MCSCPM -Chapter 63 Safflower

“You!” Xue Zhenyu was furious. She couldn’t believe Yin Qingyue had taken things this far. Even if others couldn’t understand her words, Nanny Zhao was no fool. If she analyzed it and guessed the truth, it would spell big trouble. “Yin Qingyue, don’t slander!”

“Slander? You think it’s slander, then it is,” Yin Qingyue said lightly with a smile. She paced slowly around the room. Xing’er’s heart trembled with each step, terrified that she would notice what was hidden beneath the bedding.

Nanny Zhao found a comfortable spot to sit and said to Nanny Liu, “You go interrogate the girl. I’m tired and need to rest for a while.”

Nanny Liu was displeased but helpless, so she went along. Approaching Xing’er, she asked casually, “When did you fall ill?”

Bowing her head, Xing’er whispered, “Early yesterday morning.” She had no idea what Nanny Liu intended with these questions; it was simply formalities for her.

“Was it serious? Why wasn’t it reported?” Nanny Liu pressed on, unconcerned herself, merely following procedure.

“Not serious… just abdominal pain from the medicinal wash, which caused a fever. Resting was enough,” Xing’er said, her voice growing smaller and smaller. Fear had fully gripped her; any slip might arouse suspicion, endangering not just her reputation but even her family.

“Rest? Why didn’t you see the doctor?” Nanny Liu suddenly raised her voice, trying to force the truth out.

“This…” Xing’er didn’t know how to respond. Nanny Liu, pleased, pressed further: “Could it have been intentional?”

Tears instantly fell from Xing’er’s eyes. “Nanny, you know this is a girl’s private matter. How could I see the doctor?”

“That may be partly reasonable, but your face looks pale and unhealthy. It doesn’t seem like just abdominal pain from the medicinal wash,” Nanny Liu said, striking right at her heart, making cold sweat break out.

At that moment, Nanny Zhao, who had been resting with her eyes closed, stood and approached them. Her suspicious gaze locked onto Xing’er, making the girl too afraid to look up.

“Lift your head!”

At Nanny Zhao’s command, Xing’er raised her head, tear streaks still visible. “Why are you crying, Xing’er?”

Yin Qingyue, observing the scene, noticed Nanny Zhao, who was careless with details, might miss much without a hint. Naturally, Yin Qingyue took it upon herself to provide that hint.

“Servant…” Xing’er began.

“Seems like Miss Xing’er is in too much pain. Let me take your pulse and see for myself,” Yin Qingyue said calmly.

Xing’er panicked further. She had forgotten this—Yin Qingyue was a divine healer. If she discovered the truth, Xing’er’s life could be at risk. She glanced at Xue Zhenyu, hoping for support, but saw her turn away.

Xing’er forced a bitter smile. With her own interests at stake, no one could save her. She might truly be doomed.

Seeing Xing’er’s condition, Nanny Zhao understood most of the situation. “Are you really sick? Or faking it?” she asked firmly.

Xing’er hesitated, then whispered, “I am truly ill. I would never deceive you.”

“Oh? Then let Yin Qingyue examine you,” Nanny Zhao said.

Xing’er immediately shook her head. She dared not let Yin Qingyue see her now. Nanny Zhao’s tone left no room for refusal. Panic threatened to bring tears.

Xue Zhenyu intervened: “Nanny, don’t be angry. Look at her complexion—it’s impossible she’s faking. Besides, Miss Yin has treated the Emperor himself. If the Emperor found out you let her examine a maid…”

This remark only angered Nanny Zhao further. “You and your maid are clearly hiding something. What are you avoiding? Xing’er won’t let Yin Qingyue examine her, and you—her mistress—are complicit! Speak! What is the matter?”

Nanny Zhao was certain they were hiding something. Xue Zhenyu dared not oppose her further and stepped aside, distancing herself from Xing’er. If she insisted on helping, and the truth came out, she would be guilty of concealment—a serious offense. Besides, Xing’er was only a maid to her; risking herself wasn’t worth it.

Xing’er, seeing Xue Zhenyu step back, remained silent. Her only path seemed blocked. Nanny Zhao, observing Xue Zhenyu’s reaction, approved of her prudence.

“Xing’er! Answer me! How dare a maid be so disrespectful?” Nanny Zhao scolded.

Even if Xing’er wanted to speak, she could not. Any explanation could be fatal. With Xue Zhenyu having distanced herself and Yin Qingyue actively pressuring her, there was no protector left. She might only escape through death—but she couldn’t resign herself. She had to try once more.

Xing’er suddenly cried out: “Nanny, for all my loyalty and service, please hear me!”

Seeing her cry, Nanny Zhao softened slightly, but then returned to her usual stern expression. “Then speak. Why?”

Xing’er remained silent for a moment before saying, “I have a chronic condition. That is why I didn’t report it.”

“What chronic condition?” Nanny Zhao asked suspiciously.

Xing’er hurriedly kowtowed. “Please believe me, Nanny. I would never conceal anything. I simply do not want others to know. I’ve never told anyone since I was a child.”

Nanny Zhao glanced at Xue Zhenyu. “Is that true?”

Xue Zhenyu nodded quickly. “Yes. That’s why I didn’t mention it. She confided in me. Truly a pitiful child—please don’t trouble her further.”

Nanny Zhao considered Xue Zhenyu’s expression. It seemed credible, more so than Yin Qingyue.

She waved her sleeve. “Fine, we won’t press the matter this time. Stand up.”

“Thank you, Nanny!” Xue Zhenyu and Xing’er said in unison. Xing’er glanced at Xue Zhenyu, eyes darkening—she was never truly trustworthy.

But Nanny Zhao didn’t entirely let them off. Yin Qingyue paced lightly, observing Xing’er’s movements and expressions. Sure enough, she noticed her occasionally glancing at the bedding. There must be something hidden there.

Seizing the moment, Yin Qingyue lifted a corner of the bedding and glimpsed safflower and angelica.

Xing’er saw this and was terrified. Nanny Zhao had already let them off, but now Yin Qingyue had seen what shouldn’t be seen. A faint smile appeared on Yin Qingyue’s lips as she lightly touched the items, observing Xing’er’s anxious expression.

Yin Qingyue pretended to have a sudden thought: “I smell a strange scent… like flowers. Do you smell it too?”

The room fell silent, as there was clearly no flower. Xing’er knew this was a deliberate reminder from Yin Qingyue. Realizing Xue Zhenyu couldn’t be relied on, she had to plead herself. Quietly, she begged, “Miss Yin, please spare me. I will obey you from now on—please let me go.”

Yin Qingyue had no intention of punishing Xing’er. She merely wanted to give Xue Zhenyu a warning. If Xing’er could be of use to her, even better. She nodded and replaced the bedding.

Walking to Xing’er, she said, “Perhaps I mis-smelled.”

Nanny Zhao sneered. “Then why did you stir up trouble before?”

Yin Qingyue glanced at her, giving no respect. “Even stirring up trouble requires someone willing to be stirred. Seems you didn’t get any answers either, did you?”

Yin Qingyue played with her nails and teased Nanny Zhao. Nanny Zhao, already irritated with her, was further vexed that today she had been outmaneuvered.

She had long wanted to deal with Yin Qingyue but couldn’t act recklessly. Now, wiser and warned by the Crown Prince, she could not easily harm her. Angry, she turned and left, letting the matter of Xing’er drop.

Nanny Zhao led the others out. Xue Zhenyu noticed Xing’er’s earlier glance—fearful, perhaps—and had wanted to stay to check on her, but Nanny Zhao suddenly said, “Miss Xue, you mentioned her skills earlier. I’m tired now. How about a massage?”

Xue Zhenyu wanted to decline, but having sought trouble initially, refusing was improper. She forced herself to leave.

Before leaving, she glanced at Xing’er, who immediately lowered her head, doing nothing further. Xue Zhenyu assumed she was simply frightened.

Once everyone left, Shen Qing looked at Xing’er kneeling on the floor and casually said, “Get up. Let’s speak.”