CHAPTER 468: CHAPTER 467 MISS QIN, BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR ASSOCIATIONS FROM NOW ON

As soon as Miss Chen saw Qin Erya arriving, she immediately greeted her warmly, "Miss Qin."

Then she quickly recounted the incident that had just occurred. This time she dared not exaggerate because in front of so many people, she could only simply explain what had happened.

After listening, Qin Erya pondered for a moment.

Then she looked toward Yan Wanqing, "I take the liberty to speak a word on behalf of Miss Chen and ask for the Crown Princess Consort’s forgiveness."

"Please speak," Yan Wanqing nodded expressionlessly.

The face of Grand Tutor Qin still needed to be given.

Having obtained permission to speak, Qin Erya then said, "Miss Chen’s behavior was reckless, indeed casting a shadow on Dawei in front of the guests from the Chu Kingdom. However, as an old father, Chen’s partiality for his daughter led to her domineering personality. Yet, considering that Lord Chen is a veteran of three dynasties, I beseech the Crown Princess Consort to show mercy for his sake and spare her life."

Listening to these righteous words,

She first played the card of an old official’s difficulties, then pleaded for Miss Chen.

Using the monk’s face to press the Buddha’s.

Unfortunately, Yan Wanqing was neither the Buddha nor the monk.

Qin Erya’s tactics might work elsewhere but were futile before her.

"When did I say that I would punish her?"

Her eyes mocking, she looked at Qin Erya, putting her in an awkward position.

"I, I do not know," said the girl, her fair face flashing a look of helplessness.

Seeing Qin Erya rebuffed by Yan Wanqing, Miss Chen did not hesitate to intervene, "Miss Qin was merely speaking a few words on behalf of me. There is no need for the Crown Princess Consort to be so aggressive, is there?"

Yan Wanqing was almost amused by her anger.

Aggressive, her?

Since Qin Erya had appeared, she had spoken only thirteen words.

In those thirteen words, which word targeted Qin Erya?

Miss Chen was quite interesting, protecting Qin Erya even before her own issues were resolved.

She couldn’t be bothered to argue with such people any further, wasting her own time.

Yan Wanqing didn’t need to act personally; others would take action.

Such as the nursemaid, Gao, sent by Xiao Pingfeng to follow her.

Having heard the entire process, she had long furrowed her brows.

At that moment, seeing Miss Chen openly attacking the Crown Princess Consort, she couldn’t help but speak out with a cold face, "Miss Chen, watch your words."

"Where did I speak wrongly?" Miss Chen seemed energized.

"While I acknowledge my fault in this matter, Miss Qin was merely helping by saying a few words. Yet the Crown Princess Consort seizes upon her relentlessly. Is it out of jealousy for Miss Qin’s reputation among the people?"

The more she talked, the less sense she made.

"Presumptuous!" Nursemaid Gao rebuked loudly.

Qin Erya slightly closed her eyes and imperceptibly took half a step back.

Leaving Miss Chen still standing there, Nursemaid Gao stepped forward swiftly and gave her a slap across the face, "How dare you slander the Crown Princess Consort, slap her mouth!"

Nursemaid Gao was a steward nursemaid in the palace, and she held great prestige among palace maids and eunuchs. She had been immersed in the inner palace for many years and knew well how to manage people.

Although the slap she delivered did not sound harsh, it was solidly executed. Miss Chen, with her delicate skin, saw her face swell up on one side immediately from the impact, and even her gums began to ache unbearably.

Miss Chen, tears streaming down her face, glared at Nursemaid Gao, "You lowly servant, how dare you strike me!"

"Ignorant fool, the Crown Princess Consort is currently pregnant. How dare someone like you rashly confront her, uttering such foolish words without thinking? I truly do not know how the vixen bewitched the brilliant reputation of Old Master Chen and begot you, an empty-headed nitwit!"

Miss Chen was the late-born child of Old Master Chen, not born under straightforward circumstances.

Miss Chen’s mother was a concubine discarded by Old Master Chen’s eldest son.

The underlying secrets here are indeed embarrassing to voice, but Nursemaid Gao, skilled in her ways, had long heard of these matters. She knew a thing or two about secrets no one else was aware of.

Latterly, this concubine, for the sake of Miss Chen’s future reputation, begged Old Master Chen to adopt Miss Chen under his wife’s name.

Thus, although Miss Chen appeared legitimate on the surface, she was actually born out of wedlock and of particularly discreditable type.

Sure enough, upon hearing Nursemaid Gao state such things, Miss Chen’s face turned frantic, "Nonsense! My mother is Madam Chen. What vixen? You old harlot, don’t talk recklessly. Be careful or my father will take your life!"

"If Old Master Chen wishes to take this old servant’s life, he is free to do so; however, I belong to the Crown Prince. In beating a dog, one must look at the owner. Perhaps Old Master Chen should first draft a memorial to request His Highness’s approval."

"You, you old harlot..." Miss Chen was so angry she couldn’t speak properly.

Worried that these vulgarities might offend the Crown Princess Consort and her unborn child, Nursemaid Gao quickly grabbed a cloth from another nursemaid nearby and stuffed it into Miss Chen’s mouth.

Miss Chen only felt her mouth blocked forcefully, and soon after, a strange scent hit her nose.

She widened her eyes at the nursemaid beside her. Wasn’t this the one who had just taken off her socks thinking of stuffing them in Li Chengxiang’s mouth?

So what was in her mouth now...?

Miss Chen whimpered and tried to struggle, but Nursemaid Gao didn’t give her a chance, "What are you all hesitating for! Miss Chen has not followed palace rules. By order of the Crown Prince, I am personally teaching her manners! Take her to the yard!"

Nursemaid Gao had a specific yard for teaching manners, usually host to palace maids or eunuchs who had erred, occasionally also housing some esteemed young masters and misses.

Following Nursemaid Gao’s order, the palace maids promptly seized the struggling Miss Chen and forcefully marched her off.

As they passed by Qin Erya, she stepped aside to let them through.

Quite tactfully.

The remaining ladies, after witnessing Nursemaid Gao’s thunderous methods, silently huddled together, like chicks crazily seeking warmth in a snowstorm.

"What are you still doing standing here?" Nursemaid Gao frowned.

The ladies, fearful to move, cautiously asked, "Where should we go then?"

"Miss Chen is the ringleader, and you few are her accomplices. Do I need to repeat where you should go?"

Without another word, the ladies ran in the direction Miss Chen had been taken.

Soon, the only ones left were Yan Wanqing and her group, along with Qin Erya.

Nursemaid Gao stood still, sizing up Qin Erya.

"This old servant pays respect to Miss Qin."

"Nursemaid Gao, you needn’t be so formal," Qin Erya’s voice was very sweet.

Nursemaid Gao straightened her posture, "This old servant has something to say, though I’m not sure if it’s appropriate. Miss Qin could have stayed uninvolved, but was unfortunately blinded by the likes of Miss Chen. Truly unwarranted. Miss Qin is kind and naive; be careful who you befriend in the future, or the Grand Tutor will worry."

Qin Erya’s gaze remained unreadable, and she slightly smirked, "I shall remember Nursemaid Gao’s words."