Chapter 17: Vicious

"Doctor, how is my Lady doing?" The imperial physician didn't answer. He made Ning Xueyan offer her other hand and his frown deepened. His gaze fell on the teacup placed near her. He reached out for the cup, placed it near his nose, and sniffed. He asked Qingyu, "Did your Young Lady drink this?" "Yes. The kitchen sent it over. Is there something wrong with it?" Qingyu asked nervously. "I didn't touch the tea when they sent it over this afternoon,” Ning Xueyan explained feebly. “But I got thirsty and took a sip or two. We're all drinking tea prepared in the kitchen; how could there be a problem?" Her face was deathly pale, and the imperial physician fished a silver needle out of his robe and dipped it inside the teacup. The silver needle was now dyed a faint layer of black! The imperial physician shook his head. "There's a substance in this tea called the Peach Blossom. It carries a naturally sweet and mellow fragrant aftertaste. It's also poisonous and frequent ingestion can cause death. Judging from this Young Lady's complexion, I think it's not her first time consuming it. I fear that her body has been deeply harmed and requires thorough care or her life will be at risk." The household affairs of an aristocratic family had nothing to do with him, but since he had received his master's order, it meant that they would be meddling in this matter. Naturally, the imperial physician would reveal his findings without reservation. "What? That’s… impossible.” Ning Xueyan clutched the imperial physician's sleeve. “This is my old illness; my mom suffered something similar. It couldn't be a poisoning. My mom and I would experience symptoms like these every now and then. How could it be poison? Doctor, are… are you mistaken?" The imperial physician rose, indignancy pouring off of him. "I have been a physician all my life and this is the first time someone has questioned my expertise! You're indeed poisoned with the Peach Blossom, but you're still living because the dosage is small. Judging by the smell coming from that coffin, your mother likely died from the same poison. If you don't believe me, you may lean close to the coffin. You will be able to smell the fragrance better." Prince Yi's unfathomable eyes were fixed on the girl leaning on one side, his mouth forming a teasing smirk. The Lord Protector’s expression immediately changed. The veins on his forehead protruded as he turned around and barked, "Begin an investigation! Let it be known that no one is allowed to leave the manor without my order!" He never expected something this shameful to happen in his household. Poisoning! Murder! And in front of outsiders, to boot! Ning Zu'an had a feeling that Madam Ling was surely involved in this matter, and it made him so furious that he was shaking. The servants moved a spacious seat inside and Prince Yi occupied it. In a leisurely manner, he said, "Lord Protector, please go on your way if you have something to attend to. I don't mind staying here a little longer." "Please make yourself comfortable, my Prince. Your humble servant will be back soon!" The Prince looked as if he was about to watch a good show. Ning Zu'an found it highly inappropriate, but dared not say anything about it. "Go on!" Prince Yi waved offhandedly. His eyes were focused on Ning Xueyan. Ning Xueyan ought to feel bashful under the gaze of such a noble and handsome Prince, and yet she felt as if her hair was rising on its end. Even without looking at him, she could feel his stare on her. His gaze was like that of a venomous snake, focused and frightening. After a long time, after cold sweat had formed on Ning Xueyan's brow, Prince Yi revealed an indifferent smile. He leaned sideways into the spacious chair, with his elbow propping up his waist. In a leisurely manner, he asked, "The Fifth Young Lady of the Lord Protector's Manor, is it? Should I ask the imperial physician to give you a prescription?" With Qingyu's help, Ning Xueyan stood up and made a deep bow. "Many thanks, Prince, for your grace in saving me." Instead of confirming or denying it, Prince Yi retorted, "Oh. I don't remember when I have done something like saving you." cold gaze fixed on her was frigid and carried a hint of demonic air. Ning Xueyan gritted her teeth and said in as neutral a tone possible, "Many thanks for your help, Prince." She had planned on going along with the flow and letting this incident pass under the guise of thanking the Prince for saving her. However, the Prince in front of her evidently had seen through her ploy. "You dare to manipulate me?" He snorted, and the frost in his voice sent chills down the spines of those present.