowing full well it was wishful thinking.

Now, with Shen Hezhi still unconscious and herself unable to leave, what on earth was she to do?

Heaven never truly blocks all paths. With no other option, Yan Heru stayed by Shen Hezhi’s side. After the time it takes for a stick of incense to burn, the voices of Mo Yi and Shen Yi sounded in the distance.

“My lord!”

“My lord!”

Upon hearing them, Yan Heru tried to respond, only to find her voice hoarse and broken.

“We’re here… cough, cough…”