After the favored concubine remarried, the aloof and powerful minister forcibly took her away.

Chapter 207 Then You Will Remain a Widow for Me (Third Update)
Xiang Ning originally thought that Pei Yanzhi's injury was almost fully healed, since Duan Zhuo's expression seemed normal.

Who would have thought that coming from Chenghua's mouth, it would mean he was going to die soon.

"so serious?"

Xiang Ning was taken aback, but the words came out of her mouth.

Cheng Hua was also taken aback, coughed lightly, and wondered if he had overacted.

"The poison that Master was afflicted with is a rare and potent one, which has been unable to be expelled from his body, hence this..."

Cheng Hua didn't need to say anything more; Xiang Ning understood.

This poison seemed difficult to cure, leaving the military doctors helpless.

Xiang Ning's heart tightened. She had never imagined that breaking off contact with Pei Yanzhi would only end with his death.

As they talked, the two arrived at Pei Yanzhi's tent.

As soon as I arrived, I heard a coughing sound coming from inside.

Cheng Hua's expression changed, and he took the first step inside.

"Master..."

After Xiang Ning followed him in, she saw Pei Yanzhi leaning against the headboard, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

"Sir, I'll go and fetch a doctor right away."

After saying that, Cheng Hua hurriedly walked out, leaving only Xiang Ning and Pei Yanzhi behind.

Pei Yanzhi wiped the blood from the corner of his lips with a clean handkerchief. His face was somewhat pale, which fit the image of someone who was terminally ill.

When he looked up and saw Xiang Ning, he was taken aback for a moment, then looked away.

It was as if he didn't want Xiang Ning to see him in such a disheveled state.

Xiang Ning sat down beside him and asked about his current situation.

"It's alright, I'm much better now."

His answer was completely different from Cheng Hua's. Xiang Ning frowned, thinking that Pei Yanzhi was just putting on a brave face.

"Is there anything else you want to say?"

Upon hearing Xiang Ning's words, it was Pei Yanzhi's turn to frown.

What does he want to explain?
Haven't we already explained everything that needed to be explained?
Could it be that she wants me to say something?

But this tone sounds like he's about to give his last words.

Pei Yanzhi thought about it a lot, and the more he thought about it, the more something seemed wrong.

But since it was Xiang Ning who asked, he still replied, "I don't have anything to say. But you must be tired from your journey. Why don't you go and rest for a bit?"

Pei Yanzhi's words made Xiang Ning feel even worse.

She took a deep breath, got up and sat on the bed, her eyes fixed on Pei Yanzhi.

“Chenghua has already told me everything, and I know your current situation. Pei Yanzhi, a dying man’s words are often kind. If you have something to say, then say it.”

As she finished speaking, a hint of regret appeared in Xiang Ning's eyes.

Although she didn't really want to have anything to do with Pei Yanzhi anymore.

But seeing him like this now, and knowing that he doesn't have long to live, Xiang Ning felt a mix of emotions.

Now, Pei Yanzhi fully understood what Xiang Ning was saying.

Who exactly told her that she was going to die soon?

After waiting for a while without hearing Pei Yanzhi's reply, Xiang Ning was about to leave when he grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms.

He curled his lips into a smile, as if he were laughing in anger, and said, "Yes, I'm about to die. So, does A-Ning want to remain a widow for me?"

"What are you talking about?"

Xiang Ning looked up, her moist, warm lips almost kissing his.

The two were very close at this moment, so close that if he lowered his head, his lips and teeth could touch, inseparable.

"Then what nonsense are you spouting?"

"From what you're saying, you'd love for me to die sooner?"

Pei Yanzhi reached out and put his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

"You... Chenghua said you were too deeply poisoned..."

Before Xiang Ning could finish speaking, Pei Yanzhi interrupted her, chuckling, "Don't worry, A Ning, I wouldn't want to die if I didn't marry you."

"I'm not willing to accept this, so you can rest assured that I will live a long and long life, until I'm a hundred years old."

Pei Yanzhi initially thought Xiang Ning wished for his death. But after realizing what was happening, Pei Yanzhi felt a strange sense of joy.

She cares about him, and caring about him means she cares about him, so why should he be angry?

"Let me go."

Xiang Ning finally came to her senses; Cheng Hua had actually lied to her!
Too severely poisoned? His life is nearing its end.
How dare he say that!
She thought Pei Yanzhi was more energetic and vigorous than anyone else.

Thinking of this, Xiang Ning became furious and pushed Pei Yanzhi.

He let go of her hand and fell onto the bed.

The man was only wearing a thin undergarment, which opened with his movements, revealing his muscular skin underneath.

However, there was a bandage wrapped around his shoulder, and blood was seeping through it slightly.

"Ah Ning, be gentle, I can't take your push."

Pei Yanzhi hissed, pretending to be in pain.

Xiang Ning grasped it and then withdrew her hand.

"You and Chenghua really are a good master and servant pair."

She said irritably, but Pei Yanzhi grabbed her hand and said, "He didn't lie to you, I really almost died."

"That arrow nearly pierced my shoulder; I would have died if it hadn't been for a second."

If he hadn't reached out and grabbed the arrow fletching, he truly wouldn't have been able to withstand the poison on the entire arrow.

Hearing Pei Yanzhi say this, Xiang Ning pursed her lips. She tried to pull her hand away, but he held it tightly, and she couldn't pull it out at all.

"I'm so happy that you came to see me."

Pei Yanzhi took her hand and placed it next to his cheek.

Like a little animal that clings to people, it rubbed against her palm.

In that instant, Xiang Ning felt as if her hand had touched something scalding hot.

She had felt his tears; they were a scorching ocean.

Seeing his eyes filled with her, it was hard to suppress the fleeting feeling of attraction.

Xiang Ning abruptly pulled her hand away, stood up, and was about to leave.

Pei Yanzhi did not stop her, and watched her hurried departure with a smile.

As Xiang Ning left the tent, she nearly bumped into Cheng Hua, who was standing at the door.

Chenghua pulled the military doctor aside, his eyes still somewhat unfocused.

Xiang Ning glanced at him, then left.

Both master and servant were liars.

At this moment, Wen Caifu, who was on the other side, wanted to go find Xiang Ning, but Duan Zhuo pulled her back.

"Why are you getting involved in their business?"

After saying that, Duan Zhuo pulled Wen Caifu onto his lap and raised a flirtatious eyebrow, saying, "Why do I feel like you're avoiding me?"

Upon hearing this, Wen Caifu froze.

"No……"

"It's been so long, don't you have anything to say to me?"

Duan Zhuo rested his head on her shoulder, and seeing that she did not resist, he wrapped his arms around her waist and intertwined his fingers with hers.

"Copycat……"

"The second brother has already told me about the counterfeit stuff, but I want to hear it from you. For example, do you say you miss me?"

The man's tone was hot and scorching, and his moist breath tickled her ear.

"If you won't say it, then I will. I miss you, Fu'er."

The last two words, spoken neither too loudly nor too softly, were carried away by a gust of wind and reached Wen Caifu's ears.

"You're not serious."

"I was a bandit to begin with, so what's wrong with being a scoundrel?"

Duan Zhuo tilted his head to look at Wen Caifu, raised his eyebrows slightly, and said with a hint of sarcasm.

Wen Caifu's already slightly flushed face looked even more ripe.

Bonus chapter! Happy Lunar New Year's Eve to all my lovely readers! Wishing you all a prosperous Year of the Snake and all your wishes fulfilled. I hope you'll continue to support me in the new year!
(End of this chapter)