MCSCPM -Chapter 194 Your Husband

Outside the capital, a carriage moved slowly along the road.

Inside, the two of them sat close together, not speaking a word. The atmosphere was heavy and tense.

Yin Qingyue had no interest in the scenery outside. At this moment, she just wanted to return to the side residence as soon as possible. After all, they had already been out for nearly half a day without returning.

If Mei’er asked, who could answer? She worried that the girl, unable to see her, would be frantic. After all, this place was not like the Xize Palace.

“We’re about to enter the capital. Since we’re here, just watch calmly. I’m by your side—what is there to worry about?” Chu Jingcheng said, half-closing his eyes in thought.

He had sensed Yin Qingyue’s unease the moment she got into the carriage.

He knew her heart all too well. Whether in Xize or Beihao, her will to survive was incredibly strong.

Even on the sacrificial altar, she only called for help at the very moment when life and death hung in the balance.

Whenever Yin Qingyue faced danger, he would rush in without hesitation, even if he knew she could handle it herself. He could not help but worry.

“Thank you for your consideration, Prince Jing. I understand,” Yin Qingyue said calmly, turning her head to look out the window.

The last time she had gone out with Mei’er, it was only to buy some herbs; she had never truly enjoyed the capital. Today, if she wanted to escape, there was no other choice—she could only stay in the carriage to ensure a safe return.

“The host should introduce Beihao properly. These multi-story houses—who came up with them?”

“Beihao’s economy and military are top-notch. This is just a small part. For other countries, it’s rare to see,” Chu Jingcheng said with a cold smile.

“Indeed, rare to see,” Yin Qingyue thought. As far as she knew, ancient people could at most develop shops two or three stories high; five stories was extraordinary. If she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, she would have found it hard to believe that ancient wisdom could produce a five-story building.

“If you like, I’ll have an even taller building made for you in the future. How about that?”

“No need, I was just asking,” Yin Qingyue said softly, feeling a warm glow in her heart.

Though simple words, they carried a touch of warmth. Even when Chu Jingcheng spoke them openly, it did not move her—but coming from him, they carried a different flavor.

“Prince, why don’t we visit the west side of the capital? There are more markets there, and it’s more interesting.”

“Mm.”

In the blink of an eye, the carriage reached the east side of the capital.

“After years of war, I’ve never really admired the capital. Today, seeing it with you is not bad at all,” Chu Jingcheng said with a smile.

In front of them, people bustled about, creating a lively scene.

Scenes she had only seen in dramas were now before her eyes.

Merchants calling out, rouge and powders, candied haws, clay figurines… so many things it made one’s head spin.

“Go buy me a skewer of candied haws,” Chu Jingcheng said with a cold, teasing smile.

“Yes, Prince,” Yin Qingyue replied, her eyes sparkling, completely focused on the street scene outside, unaware of his actions.

“Miss Yin, candied haws,” Chu Jingcheng gently placed them in her hands, smiling.

“When did you get down?” Yin Qingyue exclaimed. Though candied haws were simple treats loved by children, she was very fond of them.

In both Xize and Beihao, she had never had the chance to buy them. Now that the prince had placed them before her, she was naturally surprised.

“You wanted them, didn’t you? Here, eat. Today, don’t hold back. I’m just accompanying you around the capital. The rest doesn’t matter. At this moment, I’m not Prince Jing—we are just ordinary people,” Chu Jingcheng said, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Since fighting on the battlefield, he had rarely felt so relaxed.

“Hehe, never thought Prince Jing had such a side, huh?” Yin Qingyue said with a light laugh, biting the hawthorn gently. The sweet and sour taste mirrored the mood they shared.

“For you, why not? This is only the west side of the capital. There are many more places to see; it may take a whole day,” he said.

“One day is fine. We’ll return tonight,” Yin Qingyue said, eyes gleaming with excitement. In Xize Palace, she had never been at ease amidst scheming and intrigue.

“At night, this place will be even livelier,” the driver said with a smile.

“Then we’ll come back tonight. How about that?” she said, her face radiating joy.

Meanwhile, in the suburban residence, Mei’er paced anxiously, her face full of worry.

“Brother Leng Feng, why hasn’t Miss returned yet? Did something happen?”

“No, your lady is with the prince. What could happen? Don’t worry,” Leng Feng said helplessly.

“But look, it’s getting dark and they’re still not back. What if something happened?” Mei’er said, worried.

In Beihao, she and Miss relied on each other. If anything happened to her, she wouldn’t survive either.

“Nonsense! Didn’t I just tell you? The prince is skilled in martial arts. Nothing will happen. He’s been fighting on the battlefield for years—how could anything go wrong?”

“Brother Leng Feng, I didn’t mean that. I’m just worried because Miss isn’t here. Even if Prince Jing can protect her, it’s been a whole day. How can I not be concerned?” Mei’er said, pouting.

“Alright, Mei’er, stop crying. If your lady isn’t back safely, I’ll let you use my head as a stool,” Leng Feng said.

Mei’er immediately stopped crying and smiled.

“I just want to see Miss; that’s all. I wouldn’t dare take your head!”

“Stay here calmly. I’ll wait outside the gate. The moment Prince Jing and Miss Yin return, I’ll notify you immediately.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Watching Leng Feng walk away, Mei’er finally relaxed.

Back in the capital:

“Prince, we’re about to reach the night market. It’s lively tonight!” the driver said obsequiously.

“Get off here.”

“Yes, Prince.”

“You can go now. I don’t need the carriage anymore.”

As soon as Chu Jingcheng spoke, he pulled Yin Qingyue along and disappeared into the night.

“What? You’re willing to get out of the carriage?”

“Under cover of darkness, no one can see us,” Chu Jingcheng said knowingly.

She understood his meaning. With her current appearance, they would definitely attract attention; if anyone noticed, he would be upset.

Not far away, a man shouted: “Clay figurines for sale! Little clay figures! Come take a look!”

“Let’s go see,” Yin Qingyue said, pulling his hand.

“Sir, how much for this?”

“Miss, all my figurines are handmade, three wen each.”

“Could you make one for me now?” Yin Qingyue said, smiling.

“As long as you like, of course! And this gentleman behind you must be your husband? Have him pay!” the man said with a sly grin.

Before Yin Qingyue could respond, Chu Jingcheng placed a silver ingot on the table.

“Sir, one figurine is only three wen… that could buy every figurine on my table!” the man said, astonished.

“You spoke the right words and will be rewarded. Make the figurine well,” Chu Jingcheng said, a faint, barely-there smile tugging at his lips.

“Thank you, sir! Thank you!” the vendor repeated over and over.

“Today we met the god of wealth! Even if I sold for days, I couldn’t earn this!” he muttered.

“Here, miss, take it. Your husband really cares for you; he spends freely!”

“You misunderstand! He’s not my husband. We are just… ordinary acquaintances,” Yin Qingyue said, a faint blush on her cheeks.

“How could that be? I’ve been selling clay figurines for years. You two are clearly a couple. I noticed the young man following you without leaving your side!”

“Lady, no need to deny it,” Chu Jingcheng said with a cold laugh.

“You… you’re shameless!”

“There are lanterns over there. Let’s go.”

Chu Jingcheng quickly pulled Yin Qingyue toward another stall.

“What do you mean? Since when am I your lady?” Yin Qingyue said, eyes wide with anger.

“Want some sweet dumplings? Hot and delicious! Sir, do you want one?” an old man asked with a smile.

“Give us a bowl,” Chu Jingcheng said, half-closing his eyes in thought.

“The young couple will share one bowl?”

“We’re not a couple!”

“Mm, just one bowl then.”

“Struggling won’t help. It was bound to happen eventually,” Chu Jingcheng said calmly. This scene was exactly what he wanted.

“Here you go! One bowl of sweet dumplings. Enjoy,” the vendor said.

Yin Qingyue looked at the steaming dumplings, her gaze wandering.

In modern times, sweet dumplings symbolized reunion. Now, alone here, she had no family with her.

“If only I could eat them with my family…” she thought, a trace of worry in her eyes. Chu Jingcheng noticed.

“Feeling homesick?” he asked.

“No, the dumplings are too hot. I’m not used to them.”

“Beihao’s dumplings are different from Xize. If you can’t get used to them, don’t force it.”

“No.” Yin Qingyue gripped the bowl and chopsticks tightly, unwilling to let go.

Some emotions, once triggered, cannot be contained—be it love or family bonds.

“Then take your time eating.”

In an instant, Chu Jingcheng disappeared.

“Miss, what’s wrong? Is the dumpling not to your taste?”

“No, I just thought of some unpleasant things. You go about your work,” Yin Qingyue said with a smile.

The next moment, Chu Jingcheng returned, holding a lantern.

“Xize has these too. Write your wish and place it in the river. Maybe it will come true,” he said casually, though he was worried. Yin Qingyue, usually argumentative or cold, was now sentimental.

“Thank you,” Yin Qingyue said, eyes sparkling, smiling.

She did feel a little homesick. The customs here were different from modern times; living here long enough naturally stirred memories. Though in the Yin Group she had to fend for herself to secure her position, at least here she had some small, pleasant recollections.

But now, she was here.

Chu Jingcheng looked at her and said, “If you’re unhappy, we can go back.”

She glanced at him. “No, it’s fine here. Really nice.”