MCSCPM -Chapter 123 Applying Pressure

“Cough…” Nangong Lin’s complexion gradually returned to normal, and the blood on his handkerchief changed from bright red to a darker crimson.

“Your Majesty, are you all right?” Consort De placed a clean handkerchief into Nangong Lin’s hand and gently took away the blood-stained one. Every movement was perfectly timed and appropriate.

“I’m fine. Thank you for your concern, my beloved consort,” Nangong Lin said, nodding in satisfaction.

“Your Majesty, Elder Sister’s illness can’t be delayed. If anything were to go wrong…” Consort De spoke with concern, her gaze casually sweeping over Yin Qingyue, clearly implying something.

“What my beloved consort says is true. If the Empress were to…” Nangong Lin narrowed his eyes slightly.

“Your Majesty, please grant this humble woman a deadline,” Yin Qingyue said calmly. She had already been in and out of Luocheng Courtyard several times—facing the Emperor’s doubts no longer frightened her. Besides, the Empress still needed her treatment.

This woman is remarkably composed, remaining so calm before the Emperor.

“I’ll give you three days,” Nangong Lin said word by word. “If three days pass and the Empress still hasn’t awakened, you know what punishment awaits you.”

“Your servant will do her utmost,” Yin Qingyue replied firmly. To serve a ruler was like serving a tiger—she understood that well.

“Since His Majesty has given the order, I trust the Divine Physician will devote herself fully to treating the Empress,” Consort De said gently.

With that, she supported Nangong Lin and led him out of Yangwei Palace.

“Qingyue, are you all right?” Nangong Xiao hurried over, his concern impossible to hide.

“Your Highness, I’m fine,” Yin Qingyue said softly, lowering her head to avoid his burning gaze.

“That’s good,” Only then did Nangong Xiao realize he was still in the Empress’s palace—every word and action could be used against him.

“Miss Yin, hurry back to Xiyang Court to rest. Only then will you have enough energy to treat Royal Mother.”

“I will,” Yin Qingyue replied, glancing once more at He Minmin. Her face was pale, but the toxins in her body had already been completely cleared. This sudden fainting truly puzzled her—despite her own weakness, a misdiagnosis like this should have been impossible.

“Miss Yin, I’ll escort you back to Xiyang Court,” Nangong Xiao said, his gaze never leaving her.

Even he didn’t understand why—upon hearing that she had fainted, he had felt an uncontrollable urge to see her at once, to find out what had happened to her.

“Your Highness is too kind. I can walk back myself,” Yin Qingyue said evenly. She didn’t want to trouble him again; she already owed him a great favor.

“You’re the one being too polite. You did this for Royal Mother,” Nangong Xiao said with a smile.

At that point, Yin Qingyue knew she could no longer refuse.

“Then I thank Your Highness in advance,” she said with a smile, though her thoughts were elsewhere—this coma of the Empress was far from simple.

Inside Xiyang Court, several palace maids whispered among themselves.

“Have you heard? The Empress has fallen unconscious.”

“Isn’t that normal? Didn’t the Empress look like this not long ago? What’s so strange about it?”
another maid said indifferently.

“Then you don’t know. Isn’t there a Divine Physician by the Empress’s side? Even she couldn’t wake the Empress today!” The young maid’s eyes sparkled with gossip.

“Isn’t the Divine Physician supposed to be all-powerful? How could she fail at such a small matter? I think she’s afraid her medical skills won’t be trusted, so she’s putting on an act,”
another maid mocked. In the harem, there were always people who loved to gossip behind others’ backs.

“Are you the Divine Physician? Do you know what she’s thinking?” the young maid retorted angrily. “I think the Empress’s condition is hard to control—that’s why she fell unconscious.”

“What, do you think that ugly woman can really do something earth-shattering?” In Yangwei Palace, she had long disliked that Divine Physician. Some Divine Physician—just an empty title.

“You’re impossible to reason with. I don’t want to argue anymore. The Divine Physician has her own abilities—I believe in her,” the young maid said, pouting, completely unaware of the figure behind her.

“This servant… this servant pays respects to the Crown Prince!” She looked shocked. How had His Highness entered this side courtyard?

“You’d do better caring for the Divine Physician than standing around gossiping here,” Nangong Xiao said sternly. He had heard their chatter as soon as he entered the alleyway—idle and thoughtless.

“What the Crown Prince says is true,” the two maids said, lowering their heads, afraid to meet his eyes.

“Take good care of the Divine Physician. I still have matters to attend to,” Nangong Xiao said. He wore a smile when facing Yin Qingyue, but his expression toward the maids was icy.

“We respectfully see off the Crown Prince.”

“This humble woman respectfully sees off the Crown Prince.”

So what if she’s a Divine Physician? What’s so great about her? the maid muttered inwardly. Outwardly, she remained respectful—since the Crown Prince had given orders, they had no choice but to tend carefully to the Divine Physician.

“You may all leave,” Yin Qingyue said coolly. She didn’t want anyone disturbing her now—especially these maids. Unless Mei’er was by her side, she couldn’t rest easy.

“Yes, Divine Physician,” the maids replied obediently, though in their hearts they cursed her countless times.

What’s so impressive about her? If she can’t cure the Empress, let’s see how she keeps acting arrogant! The maid watched Yin Qingyue’s retreating figure, silently hurling curses.

Yin Qingyue frowned as she looked at the decoction in her room and instinctively pinched her nose. I need to think of something quickly. Three days— even with the Crown Prince’s support, I may not survive this.

Who had placed this here? Her brows knitted tightly—someone had actually put something filthy in her room.

“Divine Physician, it’s… it’s this servant’s fault,” a maid said fearfully. “I went to the wrong room earlier and mistakenly left this here. Please don’t blame me.”

“Just be more careful next time. Take it away at once,” Yin Qingyue said displeased. While ancient medicine sometimes involved examining excrement to judge illness, she had never asked for such things. These maids were far too hasty.

“Yes, Divine Physician. I’ll remove it right away,” The maid quickly carried the filth away, hoping to leave before her mistress lost her temper. She had long heard that the Divine Physician had the Crown Prince backing her—and had just seen it with her own eyes.

“This is Xiyang Court. How could anyone openly bring such things here?” Yin Qingyue grew suspicious. Everyone in the harem knew she lived in Xiyang Court—such blatant action had to be deliberate.

“Are they trying to hint at something?” She watched the maid’s retreating figure. That frightened expression hadn’t seemed fake.

“Miss, what are you thinking about?” A familiar voice rang out.

“Miss, it’s only been a few days and you’ve lost so much weight!” Before Yin Qingyue could speak, Mei’er was already circling her anxiously.

“Of course. Without Mei’er by my side to take care of me, I don’t eat well or sleep well—so I’ve lost weight,” Yin Qingyue said with a smile. Though surprised by Mei’er’s sudden appearance, she was truly happy.

“Miss, you say that and make Mei’er embarrassed,” Mei’er said shyly, her cheeks flushing pink. Every time her lady teased her like this, she couldn’t help but blush.