Unfortunately, she had no idea what kind of personality Xiao Ning’an truly had. Unless it was someone Xiao Ning’an fancied, anyone else’s antics would only make her nauseous. She was just about to sneer a few words when—
Unexpectedly, a faint fragrance brushed past her nose. Xiao Ning’an steadied herself and finally saw her own betrothed, the future princess consort, standing before Yong Yishuang with her hands on her hips, her little face puffed up in anger.
She seemed to want to say something but held back. In the end, she merely came to Xiao Ning’an’s side, supporting her head weakly. “Your Highness, Huanyi feels a bit faint from the heat…”
You just walked out of the house—what heatstroke are you talking about?! Yong Yishuang felt like she was about to explode from anger. Yet, the ever-sharp Xiao Ning’an, who was usually so astute, actually fell for it. With a face full of concern, she supported Ning Huanyi. “It’s my fault. Qingdai, take my token and summon the imperial physician from the palace!”
Ning Huanyi, who was now nestled in Xiao Ning’an’s arms, was shocked. If the imperial physician came, wouldn’t her act be exposed? She hurriedly opened her eyes, her almond-shaped pupils flickering with panic.
But just then, she met Xiao Ning’an’s gaze. The latter smiled faintly, signaling for her not to worry. It’s just an imperial physician—a few taels of silver will send them on their way.
And so, Ning Huanyi could only half-doubtfully allow Xiao Ning’an to carry her to the newly built divan in the princess’s residence—one that even Yong Yishuang hadn’t had the chance to sleep on yet.
It was precisely because of this sudden turn of events that Yong Yishuang was granted a reprieve and allowed to rise. But when she arrived at the side hall, she was even more furious. With things like this, when the hell is Xiao Ning’an going to leave?!
The noble ladies from prestigious families were never ones to go without snacks and tea. Whether they had lunch or not wasn’t a big deal—what mattered more was witnessing such a spectacle.
Xiao Ning’an frowned. Though she didn’t want so many people disturbing Ning Huanyi’s rest, at least this was an opportunity to establish Ning Huanyi’s authority in front of everyone. That way, even if she couldn’t always rush to her side in time, no one would dare look down on Ning Huanyi.
Kneeling down, Xiao Ning’an leaned close to Ning Huanyi’s ear and whispered in a voice only she could hear, laced with tenderness, “No one will bully you anymore.”
Ning Huanyi had initially felt utterly humiliated, keeping her eyes tightly shut, afraid that others would see through her act. But upon hearing Xiao Ning’an’s words, she suddenly felt a sting in her nose.
Born as the legitimate daughter of the Yongchang Marquis’s household, she had never wanted for food or clothing and was the pampered young lady of the entire estate. To outsiders, she might have seemed the epitome of happiness. But the frailty she was born with and the years spent confined to the estate, praying for her health amidst ancient Buddhist chants and dim lamps—what could be more monotonous than that?
Yet Ning Huanyi had never blamed anyone for it. It wasn’t until Xiao Ning’an spoke those words that she finally felt the weight of her grievances.
Tears welled up at the corners of her eyes. Sensing Ning Huanyi’s sorrow, Xiao Ning’an quickly wiped them away before gently bringing a cup of water to her lips. As Ning Huanyi took small sips, it seemed as though her emotions were soothed along with the water.
Those who knew the current regent knew just how proud Xiao Ning’an had once been. Even on the day she returned to the capital, mounted on her horse, she hadn’t spared a glance for the ministers who came to welcome her.
A person who wouldn’t even spare a glance for others now bestowed endless tenderness upon the frail beauty lying on the bed. Both possessed extraordinary beauty, as if forming a painting that made others feel they were meant to be this way.
All the women present, whether married or unmarried, couldn’t help but feel boundless envy at such a scene.
Indeed, the Regent’s token proved incredibly effective. An ordinary token might require waiting an hour or two for the imperial physician to arrive, but now it was different—the physician arrived at the princess’s residence in a carriage at breakneck speed, still clutching the token in hand and panting heavily upon seeing Xiao Ning’an.
“This humble official… this humble official is late. I beg Your Highness for forgiveness.” Though Imperial Physician Zhang was not the head of the medical bureau, he had temporarily taken over the role during the head’s absence, and his medical skills and reputation were not to be underestimated.
Some of the less distinguished young ladies present would have had to bow to this physician, and Yong Yishuang naturally knew of Imperial Physician Zhang. Back then, she had tried multiple times to summon him for treatment but failed.
Yet now, with just a token, he came scrambling over in such haste?
Yong Yishuang couldn’t help but glare at Imperial Physician Zhang, who, in turn, didn’t even glance at her or offer a salute. When Xiao Ning’an heard of his arrival, she was also displeased.
“What? When my consort suffers from heatstroke, your bureau head can’t even be bothered to come?” Xiao Ning’an’s voice was icy, showing no regard for Imperial Physician Zhang’s dignity, nor did she allow him to rise from his kneeling position.
Imperial Physician Zhang trembled even more at these words: “Your Highness, please calm your anger. Today, the bureau head is taking the Empress Dowager’s pulse—her migraine is severe, and he cannot leave her side. That is why this humble official was sent instead…”
Xiao Ning’an clicked her tongue, exuding endless impatience, but when she turned to look at Ning Huanyi on the bed, her expression softened with boundless tenderness.
“Then hurry up and take her pulse.” Xiao Ning’an’s cool voice reached Imperial Physician Zhang’s ears. As he approached, she lowered her voice and added something with a hint of threat, to which the physician could only nod repeatedly.
He then began the examination.
“This… the young lady of the Ning family was originally in good health, but standing under the sun has left her complexion damaged, and the heat has invaded her body, leading to her current condition. We must prescribe medicine immediately!” Imperial Physician Zhang spoke urgently, as if the illness were truly severe.
Yong Yishuang was dumbfounded. How could so many people be putting on this act for Ning Huanyi? She had only just stepped outside—how could she have been exposed to the sun? Even before Xiao Ning’an arrived, Ning Huanyi had been standing in the shade, her fair skin untouched by the sun!
Yong Yishuang was so furious she nearly spat blood. She wanted to step forward and say something, but Liu Jingming stopped her. By now, even someone as slow-witted as Liu Jingming understood the situation. Since the incident had occurred at the princess’s residence, the palace would inevitably send someone to investigate. If Yong Yishuang had any sense, she should be thinking about how to apologize to the Yongchang Marquis’s household.