MCSCPM -Chapter 182 Stirring Ambitions

Yin Qingyue remained still, staring into the depths of the forest. Soon, the trees rustled again, then fell silent.

The person was gone. This was no ordinary man—he appeared without a trace and disappeared without a sound. Truly strange. She vaguely sensed that the aura of this person bore a slight resemblance to Chu Jingcheng… Could it be… the Prince’s father, the current emperor?

Thinking this, she furrowed her brows but quickly dismissed the thought. Ten to one, it must be the emperor. Beihao people were far wilder in temperament than those from Xize.

Afterward, Yin Qingyue returned to her room.

Not long after, rumors began spreading throughout Beihao City.

On a busy street, a few people had gathered.

“Did you hear? Prince Jing was standing right here recently. Too bad I wasn’t around!” one woman complained.

“Everyone already knows the news of the prince’s return. What more do you need to say?”

“You’re here too, gawking. Better go home and check your own reflection—look at yourself!”

“How beautiful do you think you are? Do you expect Prince Jing to steal a glance at you?”

The women began fighting in the middle of the street, jealous over a man mentioned in conversation.

Outside a brothel, several men paced back and forth.

“Come on, master, step inside!” the women at the entrance cooed and posed enticingly.

“Now that Prince Jing has returned, even the ladies are going to see him. There’s no one left to accompany me!” the man lamented.

“Come, master, we’ll serve you properly,” the women eagerly pulled him inside.

“Since my lady doesn’t want me, at least you do!” The man grew excited, his hands wandering over the women.

“Throughout the capital, on every street, in every alley, everyone is talking about Prince Jing.”

“Don’t worry, master. Prince Jing is here, and we’re still here to serve you!”

“Easy for you to say—you need to pay!” The man’s smile vanished instantly.

“Master, come to a brothel without spending money? How can that be?” the madam said with a cold smirk.

A sharp, authoritative voice came from behind: “And you dare act so boldly? You’ve shamed yourself all the way to the brothel!”

“Oh, lady, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have mentioned Prince Jing,” the man slumped immediately.

“I gave you money—did you think it was to play here? Know your mistake and go home!” the woman shouted.

“Yes, yes! Lady, please release my ears—they hurt!”

“You feel pain now? Where were you when you spoke ill of Prince Jing? And where were you when spending the money?”

The brothel women watching the scene laughed aloud.

“A real man, and yet afraid of his wife?” the madam sneered.

“Such a man deserves to fear his wife; he shouldn’t even come to a brothel!”

“Prince Jing’s return is perfect! How many men will flock here seeking pleasure? Isn’t that delightful?” The madam’s eyes glinted.

As long as Prince Jing stayed in the capital, the city’s women would flock to him, leaving lonely men to provide extra silver naturally.

Across from the brothel stood a three-story tavern. Many women had gathered there, strategizing how to see Prince Jing.

“Look, now that Prince Jing is back, we haven’t even glimpsed him. Sitting here discussing him every day isn’t enough!” One woman downed her drink.

“What else can we do? Should we run to the prince’s residence and demand he comes out?”

“That’s not a bad idea… maybe we should consider it.”

“What’s the point? Don’t you know he brought back a woman from Xize?” another mocked. Prince Jing already had a favorite; what were they doing causing a ruckus?

“So what? I heard she’s just an ordinary woman. Why would the prince notice her? Probably just a soft-hearted Xize girl—he’ll tire of her in a few days.”

“Aren’t you also ordinary? Want Prince Jing to like you too?” The woman mocked, unaware she was just as ordinary.

“Enough! We’re all ordinary women. Talking about Prince Jing here just means we want to see him once. What else could it mean? He’s a hero with battlefield glory. Even his consort will be royal. All of you are just daydreaming!”

The women fell silent, suddenly realizing they’d been lost in fantasies of marrying Prince Jing, unaware of reality.

“We just want to see Prince Jing, nothing more!” they repeated in unison.

“Prince Jing’s residence is in the capital. Some have seen him coming and going recently. If we wait outside, sooner or later we’ll see him, right?” One woman said proudly, unaware someone else had already anticipated this.

Since Prince Jing’s military victories, stories of him had spread widely throughout Beihao. Accordingly, he had taken on almost mythical status. Few had actually seen him. Many women projected their ideal image onto him. Some even dreamed that merely seeing him once would fulfill them.

Prince Jing, mostly busy fighting for Beihao, was known as the courageous War Prince.

“Let’s wait outside his residence first thing tomorrow morning. I refuse to believe he won’t come out all day!”

“Agreed!”

Suddenly, cheers erupted—every woman agreed.

At Prince Jing’s residence:

“Your Highness, a serious situation!” Leng Feng’s face was tense.

Chu Jingcheng’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Beihao was peaceful now. Except for causing trouble with Yin Qingyue, there was little else to catch his attention.

“These past few days, it’s not just the whole country—at least the entire capital knows the prince has returned. Everyone wants to see him,” Leng Feng said, eyes glinting with excitement. As his master gained fame, perhaps he, as a guard, could benefit too.

“And?” Chu Jingcheng’s gaze was cold.

“Outside the tavern across from the brothel, many women gathered, all discussing the prince. They plan to block the entrance tomorrow morning to see him.”

“Leng Feng, are you bored? Go check the suburbs,” Chu Jingcheng said with a faint smirk.

No matter how many women sought him, they were fleeting clouds. His real concern was Yin Qingyue.

“Your Highness, I’m not bored. I’m concerned about your lifelong happiness—it’s time you find a woman,” Leng Feng said with a mischievous smile, finally voicing what he had long held back.

Chu Jingcheng snorted coldly. “A woman?”

To him, the only woman worthy of the title was Yin Qingyue, the one who had stripped his clothes.

“All women in the capital adore you. Pick anyone you like!” Leng Feng grinned wickedly.

“And if there’s no one I like?”

At this moment, Chu Jingcheng’s mind was filled with Yin Qingyue’s image. Over time, she had gradually taken over his heart, leaving no room for anyone else.

“Isn’t it Yin Qingyue?” Leng Feng said expressionlessly, noting his master’s obvious preference.

“Go see what else she needs,” Chu Jingcheng replied, avoiding a direct answer.

Yin Qingyue’s place in his heart—even he wasn’t fully aware.

“Yesterday I sent her herbs, a few days ago daily necessities. Even if for disaster victims, it would last ten to fifteen days!” Leng Feng exclaimed.

“Your Highness, must you move everything from the residence before you’re satisfied?”

“When did you become so talkative? Want to go to the tavern and discuss with them?” Chu Jingcheng coldly retorted.

“Go ahead. I wish to be alone,” he added.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Once they left the courtyard, Leng Feng resumed his chatter.

“Leng Yi, if I were the prince, my harem would already be full!”

“If you were the prince, no one would like you,” Leng Yi said dryly.

Their prince had long been adored by countless women—this was nothing unusual. Leng Feng’s concern indicated loneliness.

“Honestly, are you thinking about women?”

“No! The prince isn’t married yet, why would I think of women?” Leng Feng blushed red and white.

“Stop lying. I know you’re thinking of women!” Leng Yi sneered.

“I admit it, so what?” Leng Feng snorted.

“Go pursue them. With your abilities, can a woman defeat you?”

“If the prince doesn’t marry, we’re done for!”

Nearby, Chu Jingcheng stared intently toward the outskirts. He didn’t understand love, but he was already poisoned by it.

From his sleeve, Chu Jingcheng drew out the red bellyband, inhaling its familiar scent, filling his world. Perhaps from the moment his clothes were stripped, his fate had been tied to Yin Qingyue.

“Yin Qingyue… you woman,” he muttered repeatedly.

Memories flooded him like a tide. Their first meeting in Xize, the suspicion that she was the woman who stripped him, the worry he felt for her afterward… Almost every first had occurred at Luocheng Courtyard. He vaguely remembered the kiss and the image of her emerging from the bath.

For the first time, he had thrown himself recklessly for a woman. Even if it meant sacrificing Xize’s diplomatic chances, he would save her.

Now, in the private residence outside the capital:

“Achoo!” Yin Qingyue sneezed.

“Miss, are you catching a cold?” Mei’er asked, concerned.

She had just taken tonic—why the sudden chill?

“Maybe my nose feels a bit uncomfortable,” Yin Qingyue said with a smile.

Mei’er laughed suddenly. “Miss, they say a sneeze means someone is thinking of you. Guess who it is—Prince Jing?”

Yin Qingyue looked up at her. “I didn’t expect you’d be in Beihao. You’re letting your thoughts wander to love already—so, have you set your sights on any young master?”

“Miss, stop joking. I don’t want to marry. I’ll serve you—it’s better that way.” Mei’er could never forget the kindness of her mistress and lady. Without them, she would have been dead long ago.