Chapter 15: Enforcing Family Discipline
In the height of summer, Yan Sheng finally spoke.
Xie Xunzhi suddenly felt his ears clear and his vision sharpen. The constant oppressive pain that had long weighed on his chest vanished entirely. The internal energy that had bound him for so long was suddenly free, and most remarkably, a strange sensation stirred in the most secret place of a man.
Yet, his legs remained numb and unresponsive.
Yan Sheng understood immediately. “Though the venomous insect has been removed, your body is still damaged. You will need long-term treatment from me.”
“I will take you away,” Xie Xunzhi said, lifting his eyes to meet hers, his words brief but resolute.
Freed from the poison by her, he seemed like a little beast who knew its master meant no harm, shedding the ferocious mask he had worn. The coldness in his eyes faded, replaced by calm serenity.
Upon receiving Xie Xunzhi’s promise to take her away, Yan Sheng suddenly felt her strength drain, collapsing from sheer exhaustion. Before losing consciousness, one thought crossed her mind:
What decisive, ruthless, and cold-blooded killer? He’s just like a little puppy.
She fainted.
Xie Xunzhi glanced at his attendant, the chill returning to his eyes, his voice icy to the bone: “Take her away.”
—
At the Night King’s residence, Yan Sheng spent each day nourishing her body and resting peacefully. Coupled with the various medicines she prepared herself, her health quickly returned to that of a modern woman.
Xie Xunzhi’s body grew stronger day by day until fully recovered. However…
“The poisonous insect invaded your vital organs. The infertility it caused is likely irreversible,” Yan Sheng said softly, her crimson lips parting. “You will regain sensation and even be able to share intimacy, but to have children… that may no longer be possible, unless…”
She cleared her throat, hesitating as she considered his condition, then finally spoke: “Unless you find a woman with a fertile constitution. Such a constitution can counteract your type of infertility. If you can find such a woman, then you could have heirs.”
Without an heir, Xie Xunzhi would likely be forever barred from the throne and power. Though he did not crave power, he harbored ambitions yet unfulfilled.
Yan Sheng looked at this little puppy of a prince with sympathy, finding herself strangely empathetic.
During her days with Xie Xunzhi, she noticed that despite his cold exterior toward his servants, he cared for them in subtle ways. The Night King’s residence often secretly aided refugees, never seeking praise or recognition. The so-called cruelty and ruthlessness attributed to Xie Xunzhi were only aimed at corrupt officials. He was no saint, but if anyone harmed the common folk or abused women, he would strike them down on the spot.
His cruelty was a mask; deep down, he had never abandoned the dreams of his youth.
Xie Xunzhi showed no reaction to her words, merely nodding slightly before suddenly smiling: “As long as I can stand, I am content. Thank you.”
The attendant beside him saw the scene—His Highness, the cold-faced and fearsome Night King, standing side by side with the equally ruthless and even more formidable Miss Sheng—and felt the negative energy around them lift, replaced by a rare warmth.
—
After bidding farewell to Xie Xunzhi, Yan Sheng returned to the Grand Tutor’s mansion.
Now that her body was restored, it was time to settle accounts!
“Sheng Xiaoyi, I’m not dead,” Yan Sheng strode into the main hall. Seeing Sheng Xiaoyi’s look of shock, she smiled darkly, “I’ve come back alive to claim your life.”
“Sister, how can you speak such slander! Your methods are utterly despicable!” Sheng Xiaoyi hastily squeezed out a few fake tears, throwing herself against the man behind her. “Your Highness, my sister has always bullied me since childhood, and she still does! You must do something for me!”
Ah, so everyone has arrived.