MCSCPM -Chapter 212 Deliberate Scheme

“You’re all talk. If you don’t want to marry her, just tell the prince directly.”

“Tell him? How? The prince has already given the order, he’s blocking the front, and Lord Ding is chasing from behind. I’m like a startled bird right now. You don’t understand.”

Leng Yi glanced at him and leaned close. “I’ll warn you first—our prince may seem aloof, but when it comes to Miss Yin, he’s a completely different person. And he’s extremely jealous. Be careful, or he’ll give you a lesson you won’t forget.”

Hearing this, Leng Feng felt his heart leap into his throat. His face went pale at Leng Yi’s ominous tone, and he shoved him away. “Leng Yi, when did you learn to scare people like this?”

“I’m not scaring you,” Leng Yi said calmly. “I came because the prince sent me. He’s waiting for you in the main hall. And don’t forget what I just said—I’m serious.”

“The prince wants to see me? Now?”

“What’s the matter? Scared?”

Yes, he really was scared. His legs shook as he hurried to the main hall. His prince was waiting.

Seeing him arrive, Chu Jingcheng noticed how flustered he looked, like a bird that had been startled. He slammed the table lightly.

“Leng Feng, what have you been doing these past few days?”

“Prince, I haven’t done anything!”

“You still dare to say nothing? I’ve seen you running to Miss Yin every day. What? Has she told you the thoughts of a woman?” Chu Jingcheng’s tone was sharp, even tinged with jealousy.

Leng Feng, nervous, said, “Prince, I… I’m just following your orders. Miss Yin is kind enough to help me, and I’m grateful—more than I can express.”

“Nonsense! Looks like you’ve been misbehaving recently. I should teach you a lesson.”

“Prince, you can’t wrong me! I’m only doing what you instructed.”

Chu Jingcheng hated seeing other men approaching Yin Qingyue. Even though Leng Feng was a royal guard…

Leng Feng hurriedly explained, “I only asked Miss Yin to help me.”

“Enough. These days, I couldn’t go there myself. It’s good you went to keep an eye on her. If she needs anything, report immediately. And make sure the medicines are never missing. If you can’t handle this, you’ll answer to me.”

Chu Jingcheng’s strict instructions were merely a delaying tactic. Though he usually visited the goddess doctor less often, he could go wherever he wanted—no one could stop him. Since he decided not to go these past few days, he clearly had his reasons. He wanted to see if she missed him.

Leng Feng didn’t expect his prince’s temper to swing so quickly—one moment jealous and stern, the next moment softening.

Seizing the opportunity, he dared not refuse. Excited, he said, “Prince, don’t worry. I will watch over Miss Yin carefully and report immediately if anything happens. Nothing will be hidden.”

“Leave now.”

“Yes, Prince.”

Once Leng Feng left, Chu Jingcheng frowned, clenching his fists as if to slam the table. Normally, he would visit the outskirts of the capital freely, but now he had to stay at the prince’s mansion until his father’s spies left.

Yin Qingyue, what exactly are you up to now?

Outskirts Residence

Yin Qingyue found it strange that the prince hadn’t come for days, with only Leng Feng around.

“What’s going on with me?” she murmured.

Was she thinking about the prince? No, impossible. Perhaps it was just the habit of him being around. When he wasn’t there, it felt empty and quiet.

Night stretched across the sky, half a handful of stars scattered sparsely.

Sitting in the courtyard, she looked up at the unfamiliar sky, feeling a heaviness in her heart and a touch of sadness. This place wasn’t Xize. The people, the weather—even the sky—was different.

She had been trying hard to tell herself not to think of Xize. That place was gone. Here, though strange, was safe. No need to worry about life or death.

Mei’er brought over some prepared medicine. “Miss, why hasn’t the prince come these past few days? Only Leng Feng comes every day.”

Her casual remark made Yin Qingyue uncomfortable. She stopped her. “Mei’er, don’t mention him again unless necessary.”

“Understood. Come, Miss, take your medicine quickly.”

“Mm.” She drank it slowly.

Bitter medicine, but once her body stabilized, she would check Chu Jingcheng’s mind again. She seriously suspected her mind-reading technique had malfunctioned on him.

“Miss, drink your medicine and rest. Mei’er will help you inside.”

It was late, and she had important matters to attend tomorrow. “By the way, Mei’er, make a good pot of tea tomorrow. I have an important guest.”

“Guest? Who? Miss, besides the prince, do you know anyone here in Beihai?”

“You’ll know when the person arrives tomorrow. Just don’t go to the main hall and disturb them.”

Mei’er didn’t fully understand but nodded and helped Yin Qingyue inside.

Next day, General’s Mansion

Yun’er ran in from the front yard, rushing into her young lady’s room, panicked.

Shangguan Jiaoran had been confined by her father for days, going nowhere. Vase after vase had been broken in the room.

“Miss, something bad has happened!”

Shangguan Jiaoran glared at her. “Why are you panicking? What’s bad? Don’t bring bad luck first thing in the morning!”

“Miss… I just heard something!” she panted, anxious.

“What is it? Speak quickly!” Shangguan Jiaoran was at her dressing table, trying on delicate hairpins, pleased with herself.

Yun’er bit her lip. “I heard the prince is going to the goddess doctor’s place today. He plans not to return to the prince’s mansion and will spend the night there, talking with her by candlelight.”

“What?!” Shangguan Jiaoran dropped her hairpin and jumped up. “What nonsense are you talking about? The prince is going there and won’t return? What are they doing? What drugs has that witch given him? I’ll make her pay!”

Clenching her teeth, she grabbed her whip, storming to leave.

Yun’er blocked her. “Miss, your father confined you. If he finds out, it’ll be serious.”

“I’ll go if I want! Move!”

“Miss, please don’t make me suffer!” Yun’er pleaded, standing her ground.

Shangguan Jiaoran, furious at the thought of the prince and Yin Qingyue, lost all reason. She swung her whip at Yun’er, knocking her aside.

“Who dares stop me? I’ll make them pay!”

She rushed out, riding her carriage straight to Yin Qingyue’s place. Before the prince arrived, she intended to drive Yin Qingyue out, even out of Beihai. A woman from Xize—how dare she stay here?

At the gate, she saw Leng Feng.

“Step aside, or I’ll use my whip on you first!”

Leng Feng smirked. “I have no time for you today. If you want a fight, find another time.”

“Smart move.” Shangguan Jiaoran snorted.

She didn’t waste time and rushed inside. Surprisingly, Leng Feng hadn’t stopped her. Anger clouded her judgment.

Inside, she saw Yin Qingyue calmly drinking tea—the tea Mei’er had prepared last night.

Furious, she shouted, “Witch! I’ll deal with you today! Leave Beihai immediately, or I’ll make you pay!”

Yin Qingyue, unafraid, lifted her cup. “Shangguan, you’ve come all the way from the capital. You must be tired. Why not sit, rest, and taste my tea? See if it suits your palate.”

“I don’t have time for your tea!” Shangguan Jiaoran scowled.

“Afraid it’s poisoned? Tea soothes the mind.”

“Mind-soothing? I have nothing to soothe,” she snorted.

“Really? You may have nothing to worry about, but your friend Ding Ying might.” Yin Qingyue hinted, not revealing everything.

Hearing about Ding Ying, Shangguan Jiaoran, though hot-headed, cared for her friend. Panic rose in her. “What are you talking about? What happened to Ding Ying?”

“Yin Qingyue, don’t play tricks! I’m not the prince. Don’t try to drug me!”

“I’m concerned for Ding Ying. Something serious happened, and you didn’t know. As her friend, you should help her.” Yin Qingyue exaggerated the situation, part of her plan.

Originally planning to punish Yin Qingyue, Shangguan Jiaoran’s anger slowly turned to worry.

Seeing her relax her grip on the whip, Yin Qingyue continued, “She’s anxious now. If I were you, I’d go comfort her, talk to her, guide her—not just swing your whip around.”

Shangguan Jiaoran, realizing the severity, asked hurriedly, “What exactly happened to Ding Ying? Tell me!”

“Why not ask her yourself? I can’t explain well. Go see her yourself.”

Shangguan Jiaoran thought: punishing this woman could wait. Ding Ying’s problem was urgent. Since Ding Ying hadn’t told her, she gave up on attacking Yin Qingyue.

“Today I’ll let you go. Next time, you won’t be so lucky.” She glared at Yin Qingyue, stomped her feet, and left.