Nong Nu Jiao

Banxia's heart pounded. She deliberately tucked in her stomach and straightened her chest. Her face and figure were no less beautiful than Cen Lingyi's, only she didn't have Cen Lingyi's good background.

If she were the daughter of the Grand Tutor's family, it's hard to say who His Highness the Crown Prince would have been in love with back then.

She kept her head down and didn't see that Yan Chenghui only glanced at her before looking away.

The vast hall fell silent; you could hear a pin drop.

Banxia felt uneasy, but dared not make any move. She could only secretly glance at the person high above her on the desk.

Yan Chenghui looked indifferent, his eyes lowered as he wrote furiously on the document.

Banxia swallowed nervously, but His Highness acted as if she didn't exist.

Even with her cleverness, she was at a loss for what to do.

They could only stand there, frozen, waiting for Yan Chenghui to decide what to do.

After a long pause, Yan Chenghui finally spoke.

"Go and fetch Cen Lingyi."

He gave the order in a low voice.

"Yes."

Banxia readily agreed.

She harbored resentment in her heart. After waiting for a long time, her legs were about to go numb. But the first thing His Highness said was to summon Cen Lingyi.

What's so good about Cen Lingyi?

At this moment, Cen Lingyi, whom she had cursed several times in her heart, was coaxing Yan Chenghui to play in the side room.

At this hour, Yan Chenghui should be handling official business.

After she arrived at Mingde Hall, she served him in his study.

He left in a huff earlier without asking anyone to call her.

She was happy to have some peace and quiet, spending time with Yan Chenghui without worrying about when he might have an outburst.

As the crown prince, he could have as many servants as he wanted, so she didn't need to worry about it.

"Nanny Cen, His Highness the Crown Prince requests your presence."

Banxia pushed open the door and glanced at her.

Cen Lingyi turned to look at her, feeling a little strange.

Normally, when Yan Chenghui called her, he would either have Yun Que or Yun Gong come, or he would call her personally.

Why did you summon Pinellia ternata today?

However, she didn't take such a small matter to heart.

"Your Highness, come here, let me hold you. Let the wet nurse go inside to serve you."

Lingzhi stepped forward to take Yan Chenghui's hand.

Upon seeing this, Yan Chenghui began to whine, wrapping his arms around Cen Lingyi's neck like a little monkey clinging to a big monkey, clinging tightly to Cen Lingyi and refusing to let go no matter what.

"Fine, I'll carry him with me."

Cen Lingyi couldn't bear to make him cry, so she simply carried Yan Huaijiao into the main hall.

Cen Lingyi stepped across the threshold and, hearing footsteps behind her, couldn't help but turn around and glance back.

Banxia followed them in.

Cen Lingyi blinked. Could it be that Yan Chenghui had Banxia serving him?

"This servant greets Your Highness."

She held Yan Huaijiao in her arms and curtsied.

Yan Chenghui didn't look at her; his gaze passed over her and landed on Banxia behind her.

"Come and grind the ink."

He opened his mouth and gave the order.

"Yes."

Banxia was secretly delighted. She quickly stepped forward, picked up the ink stick, rolled up her sleeves, and began to grind the ink.

Cen Lingyi couldn't help but glance at Banxia again, standing there, her long eyelashes drooping in a daze.

My heart felt like it had been tugged by something, and a deep, bittersweet feeling welled up inside me.

Isn't his Mingde Hall a place where outsiders can't easily enter?

It was his intention that Banxia was allowed to serve here.

fair enough.

He had a new woman to serve him, so he let her go.

From now on, she will no longer have to worry about him every day, no longer have to guess his hot and cold thoughts, and no longer have to serve him closely or endure his various humiliations.

"Hmm..."

Yan Huaijiao's bright black eyes had been looking around, but when she saw Yan Chenghui, her eyes lit up immediately. She stretched out her little hands and kept reaching towards him, wanting a hug from Yan Chenghui.

The little guy is almost six months old and weighs 15 pounds; he feels quite heavy in my arms.

Cen Lingyi remained in the bowing posture, almost losing her balance due to his movements.

"Your Highness, the little prince wants you to hold him."

Cen Lingyi staggered forward a step and simply spoke.

After all, they are father and son, and this little guy is still very close to Yan Chenghui.

I just don't understand why Yan Huaijiao doesn't like Xia Qinghe? He won't even let her hug him.

Yan Chenghui glanced at Yan Huaijiao, and his eyes were glued to her.

The little guy had chubby cheeks and a wide grin, revealing two tiny teeth. He raised his chubby little arms, leaned forward slightly, and reached out his little hand towards him.

Her cooing and eager manner were quite endearing.

He doesn't like children, and besides, this isn't even his child.

But his arm went out of control, and by the time he realized it, his hand was already reaching out to the little guy.

Cen Lingyi took two steps forward and placed the child in his arms.

Yan Chenghui sat there, looking down at the small bundle in his arms.

The little guy has grown a lot since the last time he held him, and there's no longer that feeling that he might accidentally fall out of his arms.

"Eee... Mmm..."

Yan Huaijiao landed in his arms, very happy. She grabbed his jade belt hook with her small hands and pushed off with her feet, as if she wanted to stand on his lap.

Yan Chenghui raised his hand to support his waist, and let him stand on his lap.

Yan Huaijiao tugged at his clothes with her small hands and snuggled into his arms.

Yan Chenghui remained motionless, simply watching to see what he would do.

Yan Huaijiao opened her little mouth, about to bite his clothes.

Yan Chenghui couldn't help but step back, looking at the drool at the corner of his mouth with some disgust.

"When the little prince gets teeth, his gums itch, so he likes to bite things."

Cen Lingyi held a handkerchief and wiped Yan Huaijiao's drool.

Yan Chenghui has always been a clean freak, and it's one thing for him not to allow strangers to get close to him, but now he even dislikes his own son. How pretentious!

Yan Chenghui only looked away from Yan Huaijiao after hearing her speak, glancing at her sideways.

Cen Lingyi lowered her head and took a step back.

"Do you think she's good?"

Yan Chenghui's gaze fell on Banxia.

Banxia held the ink stick and carefully ground the ink, her heart pounding.

Cen Lingyi, don't tell me you didn't send her.

She dared to enter the hall because she was betting that His Highness wouldn't confide in Cen Lingyi. If the two of them were to reveal their true feelings, she would lose her life.

"fine."

Cen Lingyi glanced at Banxia, ​​her heart aching, and she felt somewhat bewildered.

If he thinks it's good, then it's good. Why ask her what she's doing?

He let her stay in Mingde Hall and let her serve him personally. She thought that in his heart, she was ultimately different from others.

In retrospect, she was overthinking it.

The person serving him could be her, or it could be someone else.

However, he wanted to humiliate her at that time, so he let her come over.

"Then let her stay and serve you."

Yan Chenghui's tone was unfriendly.

The more he looked at Yan Huaijiao in his arms, the more her eyebrows and eyes resembled Cen Lingyi's, so he simply placed Yan Huaijiao into her arms.

She was so eager to send others to him, hoping to clean herself up.

In her eyes, is he really that undemanding?

Cen Lingyi took the heavy little one into her arms, lowered her eyes, and took a few steps back.

He chose the person himself; he must have taken a liking to Banxia.

She couldn't very well say that Banxia was bad, could she?

Why is he unhappy when she says Banxia is good?

She wasn't familiar with Banxia, ​​but she knew in her heart that Banxia, ​​like Granny Wang and the others, disliked her. So after she came to the East Palace, she had no contact with Banxia.

Yan Chenghui opened the official document and picked up his pen again to dip it in ink.

Banxia hurriedly pushed the inkstone forward, moved the incense burner to the side, and began tidying up her desk.

Cen Lingyi held Yan Huaijiao in her arms and watched Yan Chenghui enjoying the company of his concubines. She felt a little uneasy.

"If Your Highness has nothing else to attend to, this servant will take her leave."

She received a blessing from the Emperor at the morning banquet and then turned to leave.

"Did I let you leave?"

Yan Chenghui raised his dark eyes to look at her.

Cen Lingyi had no choice but to stop and ask him softly, "Does Your Highness have any further instructions?"

"Stand still."

Yan Chenghui gave an order, then lowered his eyes and ignored her.

Cen Lingyi pursed her lips and took another step back.

She roughly understood what he meant; he wanted her to watch how others served him.

She wasn't sad.

After all, she had overheard him and Madam Sun doing that kind of thing outside, so what else couldn't she face?

As she thought this, she couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart.

Since there are so many new people around, why won't you let her go?

She didn't ask for much; she just wanted to take good care of Yan Huaijiao, fulfill her duty as a wet nurse, and wait until she found her child.

"Hmm..."

Xiao Yan Huaijiao grabbed her clothes, placed her small hands on her face, gently pinched it, and then leaned in to bite her face.

Cen Lingyi looked at him, her gaze softening involuntarily; the little guy seemed to be comforting her.

Looking at his innocent and pure face, the bitterness in her heart did lessen considerably.

"Have someone carry him out."

Yan Chenghui coldly gave the order.

She still had the energy to play with the child!

"The little prince will be sleeping soon. If Lingzhi holds him, he will cry."

Cen Lingyi paused for a moment, pursed her lips, and spoke.

She knew he would get angry if she argued with him.

But she felt sorry for Yan Huaijiao and didn't want the child to cry.

Yan Chenghui glanced at her sideways.

"Once His Highness falls asleep, I will escort him back to his room."

Cen Lingyi lowered her head and spoke softly again.

It's one thing for him to be harsh on her, but surely he can't be indifferent to his own son?

Yan Chenghui remained silent for a moment.

Yan Huaijiao yawned, rested her face on Cen Lingyi's shoulder, and her eyes became hazy.

"Your Highness is about to go to sleep."

Cen Lingyi gently patted his back and swayed her body slightly to lull him to sleep.

Yan Chenghui then withdrew his gaze.

Yan Huaijiao leaned against Cen Lingyi and quickly fell asleep.

Cen Lingyi took him back to the side room and carefully placed him in the cradle, with Lingzhi watching over him, before she herself returned to the main hall.

Banxia had already tidied up the desk neatly and placed it to one side.

Yan Chenghui put down his pen.

"Your Highness."

Cen Lingyi curtsied to him and stood to one side.

Yan Chenghui glanced at her, then stood up and instructed Banxia, ​​"Change your clothes."

Upon hearing this, Banxia immediately perked up.

Everyone in the Eastern Palace knows that His Highness the Crown Prince dislikes strangers getting close to him. Today is only her first day serving His Highness, and he has already allowed her to serve him closely.

This at least shows that His Highness does not dislike her.

She suppressed her joy and stepped forward.

Yan Chenghui's gaze fell on Cen Lingyi's face again.

Cen Lingyi stood quietly to one side, her long eyelashes drooping.

When she saw others approaching him, she couldn't help but recall the past, when he never allowed anyone other than her to get close.

Now, he has not only been intimate with the four people in the backyard, but even a maid like Banxia can serve him personally.

She suppressed the bitterness in her heart, refusing to look at them. She was already an outsider; how he was close to others was none of her business.

Banxia, ​​with a fawning expression, carefully and respectfully reached out to unhook Yan Chenghui's jade belt hook.

Yan Chenghui took a step back, his brows furrowing slightly.

"Get your clothes first."

He gave the order in a low voice.

Banxia agreed and turned to take the smoky blue casual clothes hanging on the side rack.

Whether from nervousness or excitement, she didn't notice when she took off her clothes that the wide sleeves of her clothes had caught on a long-necked vase on the side table.

"Clang—"

A crisp sound broke the silence inside the hall.

Cen Lingyi and Yan Chenghui turned their heads at the same time and looked at Banxia.

Tiny shards of porcelain scatter across the ground, a few purple water lilies fall to the ground, and clear water splashes out, wetting Banxia's everyday clothes.

Banxia's face drained of color instantly, terrified out of her wits.

Her knees buckled, and she knelt down on the spot, landing on the broken porcelain shards. She shuddered in pain, but dared not move an inch.

"Your Highness, please forgive me. I had no intention of offending you. Please have mercy on me. I know I was wrong..."

She kowtowed repeatedly, begging for mercy.

His Highness the Crown Prince is a man of utmost dignity and self-restraint. She has caused such a disaster on her very first day serving him; I fear she is in grave danger.

Yan Chenghui remained silent, and for a moment, the only sound in the hall was Banxia kowtowing and begging for mercy.

Yan Chenghui looked at Cen Lingyi.

Cen Lingyi stood with her hands in front of her, looking respectful and without any sign of abnormality.

An inexplicable anger rose within him. He turned to Banxia and spoke in a gentle tone.

"Get up. It's such a small matter, why make such a fuss?"

Banxia was stunned for a moment, then quickly kowtowed, "Thank you, Your Highness..."

She broke out in a cold sweat, thinking she was doomed today, but to her surprise, His Highness did not pursue the matter.

Could it be that His Highness really has feelings for her...?

Yan Chenghui's deep gaze fell on Cen Lingyi's face once again.

Cen Lingyi's long, dark eyelashes drooped, her fingertips secretly clenching her sleeve, barely maintaining a calm expression. But in her heart, it felt as if an unripe plum was hidden, a mixture of sourness and bitterness.

If she were the one who made the mistake at that moment, he would never be so magnanimous; he would most likely take the opportunity to severely criticize or even humiliate her.

She had always thought that after he became the Crown Prince, he had become much more ruthless than before.

In retrospect, he wasn't heartless; he was only heartless towards her.

Yan Chenghui strode away.

Cen Lingyi and Banxia also left the main hall one after the other.

Banxia stood under the corridor, watching Cen Lingyi enter the side room, and calmed herself down.

She had caused such a mess, yet His Highness not only showed no remorse but also spoke to her in such a kind tone; she had never seen this side of His Highness before.

She raised her hand to her heart; His Highness treated her differently from others.

However, since Cen Lingyi stayed in Mingde Hall, His Highness always made her stand to the side, which was very inconvenient.

If only we could get Cen Lingyi out of Mingde Hall.

She stood there, pondering for a long time, then suddenly took a step and walked outside.

"Banxia, ​​where are you going? Please collect the young prince's clothes..."

Lingzhi happened to lift the curtain and came out. Seeing her walking out, she couldn't help but ask a question.

"From now on, I will serve in the main hall. Don't come to me with anything concerning the young prince."

Lingzhi limped forward without looking back.

Having won His Highness's favor, why would she need to serve that still-wet-and-baby infant?

"Who gave her permission to serve in the main hall?"

Lingzhi got angry at her, took Yan Huaijiao's clothes, and stormed into the side room.

"It is His Highness's will."

Cen Lingyi stood by Yan Huaijiao's cradle and whispered a reply.

"What does Your Highness see in her? It's unbelievable."

Lingzhi couldn't help but curse.

Although Banxia was somewhat beautiful, she was restless and impatient.

Would Your Highness possibly favor someone like that?

"Don't talk nonsense."

Cen Lingyi reminded her.

Lingzhi covered her mouth, still angry inside.

What makes Banxia (a character in the novel) stand on equal footing with a young lady?

I don't know what Your Highness was thinking.

*

In Yunxiang Courtyard, the ice sculptures inside the ice mirror slowly melted, and watermelons and grapes were chilled on top.

Madam Sun lay on her side on the soft couch, while Lotus was squatting in front of her, feeding her watermelon.

"Where did Your Highness go?"

Madam Sun, holding a round fan, frowned and asked a question.

The bluish marks left from the gua sha treatment a few days ago still lingered on her neck.

"He must have gone to the palace."

Lotus replied softly.

"Have you still not found out anything about Mingde Hall?"

Madam Sun was somewhat irritated and sat up.

"You know, the guards outside Mingde Hall don't let anyone in. Yun Que and Yun Gong are very tight-lipped; you can't get a single word out of them," Hehua said. "After Nurse Cen and Lingzhi went in, they never came out again, except for one..."

She was about to mention Banxia, ​​who had just gone in.

"Madam, Banxia requests an audience."

Lan Hua strode in, her face beaming with excitement.

Which Pinellia ternata?

Madam Sun frowned and asked.

"It's that maid who was just transferred to Mingde Palace to take care of the young prince."

Explanation of orchids.

"Why did she suddenly decide to contact me?"

Madam Sun frowned and asked a question, sounding somewhat impatient.

"She must be trying to curry favor with Madam, who can then inquire about news from Mingde Palace."

Lotus thought for a moment and said.

"Let her in."

Madam Sun gave an order and leaned back on the cushion.

"This servant greets Your Highness."

Banxia strode in and respectfully bowed to Madam Sun.

"What brings you here?"

Madam Sun glanced at her from head to toe, her displeasure clearly visible.

This woman is quite attractive. She serves in the Mingde Hall. Who knows if she might have designs on him?

"This servant came to tell you, Madam, that around noon today, His Highness came out of Nurse Cen's room with his face scratched."

Banxia glanced at her face discreetly and spoke cautiously.

"What?" Madam Sun, who was half-reclining, sat up abruptly, her eyes widening. "Say that again?"

"His Highness stayed overnight in Nurse Cen's room last night and didn't come out until noon today. He had scratch marks on his face."

Banxia lowered her head and not only repeated the story, but also mentioned that Yan Chenghui and Cen Lingyi had slept together for one night.

"That bitch!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Sun flew into a rage and overturned the plate containing the watermelon.

With a crisp crack, the watermelon and plate shattered on the floor.

His Highness said he would stay overnight at her place, but he gave her acupuncture without touching her or spending the night there.

Now, he's actually sleeping with Cen Lingyi.

Cen Lingyi betrayed His Highness, followed another man, and even gave birth to another man's child.

Doesn't Your Highness find her dirty?

"Madam, please calm down."

Lotus, being somewhat sensible, quickly pulled her back.

"How can you expect me to stay calm?"

Madam Sun's eyes immediately reddened with anger, and she sat back down.

"His Highness is the Crown Prince; it's none of our business who he favors." Lotus straightened up, scrutinizing Banxia: "What's your purpose in coming to my lady's side to say these things?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Sun calmed down slightly and couldn't help but look at Banxia.

"This servant can't stand that wet nurse Cen," Banxia said angrily, having already prepared her words halfway there. "Wet nurse Cen is responsible for nursing the young prince, and this servant is responsible for comforting him. We were originally equals. Now, after she finishes nursing the young prince, she holds him and won't let go, instead making us assist her. We are serving the young prince, not her. Besides, His Highness the Crown Prince is of such noble birth; how could she possibly harm him?"

"Are you sure? It's really scratched?"

Madam Sun couldn't help but ask.

Scratching your face is inherently an ambiguous matter.

Was Cen Lingyi's action accidental? Or was it resistance?

No, neither of those will work.

How could Your Highness possibly want to touch Cen Lingyi?

She felt as if her heart was on fire, burning with anxiety, torment, and discomfort.

"This servant saw it all clearly."

Pinellia ternata is definitely authentic.

She looked at the anger and resentment on Madam Sun's face and felt secretly pleased.

In this way, Madam Sun will definitely try every means to drive Cen Lingyi out of Mingde Hall.

Then, she was the only one left to serve His Highness.

At that time, it will be only a matter of time before she goes from being a servant to a mistress.

"Lotus, go and have someone prepare some snacks. I need to wait for His Highness at the entrance of Mingde Hall."

Madam Sun gritted her teeth and gave the order.

*

The sun sets in the west.

Yan Chenghui returned home as the evening glow faded.

"Your Highness."

Madam Sun was waiting outside the gate of Mingde Hall. When she saw him from afar, she hurriedly went to greet him.

With her sharp eyes, she immediately noticed the scratch marks on Yan Chenghui's cheek, which stood out starkly against his pale skin.

Banxia was indeed not lying.

What are you doing here?

Yan Chenghui stopped in his tracks, his brows furrowing slightly.

The injury on his cheek did not diminish his dignity; he still looked noble and solemn. The injury broke his indifference and made people think.

What kind of young lady could leave scratches on the face of such a precious young man?

"How did you get injured on your face?"

Madam Sun, without answering his question, reached out to touch the scratches on his cheek.

Her delicate brows furrowed, and her eyes were filled with jealousy and resentment.

How dare Cen Lingyi!

Upon hearing her question about the injuries, Yan Chenghui immediately thought of Cen Lingyi, his expression darkening as he stepped inside.

"What are you doing here?"

"I had someone make chilled glutinous rice balls for Your Highness, especially to help you cool off in the summer."

Madam Sun caught up with him and then answered his question.

Upon reaching the main hall, Banxia was standing guard there, and he curtsied.

"This servant greets Your Highness."

Yan Chenghui ignored her and turned to look towards the side room.

Upon hearing the commotion, Cen Lingyi came out of the side room and quickly stepped forward to greet him: "Your Highness."

Yan Chenghui glanced at her, then stepped over the threshold.

Madam Sun glanced at Cen Lingyi and quickly followed.

Cen Lingyi then caught up, and when she looked up, she saw the bluish mark on Madam Sun's neck, and her dark pupils contracted slightly.

The mark looks faded; it must have been left by Chenghui on her neck that night at the banquet.

It's been several days, and the marks are still so deep. No wonder Madam Sun screamed so pitifully.

She stared at the mark, feeling as if her heart had been pierced twice by an awl, the pain piercing to the bone, but she remained calm on the surface, and entered the main hall with Banxia, ​​one on each side.

"Your Highness, don't try to hide it from me. The injury on your face was inflicted by Cen Lingyi. You stayed in her room last night."

Madam Sun stepped forward and took Yan Chenghui's arm, speaking angrily.

"Did you plant a spy in my Mingde Hall?"

Yan Chenghui looked down at her, his gaze darkening as he glanced at Banxia.

Banxia was so frightened that she shrank her neck, dared not look up, and broke out in a cold sweat.

"No, I just asked Banxia about it," Madam Sun said coquettishly. "Didn't you say that if I could become the Crown Prince, my brother would get half the position? I was just concerned about His Highness, is that not allowed?"

She pouted and tugged at Yan Chenghui's arm coquettishly as she spoke.

Cen Lingyi glanced at Madam Sun.

This Lady Sun is indeed as brainless as the rumors say.

Even if the Sun family contributed to Yan Chenghui's ascension to the position of Crown Prince, he shouldn't have made such boastful remarks.

Yan Chenghui stared intently at Madam Sun for a moment, his gaze deep and unwavering, before his expression suddenly relaxed.

"It is good that Madam Sun cares about me."

His tone was indifferent, devoid of emotion.

Cen Lingyi lowered her eyes and looked at the ground in front of her.

Yan Chenghui treated Madam Sun differently.

When Madam Sun uttered such words of self-praise, he was not angry at all, but instead indulged her.

That's why they say Madam Sun was a favored concubine.

"What about the matter of the Crown Prince? Does my word count?"

Madam Sun, taking advantage of his position, pressed him for more questions.

"What decision do you want to make?"

Yan Chenghui pulled his arm away from her and sat down at the desk.

"It's not a big deal. It's already against the rules for Nurse Cen to live in Mingde Palace. Now she's gone too far and even dared to scratch His Highness's face. I'm going to expel her from the East Palace."

Madam Sun pointed at Cen Lingyi with an arrogant expression.

Banxia lowered her head and smiled secretly. Her plan had succeeded. Madam Sun's spear was indeed very useful.

Yan Chenghui leaned back in his chair, his lips slightly pursed, and glanced sideways at Cen Lingyi, his eyes clear and indifferent.