MCSCPM -Chapter 67 Deliberate Poisoning

He Minmin still didn’t have the courage to watch and had left at the beginning.

Mei’er stayed by the bed. Every time Yin Qingyue removed a golden needle, Mei’er would catch it, disinfect it, and return it to the needle case.

During the acupuncture, Yin Qingyue sensed something was wrong. From Nangong Xiao’s earlier reactions, her suspicion seemed to be coming true: the Crown Prince’s illness was not a random flare-up—it was an act of deliberate poisoning.

After removing all the golden needles from Nangong Xiao, his face surprisingly regained some color, though his eyes remained closed.

“Miss, the medicine should be ready!” Mei’er whispered as she heard someone delivering the medicine at the door.

Without lifting her head, Yin Qingyue took out a twelve-centimeter silver needle and slowly inserted it into the Crown Prince’s abdomen. “Have them bring it in.”

“Yes!” For Mei’er, watching Yin Qingyue perform acupuncture was a challenge. She couldn’t understand why pricking herself while embroidering would draw blood, yet Yin Qingyue’s needle work left not a drop.

“Just as I thought…” Yin Qingyue’s gaze darkened as she observed the slightly tarnished silver needle. The Crown Prince’s sudden illness was due to poisoning. This matter… should she inform the emperor and empress?

“Miss, the medicine is here!” Mei’er placed a bowl of dark, thick medicinal liquid on the bedside table. Seeing Yin Qingyue deep in thought, she asked softly, “What’s wrong?”

Yin Qingyue shook her head. “Nothing. Administer the medicine to the Crown Prince.”

Mei’er hesitated, pointing to herself. “Me?”

Yin Qingyue’s eyes softened as she noticed Mei’er’s blush. She chuckled lightly. “What’s the matter? Embarrassed?”

Mei’er stomped her foot. “You always tease me, Miss. Fine, I’ll call one of the Crown Prince’s attendants to do it.” She thought she had a good idea and nodded to herself.

“Ha…” Yin Qingyue was amused by Mei’er’s reaction. Then, noticing the bowl of medicine, she frowned and took a small vial from the medicine kit. She dipped a silver needle into it, and when she withdrew it, a layer of emerald-green liquid coated it.

This liquid evaporates quickly and serves an important purpose: it detects poisons that silver needles alone cannot sense.

She dipped the silver needle into the liquid. It did not change color. Yin Qingyue exhaled in relief—her earlier discovery had alarmed her.

“Forget it. Help the Crown Prince sit up; I’ll administer the medicine.” Yin Qingyue said.

In Nangong Xiao’s consciousness, he sensed the movements outside: a group of imperial physicians coming and going, his mother quietly wiping away tears at the bedside, and… the divine physician Yin Qingyue, whose presence stirred complex emotions in him.

Then came the cold sensation of each golden needle piercing his body. As more needles were inserted, his rigid body seemed to loosen, the force preventing him from speaking or opening his eyes melting away like ice under the sun. Finally… Nangong Xiao opened his eyes.

Despite seeing a face marred by ugly scars, he inexplicably felt his mood lift at the sight.

“Mm… open your mouth!” Yin Qingyue had not expected him to wake so soon, but it was a relief; she no longer needed to force-feed him.

“Mei’er, go tell the emperor and empress the Crown Prince is awake.” Seeing Mei’er tense up, Yin Qingyue kindly spoke to relieve her.

“Yes!” Mei’er propped Nangong Xiao against the jade pillow behind him and hurried out.

“It’s you again, saving me!” Nangong Xiao looked at Yin Qingyue intently, as if trying to see through the scarred face to the original her.

“It is my honor, Your Highness!”

But before they could exchange more words, Nangong Lin, He Minmin, and the others streamed in. Yin Qingyue carried the now-empty medicine bowl to the outer hall and washed her hands in a bronze basin.

“Miss.” Mei’er, her cheeks flushed with joy, massaged Yin Qingyue’s temples from behind.

“Happy?” Yin Qingyue smiled; she could read Mei’er’s thoughts without any mind-reading.

“Yes, Miss. You cured the Crown Prince—does this mean we don’t have to return to Luocheng Court?” Mei’er’s tone was one of relief.

Yin Qingyue smiled faintly. “Luocheng Court isn’t bad either.” She squinted as Mei’er’s hands applied pressure more skillfully.

Mei’er shook her head. “It’s not the same. At Luocheng Court, life and death are beyond one’s control. It’s safer outside.”

“Ha…” Yin Qingyue removed Mei’er’s hands from her, opening her eyes to see Nangong Lin emerging. She immediately stood and bowed. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Nangong Lin’s face was flushed with joy, and the gloom that had settled between his brows dissipated. “Ha ha ha, no need for formalities. Divine Physician Yin, your miraculous hands truly live up to your reputation.”

Yin Qingyue stood and replied humbly, “Not at all, it was mere chance that I happened to be in the right place.”

“What a coincidence! Such a stroke of luck is rare!” Nangong Lin seemed to hint at something. Yin Qingyue only smiled without replying.

He Minmin emerged, casting a reproachful glance at Nangong Lin. “Your Majesty, the Crown Prince was in danger, and the divine physician could help. This is heaven-sent. I will forever be grateful. You must not trouble my benefactor!”

Nangong Lin smiled. “Not only will I not trouble her, I will reward her handsomely. Divine Physician, state any request. If I can grant it, I will not refuse.”

Yin Qingyue smiled faintly. “Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty. Everything I need in the palace—food, clothing—is already provided. I lack nothing.”

“This won’t do. Rewards and punishments must be clear—it’s part of my governance. Very well, I will appoint you Imperial Physician of the Palace, fifth-rank official under the Imperial Medical Institute. How does that sound?” Nangong Lin said cheerfully.

Yin Qingyue was taken aback; such an official appointment was unexpected.

“Your… servant’s experience is shallow. Some might not accept it,” she said hesitantly. She didn’t want too much attention.

“Experience isn’t measured by age. You’re the only one in the entire palace who cured the Crown Prince. You are worthy of the post,” Nangong Lin affirmed.

“In that case, I must humbly accept Your Majesty’s favor!” Yin Qingyue bowed in thanks.

“I hear the divine physician works alone, only served by Mei’er. If you need anything, inform me. I still have influence in the harem,” He Minmin said gently, helping Yin Qingyue to stand.

“Thank you, Empress.” Yin Qingyue nodded, her face showing surprise and slight unease. But anyone looking closely into her eyes could see a calm determination that belied her expression.

“Divine Physician, is the Crown Prince fully recovered? Are there any precautions?”

“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has a strong constitution. With a few more doses of medicine and careful recuperation, he will be fine.”

“Still, I am a bit uneasy. Perhaps… you should stay in the Eastern Palace for a while?” He Minmin furrowed her brow, finally thinking of a way to ensure both care and convenience.