MCSCPM -Chapter 48 The Mysterious Figure

Nangong Mei’er continued, “Elder Brother treats the divine physician very well. He even smiles at her and reminds her to be careful in the harem.”

Consort Sun bit her lower lip. “Could this divine physician really have the power to cure the Crown Prince’s illness?”

Nangong Mei’er blinked. “I don’t think Elder Brother sought her out just for his own sickness. His illness is already mostly healed. It’s just that after years of being unwell, his body is still somewhat deficient, which is why he looks pale.”

Consort Sun’s eyes widened, her whole body frozen. “What? The Crown Prince’s illness… is already cured?”

Nangong Mei’er looked at her in surprise. “That’s what everyone in the palace says. On the first day of the month, the Crown Prince even led the Imperial Guards on an inspection of the palace. Besides, I saw it with my own eyes—how could I be wrong?”

“I thought that was… never mind,” Consort Sun exhaled sharply, inwardly fuming.

She had assumed that Nangong Xiao’s apparent recovery was just a temporary reprieve, a last flicker of life. But now, hearing Nangong Mei’er, it seemed that Nangong Xiao was truly healed. How could it be possible?

The Imperial Medical Court had hundreds of physicians who had been unable to cure his chronic illness for over twenty years—and suddenly, someone had cured him? Impossible!

Consort Sun’s mind whirled with suspicion and envy, her expression darkening.

Nangong Mei’er, seemingly oblivious to her mood, peeled a lychee and continued, “Mother, don’t think I’m joking. I really think it’s possible that Elder Brother’s illness was cured by the divine physician.”

“On what basis?” Consort Sun quickly asked.

“I don’t have solid proof—it’s just a guess. Elder Brother’s attitude toward the divine physician is just too strange. From what the divine physician said, Elder Brother defended her in front of Father Emperor yesterday. He knows she’s extremely skilled, yet when she mentions it, he doesn’t claim credit. Isn’t that odd?” Nangong Mei’er said with a small smile.

She handed the lychee to Consort Sun, feeding her carefully, wiping the juice from her fingers with a handkerchief. She added, “Elder Brother’s attitude is like someone repaying a debt of gratitude, and the divine physician’s skill is so extraordinary.”

Consort Sun bit into the sweet fruit, but the taste turned oddly sour and bitter in her mouth. She spat out the pit and sighed. “If that’s true, then this divine physician’s skill is truly miraculous!”

Nangong Mei’er lowered her head and smiled casually. “Yes… but strangely, even though her skill is remarkable, her own health is not good—she is weak and lacking in vitality. That’s why I can’t be certain Elder Brother’s illness was cured by her.”

Consort Sun’s eyes lit up. She slapped the table and stood abruptly. “This is a great opportunity! Mei’er, quickly prepare some tonics to strengthen her and send them over!”

Nangong Mei’er nodded, her eyes curved in a smile. “Good, I was just thinking of doing that. The divine physician is so small and frail—her waist so thin—it’s almost pitiful.”

Consort Sun’s mind was already calculating. Originally, the divine physician was living in Nanny Lai’s domain, effectively under the Empress’s control. But now, it seemed she had some connection with Nangong Xiao as well. Who would ultimately gain this prize was still uncertain.

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Study, Nangong Lin sat upright on the dragon throne, a cinnabar brush in hand, marking up memorials with a furrowed brow.

“Your Majesty, have a sip of ginseng soup,” a young eunuch said, worry evident in his eyes.

Nangong Lin waved him off. “What’s the progress on tomorrow night’s banquet for the ministers? The Empress is delicate; tell Consort De to assist her—do not let the palace lose face.”

The young eunuch nodded and quickly left the study.

At that moment, Consort Sun entered, dressed in white with a skirt embroidered with a few twin lotus blossoms, swaying gracefully. Her face was elegant, and her phoenix-like eyes added an air of autumnal allure.

“Your Majesty, your cough has just improved, and you’re already taking on work. Zhang Gong, you should pay more attention to him,” she said.

Nangong Lin hurried toward her, lightly patting her hand. “I was just thinking of you—you came! Could it be, my beloved consort, that our minds are in perfect sync?”

“Your Majesty,” Consort Sun said, shyly and sweetly, almost like a young girl.

Nangong Lin, charmed, gently pulled her into his embrace. “Are you here today regarding the palace banquet tonight?”

“Your Majesty, I know tonight’s banquet is for the eldest princess’s suitor selection, but you mustn’t show favoritism. Mei’er is also of age, and she must be treated equally,” Consort Sun said, her eyes playful and voice coquettish.

Nangong Lin gazed at her deeply. “Mei’er is still young, there’s no rush. She can accompany you for a few more years.”

Consort Sun, though unwilling, could only nod obediently. “As you command, Your Majesty.”

“Mm. If nothing else, you may leave for now. I look forward to seeing your performance at tonight’s banquet,” he said, his gaze cool, a subtle warning in his tone.

Consort Sun understood: he was warning her not to cause trouble at the banquet. Reluctantly, she bowed and left the study.

As soon as she exited, she encountered Consort De. “Sister, your greetings,” she said.

“No need for formalities. You are a good mother, indeed,” Consort De said evenly.

Consort Sun knew this was a subtle jab. She smiled softly. “Sister is also a good mother—and raises a good son. I heard recently the Third Prince even called the Emperor away from the Empress on your behalf.”

“Where did you hear such rumors? If Her Majesty hears, wouldn’t it ruin my reputation?” Consort De replied calmly, looking at her.

Consort Sun smiled lightly. “If it never happened, why worry so much?”

“You’ve been in the palace long enough to know the consequences of gossip. I advise you to speak less—Buddha is watching,” Consort De warned, her expression calm but with a subtle sharpness.

Consort Sun maintained her smile. “I will heed your advice, Sister. It’s late; the Emperor is still in the study awaiting you.”

With that, she turned and left. Consort De watched her go, eyes distant and thoughtful.

Unbeknownst to them, a shadow lurking in the darkness observed the entire scene, muttering to itself, “You fight… better that both sides suffer.”

The voice gradually dissolved into the wind, vanishing without a trace.