Nong Nu Jiao

"What do you mean?"

Yan Chenghui spoke indifferently.

"This servant was ill before and Your Highness took good care of me. This is the money for the medical treatment and medicine, which should be returned to Your Highness."

Cen Lingyi stood with her hands at her sides and spoke softly.

Has he already forgotten about that incident in such a short time?

That's normal. As the crown prince, he's busy with countless affairs of state; how could he possibly remember such trivial matters?

Actually, it's not necessary for him to remember; it's enough that she remembers.

"Just the consultation fee?" Yan Chenghui's jawline tightened. "Then how about the care I've given you?"

Cen Lingyi hadn't expected him to say that. Upon hearing this, she glanced up at him, then lowered her head again.

She was silent for a moment, then raised her hand and poured out all the remaining small gold ingots from her purse. Apart from the previous five, there were eight left.

"Your Highness's care is beyond repayment. This is all I have left, and I give it all to you."

He is the Crown Prince, and she has nothing else to offer him besides her troubles.

Yan Chenghui stared at her, his knuckles clenched so tightly they turned white, his chest rising and falling slightly.

She kept her eyes downcast, her long eyelashes casting a light shadow, her posture respectful yet distant.

Seeing this made his heart burn with anger.

She always knew how to make him angry.

"It's not that I have no way to repay you."

His gaze fell on her, and a mocking smile curled at the corner of his lips.

Cen Lingyi's heart skipped a beat, and her long eyelashes trembled slightly: "This is all the money I have. If Your Highness feels it's not enough, I will give it to you when I have saved up more silver."

She clenched her fists, her expression remaining gentle and calm.

He had always disliked her and didn't lack the money; he was just deliberately making things difficult for her.

"How long will it take you to save up enough money?"

Yan Chenghui gave a light sneer.

"Please give me whatever you wish, Your Highness."

Cen Lingyi didn't look up, but she could still feel his gaze on her.

She roughly guessed what he was going to say, pursed her lips, and looked at the ground in front of her.

Yan Chenghui glanced at the pile of small gold ingots, his eyes filled with a deep, dark aura.

He stood up and slowly walked to her, his tall figure looming over her.

"Since you're so eager to pay it off, then pay with your body."

He stood with his hands behind his back, looking down at her with a deep, cold voice, devoid of any warmth.

As soon as the words were spoken, the air seemed to freeze instantly.

Cen Lingyi swayed slightly, the color drained from her face, her long eyelashes trembled, and a hint of crimson appeared at the corners of her eyes.

"As I said, Your Highness is willing to serve you as long as you don't mind."

She spoke slowly to maintain a calm tone, a dull ache spreading through her chest.

Even knowing he would do this, she still felt so much pain that she could barely breathe when she actually heard him say those words.

She knew he hated her to the core.

"Do you think I'll let you go just because you said those things?"

Yan Chenghui stared at her coldly, his eyes blazing with malice.

The more respectful and obedient she was, the more suffocated he felt in his chest and the more uncontrollable his anger became.

"I never thought that way."

Cen Lingyi remained expressionless, forcefully suppressing the tears welling up in her eyes.

"Then why aren't you taking them off?"

Yan Chenghui's eyes reddened, and his tone was cold and hard.

She has always been stubborn; her submissiveness in front of him was feigned, her true nature was distant.

From the moment she left him, she had been trying her best to sever ties with him.

He granted her wish.

Upon hearing this, Cen Lingyi's body trembled violently, and she abruptly raised her red eyes, which quickly welled up with tears.

An overwhelming wave of bitterness washed over her, and it felt as if a giant hand was gripping her heart tightly, causing her pain so intense that she could hardly breathe.

This is the main hall. Yun Que and Yun Gong are guarding the entrance, and Ban Xia might be there as well.

He wouldn't even let her into the inner palace, and made her take off her clothes right there.

Yan Chenghui stood before her with his hands behind his back, his expression indifferent, only coldly staring at her.

It seemed they were waiting for her to make a move.

"Yes, ma'am."

Cen Lingyi slowly lowered her gaze, and in an instant, her expression changed, and she returned to her previous gentle and respectful demeanor.

She slowly raised her hand to unfasten the buttons at her waist, her fingertips trembling uncontrollably, and she failed to undo them several times.

She bit her lip and finally unbuttoned one of the buttons, then the second...

She knew in her heart that he didn't want to touch her.

After all, he had said that he thought she was dirty.

Making her undress in the main hall was merely to humiliate her.

Yan Chenghui watched her undress, his brow twitching, his anger growing wildly.

She would rather undress like that than bow her head.

Okay, she is really very good.

Cen Lingyi's movements gradually became steady, and all the buttons on her clothes were undone.

Her outer garment slipped halfway down her shoulders, revealing the thin inner garment underneath. Her slender shoulders and neck were exposed to the sunlight, appearing pale and radiant.

Cen Lingyi released her grip, and her outer garment trailed down to her feet.

She raised her hand and untied the sashes of her inner garment one by one.

The inner garment fell to the ground.

She stood there, wearing only a simple undershirt made of light blue cotton fabric, without a single pattern.

Yet it was precisely this unassuming piece of blue cloth that highlighted her breathtaking beauty.

Her skin was as white as snow, and her collarbone gleamed with a lustrous sheen in the dim light. Her waist was so slender that it accentuated her ample figure.

She is clearly fragile and pitiful, yet she is also aloof and stubborn, making one want to crush her.

Yan Chenghui's gaze involuntarily fell on the piece of blue cloth, and his Adam's apple bobbed slightly.

"continue."

His eyes reddened slightly, his voice was hoarse, and his gaze was fixed on her without any restraint.

Cen Lingyi bit her lip, fighting back tears, and raised her hands to reach behind her back.

Once this knot is untied, she will stand before him without any obstruction.

But she had no way out.

Who told her to wrong him?

The atmosphere inside the main hall was extremely oppressive and completely silent, so quiet that one could hear the slight sound of her slowly adjusting her sash.

"Your Highness, General Sun requests an audience."

A knock came at the door, and Yun Que spoke to report it.

Yan Chenghui stared at the only remaining blue cloth covering Cen Lingyi's abdomen, his eyes burning with anger and desire.

"Get out."

He gave a cold shout.

Cen Lingyi stopped what she was doing, lowered her eyes, pursed her lips, bent down to pick up the clothes on the ground, hugged them to her chest, and turned to walk out.

She wanted to put on her clothes before going out.

But she knew he had important business to attend to and probably didn't want to see her for even a moment longer.

Wearing clothes here will only annoy him more, and he'll scold her again.

So before opening the door, he wrapped himself in his outer robe and quickly went back to the side room to put on his clothes.

"Get dressed!"

Yan Chenghui's chest heaved violently, and the veins on his forehead throbbed.

Yun Que and Yun Gong were just outside the door; was she planning to go out like this?

Cen Lingyi stopped and stood by the door, obediently putting back on the clothes she had just taken off, one by one.

Seeing her unhurried movements and calm demeanor, Yan Chenghui's anger intensified.

With a "bang".

He raised his hand and flicked the paperweight to the ground.

Cen Lingyi was startled, glanced at him quickly, and quickened her pace in fastening the buttons in her hands.

She was already silent, hiding in a corner. What was he angry about?

She fastened the last button and opened the door.

Yun Que and Yun Gong stood on either side of her, both of them looking up at her.

Cen Lingyi walked past the two with her head down.

"Your Highness, shall we let General Sun in?"

Yun Que asked cautiously.

"Um."

Yan Chenghui, with a cold face, looked down at the official documents on his desk and responded with a snort.

"Go quickly."

Yun Que waved for Yun Gong to leave, then went into the main hall, bent down to pick up the paperweight, wiped it with his sleeve, and carefully placed it on the desk.

"Your Highness, this humble official greets you."

Sun Zhenglie entered the main hall and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

He spent most of his life in the military, and was tall and muscular with a dark complexion and a faint scar on his forehead, a mark left from his early years on the frontier.

He was Lady Sun's father.

"General Sun, you're too kind. Please have a seat."

Yan Chenghui's expression had returned to its usual indifference, and he raised his hand towards him.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Sun Zhenglie sat down beside him. "Your Highness, since I have come here, I will get straight to the point. Currently, the Western Liang Kingdom is causing trouble in the Northwest, and His Majesty intends to select a general to go to the Northwest to quell this rebellion. I wonder if Your Highness has anyone in mind?"

"I intend to invite General Sun to my residence, and I was just about to send someone to invite you over for a chat. What is your opinion, General?"

Yan Chenghui asked in a calm voice.

"That's exactly what I was thinking," Sun Zhenglie said. "Your Highness, the Second Prince is eager to recommend his men to go, hoping to gain military merit on the border, control the military power in the Northwest, and expand his influence. As Your Highness's subordinate, I should go to Xiliang to quell the chaos, achieve military merit, enhance the prestige of the Eastern Palace, and put the military power on the border in Your Highness's hands, thus relieving Your Highness's burdens."

"In that case, I'll leave it to General Sun."

Yan Chenghui stood up and bowed to him.

"No, no," Sun Zhenglie said, but did not stop him. Instead, he smiled and said, "There is one thing I need to trouble Your Highness with."

Yan Chenghui looked up at him without saying a word, but he already had a premonition.

"My daughter has been spoiled since childhood. I wonder if she has caused any trouble in the Crown Prince's Palace recently?"

Sun Zhenglie asked with a smile.

"Madam Sun is not arrogant, she is just genuine."

There was a hint of bias in Yan Chenghui's tone.

Sun Zhenglie was very satisfied upon hearing this: "She was spoiled by me and her mother since childhood, and she has a somewhat impatient temperament, but her heart is not bad. If there is anything inappropriate, please forgive her, Your Highness."

"General Sun, please rest assured, these are just minor matters in the inner quarters, and I will not be harsh on you."

Yan Chenghui nodded slightly, his demeanor and speech calm and composed.

"In that case, I can travel to the Northwest with peace of mind."

Sun Zhenglie straightened his chest, his eyebrows relaxed, and a hint of smugness shone through his eyes.

*

As the sun sets in the west, the daytime heat fades, and the evening breeze brings a slight coolness.

Cen Lingyi carried Yan Huaijiao out of the side room.

Lingzhi followed him out, glanced outside, and said, "Miss, it's still a bit hot outside. Can His Highness handle it? Otherwise, let's not go out today."

"No, that won't do." Cen Lingyi carried Yan Huaijiao and continued walking outside. "It's not good for his health if he doesn't sweat all day. He needs to sweat a little too."

She herself also sweated a bit.

Thanks to the little guy and Xia Qinghe's special care, the concubine's food, clothing and daily necessities have never been lacking.

Once summer arrived, ice was never stopped.

But she felt that it wasn't good for people to always be in cold conditions; they needed to sweat to stay healthy.

"Alright."

Lingzhi took some odds and ends the little guy needed and followed him.

"Mmm..."

Yan Huaijiao was delighted to see Cen Lingyi leaving. Her bright, dark eyes sparkled as she held a specially made rice cake in one hand and nibbled on it, while waving her other hand forward, gesturing for Cen Lingyi to hurry up.

"Is it delicious, you little glutton?"

Cen Lingyi wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth.

These rice cakes were made especially for him. They're shaped like fingers so they're easy to grip, and they don't dissolve in water, so one can chew on it for a long time, which is perfect for him to chew on.

Yan Huaijiao couldn't speak yet, but she smiled at her with her eyes crinkled, and her two little teeth were already showing tiny white dots.

Cen Lingyi couldn't help but laugh along.

She carried Yan Huaijiao and walked along the garden path.

In this season, flowers are in full bloom, and all kinds of fruits hang on the branches.

Yan Huaijiao found everything novel and interesting, and the three of them, master and servant, got along very well as they walked and stopped along the way.

"Lingzhi, shouldn't there be fresh lotus pods around this time?"

Cen Lingyi chatted casually with Lingzhi.

"Yes, young lady," Lingzhi said with a smile. "I saw them yesterday when I passed by the lotus pond, and I was thinking of telling you about them when I got back to my room, but I forgot. Why don't we go and pick some?"

"it is good."

Cen Lingyi thought that since there was nothing else to do while holding Yan Huaijiao, she might as well take him for a walk around the lotus pond.

Pick some fresh lotus pods so you can peel and eat them.

The two walked around the artificial hill and were about to head towards the lotus pond when Cen Lingyi stopped.

"Why have you stopped, young lady?"

Lingzhi, puzzled, took a step forward and saw Madam Sun approaching from afar with several maids.

"Let's go."

Cen Lingyi turned and left.

Now that Sun Zhenglie has gained Yan Chenghui's trust and is leading troops to conquer Xiliang, Madam Sun is enjoying great influence in the Eastern Palace and is full of confidence.

She didn't want to clash with Madam Sun.

If they really clashed, no matter who was in the right, Yan Chenghui would always side with Madam Sun.

If you can't afford to offend them, you can at least avoid them.

"stop!"

Madam Sun shouted sternly.

Cen Lingyi wants to run away? She won't let her.

She had been planning for many days and finally got such a good opportunity to make her move. How could she let Cen Lingyi get away?

Cen Lingyi had no choice but to stop.

"Cen Lingyi, why are you running away? Can't I even look at the young prince?"

Madam Sun quickly stepped forward, walked around to face her directly, and looked at her with her chin raised.

"How dare you, wet nurse Cen! You don't even bow to my mistress?"

Orchid rebuked.

"I have met Madam Sun."

Cen Lingyi lowered her eyes and curtsied.

"Well……"

Yan Huaijiao rested her little head on Cen Lingyi's shoulder, frowned, and gave Madam Sun a fierce look.

Children are the most perceptive and discerning. He could sense Madam Sun's ill intentions and her harshness towards his wet nurse, and instinctively retaliated in kind.

"Madam Sun, His Highness requests that you pay your respects."

Cen Lingyi straightened up and spoke with a smile.

Even if Madam Sun was favored by Yan Chenghui, she could not compare to Yan Huaijiao's status.

Yan Huaijiao is the young prince of the Eastern Palace and the future heir of Yan Chenghui.

To put it bluntly, Madam Sun was just a concubine, so she should naturally pay her respects to the young master of the Eastern Palace.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

Madam Sun was filled with hatred, but she still curtsied.

Well then, what's wrong with bowing for the sake of the important plan that's waiting for us?

"Your Highness, there's no need for formalities."

Cen Lingyi held up Yan Huaijiao's hand and gently lifted it, whispering instructions to him.

When Madam Sun looked up at this scene, she felt as if she were bowing to Cen Lingyi, and that this slut was taking advantage of her by using this damned little thing.

She suppressed her anger, straightened up, forced a smile, and reached out to touch Yan Huaijiao's hand: "Your Highness is so adorable."

As she spoke, she seemingly pushed her hand casually and flicked it with her fingertips.

Yan Huaijiao was still young and didn't have much strength. The rice cake in her hand was pried open and fell to the ground with a thud, covered in dust and no longer edible.

"Oh dear, it was an accident." Madam Sun withdrew her hand. "What should we do now?"

"Wow……"

Yan Huaijiao is domineering; who would dare to provoke him?

Upon seeing this, she immediately opened her mouth and began to cry.

"Won't Nurse Cen be angry with me? Will she complain to His Highness?"

Madam Sun tilted her head and looked at Cen Lingyi provocatively.

"Your Highness is overthinking this. Please don't cry, young master..."

Cen Lingyi coaxed the little one in her arms.

She knew that Madam Sun was doing it on purpose, but it was such a small matter that she couldn't do anything to Madam Sun.

"Walk."

Madam Sun snorted coldly and left with her men.

Yan Huaijiao cried incessantly, refusing to listen.

"Your Highness, don't cry. I'll have Lingzhi go back and get it, okay?"

Cen Lingyi wiped away his tears and gently comforted him.

"Well……"

Yan Huaijiao understood and turned to look at Lingzhi.

"This little prince is clever; he knows everything except how to speak." Lingzhi chuckled and tapped his nose. "Then the young lady and the little prince wait here; I'll go get it."

"Go ahead, I'll wait for you at the pavilion ahead."

Cen Lingyi nodded in agreement.

She took Yan Huaijiao to the lotus pond to enjoy the breeze.

Yan Huaijiao nestled in her arms, sobbing, still somewhat resentful.

"Alright, alright, let's not stoop to her level."

Cen Lingyi comforted him softly.

A faint sound suddenly came from the bushes on the left.

Cen Lingyi stopped in her tracks warily and looked in that direction.

Suddenly, a person darted out from the bushes.

"Miss Cen, it's been so long, I've missed you dearly."

This man was plump and fair-skinned, with a face like a steamed bun. He looked at her with a frivolous smile in his eyes, and his behavior was truly frivolous.

When Cen Lingyi saw his face clearly, her heart skipped a beat, but her expression remained unchanged.

"Wu Liguang, this is the inner quarters of the Eastern Palace. No men are allowed to enter without permission. You dare to trespass into this forbidden area? Don't you have a death wish?"

She held Yan Huaijiao tightly in her arms and questioned him coldly.

Wu Liguang was Madam Sun's cousin, and his father was a fifth-rank official, Guanglu Shaoqing.

He was the youngest son of the Wu family, spoiled since childhood, and a complete playboy.

Before the Cen family fell into decline, Wu Liguang had seen her once by chance and fell in love with her at first sight.

Wu's mother indulged him even more, repeatedly visiting the Cen family to deliver gifts and pester them to curry favor.

Later, it was only after his father intervened and reprimanded Wu's father that Wu Liguang finally calmed down.

Looking at the person in front of her, she thought of Madam Sun who had just left.

Everything became clear.

Madam Sun intentionally knocked the rice cake out of Yan Huaijiao's hand to distract Lingzhi, so that Wu Liguang could come out and attack her.

Once Wu Liguang defiles her, she will naturally be expelled from the Eastern Palace, and Lady Sun's goal will be achieved.

"What forbidden area?" Wu Liguang took two steps closer, his gaze brazenly sweeping her up and down. "My cousin invited me to the East Palace for a chat. Even if Your Highness finds out, I don't think you'll blame me."

His uncle is now highly regarded by the Crown Prince, so even if he is guilty, the Crown Prince will not hold it against him.

Moreover, Cen Lingyi is currently just a lowly wet nurse.

My cousin said that His Highness the Crown Prince dislikes Cen Lingyi the most. If it weren't for the fact that the young prince likes her, she would have been kicked out of the Eastern Palace long ago.

"Wu Liguang, you'd better think carefully before you act. General Sun is just your uncle, not your father. If you anger His Highness, do you think General Sun can protect you?"

Cen Lingyi sneered and stood still without retreating.

Holding the child, she knew she wouldn't stand a chance against Wu Liguang if she tried to run away.

It's better to stay calm and see if we can keep him in check.

Wu Liguang took a big step forward, grabbed her wrist, and said smugly, his eyes never leaving her: "You know what, women who have given birth do look different. You're even more alluring than before."

As he spoke, he used force to drag her toward the artificial hill.

"Let me go! I'm calling for help!"

Cen Lingyi felt extremely nauseous as he gripped her wrist, and struggled violently.

She looked around, trying to find a suitable weapon.

Yan Huaijiao, who was in her arms, clung tightly to her neck, both scared and wanting to help her, and fiercely glared at Wu Liguang.

"Go ahead and call. My cousin has already made arrangements. No one will come to your aid no matter how much you call."

Wu Liguang's grip became increasingly forceful, dragging her forward.

Cen Lingyi had already seen the dark cave between the artificial hills.

Wu Liguang wanted to take her to that place and defile her.

Although Wu Liguang was a playboy and his body had long been ruined by wine and women, he was still a man after all.

Cen Lingyi was no match for his strength, especially since she was holding a child in her arms.

"Wait a moment, I have something to tell you."

Cen Lingyi slid down onto the artificial hill, breathing slightly heavily.

"What are you trying to say?"

Wu Liguang squatted down.

Upon getting closer to Cen Lingyi, his eyes lit up even more. This woman was simply like a figure in a painting, truly a feast for the eyes.

He had been longing for this for so many years, and today he was finally going to succeed. He was so excited that he kept swallowing his saliva.

"I ask you, do you truly yearn for me?"

Cen Lingyi tilted her head and looked at him, asking him with a serious expression.

"That's a question I asked. If I wasn't sincere, why would I have had the nerve to visit you so many times? And how did you treat me?"

Wu Liguang got a little angry as he spoke and shoved her.

"That's all in the past. Now that I'm in such a sorry state, if you still want me, I can be your concubine."

Cen Lingyi looked at him with a sincere expression, as if these words came from the bottom of her heart.

Are you serious?

Wu Liguang was skeptical.

"Of course, being a concubine is better than being a wet nurse in the Crown Prince's palace. A wet nurse is just a servant, and your cousins ​​all dislike me. You have no idea how hard my life has been. But I know that as long as I'm with you, you'll definitely treat me well..."

As Cen Lingyi spoke with heartfelt emotion, tears welled in her eyes, but she gently placed Yan Huaijiao in her arms and quietly reached to her side.

"Are you trying to trick me into letting you go, so you can go back on your word later?"

Wu Liguang gripped her wrist tightly, hesitating for a moment.

With Cen Lingyi's looks, one time would definitely not be enough for him. He would really like to marry her as a concubine, as it wouldn't cost much money to keep her.

However, Cen Lingyi doesn't seem like someone who gives in so easily.

"No, I can serve you right now if you agree."

Cen Lingyi deliberately raised her head, her rosy lips slightly parted, captivating his heart.

"good!"

Wu Liguang was captivated by her charm and agreed without hesitation, lowering his head to kiss her.

This is the moment!

Cen Lingyi raised the blue stone she was holding and smashed it heavily on his head.

Wu Liguang was blinded by lust and completely unprepared.

Cen Lingyi's strike was both accurate and powerful.

With a muffled thud, Wu Liguang's head instantly split open, and bright red blood gushed out.

Cen Lingyi couldn't dodge in time, and warm blood splattered onto her face. She wiped it off, her face turning deathly pale, and she was breathing heavily.

Since the incident at her home, she has experienced many things, but this is the first time she has personally injured someone, so she was naturally quite frightened.

"ah--"

Wu Liguang's screams instantly pierced the entire garden.

Cen Lingyi wiped the blood from her face, quickly calmed herself down, hugged Yan Huaijiao tightly, stood up, and coldly watched Wu Liguang jump around in front of her, clutching his head in pain.

"Cousin, cousin, what's wrong?"

Madam Sun deliberately didn't go far, just to wait and see Cen Lingyi's miserable end.

Unexpectedly, what followed was my cousin's scream of agony.

She quickly appeared and was shocked to see Wu Liguang covered in blood. She rushed forward to check on him.

"Cousin, don't move! Quick, go get something to stop the bleeding!"

She gave the orders repeatedly.

My cousin is my aunt's darling. If he gets injured like this, my aunt will make a huge fuss.

"Who is making such a fuss here?"

Yun Que's voice suddenly rang out.

Cen Lingyi turned around at the sound and saw Yan Chenghui standing there with one hand behind his back, looking dignified, aloof, and imposing.