Nong Nu Jiao

"Can't you understand what I'm saying?"

Yan Chenghui turned his head to look at her.

"This servant dares not overstep her bounds."

Cen Lingyi took a step back, lowered her head, and replied softly.

Yan Chenghui stared at her coldly, his lips pressed together in silence.

Cen Lingyi continued, "Just now, this servant addressed Your Highness by your given name, which was already an overstepping of bounds and a breach of etiquette. As a lowly servant, it is even more inappropriate for me to bathe with Your Highness."

"Cen Lingyi, do you really think I can't do anything to you?"

Yan Chenghui turned around, his tone threatening.

Cen Lingyi knelt down, her back straight, her brows furrowed respectfully, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, but her tone was firm: "Please punish me, Your Highness."

He had just been with Sun Liangyuan, and she really didn't want any intimate contact with him.

Even if it's just a little bit more, give her some time.

If he insists on forcing her, she would rather be punished by him.

The sound of water reached my ears.

In my line of sight, I saw his pale, slender legs, water droplets rolling down his clearly defined muscles.

Yan Chenghui stood in front of her, looking down at her.

Cen Lingyi knelt there motionless, not daring to look around.

He was not wearing any clothes.

If she sees something she shouldn't, he'll get angry again.

She could feel his gaze fixed on her, sharp as a blade, making her feel like she was being pricked by thorns.

She tensed up, held her breath, and remained completely still.

After a long while, Yan Chenghui moved.

He took a long scarf from a shelf on the side, draped it around his waist, and walked past her.

"Come here and apply medicine to me."

He gave her instructions in a low voice.

"Yes."

Cen Lingyi responded, breathed a sigh of relief, got up and followed him out of the bathroom.

Yan Chenghui had already taken the jade ointment box and placed it on the table.

He sat down on the soft couch.

Cen Lingyi opened the ointment box, walked to his side, dipped her fingertip in the milky white ointment, and prepared to apply it to him.

Looking at her shoulders and neck now, both sides were scraped and bloody, a truly pitiful sight.

He sat there expressionless, as if he felt no pain.

Just as her fingertips were about to touch the wound, Yan Chenghui suddenly said, "Wait a moment."

Cen Lingyi paused, looking at him involuntarily.

"Blow it out for me."

Yan Chenghui's jaw tightened, and he gave her orders in a cold, hard tone.

Cen Lingyi glanced at him, somewhat speechless. He's not a child like Yan Huaijiao, so why is he being so dramatic?

She leaned closer, puffed out her cheeks, and gently blew air into his injured shoulder and neck.

Her warm breath, carrying her sweet fragrance and a faint milky scent, gently brushed against the injured skin, sending a tingling sensation through her muscles and throughout her body.

Her aura replaced the foul stench left by the maid.

Yan Chenghui's tense body relaxed, the icy coldness in his eyes melted away, turning into a deep color, and the irritation in his heart gradually subsided.

"Is it alright, Your Highness?"

Cen Lingyi's cheeks ached, so she stopped and asked him.

"Um."

Yan Chenghui nodded slightly.

Cen Lingyi held her breath and gently applied the ointment to him with her fingertips.

"Your Highness, it's done."

Cen Lingyi took a step back and stood respectfully with her hands at her sides.

"Step down."

Yan Chenghui gave an order, his demeanor distant.

"Yes."

Cen Lingyi curtsied properly, bowed her head, and withdrew.

The sound of the door closing came from behind.

Yan Chenghui glanced sideways, his gaze falling on his left shoulder.

She applied the milky white ointment evenly and smoothly, its fragrance rich and enticing.

He stared at it blankly for a long time.

*

At midday, the sun was high in the sky, and rolling waves of heat enveloped Mingde Courtyard.

Cen Lingyi hung up Yan Chenghui's clothes to dry and then returned to the side hall.

Yan Huaijiao had just woken up and was waving her little hands in the cradle, wanting to be held, while humming and whimpering, clearly hungry.

Cen Lingyi dressed him in a thin shirt, sat down on a stool next to him, and held him in her arms to breastfeed.

The little guy was full and grinned at her.

"Little liar, always trying to be charming."

Cen Lingyi straightened her clothes, leaned over, and gently rubbed her face against his.

"Mmm..."

Once Yan Huaijiao had eaten her fill, she became restless.

As he grew older, he became accustomed to going out to play. He pointed towards the door, indicating that Cen Lingyi wanted to go out and play.

"It's too hot outside. How about the wet nurse takes the baby out after the sun goes down?"

Cen Lingyi pressed her forehead against his small forehead, gently coaxing him in soft, slow words.

"Waaah..."

Yan Huaijiao seemed to understand, pouting her little mouth in dissatisfaction, but she didn't make a fuss anymore.

"Your Highness, take a look at this."

Cen Lingyi shook a rattle to coax him.

Yan Huaijiao took the rattle drum and shook it "dong dong dong," then grinned at her.

Cen Lingyi couldn't help but laugh along.

For some reason, seeing the little one's smiling face would make her completely forget all her fatigue and worries.

"girl."

Lingzhi carried lunch in from outside, still radiating the summer heat, but her face was beaming with joy.

"Is there some good news? You seem quite happy."

Cen Lingyi immediately noticed her joy and couldn't help but ask.

"Young lady, you don't know this," Lingzhi put down the food box, her eyes sparkling, and said vividly, "I went to the kitchen to get some food just now and overheard a little gossip that I guarantee you'll be happy to hear."

"What news?"

Cen Lingyi couldn't help but ask.

"That Wu Liguang went to play polo in the suburbs early this morning, and somehow he fell off his horse and broke his right arm. Don't you think this is retribution?"

Lingzhi said with a smile.

Wu Liguang bullied her young lady just yesterday, and His Highness the Crown Prince even protected him.

I fell off my horse today, it felt so good!

"Is that true? Is the news accurate?"

Cen Lingyi was skeptical.

What a coincidence!

"I heard he fell really hard. I heard them say that even if his bones heal, they will be twisted. That's really satisfying."

Lingzhi took out the food from the food box one by one.

Who told Wu Liguang to be so blind and try to bully her girl? He deserved it!

"That's truly a blessing from heaven."

Cen Lingyi chuckled softly, then quickly stopped Yan Huaijiao.

While she wasn't looking, the little one reached out his little hand, trying to grab the food from the plate.

"Yuzhu went shopping this morning and wasn't in the East Palace. After lunch, when it's time for the afternoon nap, I'll keep an eye on them. They're very likely to meet around that time."

Lingzhi lowered her voice.

"Thank you for your hard work." Cen Lingyi looked at her sincerely, "Lingzhi, I have nothing to thank you for right now."

"What are you saying, young lady?" Lingzhi said reproachfully, "If it weren't for Madam taking me in back then, I would have lost my life. Everything I do now is to repay the kindness of Madam and you, young lady. Please don't be so formal with me, or I'll get angry."

She was an abandoned baby, but luckily the lady took her in and raised her in the Grand Tutor's mansion.

Otherwise, she probably would have fed the stray dogs long ago.

Besides, the girl has always regarded her as a sister since childhood. Now that the girl is in trouble, how can she not do everything she can to help her?

"Thank you."

Cen Lingyi was touched and nodded with her lips pursed.

If she ever gets a chance to turn her life around, she will definitely repay Lingzhi properly.

At the same time, Yan Chenghui entered the East Palace's sleeping quarters.

"Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived—"

Sui Sui stood guard at the door, and when she saw Yan Chenghui, she hurriedly called him into the hall.

The palace doors swung open, and Crown Princess Xia Qinghe personally lifted the curtain to welcome them out.

"Your Highness."

She curtsied, her smile gentle, her posture dignified and proper.

"The Crown Princess summoned me. Is there something you need?"

Yan Chenghui strode in and asked in a low voice.

"Nothing much..."

As they got closer, Xia Qinghe suddenly noticed fresh teeth marks on his lips.

The skin was red, the marks were clear, and there were four teeth, one above the other, which were bitten symmetrically.

It was quite absurd for such marks to appear on the lips of the aloof and dignified Crown Prince.

No wonder he didn't attend the morning court session today.

Yan Chenghui glanced at her sideways.

"I just heard that Your Highness did not attend the morning court today, so I thought I would have the kitchen prepare a few light dishes for Your Highness to enjoy and cool off in the heat."

Xia Qing's unusual expression quickly disappeared, and she returned to her usual dignified demeanor.

She reached out to help Yan Chenghui remove his outer garment.

Yan Chenghui dodged to the side, passing her, and entered the hall first.

He took off his outer robe and tossed it to Yun Que.

"Your Highness, please wash your hands."

Xia Qinghe poured clean water into the copper basin.

Yan Chenghui rolled up his sleeves and stepped forward.

"Your Highness's lips..."

Xia Qinghe raised her hand, intending to touch the teeth marks on his lips.

Yan Chenghui stepped back to avoid her movement, remaining silent, but his expression darkened.

"Is that Sister Cen?"

Xia Qing asked cautiously.

"She dares to bite me?"

Yan Chenghui's expression grew even colder, and his fingertips curled slightly.

"Is that your granddaughter, Sister Sun?"

Xia Qinghe pinched her palm and asked with a smile.

After Sun Zhenglie led his troops into battle, Yan Chenghui not only promoted Consort Sun's rank, but also frequently visited her residence.

Yan Chenghui remained silent, tossing aside the handkerchief he was using to wipe his hands, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

"Your Highness, please have a seat."

Xia Qinghe pulled out a chair for him.

Yan Chenghui sat down and glanced at Yun Que.

Yun Que immediately stepped forward to serve the dishes.

Xia Qing and Han Xiao sat down opposite Yan Chenghui, about to speak.

Suddenly, a commotion arose outside.

"Consort Sun, please allow me to report..."

It's the sound of year after year.

"Let me in; Your Highness and Her Majesty won't blame me."

Sun Liangyuan's tone was somewhat urgent.

Xia Qinghe looked at Yan Chenghui.

Yan Chenghui remained indifferent, not uttering a single word.

Xia Qinghe instructed, "Sui Sui, let her in."

The next moment, Sun Liangyuan walked in and knelt down with a thud.

"Your Highness, Your Majesty, I beg you to do justice for me!"

"Little sister Sun, what's wrong?"

Xia Qinghe looked surprised and quickly got up to help her.

"Your Highness, my cousin broke his arm at the polo field this morning. The doctor said that even if the bone heals, his arm will be twisted and will never fully recover. My aunt has even gone to my family home to make a scene. It's clear that Cen Lingyi is holding a grudge because of my cousin's harassment and is secretly plotting against me. I beg Your Highness to hand Cen Lingyi over to the Sun family for punishment, so that my cousin and aunt can have an explanation."

Sun Liangyuan pushed Xia Qinghe's hand away, her emotions running high, and spoke very quickly.

Originally, my cousin's head had been broken by Cen Lingyi, and my mother apologized to my aunt on her behalf.

Who knew that just one night later, my cousin broke another arm.

Her mother sent a message to her, telling her all about how if Cen Lingyi wasn't handed over to her aunt, her aunt could keep her mother from having a peaceful time for years.

She also took this opportunity to get rid of Cen Lingyi.

Upon hearing what Consort Sun said, Yun Que and Yun Gong exchanged a glance. Yun Que shook his head slightly, signaling him not to make a fuss.

The matter of Wu Liguang breaking his arm was something His Highness ordered him to send someone to do.

He can't figure out what His Highness is thinking either.

His Highness has never given Miss Cen a kind look; he's been quite rude to her, yet he won't allow anyone else to bully her.

Yun Gong secretly observed his prince's expression. His prince's attitude towards Miss Cen was really strange. It was as if only His prince was allowed to bully her, and no one else was allowed to get involved.

Xia Qinghe couldn't help but turn to look at Yan Chenghui.

Yan Chenghui slowly swallowed the food in his mouth, his long eyelashes lowered, and slowly ordered, "Summon Cen Lingyi."

A quarter of an hour later, Cen Lingyi carried Yan Huaijiao into the main hall of the sleeping quarters.

Sun Liangyuan was already sitting on a chair to the side, looking at Cen Lingyi as if she were a dead person.

Her father served His Highness at the border, and now that such a thing has happened to her family, even if His Highness wants to appease his father, he will no longer protect Cen Lingyi.

"This servant greets His Highness the Crown Prince, His Highness the Crown Princess, and Consort Sun."

Cen Lingyi curtsied, her expression calm and composed, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Sister Cen, why did you bring Huai Jiao along in this bright sunshine?"

Xia Qinghe stepped forward and reached out to take Yan Huaijiao from Cen Lingyi's arms.

"Hmm!"

Yan Huaijiao dodged her hand, wrapped her arms around Cen Lingyi's neck, and leaned against Cen Lingyi, scolding her fiercely.

He didn't want anyone but his wet nurse.

"This servant also wished that His Highness could stay in the side room of Mingde Palace, but His Highness refused. However, Your Highness, please do not worry, this servant came with an umbrella."

Cen Lingyi explained.

"This child is only close to you."

Xia Qinghe smiled and tugged at Yan Huaijiao's small hand, then glanced back at Yan Chenghui before giving up.

"What did you just say?"

Yan Chenghui glanced sideways at Consort Sun.

Consort Sun noticed the injury on his lip and stood up to ask, "Your Highness, how did you get this injury?"

Who bit me?

She felt a pang of jealousy and momentarily forgot about framing Cen Lingyi.

Cen Lingyi's body tensed up involuntarily.

She wasn't afraid of Sun Liangyuan finding out, since Sun Liangyuan already hated her to the bone. Whether it was her who bit Yan Chenghui or not, it wouldn't affect Sun Liangyuan's willingness to kill her.

She was worried that Xia Qinghe would find out.

They grew up together, and even though she had fallen on hard times, Xia Qinghe still treated her the same as before.

She simply couldn't bear to let Xia Qinghe know those shameful things.

"last night……"

Yan Chenghui's gaze swept lightly across Cen Lingyi's face.

"It's all my fault... Your Highness, I'm so sorry, I didn't expect you to be injured like this..."

Upon hearing this, Sun Liangyuan raised her hand to cover her lips, her face turning red.

Last night, when His Highness was about to leave, she held onto him tightly and refused to let go. In the ensuing struggle, His Highness bumped his head against the latticed window and groaned in pain.

She was startled and then let go.

Her Highness was backlit at the time, and she didn't notice, never expecting to accidentally bruise his lips like this.

Upon hearing this, Cen Lingyi glanced at the two of them and felt a wave of nausea wash over her.

It seems that Consort Sun was recalling the intimate moments she shared with Yan Chenghui the previous night.

But after Yan Chenghui returned to Mingde Hall, he kissed her again!

She felt as if the taste of Sun Liangyuan was coming back into her mouth.

It's disgusting.

Xia Qing saw Sun Liangyuan blush shyly, her nails almost digging into her palms.

She had been by Yan Chenghui's side for so many years, but she had never made him break his vows, not even holding his hand.

Sun Liangyuan is truly capable.

"Sister Cen must be tired from carrying the baby, so please sit down and let's talk this out."

With a smile, she smoothed things over, took a few steps back, and sat down again opposite Yan Chenghui.

What good are more women coming to the Eastern Palace and its inner quarters?

The only person who can stand shoulder to shoulder with Yan Chenghui and treat him with the utmost respect as the Crown Princess is her!

"Cen Lingyi, you caused my cousin to fall from his horse and break his arm. What is your punishment?"

Sun Liangyuan turned to question Cen Lingyi.

"This servant does not understand what you mean, Lady."

Cen Lingyi looked up at her, showing no fear whatsoever.

Yun Gong went to the side room to summon her, having already told her what had happened on the way.

"What are you pretending for?" Sun Liangyuan had little patience and said directly, "Yesterday, you and my cousin had a quarrel in the garden, and you held a grudge. You bribed the polo field groom to tamper with the horses, causing my cousin to fall off his horse this morning. And you still want to deny it?"

"Although I am a servant, Your Excellency should still speak with evidence," Cen Lingyi said calmly. "First of all, my conflict with Your Excellency's cousin was not a quarrel; he attempted to assault me, and I broke his head in self-defense. Secondly, as the young prince's wet nurse, I did not leave the side room of Mingde Palace last night, as all those serving there can testify. Thirdly, I could not have foreseen that your cousin would go to play polo with a broken head. Finally, I have no money to bribe the polo players."

She held Yan Huaijiao in her arms, her back straight, her long eyelashes drooping, her tone slow and reasonable, naturally exuding an indescribable air of composure.

After she finished speaking, she looked at Sun Liangyuan, her eyes showing no fear, but rather a clear and calm demeanor.

She was naturally pleased to hear that Wu Liguang had broken his arm, but it had nothing to do with her. She was at peace with herself and had no fear.

Yan Chenghui glanced at her sideways.

She stood there straight, and despite being in the mud, she possessed an air of refined elegance that only a pampered young lady from a noble family could cultivate, almost exactly the same as before.

His eyes flickered.

"You have no money, but you're beautiful. Anyway, you're a self-degrading piece of trash, anyone can be with you."

Sun Liangyuan was furious.

That bitch said so much in one breath, she couldn't find a single word to refute her.

They simply resorted to verbal abuse.

"This servant would never do that. Perhaps Consort Sun resorts to her beauty when she has no money, which is why she judges others by her own standards."

Cen Lingyi lowered her eyes and replied softly.

"You! You have such a sharp tongue, I'll tear your mouth apart!"

Sun Liangyuan rolled up her sleeves, angrily preparing to step forward and personally attack her.

"Wow……"

When Yan Huaijiao saw that something was wrong, she opened her mouth and burst into tears, tightly hugging Cen Lingyi with her two little hands.

"Sun Liangyuan, please don't do this, you're frightening the child..."

Xia Qinghe stepped forward to comfort her, but did not reach out to hold Sun Liangyuan's hand.

"alright."

Yan Chenghui spoke calmly.

"Your Highness, how dare she insult me!"

Sun Liangyuan's face turned red with anger, and she was full of resentment.

Who is she? Who is Cen Lingyi? How dare Cen Lingyi speak to her like that?

"What did I tell you? Don't get your hands dirty."

Yan Chenghui turned around and his gaze fell on Cen Lingyi's face.

Cen Lingyi looked down at the ground in front of her, gently patting Yan Huaijiao's back to comfort him, as if she hadn't heard him.

He had helped Sun Liangyuan humiliate her before; this wasn't the first time he had done so.

She was numb; her heart seemed to stop hurting, but she was having some difficulty breathing.

"Your Highness, just hand her over to me so I can take her back to my aunt and we'll consider this matter resolved."

Hearing him say that, Sun Liangyuan felt a little better. She stepped forward and took his arm, her tone softening, half coquettish and half calculating.

"Without any evidence, is Consort Sun intending to have His Highness convict someone based on mere conjecture?"

Cen Lingyi raised her dark eyes and looked directly into her eyes.

She could endure hardship, suffering, and humiliation at the hands of Yan Chenghui, but she absolutely could not lose her life.

She still wants to stay alive, find her child, overturn her father's case, and reclaim everything that rightfully belongs to her.

"His Highness hasn't spoken yet..."

Sun Liangyuan glared at her and was about to say something more.

"Alright, she's no match for your cousin. Let's leave it at that."

Yan Chenghui interrupted her.

"Your Highness, my aunt is causing my mother no peace. My mother is not living in peace at home, so how can my father lead the troops in peace on the frontier?"

Sun Liangyuan looked up at him, her eyes red-rimmed.

She had already planned on her way here that if His Highness did not hand Cen Lingyi over to her, she would use her father as an excuse.

I bet His Highness will nod in agreement.

The hall fell silent. Everyone could tell that Consort Sun was using her father's name to curry favor and threaten Yan Chenghui into handing Cen Lingyi over to her.

Upon hearing this, Cen Lingyi glanced at Sun Liangyuan.

Sun Liangyuan dared to speak like that because she was spoiled by Yan Chenghui.

Yan Chenghui was silent for a moment before speaking slowly: "I know this matter has put your mother in a difficult position, and I also know that your aunt is feeling bad."

Xia Qinghe couldn't help but look at Yan Chenghui.

When has he ever spoken to anyone in such a gentle tone? He doesn't seem to care at all that Consort Sun uses Sun Zhenglie's achievements to pressure him.

Could it be that he has really fallen in love with someone else, and the person in his heart has changed to Sun Liangyuan?

"Your Highness only needs to hand over Cen Lingyi and let your aunt deal with her."

When Sun Liangyuan saw that he was facing her, her eyes lit up immediately.

"I will order a thorough investigation into this matter." Yan Chenghui patted her arm reassuringly. "Go back to your hospital and rest. Don't let this upset you."

"Yes."

Sun Liangyuan felt her jealousy subside slightly as he treated her gently in front of Xia Qing and Cen Lingyi, and she turned away contentedly.

The hall fell silent.

Just as Cen Lingyi was about to take her leave, Yan Huaijiao in her arms became restless.

"Mmm...uh..."

He spotted the apples on the plate on the table, pointed at them with his little finger, and stubbornly wanted Cen Lingyi to come and get them for him.

"Huaijiao wants this?" Xia Qinghe took an apple, smiled, and handed it to him, then asked, "Sister Cen, can he eat this?"

"Your Majesty, scrape off some juice with a spoon; His Highness can eat it."

Cen Lingyi lowered her head and replied.

"Bring me a spoon."

Xia Qinghe immediately gave the order.

Nian Nian quickly presented a thin silver spoon.

"Sister Cen, sit down and feed me."

Xia Qinghe then greeted her.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Cen Lingyi had no choice but to sit down and let Yan Huaijiao sit in her lap while she peeled an apple for him to eat.

"Your Highness, come here, open your mouth, ah."

Her expression was focused and gentle, her gaze fixed entirely on the face of the tiny child in her arms.

Yan Huaijiao obediently opened her mouth.

She carefully fed him the apple juice from the spoon.

"Well……"

Yan Huaijiao pouted her little mouth, pinched off a piece of apple with her small hand, and fed it to her.

"The wet nurse won't eat it."

A smile crept across Cen Lingyi's face.

The little guy always makes her feel better.

"Sister Cen has taken such good care of Huai Jiao. Look how close he is to you." Xia Qinghe bent down to look at Yan Huai Jiao and said with a smile, "Anyone who didn't know the situation would probably think you two were mother and son by blood."

As she spoke, she glanced at Yan Chenghui on the table.

"Your Majesty is too kind to this servant. This servant would never have thought of such a thing."

Upon hearing Xia Qinghe's words, Cen Lingyi immediately tried to get up and kneel down.

Yan Huaijiao is the youngest grandson of the emperor. How could she, a wet nurse, have such improper thoughts?

When Xia Qinghe said this, Yan Chenghui overheard it and couldn't help but humiliate her child as a "bastard."