Commoner Queen: Falling in Love with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince - Chapter 38

“You’d better behave yourself. Don’t say I didn’t warn you—just because my father favors you doesn’t mean I’ll let you cause trouble again. I won’t forgive you next time!”
His voice was sharp and cold.

Princess Li was so scared she forgot to nod. She just stared at him with wide eyes.

He was furious.
“You should return to the palace and serve the emperor. That’s the only thing you’re good for.”
His meaning was clear—she should leave. He didn’t want to look at her any longer, afraid he might regret not killing her on the spot.

She scrambled away in panic. He was terrifying!

“You didn’t have to scare her like that,” Murong Ziying said softly, feeling a little sorry for her. “She’s already learned her lesson.”

“Some people have to be treated harshly,” he said firmly. “Being soft to your enemies is being cruel to yourself.”

“Did you learn that growing up?” she asked quietly.

He clenched his fists.
“In a world full of competition and fighting, that was the only way to survive.”

She sighed. That was the sad truth.
“Being born into a royal family… means never having a peaceful or free life.”

He nodded bitterly.
“You’re right, Ziying… do you know that I—”

“Your Highness, the royal physician has arrived!” Xiao Zhuzi rushed in, interrupting him just as he was about to ask her to stay and support him.

“Finally! Bring him in—quickly!” the Crown Prince said, clearly worried.

Soon, the physician came in and began to treat Ziying’s wounds. Even he couldn’t stop shaking his head—her injuries were so bad, it was hard to look.

Yi Han’s heart ached deeply. These wounds were because of him, even if not directly. He blamed himself for not protecting her.

“This isn’t your fault, Your Highness. Please don’t blame yourself,” she said, trying to comfort him.

“How can I not? It is my fault. All of this happened because of me.”

She tried to reach out and touch his hand, but as soon as she moved, pain shot through her body. Her wounds tore open again. Her face twisted, and she gasped for breath.

He was alarmed.
“Don’t move! Doctor—will she be okay?” he asked anxiously.

The physician gave a concerned look.
“I’m afraid she won’t be able to get out of bed for a while. She mustn’t move too much or the wounds will worsen. She can only lie down on her stomach or side until everything heals. If not, it will be hard to treat later.”

The Crown Prince looked like he was in more pain than she was.
“I should have killed them,” he muttered bitterly.

Afraid he might really go back and finish them off, Ziying quickly said,
“Don’t. I can handle it.”

“You can, but I can’t!” he said, his face twisted in pain. “Seeing those wounds—it’s like they were carved into me too. It’s unbearable.”

“I know you care about me, and that’s enough. Just let them go,” she said weakly.
She couldn’t deny she was touched by his deep feelings. But her worries held her back. She didn’t belong in this world—modern times and ancient times… How was she supposed to choose? Why had fate brought her here? If she was never meant to stay, why make her hope? Why send someone like him into her life to test her? It was cruel. She was afraid… afraid that falling in love with him would only bring her more pain.

He gently stroked her hair.
“One day, your kindness might bring you harm,” he said with deep concern.

Sigh… Heavens above, if you really gave her to me, I would be forever grateful…