MCSCPM -Chapter 218 Drawing the Sword

Leng Yi suddenly remembered something. “Your Highness, I heard that Shangguan Jiaoran accidentally drank the high-alcohol tea. The doctor said she might sleep for three days straight.”

“Oh? Really?”

“I sent someone to check—it’s true.”

Chu Jingcheng chuckled. “I don’t think it was an accident. Yin Qingyue had a hand in it. Well, these three days without Shangguan Jiaoran’s interference will make things much easier with Leng Feng and Ding Ying.”

“You’re right, Your Highness. Should we notify Leng Feng now and tell him Miss Ding is with Miss Yin?”

“Of course we should! Three days isn’t much time.”

“Very well. I’ll notify him immediately.”

“Go ahead.”

Backyard

Leng Yi hurried to Leng Feng’s room. Leng Feng had no idea Ding Ying was at Yin Qingyue’s place and was still brooding over today’s events, sighing as he held his head, wondering what he should do next.

At that moment, Leng Yi slammed his sword down in front of him, startling Leng Feng so much that he jumped and swore loudly: “Leng Yi! Do you know that scaring people like that could kill them? Are you trying to fight me? Perfect timing—I’m in a foul mood. Come on, let’s spar!”

Without asking why Leng Yi had come, Leng Feng drew his sword and lunged. Leng Yi quickly drew his own sword in response.

“Leng Feng, I think you’re crazy,” Leng Yi said.

The two began sparring inside the room, moving out into the courtyard. Leng Feng, frustrated with the day, vented his anger on Leng Yi, striking with full force.

As for Leng Yi, he was completely innocent—he had only intended to deliver news about Ding Ying. Yet Leng Feng’s crude temper turned it into an attack on him.

After a few rounds with no clear winner, Leng Yi leapt back to create some distance. “Alright, Leng Feng, if you keep this up, I won’t hold back.”

“Who asked you to hold back? Show me what you’ve got!” Leng Feng readied himself again.

“Don’t you want to hear about Ding Ying?”

“What?” The moment he heard her name, Leng Feng’s anger vanished. He lowered his sword and hurried over. “Tell me! What happened?”

Leng Yi, however, shot him a disdainful glare and snorted, then went inside.

“Come on! Don’t keep me in suspense!” Leng Feng yelled.

“Now you’re anxious? Not fighting me anymore?” Leng Yi teased, deliberately testing his patience.

“Fine, fine, I’m not fighting anymore! Leng Yi, it’s all my fault! Just tell me—I’m really worried!” Leng Feng’s forehead was sweaty; it was clear he was genuinely anxious.

Leng Yi smirked. “I say, Leng Feng, since when did you start caring so much about a woman? Looks like it’s time for you to marry.”

Embarrassed, Leng Feng swallowed hard and sat down awkwardly. His eyes darted around before he stammered, “What? Nonsense! I… I’m just worried about her. If anything happens to her, it’ll be on my head. That’s a responsibility I can’t bear. Say what you want, I’m done listening.”

“Don’t play coy. But fine, if you don’t want to hear, I’ll leave. It’s late; I’m going to rest.” Leng Yi started to walk away.

Seeing this, Leng Feng pulled him back, grinning and pleading, “Leng Yi, don’t be mad. You know me—I just speak without thinking. Forgive me?”

“You’re tall and graceful, and I’m a pile of mud. How could I compare? Please, tell me.”

For a normally bickering pair, this sudden flattery was overwhelming. Leng Yi pushed him away.

“Don’t flatter me—I’m not the Prince. I can’t stand your brown-nosing.”

“Then tell me!” Leng Feng pressed again.

Leng Yi pushed him once more. Finally, he relented. “Fine, fine. Ding Ying is with Miss Yin.”

“Ah? Really?”

“I’m not lying. Also, Miss Yin said she persuaded Ding Ying to spend three days with you. During these three days, it’s up to you to interact with her, try to win her over. Three days only—you better make the most of it.”

Leng Feng was surprised, staring wide-eyed. “How did Ding Ying agree?”

“That’s not your concern. Miss Yin helped you this far. Don’t waste her kindness—or the Prince won’t forgive you either.”

“But… I don’t know what to do.”

“Don’t worry. Tomorrow, when you visit Miss Yin, she’ll guide you.”

Leng Feng’s nerves were on edge. Three days alone with her—he wasn’t smooth, not romantic—he was stumped. He scratched his head, muttering, “Alright, I get it. I need to think carefully.”

“Then think carefully. I’ll leave now. Go see her tomorrow—don’t make Ding Ying wait. I’ll be watching for your wedding day.”

“Leng Yi, don’t tease me—you’ll get yours eventually,” Leng Feng said, still irritated, forgetting his earlier flattery.

Leng Yi laughed. “Before it’s your turn, I’m content to watch your comedy.”

He left. But Leng Feng, thinking of meeting Ding Ying tomorrow for three days alone, was restless and couldn’t sleep all night.

The Next Day

Leng Feng, anxious all night, finally went to the suburban residence. Yin Qingyue had been waiting early. Seeing him arrive hesitantly, she clenched her fist and tapped him on the forehead.

“Leng Feng, I’ve told you all I can. How you handle this is up to you.”

He rubbed his head innocently, peeking into the backyard. “Miss Yin, I understand. Where’s Miss Ding?”

“She’s waiting for you in the backyard.”

“I’ll go find her.”

“Wait,” Yin Qingyue called, exasperated. “You fool—just going in there? What will you say? If Ding Ying sees you, she’ll start crying. You expect three days of her crying?”

Leng Feng realized she was right. Any words from him, and Ding Ying would be inconsolable.

“Then what should I do?” he asked.

“Don’t rush to apologize or explain. You said everything yesterday. She’s had time to process it. When you meet her, take her out into the city—go boating, visit the night market, anything to make her happy. Don’t mention the past,” Yin Qingyue instructed firmly, staring him in the eye to ensure he remembered.

Leng Feng nodded seriously, but couldn’t resist asking, “Miss Yin, how did you get her to agree? She ran off yesterday!”

“That’s none of your concern now. Focus on your task. Remember: only three days. Fail, and the Prince will definitely kick you out of his residence.”

“I’ll handle it,” he promised.

Yin Qingyue said no more about her arrangement with Ding Ying, not wanting Leng Feng to slack off. This was a good thing—she hoped it would succeed.

They went to the backyard, where Ding Ying was seated quietly. Here, not being at her own home, she dared not wander, chatting briefly with Mei’er before staying put.

Yin Qingyue knocked lightly and entered. “Miss Ding, look who’s here.”

Ding Ying turned and saw Leng Feng behind Yin Qingyue. She clutched her handkerchief tightly, sweating, and instinctively stepped back.

Yin Qingyue gave a subtle nod. Leng Feng stepped forward, shy like a young girl, smiling. “Miss Ding… shall we go out for a walk?”

Ding Ying glanced at Yin Qingyue, as if seeking approval. Yin Qingyue smiled gently and nodded. With her reassurance, Ding Ying relaxed her guard.

“Where shall we go?”

“How about… a boat ride?”

“Alright.” The atmosphere lightened significantly. Leng Feng laughed nervously.

Yin Qingyue approached Ding Ying, took her hand, and whispered, “Miss Ding, whatever happens, you promised me, and I promised you. But I hope you consider Leng Feng—he’s someone worthy of your trust for life.”

Ding Ying nodded. “Don’t worry. Since you’ve reassured me, I know what to do.”

“Good.” Yin Qingyue turned serious, addressing Leng Feng. “These few days, Ding Ying is in your care. If you let her suffer, I won’t let it slide.”

“Yes, yes, I won’t disappoint you, the Prince, or Ding Ying,” Leng Feng said, blushing like a bashful youth.

Though it was the Prince’s order, after so long without a girl in his life, suddenly having one to spend time with was overwhelming.