MCSCPM -Chapter 208 Mind Your Own Business

The news that Leng Feng was to be married spread quickly through Prince Jing’s residence. No one could believe it, and it became the talk of the household.

“Did you hear? Prince Jing is having Leng Feng get married. I heard it’s the daughter of the Minister of Justice.”

“Yeah… what’s going on? How did it suddenly come to this?”

“That day, Lord Ding even came to the residence in person, saying he wanted his daughter to marry Leng Feng. And Prince Jing agreed immediately. Strange, isn’t it?”

“Exactly! It’s really odd. Nobody would believe that Leng Feng is actually getting married.”

A few maids were gossiping together, their voices animated, practically itching to see the day Leng Feng got married.

But it was bad luck for them—they happened to be overheard by Leng Feng himself.

When he approached, everyone went silent. Though he worked closely with Prince Jing, he was friendly with the household staff and occasionally spoke to the servants.

“Guard Leng Feng, we heard you’re getting married. Is it true?” a young servant asked, prompting the other maids to surround him.

“Is it true?”

“How did you and Miss Ding meet?”

“Did Prince Jing really order this? Aren’t you going to resist, Guard Leng Feng?”

Caught in the middle, Leng Feng groaned, clutching his head and frowning. “Alright, alright! Who’s getting married—me or you? Why are you more excited than I am?”

The thought of marriage was giving him a headache. It wasn’t that he disliked Ding Ying, but this felt far too rushed. He was helpless.

The group continued teasing him.

“Guard Leng Feng, don’t forget to let us know when the wedding is so we can prepare gifts.”
“Yes, yes, it’s a big event—can’t be sloppy.”

Overwhelmed by their chatter, Leng Feng covered his ears and ran off.

As luck would have it, he ran straight into Ding Heng.

Leng Feng’s face went pale; for the first time in front of anyone other than Prince Jing, his hands trembled.

“L-Lord Ding…” he stammered, twisted with nerves.

Ding Heng, however, was calm. This was his future son-in-law—handsome enough—but in his heart, he didn’t like him one bit.

“Leng Feng, do I look that intimidating?”

“No… I…”

“Enough. Don’t say anything. I know what you want to say. My daughter was treated indecently, and I’ve already conceded to have her marry you. If you dare mistreat her, I won’t forgive you.”

“Lord Ding… I didn’t bully your daughter. I… really didn’t mean it.”

“Intentional or not doesn’t matter. Prince Jing has agreed. So, what? You don’t want to marry, or you never intended to marry my daughter?” Ding Heng’s tone turned sharp, eyes glaring at the nervous Leng Feng, tongue tied in tension.

“I don’t refuse, Lord Ding. Since Prince Jing has ordered it, even if I didn’t want to, I must. Besides… it’s true I was at fault first. Rest assured, I’ll take responsibility.”

“Good. You at least have some awareness. All right, it’s settled now. We are family, so don’t be so formal with me.”

“Yes.” Leng Feng wiped the sweat off his brow, his tone softening in front of Ding Heng.

Ding Heng sighed and left.

Once he was out of sight, Leng Feng patted his chest and exhaled long and deeply.

But why did Ding Heng come again today?

Backyard

Because Ding Ying absolutely refused to marry, Ding Heng had spent the entire previous night thinking.

He couldn’t force or scold his daughter. He couldn’t impose his own desires on her, and it left him in a bind.

So today, he returned to Prince Jing’s residence once more.

Prince Jing, upon hearing that Ding Heng had come, had been waiting at the pavilion. Seeing Ding Heng’s helpless expression, he guessed it was about his daughter.

“Lord Ding, why are you back again? Didn’t I already give you an answer last time?”

Ding Heng said, “Prince Jing, I have come today still regarding my daughter’s matter.”

“Why? Is your daughter dissatisfied with the decision you and I made?”

“Actually… my daughter feels strange because she’s only interacted with Leng Feng once. No matter what, she refuses to marry.”

“So, what do you want from me today?”

“I wonder if Prince Jing can facilitate this marriage. You know, a young lady’s purity must not be compromised. My daughter is to marry Leng Feng—it must be arranged properly.” Ding Heng’s tone was somewhat pressing.

Prince Jing disliked being coerced, but since this concerned Leng Feng, he made an exception. He thought for a moment, lifted his brows, and gave his answer: “All right, Lord Ding. Don’t worry. Since I’ve agreed, this matter will be handled.”

“Very well, I leave it to Prince Jing then.”

No sooner had Ding Heng left than Prince Jing called Leng Feng over.

Before the prince could speak, Leng Feng blurted out, “Your Highness, I just ran into Lord Ding. Did he come again? Is this about Miss Ding?”

Prince Jing gave him a sharp look, scolding: “Leng Feng, do you know? Miss Ding doesn’t want to marry you.”

“Really?”

“Why, you look disappointed.”

Leng Feng quickly shook his head, feigning a lucky escape, and shrugged with a smile. “Well, if she doesn’t want to marry, then I guess it’s over.”

Prince Jing was not fooled. He stared at Leng Feng coldly and said, “But I promised to resolve this issue.”

“Resolve? What do you mean, Your Highness?”

“You handle it yourself. If you can’t, don’t bother coming to see me again.”

“Your Highness, you’re forcing me! You’re driving me like a duck to the slaughter!” Leng Feng groaned, full of misery.

Prince Jing waved him off. “Since Miss Ding doesn’t want to marry, you figure out how to make her willing. You handle it yourself. If you fail, don’t return to the residence. I won’t see you again. You’ll be at Lord Ding’s mercy.”

Heaven… this really was like driving a duck to the slaughter.

In the past, he had criticized Prince Jing for being overly attentive to Yin Qingyue, thinking the prince was just trying to win her favor. Now, it was his turn—and he finally understood. But how could he do it? He had never pursued a girl before.

After much thought, he couldn’t think of a single idea and hadn’t rested properly in a long time.

Suburban Residence

Yin Qingyue was picking plum blossoms in the courtyard. Northern Beihuo’s plums were said to be the most beautiful—and indeed, they were.

After picking enough, she had Mei’er arrange them in a vase. The tight bouquet was stunning.

“These flowers are like you, Miss—truly beautiful,” Mei’er praised.

Yin Qingyue, recently free of makeup, glowed naturally. She playfully tweaked Mei’er’s nose. “These plums are like your mouth, Mei’er—fragrant and sweet.”

“Like Miss’s, of course.”

“You see? Sweet words. By the way, is your hand feeling better?”

“Yes, Miss. No need to worry.”

“Next time you make medicine, be careful,” Yin Qingyue advised.

Mei’er felt warmth in her heart. “Thank you, Miss. I’ll be careful. You too—your health hasn’t improved despite all the medicine.”

Yin Qingyue knew her own condition. Staying in the residence for so long, she had become used to it. But since arriving in Beihuo, problems arose—thanks to her connection with Prince Jing and incidents like Shangguan Jiaoran and the masked man that night.

“Miss, what are you thinking about?”

“Nothing.”

“Are you thinking about Xize?”

Xize? Not really. She had barely escaped the Luocheng residence and had fled to Beihuo—she was running.

At that moment, Chu Jingcheng appeared. Seeing Yin Qingyue holding the plum blossoms, looking pensive, he approached gently. “Even the finest plum blossoms can’t compare to you.”

Hearing this, Yin Qingyue handed him the bouquet for a proper look.

“Prince Jing’s words are getting harder to understand,” she muttered to Mei’er. “Take these inside and enjoy their fragrance.”

“Yes, Miss,” Mei’er said, carrying the flowers indoors.

“If you like, tomorrow I can have people plant plum trees throughout the courtyard,” Prince Jing offered.

“No need, Your Highness. The courtyard already has plenty. Where would we plant more?”

“It seems the space is small.”

“That’s not what I meant. Please don’t misunderstand,” she said, softer than usual, letting him stay nearby.

Seeing her today, Prince Jing couldn’t help but remark, “Yin Qingyue, you’ve really changed.”

Changed? Yin Qingyue thought—she had indeed changed.

“You’ve said it twice, Prince Jing. Do you want me to change, or not?”

Chu Jingcheng smiled slightly, gazing at her. “No matter how you change, to me, you’re still Yin Qingyue—the little thief who dared pull my clothes and steal my silver.”

“You’re the thief,” she retorted.

Chu Jingcheng laughed. “What did I steal from you?”

Her heart, he thought—but she wouldn’t tell him that.

Ignoring him, she turned and went inside.

Chu Jingcheng followed, grabbing her gently and teasingly asking, “Tell me—what did I steal? Your clothes? Or your silver?”

“Prince Jing, since when did you become so aggressive?” she shot him a glance.