He has returned.

Ziyu returned to the Xuan Moon Pavilion, but saw no sign of Yun Xueyan. As anxiety gripped her, she caught sight of Duan Nanyu carrying Yun Xueyan back in his arms.

Seeing Duan Nanyu’s cold expression, Ziyu wisely kept silent, trailing behind him until Yun Xueyan was settled upon the bed.

“Your Highness, the Lady…” Ziyu inquired timidly, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Find a physician to examine her!” With this command, Duan Nanyu turned and departed, his figure swiftly vanishing from the pavilion.

Ziyu reached out and touched Yun Xueyan’s forehead, her own face stricken with worry. Yun Xueyan’s skin burned hot to the touch, and her pale cheeks were tinged with feverish red—a sign her illness was far from mild.

Not daring to delay, Ziyu hurried out in search of a physician.

She ushered the doctor inside and stood by as he completed his diagnosis. Only then did she ask, “Doctor, how is the Lady? Is it serious?”

“Miss, the Lady has caught a chill and is suffering from a cold, but…” The physician hesitated.

“But what?” Ziyu pressed anxiously.

“Though it is but a cold, the Lady’s constitution is too frail. If not tended carefully, the illness could endanger her life. She originally only had a mild cold, but the added fatigue and fright have worsened her condition…” The physician sighed gently, shaking his head as he looked at Ziyu.

“Miss, I will prescribe a few remedies. With proper care, she should recover without incident.”

Relieved by the physician’s words, Ziyu finally relaxed and breathed out a sigh. “Thank you, Doctor.” She took the prescription and sent the physician away, then returned to the room.

Carefully, she tucked Yun Xueyan beneath the blankets, then brushed aside the dark hair from her face, revealing her entire visage.

When she saw the grotesque scar, Ziyu could not help but shudder. The scar, though not large, was severe. For a woman, appearance was everything—what would become of her?

The woman on the bed lay pale and trembling. Ziyu hurried to fetch another quilt to cover Yun Xueyan, then went off to prepare the medicine.

“How is that wretched woman?” came a cold voice. Yun Xiyin sat upon her bed, gazing at Yicui beside her.

“Your Highness, she is quite ill at the moment, and it seems to be rather serious,” Yicui replied respectfully. Seeing the smile that crept across Yun Xiyin’s face, Yicui too began to smile.

“Let’s see if she dares to talk back to me again! She really overestimates herself, daring to ask me to apologize to her mother. Does she not know her place?” Yun Xiyin spoke with disdain, her gaze drifting into the distance.

She would never allow that woman to take what belonged to her. Even though her mother had told her not to stoop to Yun Xueyan’s level, she simply could not accept it.

In the Grand Tutor’s mansion, what she desired most was her second brother’s affection, but he cared only for Yun Xueyan!

Now, in the prince’s residence, she finally had the upper hand. Duan Nanyu favored her—this was her leverage!

As she mused, Yicui suddenly recalled something and hurried to report, “Your Highness, the second young master has returned to the residence. The Lady sent someone to notify you.”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Yun Xiyin scolded, but her smile grew. Yun Qixiao had returned—he was finally home.

“The prince was here just now, so your servant couldn’t find the opportunity to inform you,” Yicui explained quickly.

“That’s enough. You may go. After such a day’s ordeal and soaking in cold water for so long, I wish to rest.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Once Yicui had been dismissed, Yun Xiyin lay back on her bed and gradually drifted into sleep.