MCSCPM -Chapter 100 Chaos Arises

When Yin Qingyue emerged, the eunuchs and palace maids had already scattered like birds and beasts, leaving only Nangong Xiao’s cold, lone figure in the courtyard. Bathed in moonlight, he seemed even more solitary and vulnerable.

Vulnerable? How could she use a word like that, one that had never applied to Nangong Xiao?

She let out a silent sigh. She understood perfectly why he had come out at this hour—and seeing this scene, she didn’t even need to ask what had happened.

“The Second Princess has been settled. Reliable palace maids will escort her to my residence for close care. The Emperor will surely be waiting for a report; under these circumstances, he has every right to know,” Yin Qingyue said softly, full of understanding.

Though not related to Princess Mei’er by blood, she cared for her with meticulous attention, more so than for her own family. Hearing this, Nangong Xiao felt a surge of gratitude, though he was poor at expressing emotions. He forced a faint smile.

“Thank you. I’ll go report to Father myself. You focus on taking care of Mei’er, especially regarding that unusual medicine. The sooner it’s understood, the better.”

He did not want this small woman to witness a side of the Emperor rarely seen, preserving his father’s dignity.

“Good.” Her simple reply conveyed deep understanding.

Once again, the throne room, this night, and another piece of terrible news.

“Outrageous!” Even though Nangong Xiao had reported it as lightly as possible, Nangong Lin, as expected, was furious.

Like a violent storm, the Emperor’s aura filled the hall. Fortunately, no one else was present besides Nangong Xiao, or they would have shared the fate of the little eunuch who had spilled tea earlier—perhaps even worse.

Veins bulging in his neck, face flushed crimson, Nangong Lin’s rage escalated. First his Empress was harmed, then his imperial physician went missing. And now, as if calamities alone weren’t enough, the perpetrator had struck again, this time knocking out the Second Princess, his own daughter!

A dull ache rose in his chest, followed by a metallic-sweet taste in his throat. He coughed violently, a spray of blood erupting from his mouth.

In an instant, the golden lacquered table was splattered with crimson droplets. Blood dotted the chest of his dragon robe, and the face that had just been flushed with anger paled instantly, as if a large part of the old man’s life force had been expelled along with the blood.

Unprepared for this sudden change, Nangong Xiao moved immediately, reaching his father just in time to support him as he slumped.

“Father!” Even the usually composed prince showed unprecedented anxiety and concern.

No wonder. Repeated shocks and attacks are difficult for anyone to endure, let alone an elderly man like Nangong Lin. Even emperors and sages eventually succumb to the cruelty of time.

After several deep breaths, he finally stopped the flow of blood. Nangong Lin’s voice was weak, barely a whisper:

“Xiao’er… my body may fail… as Crown Prince, you must uncover the mastermind behind these events… do not let me misjudge you… cough, cough…”

A slight exertion brought another gush of blood, staining both his dragon robe and Nangong Xiao’s pristine white ceremonial robe.

“Father, do not speak. I’ll summon the imperial physicians immediately. The state still needs you, and you must endure a little longer. I’ll bring the doctors right away!” Nangong Xiao had never imagined that such a strong man as his father could suddenly falter. Panic crept in as he rose to leave.

“Stay!” Nangong Lin summoned every ounce of strength to pull his son back. A fit of coughing followed. Nangong Xiao had no choice but to pat his back until he finally stabilized enough to speak.

“Not in a rush. Listen to your father,” he said weakly, his face pale as if he might faint at any second. “I am unable to handle state affairs for the time being. A nation cannot be without its ruler, and this is your test. Before I recover, the court’s affairs must be entrusted to you.”

Trust filled his gaze. Having observed his son for years, he believed the Crown Prince was capable. Governing on his own was only a matter of time, and this was the opportunity. Whether the elder ministers would genuinely support the prince depended on his abilities.

“Father…” Nangong Xiao had wanted to refuse, but seeing the expectation in his father’s eyes and considering the current crisis, he swallowed his words and replied calmly, “I obey.”

Like a stone falling into water, the weight of expectation supporting Nangong Lin vanished, leaving only the aftermath of a near-collapse.

This would be the longest night of Nangong Xiao’s life. The sudden change in identity forced him to grow up instantly. Outsiders might see him simply tending to the Emperor’s side, but only he knew he was silently convincing himself to remain alert for the dangerous, unpredictable court session the next day.

“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Last night, the Emperor fell ill and cannot attend to state affairs. The Crown Prince Nangong Xiao, being diligent and capable, shall temporarily manage governance in my stead. All ministers shall loyally assist as if the Emperor were present. So it is decreed!”

In the throne room, the eunuch’s sharp, prolonged proclamation echoed in every heart. Seated on the dragon throne, Nangong Xiao carefully observed the ministers’ reactions. Though expected, they were still displeasing.

The Chancellor, leader of the ministers, stood boldly, holding a ceremonial tablet. “Your Highness, the old minister has something to say.”

Is it beginning? Nangong Xiao’s mind tensed, but his face remained neutral. “Speak.”

“The Crown Prince is capable and talented, as all have observed. Yet the Emperor still lives. To have the Crown Prince govern temporarily contradicts ancestral rites and proper law,” the Chancellor said, citing ancestors repeatedly. Opposition usually cloaked as respect for tradition.

Feigning ignorance, Nangong Xiao asked, “Then what do you propose, Chancellor?”

Assuming the young prince would be swayed, the Chancellor straightened, still condescending: “The old minister believes a seasoned, virtuous, and capable person should be appointed as regent to assist the Emperor in managing state affairs.”

So, he underestimated him. The prince decided to teach these self-important old ministers a lesson.

Nangong Xiao rose from the throne with calm disdain, walking straight toward the Chancellor. His innate authority forced even the proud old man to step back.

“Chancellor, do you imply that I am inexperienced and unfit to manage the state temporarily? So the Emperor chose poorly? Who then should lead, the so-called regent? You, Chancellor?!”

Cold as ever, Nangong Xiao amplified his icy demeanor, firing sharp, relentless questions, leaving the Chancellor no room to maneuver. Even a seasoned minister, faced with such direct accusations before his peers, could not easily respond.

Only now did the Chancellor realize he had underestimated this young prince. From the moment the Emperor entrusted him with governance, he was no longer just a young man—he was a dragon growing claws.

“I deserve punishment! Please, Your Highness!” Pressed by the situation, the Chancellor bowed humbly.

“Hahaha, nonsense!” Nangong Xiao laughed, helping him to his feet. He would need the Chancellor’s support in future court affairs. The point had been made; now he gave the old minister face.

Leaning close, he whispered so only the Chancellor could hear: “I was teasing! Don’t take it seriously.” He patted his hand and laughed heartily. Even the Chancellor could only manage an awkward chuckle.

To the other ministers, this sudden reconciliation appeared seamless. With the Chancellor appeased, dissent quickly faded—after all, the Crown Prince would eventually become Emperor.

Fortunately, under Emperor Nangong Lin, governance had been stable. Court affairs were minimal, and the morning session ended quickly. But returning to the Crown Prince’s residence, Nangong Xiao remained uneasy.

Though the Chancellor appeared to relent, had the Emperor not entrusted him temporarily, the regency would have defaulted to the Chancellor—a prestigious, powerful post. That day’s events were only a prelude. The Chancellor would surely conspire in private, attempting to hinder Nangong Xiao’s consolidation of power.

Storms brewed in Nangong Xiao’s mind. Numerous scenarios flashed before him, all leading to a single inescapable conclusion: the court was on the brink of chaos.