MCSCPM -Chapter 173 Returning to Beihao

In the palace of Consort De, an air of resentment hung heavily.

“What a wretched woman! Everyone’s gone, yet she still causes such chaos!” Consort De said angrily. All of her plans had been ruined by Yin Qingyue.

“Your Highness, please calm yourself! The Third Prince is alone in Jiangnan. If he acts rashly, it might give the Crown Prince an advantage. Now, what should concern us is how to manage the Third Prince,” the old maid said, eyes glinting with cunning, her tone flattering.

Having spent so many years in the palace, the old maid naturally knew how to navigate court politics better than ordinary people.

“Do you think I need you to remind me of this?” Consort De said, displeased.

“Yes, your servant was wrong.”

“Now that Crown Prince Nangong Xiao’s position has been restored, he will surely eliminate my influence. Precautions must be taken.”

The Virtuous Consort slowly rose and approached a desk, drawing out a sheet of white paper.

“This letter must reach the Third Prince’s hands.”

No sooner had Wan Mo spoken than a letter was already prepared.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Make sure it reaches him quickly—there must be no mistakes.” The Virtuous Consort’s face was stern.

Now that all disasters in Jiangnan had been resolved and the Third Prince remained there, her worry was not about Nangong Chen himself. With his temperament, if he knew, he would not stay calm and might act rashly. Her only goal was to keep him composed.

“Preserve the green hills, and you need not fear the lack of firewood,” Consort De thought wisely. She was confident that Nangong Xiao’s position as Crown Prince would not last long; Xize’s throne would eventually belong to Nangong Chen. In time, he would rise again and reclaim his power.

“Your Highness, do we need to send more men over to the Crown Prince’s side? I’ve heard he’s been in close contact with the Emperor lately…” The old maid’s words were cut off by Consort De’s sharp scolding.

“Do you need to report such trivial matters to me?”

“Yes, Your Highness. You rest while I attend to this,” the old maid said with a smile.

At this point, all Consort De’s plans had been disrupted, and her anger was inevitable.

“Wait. Send some funds to the Third Prince as well,” she added with a cold smile.

A few days later, Jiangnan City had already returned to a scene of prosperity.

In just a few days, only Jiangnan had managed to restore itself so quickly. With its many rivers and well-developed trade routes, combined with Yin Qingyue’s work in clearing the waterways, commerce with other regions had noticeably increased.

Looking around, Jiangnan was no longer as it had been before.

“Miss Yin, could it be that you’re so attached to Jiangnan that you don’t want to leave?” Chu Jingcheng asked, eyes half-lidded in thought.

“I think it’s actually you, Prince Jing, who doesn’t want to leave. That’s why you suggested staying behind, right?” Yin Qingyue said with a cold smile as she turned to him.

Chu Jingcheng had no way of knowing her true intentions. Xize had caused enough chaos, her goal had already been achieved, and she had no reason to linger.

“Today, I shall depart for Beihao. If Miss Yin wishes to stay, I will not force you to leave,” Chu Jingcheng said.

“Miss Yin’s life was saved by Your Highness. Xize is no place to linger. Today, I shall depart with you!” Yin Qingyue said coldly, her eyes sharp.

Clearly, he was jealous. Since arriving in Jiangnan, she had treated patients personally, while Chu Jingcheng had silently followed her. If he wasn’t jealous, why would he react so strongly?

“Then let’s depart immediately,” Chu Jingcheng said.

He didn’t want to stay here for a moment longer. He had heard that women in Xize were soft and gentle, but those he encountered were no different from women in Beihao.

“Your Highness, a letter from the Emperor,” a servant announced.

Chu Jingcheng quickly opened it.

“My child, I have heard that the Jiangnan floods and plague were resolved by Yin Qingyue. Bring her back quickly; return to the country immediately.”

Upon reading the letter, a mischievous smile crept onto the Prince’s lips.

“Miss Yin, my father commands me to bring you to Beihao at once, to see for himself the divine physician and what kind of person you are.”

Yin Qingyue snorted coldly. “Heh, I didn’t expect Prince Jing to spread news to Beihao so quickly.”

“Miss Yin, my Prince has given you face. Don’t you take it for granted! So many women want to get close to him, but don’t overstep your bounds!” Leng Feng said angrily, having witnessed everything Chu Jingcheng had done for her. Yin Qingyue’s words seemed excessive.

“So you think Miss Yin is trying to climb onto Prince Jing?”

“Leng Feng, pack your things. Prepare to return to the country,” Chu Jingcheng ordered sharply.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Not far away, a group of people slowly approached.

“Divine Physician! You saved all of Jiangnan! This is a small token of our gratitude. Please accept it.”

Several men pushed a cart full of medicinal supplies forward.

“Miss Yin, we don’t have anything valuable to give. Jiangnan has only recently recovered. Take these herbs,” they said.

“No need. I’m leaving. It’s inconvenient to carry these,” Yin Qingyue said with a smile.

She had never wanted to gain anything here—she only intended to create a stir, leaving Nangong Chen at a loss. She had not expected the people of Xize to be so warm-hearted.

“Ah, you’re leaving?”

“The divine physician is leaving?”

“Why must you go?” an elderly woman asked anxiously.

“It’s not that they’re unsuitable,” Yin Qingyue said. “You shouldn’t overthink. Carrying them on a long journey would only be burdensome. Better that you keep them for yourselves.”

“If you’re leaving, we can’t force you. Let’s take these things ourselves—they’d be inconvenient for Miss Yin on the road,” the old woman said with concern.

“Thank you, everyone. I cannot stay long. Take care of yourselves,” Yin Qingyue said.

With that, she slowly departed under the gaze of the crowd.

She never sought fame or fortune. In chaotic times, living well was enough.

Others did not share this mindset.

At the Crown Prince’s Residence:

“You, Yin Qingyue! You’ve caused such trouble!” Nangong Chen held the letter from Consort De tightly, his face full of anger.

Now that Crown Prince Nangong Xiao’s position had been restored, it was a serious threat to Nangong Chen.

“Third Prince, why are you so angry?”

“It’s all your fault! If you idiots hadn’t let Yin Qingyue go, I would have returned to Jiangnan by now!” Nangong Chen said each word with authority.

“Please forgive me, Third Prince. I’ll capture Yin Qingyue immediately!”

“Capture her? It’s not that simple! Prince Jing is with her—how could you possibly get her?” Nangong Chen said firmly.

“Yes, my fault,” the attendants repeated tirelessly.

“Everyone, get out!”

“Yes, Third Prince.”

Nangong Chen stood alone in the courtyard, almost collapsing inwardly. Everything had been ruined by Yin Qingyue.

Even the chance to return to Jiangnan was gone. He was an empty shell; staying here was useless.

“Mother, what should I do?” Nangong Chen’s eyes showed helplessness. A single imperial edict had already altered his fate.

The closer he seemed to the throne, the further away it appeared.

“Do not panic. Preserve the green hills, and you need not fear the lack of firewood,” Consort De’s words echoed in his mind. Though he had helped Nangong Xiao, he knew his helplessness was exactly what Nangong Xiao wanted to see.

He would not give up the struggle for the throne easily.

“Nangong Xiao, just wait! One day, I’ll make sure you die without a trace!” Nangong Chen’s eyes were red as he stared into the distance.

His inner turmoil was instantly shattered.

At the Wharf:

“Mei’er, did you bring everything?” Yin Qingyue asked, gazing ahead with a sad expression.

Following Chu Jingcheng back to Beihao was merely a change of scenery; the struggles would continue. Men of Prince Jing’s status were sure to have many admirers.

Yin Qingyue remembered clearly the banquet, how many tried to win the Prince’s favor—even the two princesses of Xize were no exception.

“I’ve brought everything. Miss, what are you thinking? You seem distracted,” Mei’er asked, puzzled. Ever since boarding the ship, her mistress had appeared absent-minded.

“I’m just thinking that once we reach Beihao, Mei’er, you’ll have to endure hardships with me again.”

“Miss, what are you saying? Following you is wonderful! Even if it’s hard, I’ll do it willingly. Besides, with Prince Jing, he will protect you!” Mei’er said with a mischievous smile.

“You little brat!” Yin Qingyue said helplessly.

She didn’t want Mei’er dragged into court conflicts. Mei’er was too innocent to be burdened.

“Does coming here mean I’m doomed to be entangled in palace struggles?” Yin Qingyue thought silently.

“Miss, now that we’ve left Xize, let’s forget the past. Back in Beihao, everything starts anew. Who knows? You might even become Prince Jing’s wife!” Mei’er blushed.

“Mei’er, stop joking! Or I’ll toss you back to Xize and see how you like it!” Yin Qingyue pretended to scold.

“Miss, I know you won’t,” Mei’er replied.

“Do you really think Beihao is a tiger pit? Afraid of everything? Better not go then,” Leng Feng mocked from the side. He had been eavesdropping for some time.

“Where in the palace isn’t a tiger pit?” Yin Qingyue said coldly.

Since entering the Xize harem, she had been sullied. Even starting anew, she could not escape.

“Miss Yin has insight! Must be from staying in Xize too long,” Leng Feng sneered.

“Leng Feng,” Chu Jingcheng said coldly.

“Prince, Miss Yin’s words are too much!” Leng Feng complained.

“Leave. I won’t repeat myself,” Chu Jingcheng said firmly.

In his eyes, no one could harm her—not even Leng Feng. Yin Qingyue could only be teased by him, and him alone.

“Prince Jing, you really are everywhere,” Yin Qingyue said with a cold smile. Even leaving Jiangnan, his jealousy was strong.

“Miss Yin, do you think you can escape in Beihao?”

“I don’t understand what you mean, Your Highness. What was promised, I will do. Do you think I would run away?” Yin Qingyue said calmly.