MCSCPM -Chapter 94 Narrowly Escaping Disaster

“How long do you intend to delay the Empress’s treatment?” Nangong Lin’s anger flared.

“Your Majesty, this powder is not mine,” Yin Qingyue said, looking at the powder. It was freshly made—how could it possibly be hers?

“Bold woman! You claim you can cure the Empress, yet you dare argue before me?” Nangong Lin stood in the imperial study, staring at this grotesque-looking woman. He had trusted her, yet she had created such a crisis.

“I believed you were a divine physician capable of curing the Empress,” he continued, each word like a sharp thorn. “Your failure today—are you trying to tempt fate?” His gaze seemed to threaten her life itself.

“Your Majesty, if I were guilty, I would confess. But this powder was not produced by me. Surely someone has set me up,” Yin Qingyue explained. But the Emperor was not in a mood to listen.

“Bold girl! You dare attempt to harm the Empress and still argue here? Do you wish to die? Drag her out!”

The Crown Prince immediately knelt. “Father, please reconsider.” Naturally, Nangong Xiao did not want Yin Qingyue to die unjustly and chose to trust her.

“Father, I believe her. This powder is indeed suspicious. Though I know nothing of herbs, Yin Qingyue has spent day and night in my Crown Prince Mansion developing the antidote. How could she harm the Empress? This powder looks freshly made,” Nangong Xiao said firmly.

Nangong Lin returned to his seat, looking down at the two kneeling before him. Killing Yin Qingyue outright would mean no one could cure the Empress.

“Then how do you explain this powder being freshly made? Why should I trust only your word?” Nangong Lin said coldly, the air in the room seeming to freeze.

“Your Majesty, may I borrow your tea?” Yin Qingyue said, taking a cup from Nangong Lin’s desk and pouring the suspicious powder into it. She then took another pot of water and added a packet of powder she had developed herself.

“Your Majesty, this is a powder I have been working on for some time. It is non-toxic.”

Two cups now sat before Nangong Lin. “Please smell them carefully. This cup contains my powder. If toxic, it will turn black; if not, it remains clear.” Yin Qingyue’s calm confidence astonished even Nangong Xiao.

Not even he, the Emperor’s son, could match Nangong Lin’s imposing presence—but Yin Qingyue, a mere commoner, displayed such poise and intelligence that he could hardly comprehend her.

“This cup is non-toxic? Yours?” Nangong Lin pushed the cup toward her.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” she replied.

“Since it’s harmless, then drink it,” Nangong Lin said coldly.

Yin Qingyue lifted the cup and drank swiftly. Fortunately, it was safe. Nangong Lin had not drunk the toxic one.

“Then I shall trust you, for now. You’d better prepare the antidote for the Empress quickly, or today’s ordeal will be repeated,” Nangong Lin said, though inwardly he wondered who would dare target the Empress. If it were someone from his harem, they would not escape.

“Rise, both of you,” he commanded coldly.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Yin Qingyue said, looking at the man before her. Had she wished, she could have killed him in seconds—just the powders alone would have sufficed.

“Divine Physician, I give you another chance today. Fail to produce the antidote, and you will pay with your life.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” she answered, unwavering. As a divine physician, she had the skill and would not betray her reputation, even if it were only for show.

“Yin Qingyue, bold indeed. I want to see what you do next,” Nangong Lin said, his tone carrying a mix of appreciation and skepticism toward this grotesque woman.

Nearby, Nangong Xiao subtly aided her. “Thank you, Crown Prince,” she whispered. He smiled faintly, feeling some relief.

“I give you this chance, and I expect results. You must discover the cause of the Empress’s condition and create the antidote,” Nangong Lin continued, noting that these two men beside her constantly protected her.

A plain-looking woman, shielded by the Emperor’s son and aided by the Prince of Jing—this made the situation all the more interesting.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Yin Qingyue said, grateful for the Prince of Jing’s assistance, quickly withdrawing her gaze.

In that instant, she realized Nangong Lin had truly intended to kill her. Yet, she felt no fear.

“Who would attempt not only to harm the Empress but also to kill me? Without the Crown Prince and the Prince of Jing’s help, the consequences would have been unimaginable,” Yin Qingyue reflected.

“As for Nangong Mei’er, she will remain detained for now and be released in a few days,” Nangong Lin said. Even for his own daughter, he felt some guilt, but as Emperor, he would personally order her imprisonment.

“Father…” Nangong Xiao could hardly accept it.

But imperial orders are absolute. Once spoken, there is no reversing them.

“I have decided. It stands as spoken,” Nangong Lin said, then left the study.

The Prince of Jing watched Yin Qingyue’s resolute expression, his curiosity about her growing. She was not so easily understood.

“Yin Qingyue, are you alright?” he asked, stepping forward with genuine concern.

“Thanks to you and the Crown Prince today,” Yin Qingyue said coldly, showing no warmth to him.

He laughed softly. The strange familiarity he felt toward her was strong, though his feelings remained uncertain.

“Qingyue, I’ll be back in a few days. Don’t worry,” a voice behind her whispered.

“Consort Lian will be fine,” Yin Qingyue replied, feeling sympathy for her. Life in the palace was perilous; even the Emperor’s daughter’s life was never guaranteed. A single edict could strip away all protections.

“Qingyue, I’ll return soon. Everything will be alright,” Nangong Mei’er forced a faint smile.

Yin Qingyue watched her figure fade until the palace guards escorted her away.

“Nangong Mei’er,” she whispered in her heart, uneasy. The feeling was strangely familiar, almost frightening.

The Empress’s case was only the beginning. True danger still awaited her.

“Consort, I hear Nangong Mei’er has been imprisoned.”

“Heh. Thinking you could challenge me? You overestimated yourself,” the woman said, her delicate features curling into a cold, beautiful smile.