Nong Nu Jiao

"What are you afraid of him for? You two aren't the same people you used to be."

Song Mingchi walked to the table and put down the package he was carrying.

"No," Cen Lingyi explained as she followed, "This is the inner quarters of the Eastern Palace. No unauthorized men are allowed to enter. Being caught is a serious crime."

He's right.

Yan Chenghui went to Sun Fengyi's courtyard, where he was going to stay overnight, so he couldn't possibly care about her.

She's being far too presumptuous.

Thinking this way, she felt a little more at ease.

"He won't execute me."

Song Mingchi didn't care much.

"What are these?"

Cen Lingyi walked over and looked at the package on the table.

Song Mingchi untied the package and said, "I went to see a doctor. You must be feeling quite unwell, right?"

He knew that Yan Chenghui would not treat her well after he took her away.

He was restless all afternoon.

Unable to sit still any longer, he went to find a doctor to get medicine and managed to get into the inner quarters of the Eastern Palace.

Cen Lingyi coughed lightly and nodded: "I just had a burning throat, felt a little dizzy, and had no energy, but I felt much better after sleeping all afternoon."

She took the tinderbox and lit the candle on the table.

The dim firelight flickered slightly, illuminating Song Mingchi's bold and flamboyant features.

"The doctor said that the smoke has accumulated in your lungs, burning your lung ducts, which is why you have a burning throat and some coughing. Also, the smoke has disturbed your blood and mind, causing dizziness, tinnitus, and general weakness."

Song Mingchi continued.

He spoke to the doctor about Cen Lingyi's condition, asked her detailed questions, and remembered them clearly.

"That's true. Even if I don't go, the doctor can still make a diagnosis?"

Cen Lingyi found it rather strange, so she poured a cup of tea and placed it in front of him.

"This isn't an illness, it's just smoke inhalation. It doesn't matter whether you see me or not." Song Mingchi took things out of the package: "These are some Qingyan Ningfei Yangxin Tang (a traditional Chinese medicine formula for clearing smoke, calming the lungs, and nourishing the heart). Boil eight bowls of water down to one bowl. Take three doses a day on an empty stomach. This is a three-day supply. I'll bring you more when you finish it."

"Three days should be enough, no need to send it."

Cen Lingyi covered her mouth and coughed twice more.

"These are Solomon's seal, goji berries, glutinous rice, and some other ingredients, stewed together into porridge. The doctor said it can clear deficiency heat, nourish the heart and lungs, and stop dizziness."

Song Mingchi explained it to her in detail.

"So many."

Cen Lingyi reached out and rummaged through the pile of things.

If you cook so many things together into porridge, wouldn't it take half a month to eat it?

Her eyes were a little red.

I recall Yan Chenghui's concern and indulgence towards Sun Fengyi.

What about her?

Having escaped death, Yan Chenghui not only asked me a question, but also forced her to stay in Mingde Palace to serve him and watch him and Sun Fengyi be affectionate.

She looked up at Song Mingchi again.

Song Mingchi and Princess Taihe had always treated her very well, and this remained unchanged even after the Cen family suffered a misfortune.

"You've suffered a lot this time, it's really bad for your health, don't take it lightly."

Song Mingchi sat down on the bench, picked up his teacup and took a sip, noticing her reddened eyes.

He frowned: "Did Yan Chenghui make you suffer again?"

"No." Cen Lingyi shook her head, quickly changing the subject: "Do you know where my half-sister is?"

She abandoned Yan Chenghui, and any grievances she suffered at his hands in the Eastern Palace were her retribution.

She was willing to take responsibility, and had no grievances to complain about.

"Lu Huaiyou had previously hidden her in the suburbs, changing her location several times. The day before yesterday, he brought her back to the Lu residence and hid her in the Buddhist hall."

Song Mingchi said in a low voice.

"A Buddhist shrine? Is it Lu's mother's Buddhist shrine?"

Cen Lingyi suddenly stood up.

She wants to see her sister, right now.

Once you see your sister, you can find out where your parents and brother are.

"On the day of Lu Huaiyou's wedding, I won't have time to think about anything else. I'll take you to see her."

Song Mingchi placed his hand on her shoulder and pressed her down to sit.

Cen Lingyi nodded: "Alright."

"I've never understood why you stayed in the Crown Prince's palace and suffered his humiliation?"

Song Mingchi looked up at her, a hint of heartache flashing in his eyes, and indignation rising in his heart.

Is she really that unable to let go of Yan Chenghui?

Yan Chenghui treated her like that, so why should she stay?

"I'm here to find my child. He was taken away by the second prince, and I only saw him once when he was born."

Cen Lingyi's tone was sour.

"I know, I'm sending people to help you look for it. Don't worry, we'll find it."

Song Mingchi offered words of comfort to her.

"Lu Huaiyou found the child. He took me to see him on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival."

Cen Lingyi quickly regained her composure and her expression returned to normal.

"Found it? Where is it?"

Song Mingchi frowned.

He became suspicious.

He sent so many people out, but they couldn't find any clues about the child. How could Lu Huaiyou find out?

Cen Lingyi told him in detail about the place Lu Huaiyou had taken him that day: "I didn't want to stay in the East Palace in the first place, but I had no choice. Now that the child has been found, I would like to ask you to help me see if I can bring the child to your side first, and then take him with me when I leave the East Palace."

She raised her dark eyes and looked at him pleadingly, yet also felt a little guilty.

Song Mingchi helped her a lot.

"I've memorized the location; I'll go check it out later."

Song Mingchi nodded in agreement.

"However, I'm not sure if that's really my child. If possible, I'd like to ask you to help me test the waters and mediate."

Cen Lingyi continued.

"I will."

Song Mingchi had originally planned to do this.

"Jingxiao, thank you."

Cen Lingyi pursed her lips, but ultimately couldn't hold back her tears welling up again.

"We're all on the same side, why are you being so polite with me?"

Song Mingchi smiled, revealing his teeth, exuding masculine charm and a forthright, honest demeanor.

"I...I feel I have no way to repay you, and I feel ashamed..."

Cen Lingyi choked up for a moment, then raised her hand to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes.

Perhaps there is a chance to repay Song Mingchi, but that will have to wait until his father's case is overturned.

Who knows when it will be over?

"Let's not use such formal language between us."

Song Mingchi curled his fingertips, resisting the urge to wipe away her tears.

She is in distress now.

If he were to take this opportunity to propose to her, it would inevitably be seen as taking advantage of her vulnerability.

A real man shouldn't do such a thing.

Anyway, she and Lu Huaiyou have already separated, so let's take it slow.

"I originally planned to take the opportunity to leave on the day of Lu Huaiyou's wedding, but I almost got burned to death in the fire today. I'm not feeling well and need to rest for a few days, so I'm afraid I can't leave for the time being."

Cen Lingyi lowered her head and spoke slowly.

The dim candlelight fell on her face, making her skin appear even more translucent and fair. Her dark eyes were moist and glistening with tears, the corners of her eyes red and moist.

Her tearful appearance was so captivating that it made one's heart clench and ache with anguish.

"It's alright, your recovery is the most important thing."

Song Mingchi resisted the urge to take her hand and comfort her, his voice a little hoarse.

Cen Lingyi remained silent for a moment, then, as if waking from a dream, she got up, wiped away her tears, walked to the bedside, opened the drawer, and took out the remaining gold ingots and a few pieces of jewelry.

She handed him the things, saying, "Jingxiao, this is all the money I have right now. Take it and I won't keep it from you."

Although Yan Chenghui will not come, the inner quarters of the Eastern Palace are unlike other places; they are always heavily guarded.

If he gets caught, Yan Chenghui will definitely not let him off easily.

"Why are you giving me these?"

Song Mingchi pushed those things away.

"You'll need money to do things for me, and this is all I have. Don't think it's too little."

Cen Lingyi reached out her hand again.

"No need." Song Mingchi stood up, took a bulging money pouch from his sleeve, and placed it in her hand: "Take this and use it."

The purse felt heavy in her hand, making Cen Lingyi's hand sink down.

"No way, you've helped me so much, and I haven't even reciprocated, how can I possibly use your money..."

She realized what was happening and quickly declined, wanting to return the money bag.

"Princess Taihe asked me to bring this to you. I added half of it. Money gives you courage, no matter when or where. Take it and use it first."

Song Mingchi pushed her hand back, insisting that she accept the bag of money.

"No, I really don't need it..."

Cen Lingyi declined.

Suddenly, a sound came from outside the door, as if something had fallen to the ground.

"Who?"

Cen Lingyi was startled and looked up in the direction of the sound.

Song Mingchi also looked back.

There was complete silence outside, and no one responded.

Yan Huaijiao stood outside the door, his back taut like an arrow on a bowstring, his aura fierce and intimidating.

Medicine and food were scattered all over the floor.

Yun Gong watched her prince's retreating figure with trepidation. She wanted to step forward and say a few words of advice, but fearing for her own life, she ultimately shrank back and chose to be a coward.

His Highness only stayed at Sun Fengyi's place for less than half an hour before returning to Mingde Hall.

After returning, His Highness did not rest. He dealt with official business all afternoon and did not eat dinner. He took the soup and nourishing ingredients and went to the side hall.

Who knew that General Song was actually in Miss Cen's room.

This is the inner quarters of the Eastern Palace! General Song is incredibly audacious. How could His Highness not be angry?

Heavens above, why hasn't Yun Que returned yet?

He didn't know how to deal with it.

"Something must have been blown away by the wind." Cen Lingyi didn't seem to care and continued to refuse, "Take this money with you, I won't give you mine."

She really didn't know how she would ever repay the many favors she owed Song Mingchi.

"Take it. If you feel bad about it, consider it a loan. In your situation, how can you manage without money..."

Song Mingchi pushed her hand back and prepared to leave through the back window.

"Clang—"

As the two were pushing and shoving each other, a loud crash was heard, and the wooden door was suddenly kicked open from the outside.

A strong gust of wind rushed into the room, causing the candlelight to flicker violently.

Cen Lingyi and Song Mingchi looked over at the same time, and each took a step back, separating their hands that were pushing each other.

"You two are so affectionate and tender, Cen Lingyi, you've come to the Eastern Palace to have your affair with someone! What kind of filthy place do you think this is?"

Yan Chenghui stood at the door, his words extremely sarcastic and biting, his dark eyes surging with overwhelming ferocity, almost tearing the two people in front of him apart.

Cen Lingyi suddenly saw him and her heart tightened.

These humiliating remarks hit her like hailstones, leaving her feeling both bitter and aching.

In his heart, was she really that worthless?

Standing next to Song Mingchi, Song Mingchi is helping her, but it's all because she cheated on him?

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she instinctively took a step forward, standing in front of Song Mingchi.

"Your Highness misunderstands. Jingxiao only came to deliver some medicine to treat my lung injury. There is nothing else between us."

She tried her best to hide her embarrassment and keep her tone calm.

Song Mingchi had helped her a lot, and she couldn't let Yan Chenghui hurt him.