MCSCPM -Chapter 51 A Strange Feeling

“Yes, that’s Qingyue. She not only relieved the Crown Prince’s hidden ailment but also cured Father’s illness,” Nangong Mei’er said in admiration.

Although Nangong Mei’er and Nangong Xiaoxiao could hardly believe that the palace legend about the so-called goddess doctor could be so hideously true, seeing Nangong Mei’er speak so earnestly left no doubt—the ugly girl before them was indeed Yin Qingyue.

After Yin Qingyue stepped forward to bow to Nangong Wan and Nangong Xiaoxiao, Nangong Mei’er could barely contain herself and said, “Sisters, we still need to gather herbs, so we must take our leave.”

Nangong Xiaoxiao, not wanting to be further entangled with Nangong Mei’er, quickly nodded in agreement. At the same time, she secretly glared at Nangong Wan, who had yet to leave by her side, though she couldn’t push her openly. Her impatience was entirely because she had received secret news—Prince Jing would be passing this way shortly.

Nangong Wan also knew the prince would come but didn’t know exactly when. She wanted to use this moment to prepare, so she smiled and said, “Sister, I suddenly remembered some matters in the palace that need my attention, so I won’t accompany you for now,” gently bowing before she turned to leave.

“Good sister, when you’re free someday, I will come to your chamber to visit,” Nangong Xiaoxiao said, her heart leaping with joy as she smiled lightly.

“Isn’t that Prince Jing?” Just as Nangong Wan was about to leave, a palace maid beside her exclaimed.

Nangong Wan instinctively turned and saw Chu Jingcheng on the path ahead. Her gaze seemed stuck on him, unable to move. Her normally calm heart thumped wildly, unable to settle.

Hearing that Chu Jingcheng had arrived, Nangong Xiaoxiao didn’t even consider anything else. She hurriedly adjusted her attire, making sure not a single detail was out of place. Once satisfied, she lifted her head high and smiled gracefully at the approaching Chu Jingcheng, two faint blushes appearing on her fair cheeks.

The man was so handsome that Xiaoxiao’s admiration only made her cheeks redder. In her heart, she vowed she would marry him.

Nangong Wan’s excitement was no less than Xiaoxiao’s. She even felt as though she had wasted her entire life until now! Chu Jingcheng’s arrival brought a powerful energy that awakened her frozen spirit, like spring breezes melting long-frozen ice.

“Isn’t that our Eldest Princess and Third Princess?” The old eunuch walking beside Chu Jingcheng immediately noticed Nangong Wan and Nangong Xiaoxiao standing nearby, his words loaded with meaning.

Yet Chu Jingcheng didn’t glance at either princess. After taking a couple more steps, he suddenly stopped, then briskly headed into the woods.

A familiar sensation surged within him. His instincts were usually infallible. But when he entered the trees, the woods appeared empty.

His long, arched eyebrows furrowed in confusion. He never forgot anyone he had seen before, so when he caught sight of that figure in his peripheral vision, he resolutely pursued it.

“Prince, why did you suddenly run here?” Leng Feng asked, puzzled. Only a woman bold enough to tug at the prince’s clothes could pique his interest—could she have entered the palace? That seemed impossible, and his expression shifted slightly.

Leng Yi glared at Leng Feng, signaling him to keep his mouth shut outside.

Leng Feng quickly pursed his lips, acknowledging the warning.

After searching the woods to no avail, Chu Jingcheng emerged, his aura sharp and cold. Even curious onlookers dared not approach.

“Prince Jing, this is our Eldest Princess, and the other is the Third Princess,” the old eunuch said, smiling as he introduced Nangong Wan and Nangong Xiaoxiao.

Chu Jingcheng ignored the gentle smiles of the princesses, his gaze again scanning the woods. His instincts had not failed—the scent was unmistakable, reminiscent of a protective undergarment.

“I’ve long heard that Prince Jing is a distinguished man. Xiaoxiao truly admires you,” Nangong Xiaoxiao said, displeased, sneaking a glance at Nangong Wan behind her as she approached Chu Jingcheng.

“Wan’er greets Prince Jing,” Nangong Wan also stepped forward, smiling, showing all her gentleness and charm.

Yet Chu Jingcheng merely nodded lightly, saying no more.

Leng Yi hurriedly apologized to the two princesses, “Please forgive any rudeness, Eldest and Third Princess. Our prince has traveled a long way and is quite fatigued. We hope you understand.”

Nangong Wan and Nangong Xiaoxiao graciously indicated their understanding and dismissed any offense.

Leng Feng turned to the old eunuch beside him, “Let’s move forward.” The old eunuch nodded, saying nothing further. Both princesses felt a bit dejected; Prince Jing hadn’t even looked at them once, staring intently at the woods. What could he possibly be looking for?

Back at the courier inn, Leng Feng couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer. “Prince, who were you searching for in the woods?”

Chu Jingcheng squinted, saying nothing, only noting the familiar scent.

Leng Feng’s suspicion grew. “Prince, have you taken a liking to some palace maid? I didn’t expect that coming to Xize, you’d notice so many women consecutively!”

Chu Jingcheng shot him a displeased glare, coldly hiding the red undergarment he held. “Are your lips itching?”

“Prince, no, no. Since you have no official consort or concubine, it doesn’t matter how many you like, bring them back to Beihai,” Leng Feng said, still teasing, but Leng Yi interrupted him. “Leng Feng, you interfere too much.”

Leng Feng pouted, saying no more, looking at the prince seated in the main seat. He wanted the conversation to end, knowing if it continued, the prince might lose his temper.

Two days later, Chu Jingcheng received a direct order from Nangong Lin, summoning him to the study for a discussion.

After the eunuch left, Chu Jingcheng smirked wryly. “It seems the ruler of Xize wishes to test me.”

Leng Feng saw the smirk and silently sweated for Xize’s ruler. Having followed Prince Jing for so long, he knew the expression—something was about to happen.

Chu Jingcheng changed into more formal attire, his imposing aura magnified, and set off for the palace.

Meanwhile, in the Buddhist hall, Yin Qingyue looked at the medicinal herbs on the table, grinning from ear to ear.

After taking the herbs and donkey-hide gelatin delivered by Nangong Mei’er over the past few days, her vitality had greatly recovered. Without makeup, her skin was now rosy and soft, like tender tofu, almost glistening with moisture.

Earlier, she had heard from a maid that Nangong Wan and Nangong Xiaoxiao had also sent medicinal ingredients, all beneficial for nourishment. How could she not be happy?

“I never expected Miss Yin to be so popular,” Nanny Lai asked, her tone slightly displeased.

“You’re overthinking, Nanny Lai. Can’t you see my focus is entirely on the Empress? In other words, I’m holding onto the great tree that is the Empress, why would I curry favor with anyone else?” Yin Qingyue said lightly, setting the herbs down and explaining herself.

Seeing Nanny Lai’s expression soften slightly, Yin Qingyue added, “These herbs can also be used to make a facial treatment for the Empress, making her skin fairer and softer. Nanny Lai, may I ask, after my treatments, has Her Majesty’s skin improved?”

“Her skin has improved greatly. Rest assured, your contributions will be remembered. As long as you serve her diligently, the benefits will not be denied you!” Nanny Lai said, smiling.

“It’s all thanks to you, Nanny Lai. Without you, I would not have had the chance to serve Her Majesty,” Yin Qingyue said, masking her disgust with a smile.

After all, her influence in the palace was still limited; she could only yield for now.

“That’s good to hear,” Nanny Lai said, beaming, her earlier anger completely dissipated.