Chapter 82

Chapter 82

"You... who are you?"

You Nan stared in bewilderment at the man who had approached him, backing away continuously.

Faced with an unfamiliar, seemingly inscrutable man, he held his son even tighter, his wariness of the newcomer not diminishing in the slightest.

Chen Mingzhou, afraid of startling You Nan, had no choice but to halt his steps. He took a slight step back, creating a bit of distance between them, and bowed to You Nan with measured calm. "This humble commoner pays his respects to the Crown Princess."

The distance Chen Mingzhou had voluntarily created was still not enough to make You Nan feel at ease.

You Nan could tell that although the man spoke respectful words, his attitude was casual, showing no fear whatsoever toward the imperial family or royal authority.

Especially the man's gaze made him feel utterly disconcerted.

Chen Mingzhou stared fixedly at You Nan. Every time he infiltrated the palace, he would come to see him, yet he never could get enough of looking.

Chen Mingzhou's gaze was already restrained; he was afraid of frightening You Nan. But all the longing he had accumulated over this period surged forth uncontrollably the moment he laid eyes on him.

Chen Mingzhou felt somewhat flustered and immediately averted his eyes.

Meanwhile, You Nan's back was already against the wall, with no room left to retreat.

Chen Mingzhou's gaze made his heart quiver. You Nan clenched his hand tightly, suppressing its trembling.

"Just who are you? Why are you connected with someone from the Consort's palace? Did the Consort send you?"

You Nan's tone was stern and imposing, but in reality, it was fragile and easily broken. Anyone with eyes could see he was a paper tiger.

Chen Mingzhou suppressed the surging emotions in his heart, maintaining a calm expression on his face. He did not answer You Nan's question but instead said directly, "This humble commoner has heard of what the Crown Princess wishes to do. I have specifically entered the palace to lend you a hand."

Chen Mingzhou's gaze fell upon the child in You Nan's arms.

This was his son, his and You Nan's son.

You Nan, seeing him look at Maomao, hurriedly pulled the child closer into his embrace. "What do you intend to do to the Young Lord?"

Chen Mingzhou found it somewhat amusing.

Maomao bore a strong resemblance to him—how had You Nan not noticed it by now?

Chen Mingzhou did not say it aloud. He knew now was not the right time to reveal Maomao's true identity to You Nan.

He could only forcibly suppress his longing and his affection for You Nan and Maomao.

"Isn't the Crown Princess's wish to see the Young Lord safely out of the palace? This humble commoner can make it happen."

The man's tone was placid. "If the Crown Princess trusts me, you may entrust the Young Lord to me. I will certainly not fail this duty."

Chen Mingzhou had long been eager to help You Nan with his plans.

"This humble commoner is Chen Mingzhou."

Chen Mingzhou was a stranger; You Nan had never seen him before. Yet, the trust came over him inexplicably, compelling him to believe him.

"How can I trust you?" You Nan fought down his panic, refusing to yield.

Chen Mingzhou smiled. "At present, only I can help you send the Young Lord out of the palace. Getting you out of the palace is no problem either. I can also assist with your future plans."

You Nan's eyelids twitched abruptly.

This man was not sent by the Consort, nor was he an underling of any other imperial concubine.

Chen Mingzhou stood calmly before You Nan, showing not the slightest trace of panic even though the chief palace maid would arrive soon.

"Consider the fact that I am here in the palace right now. Do you still doubt my ability to take both of you away?" Chen Mingzhou continued to coax persuasively.

You Nan gritted his teeth and remained silent for a long time. The young eunuch guarding the door suddenly poked his head in and reminded in a low voice, "Master, they are coming."

You Nan's heart jumped, knowing he had little time left to consider.

He still had his status as Crown Princess within the palace, and he still had Fu Lingtan to rely on. The Emperor, out of regard for Fu Lingtan, would not do anything to him.

Even if the Consort and others wanted to move against him, they would have to think carefully.

"Then take my child away."

You Nan took this gamble.

He added calmly, "I also have a cat. Take that cat away as well."

He could not keep 007 by his side either. The kitten was too vulnerable. Now that he was caught in this situation, unable to even protect himself, how could he protect 007?

Chen Mingzhou agreed. "Very well."

"However, I must ask the Crown Princess to remain calm. We will take the Young Lord away from the Consort's palace. You can still spend a little more time with the Young Lord."

Upon hearing the man's words, You Nan immediately realized what he intended to do.

This man was targeting the Consort.

You Nan pressed his lips together and did not ask.

How this man intended to stir up turmoil in the palace was none of his concern. He would simply cooperate and do what he needed to do.

Besides, he had no other options left now.

His child could be taken out of the palace. Although he did not know how they would live afterward, it was still better than perishing quietly within the palace.

The chief palace maid finished her preparations and entered the chamber.

.

She stood beside You Nan. "Crown Princess, let us go."

You Nan nodded.

The few people from the Eastern Palace followed the young eunuch from the Consort's palace.

Maomao, wide-eyed and curious, was held in the chief palace maid's arms, looking left and right with great interest.

You Nan and the chief palace maid had no connections at court. They were completely unaware of everything happening in the imperial court.

But the Consort was different. Before the court had even adjourned, news that the Emperor intended to conduct a blood test to verify the Young Lord's lineage had already reached her ears.

The Consort knew this was an opportunity.

She immediately arranged for someone to specifically bring You Nan to her palace, planning to catch him in a trap.

After things settle down, I’ll make sure to cause trouble for the Crown Prince.

As the Noble Consort was lost in thought, she heard the head maid rushing in from the doorway.

"Your Ladyship! The Crown Princess is here!"

Hearing this, the Noble Consort nodded. She ordered the fruits on the table to be cleared away and stood up to greet You Nan.

"You Nan pays respects to the Noble Consort."

As soon as You Nan entered, he saw this woman waiting for him at the palace entrance and knew she had ill intentions.

The smile on her face was utterly fake.

They had only met a few times—how could he, You Nan, possibly deserve such warmth from the second-ranking consort in the harem?

The Noble Consort took a step forward with a bright smile. "Please come in quickly, Crown Princess."

Her gaze naturally fell upon the child accompanying You Nan.

In a familiar tone, she said, "The little prince looks even more spirited today than when I saw him a few days ago."

You Nan smiled sweetly, pretending to know nothing.

"It’s only been a few days—how could there be such a big change? It must be because the Noble Consort is fond of the little prince that you feel this way."

Hearing You Nan’s words, the Noble Consort covered her mouth with a handkerchief as if amused by his comment. "The Crown Princess certainly knows how to say what I love to hear. I adore little children like this. It’s a pity my sixth prince hasn’t yet been betrothed, and I don’t know when I’ll get to hold a grandchild."

You Nan responded naturally, agreeing politely with the Noble Consort’s words.

While the adults engaged in insincere conversation, the maid attending to the child felt a wet sensation on her arm and immediately sensed something was wrong. "Crown Princess, may this humble servant take the little prince to change his clothes?"

It was normal for a young child to be unable to control his bladder.

Hearing this, You Nan quickly agreed.

The Noble Consort thought this was perfect and suggested, "It’s too far to go back to the Eastern Palace. Why not let the little prince change his clothes somewhere here in my palace? Coincidentally, the sixth prince’s old clothes are still here, and I’m sure they’ll fit the little prince."

You Nan expressed his gratitude with a grateful expression. "Thank you for your kindness, Noble Consort."

"We’re family here—no need for formalities. Xuetao, you take the Crown Princess’s attendant."

The Noble Consort patted You Nan’s hand affectionately as she spoke.

A young palace maid from her palace stepped forward in acknowledgment, and the head maid beside You Nan, holding the child, followed her out.

Only the Noble Consort and You Nan remained seated in the hall.

You Nan waited and waited, but after what felt like ages, there was no sign of the head maid or his child returning. He grew anxious.

He stood up and spoke abruptly to the Noble Consort. "Noble Consort, where is this side chamber? Why haven’t they returned yet?"

The Noble Consort, however, showed no urgency. She had already arranged everything.

You Nan’s son and the maid should already be restrained by her people.

"Oh, perhaps they’ll be back soon," the Noble Consort even had the composure to calm You Nan.

"The Emperor has arrived!"

A shrill voice suddenly rang out.

The Noble Consort and You Nan immediately stood up and hurried outside. They saw the Emperor, who had rushed over upon hearing that You Nan had come here from the Eastern Palace.

"Your son/Your subject pays respects to the Emperor!"

"Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Emperor’s gaze fell on You Nan’s face, coldly scrutinizing.

"Crown Princess, where is my little grandson?"

Before You Nan could speak, the Noble Consort beside him interjected playfully, "The little prince soiled his clothes and has gone to change in the side chamber of my palace."

The Emperor entered the main hall and pointed to the head eunuch beside him, instructing, "Go, have someone bring the little prince here quickly."

The head eunuch acknowledged and, as soon as he stepped outside, a commotion broke out.

"What’s happening outside?"

The Emperor picked up a teacup from the table and took a sip, his peripheral glance falling on the Noble Consort, who was eager to show her worth.

The Noble Consort was also in the dark. Her heart sank—could something have gone wrong with her plan?

Just then, a young palace maid from her palace rushed in in a panic. Before she even reached the hall entrance, her voice echoed loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Noble Consort, something terrible—the little prince has disappeared!"

What?!

The Noble Consort’s eyes widened, and she immediately stood up from her chair. "Impossible! The little prince was just here!"

The young palace maid knelt in the hall, her voice trembling with panic. "Chuntao and the little prince are both gone! The Eastern Palace maid has fainted on the ground."

"Nonsense! This is the imperial palace—who could possibly take my maid and the little grandson away in plain sight? Your Majesty…"

The Noble Consort’s legs weakened, and she barely caught herself. Her mind raced as she hurriedly defended herself and turned to look at the Emperor seated on the main throne.

Just as she was about to beg the Emperor to believe her, she met his dark gaze.

It was over.

A cold sweat broke out on her forehead.

Who was trying to harm her? Who was thwarting her plans?!