Nong Nu Jiao

"Miss Cen."

Wang Deming bowed slightly and greeted them.

The Imperial Concubine treats Cen Lingyi with special favor, so he cannot mistreat this wet nurse.

"You're too kind, sir." Cen Lingyi curtsied in return, then looked up and said softly, "This servant is of lowly status and does not deserve such treatment from Your Highness."

"This is the Imperial Concubine's wish, Miss Cen, please comply."

Wang Deming advised.

"This servant wouldn't dare." Cen Lingyi looked at Yan Chenghui, pursed her lips, and said, "Why don't you let Your Highness carry the little prince to sit in this palanquin? The little prince is very fond of being close to Your Highness."

She was already a thorn in the side of Sun Liangyuan and her ilk; if she continued to ride in this carriage, she would likely become the target of everyone's ire.

I can only disappoint the Imperial Concubine's affection.

Fortunately, Yan Chenghui was holding her, so Yan Huaijiao didn't cry.

"Would Your Highness be willing?"

Wang Deming turned to look at Yan Chenghui.

"So cute..."

Whether Yan Huaijiao understood or not, she stretched out her two delicate white hands toward Yan Chenghui, saying something that seemed to be asking him to hold her.

Yan Chenghui remained silent and reached out to take Yan Huaijiao's hand.

"Mmm..."

Yan Huaijiao pointed to the palanquin, gesturing for him to get on.

Wang Deming chuckled upon seeing this: "Your Highness, the young prince is truly intelligent. Please, come on in."

Yan Chenghui picked up Yan Huaijiao and sat down.

The young eunuch lifted the palanquin and moved forward, allowing everyone to follow.

Cen Lingyi quietly fell to the back of the line.

She was clear about her identity and knew where she should stand.

Yan Huaijiao initially found it novel, leaning against Yan Chenghui's chest, her bright black eyes looking around.

As the palanquin entered the long corridor, lined with vermilion palace walls on both sides, there was nothing particularly interesting to see, and he grew impatient.

"Hmm..."

He kicked his legs and wriggled around in Yan Chenghui's arms, craning his neck to look for Cen Lingyi.

"Don't move."

Yan Chenghui frowned and made him sit on his lap.

When Yan Huaijiao saw his cold face, she was a little afraid of him. She secretly glanced at him with her eyes, pouting as if she was about to cry.

"Don't cry."

Yan Chenghui spoke again.

The little guy felt even more wronged, his eyes welled up with tears, and it looked like they were about to roll down his cheeks.

Cen Lingyi followed behind, listening to him scold Yan Huaijiao, her heart aching with pain.

Does he think the child is her? He can scold him however he wants? This child is so young, how can he bear to be so harsh on him?

How heartless and cold-blooded! They treat their own son like this.

Yan Chenghui subconsciously raised his hand and gently patted the little guy's back.

Yan Huaijiao turned her face away from him and began to cry silently with her lips pursed.

Yan Chenghui leaned closer to examine him closely.

Such a young child, yet he gets angry with others.

The way he turned his back to people was exactly the same as when Cen Lingyi threw a tantrum at him.

How could Yan Huaijiao resemble Cen Lingyi so much?

His brow furrowed.

"Your Highness, Huai Jiao looks so aggrieved. Why don't we let Sister Cen do it?"

Xia Qinghe stood beside the palanquin and spoke softly, her gaze towards Yan Huaijiao filled with affection.

"It's all because she spoiled him."

Yan Chenghui snapped out of his daze, said coldly, and handed Yan Huaijiao to her.

Xia Qinghe turned to look while holding Yan Huaijiao.

Cen Lingyi quickened her pace and stepped forward to take the child.

"Hmm..."

As soon as Yan Huaijiao fell into her arms, she started to cry pitifully, sobbing as if she were complaining to her that she had suffered a lot of grievances with her father.

"Don't cry, Your Highness, don't cry." Cen Lingyi's heart ached at the sight of his pitiful little face. She lagged behind at the back of the group and whispered in the little guy's ear, "Daddy's mean, let's ignore him, okay?"

"Well……"

The little one agreed wholeheartedly, his obsidian-like eyes still brimming with tears, and he grinned at her.

"The little rascal who has no temper."

Cen Lingyi smiled too, and gently wiped away the tears on his face.

Yan Huaijiao, however, happily hugged her neck.

Not far ahead is Ninghe Palace, where Consort Xiao resides.

From the outside, the palace is a sight to behold, piled high with gold and jade, and it even has a small garden at the back, making it unique among the imperial harems.

Cen Lingyi glanced at the luxurious building in front of her, took a deep breath, and followed.

A palace maid was waiting at the door. Upon seeing Yan Chenghui, she quickly bowed and said, "This servant, Wangyue, greets Your Highness the Crown Prince and Your Highness the Crown Princess. The Imperial Concubine is in the main hall and has instructed this servant to lead the way."

Thank you for your trouble.

Xia Qinghe spoke with a smile.

"please."

Wang Yue raised one hand and led the way.

Yan Chenghui and Xia Qinghe entered Ninghe Palace side by side.

Consort Gu and Consort Sun followed closely behind.

Cen Lingyi carried Yan Huaijiao, and she and Lingzhi walked silently at the back.

Instead, Granny Wang walked ahead of her.

Inside the hall, gold and jade gleamed, and a gilded bird incense burner emitted a faint scent of agarwood. Consort Xiao leaned languidly against a carved rosewood chair at the head of the table.

"Greetings, Mother Consort."

"Greetings, Your Highness."

Yan Chenghui, Xia Qinghe, and the rest of the group bowed.

No need for formalities.

Consort Xiao slowly raised her eyes.

She was extremely beautiful, with an unyielding coldness between her brows and eyes. Her gaze swept across the room, revealing a cool and aloof demeanor that kept people at a distance.

Her gaze swept over everyone and landed on Cen Lingyi.

Cen Lingyi, dressed in a wet nurse's outfit, held Yan Huaijiao in her arms and stood with her head bowed.

She was dressed in plain clothes and had no hair ornaments except for a silver hairpin in her hair. Standing behind the splendidly dressed Sun Liangyuan and others, she looked out of place.

"Sixth grade."

Consort Xiao sat up straight.

"Your Majesty..."

Cen Lingyi looked up at her, her eyes welling up with tears. Consort Xiao still called her "Little Six" as before.

"Come here, let your aunt take a look."

Consort Xiao rose and walked quickly toward her.

"Your Majesty, this servant cannot bear this responsibility..."

Cen Lingyi lowered her eyes and spoke softly.

How could a mere wet nurse address a noble concubine as her aunt?

"Don't say things like that to your aunt. Come here and let me take a good look at you."

Consort Xiao pulled her along and led her to the head of the table.

Cen Lingyi had no choice but to follow.

"Well……"

Yan Huaijiao looked at Consort Xiao with curiosity and made sounds to attract her attention.

"Why have you lost so much weight? You must have suffered a lot at the Eastern Palace!"

Consort Xiao ignored Yan Huaijiao, only raising her hand to gently stroke the stray hairs at Cen Lingyi's temples. When her fingertips touched Cen Lingyi's thin face, her brows furrowed instantly, and her eyes were filled with heartache.

"no."

Cen Lingyi shook her head in denial.

She is fortunate to have survived; no amount of suffering is too great for her.

Yan Chenghui watched quietly as his mother poured out rare tenderness on Cen Lingyi, his gaze deep, his lips slightly pursed, his expression inscrutable.

Beside him, Xia Qinghe stood with the poise of a crown princess, a smile on her face.

In reality, she was already filled with jealousy and gloom.

She was the Crown Princess, whom His Highness the Crown Prince married through proper channels. She had the support of the Minister of Rites' family. After entering the Eastern Palace, she was always cautious in her words and actions, always maintaining the dignity of the Eastern Palace, and doing her best to please the Imperial Concubine.

Despite her dignified and proper demeanor, the Imperial Concubine never showed her the slightest favoritism.

In the past year or so, Consort Xiao saw her only a handful of times.

Today, she came to celebrate Consort Xiao's birthday. She should have been honored to be treated differently by the Consort, but instead, all her dignity was taken away by Cen Lingyi, a wet nurse.

A former lover who abandoned His Highness the Crown Prince and returned in disgrace, could win the favor of the Imperial Concubine solely based on past affections.

She clenched her fists, her jealousy silently growing within her, a chill creeping in.

"Wangyun, bring some of the fabrics, ginseng, bird's nest, and other things from my storeroom and deliver them to Xiaoliu's residence."

Consort Xiao turned and gave the order.

"Thank you for your generosity, Your Highness, but I have no use for these things right now, so please take them back."

Cen Lingyi quickly declined.

Sun Liangyuan was someone who couldn't hide her thoughts. As she stared at this scene, the jealousy and bitterness in her eyes were almost overflowing.

Consort Xiao never paid attention to anyone.

She also sent people to the palace to try and win over Consort Xiao, but Consort Xiao refused to even see her.

She didn't understand. Cen Lingyi was just a lowly wet nurse who had even abandoned the Crown Prince. Why would the Imperial Concubine treat such a woman differently?

But Cen Lingyi seemed reluctant to accept it.

She gripped the hem of her dress with her fingers, wishing she could tear Cen Lingyi's calm and collected face to shreds.

"What? Is someone preventing you from using it?"

Consort Xiao looked up and glanced at the crowd below, her tone icy.

"No, Your Highness misunderstands. It's just that I didn't want to use it."

Cen Lingyi was deeply moved, and her eyes welled up with tears.

Consort Xiao treated her even better than before, but her status was no longer what it used to be, so she had no use for those nice things.

"Who wouldn't want to use good stuff? You're just lying to your aunt again."

Consort Xiao looked at her and smiled indulgently.

"This servant...has no way to repay you."

Cen Lingyi held back her sobs.

Consort Xiao, Princess Taihe, Song Mingchi... they were all too good to her.

She was mired in trouble, burdened with lawsuits, unsure of what the future held, and truly didn't know how to repay them.

"Silly child, don't feel bad." Consort Xiao straightened her collar. "Have you forgotten how good you were to your aunt before? Now it's your aunt's turn to repay you."

Cen Lingyi looked up at her, her eyes welling up with tears.

She wasn't particularly kind to Consort Xiao; she would only send food, drinks, clothes, and other necessities to the Cold Palace when she had the chance, and she would also beg her father to bring Yan Chenghui back to the mansion to teach him. That was about it.

It's really not worth the Empress treating her like this.

"People in the world are always inclined to fawn over the powerful and bully the weak, and the people in the Eastern Palace are no exception. If anyone dares to trip you up or put on airs in the future, just tell me, and I will take care of it for you."

Consort Xiao turned to look at the crowd, raised her voice, and spoke with a tone full of admonition and protection.

It was obvious that she was saying these words to the people in the backyard of the Eastern Palace.

"Don't worry, Mother, no one will be able to bully Sister Cen."

Xia Qing forced a smile and responded with a reply.

Gu Liangdi curled her lips into a mocking smile, looking at Cen Lingyi as if she were an ant.

What a show! Cen Lingyi, a lowly wet nurse, is actually deserving of such condescending treatment from Consort Xiao.

It's clear that Consort Xiao was nothing special.

However, this did dampen the arrogance of Xia Qinghe and Sun Liangyuan.

"Let me see who is worthy of my Imperial Concubine's utmost protection?"

Emperor Shengwu put his hands behind his back and stepped across the threshold.

He wore a dark blue robe with a five-clawed dragon pattern, his expression was composed and dignified, and he had a beard, exuding an aura of supreme authority.

"Greetings, Father Emperor."

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Everyone bowed in greeting.

No need for formalities.

Emperor Shengwu waved his hand, stepped forward, and looked at Consort Xiao with a smile.

"The Cen family's child is someone I've watched grow up from childhood; she's practically my daughter. Doesn't Your Majesty allow me to dote on her?"

Consort Xiao curtsied to him, but did not smile, and asked in an ordinary tone.

"How could that be?"

Emperor Shengwu chuckled and his gaze fell on Cen Lingyi.

Cen Lingyi lowered her eyes and held Yan Huaijiao tightly in her arms, remaining motionless.

"You're Grand Tutor Cen's youngest daughter, right?"

Emperor Shengwu suddenly asked a question.

"Yes."

Cen Lingyi felt a pang of heartache.

So, His Majesty still remembers her father.

Does he know that her father has been wronged terribly?

"I heard that your father, mother, and entire family died on the way to exile?"

Emperor Shengwu turned his head to look at her and asked another question.

His smile was enigmatic, his emotions unreadable.

"Yes."

Cen Lingyi nodded, tears welling up in her eyes.

According to Lu Huaiyou, his parents are still alive.

But even if he survived, he must have suffered countless hardships.

She forced back her tears and compelled herself to remain calm.

The person before her was the ruler of the Great Sheng Dynasty; a single word from him could take her life.

She absolutely cannot afford to make the slightest mistake.

Yan Chenghui's fingertips curled slightly, and a few ripples appeared in his eyes before returning to silence after a moment.

"Do you hate me?" Emperor Shengwu turned to look at Yan Chenghui. "You serve in the Eastern Palace and have a past relationship with the Crown Prince. You wouldn't be thinking of using the Crown Prince to seek revenge against me, would you?"

"This servant wouldn't dare."

Cen Lingyi knelt down, her face pale, looking terrified.

She had heard her father say that Emperor Shengwu was extremely suspicious, and seeing him today confirmed it.

Even a helpless woman like her is suspected, let alone the officials in the court.

As the crown prince, Yan Chenghui was constantly suspected, and his life must have been difficult.

"Just afraid?"

Emperor Shengwu chuckled.

"His Highness the Crown Prince dislikes his servants; everyone in the Eastern Palace knows this. If Your Majesty does not believe it, you may ask him."

Cen Lingyi lowered her long eyelashes and softly defended herself.

"Oh? Your Highness, please speak."

Emperor Shengwu turned to look at Yan Chenghui.

Cen Lingyi swallowed hard. It seemed that Emperor Shengwu really suspected that she wanted to find Yan Chenghui to avenge her family.

She smiled bitterly to herself.

Yan Chenghui loathed her so much that he wished she were dead; Emperor Shengwu had overestimated her.

Yan Chenghui said expressionlessly, "Father knows about my past with her. Even if she were the only woman left in the world, I would never have any further entanglement with her. She was merely Huai Jiao's wet nurse. If Huai Jiao hadn't liked her, I would have driven her out of the Eastern Palace long ago."

His voice was clear and his words were articulate.

Cen Lingyi felt as if his words were like iron spikes hardened with ice, striking her heart.

In his heart, she was so despicable, so filthy that he wanted to avoid her at all costs.

She lowered her long, dark eyelashes, not daring to look up at him, afraid that she would immediately collapse and lose her composure.

"Your Majesty, today is my birthday. I summoned them here to celebrate. If Your Majesty wishes to interrogate them, please go to your Zichen Palace."

Consort Xiao helped Cen Lingyi up and spoke in a low voice, her tone somewhat cold.

"What are you saying, Your Highness? I was just asking casually." Emperor Shengwu's face regained its gentle expression. "I felt sorry for that girl from the Cen family, so I asked her a few more questions. Crown Prince, don't hold a grudge. It's all in the past now, and you're married with children, aren't you?"

As he spoke, he reached out to tease Yan Huaijiao, who was in Cen Lingyi's arms.

"Oh dear..."

When Yan Huaijiao saw him, she was not afraid at all, and even waved her little hands, wanting him to hold her.

"Does he like me?"

Emperor Shengwu was somewhat surprised and looked at Cen Lingyi to ask.

"It seems the young prince wants His Majesty to hold him."

Cen Lingyi explained softly.

"Not afraid of me? That's rare." Emperor Shengwu laughed and reached out to the little guy: "Come here, let Grandpa hold you."

Yan Huaijiao fell into his arms, blinked her dark eyes, stared at him for a moment, and then reached out her chubby little hand to grab his beard.

"Your Highness, you mustn't!"

Cen Lingyi was taken aback and quickly stopped her.

This little guy is incredibly audacious; he dares to pull anyone's beard.

Yan Huaijiao thought she was teasing him, so he pulled even harder, laughing crisply.

Emperor Shengwu didn't mind, and chuckled as he looked up.

"Your Majesty, I would like to spend some time alone with Xiao Liu."

Consort Xiao spoke up.

"it is good."

Emperor Shengwu granted his request.

Consort Xiao took Cen Lingyi's hand and turned back to call out, "Yuan Zhao, come here too."

Yuan Zhao was the childhood name of Yan Chenghui.

Yan Chenghui followed.

Cen Lingyi looked back at Yan Huaijiao with some unease.

What if the emperor is displeased if we just hand the child over like this...?

"That's his own grandson, what are you afraid of?"

Consort Xiao shook her hand.

When Cen Lingyi looked away, she saw Yan Chenghui with indifferent eyes, who was following them without saying a word.

Xia Qing watched their retreating figures, pinching her palms until they bled.

Consort Xiao took Cen Lingyi and Yan Chenghui away, doesn't that mean she tacitly acknowledges they are a couple? What is so private that it can't be said in front of these people?

She, the Crown Princess, has completely lost face today.

Gu Liangdi looked at Emperor Shengwu, who was holding and amusing the child at the head of the table, and a hint of coldness flashed in her eyes.

So what if Consort Xiao favored Cen Lingyi? In terms of background, demeanor, and family history, Cen Lingyi was ultimately destined to be out of favor.

Sun Liangyuan watched helplessly as Yan Chenghui followed Cen Lingyi away, her heart burning with rage.

Why is the Imperial Concubine so biased towards Cen Lingyi?

If the Imperial Concubine favored Xia Qinghe, she could accept it to some extent, since Xia Qinghe was, after all, the Crown Princess, and was dignified and generous in her conduct.

Who does Cen Lingyi even belong to?

She was a little exasperated, and suddenly remembered the task she had given to Granny Wang earlier that day.

She turned her head to look at Granny Wang.

When Wang Mama met her gaze, she nodded slightly.

Upon seeing this, Sun Liangyuan's anger vanished instantly, and she even couldn't help but smile.

Let Cen Lingyi be smug, let's see how long she can be smug.

*

Ninghe Palace's small garden is kept clean and tidy, with lush flowers and trees.

"Xiao Liu, over here."

Consort Xiao led Cen Lingyi to the cool pavilion by the pond.

The autumn breeze swept through the pavilion, bringing a refreshing feeling.

Several seasonal tribute items were laid out on the stone table.

Sugar-roasted chestnuts, honey-soaked lotus root, ginkgo nuts, agate persimmons...

The most eye-catching dish was a plate of freshly steamed autumn crabs, served with a dipping sauce of vinegar and ginger shreds. They were bright red and translucent, and extremely tempting.

"Sit here."

Consort Jia gestured for Cen Lingyi to sit down.

"Your Majesty, this servant..."

Cen Lingyi instinctively declined.

How could she be on equal footing with the Imperial Concubine?

"There are no outsiders here, so stop referring to yourself like that. I don't like it."

Consort Xiao forced her to sit down on the stone bench, then sat down herself and glanced back at Yan Chenghui.

"What are you standing there for? Come here."

Yan Chenghui stepped closer, pursed his lips, and stood by the table without saying a word.

"Peel the crab for me."

Consort Xiao picked out the largest crab and placed it in front of him.

"Little Six, help yourself to whatever you want to eat. Auntie will peel some chestnuts for you."

Consort Xiao reached out and took a few chestnuts.

"No need, I can do it myself."

Cen Lingyi also reached out and took a chestnut.

Consort Xiao treats her well, so she can't take herself too seriously.

Yan Chenghui took the copper spatula, pried open the crab's shell, and found it full of roe and fat, with a sweet and fresh aroma wafting out.

He broke off the crab claws, removed the hardened gills and stomach, and carefully picked out the oily crab roe and tender white crab meat, arranging them neatly in a small white jade dish decorated with gold, his movements practiced and skillful.

Cen Lingyi looked away, almost unable to resist swallowing.

Her favorite food is large crabs, which are transported from the south every autumn. Only half of them survive, and crabs this big are even rarer.

Every autumn back then, Yan Chenghui, her father, and her brother would try their best to get her crabs to eat.

She had seen Yan Chenghui peel crabs like this countless times.

He never eats it himself; he always peels it for her to eat.

"Is your aunt's kindness to you causing you any trouble?"

Consort Xiao suddenly remembered and asked a question.

She sent a palanquin to pick up Cen Lingyi because she knew Cen Lingyi wanted to hold the child, but she didn't think much of it at the time.

When Xia Qing and the others arrived at Ninghe Palace, she knew something was wrong just by looking at their expressions.

She's too good to Cen Lingyi; they must be jealous.

Although it was a well-intentioned act, it ended up harming Cen Lingyi.

No.

Cen Lingyi smiled.

Before, even without the things Consort Gui did, wasn't Consort Sun still targeting her at every turn?

Xia Qinghe's dislike for her had been brewing for a long time.

"I heard you and Lu Huaiyou broke up?"

Consort Xiao paused for a moment, then asked her softly.

"Um."

Cen Lingyi nodded.

"Why did you fall for him in the first place? Was there a hidden story behind it?"

Consort Xiao peeled a chestnut and placed it on the plate in front of her. As she asked her question, she glanced at Yan Chenghui.

She never believed that Cen Lingyi would abandon Yan Chenghui.

She watched this little girl grow up; she's the most affectionate and kind-hearted person. She wouldn't have done that unless absolutely necessary.

Cen Lingyi paused for a moment before replying.

"No, it's just that he treats me very well."

Her clear eyes were somewhat vacant.

There must be some hidden story.

Yan Chenghui was unwilling to listen, and even if he did, she wouldn't believe him.

Since things have come to this point, let's not dwell on it.

"Click—"

The small copper spoon in Yan Chenghui's hand broke, and he held the broken half of the spoon, his knuckles pale.

Was Lu Huaiyou good to her?

Is it better than how well he treated her?

Both Cen Lingyi and Consort Xiao glanced at him sideways.

Yan Chenghui tossed aside the broken key in his hand, picked up a new copper key, and continued what he was doing, his face nonchalant, only his lips pressed even tighter.

"You used to be so lively, but now you like to keep everything to yourself and won't tell your aunt anything."

Consort Xiao held Cen Lingyi's hand, her eyes filled with pity.

No.

Cen Lingyi smiled softly at her, her eyebrows curving upwards.

"Then call me."

Seeing her smile like that, Consort Xiao felt even more pain in her heart.

Cen Lingyi hesitated for a moment, but ultimately didn't want to disappoint her, so she called out softly.

"aunt."

"Good child." Consort Xiao patted her hand with satisfaction and pushed a plate of crab roe and crab meat that Yan Chenghui had peeled in front of her: "You like to eat this the most. It's rare for you to come to your aunt's place today, so eat this."

Yan Chenghui glanced at him, lowered his long eyelashes, and remained silent.

"Your Majesty is too kind to this humble servant. How could this servant possibly eat this?"

Cen Lingyi felt a chill run down her spine and immediately stood up and took half a step back.

Yan Chenghui already disliked her, and if she ate this dish of crab, it would only make him more unhappy.

After returning to the Eastern Palace, must he not humiliate her even more severely?

"You're talking like that again." Consort Xiao scolded her and grabbed her hand. "I asked him to peel it. You eat it, and I'll see who dares to say a word against it."

As she spoke, she deliberately glared at Yan Chenghui.

These words were clearly meant for Yan Chenghui's ears.

"Your Highness, I don't like eating crab anymore. This was peeled by His Highness the Crown Prince himself. Why don't we take it to the front and give it to the Crown Princess?"

Cen Lingyi lowered her long eyelashes, concealing the ripples in her eyes. Her voice was gentle, yet it carried a stubbornness that indicated she was drawing a line between herself and him.