MCSCPM -Chapter 102 Unpredictable Changes

Yin Qingyue had also heard the news that the Crown Prince had sent Nangong Chen to handle disaster relief, but she didn’t take it seriously. After all, Nangong Xiao had been the target of secret attacks so many times—it was only natural that he would fight back eventually.

She did feel some sympathy for the southern disaster victims, but historically, disaster relief had always been the same: either officials and princes did it to boost their achievements and win favor with the people, or it was just a game of political maneuvering, each side keeping the other in check. Yin Qingyue was no saint and had no interest in wasting time on such meaningless matters.

Her main priority now was helping the Empress detoxify and finding out who had poisoned her—that was a matter concerning herself. Everything else was secondary.

After trying several medicines without success in completely removing the poison, Yin Qingyue worked from noon until evening. The few court physicians assigned to stay with her grumbled quietly, and she could “hear” their complaints. She didn’t care about that, but the prolonged effort made it impossible to think clearly or come up with a plan, so she finally gave up for the day.

Looking at the old physicians watching her, she cleared her throat and said, “That’s enough for today.” Without further words, she left the Imperial Medical Office. She planned to visit Nangong Mei tomorrow, study the case together, and help adjust her health.

Seeing Yin Qingyue leave, the physicians all hurriedly followed her out, forgetting even to complain.

Back at Weiyang Palace, Yin Qingyue wanted to check on the Empress, but a palace maid informed her that the Empress was already resting.

“Miss Yin, why don’t you come tomorrow instead? The Empress has been sleeping poorly lately, and she’s finally resting now,” the Empress’s attendant said politely.

“Oh, understood. How is Her Highness’s condition today?”

“She’s a bit better than before, but still quite lethargic.” The maid’s voice trembled with emotion, clearly worried.

“She’ll get better,” Yin Qingyue said, unsure how else to comfort her, and without lingering, she headed toward Xiyang Garden.

When she arrived, the lights were still on. She guessed that Mei’er must be waiting for her, which made her feel warm inside.

Sure enough, upon hearing Yin Qingyue enter, Mei’er quickly came out. “Miss, why are you staying up so late again?”

“Hmm, I got caught up in research and lost track of time,” Yin Qingyue replied, handing her small medicine kit to Mei’er.

Mei’er knew her mistress was a little cold in personality but kind-hearted, so she didn’t mind the tone of her words. She happily took the medicine kit and then asked, “Miss, you haven’t eaten dinner yet, right? I’ve been keeping it warm for you. Should I bring it out?”

Hearing that, Yin Qingyue realized she was hungry and nodded. “Yes.”

Mei’er busied herself running in and out, bringing dishes and rice: a few simple, light dishes and a bowl of tofu soup, all to Yin Qingyue’s taste. Perhaps it was genuine hunger, or maybe the presence of her favorite shredded potatoes, but Yin Qingyue finished the entire bowl of rice.

“Miss, you really have a good appetite today,” Mei’er said happily.

Yin Qingyue smiled faintly at Mei’er’s joy, nodded, and replied, “Hmm.” Then she went inside, studied her medical books for a while, and practiced her mind-reading technique. Inevitably, her thoughts drifted to someone whose mind she could not read—Prince Jing. She was curious why she couldn’t read him, but her rational mind reminded her that he was dangerous and she should not get close.

Sighing at her wandering thoughts, Yin Qingyue collected her energy and prepared for sleep. She slept soundly through the night and woke at the first hour of the day to stretch in the courtyard.

Soon, Mei’er woke up as well, helping her wash and eat breakfast. After breakfast, Mei’er asked, “Miss, what outfit will you wear today, and how will you style your hair?”

Yin Qingyue thought for a moment. Since she was visiting Nangong Mei, it wouldn’t be appropriate to wear something too flashy. She didn’t just let Mei’er pick but chose a lake-blue dress herself and had Mei’er style a simple hairdo.

“Miss, what excellent taste! This lake-blue dress complements your aura perfectly,” Mei’er praised sincerely.

“Is that so? I think it’s Mei’er’s skill in styling the hair,” Yin Qingyue replied lightly. She didn’t care much for these things. By the time she finished, it was almost noon, and thinking of her purpose for the day, she quickly set out for the Rose Pavilion with Mei’er.

Unexpectedly, midway, she ran into the person she most wanted to avoid—Prince Jing. He had originally been going to the Eastern Palace to discuss matters with the Crown Prince, but fate brought them together on the road.

Since she had already encountered him, Yin Qingyue realized hiding was futile. She bowed politely. “Greetings, Prince Jing.” She also greeted Leng Feng, standing behind him. “Brother Leng,” she said politely.

Because Leng Feng had saved her before, she felt it natural to greet him, forgetting that Prince Jing had also once saved her.

Hearing the “Brother Leng,” Prince Jing felt slightly displeased. His own guards could be called that affectionately, but he received only formal courtesy from her. Though he was inwardly annoyed, he did not show it and mentally made a note against Leng Feng, who was oblivious to being unwittingly implicated.

“Miss Yin, where are you headed?” Prince Jing asked, a hint of pride in his tone.

“Oh, I’m going to visit Nangong Mei and help adjust her health,” Yin Qingyue replied calmly, concealing her desire to flee.

“Oh, after all, as someone with a tainted reputation, Miss Yin must be worried about gossip,” Prince Jing said, his tone calm but clearly trying to provoke her.

“The innocent are innocent,” Yin Qingyue responded simply, unfazed.

“Are you confident in treating the Empress’s illness?” he pressed. Leng Feng thought internally that his master’s logic jumped too quickly—there was no connection between these two sentences.

“I’ll do my best. If Your Highness has no other matters, I’ll take my leave,” she said lightly.

“Hmm,” Prince Jing said, frowning, and the brief, oddly tense conversation ended. Some people, however, could have interpreted it as flirtation.

That “someone” was the elder princess, Nangong Xiaoxiao. She had originally gone to visit Nangong Mei to stir trouble. On the way, she saw Prince Jing and had been smiling and eager to greet him—but then saw him meet Yin Qingyue.

Since Yin Qingyue was familiar with Prince Jing’s personal guard and could chat casually even with the usually cold Prince Jing, Nangong Xiaoxiao, a jealous, possessive, and entitled princess, immediately interpreted the scene as a sign of romance, and her mood soured.

Turning to the Rose Pavilion, she sought someone to vent her frustration on. Seeing Nangong Mei, she began ordering her maid to cause trouble.

Nangong Xiaoxiao was angry at Nangong Mei, who had no backing after Consort Sun’s death and had been confined to the pavilion, making her a convenient target for bullying.

“Smash it! What right does a criminal have to use royal property?” Even before Yin Qingyue arrived at the Rose Pavilion, she could hear the crashing sounds from inside.

“The Empress is still unconscious in Weiyang Palace, and you, the culprit, are here enjoying yourself freely!” Nangong Xiaoxiao yelled at Nangong Mei.

“Stop going too far, Nangong Xiaoxiao!” Nangong Mei shouted back. Continuous abuse and recent crises had finally made the normally passive Nangong Mei snap. There was a certain ruthlessness in royal blood, and hatred quickly filled her heart.

“Miss, the fight inside is fierce. Should we go in?” Mei’er asked nervously. Surely, they shouldn’t intervene.

“Let’s go,” Yin Qingyue said simply, heading into the courtyard. Calm and detached by nature, she disliked meddling but was not afraid of trouble—today, she had a purpose, and no one could stop her.

Seeing her mistress enter, Mei’er had no choice but to follow, thinking her mistress’s behavior strange—wasn’t she always trying to avoid trouble? What had changed today?

Upon entering, the two brawling women fell silent and looked at Yin Qingyue. Nangong Mei felt embarrassed—after being so passive for so long, she was no match for the aggressive and overbearing Nangong Xiaoxiao and had been repeatedly defeated, looking quite disheveled.

Seeing Nangong Xiaoxiao’s confidence grow and then spotting Yin Qingyue, her gaze added a layer of resentment.

Yin Qingyue could sense Nangong Xiaoxiao’s hatred and wondered why she had drawn the princess’s ire. She had no idea it was just a consequence of her own “flower luck.” She showed no reaction on her face.

Nangong Xiaoxiao, seeing Yin Qingyue’s calm and indifferent demeanor, became furious. She hated that air of detachment and wanted to tear her apart. Unable to restrain herself, she spoke.

“Isn’t this the mysterious Miss Yin? Why are you coming to a criminal’s courtyard? Birds of a feather flock together, huh?” She looked at Yin Qingyue arrogantly, as if mocking her pretentiousness.

“You… Nangong Xiaoxiao, even if you say it, don’t drag Miss Yin into this,” Nangong Mei said, thinking she had somehow implicated her.

Yin Qingyue remained silent. She disliked verbal arguments but did not mean she couldn’t defend herself. She merely thought internally that this elder princess was absurdly foolish. Someone so naive yet domineering—how had she survived so long in the depths of the palace?