Nong Nu Jiao

"Jing Xiao..."

Cen Lingyi was startled, her dark eyes widening suddenly. Without thinking, she instinctively called out the boy's nickname.

Song Mingchi, whose courtesy name is Jingxiao, is the young master of the Marquis of Weining's mansion and one of their childhood playmates.

They were very familiar with each other, and she was used to calling him by his nickname, so it just came out of her mouth.

When the incident occurred at the Grand Tutor's residence, Song Mingchi was at the border. She hadn't seen him for two or three years and hadn't heard from him. She never expected him to come to the banquet today.

He probably only returned recently?

The guests were in an uproar, and the banquet, which had been filled with toasts and laughter just moments before, instantly descended into chaos.

"Jingxiao." Yan Chenghui seemed oblivious to the commotion before him, savoring the two words with amusement: "So intimate."

He glanced at her sideways, his eyes reddening, and tightened his grip on her.

Cen Lingyi frowned in pain, straightened her body, and tried to avoid his hand.

She has been calling Song Mingchi by his nickname ever since he was born, and he knows that, so why is he bringing it up now?

Yan Chenghui glanced at the chaos below, then turned to look at her again, his lips slightly parted, his eyes full of mockery: "After all these years, he still stands up for you like this. Cen Lingyi, did you seduce him a long time ago?"

Hearing his sarcastic remarks, Cen Lingyi's eyes welled up with tears. She suppressed the bitterness and shame in her heart by pursing her lips, her face pale.

She's hooked up with this one and that one... Is that how he sees her now?

Below, Song Mingchi grabbed Lu Huaiyou's collar and wouldn't let go, punching him repeatedly.

Lu Huaiyou was not to be outdone, and grabbed a wine jar from the side and threw it at him, but he dodged it by tilting his head.

With a "crash," the wine jar hit the ground, spilling wine everywhere and shards flying all over the place.

During the banquet, some people were so startled that they stood up to make way, while others cried out in alarm. The surrounding servants and guests rushed forward and grabbed the furious Song Mingchi, and it took a lot of effort to separate the two.

A faint scar appeared on Song Mingchi's face, his once handsome features now contorted with rage, and his chest heaving violently.

Even though he was being held back by the crowd, he still glared fiercely at the disheveled Lu Huaiyou, his voice filled with barely suppressed rage: "How dare you humiliate her like this! I'll make you pay!"

"My relationship with Jiaojiao is a family matter, and it's none of your business, Young Master."

Lu Huaiyou wiped the blood from under his nose, unwilling to be outdone.

His face was covered in bruises, his clothes were disheveled, and he looked quite pathetic, a far cry from his usual gentle and refined self.

In just a short while, he had already been punched several times by Song Mingchi.

"You dare call me 'Jiaojiao'?"

Song Mingchi became even angrier and was about to charge at him again.

"Alright, Song Mingchi, the baby's third-day celebration is supposed to be a joyous occasion, but look what you've ruined it with!" The Second Prince stepped forward and spoke up, not annoyed at all, but instead patting him on the shoulder: "Calm down."

"I'm sorry, Your Highness."

Song Mingchi calmed down and, panting, bowed to him.

"Please sit down, Lord Lu. Don't be angry. It was just a small misunderstanding. Someone, tidy up the dishes and serve them again."

The second prince put his arm around Song Mingchi's shoulder and helped him sit down next to him.

The banquet quickly returned to its lively state, as if the earlier incident had never happened.

Only Lu Huaiyou, whether out of embarrassment or for some other reason, left the table early.

After Song Mingchi sat down, he exchanged a few words with the Second Prince before looking up at Cen Lingyi at the head of the table.

The girl in my memory has changed from her brocade clothes to coarse cloth shirts, and not a single hairpin is in sight. Her hair is simply tied up in a bun, with a few strands of hair hanging down her cheeks, obscuring most of her expression. She sits beside Yan Chenghui, holding a child in her arms. Her once bright and shining dark eyes are now covered with a layer of restrained gentleness, and she is quiet to the point of being almost transparent.

So obedient and fragile, like a delicate and easily broken treasure, it pained his heart.

She was raised in a pampered environment from childhood, and in the past she was so bright and flamboyant, with a bright smile on her face all the time, so lively and enthusiastic that people dared not look directly at her.

But now it has become like this.

A pearl covered in dust.

He gripped the wine cup, his knuckles white, and tilted his head back to drink the wine in one gulp.

Cen Lingyi lowered her eyebrows and kept her eyes down, never raising her head.

Actually, she noticed Song Mingchi's gaze, but she couldn't look at him.

If she were to glance at Song Mingchi, Yan Chenghui would likely utter some more hurtful words to provoke her.

Yan Chenghui held the wine cup high above, taking in Song Mingchi's gaze and expression.

He abruptly withdrew his hand from under her skirt.

Before Cen Lingyi could even catch her breath, she heard his cold voice.

"You dare to sit beside me?"

His tone was very cold and hard.

She couldn't help but look up at him. Wasn't it him who asked her to sit down?

He's really being unreasonable and incomprehensible right now.

"Get out of here."

Yan Chenghui withdrew his gaze, his tone cold and hard.

Cen Lingyi was more than happy to oblige. She gestured for Lingzhi to step forward and take Yan Huaijiao from him. She propped herself up on her arms, bowed to him, and then respectfully retreated.

This would be a good opportunity for her to go and investigate the Second Prince's backyard to see if the child was hers.

She left the main hall and walked along the corridor for a while before stopping.

"Lingzhi, you wait here with the young prince. I'm going to the back."

She turned and spoke to Lingzhi.

"Miss, I don't think I can coax the young prince."

Lingzhi was a little unsure of herself. She had only held the little prince for a short while, and he kept moving around in her arms as if he was about to wake up.

By the light of the lantern, Cen Lingyi looked at Yan Huaijiao in her arms.

Sure enough, the little one was frowning and sleeping restlessly, his little head moving around from time to time, as if he was looking for her.

"You are wearing my clothes."

Cen Lingyi took off her outer garment and draped it over her shoulders.

It's probably because Yan Huaijiao grew up drinking her breast milk and is particularly dependent on her.

Not only can he not be without her when he's awake, but he also needs her by his side when he's asleep, and only when he can smell her scent can he feel at ease.

"It works! Miss." Lingzhi was both surprised and delighted. "Does His Highness mistake me for a girl?"

Cen Lingyi smiled and said, "Don't go too far. I'll be back in a bit."

She looked back and saw that Yun Que and the others were not far away. Yan Huaijiao would be safe staying here.

During the banquet today, she paid close attention to the residence of the concubine who had just given birth and overheard the general details.

She asked several maids along the way, and they all said that the Crown Princess had sent her to deliver something to the Second Prince's concubine, so she was able to enter the concubine's residence without any problems.

It's quiet and peaceful here, unlike the noisy area ahead.

The second prince's concubine had only given birth three days ago, so she naturally needed to rest well.

She peeked out and saw two maids huddled together in the corridor, their backs to her, whispering and not paying attention to her for the time being.

The layouts of the courtyards were all similar. She glanced at one and then quietly made her way to the window of the side courtyard.

If nothing unexpected happens, the concubine's child should be in this room, being cared for by the wet nurse.

She stepped forward and quietly lifted half of the window to peek inside.

The room was quiet. Two maids stood guard, and a wet nurse carefully held a swaddled baby. The tiny infant's wrinkled face was visible, and its eyes were not yet open. It was clearly a newborn, only a few days old.

Cen Lingyi's heart sank suddenly, and her hopes were dashed.

Her child was born on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year and is now almost six months old, about the same age as Yan Huaijiao. He is no longer the newborn baby he once was.

Her eyes were a little wet. She didn't dare to make a sound and tiptoed out of the yard. For a moment, she felt lost and didn't know where to go.

The world is vast, yet there is nowhere for her to find refuge.

She walked along the corridor, and when she came to a spot, she slumped down and pressed her face against the pillar beside her, unable to hold back her tears and weeping silently.

I wonder when this will end?

If she could find her child sooner, she wouldn't have to stay in the Eastern Palace and suffer his humiliation and torment every day.

"Orderly ceremony."

Song Mingchi's clear voice was slightly hoarse as he called out to her.

Cen Lingyi shuddered when she heard his voice.

She froze for a moment, quickly wiped away her tears, then looked up at him, a nonchalant smile playing on her lips: "Jing Xiao, what are you doing here?"

She pursed her lips, covering the teeth marks on them, not wanting her former friend to see her downfall and wretchedness too bluntly.

The inner hall at the front was still bustling and noisy.

Xia Qinghe remained seated quietly and upright.

She would nod to those who came to toast and greet her from time to time, always with a polite smile on her face, showing the demeanor of a crown princess.

The maidservant came forward every year and whispered a few words in her ear.

Xia Qinghe waved his hand, indicating that Niannian should go down, and then turned slightly to face Yan Chenghui.

"Your Highness."

She called out softly.

Yan Chenghui was holding a wine cup, his hand resting on the table in front of him, his eyes cold and clear, as if he were deep in thought.

Upon hearing this, he looked up at her.

"I saw Mingchi go to the back. He has a fiery temper and is easily angered; I'm afraid he's going to cause some trouble again. Your Highness, shall we go and see?"

Her eyes were full of worry as she gently persuaded him, her words reasonable and well-founded.

Yan Chenghui raised his eyes and glanced around the hall, but Cen Lingyi was nowhere to be seen.

The wine cup in his hand made a soft "crack" sound, as he actually squeezed it and cracked it.

He put down his wine cup and stood up.

Xia Qinghe also got up.

"Younger brother, my banquet isn't over yet, why are you leaving? Is it because you don't like the food?"

Seeing this, the second prince stood up and glanced at Yan Chenghui from head to toe.

"The Crown Princess has been drinking, so I'll accompany her out to clear her head."

Yan Chenghui said in a calm voice.

"I see, please proceed." The Second Prince raised his hand and smiled, "Would you like me to send a servant to show you the way?"

"No need."

Yan Chenghui resolutely refused.

Under the long corridor, palace lanterns hung, their warm yellow light falling on Cen Lingyi. She was only wearing an inner garment, and her once bright and charming face was now only a fragile and pale one.

She still looked at him with a smile, unaware that her forced strength only made her vulnerability more apparent.

Song Mingchi looked at her, speechless for a moment, his eyes reddening.

She was fine when he left, but when he came back she was like this.

"You're injured, why didn't you get it treated?"

Cen Lingyi was the first to break the silence.

She took out her handkerchief from her sleeve and stepped forward to wipe the bloodstains from his face.

This injury was sustained during his fight with Lu Huaiyou in the inner hall. He didn't know where he got it, and he hadn't treated it. The blood had already congealed at the wound, forming a thin scab.

She thought back to her childhood.

He had fought with others more than once for her sake, leaving him covered in bruises.

She tried to bandage him and apply medicine, but he always dismissively said, "It doesn't hurt," or "It doesn't hurt at all."

"Lingyi..."

Song Mingchi grabbed her wrist, looked down at her, and called her name again in a hoarse voice.

He never called her "Jiaojiao" because that was the name Yan Chenghui gave her.

He wanted to give her a nickname himself, but it wasn't his turn.

After they got engaged, he turned around and went to the border. He never expected that when he returned, she would be in this state.

If he had known this would happen, he wouldn't have gone to the border; he would have stayed in the capital to protect her.

At least it prevented that hypocrite Lu Huaiyou from taking advantage of her and causing her to become like this.

"Is this how Yan Chenghui treated you?"

His voice was even hoarseer, and even trembled slightly.

"Jingxiao, I am now the daughter of a disgraced official. Don't be so foolish as to fight for me again." Cen Lingyi pushed his hand away and continued to wipe the blood off his face, speaking to him softly, "You have a good background and good looks. I heard that you have made many military achievements in recent years. Your future is limitless. You must not be implicated by me."

She hadn't seen him for a long time, and while cleaning his wounds, she scrutinized his features.

Song Mingchi was born with a strikingly handsome face, with slanted, arched eyebrows and distinct facial features.

When he was raised in the capital, he was fair-skinned and handsome, a dashing and spirited young man.

Now, after several years of training at the border, his skin has been tanned to a honey color, which makes his eyebrows and eyes look even more vivid and passionate, arrogant and frank, and full of spirit and the toughness unique to the men of the border.

He is different from when he was a child.

She paused, lowered her eyes, and thought, "It's not worth it for such a good person to be burdened by her."

"I was unaware of the incident at the Grand Tutor's residence." Song Mingchi's eyes reddened further as he stared at her face. "The letters I received over the years all said you were well, so I never suspected anything. It was only upon returning to the capital that I learned that you..."

At this moment, everything became clear.

Those family letters were written by my mother on purpose.

His mother knew he had feelings for her, so she deliberately didn't tell him about the incident at the Cen family mansion, fearing that he would run back from the border and cause trouble.

"It's all in the past, I'm fine."

Cen Lingyi slowly shook her head and smiled at him.

"I'm sorry." Song Mingchi's voice choked with emotion. "I came back late and couldn't stay by your side to protect you, causing you so much suffering."

He raised his hand, wanting to gently stroke her face.

Cen Lingyi took a step back, turned her head to avoid him, and smiled, saying, "Why are you apologizing for no reason? This has nothing to do with you. Besides, even if you were in the capital at the time, it was His Majesty's decree, and no one could disobey it."

She should be glad he wasn't in Beijing at the time.

Otherwise, given his temperament, who knows what kind of trouble he would cause, implicating him and the entire Marquis of Weining's mansion.

Song Mingchi looked at her and remained silent for a moment.

"You should go back to the front now, I need to go and take care of the young prince too."

Cen Lingyi lowered her head and spoke softly.

They are now worlds apart; they shouldn't be meeting like this.

If someone sees him, it will cause gossip and ruin his reputation.

"Lingyi, come with me."

Song Mingchi suddenly said something.

Cen Lingyi looked up at him, her dark eyes filled with astonishment.

She never expected that even after falling to such a state, Song Mingchi would still treat her so well, just like before.

Unfortunately, she couldn't leave.

She would stay in the Eastern Palace until Lu Huaiyou helped her find her child and then she could find a way to clear her father's name.

She couldn't possibly drag down Song Mingchi, who had been so good to her.

"Don't stay in the Eastern Palace, you shouldn't suffer like this."

Song Mingchi continued.

"You should go back now."

Cen Lingyi shook her head with a wry smile.

"Lingyi, he is not the same person he used to be."

Song Mingchi raised his voice, his tone a mixture of resentment and heartache.

They all knew that the "he" he was referring to was Yan Chenghui.

"It's not because of him," Cen Lingyi shook her head and explained briefly, then added, "Anyway, don't worry about my affairs. Just focus on yourself and have a smooth career."

She raised her eyebrows and smiled brightly at him.

Song Mingchi probably thought that she stayed in the East Palace to entertain Chenghui.

How could that be?

She knew better than Song Mingchi that Yan Chenghui was no longer the same person he used to be, so how could she possibly still harbor any illusions about him?

"Could you apply some medicine for me?"

Song Mingchi took out a small, plain white porcelain bottle from his pocket and handed it to her.

Throughout the entire time, his gaze never left her face.

"it is good."

Cen Lingyi reached out and took it, then used a handkerchief to apply some of the powder to the wound on his cheek.

"Does it hurt?"

She asked him softly, just like when they were children.

Back then, whenever he got injured, even if he tried to be tough, she would always pull him aside and force him to apply medicine.

"It doesn't hurt."

Song Mingchi smiled, his eyes slightly moist.

Even in her current dire situation, she is still the same person she was when she was a child.

"Your Highness..."

Xia Qinghe reached out to pull Yan Chenghui, but failed and couldn't help but cry out.

Cen Lingyi and Song Mingchi turned their heads at the sound and saw Yan Chenghui standing not far away. His face was somewhat blurred in the dim light, but his dark eyes were like ice, staring straight at them.

"You're already feeling sorry for me?"

Yan Chenghui walked slowly closer, his gaze sweeping over the two of them, his tone full of sarcasm.

These words were clearly spoken to Cen Lingyi.

Cen Lingyi's breath hitched for a moment, as if the air in front of her had been sucked away instantly.

Her face paled, and she paused for a moment, her lips pressed together in a daze, before continuing to apply the medicine to Song Mingchi as if nothing had happened.

His words were loaded with implications, subtly implying that she was having an affair with Song Mingchi.

But her relationship with Song Mingchi was completely open and honest, and applying medicine was nothing shameful. If she stopped, it would be because she felt guilty.

"Your Highness, although Lingyi is the wet nurse of the young prince in the Eastern Palace, she is not your servant. My relationship with her is completely innocent. Why do you speak such insulting words?"

Song Mingchi also came to his senses and glared angrily at Yan Chenghui.

If he had known that Yan Chenghui would treat her and humiliate her like this, he would never have let her get engaged to Yan Chenghui.

"Having taken off their clothes and still appearing innocent, in my opinion, it's either because they can't forget their old flame, or perhaps they've already been having an affair?"

Yan Chenghui tilted his head, his brows furrowed slightly, and his mocking gaze fell on Cen Lingyi. His words were merciless and extremely humiliating.

Dressed like that, behaving intimately with Song Mingchi, how can you claim to be "pure and innocent"?

Cen Lingyi's fingertips trembled as she touched Song Mingchi's wound. She quickly withdrew her hand, her eyelashes fluttering, and her heart suddenly ached.

Xia Qinghe was also there; the four of them had a bond of friendship that stemmed from growing up together.

Song Mingchi had just returned from the border. The four of them hadn't seen each other for a long time. Was he not even willing to give her any face?

"Yan Chenghui, shut up!" Song Mingchi's eyes were bloodshot as he pointed a finger at him. "If you dare to insult her with such vulgar words again, don't blame my fists for being merciless!"

"Are you getting angry out of embarrassment?" Yan Chenghui's expression remained unchanged as he coldly stared at him: "You still say there's no affair."

"you--"

Enraged, Song Mingchi swung his fist straight at Song Mingchi's face with a sharp whistling sound.

"Jing Xiao..."

Cen Lingyi grabbed Song Mingchi's arm, stopping his fist from landing on Yan Chenghui's face.

The immense force caused her to stumble and nearly fall, but she clung tightly to Song Mingchi's arm and refused to let go.

Song Mingchi quickly reached out and supported her.

"Your Highness!"

Xia Qinghe rushed forward and reached out to protect Yan Chenghui.

Yan Chenghui stood still, his eyes deep and unmoved.

The wind generated by Song Mingchi's fist hitting his face stirred a stray lock of hair at his temple.

He didn't even blink.

"Lingyi..."

Song Mingchi's arm froze in mid-air as he glanced at her.

Even after Yan Chenghui treated her like this, she still wants to protect him.

"Jing Xiao, he is His Highness the Crown Prince. Hitting him is a grave disrespect and will be punished."

Cen Lingyi pulled Song Mingchi back two steps, lowered her eyes and spoke softly, while also straightening his clothes.

Song Mingchi's hand slowly fell, and his heart ached even more.

It turns out she was thinking of him.

"I'm already in this situation, and I don't want to drag anyone else down with me. You're not a child anymore, so don't be so impulsive."

Cen Lingyi released his arm, smiled, and whispered a word of advice to him.

"it is good."

Song Mingchi felt a pang of bitterness in his heart and glanced at Yan Chenghui again.

She's so good, how could he bear to treat her like this?

"What a loving and devoted pair of childhood sweethearts." Yan Chenghui raised his chin, no longer looking at the two of them, his aura icy and chilling: "Cen Lingyi, you are so shameless in your behavior, so openly intimate with men outside the palace, you have disgraced the Crown Prince's Palace. What is your punishment?"

"Your Highness, we've known each other since childhood, why bother..."

Xia Qinghe began to offer advice.

Before she could finish speaking, Yan Chenghui pushed her away.

"Yan Chenghui, don't go too far!"

Song Mingchi's words reignited his anger.

Cen Lingyi pulled him back a step, stepped forward and curtsied to Yan Chenghui, her expression calm: "This servant did not avoid suspicion in her actions today and lost her sense of propriety. She has indeed disgraced the Crown Prince's dignity and is willing to accept punishment."

The bitterness in her heart welled up uncontrollably, bringing tears to the corners of her eyes, but her face remained calm and obedient, without the slightest hint of grievance.

For the sake of the children, for the sake of the parents and family, let him humiliate us however he wants.

She had gotten used to him being like that.

"Lingyi..."

Song Mingchi's eyes were red-rimmed, and his fists were clenched so tightly they cracked.

He felt sorry for her.

Yan Chenghui looked down at Cen Lingyi with his long, thick eyelashes lowered, his words utterly cold: "Go back. Without my permission, you are not allowed to step out of the East Palace again."

Cen Lingyi, accompanied by Yan Huaijiao, returned to the East Palace in a carriage.

Yan Huaijiao slept soundly in her arms the whole way.

Back in the side room of the Mingde Hall in the East Palace, she settled the little one in the cradle, then sat down beside him and sighed softly.

She rocked the cradle with one hand and rested her chin on the other. Now that she had a moment to spare, she prepared to sort out her thoughts and see what to do next.

"girl……"

Lingzhi came in from outside, called out once, and then fell silent.

"What's wrong?"

Cen Lingyi couldn't help but turn around to look at her.

Lingzhi's eyes reddened, and she opened her mouth, but the words stuck in her throat and she couldn't say them.

"What happened?"

Cen Lingyi couldn't help but stand up.

"His Highness is in Madam Sun's courtyard and wants you to go and serve him..."

Lingzhi managed to get the words out, tears welling up in her eyes.

Your Highness favors Lady Sun, so please do so. Why make the young lady serve her? Isn't this a betrayal of the young lady's heart?

In the past, Your Highness held the girl dear in your heart. Have you forgotten all the affection you once shared?

How could he be so heartless and treat the girl so cruelly?