MCSCPM -Chapter 127 Agreement

“Your Highness the Crown Prince, this matter should be discussed with the Emperor,” Nanny Lai said calmly, though only she knew that her heart was already a storm of emotions.

“Then we shall follow Nanny Lai’s suggestion,” Nangong Xiao said with a faint smile. Even though he understood why Nanny Lai insisted, he kept his composure on the surface. He wanted to see what scheme the Empress was playing this time.

After speaking, Nanny Lai turned to the other palace maids with a serious expression: “Stay here and take good care of Her Majesty the Empress. If anything happens, you will not be spared.”

“Yes, Nanny,” the maids quickly nodded, careful not to anger her and risk their lives.

Prince Jing, who had been observing quietly, furrowed his brow and said, “I shall accompany you.”

With that, he led the way out of the Weiyang Palace. Seeing this, Crown Prince Nangong Xiao followed closely behind. Only Nanny Lai felt a twinge of worry, wondering if Her Majesty’s plan would change with Prince Jing’s involvement. She hurried after them.

In the Imperial Study, Emperor Nangong Lin lay weakly on his bed, his eyes stern yet slightly confused as he regarded the three visitors.

“Your son pays respects to His Majesty,” Nangong Xiao said first, his face showing concern.

“Greetings, Your Majesty,” Prince Jing said calmly.

“Your humble servant pays respects, Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand generations,” Nanny Lai said respectfully with a bow.

“Someone, provide seats,” the Emperor commanded.

Before he could finish, a violent coughing fit shook his body, his fingers trembling uncontrollably.

Seeing this, Nangong Xiao quickly stepped forward, offering water and gently patting his father’s back, concealing the deep worry in his eyes.

“How have the recent state affairs been handled?” Nangong Lin asked, concerned about his health. He wished to pass the throne to Nangong Xiao soon, to ensure peace of mind.

“Recently, the main concern has been the floods in Jiangnan. I have already dispatched my third brother there,” Nangong Xiao replied, realizing he needed to act quickly. Before his third brother returned, he had to clear all the Emperor’s remaining loyalists—easier said than done, but necessary after so many years of struggle.

“Handle it well, and I will rest easy,” Nangong Lin said slowly, still coughing. Normally, he hadn’t paid much attention to his son, but now Nangong Xiao had left him a way forward.

“Nanny Lai, you’ve come today—is there a matter concerning Minmin?” The Emperor regarded her respectfully, knowing why the Empress Dowager had left her in the Weiyang Palace after her passing. Some matters need not be spoken aloud.

At this, Nanny Lai’s expression shifted slightly. “Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress has been unconscious for some time. I am deeply worried, fearing I may fail to uphold the trust of Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager, leaving me with a guilty conscience.”

As expected, Nanny Lai’s words were layered with meaning, and everyone present could sense it.

Nangong Lin understood her subtlety, clearing his throat lightly. “Is there an issue with the Divine Physician’s treatment?”

Hearing him directly pinpoint the matter, Nanny Lai took the opportunity: “Yes, the Divine Physician intends to use golden needle acupuncture to treat Her Majesty the Empress.”

Before she finished, Nangong Lin considered thoughtfully: “Golden needle acupuncture—I have read about it in ancient texts. It can revive those who are unconscious.”

“Your Majesty is correct, but I worry. After all, this method is from ancient records. Should anything go wrong…” Nanny Lai trailed off, saying just enough.

The Emperor smiled faintly and turned to the Crown Prince: “Xiao’er, what do you think?”

“I believe the Divine Physician is highly skilled. She would not suggest this without complete confidence. However, Nanny Lai speaks with the Empress’s wellbeing in mind, so I dare not speak recklessly,” Nangong Xiao said carefully, appearing neutral, but in truth, he supported Yin Qingyue’s method.

During their conversation, Prince Jing’s lips curved into a faint, cold smile, imagining the cunning yet delicate little woman. If she saw this scene, it would surely be amusing.

“Let me think it over carefully,” Nangong Lin said, slowly closing his eyes while his mind raced. Regardless of his feelings toward He Minmin, she was the future Empress, and no mistakes could be allowed.

After a moment of reflection, his gaze cleared: “The future Empress cannot remain unconscious forever. Since the Divine Physician has a plan, Xiao’er, you must oversee it carefully.”

Then he turned to Nanny Lai: “You have fulfilled your duty.”

Others didn’t understand his meaning, but Nanny Lai did. Seeing a resemblance to the late Empress Dowager in the Emperor’s expression, she sighed slightly but nodded in acknowledgment.

“I understand, Father. I will not fail your trust,” Nangong Xiao said with calm resolve.

“Yes, you may leave now.” Nangong Lin was clearly tired.

“Your Majesty, please rest well,” Nangong Xiao said, expression serene.

Nanny Lai hesitated. Her worry had ultimately come true. Previously, she had warned the Empress to be cautious—yet now, she had fallen into Yin Qingyue’s hands.

“Do not worry about this matter anymore, Nanny Lai. With so many people backing the Divine Physician, I trust her ability,” Nangong Lin said, his tone much gentler. He had seen Yin Qingyue’s confidence firsthand and believed she was capable of handling the Empress’s treatment.

“Your Majesty is wise. I shall take my leave now. Her Majesty still requires care,” Nanny Lai said, worried, merely intending to relay the matter to the Empress promptly.

“I shall also take my leave,” Nangong Xiao added.

“You may go. I need to speak with Prince Jing,” Nangong Lin said, smiling. He still needed to focus on the marriage alliance between Xize and Nanyao Kingdoms.

Nangong Xiao looked at Chu Jingcheng thoughtfully, then turned and left.

“I wonder if Prince Jing has taken a liking to my daughter?” Nangong Lin asked weakly, yet with commanding authority.

The alliance with Xize was crucial for the kingdom’s economy. According to his advisers, if the princess married well, the kingdom would be blessed. For him, this was purely advantageous.

“Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. I am currently guarding the border and do not concern myself with marriage,” Chu Jingcheng replied.

Leng Feng twitched at this. The prince was such a smooth talker.

Prince Jing glanced at him coldly, making him shiver and quickly bow his head.

Nangong Lin’s expression darkened as he watched the exchange, though he remained composed. “As the saying goes: first establish a family, then achieve a career. My eldest princess Nangong Xiaoxiao is talented in all arts: music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.”

Leng Feng couldn’t help but snort quietly. The Emperor of Xize sounded like a streetwise matchmaker, shoving his daughter into a marriage arrangement.

Prince Jing’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes merely sweeping over Leng Feng.

Nangong Lin’s face soured further, but he dared not speak, as the guard belonged to Prince Jing.

“You should consider my proposal carefully. A marriage between our kingdoms would greatly benefit our people and economy,” the Emperor urged, blending reasoning with emotion, determined to block any escape route.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I shall take my leave,” Prince Jing said evenly, as if the discussion were trivial, like eating or drinking.

Leng Feng smirked. The Xize princess—eldest princess Nangong Xiaoxiao—may appear weak, but she was cunning. Other princesses were reckless or frivolous, but none compared to Yin Qingyue. Only someone blind would mistake ordinary women for her.

After Chu Jingcheng departed, Nangong Lin threw his water cup onto the carpet, thinking: Prince Jing, how dare you show me such disrespect? Is my precious daughter unworthy of you?

Outside, Leng Feng muttered: “My lord, what does the Emperor of Xize think? Doesn’t he realize what kind of daughter he has?”

“What he thinks is none of my concern,” Prince Jing said coldly, unconcerned.

Leng Feng smiled: “I knew it—you never favor ordinary women. Only someone extraordinary like Yin Qingyue would catch your eye.”

In Leng Feng’s eyes, today Prince Jing had gone to Yangwei Palace for the Divine Physician. In front of so many, he personally guaranteed the safety of the golden needle method—all for the ‘ugly girl.’

“Leng Feng, speak no more. Be careful the prince assigns you to sweep the latrines,” Leng Yi warned coldly, indifferent that he and Prince Jing were twins.

Prince Jing noticed Leng Feng’s dazed expression but said nothing, merely whispering into his ear: “Leng Feng, the latrines at the courier post are yours.”

With that, he turned and left, followed by Leng Yi.

Shocked by the comment, Leng Feng quickly followed, face bitter: “My lord, that’s unfair! How am I supposed to meet the girl after cleaning the filthy latrine?”

“Serves you right,” Leng Yi said seriously.

“Leng Yi, tell me, all this effort is for whom? Isn’t it for the prince to marry a proper wife sooner? How else do I explain to the Empress?” Leng Feng shouted, frustrated.

Leng Yi ignored him, and soon Leng Feng grew silent.

Meanwhile, Prince Jing’s lips curved into a cold smirk as he thought of the stage of schemes set for tomorrow, his smile deepening.