MCSCPM -Chapter 174 Discussed Before Arrival

On the ship to Jiangnan:

“In a few days, we’ll reach Beihao. If Miss Yin has second thoughts now, it’s still not too late,” Chu Jingcheng said, eyes half-closed, thoughtful.

“I’ve already made myself clear—decisions I’ve made are final!” Yin Qingyue replied, her eyes briefly closing. She no longer spoke; she couldn’t understand when Prince Jing had become so talkative.

As Beihao grew closer, unease settled in her heart.

A few days passed quickly.

“Your Highness, in just a few hours, we’ll return to our country!” Leng Feng said with joy. After staying in Xize for so long, the feeling of returning home was beyond words.

“Prepare in advance,” Chu Jingcheng said with a faint, cold smile. Now, even if Yin Qingyue wanted to escape, she had nowhere to go—this was his territory.

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Before Yin Qingyue even set foot in Beihao, the kingdom was already abuzz with talk about her.

Beihao Kingdom, city streets:

“I heard the Emperor ordered Prince Jing to bring the divine physician back. Have you heard?” A few people whispered in a tavern.

Just a few days ago, Yin Qingyue had healed the plague in Jiangnan and resolved the floods. Her fame as a divine physician had already spread throughout Beihao.

“I heard long ago. A woman whom Prince Jing himself brings back—she can’t be ordinary. Everyone knows Prince Jing avoids women, yet now he brings a divine physician. I say, this divine physician must be his future wife!” one man laughed.

“You can eat freely, but don’t speak recklessly!”

“What? Afraid others might hear? This matter is already common knowledge!” the man said displeased.

“They say the divine physician is not only talented, but also beautiful. Otherwise, why would Prince Jing be captivated? I want to see who this divine physician really is!”

At his words, people near the tavern slowly gathered.

“I heard Prince Jing will return today. Then we can see the divine physician’s elegance!” One man pushed through the crowd, his eyes gleaming.

“I’ve always heard Xize women are gentle and charming—today, maybe I can see for myself!” Another man put a finger to his lips, imagining the divine physician.

The tavern suddenly became lively. Everyone was speculating about Yin Qingyue’s appearance—what kind of woman could captivate Prince Jing?

Even the common people debated, and the court officials were no exception.

Inside the Imperial Palace:

Chu Haolian sat upright on the dragon throne, wearing the imperial yellow robes. Though over fifty, he exuded imperial dignity.

“Speak if there’s a matter; retreat if there isn’t!” The quacking voice of Eunuch Sun echoed through the hall.

“I have a matter to report,” several officials said in unison from below.

“My ministers, what matter do you wish to report?” Chu Haolian asked, each word commanding respect.

“Your Majesty, Prince Jing is about to return, and the divine physician with him—should she be brought into the palace? What is Your Majesty’s decision?” Minister Li said solemnly.

“This matter need not be debated. I will decide myself,” Chu Haolian said, displeased. He did not wish to discuss anything concerning the divine physician.

A woman of such ability—he could not ignore her. With Chu Jingcheng’s character, he would never bring a woman back casually. Moreover, he had previously sent orders forbidding Chu Jingcheng from bringing Yin Qingyue to Beihao.

Yet after receiving the letter, Chu Jingcheng’s determination remained unchanged. Even after Yin Qingyue faced danger, he still brought her back. He knew all this clearly.

Had it not been for her contributions in curing the plague, he would not have allowed her return.

“I’m feeling unwell today. We’ll discuss this another day!”

Chu Haolian turned and left the hall.

“Court is dismissed!”

“Long live the Emperor!” The ministers chorused.

Outside the hall, some ministers gathered.

“What’s gotten into the Emperor today? Isn’t the divine physician’s matter his decision?”

“I think the Emperor is worried. Since Beihao’s founding, no woman has displayed such ability—not only healing Jiangnan, resolving floods, but also winning Prince Jing’s heart,” one official said with a laugh.

“That’s not without reason. Given the Emperor’s temperament, he’ll investigate thoroughly. But we shouldn’t judge the divine physician too soon.”

Eunuch Sun walked over, coughing softly.

“Ah, ministers, aren’t you afraid the Emperor might overhear?”

“Eunuch Sun, you’re outside the hall instead of beside the Emperor. Why are you concerned?” one minister mocked.

Eunuch Sun, used to favor in the palace, often bullied others. The ministers were well aware.

“The divine physician is not for you to discuss. Today, the Emperor already said, no further debate!” Sun wagged his finger coquettishly.

“Let’s just understand the Emperor’s intent clearly,” one minister said.

“The Emperor’s words need no repetition. All should know his decision is final. I’m here only to convey his will: Regarding the divine physician, ministers should interfere as little as possible.”

With that, Eunuch Sun gracefully turned and left.

“One eunuch—we’re supposed to fear him? He’s just the Emperor’s lapdog!” one minister said angrily.

“Still, he’s close to the Emperor. Better not offend him; if he stirs trouble at court, it would only harm us.”

After some chatter, calm returned. Yet beneath the palace’s peaceful surface, currents of tension ran deep. Even if the ministers didn’t discuss it openly, Chu Haolian knew full well.

In the Imperial Study:

Chu Haolian sat on the dragon throne, eyes half-closed, deep in thought.

“Your Majesty, those ministers outside were discussing the divine physician. I have followed your instructions and warned them not to interfere.”

“Good.” Chu Haolian nodded, satisfied. Eunuch Sun had served him for many years and was trustworthy.

“Prince Jing should have returned by now.”

“Should we send someone to receive him?” Eunuch Sun asked quietly. Receiving Prince Jing would mean also receiving the divine physician.

“No need. Order that Prince Jing not bring the divine physician into the palace, nor to his residence. When he returns, he will come see me immediately!” Chu Haolian said with authority.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will see to it immediately,” Sun said.

After Eunuch Sun left, Chu Haolian slowly rose and went to the window.

A woman of such intelligence—keeping her in Beihao, by Prince Jing’s side—could be either blessing or disaster. Too smart a person invites trouble, especially a woman. Now, all of Beihao, palace and city, was discussing the divine physician. One woman with such talent could stir such commotion.

Chu Haolian had to be cautious. He hadn’t hosted a banquet for her yet because he understood the public’s attention and the ministers’ suspicion. Until he actually met Yin Qingyue, nothing could be assumed—but by his nature, he would never allow her close proximity.

Outside the capital, approaching Prince Jing’s mansion:

“Once we pass the city gates, we’ll reach the Prince’s residence. Quiet now—don’t draw attention,” Leng Feng said expressionlessly.

“Get in the carriage,” Chu Jingcheng said with a cold smile. He had planned everything in advance: enter the city, take the carriage to the mansion—discreet and perfect.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Not far away, a carriage slowly approached.

“Your Highness, I’ve learned that the whole city is talking about the divine physician,” Leng Feng said, shifting his gaze to Yin Qingyue. For some unknown reason, he had begun to dislike her.

“This minor matter, you need to report to me?” Chu Jingcheng sneered.

If not for Yin Qingyue curing the Jiangnan plague, his father would never have allowed her return. Perfect. Chu Jingcheng intended to bring her to meet his father, to show that the woman he admired was no ordinary person.

“I know my mistake,” Leng Feng said helplessly.

After a while, the carriage stopped.

“Your Highness, we’ve arrived.”

At the entrance hung a plaque reading “Prince Jing’s Mansion” in gold characters. Even just the stone lions and redwood decorations hinted at the grandeur within.

“Prince Jing, you’re back!” Eunuch Sun greeted, smiling, having apparently waited long.

“What message did the Emperor send personally, Eunuch Sun?” Chu Jingcheng’s lips curled in a mischievous smile.

“You truly understand, Your Highness.” Eunuch Sun’s eyes showed slight confusion. Before speaking, the Prince had already guessed his purpose.

“Some things outsiders should not hear. Please follow me inside,” Eunuch Sun said, gesturing to the carriage. Without a doubt, the divine physician was inside.

The Emperor’s order was essentially a decree—he would not allow Yin Qingyue to remain in Prince Jing’s residence.

Eunuch Sun slowly entered the mansion.

“I’ll be brief. The Emperor’s wish: Prince Jing, do not allow the divine physician to stay in your residence, nor bring her into the palace!”

“Father, any other instructions?” Chu Jingcheng asked with a cold smile, unwilling to waste time.

“The Emperor said, once you return to your mansion, go immediately to the palace to see him.”

“Please tell the Emperor that once arrangements are made for the divine physician, I will go immediately.” Chu Jingcheng turned and left, leaving a stunned Sun behind.

Even if his father wanted Yin Qingyue away from him, he would not relent. Once he decided something, it never changed.

Outside the mansion, Yin Qingyue sat calmly in the carriage, not disembarking. She knew that arriving in Beihao was akin to entering a tiger’s den; those who summoned Prince Jing earlier might have something to do with her.

“Miss, I hope nothing happens,” Mei’er said anxiously. Before even entering the mansion, someone had already come forward, and she feared trouble.