MCSCPM -Chapter 139 True Unconsciousness

“I wonder what Nanny Lai means by all this?” Yin Qingyue said with a smile. She understood that escape was impossible, but using the Empress as a bargaining chip—that was something she had never anticipated.

From the moment she entered, Yin Qingyue knew the gravity of her situation. When she requested to see the Empress, Nanny Lai had agreed so readily—she hadn’t expected it to lead to this.

Yin Qingyue had thought her challenge would be similar to her previous conversation with He Minmin, but instead, it was Nanny Lai she now faced.

“Miss Yin, some matters I have already explained once. Saying it again today will not hurt,” Nanny Lai said as she slowly approached Yin Qingyue. She only wanted a pawn to serve the Empress, not someone like Yin Qingyue who was never satisfied and always pushing her limits.

“You are too harsh, Nanny Lai. I already said yesterday that my dealings with the Empress were a transaction. The Empress agreed to three of my conditions, yet the last one has not been fulfilled. How could I not care about these matters?” Yin Qingyue said. She had no choice but to stall and test Nanny Lai. She could already imagine that Nanny Lai was well-prepared, and yesterday’s words had probably enraged her.

What exactly Nanny Lai intended to do with her, however, Yin Qingyue had no idea.

Nanny Lai tilted Yin Qingyue’s chin, revealing a few broken teeth. “Do you think that after all these years in the palace, I have no skill at all?” she said coldly. How could she allow herself to be outwitted by this young girl? If word got out, it would be a laughingstock.

“Indeed, the old truly are cunning,” Yin Qingyue admitted inwardly. This time, she had lost to this old woman.

But Yin Qingyue would never surrender. Whatever she wanted, she would strive to obtain it—even with Nanny Lai standing in her way.

Ever since she had presented the three conditions to the Empress, the first two had been fulfilled, but Yin Qingyue knew the Empress was merely using her. The Emperor was so superstitious and obsessed with the occult that it would be impossible to have him release her from Luochen Courtyard.

Not to mention the Empress’s status in the palace. Given Nangong Lin’s obsession with mysticism, escaping on her own would be impossible. Even after treating the Emperor’s chronic cough, Nangong Lin did not offer to release her from Luochen Courtyard.

Yin Qingyue had considered that forcing the Emperor to release her might not save her at all. On the contrary, with Nangong Lin’s temperament, it could be fatal.

As for Nanny Lai wanting her to stay out of palace affairs, Yin Qingyue would never agree. A mere unconsciousness was trivial—a minor trick. What she most wanted to know was the purpose behind this feigned unconsciousness.

“Miss Yin, have you made up your mind? You’ve had plenty of time to decide whether to meddle or not. I gave you all night to consider, but if you still fail to respond, I will assume you intend to continue meddling,” Nanny Lai said coldly. This was the second time she had given Yin Qingyue a chance; if she did not act wisely, there would be no further leniency.

After all, this was Weiyang Palace, and the Empress was now unconscious. Yin Qingyue could not escape, even if she tried.

“Nanny Lai speaks truly, but I think this is too hasty—rushing may not bring any benefit,” Yin Qingyue said with a smile. Though in a dangerous position, she could not allow herself to lose face in front of her adversary.

“Not hasty? Then the Empress’s plan will fail. The Emperor gave three days. If Miss Yin really performs the acupuncture technique, the Empress’s plan…” Nanny Lai’s tone grew icy.

“Nanny Lai is correct. When the Empress drank that cup of hot tea, she collapsed. I believed her unconsciousness was due to residual toxins not yet cleared from her body,” Yin Qingyue said calmly. Since Nanny Lai had forced her into this situation, she would play along for now.

“Miss Yin, think carefully. The title of Divine Physician you hold today is largely thanks to the Empress,” Nanny Lai said.

Yin Qingyue couldn’t help but laugh. Did she really care about such a title? If not for leaving Luochen Courtyard, she wouldn’t bother with Nanny Lai at all.

“So by your logic, I should be eternally grateful to the Empress for helping me achieve what I have today,” Yin Qingyue said, her words dripping with irony. The medical skill was hers, and the title was meaningless if empty.

“I will not argue with you. Now, Weiyang Palace is on shift change. Miss Yin, you are smart; you should understand my meaning,” Nanny Lai said with a sly smile. She did not believe that after going this far, Yin Qingyue would remain unmoved. Otherwise, there was only one path left.

“I do not understand your meaning, Nanny Lai. I am foolish—please explain,” Yin Qingyue said, glancing at He Minmin on the bed. She didn’t know if the unconsciousness was fake, but the erratic pulse was real. A face can be faked with makeup, but the pulse cannot.

“Some people, to achieve their goals, will use any means—even threatening others. Do you not think so?” Yin Qingyue started, but Nanny Lai interrupted her.

“What, Miss Yin, do you feel shame?” Nanny Lai approached step by step, her eyes fierce.

“Nanny Lai says it well. It is best to avoid meddling. But if this particular matter threatens my life, how can you guarantee my safety?” Yin Qingyue knew the three-day deadline with the Emperor was approaching. Agreeing to Nanny Lai meant death; refusing meant death. She might as well fight for some chance to survive.

“If Miss Yin promises to stay out of affairs, the Empress will guarantee your life. Even your third condition, the Empress can fulfill,” Nanny Lai said.

“Perhaps that’s only your word, Nanny Lai. If I agree to stay out of matters, when the Emperor’s three days are up and the Empress remains unconscious, I will die. Then there will be no one meddling. Truly a clever scheme,” Yin Qingyue said, marveling at her own alertness after a sleepless night.

“If you do not trust the Empress, Miss Yin, then you are ungrateful,” Nanny Lai said angrily, walking to the window.

Outside, the palace maids had completed their shift change, and more people were arriving.

“Clearly, Nanny Lai has prepared everything. What will happen if I refuse her request?” Yin Qingyue wondered.

Nanny Lai panicked slightly. She had come this far, yet Yin Qingyue seemed unappreciative.

“I will say it once more: do not meddle. Best to stay out of it!” Nanny Lai emphasized sharply. This was her final chance. If Yin Qingyue failed to comply, she could no longer protect her.

“Nanny Lai, I simply do not understand—after all my efforts, is this the outcome?” Yin Qingyue’s face showed a flicker of sorrow, though she only put on a show for Nanny Lai. If she delayed long enough, someone would eventually come.

“Miss Yin, what do you mean by that?”

Nanny Lai had little patience left. If Yin Qingyue continued to toy with her, she would stop waiting. After all, Yin Qingyue was already caught in her trap. Fail to comply, and survival was impossible.

“You, a mere girl, still want to challenge me? Isn’t that naive?” Nanny Lai sneered. Previously, she had admired Yin Qingyue, but now, the old woman had her firmly in hand.

“Nanny Lai, there’s a saying: mercy is for those who show mercy,” Yin Qingyue said calmly.

“Nanny Lai, I am but a girl from Luochen Courtyard, already destined to die. Why trouble me so?” Yin Qingyue suddenly appeared pitiful.

Nanny Lai clicked her tongue. What trick was this girl trying to play?

“You certainly cannot guess my thoughts,” Yin Qingyue thought smugly. Her life would not be taken so easily by Nanny Lai.

“You jest, Miss Yin. I am only an old servant. Where is the mercy to be shown?” Nanny Lai said word by word, puzzled by Yin Qingyue’s words.

But Yin Qingyue was already trapped. Escape was impossible. Moreover, the Empress was unconscious. This time, she had no control.

“Nanny Lai, I am willing to reconsider,” Yin Qingyue said, standing and bowing her head slightly.

“Yin Qingyue, I didn’t expect you to fall into my hands,” Nanny Lai laughed.

“Please allow me to sit and think. If I have ideas, I will discuss them with you,” Yin Qingyue said with a smile.

It seemed she had the old woman right where she wanted her. Soon, wrinkles spread across Nanny Lai’s face, and a few teeth were exposed in her grin.

Neither of them could foresee the drama that was about to unfold.

“I will give you some time. If you still cannot provide a clear answer, do not blame me for being heartless,” Nanny Lai said, smiling. She would only give Yin Qingyue the time of a single incense stick. The Empress’s plan could not be disrupted—by anyone.