MCSCPM -Chapter 81 Volunteering to Help

“Mei’er, I heard that the divine physician has come to the Eastern Palace Pavilion,” Consort Sun said as she approached the window. She picked up a pair of scissors to trim the small plants by the windowsill—nurturing the troops for a hundred days is for the use of soldiers at the right moment, after all.

Seeing her daughter visiting the Eastern Palace Pavilion so frequently over the past few days, Consort Sun felt a surge of joy. Her daughter was finally showing some sense; it seemed that what she had said had been taken to heart.

“Yes, Mother Consort, that is true,” Nangong Mei replied obediently.

“You’ve been going over to the Eastern Palace Pavilion quite often lately,” Consort Sun said, putting down her scissors and letting a servant move the plants aside, smiling as she approached.

Consort Sun had long been planning to focus on the divine physician. Recently, this thought had constantly lingered in her mind. If she didn’t seize this opportunity, other concubines might get to her first.

“Mother Consort, I only want to build a good relationship with her quickly so that the divine physician can cure you sooner,” Nangong Mei said, thinking of her mother, who often unintentionally mentioned her illness.

After speaking, Nangong Mei paused her work on the medicine mortar—perhaps she could exert a little effort here, using this as a chance to draw closer to the divine physician.

“Silly girl, what are you saying? I only wish for you to find a good husband so you won’t have to worry about your fate like I do, always fearing a lack of the Emperor’s favor,” Consort Sun said.

Hearing this, a pang of guilt rose to Nangong Mei’s forehead. She felt she had taken on her mother’s suffering herself; it was her own inadequacy as a daughter that caused her mother so much pain.

“Mother Consort, once I build a good relationship with the divine physician, everything will be fine,” Nangong Mei promised.

The mother and daughter exchanged looks, and warmth filled Consort Sun’s heart. Seeing her daughter act so thoughtfully, she was satisfied. If the divine physician could be brought closer and put to good use, that would be even better.

In the Eastern Palace Pavilion, Yin Qingyue had been locking herself in her room all day, tirelessly researching the antidote for the zhendu poison.

Although Yin Qingyue was a divine physician, the poison of zhendu was not to be underestimated.

She had seen this poison before, but very rarely. Even with her skills, resolving the zhendu poison would be a demonstration of her ability.

Zhendu was extremely toxic, seemingly beyond cure.

Her mind recalled all she had read about zhendu poison; historically, anyone who ingested it was doomed to die.

But the Empress’s poisoning was not severe—it seemed someone had done this deliberately.

“Qingyue, are you there?” A soft female voice came from outside—it was Nangong Mei.

“Just a moment,” Yin Qingyue said, quickly setting down her herbs and heading to the door.

Pushing it open, she saw Nangong Mei standing there. “Qingyue, I’ve come to see you,” she said, her tone gentle.

Yin Qingyue’s eyes immediately went to the hand of Nangong Mei’s personal maid. Nangong Mei smiled softly.

“Oh, Qingyue, look what I’ve brought you,” Nangong Mei said, having her maid hand over some food.

“Princess Mei’er, thank you so much,” Yin Qingyue said, a spark of light in her eyes, smiling. Though she didn’t show excessive joy, she was pleased. The past few days, she had locked herself away with her herbs, almost to the point of frustration.

“I heard you’ve been locked in your room all day. I came mainly to bring you some food, in case you’re hungry,” Nangong Mei said, taking Yin Qingyue’s hand gently.

These past days, Yin Qingyue had been so absorbed in researching the antidote for zhendu poison that she often forgot to eat. Nangong Mei’s thoughtfulness was clearly no small effort.

“Princess Mei’er, your kindness will not be forgotten,” Yin Qingyue said, understanding the motives of those in the palace. Everyone coveted her skills; Nangong Mei’s attentiveness was meaningful, and Yin Qingyue played along.

“Qingyue, no need to be so formal with me,” Nangong Mei said. She lingered at the door for a moment before stepping inside Yin Qingyue’s room.

“Qingyue, you’ve been busy researching the antidote, so this room is a little messy. I hope you don’t mind,” Yin Qingyue said, slightly embarrassed, speaking for Nangong Mei’s benefit. She hadn’t wanted anyone to disturb her these past days.

“It’s fine. I enjoy medicine myself, so I naturally love these things,” Nangong Mei said, stepping in. The strong medicinal aroma made her cough.

Yin Qingyue said nothing; she already knew Nangong Mei had a passion for medicine from their previous encounters in the palace.

“Qingyue, what is this? Why does it smell so pungent? How can you study the antidote in such a harsh environment?” Nangong Mei asked, holding a handkerchief over her nose, unable to endure the smell.

“This is a herb I discovered yesterday. Its scent may be strong, but its medicinal effects are excellent,” Yin Qingyue said calmly, stepping in front of her.

By comparison, Nangong Mei felt inferior. Though knowledgeable in medicine, she could not match Yin Qingyue’s expertise. The herb was bitter but remarkably effective.

“Have you made any progress these past few days?” Nangong Mei asked, lowering her head to examine the herbs on the table, many of which she had never seen before.

Yin Qingyue noticed the faint blush of embarrassment on her face. Her abilities were far superior, but caution was necessary in the palace. Nangong Mei was a princess, and with Consort Sun supporting her, Yin Qingyue had to tread carefully.

“Ah, after several days of research, still nothing,” Yin Qingyue said, showing a trace of worry, allowing Nangong Mei to save face.

“Qingyue, I know a bit about medicine myself. Why don’t I help you? That way, you can finish the antidote sooner,” Nangong Mei pleaded. Helping Yin Qingyue would enhance her skills and benefit her mother.

“Princess Mei’er, that’s… not proper. You are a princess; how could I trouble you to work here with me in such an environment?” Yin Qingyue said, trying to give Nangong Mei a graceful out. Unexpectedly, Nangong Mei had volunteered, determined to help.

Yin Qingyue understood her motives perfectly. Everyone in the palace had hidden agendas; they all sought to maximize their own benefits.

Yin Qingyue remained silent for a long moment, lowering her head.

“Qingyue, it’s fine. We’re kindred spirits in medicine. I voluntarily offer my help and will not hold it against you. Isn’t it better to have an extra hand?” Nangong Mei said, smiling but determined to seize this opportunity and not disappoint her mother.

“I didn’t mean that, but this environment is harsh, and I worry,” Yin Qingyue said. She knew princesses often envied each other; agreeing outright might incite jealousy and disrupt her research.

“Qingyue, if you keep being so polite, I’ll just have my mother insist. Then you’d have to say yes,” Nangong Mei said playfully. She didn’t want to trouble her mother for this small matter, but Yin Qingyue would not refuse her.

“All right, I’ll agree,” Yin Qingyue said, not wanting unnecessary trouble. More hands would be helpful, as long as it didn’t alert Consort Sun or other concubines.

“I’ll come by shortly,” Nangong Mei said joyfully, eager to share the news with her mother.

Yin Qingyue watched her leave and slowly closed the door, hoping for no further disturbances. She only wished to focus on completing the antidote.

“Mother, Mother…” Nangong Mei chirped happily in Consort Sun’s chambers, like a singing little bird.

Consort Sun approached slowly, seeing her daughter so joyful, and asked, “What has made my Mei’er so happy?”

“Mother, guess what happened when I went to see the divine physician today?” Nangong Mei said, smiling, her eyes sparkling.

“What happened?” Consort Sun asked, curious about the source of her daughter’s joy.

“Mother, the divine physician is researching the antidote for the Empress’s zhendu poisoning. I volunteered to help, and Yin Qingyue agreed,” Nangong Mei said.

“My Mei’er has finally grown sensible. If that’s true, perhaps my illness…” Consort Sun had long hoped the divine physician could cure her. If her daughter could build a good relationship with her, the problem might be resolved.

Nangong Mei beamed at her mother’s praise.

“Mother, I’ll work hard and won’t disappoint you,” she said, clenching her fists. In the deep palace, there was still much to learn; this was only a small step toward ensuring her own safety.

“There’s still much more for you to learn!” Consort Sun said meaningfully, glancing at her daughter. The road ahead would be long, and mastering these skills would take time.

“I understand, Mother,” Nangong Mei said, holding her mother’s hand tightly, determined to show her progress.

“If only you were a prince,” Consort Sun murmured, a tinge of sadness in her voice.

“Mother, I will find a way to cure your illness,” Nangong Mei quickly replied, not wanting her mother to speak again about finding a good husband.

“All right, then. I’ll wait,” Consort Sun said, sitting down and holding her daughter’s hand with a smile.

“Mother, you must rest well,” Nangong Mei said, before leaving Weiyang Palace.