MCSCPM -Chapter 138 Nanny Lai’s Warning

“Miss Yin, you really are busy—treating the Empress and now the Emperor as well. How can you possibly manage all this?” Nanny Lai slowly approached Yin Qingyue. She had arrived at Xiyang Garden early in the morning, yet this girl had kept her waiting for so long.

“Nanny Lai speaks truly. Who can say when someone in the palace might fall unconscious or be poisoned? In such matters, Qingyue can’t predict everything,” Yin Qingyue replied subtly, alluding to the Empress’s feigned unconsciousness. Nanny Lai’s visit was nothing more than a warning—if she pretended not to know, there was little Nanny Lai could do.

“Since Miss Yin knows that such events are inevitable, I hope you have some self-awareness and refrain from meddling in matters that do not concern you.”

What must come will come. Though Nanny Lai appeared kind and gentle, her words carried great weight.

Yin Qingyue remembered their last confrontation vividly—the old woman’s arrogant expression and the lavish decorations in her Buddhist hall, which seemed designed purely to flaunt wealth. From the moment she entered Xiyang Garden, her real battlefield had only just begun.

“What is it, Miss Yin?” Nanny Lai’s eyes gleamed sharply.

“You are the host, Nanny Lai; I am your guest. Though I live in Xiyang Garden, I am still here under the Empress’s authority, so naturally I must understand how to behave as a guest,” Yin Qingyue said with a slight smile.

“Well said. Miss Yin is indeed polite,” Nanny Lai replied, carefully not revealing her true intentions. She knew Yin Qingyue was no ordinary woman. Moreover, there were so many palace maids outside—if word of this got out, the Empress’s plan could easily collapse.

“Nanny Lai, please sit and speak,” Yin Qingyue said with a smile. Although the room belonged to Weiyang Palace, it was very modest.

“Although Xiyang Garden belongs to Weiyang Palace, it is rather dilapidated. I hope Miss Yin does not mind,” Nanny Lai said with a smile, sitting down and drumming her fingers on the table.

Yin Qingyue looked around, realizing the place could not compare to Nanny Lai’s Buddhist hall—modest as it was, it was still livable. Compared to her old room at Luochen Courtyard, it was far better.

“Miss Qingyue, forgive me. My hall is only meant for tranquility and praying for the Empress Dowager,” Nanny Lai said as she walked slowly around the room.

Yin Qingyue’s room was narrow, leaving little space for Nanny Lai to move about freely.

“Miss Yin, some matters I must warn you about. In the palace, one must follow the rules. If you fail to adhere to them, do not blame others when trouble arises,” Nanny Lai’s tone grew icy, her eyes flashing with a cold light.

“I hear the Emperor summoned you again today to treat him?” Nanny Lai asked, feigning concern.

“It’s nothing serious, just a minor ailment. It will be treated quickly,” Yin Qingyue replied.

Nanny Lai’s expression darkened slightly. The Emperor’s chronic cough had persisted for decades, yet Yin Qingyue casually called it a minor ailment. Clearly, she was emphasizing the superiority of her skills, implying that the Imperial Hospital’s physicians had been at a loss all night.

Nanny Lai’s tone turned even colder as she said, “Indeed, Miss Yin, you truly are a goddess of medicine, curing the Emperor’s chronic illness so effortlessly.”

Yin Qingyue smiled faintly. When she had just entered, Nanny Lai had asked where she had been. Her mood seemed to have changed far too quickly.

“It cannot be helped. Qingyue had been confined at Luochen Courtyard for a long time. If she does not perform well, she may be sent back,” Yin Qingyue said, suppressing her smile and letting a hint of irony curl her lips.

“Hmph, so Miss Yin knows she must perform well?” Nanny Lai snorted coldly. If she truly knew, she would also know that the Empress’s unconsciousness was fake.

Nanny Lai emphasized “perform well” deliberately, adding a faint, mocking laugh.

Yin Qingyue quickly regained her composure. This old woman was persistent. Had the Empress not feigned unconsciousness, she would not be forced into this situation.

“Of course I know. Long ago, I told Nanny Lai that I do not engage in unprofitable trades. As I said before, skill is never a burden. Do you think such matters could trouble me?” Yin Qingyue said confidently.

Nanny Lai squinted and sat beside her.

“Miss Yin, remember: skill is only valuable if there is a master to appreciate it. Otherwise, even the finest medical skill is worthless,” Nanny Lai said, flicking her sleeve angrily.

“Nanny Lai, let us not forget—who in this palace has been treated by Qingyue before?” Yin Qingyue smiled faintly, sensing her advantage.

Nanny Lai was startled. The title of “goddess doctor” had already spread throughout the palace. Even when Yin Qingyue’s acupuncture methods had faced opposition from many imperial physicians, she still gained the endorsement of the Crown Prince and Prince Jing. Yin Qingyue had not been in the palace long, yet already had powerful backing.

“Nanny Lai, haven’t you checked if Qingyue has cured the Emperor’s chronic illness?” Yin Qingyue’s confident smile showed her trust in her own skills—her greatest leverage.

“You are ungrateful. Since it has come to this, I shall speak plainly,” Nanny Lai said, standing. This was the Empress’s territory, so she had to assert her authority.

However, Nanny Lai’s plan was flawed.

“Miss Yin, do not forget—you entered into a transaction with the Empress. Since she agreed to your three conditions, you must perform tasks for her.” Her eyes were fierce, as if she could devour Yin Qingyue alive.

“Fortunately, Nanny Lai remembers clearly. This was only a transaction. I made it very clear that it was a deal, not servitude to the Empress,” Yin Qingyue explained carefully, fearing the old woman’s memory might be faulty.

Nanny Lai’s face darkened. Though it had been a transaction, it had also been under the Empress’s influence. Continuing carelessly could infringe upon the Empress’s interests, possibly ending the deal.

“Miss Yin, I have not asked you to serve the Empress—only to avoid meddling. But with your current behavior, it may be difficult to rescue you from Luochen Courtyard,” Nanny Lai said, attempting to persuade her.

“Nanny Lai, did you consult the Empress about this?” Yin Qingyue asked with a smile.

Now the Empress remained unconscious. If Nanny Lai said yes, she would be admitting the Empress’s act was fake. If no, then Nanny Lai was acting on her own. Either way, her words were meaningless if she refused to rescue Yin Qingyue.

Nanny Lai froze. She hadn’t expected this girl to be so articulate. After decades in the deep palace, she had never been outwitted by such a young girl.

Yin Qingyue smiled faintly, placing her hands on the table. “Well? Nanny Lai, have you decided?”

Nanny Lai forced a wrinkled smile. Yin Qingyue simply wanted to leave Luochen Courtyard; by complying, how could she refuse her request?

“Miss Yin, forgive me—I was merely joking,” Nanny Lai said, moving closer and pouring her a cup of hot tea.

“Here, drink,” she said, pushing the cup toward Yin Qingyue. Though she was of high rank, Nanny Lai was giving her face. Refusing would have consequences.

“Thank you, Nanny Lai,” Yin Qingyue said, gently rotating the tea cup.

“But Qingyue does not understand—what did you mean? The original transaction never explained what ‘avoiding meddling’ entailed,” Yin Qingyue thought.

At this moment, her stubborn expression and confident smile captivated Nanny Lai. A woman’s greatest beauty is not her appearance, but her confidence. Nanny Lai was completely won over.

She sighed, her expression complex. “Miss Yin, I believe you already understand what must be done. You should weigh it in your heart. But I still advise you to avoid meddling.”

“Qingyue thanks you for your advice, Nanny Lai. Please do not take offense,” Yin Qingyue said politely.

“Miss Yin, avoid meddling. I will take my leave,” Nanny Lai said, still warning her. The matter concerned the Empress—failure would bring her wrath.

Nanny Lai trusted Yin Qingyue to make her choice. Though the matter concerned the Empress, proper execution would ensure her favor.

“I shall not see you out,” Nanny Lai said, pushing the door open and leaving.

“Miss, are you alright?” After Nanny Lai left, Mei’er rushed in, checking Yin Qingyue for injuries.

“What’s wrong? Worried Nanny Lai would whip her mistress?” Yin Qingyue laughed. Mei’er’s impulsive bravery always aimed to protect her.

“Miss, seeing you speak with Nanny Lai nearly gave me a heart attack. Fortunately, nothing happened to you,” Mei’er said, tears still on her cheeks.

“Nanny Lai only discussed the Empress’s condition—nothing else,” Yin Qingyue replied. She did not want Mei’er dragged into palace affairs that did not concern her.

“Really, Miss?” Mei’er asked, still doubtful.

“Would I lie to you?” Yin Qingyue glared, sometimes exasperated by her maid’s foolishness.

“Miss, we are bound together—I owe you everything,” Mei’er said softly.

They fell silent. Yin Qingyue knew there was nothing more to say.