MCSCPM -Chapter 58 She Surely Won’t Dare Again

Seeing that Chu Jingcheng still refused to let Nangong Wan and Nangong Xiaoxiao off, the palace concubines wanted to intercede, but even Nangong Lin had shown restraint. Hesitant, they dared not speak.

“Nangong Wan, Nangong Xiaoxiao, you behaved improperly at the palace banquet. Considering you are young ladies, you are hereby punished: copy the Rules for Women and Precepts for Women and be confined for one month,” He Minmin said, each word striking sharply into the hearts of the two princesses. Their expressions immediately showed defiance. “Prince Jing, do you find this punishment suitable?”

Chu Jingcheng respectfully bowed to He Minmin before replying, “The Empress clearly distinguishes reward and punishment; I admire her wisdom.”

Chu Jingcheng said what? Nangong Lin’s face darkened in displeasure. Chu Jingcheng’s words implied full agreement with the Empress, showing he disapproved of his two daughters. Nangong Lin felt humiliated. “Take the princesses away immediately!”

Thus, the unpleasant palace banquet came to an end. Yin Qingyue looked around the hall and smiled quietly. The two princesses’ schemes were as expected, but without Prince Jing’s subtle instigation, she would not have been sent back to the Luocheng Courtyard.

That scoundrel—I’ll remember you this time!

Back at Luocheng Courtyard, Yin Qingyue looked around the familiar courtyard in surprise.

Nanny Zhao, untimely as always, appeared. “Oh? Isn’t this Miss Yin Qingyue, who climbed to a high branch? And now she’s back?” Nanny Zhao circled her, smirking. “Tsk tsk, looks like you were sent back. Staying in the palace for so long—truly the emperor’s great favor. But with all the beauties there, you still wanted to live in the palace? Hah! I’d have thrown you out the moment I saw that face.”

Yin Qingyue smiled faintly. “Miss Qingyue is back—Nanny Zhao should be pleased. Without me, you wouldn’t even remember your duties. But this is said only in my room. And as the emperor said, my prayers for the nation must not be delayed. Moreover, the Empress calls me the Divine Healer. Nanny Zhao, just think—if your words reached the emperor or the Empress, what would happen?”

She looked at Nanny Zhao with mock pity. Seeing Nanny Zhao stiffen, she continued, “Still, Nanny Zhao, you compare yourself to the master of the palace? Everyone knows the entire world belongs to the emperor, and the palace has the Empress as master. Are you comparing yourself to the emperor or the Empress?”

Nanny Zhao froze in shock, then glanced around. Seeing no one else, she relaxed slightly.

“Yin Qingyue, who do you think you are? Even if the Empress favors you, don’t forget—you are now in my hands. Here, I am in charge,” Nanny Zhao sneered. “And this remote place—accidents happen. Do you think the palace will investigate every mishap? No, whatever I say goes. Just like with the Third Prince, who complained to the emperor based on my words. But unfortunately for you, you attached yourself to the Crown Prince. And the Crown Prince didn’t plead for you; he sent you back. Clearly, you are nothing special.”

Nanny Zhao rolled her eyes at the arrogant Yin Qingyue. Now that Yin Qingyue was in her grasp, she feared nothing. No palace intrigue could intimidate her; even if Yin Qingyue disappeared, she didn’t believe the Crown Prince would care about an “ugly girl.”

Nangong Xiao was walking with Mei’er toward Yin Qingyue’s quarters when he heard Nanny Zhao threatening her. He frowned in displeasure—this woman had become brazen enough to threaten his savior. If not for the wary eyes of Nangong Chen, he would have dragged Nanny Zhao out and beaten her severely.

“I wonder, Nanny Zhao, how do you plan to make my savior disappear? Perhaps you can explain it to me properly, so I can learn,” Nangong Xiao said. “But you were wrong about one thing—you cannot expect me to punish you for harming my savior. Only I can decide that.”

At hearing the self-proclaimed title, Nanny Zhao immediately dropped to her knees. The Crown Prince had arrived—what a disaster.

“Crown Prince, I… I didn’t mean it that way. I just wanted to say…” Her heart pounded. “Miss Yin’s words and manner were sharp, and she insulted me. I didn’t intend harm—it’s a misunderstanding, Your Highness.”

“A misunderstanding?” Nangong Xiao’s cold gaze pierced her. “I was right here. I saw and heard your arrogant behavior. Miss Yin is not just an ordinary girl—she is my savior. Could it be, Nanny Zhao, that your discontent with me led you to attack a mere girl who saved me?” He glared fiercely.

Mei’er quickly moved to Yin Qingyue’s side, glaring at Nanny Zhao, silently grateful for the Crown Prince’s presence.

“No, I…” Nanny Zhao couldn’t finish, kowtowing rapidly. In the process, she scraped her forehead on the ground, slowly drawing blood.

Nangong Xiao didn’t look at her. He merely smiled faintly at Yin Qingyue. Nanny Zhao, not having gained his forgiveness, could only continue her frantic prostrations, fearing even a single misstep could cost her life.

“Miss Yin, I have personally returned your maid to you,” Nangong Xiao said, admiring Yin Qingyue’s features, which he found increasingly attractive, reminding himself to maintain decorum.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Yin Qingyue bowed. “I must apologize for showing Your Highness a spectacle today.”

Nangong Xiao, face stern, addressed Nanny Zhao: “Miss Yin is my savior. In the future, if even a hair of hers is harmed, I will hold you responsible. Remember my words today—if you dare guess at my intentions recklessly, I could charge you with treason.”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Nanny Zhao kowtowed repeatedly. “From now on… I will never dare again!”

Seeing her terrified, desperate expression, Nangong Xiao finally nodded with satisfaction.