Seeing that Xue Zining did not intercede for Xue Yan for the first time, Aunt Yuan became even more indignant. "I told you to invite the imperial physician early. If you had invited him sooner, His Majesty would have woken up by now."
Upon hearing this, Xue Yan bit her lower lip and said softly, "The young prince was ill, and this servant dared not snatch the imperial physician from him. Moreover, His Majesty also said that everything was prioritized for the young prince."
"I say, you dare to talk back?" Aunt Yuan was furious.
"Xue Yan dares not!" Xue Yan knelt there. Although her face showed obedience, her hands placed on the ground were tightly clenched, revealing her inner dissatisfaction.
In the past, Xue Zining would never have paid attention to such matters. After her rebirth, she realized that by observing more closely, she could discern who was truly sincere towards her.
Unfortunately, a year later, Aunt Yuan contracted smallpox and was forced to leave the palace. It was later rumored that she died unknown and unmourned. At the time, Xue Zining had wept for a long time and ordered a proper burial for Aunt Yuan. But thinking back now, there were many suspicious points. Aunt Yuan had always resided in the imperial palace, and the person who interacted with her the most was Xue Zining herself.
Yet, why was Xue Zining unaffected? No one in the palace had contracted smallpox. How did Aunt Yuan contract it?
Thinking of this, she felt a sense of fear. These enemies were all hidden in the shadows. Only she and Aunt Yuan were in the open, easily targeted without knowing who struck. Now, she could only lie low and wait for the opportunity to uproot them.
Fortunately, heaven had eyes. She remembered almost everything that had happened in her previous life, which would allow her to avoid certain pitfalls.
Seeing Aunt Yuan about to reprimand Xue Yan further, she quickly said, "Aunt Yuan, please do not be angry. Xue Yan did not do it on purpose."
Aunt Yuan looked at her and said, "Your Majesty, you are simply too soft-hearted."
"Aunt Yuan, I am only soft-hearted towards those who are loyal to me. I am not merciful to others." After speaking, she glanced at Xue Yan. Xue Yan felt Xue Zining's gaze fall upon her, a look of appraisal and coldness.
She quickly said, "This servant is loyal to Your Majesty, may heaven strike me down if I lie."
"Xue Yan, you had best remember your words," Aunt Yuan said coldly.
Xue Yan lowered her gaze. At that moment, no one knew what she was thinking.
Xue Zining did not wish to speculate. If Xue Yan did not do anything to harm her, she would consider not eliminating her too quickly. Otherwise, she should not blame Xue Zining for being ruthless.
"Imperial sister, imperial sister..."
A somewhat childish voice echoed from outside. Xue Zining's body stiffened. She would never forget this voice.
"Your Majesty, what is wrong?" Aunt Yuan noticed Xue Zining trembling.
"I am fine, I am just a little cold."
Aunt Yuan covered her with the blanket and said, "Your Majesty, please rest. This servant will ask the prince to return."
She nodded. She had not yet figured out how to face Xue Zixuan and feared she might not be able to control her anger and kill him.
Aunt Yuan stepped out and immediately saw the young prince Xue Zixuan standing outside the door. She stepped forward and bowed, "Young prince, His Majesty has already fallen asleep. Please come another day!"
"Impossible. I just heard imperial sister speaking. It is clearly you, this wicked servant, who does not want this prince to see imperial sister." Xue Zixuan said angrily, hands on his hips.
"Young prince, His Majesty is ill. We fear that her illness might be contagious to you. Please wait until His Majesty has recovered."
"No, I want to see imperial sister..."
Aunt Yuan blocked the doorway. "Young prince, you..."
Before Aunt Yuan could finish her words, a crisp sound was heard. She was slapped across the face.
"You wicked servant, what ulterior motive do you have for preventing this prince from seeing imperial sister? Guards, seize this wicked servant and beat her to death with sticks!" Xue Zixuan roared.