MCSCPM -Chapter 66 The Divine Physician’s Rescue

“The divine physician has arrived!” From afar, they spotted the soft sedan chair carrying Yin Qingyue. The steward standing at the gate immediately hurried forward to greet her.

“Divine physician…” The steward’s words were cut off as Yin Qingyue waved her hand dismissively. “Take me to the patient!”

“…Yes!” Patient? That was the Crown Prince! The steward grumbled silently, but kept walking, escorting Yin Qingyue toward the Crown Prince’s bedchamber.

The emperor and empress were both seated nearby. Yin Qingyue bowed respectfully to them. “I, Yin Qingyue, pay my respects to Your Majesty and Empress.”

No matter how many times He Minmin looked at Yin Qingyue’s face, she could never get used to it. The scars on that face were so jarring that one glance made her wince as if a knife had cut her eyes.

“Rise. Hurry and check the Crown Prince’s condition. Tell me, do you have a solution?” Nangong Lin averted his gaze, subtly trying to hide the discomfort even he felt at looking upon that face.

“Divine physician, Xiao’er’s life rests entirely in your hands!” He Minmin rose gracefully and went to Yin Qingyue’s side, holding her hands with genuine concern.

Yin Qingyue nodded slightly. “I will do everything in my power.”

But inwardly, she let out a cold chuckle. Indeed, they were not easy to deal with.

Her gaze shifted to the Crown Prince lying on the bed. His face was pale as gold paper, his complexion bleak. Reaching for his wrist, she felt a pulse that was weak and intermittent.

Yin Qingyue’s expression grew serious. This time, the Crown Prince’s illness was severe, even causing shock from breathing difficulties. If she delayed, it could be dangerous—but fortunately, there was still time.

“Mei’er, bring my medicine box!” Yin Qingyue commanded without turning her head. Then she gently opened the Crown Prince’s jaw and examined his tongue.

“Divine physician, how is Xiao’er’s condition?” He Minmin stepped forward, feigning urgency.

“Your Majesty, please step outside!” Mei’er set down the medicine box. Seeing Yin Qingyue’s demeanor, she knew there was a plan. The Empress’s concern could easily disturb her mistress, so it was better for her to wait outside.

“How dare you! A mere servant telling me what to do?” He Minmin, seeing that Yin Qingyue ignored her, flew into a rage and slapped Mei’er across the face.

Mei’er froze, feeling the sting on her cheek, but she could do nothing. She knelt and said respectfully, “Your Majesty, forgive me. When the mistress is treating a patient, she must not be disturbed. Your concern for the Crown Prince is understandable, but it is inappropriate for you to watch…”

“Empress, Mei’er is right. Please step outside.”

Half of Yin Qingyue’s unscarred face was hidden in shadow, while the scarred side faced He Minmin. Her black eyes were icy and deep, giving He Minmin a chilling sense of being seen through.

“I… you…” He Minmin felt her mind go blank, unable to utter a word of rebuke. She could only follow Yin Qingyue’s instructions and leave the inner hall.

“Miss…” Mei’er rose from the floor, took the needle package from the medicine box, and handed it to Yin Qingyue.

Yin Qingyue’s gaze lingered on Mei’er’s reddened face. “I’m sorry, I’m not strong enough yet to help you get justice.”

Mei’er shook her head. “Miss, right now, the priority is the Crown Prince’s illness.”

Yin Qingyue nodded and took the needles, centering herself. “Light the candles. I’ll use the golden needles to sustain the Crown Prince’s life. Mei’er, tell them outside to brew another batch of the medicine I prepared last time.”

“Yes!” Mei’er nodded and ran off.

Yin Qingyue picked up a three-inch golden needle, heated it in the flame, and without hesitation, carefully inserted it into the acupuncture point on the Crown Prince’s head.

For two full hours, only Mei’er assisted her. Sweat had already formed on Yin Qingyue’s forehead, trickling down along her temples and chin. Mei’er quickly wiped it away with a damp cloth.

“How long until the medicine is ready?” Yin Qingyue’s voice was slightly hoarse—a result of prolonged tension and focus.

“One more hour!” Mei’er whispered, careful to keep her voice low, knowing Yin Qingyue disliked loud distractions during treatment.

“Mm. Remove the needles in half an hour. Remind me when the time comes.” Yin Qingyue moved to the Crown Prince’s bookshelf. Because he was often ill, there were medical books on hand. She wanted to see if there were any she hadn’t yet consulted.

“Miss, shouldn’t you rest?” Mei’er looked at Yin Qingyue with concern. She was already fatigued, and her body was weak. Could she really continue at this pace?

“No. Half an hour isn’t enough for rest. Go tell them outside that I’ve stabilized the condition. Next, I’ll prescribe a dose of medicine; he’ll need proper recovery.” Yin Qingyue picked up a medical text, but as she stood, her vision darkened and her head spun.

“Miss…” Mei’er quickly supported her. Yin Qingyue gave a wry smile, thinking she now resembled Lin Mei’er in that moment.

“I’m fine. Once the message is delivered, you may return. Best not to let them enter.” Yin Qingyue was referring to the emperor and empress. If they saw her cover the Crown Prince with golden needles, Nangong Lin would be manageable, but He Minmin would surely make a scene.

Mei’er clearly could not keep them out. Hearing that the Crown Prince might be saved, He Minmin would be ecstatic and insist on entering. When she saw Yin Qingyue half-lying on the couch and the Crown Prince with needles across his chest, her expression froze in shock.

“What…?” He Minmin was about to question, when Yin Qingyue placed a finger to her lips: “Shh.”

She lowered her voice and asked, “Why are so many needles necessary?”

“Your Majesty may doubt my character, but not my medical skill. Each golden needle serves a unique purpose,” Yin Qingyue replied calmly.

Technically, the treatment could be done in steps, but since He Minmin slapped Mei’er, Yin Qingyue channeled part of her anger into the treatment—after all, it was for his own good. A bit of discomfort was inevitable for recovery.

“Divine physician…” He Minmin’s heart ached seeing the Crown Prince. “Will it be painful?”

“Your Majesty, not very. It won’t be as comfortable as regular acupuncture, that’s all.” Yin Qingyue lightly twisted a needle in his abdomen. Even unconscious, Nangong Xiao’s brow furrowed.

Seeing this, Yin Qingyue frowned slightly.

He Minmin’s heart raced, fearing a slip of Yin Qingyue’s hand could cause severe bleeding.

“Because of the deep bond between the Crown Prince and his mother, it’s natural the Empress feels anxious. I intended to call you both in after stabilizing him…”

The emperor waited calmly outside, but the empress, eager to display her maternal concern, ignored advice.

At that moment, Mei’er entered. “Miss, half an hour has passed. It’s time to remove the needles.”