MCSCPM -Chapter 195 The Fated One

The two of them continued strolling through the night market, and Yin Qingyue gradually became completely immersed in its lively atmosphere.

Unnoticed, night had fallen. The capital remained bustling and prosperous. Just like a modern night market, lanterns glowed red, and the streets were alive with people and drink.

Outside the brothel, a crowd had gathered.

“Sir, come over!” many women called from the entrance, trying to entice customers.

“I’m not coming! Tonight, Miss Qingqing is giving her first time away, isn’t she? I have no interest in playing with you!” a man said lecherously, eyes fixed on a second-story window.

“Come on, sir, with your looks, do you really think you’ll get Miss Qingqing’s first time? You’re dreaming! Why don’t you ask what it takes to get it?” a woman teased, swaying her sinuous waist.

“Then tell me, how do I get it?” the man immediately changed his tone, fawning.

“You look down on us girls. Go over there—Miss Qingqing is waiting for you,” the woman said without joking.

“Unappreciative,” the man muttered, self-reproachful.

Meanwhile, Yin Qingyue wandered through the street, holding a lantern.

She had never experienced a night market in ancient times. The sights and colors were unlike anything she had seen before.

“Move! Don’t block my way!” a man shouted angrily, shoving Yin Qingyue aside.

Looking around, a large crowd was moving toward the brothel.

“Stop right there!” Chu Jingcheng’s eyes flashed, and he grabbed the man by the shoulder.

“Sir, she blocked my way. Who’s to blame? We’re all rushing to see Miss Qingqing! Don’t you know?” the man said, grinning.

“Miss Qingqing? The one from the brothel?” Yin Qingyue asked, puzzled.

From her previous conversation, every word of that woman revolved around Prince Jing. Although Yin Qingyue didn’t know her true intentions, as a woman, she could sense that Miss Qingqing cared for him.

“Yeah, it’s her. Many people are going there tonight! Miss Qingqing has set up a test at the brothel entrance. If someone passes it, they’ll get her first time,” the man said, swallowing nervously. He could hardly wait; if he succeeded, a night with Miss Qingqing would be worth it.

“Let him go,” Yin Qingyue said calmly.

“Spare me, sir!” the man ran toward the brothel, afraid of missing anything.

“What? Did you get upset when you heard her name?” Chu Jingcheng said knowingly. He remembered clearly that in the alley, Yin Qingyue had declared herself the destined companion of Miss Qingqing.

Yet Miss Qingqing had not yet given her first time to anyone—how could there be a destined companion?

“No,” Yin Qingyue said.

Her concern was not for Miss Qingqing. From that conversation, she could tell this woman was no ordinary person. At the brothel, her feelings for Prince Jing were pure and untouched. She would not lightly offer her first time—if she did, it must be to draw someone’s attention. Yin Qingyue trusted that Miss Qingqing’s nature would prevent her from doing otherwise.

“Miss Qingqing’s first time is for the fated one—Prince, aren’t you anxious?” Yin Qingyue said coldly.

Just now, when the man mentioned Miss Qingqing, Chu Jingcheng had frowned slightly but soon returned to normal.

“Go if you want to save her. Don’t delay anyone,” Yin Qingyue said.

“Preposterous!” Chu Jingcheng barked. Over the years, he had only treated Miss Qingqing as a chess piece, monitoring her movements. He had never harbored improper thoughts. Even though she was beautiful, he had never been tempted. Now, with this scene unfolding, it could not be a coincidence.

“Let’s go,” Yin Qingyue said, pulling him step by step toward the brothel.

In that moment, Chu Jingcheng felt he had gained a new understanding of Yin Qingyue.

Little did he know, Miss Qingqing’s actions were purely to summon Prince Jing.

Inside the brothel, Miss Qingqing sat at the edge of the bed, eyes fixed on the window. She had put her first time on the line—if Prince Jing did not appear, there was nothing she could do.

“Qingqing! What are you doing?” the madam asked anxiously. If Miss Qingqing gave away her first time, the brothel’s prized reputation would be ruined.

“Mother, I just want to see who can pass the test and become the fated one!” Qingqing said, her face radiating joy.

“I tell you, are you out of your mind? If you give it away, what will happen to you later? Not even the high officials or the men of the capital will give you a second glance!” the madam said sternly.

“Mother, over the years, haven’t I earned money for you? Today, I have my own plan. Are you going to stop me?” Qingqing said.

“You, girl, why won’t you listen? Men are fickle. You are our brothel’s star—if you give yourself away today, how will you take care of me in the future?” the madam said helplessly. In the brothel, men only sought novelty. If Qingqing gave her first tonight, half of the brothel’s future clientele might vanish.

“Mother, I’ve made my decision. I grew up here, and thanks to your care, I’ve never thought otherwise. Tell me honestly—over all these years, have I earned little for you?” Qingqing said, eyes full of grievance.

The madam’s heart softened instantly.

“Qingqing, I know your hardships. Today, I won’t stop you. Think carefully, but your decision is yours!” she said sadly. Though Qingqing was the brothel’s prized star, the madam dared not interfere. Many men had offered money to see her, yet she had never allowed it, taking plenty of benefit herself.

“These are my intentions. Please, Mother, accept them,” Qingqing said, opening a jewelry box filled with gold and silver.

“No need. You’ve been here long enough. I just hope you find a good match,” the madam said, quickly taking the box. Normally, Qingqing only met the elite; this little treasure could support her for life.

“Mother is too kind. This is what I should do,” Qingqing said.

“Then prepare yourself for your fated one,” the madam said helplessly.

“Yes, Mother,” Qingqing replied.

The madam thought to herself, feeling pity. This girl was foolish—her value was so high, yet she sought a fated one. Such a waste! Though the jewelry was priceless, it was a little less than the usual tips she received.

After the madam left:

“Miss Qingqing, aren’t you being foolish? The madam was right—if you give away your first time, no one will come for you later!”

“They only want my beauty. I just want someone sincere. Is that so hard?” Qingqing said, feeling wronged.

“I’m just worried, Miss. Life in the brothel is hard. We sisters depend on you to live,” the maid said.

“Then it’s time to settle this,” Qingqing said lightly, though her thoughts were elsewhere. She would never give away her first lightly—it was to test Prince Jing.

The conversation with the ugly woman had been painful. Despite all she did silently for Prince Jing, she realized an ugly woman might be more noticed. She could not bear the comparison.

“Let’s see if Prince Jing comes when I offer my first tonight!” Qingqing thought secretly. If he appeared, it would show she had a place in his heart.

“Miss, is it worth it? That person?” the maid asked anxiously.

“It’s not about worth. My life belongs to him. Losing it for him doesn’t matter.”

“Miss, if you regret it, it may not be too late. Shall I withdraw it for you?”

“No need. My mind is made up!” Qingqing’s eyes gleamed with determination.

“Miss, think carefully. I’ll go prepare.”

Qingqing gazed out the window, her mind haunted by Chu Jingcheng’s image. That day, she saw him leave the brothel with another woman. The memory cut her like a knife.

“One word from you, and I’ll give up,” she thought.

Outside the brothel:

“Why hasn’t Miss Qingqing come yet? Didn’t she set a test? Not a single person in sight!”

The entrance was already crowded with people.

“Calm down, everyone. Miss Qingqing is still preparing. Tonight’s promise will be fulfilled!” the madam said with a smile.

“What are we waiting for? It’s just a test. Hurry up so we can see what it takes to win Miss Qingqing’s first time!”

“Sir, that’s a bit much. Miss Qingqing isn’t an ordinary girl. Last time, a gentleman claimed to be the niece of the imperial consort, yet still couldn’t see her.”

“Today she said it herself. It’s not others’ fault. Could it be fake?” a man complained.

“Sir, calm down. It’s not fake. Miss Qingqing is coming. I’ll hurry her along,” someone said.

“Go!”

At this moment, Yin Qingyue and Chu Jingcheng stood below. Inside the brothel, the crowd was so dense, no one could enter.

“Yin Qingyue, what exactly are you doing?”

“Since Prince Jing is worried about Miss Qingqing, we’re here to save her. If she gives her first to someone else, how would you feel?” Yin Qingyue said with a smile, showing a hint of jealousy.

“Everyone, look carefully! This is Miss Qingqing’s test. If you pass, you’ll win her first time!”

Instantly, large red banners descended both inside and outside the building.

“What kind of test is this? Just questions!” several men complained.

“Miss Qingqing said you must answer three questions and explain the reasoning. Otherwise, you won’t pass!”

“So hard! I’m out!”

“Sir, it’s fair competition. If you can’t do it, that’s tough!”

“I think you’re just fooling people, putting on a show to lure us here!” the man complained.