MCSCPM -Chapter 141 Anxious Beyond Measure

Weiyang Palace.

“Consort De, please take care on your way,” Nanny Lai said with a smile.

“No need to see me off. I can go myself,” Consort De replied, her expression suddenly hardening. The gentle demeanor she had shown moments ago was gone.

This time, she had underestimated He Minmin, never expecting such ruthless measures. Rage surged in Consort De’s heart, and she had no idea how events ahead would catch her off guard.

In the Imperial Study, Nangong Lin sat upright, his brow furrowed deeply.

Thanks to the Divine Physician’s treatment, his body had mostly recovered.

“Report, Your Majesty! Urgent news from the Jiangnan region!” the Chief Guard said anxiously. Early this morning, he had received word of a plague outbreak in Jiangnan.

“Speak,” Nangong Lin said, narrowing his eyes.

“This morning, a plague broke out in the Jiangnan region,” the Chief Guard said, his voice dropping. He dared not meet the Emperor’s gaze directly.

The Jiangnan floods were supposed to be under the Third Prince’s control. Now such a disastrous situation had arisen…

Sweat poured down the faces of the guards nearby.

“This matter is critical. Send word to the Third Prince, reinforce the manpower, and control the epidemic immediately,” Nangong Lin said, frowning. If the plague could not be contained, Xize would be at risk. He could not allow disaster there.

Rumors in the palace spread quickly.

Consort De sat composedly at her desk, a strong scent of tea filling the room.

“Your servant has urgent news for Consort De,” a young palace maid said, her face tense, beads of sweat glistening on her forehead.

“What is it?” Consort De sipped her tea slowly, her expression calm.

“Consort De, the Jiangnan floods… a plague has now broken out.”

The maid’s words struck like lightning. Moments ago, Wan Mo had appeared perfectly composed, but now all trace of her smile vanished. She could hardly believe her ears.

“What did you say? Repeat that for me,” Consort De said, gripping her teacup tightly. Hadn’t she barely enjoyed some peace, only to be beset again by misfortune?

“The Jiangnan floods… a plague has broken out. The news has already spread far and wide. Even the Emperor is furious,” the maid added, worry etched across her face. If this involved Consort De, there would be trouble for her as well.

“Enough, leave now,” Wan Mo said, gasping, her face twisted with tension.

“Yes, your servant takes her leave,” the maid replied quickly.

“Your Highness, what should we do now? The Third Prince failed to handle the floods, and now there’s a plague. The Emperor will surely punish him,” the maid next to Consort De said. She had served her for years and knew her temper well.

“Do I need you to tell me that?” Consort De’s mind was ablaze with fury. If this crisis was not handled swiftly, Nangong chen would have difficulty maintaining any foothold in the palace.

“It is my fault, Your Highness. Please do not be angry. The Third Prince is the most important matter now,” the senior maid quickly replied, knowing better than to provoke her mistress.

“What shall we do now?” the maid asked. She knew Consort De needed strategy most of all. If the plague was left unchecked, the Emperor’s disappointment in the Third Prince would be immense. Forget succession—his future in the palace would be grim.

“Send someone immediately to investigate the current situation. The sooner, the better,” Consort De said, clutching her teacup. The top priority was ensuring the Third Prince’s safety.

At her command, the maid left the quarters.

Consort De’s position was precarious. She paced back and forth, her mind racing. How could she protect her son while also regaining the Emperor’s favor?

Her son was third in rank, the Second Prince indifferent to state affairs. The greatest competitor was the deposed Empress’s son, Nangong xiao. She now had a plan: if her son could return, the Crown Prince could act.

The floods were severe, and the plague even more so. Even the strongest could be weakened; the Crown Prince’s health was already poor. Could his chronic illness return? The thought made her eyes light up with a plan.

Meanwhile, in the harem, panic spread among the women.

“Did you hear? There’s a plague in Jiangnan!” some palace maids whispered.

“Wasn’t the Third Prince sent to manage the floods? How could a plague break out? Plagues can’t be cured. If it spreads…” the maids shivered with fear.

“This must be the Third Prince’s incompetence,” others giggled. Consort De usually avoided conflict and had little power. Without the Third Prince, she might have faded into obscurity long ago.

“Be careful what you say—it’s near Consort De’s quarters. If she hears you, you’ll be punished.”

“Pfft, what does she have time for us? She’s probably worried about the Third Prince anyway!” they replied, gloating.

Suddenly, the senior maid appeared beside them.

“We pay our respects, madam. We know our mistake,” the girls bowed low.

“You speak while your mistress suffers, doing nothing. If I report this to her, there will be consequences,” the maid said sharply, her eyes gleaming.

“We were only concerned about the Third Prince. If he suffers, so does the Consort, and we gain nothing,” one maid said, handing over her bracelet to the senior maid.

“You are right. Now, worry only about Consort De and keep your mouths shut,” the maid said, taking the bracelet.

“We humbly take our leave,” the girls said in unison.

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Study, Nangong Lin sat immobile on the dragon throne. The situation was dire. Could this truly be the calamity foretold by the diviner Yu Chi, with the Red Luan Star appearing—was Xize truly in danger? The diviner’s words echoed in his mind.

Outside the study, Consort De walked steadily toward him.

“Isn’t that Consort De?” several palace maids exclaimed in surprise.

“She must have learned about her son’s situation and is going to plead with the Emperor,” one whispered, watching her fade into the distance.

“Consort De usually avoids conflict. Why would she plead?” another asked, puzzled.

“If anything happens to the Third Prince, the Emperor’s favor for him will fade, and Consort De will lose favor too,” the first explained.

“Now that you mention it… that makes sense!” the second maid realized.

In the palace, even a consort or empress could quickly fall from favor—their positions were never guaranteed.