MCSCPM -Chapter 211 The Best Plan

At that moment, in the main hall of the imperial palace,

Chu Helian was reviewing memorials when Eunuch Sun came in to report.

“Your Majesty, Prince Jing has arrived.”

Hearing this, Chu Helian set aside the memorials in his hands. “Let him in.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

A moment later, Prince Jing entered. Seeing his father seated on the throne, his expression was cold and serious. He bowed and said, “Your son reports to the Emperor.”

“No need for formalities.”

“Thank you, Father. May I ask why you summoned me to the palace?”

Chu Helian hadn’t seen his son for a few days. Though they didn’t spend much time together, blood was blood. Smiling, he said, “Jing’er, what have you been busy with these past few days?”

“Father, I’ve been studying some rites and ceremonies recently.”

“Hmm, it’s good to study more. Affairs of the state, both major and minor—military or civil—require proper knowledge. These are essential to learn,” Chu Helian said, his words carrying a subtle meaning beneath the surface.

Chu Jingcheng understood why his father had summoned him but chose not to reveal that he knew. Instead, he followed his father’s hints. “I still have much to learn, Father.”

“Yes, there is indeed much you still need to learn,” Chu Helian replied slowly. “Jing’er, I have a few things I need to tell you.”

“Please speak directly, Father.”

“Recently, I’ve heard much gossip in the capital. Whether true or not, I must remind you: as Prince Jing, your status is unlike anyone else’s. One day, perhaps even the throne may pass to you. If people speak recklessly or witness things they shouldn’t, do you know the consequences?”

Prince Jing already understood the veiled warnings. He didn’t hide anything and said directly, “Father, I understand your meaning.”

“Good. Be careful.”

“Yes, Father.”

Chu Jingcheng could not disobey his father, so some matters he had to agree to.

Chu Helian studied him, seeing his son understood, and then brought up the matter of Shangguan Jiaoran. “Jing’er, you are no longer a boy. Shangguan Jiaoran of the Shangguan family is a woman of both talent and beauty. You rejected her at the last banquet, but I think it’s time you marry and have children.”

So this was the real reason his father summoned him today. He couldn’t very well say he liked the goddess doctor in the outskirts of the capital instead.

“Father, as I said at the last banquet, I have no intention of taking a wife now. My focus is on state affairs.”

“State affairs are important, but family matters cannot be neglected. I know your heart is devoted to the country, but you know Shangguan Qingyun is a general holding the military power of Beihai. If you do not marry now, you will have to in the future.”

Chu Helian was clearly pressuring him. Chu Jingcheng knew once his father decided something, it couldn’t be changed—but how could he ever marry Shangguan Jiaoran? Absolutely impossible.

“Father, I truly have no intention of marrying. Even if Shangguan Jiaoran is exceptional, I have no feelings for her. I hope you will not force me.” His words were firm and resolute.

“I am not forcing you. It’s the situation that demands it. I’ve discussed this privately with Shangguan Qingyun many times. He insists you marry his daughter, and I agreed in principle,” Chu Helian explained.

“Father, my decision is final. It cannot be changed.”

Knowing his son’s temperament well, Chu Helian softened his tone. “Very well. I understand your heart. We’ll put this matter aside for now.”

“I hope you can understand me, Father,” Chu Jingcheng said, knowing his father would not simply drop the matter but still expressing himself.

“I have my own judgment. I tell you this to give you preparation. Some things need to be resolved early. As for the goddess doctor, go less often,” Chu Helian said.

Chu Jingcheng wasn’t surprised. His father had been monitoring him for years.

“Enough. You may leave; I still have many memorials to review.”

“Yes, Father.”

Exiting the main hall, Chu Jingcheng ran into Eunuch Sun.

“Eunuch Sun, I ask you—has the Emperor seen anyone recently?”

“Anyone, Prince Jing? What do you mean?”

Chu Jingcheng thought it over. Sun had served the Emperor faithfully for years, but some matters were best left vague to avoid arousing suspicion. He waved his hand. “Nothing. Take good care of the Emperor’s health.”

Bowing his head, Eunuch Sun said, “Yes, Prince. If the Emperor knew how concerned you are, he would be very pleased.”

Chu Jingcheng said nothing. He never indulged in pleasantries and left the palace.

Elsewhere, at the Ding residence.

Leng Feng arrived carrying several boxes of gifts, large and small. Today he wore a formal embroidered robe, looking every bit the nobleman’s son.

Outside the Ding residence, the young servant Xiao Si saw his attire and hurried over. “Young Master, whom do you seek?”

“I’m looking for your young lady. Is she home?”

“And you are?” the young servant asked.

He was Leng Feng, but if he said so plainly, Xiao Si might not let him in. He straightened his posture, imitating the prince’s tone and demeanor, and said, “I am Leng Feng, here to see your young lady. Go and notify her immediately.”

Clumsy yet convincing, the servant laughed, bowed, and said, “Yes, Young Master. I’ll notify her right away.”

“Then hurry.”

Xiao Si ran inside to inform them. Leng Feng breathed a sigh of relief, setting the gifts down. While waiting, he noticed the two young gate guards outside. Coughing, he walked over.

The guards didn’t move. He laughed. “No one is coming—take a break. Even the guards at the prince’s mansion slack off when the master isn’t around. Think about it: can you earn more silver by doing nothing? Don’t be foolish.”

He continued lecturing them with gestures, flapping his arms. “Here’s another tip: when idle, drink more wine to build courage. Especially you gate guards—you’ll be standing day and night. If your health fails, how will you marry in the future?”

He rambled on, but the guards ignored him. Losing interest, he finally stopped.

At that moment, Xiao Si ran out, out of breath and embarrassed.

Leng Feng grabbed him. “Well? Will your young lady see me?”

“Sir… who are you? The moment she heard your name, she pushed me away crying. I couldn’t bring you in.”

“This young lady… she really has a strong spirit,” he said, helplessly. Today was a wasted effort.

Xiao Si advised, “Young Master, you should come another time. She’s crying. I dare not say more.”

“She cried?” He felt guilty—his actions had caused the Ding lady so much distress.

He had no choice but to leave for now. He needed to consult Yin Qingyue for a plan.

“All right, I’ll come back another time,” he said, handing the gifts to the servant. “Young man, we may meet again. Keep these gifts for yourself.”

“You’re generous, Young Master. Next time, just say the word, and I’ll help,” the servant said.

“You flatter me. By the way, distribute some of these to the two guards—they’ve been on duty all day.”

“Yes, Young Master. Safe travels,” the servant replied.

Sighing, Leng Feng left and went to Yin Qingyue, recounting how he had been refused.

Yin Qingyue laughed at his attire and didn’t seem to care about his rejection.

“Leng Feng, you’re dressed well, but I told you—you don’t need to change. Be yourself. You need the Ding young lady to like you as you are.”

He looked at his clothes, smiling awkwardly.

“So, Miss Yin, what should I do now? She refuses to see me. I don’t even have a chance to explain.”

Yin Qingyue stepped forward, her expression serious. “Now, we need Shangguan Jiaoran’s help.”

From the beginning, Yin Qingyue had a plan involving Shangguan Jiaoran, though Leng Feng didn’t understand.

“What do you mean? Miss Yin, what exactly are you planning?”

Turning to him, she said seriously, “Tomorrow, I will spread news that Prince Jing is resting at my residence, and we are having a private conversation. He won’t return to the prince’s mansion.”

Leng Feng immediately tensed. “Miss Yin, why?”

“Of course it’s to help you. Don’t worry about the details. If you don’t do this, I doubt you’ll ever see the Ding young lady again in your life.”

“But… isn’t this using the prince? What if he finds out?”

Yin Qingyue smiled. “You are his subordinate. Besides, he’s the one who instructed you to marry Ding Ying. It’s not ‘using’ him—it’s following orders. And we won’t make it public across the capital—only Shangguan Jiaoran needs to know.”

Although he didn’t fully understand, Leng Feng had no choice but to follow this plan. It was the only option left.

Back at the prince’s mansion, he arranged for the message to be secretly sent to Shangguan Jiaoran’s household and bumped into Leng Yi.

“You run to Yin Qingyue’s place every day. Aren’t you afraid the prince will get angry?” Leng Yi said, his face cold.

Leng Feng had no time to care. He thought, Leng Yi, this is exactly what the prince instructed me to do. I went to see Miss Yin because of the prince. If he hadn’t insisted I marry Ding Ying, I wouldn’t have troubled Miss Yin at all!