Chapter 51: Chapter 51 Her Courtyard
Lie Lang walked for a long time, his stoic gaze fixed on the road ahead, only drifting back to the young woman in his arms from time to time.
Xue Yao sniffled softly. Waves of pain continued to pound inside her head, each one stronger than the last. Her body felt unbearably heavy, and before she realized it, she unconsciously leaned a little further into Lie Lang’s chest, seeking the only support that kept her from collapsing.
A faint frown settled between Lie Lang’s brows. Seeing that tiny unconscious movement, he almost stopped walking and put her down.
His steps slowed for only a brief moment before he continued forward again.
...She had suffered because of him.
If he had not insisted on remaining loyal to Ruo Shuo... if he had not concealed the truth about that night... none of this would have happened.
The elders would never have insisted on inspecting her. She would not have been forced into resisting a soul search. Nor would she have ended up looking so exhausted that even opening her eyes seemed difficult.
The guilt quietly settled inside his heart, though his expression remained as cold as ever.
As they walked deeper into the fortress, every servant they passed immediately lowered their heads.
"Greetings, Alpha."
Lie Lang did not acknowledge them. His footsteps remained steady as he continued toward the royal residence.
Xue Yao felt countless pairs of eyes secretly following her. Some were filled with curiosity, some with disbelief, while others simply could not understand why the Alpha was personally carrying a human woman through the inner fortress.
Under normal circumstances, she would probably have wanted nothing more than to jump out of his arms and hide somewhere no one could find her.
Today... She no longer had the strength to care. Her attention slowly dropped to Honghong again.
The little bird still lay weakly against her chest without moving. Xue Yao’s fingers gently brushed through her soft feathers before stopping at her tiny heartbeat.
It was beating weakly. Only then did the tightness in her chest ease slightly.
Her thoughts immediately drifted towards Tian Lan again.. ’Tian Lan...’
She called softly inside her consciousness.
But there was no answer. The familiar voice that always answered her was nowhere to be heard.
Xue Yao lowered her eyes. For the first time since arriving in this strange world, the space inside her mind felt frighteningly empty. ’Does she really regret that I was the one who found her? Does she... despise me?’ She couldn’t help but wonder.
She wanted to call her again, and to apologize to her that she will be good now. Even though Tian Lan was super annoying, she had become close to her without even knowing.
But no matter how many times she tried, the silence only became louder. Her fingers slowly tightened around Honghong before relaxing again.
A wave of helplessness washed over her. If Tian Lan had not protected her... If Honghong had not stood beside her... She would never have survived today.
Lie Lang quietly looked down at her. The lively, troublesome human who always seemed to have endless words had suddenly become so quiet that even he found it unfamiliar.
He followed her gaze until it rested on the unconscious little bird.
Without saying anything else, he continued walking toward the royal residence. After passing through several winding stone paths, the surroundings gradually became quieter.
Ancient trees towered above them, their emerald leaves gently swaying in the breeze as strands of spiritual energy drifted between the branches like faint mist. Beds of colorful spiritual flowers lined both sides of the path, their delicate fragrance filling the air, while patches of rare herbs grew quietly beneath them, carefully tended by the palace servants.
The deeper they walked, the richer the spiritual energy became.
At the end of the path stood a peaceful courtyard.
A small pond rested at the side, its crystal-clear water reflecting the afternoon sky. Several golden dragon fish lazily swam beneath the surface, occasionally breaking the water with their tails before disappearing beneath clusters of broad lotus leaves.
Beyond the pond stood a two-story wooden residence built from dark spiritual wood. It was elegant without being extravagant, surrounded by flowering trees and a quiet bamboo grove that shielded it from the outside world.
Xue Yao slowly looked around...It was beautiful.
She turned her head slightly. "Where is this?"
"Your courtyard." Lie Lang replied.
She blinked in surprise. "...Mine?"
Lie Lang nodded. "This residence is closest to the royal palace. The spiritual energy here is denser than the rest of the fortress. It will be beneficial for your recovery."
Before Xue Yao could ask anything else, several servants hurried over and bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Alpha."
"Prepare hot water and summon the royal physician." Lie Lang ordered.
"Yes, Alpha."
The servants quickly dispersed.
Lie Lang carried Xue Yao through the courtyard and into the residence.
The room was spacious and surprisingly warm. The furniture was carved from polished spiritual wood, and the faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air. Sunlight streamed through the open windows, casting soft patterns across the floor.
He walked to the bed and carefully lowered Xue Yao onto it. Only after making sure she was sitting properly did he withdraw his hand.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Xue Yao lowered her head and gently placed Honghong beside her on the bed before pulling the little bird closer with one hand.
The room became unusually quiet that the sound of a falling needle could be heard.
After a long silence, Xue Yao finally looked up. "I don’t understand."
Lie Lang met her gaze with a confused expression.
"I only asked for enough food to eat, a place to sleep, and a status that wouldn’t attract attention." She smiled weakly before letting out a tired sigh. "Why did you make me a Royal Concubine instead?"
Lie Lang remained silent for several moments. His golden eyes rested on her pale face before he answered calmly. "It was for your own good."
Xue Yao looked at him without speaking.
"As long as you remained a breeder, the elders would have continued investigating you. Changing your status was the quickest way to stop them."
She lowered her eyes. "So... it is to shield me."
"Yes, you just became someone they cannot touch without permission." He said placing one of his hand behind his back.
Another silence settled between them.
Lie Lang looked at the unconscious Honghong before shifting his gaze back to Xue Yao. "Where are you from?"
Xue Yao’s fingers paused midair. She slowly raised her head and looked straight into his eyes.
Several breaths passed in complete silence.
Xue Yao quietly looked away. "...I can’t tell you."
Lie Lang studied her for another moment. He had expected that answer. Instead of pressing further, he turned toward the doorway. "Come in."
The servant waiting outside immediately entered and bowed. "The royal physician has arrived, Alpha."
"Bring him in."
A few moments later, an elderly physician carrying a wooden medicine box stepped into the room.
His gaze swept across the chamber before respectfully bowing. "This old servant greets the Alpha."
Lie Lang stepped aside. "Examine them."
The physician followed his line of sight until his eyes fell upon the unconscious little bird resting beside Xue Yao, then finally upon the pale young woman sitting quietly on the bed.
His expression immediately became serious as he walked forward.
