Xiao Man hesitated, she dared not unseal Wen Mohan’s pressure points. Once unsealed, it would mean Wen Mohan had no chance of survival! Having finally confirmed her feelings, she was immediately faced with eternal separation, and she couldn't do it.
Prime Minister Wen did not rush her, his gaze quietly fixed on Xiao Man. He knew Xiao Man was also struggling internally. She was not entirely heartless towards his son, and this matter was inherently cruel to her. However, only she could carry it out.
Madam Wen woke up during this time, cried herself unconscious, and barely held on. She wanted to bid farewell to her son, her heart filled with immense grief, but she endured, fearing she might stimulate Xiao Man.
“Child, make your move.”
Xiao Man reached out, then trembled and pulled back. She looked at Prime Minister Wen, “Father, perhaps there are other ways. Maybe we can find a cure.”
“Do you have a way now?” Prime Minister Wen asked gently. He knew Xiao Man was deceiving herself. If she truly had a solution, she wouldn’t be so hesitant.
“I don’t have a way now, but that doesn’t mean I won’t have one in the future,” Xiao Man said urgently. “Maybe there will be a way later.”
“How long is ‘later’? A year, three years, or ten, twenty years?” Prime Minister Wen slowly shook his head. He knew that as long as his son had a breath left, Xiao Man would not abandon him. But he also understood deeply that this way, Xiao Man would be trapped forever, unable to escape this predicament. This was why his son had made all arrangements in advance.
“Father, whether it’s ten years or twenty years, I will do my utmost to find a way to save him.”
Prime Minister Wen sighed, “Child, do you want to spend your entire life on this?”
This sentence struck Xiao Man like a bolt from the blue, leaving her somewhat dazed. However, she quickly found her answer. But before she could speak, Prime Minister Wen spoke first, “No, you are still young, and the responsibility on your shoulders is not small. So many people are watching you. You cannot be willful and reckless.”
“Father!”
“Let him wake up,” Prime Minister Wen’s voice was gentle but firm. “I’m sure Han’er has many things he wants to say to you.”
Xiao Man covered her face with her hands, tears streaming from between her fingers without a sound. Prime Minister Wen turned his face away, his throat choked with emotion. Heaven was too unfair to his child. He had given his all for his love, yet Heaven did not bestow favor upon him, intending to take his life.
A moment later, Xiao Man steadied her emotions, wiped the tears from her face, and finally chose to unseal Wen Mohan’s sealed vital points.
Wen Mohan slowly opened his eyes. The first things he saw were his parents’ swollen eyes and Xiao Man’s feigned strength. A gentle smile appeared on his face.
“I’ve made you worry again.”
Prime Minister Wen nodded. Madam Wen sobbed, “Father, Mother, I’m sorry. Your son cannot care for you until your final days.”
Madam Wen covered her mouth, trying hard not to cry out, but she couldn’t help it. Prime Minister Wen’s old tears flowed freely, yet he tried to restrain himself. This was fate, a fate he could not contend with!
Wen Mohan looked at Xiao Man. Her eyes were red and swollen, clearly having cried. Wen Mohan reached out and held Xiao Man’s hand, forcing a smile. “Don’t cry. Life and death are ordained. I have no regrets.”
Xiao Man shook her head frantically, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Wen Mohan just smiled, his grip on Xiao Man’s hand tightening slightly. He wished he could hold her hand forever, but fate did not allow it. Yet, he felt content with having had it even for a short while.
“Man’er, don’t be sad. Having you by my side in these final days, I am very happy,” Wen Mohan’s voice was gentle, filled with infinite tenderness. He wished for more, but he had no time left.
Xiao Man embraced Wen Mohan, tears falling incessantly, splashing onto his body and face. “Mohan, don’t leave us.”
Wen Mohan’s eyes also turned red. He didn’t want to leave her, didn’t want to depart from her. He wished to accompany her for a long, long time, but he had no time left.
In just a moment, Wen Mohan seemed to sense the question in Xiao Man’s words, “Us?”
Xiao Man choked out, “What name do you think we should give our child?”
Wen Mohan struggled with all his might, but he was already at the end of his rope, with no strength left to fight. He finally calmed down, leaning into Xiao Man’s embrace.
“If it’s a daughter, call her Yi Han. If it’s a son, call him Jun Yan,” Wen Mohan’s face showed a smile. “Man’er, in the days to come, you will have to work hard.”
Xiao Man could not speak, her voice choked with emotion. Holding Wen Mohan, her hands tightened, as if this could keep him. But reality was always so cruel.
Wen Mohan eventually passed away, peacefully and without regret, a smile on his face, as if he had been very happy in life. The Imperial Princess’s manor was draped in white banners, and officials sighed in disbelief. A joyous occasion turned into mourning; the Empress was imprisoned, the new Emperor lost her husband. Yet, no one dared to cause trouble at this time.
Even the First Princess, who was secretly resentful, came to offer condolences obediently. She looked at Xiao Man’s expressionless face and curved her lips, but dared not make it too obvious, lest she be found fault with and bring trouble upon herself.
The Fifth Princess walked to Xiao Man’s side, “My condolences.”
Xiao Man looked up at the Fifth Princess, her expression calm. She did not wish to show her inner grief to anyone. She was such a stubborn and strong-willed person. As for those who harmed Wen Mohan, she would hunt them down one by one, and their blood would be an offering to Wen Mohan’s heroic spirit.
The Fifth Princess was startled by the light in Xiao Man’s eyes and instinctively took a step back. She then felt it was inappropriate and quickly steadied herself. “A country cannot be without a ruler for a day. You should also prepare for your ascension to the throne.”
“There’s no hurry. It’s still time after my husband is buried,” Xiao Man said softly, as if the throne was not important to her. But if it wasn’t important, why would she have schemed so hard to snatch it?
“Ascending the throne sooner is beneficial for you,” the Fifth Princess said directly. After all, the First Princess and the Fourth Princess were not content to sit idly by, not to mention the Second Princess who was eyeing the throne from afar.
Xiao Man knew that ascending the throne sooner would benefit her. However, she had to handle Wen Mohan’s funeral first. As for the throne, if they had the ability, let them come and take it. It just so happened that she had a belly full of fire with nowhere to vent it.
Xiao Man’s gaze fell upon the First Princess. Coincidentally, the First Princess was also peeking at Xiao Man. Their eyes met. The First Princess felt a pang of guilt but did not look away, meeting Xiao Man’s gaze and trying to smile.
A smile curved Xiao Man’s lips, carrying an indescribable chill that made the First Princess shiver. The First Princess suddenly realized that perhaps, from the very beginning, she had underestimated Xiao Man. She thought Xiao Man’s intention was not the throne, but revenge. In reality, Xiao Man’s goal had been the throne from the start!