Nong Nu Jiao

Just as Yan Chenghui finished bathing and lay down on the bed, a commotion arose outside.

"I need to see Your Highness, it's urgent!"

Sun Peihuan was filled with rage, and her loud voice carried straight into the inner palace.

Interspersed among them were voices of obstruction from Yun Que.

Yan Chenghui covered his eyes with his arm and listened to the noise outside, finding it extremely noisy.

The commotion outside continued for a while.

He threw back the covers and sat up, saying to the outside, "Yun Que, let her in."

"Yes." Yun Que pushed open the door and gestured to Sun Peihuan, "Please come in, Lady."

Sun Liangyuan snorted, glared at him, and then stepped inside.

"Your Highness..."

She entered the inner palace, about to burst into tears, when she caught sight of Yan Chenghui sitting on the edge of the bed, and suddenly forgot what she was going to say.

The young man before me was dressed in an ivory-white undergarment, the collar slightly open, revealing his pale skin and beautiful, neat lines on his shoulders and neck.

Her usually tied-up black hair was now loose, with a few stray strands curling up beside her face, giving her a rare air of languor.

He shed his usual imposing demeanor, revealing a refined and noble air, so handsome it was almost blinding.

Sun Peihuan almost dared not look him in the eye, yet she couldn't help but stare at him.

She had never seen Yan Chenghui like this before.

Your Highness is so handsome.

"What is it?"

Yan Chenghui frowned slightly and asked in a low voice.

Sun Peihuan then came to her senses, her eyes immediately reddening as she cried out in grievance and indignation, "Your Highness! The fire that broke out in the meditation room of Fahua Temple that day was not an accident at all. It was arson deliberately set by the Crown Princess. She was determined to burn me to death. I beg Your Highness to do justice for me, punish her severely, and avenge me!"

She rushed to Yan Chenghui, reaching out her hands to his knees to help him up.

Yan Chenghui suddenly stood up.

He walked to the table, poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, and then asked her, "Who told you about this?"

"Who needs to say it? I sent people to investigate, and it's her!"

Sun Peihuan turned around to look at him, somewhat excited.

Yan Chenghui put down his teacup and turned around: "What evidence do you have?"

Sun Peihuan was stumped by his question and opened her mouth but couldn't say a word.

She remembered what Lotus had said about the young novice monk who committed suicide out of fear of punishment.

She couldn't produce any evidence.

"But...but it's her..."

The people her brother gave her to are all capable; there's no way this matter could be wrong.

"I know you were terrified by the fire and have been living in constant fear and anxiety." Yan Chenghui softened his tone and said, "But the Crown Princess has always been dignified and self-disciplined, and she always acts in accordance with etiquette. She would never do something as malicious as arson to harm people. You must not make unfounded suspicions about her."

"Does Your Highness not trust me?"

Sun Peihuan looked at him, both angry and furious, tears streaming down her face.

It was clearly Xia Qinghe who did this, yet Yan Chenghui not only didn't help her get revenge, but also sided with Xia Qinghe.

Is Xia Qinghe really that good in his heart?

No wonder he only had children with Xia Qing!

Xia Qinghe, Xia Qinghe, damn Xia Qinghe!

"How could I not believe you? It's just that you're too impulsive. I'll have someone investigate this matter. Without evidence, you mustn't target the Crown Princess."

Yan Chenghui looked at her, his tone seemingly tinged with helplessness.

"It's definitely her..."

Sun Peihuan grew increasingly angry as she listened, and insisted on refuting the accusations.

Xia Qinghe is truly a master of pretense, with a malicious heart; even His Highness the Crown Prince was deceived by her act.

"I've been working on official business all night without sleep. You should go back to the hospital now."

Yan Chenghui raised his hand and pinched the bridge of his nose, his voice tinged with weariness.

Sun Peihuan didn't say anything, but stood up and stormed off.

He said "it's forbidden to target the Crown Princess," but on what grounds? Xia Qinghe almost burned her to death, so couldn't she fight back?

She's deliberately targeting Xia Qinghe!

If His Highness won't avenge her, she'll take it herself!

Her father and brothers held considerable military power, so why would they be afraid of Xia Qing and the mere daughter of a Minister of Rites?

Yan Chenghui lowered his hand, watching her figure disappear, his eyes cold.

*

Xia Qinghe and others were at the corner gate of the East Palace.

A magnificent and elegant carriage stopped in front of the East Palace Gate, with a moon-white gauze curtain hanging in front of the carriage.

"Your Majesty, the person has arrived."

We greet each other every year.

Xia Qinghe smiled and nodded slightly.

Qin Luoshui got off the carriage with the help of her maid.

Xia Qinghe's smiling gaze fell on her.

Qin Luoshui was petite and had large, round eyes. To put it nicely, she seemed intelligent; to put it bluntly, one could tell at a glance that she was scheming.

"I am ashamed that Sister Lao waited for me personally."

Upon seeing her, Qin Luoshui quickly stepped forward and bowed.

"Why are you being so polite, little sister?" Xia Qinghe helped her up and took her hand affectionately. "I received news from the Empress Dowager that you were coming to visit, so I waited patiently."

Qin Luoshui smiled and looked around: "Where is His Highness the Crown Prince?"

"His Highness was preoccupied with official duties and did not sleep all night. I have already sent someone to tell him that he will summon you when he wakes up."

Xia Qing said gently.

"it is good."

Qin Luoshui looked around and nodded.

Xia Qinghe led her into the main hall of the East Palace.

Qin Luoshui beckoned to her maid.

The maidservant immediately took the items upstairs.

"Sister, I came in a hurry and didn't prepare anything special. This is a secret anti-aging cream that the Empress Dowager bestowed upon me. I'm sharing it with you."

Qin Luoshui handed her a round jar, carved from a single piece of Hetian white jade, which looked quite valuable.

"How can this be? The Empress Dowager gave it to my sister, how can she give it to me?"

Xia Qinghe quickly declined.

"As the Crown Princess of the Eastern Palace, you should naturally use such fine things." Qin Luoshui took out three more identical white porcelain jars with gold trim: "These contain moisturizing balm. Please distribute them to the other sisters in the Eastern Palace. I won't distribute them to everyone individually."

"You're so thoughtful."

Xia Qinghe gestured for Niannian to accept, a hint of satisfaction and pride flashing in his eyes.

These moisturizing creams are just for everyday skin hydration; they can't compare to the royal secret recipe she received.

Qin Luoshui was someone who could distinguish between superiors and inferiors.

"I heard that Consort Cen is serving as the wet nurse for the young prince in the Eastern Palace. I have some things I'd like to give to her personally."

"Does my sister recognize Sister Cen?"

Xia Qinghe looked somewhat surprised and asked her softly.

"Not at all, we've only met two or three times at banquets before, and we've never spoken," Qin Luoshui said with a smile. "But I know that Her Majesty has always taken care of her, and her situation is difficult, so we should be understanding."

"You're a good person, then I'll take you there."

Xia Qinghe stood up with a smile, but displeasure flashed in her eyes.

"us"?

Before she even stepped inside, Qin Luoshui already considered herself a member of the Crown Prince's household.

Cen Lingyi was busy in the small kitchen in the side hall.

She was leaving and planned to make a lot of pastries at once and store them in the ice cellar for Da Chen, Xiao Chen, and the wet nurses to give to Yan Huaijiao.

Lingzhi led little Yan Huaijiao around the kitchen.

The little guy was restless and kept coming over to ask Cen Lingyi for a hug.

Cen Wanrou, Da Chen, and Xiao Chen also helped out, creating a very harmonious and cheerful atmosphere.

"Aunt Cen, Her Highness the Crown Princess has arrived."

There were maids outside to greet them.

"You guys go first."

Cen Lingyi gave them some instructions, wiped her hands, took off her apron, and walked out of the small kitchen.

"This servant greets Your Highness the Crown Princess."

She looked at Xia Qing and Yi Fu, and saw Xia Qing and the woman beside him who looked somewhat familiar.

"Sister Cen, this is Qin Luoshui, the granddaughter of the Duke of Dingguo. She has come to visit you."

Xia Qing and Han Xiao introduced.

"Miss Qin, you're too kind."

Cen Lingyi bowed to Qin Luoshui.

She understood immediately; upon hearing Xia Qinghe's words, she grasped his meaning.

The Duke of Dingguo was the Empress Dowager's younger brother, and Qin Luoshui was the Duke of Dingguo's eldest granddaughter.

A few days ago, Xia Qinghe said that the Eastern Palace was going to take in new concubines, and Qin Luoshui was probably one of the best among them.

I wonder if they came to see her to protest or something else?

In short, none of these people are simple.

Cen Lingyi glanced at Qin Luoshui.

This Miss Qin is petite, much shorter than me, and very thin. I wonder if she weighs about 70 pounds?

She thought of Yan Chenghui's little Yan Chenghui, which was about the same size as her forearm.

This Miss Qin is so frail, I'm afraid she is...

"Sister Cen, I've prepared some bird's nest, lotus seeds, and red dates for you. You've worked hard taking care of His Highness day and night, so I'll make some soup to nourish your body."

Qin Luoshui gestured to her maid to present the items.

"Thank you, Miss Qin. Please wait a moment."

Cen Lingyi glanced at the items on the tray, then turned and went into the kitchen.

She knows how to recognize good things.

Of all the things Qin Luoshui sent, only bird's nest was worth mentioning, but it was also the cheapest broken bird's nest.

She doesn't owe Qin Luoshui any favors.

A moment later, she brought out a plate of snacks.

"This is a soft pastry made by my own hands with Yunrong rice. It contains ghee, yam powder, and Yunrong rice from the West. Please don't find it offensive, Miss Qin."

Daigo is an essence cream extracted from cow's milk through repeated refining; it has a thick and rich texture and is considered very precious.

This was her way of showing her affection for Yan Huaijiao, so she bought it with her own money.

Bring me a plate first, to return the favor to Qin Luoshui.

Thank you.

Qin Luoshui gestured for the maid to take it.

Her gaze fell on Cen Lingyi's face.

After a long absence, Cen Lingyi's appearance remains as stunning as ever.

But what's the use?

After all, she had already been married and had children, so she could only work as a wet nurse in the Eastern Palace.

Cen Lingyi smiled faintly at her.

She knew Qin Luoshui wouldn't eat these snacks, just as she wouldn't eat anything Qin Luoshui brought her.

It's a shame that this plate of dessert was wasted.

"Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince has woken up and sent someone to invite Miss Qin to the Mingde Palace."

Every year, he would come in from outside and quickly step forward to report.

"Your Highness is awake. I'll take Sister Qin there."

Xia Qinghe greeted Qin Luoshui.

The two walked to the gate of Mingde Hall.

"Your Highness, please wait. Miss Qin, please wait."

Yun Gong and the others stood at the courtyard gate, smiling as they spoke.

"Your Highness doesn't allow people to enter Mingde Hall easily. This is the first time I've seen you here, which shows how much you are valued. Sister, you should cherish this opportunity and go quickly."

Xia Qinghe smiled and straightened Qin Luoshui's collar, though his hands were actually trembling with anger.

Is Yan Chenghui so unfriendly to her that he won't even let her enter the courtyard of Mingde Hall?

He used to always give her face in front of others, so how did things turn out like this?

She couldn't figure it out.

Could it be that the incident at Fahua Temple has given us away?

But she has already had that young novice monk dealt with, so no one should notice.

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty."

Qin Luoshui walked into Mingde Hall with a smile.

Yan Chenghui, with his hair tied in a topknot and dressed in a dark blue casual robe, sat upright behind his desk, his face aloof and noble. He raised his long, narrow black eyes and looked at the woman who had just entered through the door.

"Luoshui greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Qin Luoshui curtsied.

No need for formalities.

Yan Chenghui glanced at her for a moment, then spoke calmly.

"Your Highness, I had no prior dealings with the Crown Prince's Palace and was unaware of your preferences. Hearing that you were injured in the fire a few days ago, I hurriedly sewed this back brace, filled with mugwort and nourishing medicinal herbs, which should help with your injury..."

As Qin Luoshui spoke, she was about to present the dark-colored, cloud-patterned waist guard in her hand to him.

"Are you planning to move into the Eastern Palace?"

Yan Chenghui interrupted her and asked directly.