Chapter 16: Mr. Yi

The two of them turned to in unison to the source of the voice, and saw a group of people standing at the door. The one who spearheaded the group wore a black robe with an eye-catching, large, blood-red spider lily print. The large blood-red spider lily print stood in stark contrast against the ink-like black fabric. The hem of the robe was lined with golden thread. Under the purple and gold hat was a devilishly handsome face. His seemingly pure-black eyes had no light in them and resembled two bottomless pits of darkness. He emanated a thousand-year coldness which sucked everyone into his aura. He inexplicably made others feel the frigidness of the Blood Sea. Because of this, his delicate face was more ruthless than feminine, and upon meeting his cold eyes,, Ning Xueyan felt her hands begin to cramp. However, she swiftly put her emotions under control and showed no trace of her feelings aside from the appropriate display of surprise as she slowly lowered her head. Fortunately, her mental state was firm. A person like him was surely one to hold another's fate in his hands. He must be frequently stationed above everyone else. A frowning Ning Zu'an was standing next to the man. He stared unhappily at Qingyu, beside Ning Xueyan. This girl was insensible to mention old illnesses. What would His Highness Prince Yi think after hearing that? "What happened, Yan'er?" "Father, I'm… I'm fine." Ning Xueyan forced herself to sit up straight and put on a small smile. However, she couldn’t stop her hand from trembling. Ning Zu'an addressed Qingyu directly. "Tell me the truth." His expression was somber, his gaze sharp. As a former military commander, his glare was intense. QIngyu immediately lowered her head to the floor. "Marquis, my Lady isn't feeling well and has been breaking out in cold sweat all day. I would like to invite a physician to check on her." Ning Zu'an frowned. "Why aren't you going, then?" "The physicians are… all with First Madam…" Qingyu's voice trembled. She didn't finish her sentence. Ning Zu'an looked at his daughter, so thin that she looked like she would topple over with the slightest breeze, and then at the nonchalant expression that she forcefully wore. Finally, he took note of how the mourning hall was deserted except for the two young women. Anger flashed across his face. He had ordered Madam Ling to organize the funeral properly, but she had treated his words like air! "Come, people! Go and fetch a physician from the Auspicious Clouds Garden!" Ning Zu'an said furiously. Ning Xueyan put on the demeanor of a gentle and sensible child. "Father, please don't. Mother isn't in good condition either. I'll be fine after enduring it for a while." The corner of Prince Yi's lips lifted into a slight smirk. He stared at her with great interest, his eyes partially narrowed. Ning Xueyan shifted her body sideways in discomfort, avoiding his eyes. This noble guest's gaze was simply too piercing for her liking. "Your Mother is fine, but you, on the other hand… you need to get some rest." Ning Zu'an reached to help his daughter stand, his voice warm, if still authoritative. "It's alright. I'm… fine…" Ning Xueyan took her father’s hand and rose to her feet. The moment she stood, her body collapsed. Her hands were devoid of warmth, and Ning Zu’an turned around angrily, scolding his manservant. "Why are you still here? Go and fetch the physician now!" "Marquis… you may use the imperial physician, fi you wish. He can examine your precious daughter." His voice was as pure and fragrant as fine wine, yet carried an undercurrent of ruthlessness. Even with her head lowered, Ning Xueyan could feel that man's gaze on her like a thorn in her back. She knew she had to avoid provoking him. She allowed her long lashes to droop and faked a flustered appearance. "Many thanks, Prince Yi!" Qingyu heaved a sigh of relief as she helped Ning Xueyan take a seat on a short stool by the coffin. The imperial physician walked to Ning Xueyan. With a quick sniff, he looked confusedly at the coffin placed on the deceased's bed and frowned. However, he swiftly put his focus on examining Ning Xueyan's pulse.