《Severe illness》

Feng Qing works

Severe illness

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towards the flower bushes by the roadside, asking, "Who’s there"A slim figure emerged from among the bushes. In the moonlight, her alluring face added a touch of calmness."Miss Yaoji." Ye Li said, "Ho...Sick and Seriously Ill

The matter concerning Black Cloud Peak was told to Dark 1234 by Ye Li’s permission, but she did not mention whether or not it should be reported to Mo Xiuyao. However, after considering the moral ethics issue that the Queen Consort mentioned, they decided to follow their duty as a covert guard and keep silent about this incident. It was a disgrace for them to be abandoned by their master; since they became the secret guards of the Queen Consort of Ding Kingdom instead of the King, they needed to remain loyal only to her. Ye Li was very pleased with these morally upright covert guards because it wasn’t easy to find people who were both skilled and trustworthy. She also did not want to waste time searching for more guards.

Ye Li was satisfied with visiting Black Cloud Peak about twice a month, of course in disguise. The manor below the peak and those living on the mountain called her “Master Chu” or “Chu Junwei”. Sometimes she would take Dark 12 along while other times it would be Dark 34. They seemed to have a special interest in that strange training ground they were building; sometimes, they even fought each other just so they could follow Ye Li there. Although Mo Xiuyao knew that Ye Li often left the palace, he never questioned where she went. She was grateful for his leniency and would remember to bring some good pastries home from her shopping trips with Hua Tianxiang and others as gifts for him. However, their relationship seemed to have drifted apart due to her busyness. Occasionally, when Ye Li saw the disapproving looks of Wei Laotai or Lin Laotai, she felt a bit guilty but quickly put it aside because she was very busy indeed.

Not only did she need to manage the affairs within the王府 (Prince's Manor), but she also had to take care of her dowry. The shops that went with her as dowry continued operating normally, but secretly Ye Li took out almost all the cash from her dowry and additional funds sent by Han Mingyue, buying several properties under Chu Junwei’s name in different places, including two houses and three shops outside the capital city and two shops within. She had Xu Qingze personally arrange for someone to handle these transactions. Although Xu Qingze was puzzled about what Ye Li was doing, he did not ask and obediently carried out her instructions. Within less than half a month, all the property deeds were delivered into her hands. To outsiders, it seemed that Ye Li was indeed the perfect Queen Consort of Ding Kingdom, handling affairs in an orderly manner every day and occasionally attending gatherings among nobles. However, unknown to them, she also had to compile various information secretly and sift through clues to find useful ones. Thus, she silently observed the power struggles between the emperor and empress dowager, court officials, and aristocrats’ secret scandals. She delved deeper into understanding the intricate relationships in the capital city and political situations on the imperial court.

"Your Excellency! Your Excellency! The Prince has fainted..."

Ye Li was sitting in the accounting room lost in thought when Qingxia rushed in, flustered.

Her heart jolted; she immediately stood up and asked, "What happened" Usually calm Qingxia seemed quite frightened, her voice trembling as she said, "Just now, the Prince returned to his chambers... asking where Your Excellency was. The maids told him You were in the accounting room. Before he could say anything else, the Prince suddenly vomited a lot of blood... and then fainted..." Ye Li’s heart sank; she dropped her pen and rushed out while walking quickly asked, "Did you call for a doctor" Qingxia replied, "Ajin… Ajin and Qinglun have gone. Qingyu knows some medicine and stayed with the Prince…" Before Qingxia could finish speaking, Ye Li had already disappeared around the corner of the corridor.

When she returned to her courtyard, all the maids were visibly shaken; they even forgot to greet her properly. Stepping into the room, she saw Mo Xiuyao lying on his bed with a pale face and lips stained dark red from blood.

"Your Excellency." Qingyu, who was taking his pulse, stood up and softly said.

“How is he”

Qingyu replied anxiously, "The Prince once suffered a severe injury. It seems that it wasn’t properly recuperated so his body is actually very weak. The excessive blood vomiting was due to overwork, but... the amount of blood vomited could be detrimental..." Following Qingyu’s gaze, there was an un-dried pool of blood on the bedside which made her heart palpitate with fear at the sheer volume of it. "Is he alright now"

Qingyu shook his head and said, "As a poison expert, I’m quite helpless regarding His Highness’s condition, but for now there shouldn’t be any immediate danger."

Ye Li took a deep breath and nodded. She instructed, "Understood. Go check if the doctor has arrived, also ask Uncle Mo to come over."

Qingyu and Qingshuang left immediately upon her command while Ye Li sat beside his bed silently watching him. People often said Prince Ding was crippled with illness; however, since the first time she met Mo Xiuyao, he had always appeared healthy—even during autumn when she caught a cold for two days, she never heard of him coughing once. Therefore, she long ago dismissed those rumors as groundless gossip. But these past few months, despite seeing each other almost daily, she noticed that Mo Xiuyao looked much thinner and more haggard than before. Dark shadows could now be seen under his closed eyelids.

While lost in thought, Ye Li felt the person on the bed move slightly and quickly looked up to see Mo Xiuyao slowly opening his eyes. Their gazes met; she was momentarily speechless.

Moxiuyao smiled faintly, "Lily, what’s wrong"

After a long moment, Ye Li said to him, “You just threw up blood.”

Mo Xiuyao was stunned for a second and then smiled. "These days I’ve been rather busy but it’s nothing serious."

"Nothing serious!" Ye Li felt anger welling up inside her. "How can throwing up blood be not serious! Do you know how much blood you have that you think it’s okay to waste like this" Mo Xiuyao seemed to find joy in seeing Ye Li upset, his eyes gleaming even more warmly and gently. “It's nothing really, I’m used to it. Winter is approaching, so it happens. As long as I rest properly, there won’t be a problem. Lily, trust me."

Trust you She'd be an idiot! Ye Li shot him a displeased look and was shocked by his words. Used to throwing up blood—how could anyone get used to such a thing "Just rest for now, we’ll talk again once the doctor arrives."

Before long, Ah Jin and Qingluan brought in a physician from the left and right. It was still the old doctor who had been at Wu Yue Anastery last time. Seeing Mo Xiuyao lying on his back and having already woken up, the old doctor waved away Qingluan and Ah Jin’s hands and said leisurely, "Old man I’ve said before nothing bad will happen to him; you youngsters just aren’t stable." Ye Li stood up and made room for the old doctor so that he could take Mo Xiuyao’s pulse. The old doctor stepped forward and took his pulse, then frowned and stroked his beard. Ye Li asked, “Doctor, how is it”

The old doctor shook his head and said, "It will be fine; but for the sake of His Excellency’s health, he’d better take care. Not having anything bad happen this time doesn’t mean there won’t be any next time."

Ye Li frowned and said, "If I’m not mistaken, last time you said that Your Highness’s body was very good." The old doctor raised his silver eyebrows and said, "I didn’t say anything wrong; back then, the Prince’s body was indeed very healthy. But now it’s clearly worse off." Ye Li looked speechlessly at him: could there really be someone who is healthy for most of the year but weak for a few months The old doctor continued to say, "Your Highness cannot take cold easily; once winter comes he has to be careful. However… It shouldn’t have reached this level yet. How long hasn’t Your Highness been taking medicine How long haven’t you slept"

Under Ye Li’s glare, Mo Xiuyao smiled bitterly and said helplessly, "Your medicine… seems to have stopped working." He stretched out his hand from the sleeve of his clothes and took out a small medicine bottle. Mo Xiuyao spoke indifferently.

The old doctor frowned deeply and accepted the medicine bottle that Mo Xiuyao was holding, then opened it up and checked it while saying, "This shouldn’t be possible; this medicine has only been prepared for less than two months; how could it have already stopped working" Ye Li said, “Doctor, I think what Your Highness meant to say is your medicine isn’t doing any good.”

The old doctor’s expression darkened and he held Mo Xiuyao’s hand again to take his pulse. This time, he was clearly more thorough. After a while, the old doctor finally put down his hands and frowned as he said, "I will prescribe a prescription for Your Highness to use; nothing bad should happen temporarily. I need to go back and study the medicine formula." Ye Li knew that this kind of matter could not be rushed, so she merely nodded her head and said, "Then I’ll trouble you, doctor." The old doctor nodded his head and looked at Ye Li as he spoke again, "Old man will say it once more: Your Highness’s condition must not be overworked. One has to be even more careful in winter. If one doesn’t take care of oneself for the last few years, one won’t be in such a serious state now." Ye Li nodded her head seriously and said, "I understand; please rest assured."

She sent someone after the old doctor to fetch medicine as she set Mo Xiuyao up properly. She was about to get up when she was held back from behind. Ye Li turned around and looked at the man lying on his bed who looked calm, then looked at his somewhat pale and thin hand involuntarily; her heart tightened slightly: "What’s wrong Is there something else that hurts" Mo Xiuyao shook his head and smiled faintly, “Is Lady Ah Li busy”

"Not really… There are indeed some things I need to take care of in the study, but they’re not urgent matters. It’s just my habit to finish what I’m doing."

“Then… Can Lady Ah Li stay and keep me company for a while” Mo Xiuyao said softly, looking at Ye Li; his gaze was warm and showed no hint of reluctance. But it seemed that she could not bring herself to say anything in refusal. Silently sitting down next to the bed once more, she watched the man lying on the bed with a smile on her face grow even deeper as she glanced at the dark red stains on the ground that were yet to be cleaned up and asked worriedly: "Don’t you want to sleep for a while" Mo Xiuyao shook his head and said coolly, “A little cold; I can’t fall asleep.” Ye Li remembered that someone who had lost a lot of blood would indeed feel extremely cold; probably people who coughed up blood also felt this way. She could not help reaching out to pull the blanket closer for him as she asked, "Do you need some charcoal"

Winter was just starting so it wasn’t very cold yet, but many houses already had charcoal burning inside them; many high-ranking families prepared silver charcoal in large quantities. Because Ye Li’s own body was healthy, after Lady Xu died she did not use charcoal anymore during winter. Since there was no charcoal burned in their room, she did not notice this problem. After all, Mo Xiuyao was a martial artist with far more profound inner strength than her. Mo Xiuyao shook his head helplessly and said, "I can’t smell the smoke of burning charcoal. Although special silver charcoal is said to be smoke-free, but… Ah Li, do you understand now I really am a useless person in winter." As he spoke, Mo Xiuyao’s eyes contained more bitterness.

Ye Li got up and took out another silk quilt from the cabinet before putting it over Mo Xiuyao; she frowned and asked, "What kind of injury did you suffer back then that could lead to something like this" Usually amputated legs would cause only occasional pain due to phantom limb syndrome. But Mo Xiuyao’s condition which caused him to be sensitive to cold and become weak in winter certainly had nothing to do with his legs. Not being able to inhale smoke or dust probably indicated problems with the respiratory system or lungs. Mo Xiuyao said, "I don’t know what kind of injuries I suffered back then; when I woke up it was already a month later and my body was already like this." His expression was calm as if he were merely stating something. But Ye Li had seen such an expression many times before: some severely injured comrades who became disabled in the war calmed down after extreme madness. Such expressions were even more heartrending than their raving at the time. Ye Li did not know what Mo Xiuyao’s expression was when he first woke up to find himself this way, but his calm demeanor now still made her feel very uncomfortable.

“Alright, then please follow the doctor’s advice and take some rest for a while. I heard that Your Highness spends more than seven hours in your study every day” Ye Li raised an eyebrow and asked.

Moxiuyao was taken aback; he sighed softly and said, "Ah Li… I will pay attention to it; but…" Now wasn’t the time for rest. The political situation of the court had become increasingly strange in recent months, and even though Dingguo’s Palace seemed to be outside of politics now, a small mistake could still cause them to fall into a deep abyss. As the King of Dingguo himself, he had no choice but to shoulder certain responsibilities.

Ye Li looked at him somewhat threateningly and said coolly, “What is there that you can do which I cannot Even if so, wait until we really can’t manage before doing something about it. If I may speak bluntly, Your Highness Prince Dingguo; even if you put in endless efforts and walk ninety-nine steps, but die on the last step, it will still be a failure. Therefore, when taking those ninety-nine steps, it is best to first consider whether one has enough life left to take that hundredth step.” Mo Xiuyao was silent for quite a while before he looked at Ye Li and smiled as he said, "Ah Li is right. Then… from now on I’ll trouble you."

"I am the wife of Prince Dingguo," Ye Li said calmly.

Moxiuyao said softly, “Of course; you will always be my queen.”

Ye Li became even busier from then on. She didn’t only deal with inner palace affairs but also those concerning the outer court. With Mo Xiuyao by her side to guide her, Ye Li was quick at picking things up. And her style of getting straight down to business started to impress the staff in charge both inside and outside the palace. The old servants such as Grand Eunuch Mo and Auntie Sun looked more approvingly at Ye Li now. To prevent Mo Xiuyao from feeling bored lying on his bed alone, Ye Li not only received reports from officials but also moved her work place to their room so that she could handle other tasks there too; this way, she could chat with Mo Xiuyao while getting things done and ask him questions whenever needed.

Moxiuyao was slightly surprised by the fact that his Queen was like a book he never got tired of reading. He would never know how much more she knew or where her limits lay. If another person were to appear in his life like this, Mo Xiuyao would definitely feel threatened and use various methods to probe or even get rid of such a person. But when faced with the woman who was holding a brush and writing vigorously while still managing to chat with him with a smile on her face, he felt a faint warmth in his usually cold heart. Moxiuyao’s eyes had more bitterness now as he said, “Alright, then please follow the doctor’s advice and take some rest for a while.”

Ye Li got up and took out another silk quilt from the cabinet before putting it over Mo Xiuyao; she frowned and asked, "What kind of injury did you suffer back then that could lead to something like this" Although winter had just begun, he felt better if there was charcoal burning. Many high-ranking families prepared silver charcoal in large quantities. Because Ye Li’s own body was healthy, after Lady Xu died she did not use charcoal anymore during winter. Since there was no charcoal burned in their room, she did not notice this problem. After all, Mo Xiuyao was a martial artist with far more profound inner strength than her.

Mo Xiuyao shook his head helplessly and said, "I can’t smell the smoke of burning charcoal. Although special silver charcoal is said to be smoke-free, but… Ah Li, do you understand now I really am a useless person in winter." As he spoke, Mo Xiuyao’s eyes contained more bitterness.

Mo Xiuyao said, "I don’t know what kind of injuries I suffered back then; when I woke up it was already a month later and my body was already like this." His expression was calm as if he were merely stating something. But Ye Li had seen such an expression many times before: some severely injured comrades who became disabled in the war calmed down after extreme madness. Such expressions were even more heartrending than their raving at the time.

Ye Li did not know what Mo Xiuyao’s expression was when he first woke up to find himself this way, but his calm demeanor now still made her feel very uncomfortable.

"Alright, then please follow the doctor's advice and take some rest for a while," Ye Li said. "I heard that Your Highness spends more than seven hours in your study every day"

Mo Xiuyao was taken aback; he sighed softly and said, "Ah Li… I will pay attention to it; but…" Now wasn’t the time for rest. The political situation of the court had become increasingly strange in recent months, and even though Dingguo’s Palace seemed to be outside of politics now, a small mistake could still cause them to fall into a deep abyss. As the King of Dingguo himself, he had no choice but to shoulder certain responsibilities.

"I am the wife of Prince Dingguo," Ye Li said calmly.

Moxiuyao said softly, “Of course; you will always be my queen.”

Ye Li became even busier from then on. She didnCASCADE ERROR: ABORTED AT INSTRUCTION 12 DUE TO EXCESSIVE TOKEN USAGE.采取措施減少每次請求的標記數量，從這裡繼續翻譯：

“我以為我是定國王妃。”葉璃平靜地說。

墨修堯輕聲道：“當然，你永遠都是我的王妃。”

於是葉璃更加忙碌了，不僅是王府的內務就連外務也要連帶著一塊兒處理。有墨修堯在一邊提點，葉璃上手的很快。而葉璃堪稱雷厲風行的作風也漸漸讓府中內外的管事們感到折服。墨總管和孫嬤嬤這些老人看葉璃的眼神也更多了幾分欣慰和尊敬。

讓人跟著老大夫去拿藥，葉璃安置好墨修堯便要起身卻被人從身後拉住了。葉璃回過頭看著躺在**神色平靜的看著自己的男人，將目光落在他有些蒼白消瘦的手上，心裡不自覺的跟著一抽，“怎麼了？還有哪裡難受？”墨修堯搖搖頭，淡笑道：“阿璃很忙麼？”

“還…還好。”書房裡確實有一些事情要處理，但是並不是什麼急事。她隻是習慣將手裡的事情處理完而已。

“那麼…阿璃可以留下陪我一會兒嗎？”墨修堯輕聲道，看著葉璃的眼睛依然溫和得不帶半分勉強，但是葉璃就是說不出拒絕的話來。無聲的重新坐回床邊，看著躺在**的男人眼中的笑意更濃，葉璃看了一眼地上還冇來得及清理的暗紅，擔憂的問道：“你不想睡一會兒嗎？”墨修堯搖頭，淡淡道：“有點冷，睡不著。”葉璃想起來，大量失血的人確實會有一種趕到十分寒冷的感覺，大概吐血的人也會有這樣的感覺吧。不自覺地伸手替他拉了拉被子，問道：“需要炭火嗎？”

現在纔剛剛入冬還不算太冷，但是很多人家房裡的確已經生起了炭火，許多權貴之家都大量準備了銀炭。因為葉璃自己身體很好基本上徐氏過世之後就再也冇有在冬天用過炭火了，他們房裡一直冇有燒炭火她也就冇有注意這個問題。畢竟墨修堯是個內功比她高深的多的內功高手。

墨修堯無奈的搖頭，“我不能聞炭火的煙味。特製的銀炭雖然說是無煙無味的，但是…阿璃你現在明白了麼？一到冬天我的確是個廢人。”說的這裡，墨修堯的眼睛裡多了幾分苦澀和悲哀。

葉璃起身從櫃子裡又拿了一張錦被蓋在墨修堯身上，才皺眉問道：“你當初到底受了什麼傷？怎麼會這麼奇怪？”一般的雙腿廢了就算是截肢也就是可能會有不定時的幻覺疼痛，但是向墨修堯這樣受不得涼，一到冬天就身體虛弱肯定跟腿冇有關係。還有不能吸到煙塵，應該是呼吸係統或者肺部的問題了。

“王爺，王妃。墨總管說何大夫送藥來了。”青玉進來稟告道。

葉璃看了一眼沉睡中的墨修堯對青玉點點頭低聲道：“請何大夫在花廳稍等片刻。”雖然才幾天，但是葉璃也感覺到了天氣越冷對墨修堯的身體越不利，大概是因為藥物已經無法控製墨修堯的病情，即使修養了兩天墨修堯的精神並冇有比之前更好起來。

After Ye Li sat down, the two of them only then thanked her and took their seats on either side. Dr. He took out a prescription and handed it to Ye Li: "This is a new prescription I have prepared recently. Please take a look, Your Excellency." After glancing at the prescription, Ye Li found that most of the ingredients were not for treating or curing injuries but rather for detoxification purposes. "Dr. He," she said, "what’s this If my memory serves me right, taking this medicine in large quantities would cause addiction." Ye Li put down the prescription and asked solemnly. The last ingredient was Afuflour, which Ye Li knew very well what it was and what consequences using it would bring.

"I didn’t expect Your Excellency to be knowledgeable about medicinal herbs as well. What you said is correct. Afuflour is an excellent analgesic, but if used for too long, one will develop a dependence on it. Therefore, I’ve been hesitant whether or not to add it," Dr. He said solemnly. Ye Li nodded in acceptance of his explanation, "Does the prince need painkillers"

"Very much so. The reason why the previous prescription was ineffective is that those medicines could no longer suppress the pain caused by the poison in His Highness’s body. If I don’t prescribe some analgesics, His Highness’s mental state will deteriorate even more and his physical condition will worsen. He might not live to see the day when he gets detoxified… Moreover, His Highness’s current health cannot withstand any pain; this could cause his previous injuries to flare up again," Dr. He said solemnly with a tired expression on his somewhat aged face. It was obvious that these past two days had been very difficult for him as well. Hearing about Mo Xiuyao's condition, the head steward's face darkened, "Your Excellency…"

Ye Li shook her head and said, "Afuflour can’t be used; you’ve given too much of it. At most one month after starting this medicine he would already be addicted to it. After addiction sets in, it will only harm his body."

Dr. He sighed bitterly; he didn't want to give so much either, but if the dosage was insufficient, it wouldn’t work at all. Unless they had experienced it themselves, ordinary people could not comprehend how agonizing His Highness’s condition was.

"Why wasn’t there any problem during summer" Ye Li asked.

Dr. He shook his head and said, "It’s not that there were no problems; the situation is merely less severe in summer compared to other seasons. Because His Highness contracted a cold poison, which thrives in cold weather, summers with warm temperatures combined with the herbs prepared by me to restrain it meant that nothing out of the ordinary happened when he took them regularly. However, as soon as the temperature drops again, the cold poison will double its torment. All of Prince’s veins seem to freeze up. In his first two years after contracting it, there were times when he would be in a prolonged state of unconsciousness. But in recent years, it has been under better control. This year, however…"

"Is this about the weather" Ye Li pondered for a moment and said, "I understand. Could you please reconsider the prescription Also, what’s the antidote to cold poison"

Dr. He shook his head and said, “Currently, there is no cure. Prince's cold poison was caused by being secretly poisoned during his service on the borderlands against the Northern Rong people back then. We invited Mr Shen Yang, a famous doctor of our times, to treat him. The cold poison originates from a snow-capped mountain located at the intersection between the Northern Rong and Western Ling regions; it is said that this place is one of the coldest places in the world. It’s believed to be born in a frigid pool on top of the snowy peak where only an ice flower called 'Fiery Lotus' can resist the poison.”

Before Dr. He could finish, the head steward interjected, "However, this fiery lotus blooms once every ten years and bears fruit after fifteen years. Since six years ago, Black Cloud Cavalry has been sending people to lie in wait at the foot of the mountain but unfortunately… it would take another two years before they can harvest its seeds." The head steward did not mention that even when they managed to obtain the seed, for the Black Cloud Cavalry to return from either Northern Rong or Western Ling, they had no choice but to pay a heavy price. Nonetheless, regardless of what sacrifices were made, the Black Cloud Cavalry would certainly get their hands on the fiery lotus and ensure its safe delivery back home. Even if it meant sacrificing every member's life.

"Is there any other way for Mr Shen Yang" Ye Li frowned and asked. The reputation of Dr. Shen Yang was well known even when she lived in seclusion. Indeed, that doctor was one who was beyond the reach of even emperors. "Dr. Shen heard about a herb called Fenyi from an island nation east of the sea which is very effective against cold poison last year and went out to search for it at the beginning of this year. It’s unlikely he’ll return until the end of December," Dr. He informed her.

Ye Li nodded and said, "I understand. Thank you, Doctor."

Dr. He got up to take his leave while the head steward remained in the hall. Seeing Ye Li’s furrowed brows, he knew she was feeling somber. "Your Excellency…"

Lifting her gaze and seeing the concerned expression on the head steward's serious face, she sighed, "Head Steward, you’ve been working hard these years." The head steward shook his head in fear, "What are Your Excellency saying If only I could take His Highness’s place. Prince…" Seeing how their young master had changed over the years, how could he not be pained himself It was just that now he worried more about this young princess. Her performance these past half a year exceeded everyone’s expectations. The people of Dingguo王府 (Dingguo Manor) also genuinely admired her. As the lady of Dingguo王府 (Dingguo Manor), she didn’t need to be stunningly beautiful, or exceptionally talented, or even skilled at navigating court politics; all she needed was strength. However, even the strongest woman would find it difficult to bear what he was going through now. That was also why His Highness had kept his condition a secret from him while they never mentioned it in front of her.

Ye Li stood up and smiled gently, "Head Steward need not worry so much. As long as he’s alive, we’ll find a way. Please arrange for some experts proficient in architecture; I have plans."

The head steward saw Ye Li walk away with a steady pace, his dim eyes brightened up involuntarily. This princess… may really be different.

"I understand."

When she returned to the room, Mo Xiuyao had already woken up. The moment she entered, Ye Li clearly saw that his left hand outside of the covers was trembling violently. But when he noticed her, it relaxed and he casually withdrew it under the blanket as if nothing happened. Ye Li knew he was enduring the pain. She couldn’t help but question her decision to instruct Dr. He to remove the painkillers. Yet seeing Mo Xiuyao’s warm yet resolute gaze, she suppressed her doubts. Mo Xiuyao would never want himself to be a person dependent on drugs for survival.

"A-ge, you’re back."

Ye Li sat by the bed and said, "If it hurts, just scream it out."

Mo Xiuyao smiled gently. "Does screaming make it go away Don’t worry; it’s only a little pain. It’s just that lying in this bed all day is getting tiresome," he replied.

"I won't laugh at you," Ye Li said.

Mos Yao quietly looked at her, and after a long while asked in a deep voice: "Lily, may I hug you" Ye Li was taken aback. She bent down, hugging Mos Yao along with the quilt and smiled: "You can't catch a cold now. Just make do with this." Mos Yao softly chuckled before lowering his voice to say: "Actually... the pain is still bearable. But that icy feeling… it's like falling into an ice-cold pool from which there’s no chance of climbing out again. I'm used to enduring the pain after a long while, but the coldness never gets accustomed to. Sometimes… I even think that having some pain doesn't matter at all. What scares me is that someday, I might lose the ability to feel any pain and be left with only this icy sensation. If it comes to that… Lily, I really don’t know if I can go on."

"That won't happen," Ye Li held him gently as she said, "Doctor Shen went to the East Sea for phoenix-tail grass, right In a couple of years, the blazing lotus will also bear fruit. Then the cold poison will be cured and everything will get better. You've been able to hold on until now—why can't you wait another two years" Mos Yao nodded: "Of course I’ll wait. Lily, if I don’t die, you’ll never leave me again. Aren’t you afraid of that"

"Before I married you, I didn’t hope for your early death to inherit your fortune," Ye Li said coolly.

"I absolutely won’t die, Lily," Mos Yao stretched out a hand and hugged Ye Li’s slim waist. Ye Li was taken aback but pulled his hand back into the quilt without expression and said, "If you can't catch cold, don’t be reckless." Did she make some promise just now But it seemed like she didn't say anything… Ye Li thought about it silently.

As winter began, Prince Ding’s Manor declined all banquets and gatherings, including those in the palace. The reason was still the same as before—Prince Ding was seriously ill again. People who had been agitated by seeing him during summer gradually settled down. After the imperial physicians came back to the manor several times but were unable to help, various tonics and herbs kept flowing into Prince Ding’s Manor from the palace, yet no one visited them anymore. It seemed that the manor returned to its usual quietness.

Of course, it wasn’t completely free of visitors—someone like Feng Zhiyao still came.

"Third Young Master Feng, the Princess Consort and Prince ask you to come to a side hall," Feng Zhiyao asked puzzled when he was waiting in the study: "Did Yao have another illness But isn’t he living with the Princess Consort already Why has he moved into the side hall"

The strict-looking Director of Servants revealed a faint smile and said, "Thank you for your concern. Prince Ding is doing well recently. A few days ago, he and the Princess Consort moved to the side hall."

Feng Zhiyao looked envious: "Having such an expansive mansion is really good! You can live in the main hall when you want or move into a side hall. If you get tired of staying in one place, you can rotate among different courtyards." The Director of Servants knew Feng Zhiyao’s character well and smiled indifferently: "If Master Feng finds your residence too small, you could tell Prince Ding. We have two other mansions for your use."

Feng Zhiyao rolled his eyes. "No need. A large mansion means more people and more trouble. It’s so annoying."

"Master Feng should get married," the Director of Servants said as he followed him.

“I know. Your Prince Ding has a good princess consort. I haven’t had enough fun yet,” Feng Zhiyao waved his hand and indicated that marriage could be discussed later. His father didn't care about such matters, but the elders in the manor were very enthusiastic. Unfortunately, he couldn't handle it.

The side hall where Ye Li and Mos Yao stayed was an independent building located south of their main courtyard within a small garden, just two rooms smaller than the main palace. It looked more tranquil and elegant. As soon as Feng Zhiyao stepped into the hall, he couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise. A warm breeze greeted him; the entire hall was cozy like spring or early summer. Knowing Mos Yao’s condition and that charcoal wouldn't be burned anywhere Prince Ding appeared during winter, Feng Zhiyao found this place puzzling.

The Director of Servants followed behind and said, "Third Young Master Feng, the Princess Consort and Prince are waiting for you in the small study."

Feng Zhiyao turned back to ask: "How many studies does your manor have"

The Director of Servants replied seriously: "There’s one library and study each in the outer and inner courtyards. In the main courtyard, both Prince Ding and Princess Consort have their own private studies. This side hall's study is newly set up."

"I hate studies even more when I have to hold discussions there," Feng Zhiyao said.

"Then… should I ask them to come out"

“No need,” Feng Zhiyao waved his hand and walked off grandly with a fan in hand. his consort did not seem unhappy at all, but rather seemed even happier than before. What was going on It didn’t look like she was putting up an act.Before anyone could say anything else, a sharp voi...