Nong Nu Jiao

"What are you trying to say?"

Consort Xiao raised her eyes to look at Yan Chenghui, a coldness appearing in them.

She had also heard about Yan Chenghui's favoritism towards Consort Sun.

Sun Liangyuan dared to target Cen Lingyi like this right in front of her.

One can only imagine what kind of life Cen Lingyi lived in the Eastern Palace.

"Sun Liangyuan was at fault in today's events, and I will punish her after I return to the Eastern Palace."

Yan Chenghui had indifferent eyebrows and a cold voice.

As Cen Lingyi listened, her heart ached and felt heavy.

Instead of pleading for Consort Sun, he said he would go back to the East Palace to deal with the matter, which was not as good as pleading directly with the Imperial Concubine.

Even after returning to the Eastern Palace, he still gets to call the shots.

The matter was considered closed down after Sun Liangyuan was arbitrarily confined and fined a few months' worth of allowance.

He intends to protect her, and Sun Liangyuan will not be punished in any way.

Upon hearing this, Sun Liangyuan was overjoyed. She glanced at Cen Lingyi, a smug look flashing in her eyes.

So what if Cen Lingyi exposed this matter? Didn't His Highness still side with her?

Once we return to the Eastern Palace, His Highness will naturally let this matter rest.

Xia Qinghe glanced at Yan Chenghui.

Yan Chenghui has always been cold-hearted.

In the past, he wouldn't even glance at anyone except Cen Lingyi.

Having grown up together since childhood, she knew very well.

After Sun Zhenglie led his troops into battle, Yan Chenghui began to value Consort Sun.

Sun Liangyuan was probably the only woman besides Cen Lingyi who had physical intimacy with Yan Chenghui.

Seeing Yan Chenghui protecting Sun Liangyuan like this, she felt very unhappy.

She held back, not daring to ask the Imperial Concubine to handle the matter impartially.

After all, she and Yan Chenghui had agreed to remain a couple in name only. Getting involved would only annoy Yan Chenghui.

"Consort Sun's plot to harm the imperial heir is no small matter. Since it has reached the ears of the Imperial Concubine, why doesn't Your Highness allow the Imperial Concubine to handle it?"

Seeing Sun Liangyuan tugging at Yan Chenghui's sleeve in such an affected manner, Gu Liangdi finally couldn't help but speak up.

Sun Liangyuan was only of average appearance, not very bright, and her family background was just so-so. She was just lucky to be born into such a family, with a brute father who was good at fighting.

She had long disliked Sun Liangyuan, and now that Cen Lingyi had finally found something to hold against Sun Liangyuan, why didn't she give it a push?

Upon hearing this, Sun Liangyuan turned to look at her, her heart filled with resentment.

Gu Liangdi is usually arrogant and has little interaction with her, so why is she kicking her when she's down?

"Consort Gu is right. This happened in my Ninghe Palace, and it's a serious matter of plotting to harm the imperial heir. How can I ignore it? Guards, take Granny Wang out and beat her to death with sticks."

Consort Xiao gave an order, then rose and slowly walked to Consort Sun, stopping in her tracks.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, I was acting under the orders of Consort Sun. I had no choice but to do it. It was all Consort Sun's doing. She kidnapped my children and grandchildren. I really had no other option. I beg Your Highness to have mercy on me... Ugh..."

Granny Wang immediately begged for mercy.

Wang Yun waved goodbye.

Immediately, someone gagged Granny Wang and dragged her out.

A muffled thud came from outside, followed by a muffled groan from Granny Wang, whose mouth was covered.

Soon there was no further movement.

The main hall was silent, everyone lost in their own thoughts.

Consort Xiao looked down at Consort Sun, remaining silent but exuding an imposing aura.

"I did do it, but I had no intention of harming the imperial heir. I refuse to accept Your Highness's decision to punish me."

Seeing Wang Mama's fate, Sun Liangyuan felt a bit of fear, but thinking of her father and Yan Chenghui supporting her, she regained some confidence.

"My father is fighting on the battlefield, quelling the chaos for the country. All the officials know of the Sun family's contributions. Your Highness, are you not afraid that such harsh treatment of me will destabilize the morale of the troops on the border?"

Cen Lingyi's eyelashes fluttered slightly as she glanced at Sun Liangyuan.

Sun Liangyuan brought up her father's experience of leading troops into battle again.

It's not her fault; every time she brings it up, it works on Yan Chenghui.

"Leading troops into battle is your father's glory, not the basis for your wrongdoing in the Eastern Palace. But does your father allow you to abuse your favor and harm the royal bloodline?"

Consort Xiao's face turned cold as she lowered her eyes and questioned him, her imposing presence radiating authority without anger.

Consort Sun was momentarily speechless at her words, but remained defiant, stubbornly insisting, "I was merely angry that Nurse Cen monopolized His Highness's affections all day, and in a moment of confusion, I ordered Granny Wang to act. I had absolutely no intention of harming him. Besides, His Highness was not injured in the slightest. Since Your Highness has already punished Granny Wang, why insist on dwelling on my minor mistake?"

She knelt on the ground, craning her neck to look elsewhere.

Anyway, His Highness the Crown Prince will protect her, and even the Imperial Concubine can't do anything to her.

Seeing this, Xia Qinghe lowered his head and smiled silently.

That stupid Sun Liangyuan relies on her father's military achievements in every sentence, and she is arrogant and domineering.

If she hadn't acted this way, with His Highness protecting her, she might have truly escaped this calamity today.

"Gelsemium elegans powder, even a small amount will cause Huai Jiao's skin to break out in rashes and ulcers. If she accidentally ingests it, it will kill her within a few hours. You call this a moment of foolishness?" Consort Xiao laughed and raised her chin to pronounce the verdict: "Consort Sun is arrogant by nature, vicious in heart, and has poisoned the imperial heir without remorse. She is immediately stripped of her title of Consort and demoted to the rank of Attendant-in-Waiting. All her rewards and ceremonial regalia are revoked, and most of her palace staff are reduced, leaving only two maids to serve her."

She was amused by Sun Liangyuan. Sun Zhenglie was a good commander, so how could he have given birth to a daughter as reckless as Sun Liangyuan?

No, she's Sun Fengyi now.

"Your Highness, if my father were here today, you..."

Sun Fengyi panicked and raised her voice.

She glanced at Yan Chenghui instinctively, her eyes filled with pleading.

Yan Chenghui remained silent, pursing his lips.

"Mentioning Sun Zhenglie is useless," the Imperial Concubine interrupted her coldly. "You are arrogant and disrespectful; it seems that simply stripping you of your rank is not enough. Guards, drag Consort Sun out and give her fifty strokes of the cane, so she will learn her lesson."

Wangyue, accompanied by several eunuchs, stepped forward and dragged Sun Fengyi away.

"Your Highness, save me!"

Sun Fengyi grabbed Yan Chenghui's sleeve, pleading for help.

Now she knew fear. Fifty strokes of the cane could kill a grown man; how could her body withstand it?

She didn't want to be left to rot on the spot.

"Mother, Lady Sun is arrogant and foolish; she did not intend to harm the imperial heir. The Sun family has guarded the border for generations and has achieved great military exploits. Her father is still fighting bravely in the Northwest. He is a loyal and virtuous man worthy of pity. Today's demotion is enough punishment. Let's spare the caning. Let's save some face for Sun Zhenglie and put his mind at ease."

Yan Chenghui opened his lips.

Cen Lingyi's eyelashes trembled very slightly.

Her fingertips unconsciously tightened, gripping the hem of Yan Huaijiao's clothes in her arms. A slight, dull pain came from her fingertips, barely suppressing the sour feeling surging in her throat.

He felt sorry for Sun Fengyi.

In his eyes, even his own son was far less important than Consort Sun. If she hadn't been on guard, the young prince would have suffered a lot, but he didn't care at all.

Just how much did he love Sun Fengyi?

"Since the Crown Prince pleads for leniency, then he shall be flogged twenty times as a warning to others."

Consort Xiao did not insist and readily agreed.

Cen Lingyi couldn't help but look up at her, her dark eyes flashing.

Consort Xiao smiled at her and winked.

Cen Lingyi lowered her head and smiled quietly.

She understood that Consort Xiao's initial statement of "fifty strokes of the cane" was intentional, intended as a pretext for Yan Chenghui to plead on her behalf.

Since Yan Chenghui had already reduced the punishment by thirty strokes, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to plead for leniency.

As expected, Yan Chenghui remained silent.

The eunuchs restrained Sun Fengyi.

She was both shocked and furious, struggling desperately and shouting, "I refuse to submit! I beg Your Majesty to make the decision!"

She's never suffered like this in her life.

Twenty strokes of the cane would be enough to kill her.

"If His Majesty knew of this, he would only add twenty more strokes of the cane and drag it out."

Consort Xiao was too lazy to argue with her any further and waved her hand to signal the execution.

Sun Fengyi was pressed onto the torture bench in the corridor, and the dull thud of the wooden cane hitting his body rang out.

"Ah... Your Highness, save me..."

At first, Sun Fengyi was able to scream for help, but her voice became distorted from the pain.

Later, her back was torn open, and she was in excruciating pain. She could no longer scream and could only whimper softly.

Cen Lingyi stood there holding Yan Huaijiao, her expression gentle and peaceful, seemingly without any emotion.

But the pent-up frustration in her heart was gradually dissipating with each muffled thud.

Sun Fengyi had her cousin Wu Liguang ambush her in the garden of the East Palace, intending to kill her.

Drugging the young princess was also a way to drive her out of the Eastern Palace.

Today's beating was her "return gift" to Sun Fengyi.

She hadn't felt this refreshed in a long time.

After being given twenty strokes of the cane, Sun Fengyi was lying on the torture bench, unable to walk, and was carried into the palace by two palace servants.

Her hair was disheveled, her face was pale, and her face was covered with sweat and tears. Dark red bloodstains on her back soaked through her clothes and clung to her body. Every movement brought excruciating pain.

He looked utterly disheveled, completely lacking his usual composure.

"Just now you kept saying you were using your father to intimidate me, do you now realize your mistake?"

Consort Xiao looked down at her from her high position.

"I... know I was wrong..."

Sun Fengyi was in so much pain that he trembled all over and almost collapsed to the ground, his previous toughness completely gone.

"You're not truly repentant; you're just afraid of being flogged." Consort Xiao waved her hand: "Go back and reflect on your actions in seclusion for a month."

Lotus and Lotus stepped forward to help Sun Fengyi walk outside.

Behind them came the voice of Consort Xiao.

"Wangyun, you may serve the meal now."

Upon hearing this, Sun Fengyi stiffened, a wave of humiliation and resentment rising in her heart.

Despite being beaten so badly by Consort Xiao, she still acted as if nothing had happened and continued to hold her birthday banquet.

She mustered all her strength and glanced back.

They saw Cen Lingyi, standing tall and straight, smiling as she spoke with Consort Xiao.

You bitch!

Cen Lingyi must have planned this all along. She came to the palace today to expose this matter to Consort Xiao, so that she could use Consort Xiao to punish her.

That vile hussy has such a deep mind!

Thinking of this, Sun Fengyi felt his blood surging in his chest, and he was so angry that he almost vomited blood.

"Bong-yi, let's hurry back and fetch a doctor. Your body can't hold on like this..."

Lan Hua, feeling guilty, whispered a reminder to her.

"Smack..."

Sun Fengyi slapped her, the sound was not loud and the force was not great, but she was in so much pain that she could hardly stand up.

"By order..."

Lan Hua, unaware of what she had done wrong, looked at her with teary eyes.

"You're quick to change your mind."

Sun Fengyi gritted his teeth.

She had finally become His Highness's Consort, but that damned Consort Xiao demoted her to the rank of Attendant with a single sentence, putting her on equal footing with Attendant Li, whom she usually looked down upon the most!

Inside the hall, Consort Xiao looked at Xia Qinghe and said, "Your Highness, Huai Jiao's side hall has lost its head nanny. There is no need to choose another one. Let Xiao Liu be the head nanny, and select a few more people to serve her. From now on, when you see her, you should call her 'Auntie'."

She had no idea that Xiao Liu's status in the Eastern Palace was so low that even a head maid could often make things difficult for her.

They all called Xiao Liu "Nanny Cen," which sounded awful, so she took it upon herself to promote Cen Lingyi to the position of head aunt.

"Yes, I had always intended to do so."

Xia Qing and Han Xiao agreed.

Consort Xiao, however, was not so easily fooled. A smile played on her lips as she looked at her and asked, "Then why didn't you make a decision sooner?"

She doesn't like this daughter-in-law.

They're always putting on airs, hiding their true feelings, and they're not honest at all.

"I dare not make decisions arbitrarily."

Xia Qinghe glanced at Yan Chenghui.

"What? The Crown Prince won't allow me to make this decision?"

Consort Xiao turned to look at Yan Chenghui, a hint of annoyance in her eyes.

Why is he so vengeful?

Seeing Xiao Liu suffer, he was able to harden his heart.

"Your subject will leave all decisions to Mother."

Yan Chenghui lowered his eyes, his tone indifferent.

"That's more like it." Consort Xiao instructed, "Wangyue, set a small table next to me for Xiao Liu to sit on."

She was determined to give Xiao Liu the respect she deserved, so that no one would dare to look down on her.

"Your Highness, could you please have someone bring some hot water so I can bathe His Highness?"

Cen Lingyi looked at the little one in her arms.

The powder is still stuck to his body; we need to wash it off quickly.

"Bring me hot water."

Consort Xiao raised her hand and gave the order.

After taking a bath, Yan Huaijiao drank breast milk and then fell asleep.

Cen Lingyi was delighted. With Consort Xiao protecting her, and Yan Huaijiao asleep on the bed in the inner palace, she enjoyed her dinner comfortably.

Wang Yun came in from outside and whispered a few words in Consort Xiao's ear.

Consort Xiao nodded and beckoned to Cen Lingyi.

Cen Lingyi got up and walked over.

Consort Xiao whispered in her ear, "Princess Taihe has arrived and is waiting for you outside. Go and see her; there's no need to rush back."

"Yes."

Cen Lingyi curtsied to her and then left, lifting her skirt.

Yan Chenghui looked up at her departing figure, his brows furrowing slightly.

Cen Lingyi quickly left Ninghe Palace.

Princess Taihe was indeed waiting at the door: "Little Six, come quickly."

Upon seeing Cen Lingyi, she waved to her cheerfully.

"How did the princess get here?"

Cen Lingyi walked over and asked her with a smile.

"Don't call me Princess, call me Zhenzhen." Princess Taihe took her hand and led her forward. "I knew you were coming to the palace today for Consort Xiao's birthday, so I specially arranged with Song Mingchi that he would have something to say to you."

Where is he?

Upon hearing this, Cen Lingyi couldn't help but look around.

She was looking forward to it.

Song Mingchi is helping her investigate her father's affairs; perhaps there's some new progress?

"Fool, this is the inner palace, how could he possibly get in?" Princess Taihe laughed. "I've prepared wine and dishes in the pavilion in the Imperial Garden, let's have a meal together."

"I just ate at Ninghe Palace."

Cen Lingyi said with a smile.

"Eat less and keep us company. Oh, I heard Consort Sun was punished by the Imperial Concubine? What happened?"

Princess Taihe pulled her along quickly, remembering the matter, and asked her curiously.

"She is no longer a Lady-in-Waiting, but a Lady-in-Waiting."

Cen Lingyi was in a great mood when she talked about this.

"What happened? Tell me quickly."

Princess Taihe tugged at her sleeve and asked.

Cen Lingyi then recounted the events, starting with how Sun Fengyi had her cousin ambush her, and gave a general account of what had happened.

"Sun Peihuan has always been like that, she's bad without even realizing it, she deserves it."

Princess Taihe laughed.

The two left the inner palace and entered the imperial garden.

"There he is." Princess Taihe pointed ahead and called out, "Song Mingchi."

Song Mingchi responded and stood up to greet him.

Cen Lingyi saw Song Mingchi's spirited figure from afar.

"Jing Xiao".

She greeted him.

"Lingyi, come and sit down."

Song Mingchi greeted her, then turned around and walked into the pavilion side by side with her.

The three sat down at the stone table, where several small dishes and a pot of fine wine were already laid out.

"Come on, fill it up. Let's celebrate Xiao Liu getting revenge for himself."

Princess Taihe picked up the wine pot and poured wine for Cen Lingyi.

"I need to feed His Highness, so I cannot drink strong liquor."

Cen Lingyi quickly declined.

"It's just fruit wine, it's fine."

Princess Taihe forcefully pulled her hand away and poured her a cup of wine.

"What revenge are you seeking?"

Song Mingchi asked curiously.

"It's nothing serious."

Cen Lingyi was a little embarrassed to say it.

"Let me speak."

Princess Taihe, being quick to speak, relayed everything she had just heard from Cen Lingyi to Song Mingchi.

After listening, Song Mingchi said, "The Sun family has always been so arrogant and domineering. There is a saying in the 'Strategies of the Warring States': 'Those who rely on favor will be dismissed when favor fades; those who rely on merit will be in danger when merit is high.' Let's see what happens in the future."

As they were both from military families, they knew a lot about the Sun family.

His father taught him from a young age that he must never be arrogant or complacent, for that would be digging his own grave.

Cen Lingyi smiled but remained silent.

Regardless of the Sun family's situation, Sun Fengyi has Yan Chenghui protecting her, so she won't be in any serious trouble.

"That's right, let's have a drink to celebrate Xiao Liu's triumphant return."

Princess Taihe raised her wine cup and gestured to Cen Lingyi.

"I really can't drink..."

Cen Lingyi naturally declined.

"Oh dear, a little bit won't hurt. Song Mingchi, you should persuade her to stop."

Princess Taihe loved lively gatherings and insisted on having a bite of food with her.

Song Mingchi also laughed and said, "There's no one else here, so it's a rare opportunity to relax. Don't be too reserved."

The three of them grew up together and had a deep friendship. Cen Lingyi couldn't refuse, so she had two cups with them.

The fruit wine went down her throat, its warmth spreading across her face, and the tension in her body eased at that moment.

"I wanted to tell you today that I sent someone to the place where my uncle controlled the floods back then, and they made a handwritten book of the river works' income and expenditure. Would you like to take a look?"

Song Mingchi asked her.

"Let me see."

Cen Lingyi's dark eyes immediately lit up.

This is also crucial physical evidence for overturning the father's case.

"Give."

Song Mingchi took the account book and handed it to her.

Cen Lingyi opened it and looked at it carefully. The records were detailed, and every single detail was remembered clearly.

"Many people in the river works are grateful for my uncle's kindness and are willing to stand up and testify on his behalf."

Song Mingchi said softly.

"Okay, please keep this safe for me."

Cen Lingyi closed the account book, her eyes feeling a little hot.

The saying "Many righteous men are from humble backgrounds" is absolutely true.

None of the merchants were willing to testify for her father; on the contrary, it was the laborers who were doing hard labor who were willing to stand up and seek justice for her father.

"Another piece of evidence. Shouldn't we celebrate and have a drink?"

Princess Taihe raised her wine cup once again.

"You'll start a fuss."

Cen Lingyi looked at her with amusement.

"Cheers."

Princess Taihe touched her cup, making a crisp sound.

Cen Lingyi held the wine cup, tilted her head back and drank it all in one gulp, a light blush rising on her face.

In front of the two people she had been with since childhood, her eyes and brows showed a vividness and liveliness that had not been seen for a long time.

Behind the bushes not far away, Yan Chenghui stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the three people in the pavilion with a cold gaze.

"Lingyi, don't move."

Song Mingchi suddenly called out to Cen Lingyi.

"What's wrong?"

Cen Lingyi's dark eyes were clear as she looked at him blankly.

She drank a few cups of wine, and a faint pink tinge appeared on her fair face, her skin as white as snow and her features as beautiful as a flower, her complexion as red as a crabapple blossom.

There is a leaf.

As soon as he finished speaking, Song Mingchi moved closer and carefully removed the small leaf from her hair.

"Thanks."

Cen Lingyi smiled at him, her bright eyes sparkling.

Song Mingchi averted his gaze, not daring to look at her, and his ears gradually turned red.

In that instant, he was in a state of confusion, as if he had forgotten his own surname.

When he pulled his hand back, he accidentally knocked over the wine cup in front of him.

Be careful.

Cen Lingyi quickly reached out to help the wine cup up.

At this moment, Song Mingchi's ears turned red, and his face slowly turned red as well.

As Yan Chenghui watched this scene, his hands behind his back unconsciously clenched, his knuckles making a soft cracking sound.

She was completely submissive and never smiled in his presence.

She was quite enthusiastic when facing Song Mingchi.

"It's getting late, the young prince should be waking up soon, I need to go pick him up."

Cen Lingyi looked at the moon in the sky.

She always kept her identity in mind, and this moment of relaxation was a rare treat for her.

"I send you."

Princess Taihe stood up.

"No need, I know the way to Ninghe Palace. Please sit for a while longer."

Cen Lingyi waved her hand in refusal.

She visited the palace many times when she was a child, and she knows almost all the roads in the palace.

"Then I won't see you off."

Princess Taihe, not wanting to walk that far, simply said something from behind.

"Need not."

Cen Lingyi turned around and smiled at them.

She walked briskly forward. There were lanterns everywhere in the palace, and palace servants occasionally walked by, but she wasn't afraid.

As they walked to a corner not far from Ninghe Palace, they suddenly heard footsteps behind them.

She subconsciously turned around and saw that tall and upright figure, and her heart skipped a beat.

It was Yan Chenghui.

Where did he go? How did he end up behind her?

She quickened her pace, intending to pretend she hadn't seen him.

"Cen Lingyi, stop right there."

Yan Chenghui called out to her.

Cen Lingyi had no choice but to stop and turn around to bow respectfully to him: "This servant greets Your Highness."

Yan Chenghui strode forward, exuding an imposing aura. He suddenly raised his hand and grabbed her slender wrist with great force, pulling her backward.

She staggered, her back pressed uncontrollably against the palace wall.

The person in front of her drew closer, their hard chest right in front of her, blocking all her escape routes.

His refreshing fragrance lingered around her nose.

She turned her head, but couldn't avoid it.

"What is Your Highness doing?"

Suppressing her fear, Cen Lingyi asked in a calm tone.

Is he crazy?

This is inside the palace!

Emperor Shengwu also suspected that they would collude to seek revenge against him.

If they were seen by someone, neither of them would be in good shape.

"Did I ever tell you to behave yourself in front of your mother?"

Yan Chenghui questioned him in a cold voice.

"Yes."

Cen Lingyi lowered her long eyelashes and responded softly.

He's in such a hurry to settle scores with Sun Peihuan, can't he even wait until he gets back to the East Palace?

"Is that so?" Yan Chenghui leaned closer, pressing his head down. "So you meticulously plotted to the point where she was demoted and publicly flogged?"

Cen Lingyi's back stiffened slightly as she slowly raised her face. Her dark eyes, clear and bright in the dim light, showed no fear or evasion.

"If Consort Sun hadn't harbored malicious intentions and plotted to harm the young prince, how could this servant have schemed against her? She brought this upon herself and deserves her just deserts."

It was clearly Sun Fengyi who plotted against her first, but in his mouth, it became that she "planned step by step" and "schemed" against Sun Fengyi.

He really dotes on Sun Fengyi.

"What a silver tongue you have! Smile, why aren't you smiling?"

Yan Chenghui pinched her chin with his long fingers and stared at her rosy lips.

She exuded a unique sweet fragrance, mixed with a faint aroma of fruit wine.

He couldn't help but picture her smiling and chatting with Song Mingchi just now.

Cen Lingyi found him completely baffling.

What are you laughing at?

Can she smile in front of him?

"laugh."

Yan Chenghui placed his thumb on her soft lower lip, rubbing it heavily in an intimate manner.