Xu Ning felt very dizzy after receiving the storyline. His chest ached faintly, and there was a sharp, lingering pressure in his heart. It seemed the arteries of this frail body had already sustained damage. Just breathing felt like an effort.
He gave a quiet sigh. For someone who had once treated a hospital like home, there was truly nothing more precious than health. Why harm oneself this way? Why trade one's life away for love, especially when that love turned to betrayal?
As for the original host's dying wishes—he didn't want to love that cruel and unscrupulous woman ever again—this was something Xu Ning could do easily. As for revenge on that shameless couple… well, Xu Ning supposed it wasn't unjustified. The original host had been arrogant, yes, but his pride had been trampled, his love spit upon. That kind of wound didn't fade with time.
And as for not wanting to be bestowed in marriage again… that would have to be handled step by step.
Moreover, he was a prince of the Great Yong Dynasty. His identity and status far exceeded that of a general or a village commoner. In this game of court and politics, he wasn't without his advantages.
As Xu Ning lay quietly, thoughts weighing heavy, his body couldn't bear the strain any longer. Sleep overcame him once more. This body was truly too weak.
He had entered many task worlds before, but it seemed he always arrived in a body that was falling apart. Was this a coincidence or the system's idea of a joke?
When he woke again, sticky sweat clung to his skin, the sheets damp beneath him. Even lifting his eyelids took effort.
He had to struggle to open his eyes. The first thing he saw was the figure sitting silently beside the bed. The presence was so still yet so imposing that it gave Xu Ning a fright. His heart leapt violently, and a gasp escaped his lips.
When the man saw that Xu Ning had been startled, he simply said in a calm, even tone, "You're awake."
"Imperial Older Brother." Xu Ning's voice was hoarse as he tried to sit up. From the original host's memories, he recognized the man at once. This was the current Emperor, Li Wen—his blood brother, ruler of the dynasty.
Though the name Li Wen evoked a sense of gentle warmth, the reality was the complete opposite. His presence was commanding, cold, and dignified—like a mountain cloaked in frost. A man born to rule.
He wore a golden dragon robe, its embroidery gleaming in the filtered sunlight. Five-clawed dragons curled across the fabric like living things, their gazes fierce and eternal. His face was carved with sharp, elegant lines, every inch noble. He exuded quiet power—an icy monarch, still as a winter lake, untouchable and unreadable.
Even toward the original host—his beloved younger brother—he rarely smiled. At most, he showed his affection through the bestowal of honors and treasures. Not words.
Xu Ning instinctively tensed. Every fiber of his being warned him: the man in front of him was dangerous. Like a lion king lazily grooming his claws—graceful, but terrifying.
"It's fine if you stay lying down," Li Wen said mildly, his gaze sweeping over Xu Ning's pale, sweat-covered face. After a moment of silence, he added, "This matter hasn't been confirmed yet. You shouldn't ruin your health over it."
His brows furrowed slightly. Noticing how soaked his younger brother was in cold sweat, his expression softened—just a bit. "Jiahui, don't be so willful."
Xu Ning could only force a weak smile. Mourning over a future wife's betrayal and death, in Li Wen's eyes, had been labeled as "willful."
"Jiahui understands," Xu Ning replied quietly. That was the name the original host had been bestowed. Li Xun, Prince Jiahui—younger brother of the Emperor and once madly in love with the Empire's most feared general.
"Someone, come," Li Wen called toward the door. His voice, though calm, was filled with a gravity that made people instinctively obey.
Two servant girls entered swiftly. Xu Ning narrowed his eyes slightly. He recognized them as Miao Qing and Yuan Dong—the two closest attendants to the original host. Their expressions were respectful, but there was something deeper there… something Xu Ning made note of.
"Take good care of the prince," Li Wen instructed, his tone flat and detached.
"Understood," both girls replied in unison, bowing low.
Li Wen glanced at Xu Ning once more but didn't say anything further. He seemed burdened by the weight of state affairs and departed without delay.
Xu Ning didn't speak again. He wasn't sure if Li Wen had noticed the change in him. After asking after Xu Ning's health a little, he left. Xu Ning barely spoke. He didn't know whether Li Wen noticed her abnormality or not.
That was fine. Let things unfold slowly. He had all the time he needed.
He turned his gaze to the canopy above, eyes distant.
The truth was, the original host had died from heartbreak. His beloved, General Hua Jin, had returned triumphant from war, only to fall in love with a commoner. A man who, despite knowing she was the kingdom's general, had boldly pretended to save her in a staged scene of bravery. That one moment of fake courage had captured her heart.