MCSCPM -Chapter 70 Face-to-Face Rivalry

Yesterday’s arrival had been rushed; today, there was finally time to take in the scenery of the Eastern Palace Pavilion. Though it lacked the meticulous detail of the main palace, it was still the work of a renowned master—every step revealed a view that pleased the eye.

“Thank you for your concern, Prince Jing. I’m fine now,” came Nangong Xiao’s voice before Yin Qingyue even entered the chamber.

“That’s good. When I heard the news of your accident yesterday, I was greatly worried. Seeing your complexion improved today puts my mind at ease.”

“Hehe…” Nangong Xiao was about to say something further when a voice called from outside: “Your Highness, the Divine Doctor, Miss Yin, has arrived.”

Nangong Xiao didn’t even realize how eagerly his expression had brightened at the mention of her name. Seeing this, Chu Jingcheng’s eyes darkened as he followed Nangong Xiao’s gaze toward the door.

“Miss Yin—”

“No need for formalities. Why insist on such ceremonial titles between us? I heard your father granted you the rank of fifth-grade imperial physician yesterday—why still refer to yourself humbly?”

“Yes, the imperial decree hasn’t been finalized. Everything could still change,” Yin Qingyue replied, nodding at Chu Jingcheng. “Greetings, Prince Jing.”

She knew the so-called fifth-grade rank only applied when she was needed; eventually, she would return to Luocheng Institute. She understood clearly that the Emperor of Xize would not release her so easily. Moreover, she still had a place in the sacrificial rites. Her gaze remained steady, though her mind stirred with thought.

She bowed to the Crown Prince properly, but merely nodded to him? Chu Jingcheng’s eyes curved slightly into a smile. “Long time no see, Miss Yin.”

Long time? Didn’t we just meet last night? Yin Qingyue subtly raised a brow and placed a hand on Nangong Xiao’s wrist, likely to prevent him from realizing she had met him the night before.

“How’s your condition?” Yin Qingyue furrowed her brows. Nangong Xiao tensed—had his illness worsened?

“May I see the Crown Prince’s medicine?” she asked.

He nodded. “It should be ready soon. Wait here a moment.”

Yin Qingyue nodded and reiterated which foods and supplements the prince should avoid. Soon, a maid brought in the medicine bowl.

“Place the bowl down, then leave,” Nangong Xiao instructed.

“Yes!” The maid set it on the cabinet and withdrew.

Yin Qingyue sniffed the medicine, muttering to herself: “Poria, licorice, mulberry bark, bitter apricot kernel…” The names flowed so quickly that both Nangong Xiao and Chu Jingcheng began to lose track. Then she relaxed her brow. “It’s not the medicine!”

“Has His Highness eaten anything recently that he shouldn’t have?” Yin Qingyue asked, knowing Nangong Xiao was usually careful with his diet, avoiding seafood and fatty meats, though sometimes things slipped through.

“Not much, just had a bowl of sweet potato porridge this morning.”

“There it is. Sweet potatoes are easily irritating foods; things like chives and sweet potatoes should be avoided.” Yin Qingyue explained.

“My attendants can’t catch everything. Perhaps, from now on, my meals should be arranged by Miss Yin?” Nangong Xiao nodded. “I trust you can manage it well.”

“Your Highness’s trust is my blessing, but if I arrange your diet, there will be many things you want to eat that you cannot!”

“As long as I’m healthy, I can eat freely afterward, right?” Nangong Xiao was easygoing about it. Besides… it gave him a reason to keep Yin Qingyue close.

Seeing the two of them talk so naturally, Chu Jingcheng narrowed his eyes. A twinge of discontent rose within him. He knew exactly what the gaze Nangong Xiao gave her meant—interest… or perhaps even affection.

“Crown Prince, we need to discuss the details of this plan over the next few days…” Chu Jingcheng furrowed his brow, seeming troubled.

“Yes, the fewer people who know, the better,” Nangong Xiao said, turning serious about the matter.

The fewer who know, the better… Yin Qingyue glanced around. And here I am, listening openly—am I not human, or are you planning to silence me?

“Why not let Prince Jing stay in the Eastern Palace Pavilion?” Nangong Xiao suggested.

Excellent, just as I hoped. Chu Jingcheng nodded lightly. “Sorry for the trouble, Your Highness.”

“Not at all… cough cough!” Nangong Xiao’s throat itched; he had been holding back his cough, but now he could no longer.

In the blink of an eye, he felt tightness in his chest and struggled to breathe.

“Ugh, cough cough… please… cough, cough cough… Yin Qingyue…”

“Don’t speak, lie down! Mei’er, the needle kit!” Yin Qingyue shouted outside. She hadn’t expected such a sudden attack. Fortunately, she had brought her medicine kit—but Nangong Xiao was coughing violently, making it impossible to insert the needles.

“Prince Jing, may I trouble you for something?” Yin Qingyue looked at Chu Jingcheng, who was about to leave.

He nodded. “Speak freely.”

“Help hold the prince still so I can insert the needles!” Yin Qingyue quickly removed Nangong Xiao’s upper garment. Chu Jingcheng squinted subtly; that movement… why did it feel so familiar?

“Alright.” Chu Jingcheng, trained in martial arts, held Nangong Xiao firmly. Even in violent coughing, he could not move.

Yin Qingyue’s hands were like twin torches, decisive and swift. As several silver needles pierced Nangong Xiao’s chest, their regulating effect began to take hold.

“Thank you, Prince Jing!” Yin Qingyue finally exhaled, looking at Nangong Xiao’s eased breathing with genuine relief.

Chu Jingcheng awkwardly looked away from her face. Watching Yin Qingyue focus so intently while applying the needles, confident and precise, captivated his gaze completely. At that moment, everything else vanished; even the world seemed to shrink to just her. Though her face bore a scar, her inner aura shone through—undeniably, Yin Qingyue was beautiful in that instant.

“He’s fallen asleep?” Chu Jingcheng glanced at the now-slumbering Nangong Xiao, silently relieved. Thankfully, he was the only one who saw this scene.

As for Mei’er behind Yin Qingyue—he hadn’t even noticed her.

“Yes. Every episode is exhausting; last time he even nearly passed out from asphyxiation. By the time I arrived, his breathing and pulse were weak,” Yin Qingyue explained, taking a wet cloth to wipe sweat from her flushed cheeks and pale lips, a strangely alluring combination.

“Everyone says you have miraculous hands and superb skill!” Chu Jingcheng realized he had to look away, needing to distract himself with another topic.

“Ha, Prince Jing believes it too?”

“I may have doubted before, but seeing this… I believe!” Chu Jingcheng looked out the window, taking a deep breath. Such decisive action—none of the imperial physicians could match it.

“That’s my honor. Mei’er, open the other window; keep the room ventilated and dry. Stale air can trigger these attacks.”

“Perhaps they worry about dust entering from outside,” Mei’er suggested.

“The weather is fine—no strong winds, no pollen. No need for so many concerns,” Yin Qingyue said, walking toward the window, with Mei’er following closely.

When Chu Jingcheng came out, he overheard her instructing the steward about daily ventilation and avoiding irritating foods. A feeling arose within him he had never experienced before—though he didn’t know it yet, it was jealousy.