Chapter 84: Failure
"Believe whom?" Zheng Haoyuan asked, puzzled as he looked towards Zheng Nianru, the breeze gently lifting the hair by her ears, softening her features. The sunlight emanated from behind the girl, making her figure appear as if it were translucent, giving Zheng Haoyuan the sense that the girl before him might at any moment sprout a pair of light wings and soar into the sky, as beautifully as a bird.
Zheng Haoyuan was somewhat spellbound, his cousin always evoked feelings in him that he could never quite grasp; making it all too natural to treat her well, no matter how much care was given, it was only proper.
"Master Ling Yi," Zheng Nianru said as she sat on the rooftop, glancing at Zheng Haoyuan’s position. That was usually her spot, but after all these years, she let it go.
Zheng Haoyuan shyly averted his gaze, still unsure why he felt bashful, and simply nodded in confusion.
"My mother consort said that the reason Father Emperor has lived for so many years is all because of Master Ling Yi’s prayers. She also mentioned that Master Ling Yi could draw life from the healthy and pass it to those on the brink of death."
Zheng Nianru didn’t respond, not quite believing those ethereal and mystical tales from Qiandao Temple.
Her Imperial Uncle only had a few years left, given his repeated severe illnesses. Commandery Princess Zheng Congyuan, the Empress, and other concubines had exhausted all their filial piety. When his end truly neared, he passed away quietly one midnight, without any forewarning, in his sleep.
Master Ling Yi, Zheng Nianru couldn’t remember well; this mage was very different from Master Huo Yi.
Master Huo Yi was extremely loyal to the Nanzheng Imperial Clan, personally taking action after her rebellion. Many mages from Qiandao Temple died in the rebellion, leaving behind only a few insignificant survivors. By the time they took stock, Master Ling Yi had already vanished without a trace.