The old man nodded.
"The poison has penetrated the bones. If the injury had been properly treated immediately, it wouldn’t have reached this point. Now, it’s too late for anything; being able to preserve your life is already fortunate, Your Highness, take care of your health."
After saying this, the Medical Immortal left with the attendant.
After he left, the old lady hurriedly came in, lifted the blanket, and at the sight of her son’s empty stump, she fainted on the spot.
"My son! My poor son!"
News of Murong Dun becoming a cripple quickly spread throughout the Capital City and reached the Emperor’s ears.
The Emperor had many sons and did not care about such an unloved son. Upon hearing this, he casually sent some items to the Prince Mansion, considering it a consolation.
The most painful was Murong Dun himself, who didn’t leave his room, eat, drink, or sleep for three days after losing a leg. On the third day, he only agreed to let people in to care for him when the old lady threatened with death.
His life was spared.
But he felt worse than dead.
Murong Dun’s temperament changed drastically; from being gentle and refined, he became a person prone to bouts of shouting and agitation, venting frustration on anyone who approached.
Jiang Lai would bring meals inside every day, silently waiting for Murong Dun to eat something before leaving.
Every day was like this.
Murong Dun had become gloomy and taciturn, unwilling to communicate with anyone. Only the old lady could stay with him for a while each day; anyone else who lingered for a bit longer would be kicked out.
While washing Jiang Lai at night, Xiao Lian couldn’t help but complain.
"The Prince has changed his temperament, and you also suffer with him, Princess. Why is that?"
Why remain with a cripple for the rest of your days?
With her noble status, the Princess could easily find a better husband than Prince Pingyin even if she divorced.
Xiao Lian felt sympathetic for Jiang Lai’s loss.
Jiang Lai, however, was indifferent, her tone calm.
"It’s normal for the Prince to have a temper now; once he gets used to life as it is, it’ll be better."
Xiao Lian glanced at Xiao Hua standing guard at the door and couldn’t help but lean towards Jiang Lai’s ear and whisper.
"Princess, I saw yesterday, Xiao Hua went into the Prince’s room and stayed a long time before coming out. Even the old lady can’t stay in his room that long. Princess, you need to be careful."
"Hmm, I understand."
Jiang Lai’s demeanor remained indifferent, even cold.
Xiao Lian was puzzled again. Did the Princess like or dislike the Prince?
If she liked him, she would have had the shameless Xiao Hua killed by now.
If she didn’t like him, why endure the Prince’s bad temper day after day while continuing to change his medicine?
But Xiao Lian dared not ask more.
That night, Luoyang pushed open Murong Dun’s bedroom door, wheeled him to sit in the pavilion.
"There’s no one here; you should feel more comfortable."
Murong Dun’s leg was covered with a thick blanket, his face pale and figure thin, he looked at Luoyang before him and asked solemnly.
"After falling off the cliff, were you the one who treated my leg injuries and cared for me all night, right?"
Luoyang was slightly stunned, recalling the incident and nodded.
"Hmm, unfortunately... I couldn’t save your leg."
Murong Dun looked deeply at her, a fleeting trace of resentment and unwillingness appearing on his face.
Luoyang didn’t notice, continuing to comfort.
"Master says as long as we’re alive, there’s always hope. The ones pushing us to this point are that foolish Emperor and Jiang Xiong, you must persevere until the day we defeat them! Sanlang, I’ll always be by your side."
The determined light in Luoyang’s eyes once again made Murong Dun momentarily lost.
What options did he have now?
A cripple, deprived of power; if he loses Luoyang too, he has nothing left.
Luoyang didn’t mean this situation deliberately.
But Murong couldn’t control it; whenever he saw Luoyang’s face, he was reminded of the Divine Doctor’s words.
His downfall couldn’t be detached from Luoyang.
In that case, she should stay by his side for life; it’s not greed, but what Luoyang owes him.
Thus, when Luoyang urged him to treat Jiang Lai better, Murong Dun unexpectedly said.
"The Jiang Family affairs are unrelated to Jiang Lai; if seeking revenge, why not confront Jiang Xiong directly rather than targeting an innocent?"
Luoyang looked at him incredulously.
"Jiang Lai innocent? Why is she innocent? Or have you softened, forgotten our previous agreement?"
Murong Dun remained silent.
He’s seen Jiang Lai’s efforts during this period, even his mother advised him to treat her better.
If there’s anyone genuinely good to him, besides his mother, it should be Jiang Lai.
Luoyang saw it, Murong Dun had softened.
He might have even developed feelings for Jiang Lai.
Her heart sank, looking at the man before her, full of disappointment unable to accept that the man she liked could be fickle.
"Do you like her?"
"Of course not, I just feel guilty."
"Recognize the situation; Jiang Lai’s sister is a favored concubine, her nephew potentially the future Crown Prince. If the Jiang Family completely controls the court, the dynasty could really change its surname! Murong Dun, I’m truly disappointed in you for liking such a woman."
Jiang Lai, arrogant, mindless, bullying others; such a woman is hardly worthy of sympathy!
"Aluo, that’s not what I meant."
"Now isn’t the time to dwell on this. Jiang Xiong has already shown weakness. If Jiang Lai agrees to return, we can take the chance to smoothly enter the Jiang Family. Wake up, never let weak-heartedness be a trait of the weak. Remember how you were bullied back then."
Since childhood in the palace, Murong Dun was constantly bullied, only Luoyang would stand up to protect him, shield him.
Thinking of this, Murong Dun fell silent.
Early the next morning, when Jiang Lai brought him breakfast, not only was she not chased away, but she was allowed to sit and eat together.
During the meal, Murong Dun mentioned.
"My father-in-law sent troops to rescue us, allowing me to survive; by sentiment and reason, we should visit the General Mansion, bring some gifts and express gratitude."
Jiang Lai listened, smiling faintly but her face showed all reluctance and difficulty.
"He once personally said, he severed the father-daughter relationship, I have no wish to return."
"You’re still father and daughter after all, everything stems because of me. I don’t want to be rejected by my father-in-law now; or did you never plan to truly let your father-in-law accept me?"
Murong Dun thought he understood Jiang Lai’s disposition well.
As long as he’s not happy, Jiang Lai would surely relent.