MCSCPM -Chapter 189 Making a Fuss Without Reason

Outside the imperial study, Eunuch Sun kept a close watch on the room. He knew that speaking up so boldly earlier had been reckless—he didn’t know how Shangguan Qingyun would take it. If he accidentally revealed an imperial matter, he would not be able to bear the consequences.

“Minister, it’s just a minor matter from another country, nothing serious,” Chu Haolian said with a smile, his earlier anger completely gone.

“But Xize?” Shangguan Qingyun asked, puzzled. He did not doubt the emperor’s words; after all, Eunuch Sun had served him for years, and his tone suggested it wasn’t trivial.

In Shangguan Qingyun’s eyes, the emperor was always calm and composed. If it weren’t a serious matter, he would not react this way.

“Minister, you see too clearly into my thoughts,” Chu Haolian said with a smile.

“Xize and Beihao don’t interfere with each other. Could it be that war is not an option?” Shangguan Qingyun said, smiling.

“Indeed. The emperor of Xize is busy with state affairs, and his health is failing. Meanwhile, the princes are fighting for the throne. What do you think, minister?” Chu Haolian narrowed his eyes, curious to see how Shangguan Qingyun would respond.

“Launch a direct attack!” Shangguan Qingyun answered bluntly. At this moment, his image as a straightforward, bold man was fully displayed.

Chu Haolian waved his hand and laughed. “No. Let them bicker. If the next emperor of Xize is wise, it will benefit Beihao.”

“Your Majesty, what do you mean?” Shangguan Qingyun asked, puzzled.

From Shangguan Qingyun’s perspective, now was the perfect opportunity. If Beihao attacked Xize, they could surely take it easily—Xize was in internal chaos. Yet the emperor did not attack and even considered it beneficial for Beihao. He could not understand.

“Though Beihao’s military is strong—the strongest among the four states—if we easily defeat Xize, it will alarm the other nations. If the remaining two unite against us, how will Beihao respond?” Chu Haolian said deliberately, his tone full of authority.

“Your Majesty is right. I’ve been focused on immediate gains and neglected the long term,” Shangguan Qingyun said with a smile. Even as a battlefield hero, his strategic foresight could not compare to the emperor’s.

“Minister, you flatter me. You are a king on the battlefield; I am a king of the state. Our perspectives differ—each has its specialty!”

“Your Majesty speaks wisely. But the future of Xize is so unpredictable!”

“Unexpectedly, Your Majesty’s considerations are so thorough. The delay in appointing a crown prince wasn’t just to ensure Beihao’s peace—every factor has been considered. Truly wise!” Shangguan Qingyun thought silently. On the battlefield, he could handle anything—but before the emperor, he was not even a tenth as capable.

Chu Haolian snorted coldly. “Do not be deceived by appearances. People always make mistakes when judging the surface, and the same applies to war.”

“I must admit, I am truly old,” Shangguan Qingyun said, admiration in his eyes.

“Like waves pushing waves, Beihao has many talents. Under your guidance, minister, it will only get better,” Chu Haolian said, his words carrying subtle meaning.

“I am grateful for Your Majesty’s kindness!”

“Minister, I’ve taken up enough of your time. Please forgive the intrusion,” Shangguan Qingyun said, smiling. With his daughter’s matter resolved, it was time to return and share the news with Jiaoran, to make her happy.

“Nonsense. Beihao’s military still relies on you!” Chu Haolian emphasized the word military.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I shall take my leave,” Shangguan Qingyun said.

Watching him walk away, Chu Haolian smirked. “A mere woman—how could she challenge me?”

Outside the study, Shangguan Qingyun had just left when Eunuch Sun approached.

“I pay respects, Lord Shangguan. Are you heading back?”

“Yes. I spoke with His Majesty for a long time; it’s time to return. But Eunuch Sun, you seem busy indeed,” Shangguan Qingyun said knowingly.

“Even in busyness, it is for His Majesty. Lord Shangguan, isn’t it the same for you?” Eunuch Sun smiled.

“Heh, Eunuch Sun knows how to speak. How has Prince Jing been recently? I haven’t seen him in the palace today!”

Prince Jing had returned to Beihao for some time, yet it was little known. If it weren’t for recent events, Shangguan Qingyun might not have even known of his return. In the past, Beihao faced many external wars, and Shangguan Qingyun often fought alongside Prince Jing. He believed Prince Jing was calm, clever, brave, and a true war hero. If his daughter could marry him, he would feel at ease.

“I serve His Majesty and move about the palace daily. I’m not fully aware of Prince Jing’s matters, only that he is at his mansion,” Eunuch Sun said with a smile, though he secretly thought Shangguan Qingyun might be suspecting something. This needed to be reported to the emperor promptly.

“Very well. I was just asking casually. Beihao is peaceful now, so I have no worries,” Shangguan Qingyun said with relief.

Indeed, Chu Haolian kept his word. Moreover, as emperor, his words were law. There was no need to worry about his daughter’s marriage.

“True. Though Lord Shangguan is over fifty, Prince Jing’s protection ensures Beihao’s stability,” Eunuch Sun said carefully, observing Shangguan Qingyun’s expression.

“Eunuch Sun, you may attend to His Majesty. I shall take my leave,” Shangguan Qingyun said, turning to depart.

What could he possibly learn from the emperor’s servant? He only wanted to hint that his daughter’s marriage to Prince Jing was settled—naturally he wanted to know about his future son-in-law. Whether Eunuch Sun would mention it to the emperor was uncertain. But now that the emperor had agreed, he had no reason to worry.

Shangguan Qingyun looked up at the sky, smiling. The palace was calm and serene on the surface, but undercurrents ran deep.

Inside the study, Chu Haolian said, “Minister Shangguan asked about Prince Jing and has now left.”

“Ignore it. Continue to have guards outside the city. Report immediately if anything happens,” Chu Haolian said coldly. Even if Shangguan Qingyun suspected something, what of it? He had already reassured him; he wouldn’t cause trouble.

It was Yin Qingyue, however, who was unpredictable.

“Could it be that she learned about the banquet and stayed overnight to prevent Jing’er from leaving?” Chu Haolian smirked. He had thought a mere woman could not challenge him. But now he had to be careful. Prince Jing hadn’t returned overnight—if not for this woman meddling, why?

After all, he had only met Yin Qingyue once. A brief conversation was not enough to reveal a person’s true nature. Beihao’s women were bold, even wild, but Yin Qingyue was exceptional. Chu Haolian suddenly felt an urge to see just how she would handle matters.

Outside Prince Jing’s mansion, a flash of red lingered, refusing to leave.

“Where is your lord? Bring him out!” Shangguan Jiaoran said angrily. She had waited at the gate for hours, but he was nowhere in sight.

It was already morning. Could it be that after last night’s affair, he hadn’t returned?

“Our lord is not in the mansion, Miss Shangguan. Please return,” a guard said helplessly. This woman was stubborn, standing for hours and shouting—anyone would be exhausted.

“You worthless dog! Where is your lord? How do you even manage things? If anything happened to Prince Jing, would you be responsible?” Jiaoran scolded fiercely.

“Miss Shangguan, even if I knew, it’s not my place to tell you. Last time you trespassed into Prince Jing’s mansion, it was already a crime. I won’t let you in easily this time,” the guard said coldly.

Although he hadn’t been punished the last time, Prince Jing’s mansion was rarely open to outsiders—especially women. In all his years, no woman had come and gone freely.

“Even if you beg, I won’t enter!” Jiaoran said, displeased. Last night, she had seen Prince Jing leave for the outskirts. By now, nearing noon, he could only be at the outskirts.

The guard snorted. “I’ve seen many women like you—waiting outside Prince Jing’s mansion, hoping for a glimpse. They haven’t even seen him. I suggest you leave—don’t waste your time!”

“Do you think I’m an ordinary woman? I’ll live here in Prince Jing’s mansion someday! I am the future princess!” Jiaoran said confidently, word by word.

Her father had personally spoken to the emperor. How could she not be confident? Even if Prince Jing wasn’t attracted to her beauty, would he defy the emperor’s command?

“Miss, you are a lady of good family, but why indulge in foolish dreams? Just being beautiful doesn’t make you a princess,” the guard said helplessly.

“Just wait and see!” Jiaoran smirked coldly.

“I’ll remember your words today, miss. We’ll see if you can truly enter Prince Jing’s mansion,” the guard sneered.

The red figure had already vanished.

Having waited so long without seeing a single shadow, Jiaoran had to return to inform her father. If Prince Jing hadn’t simply been meeting a woman but stayed out all night, rumors could cause trouble. Even if she married into the mansion, her reputation would be affected.

The guards’ arrogance had already angered her. She was determined to secure the position of Princess of Prince Jing—and teach them a lesson.

Thinking this, Jiaoran hurriedly instructed her servant, “Return to the mansion immediately.”

“Yes, miss,” the servant replied.

Jiaoran looked back at Prince Jing’s mansion, unsure of her own feelings—worry or frustration.

And for her, this was only the beginning.

The guards watched the carriage leave, thinking to themselves: How could such a woman be worthy of Prince Jing? She’s making a fuss without reason!