MCSCPM -Chapter 223 Applying the Medicine

After sending Ding Ying back, Leng Feng returned to Prince Jing’s residence.

Leng Yi was busy dressing Leng Feng’s wounds. The moment he applied pressure, Leng Feng yelped, swatting his hand away. “Can you be any gentler? Don’t you know I’m the injured one?”

“I think you’re just asking for trouble and enjoying it,” Leng Yi teased.

“You’re the one enjoying it!” Leng Feng shot him a glare, then suddenly remembered something. “By the way, what happened with that matter?”

Leng Yi snorted and pulled Leng Feng’s hand back to continue applying the medicine and bandages. “It’s the prince’s misfortune that he met you. You caused the mess, and the prince had to deal with it. Aren’t you ashamed?”

“So… what’s the outcome now?”

“The prince has sealed that brothel. The owner didn’t argue, and the prince even silenced her, warning her not to speak recklessly. As for Old Zhou… he’s in a bad spot too—probably imprisoned for life.”

“I suppose the prince will punish me.”

“Don’t worry. The prince knows you’re injured too. This counts as a lesson. He won’t make things difficult for you,” Leng Yi reassured him.

Leng Feng knew that while their prince seemed cold, after so many years together, he understood him perfectly.

Once Leng Yi finished bandaging him, he asked, “By the way, after everything that happened to Ding Ying today… does that mean it’s over between you two?”

Mentioning Ding Ying made Leng Feng’s expression darken. He felt overwhelming guilt, regretting not protecting her properly and putting her in danger.

Seeing him silent, Leng Yi nudged him. “What’s the matter? Tell me, what’s going on with you and Ding Ying? Is she furious at you?”

“I don’t know… maybe. Tonight I lost her. She’s from a respectable family, a young lady who’s never endured such hardship. Now I understand why her father forbids her from going out alone. She can’t take care of herself. When something happens, she only cries. If I’m not there… what would happen if something went wrong?”

“So… does that mean you care about her?” Leng Yi teased, smirking. “Have you really fallen for her?”

“I… I don’t know. It’s a strange feeling. I just… want to protect her, make sure she doesn’t get hurt.”

“I see… so you really like her. Looks like you really want to marry her.”

Leng Feng stood, walking to the door. He looked at the solitary moon in the sky and thought of Ding Ying, murmuring to himself, “I think… I really want to marry her.”

Though he spoke quietly, Leng Yi overheard. They often bickered, but this was the first time he’d heard Leng Feng speak so earnestly.

“Leng Feng, don’t worry. That wound you took… it won’t be for nothing.”

Leng Feng looked up. “You’re usually so quiet. Why are you suddenly so chatty?”

Leng Yi walked over, patting his shoulder. “Before, it was trivial things, not worth mentioning. But now… listen. You have your personality—it’s different from everyone else. Ding Ying might not have accepted you at first, but in time, she’ll see how good you are.”

His words warmed Leng Feng’s heart, and he smiled. “Whether you mean it or not, I rarely hear such words from you. Having a brother like you… it’s worth it.”

He patted Leng Yi’s shoulder firmly in return.

The next day, just as dawn broke, Yin Qingyue cleaned up and opened the door, seeing Ding Ying standing outside.

“Miss Ding? Why are you here so early? Are you feeling unwell?” Yin Qingyue asked anxiously.

Shaking her head, Ding Ying said, “No. Didn’t we say yesterday? Take me to see Leng Feng. I’m worried about him and don’t know how he’s doing. I’m really concerned.”

“Miss Ding, you should at least eat something first.”

“But—”

“Don’t worry. I promise he’ll still be at Prince Jing’s residence when you get there.” Yin Qingyue comforted her while leading her to breakfast.

Mei’er had already prepared the meal. “Miss, Miss Ding, have something to eat. You barely ate yesterday and must be hungry after the whole night.”

“Miss Ding, eat something at least. You’ll need the strength to take care of Leng Feng,” Yin Qingyue added.

Ding Ying ate a little but her thoughts were already on Prince Jing’s residence. Seeing her urgency, Yin Qingyue didn’t delay further. “Mei’er, take Miss Ding to Prince Jing’s residence.”

“Yes, Miss,” Mei’er replied.

Ding Ying quickly got ready to leave. As they were about to depart, Yin Qingyue said, “Mei’er, be quick and return promptly.” Turning to Ding Ying, she added, “And you, Miss Ding, make sure he brings you back this time. No more accidents.”

“Don’t worry. If necessary, I’ll wait outside Prince Jing’s residence and escort her back when she’s done,” Mei’er said.

“Good, let’s do that.” Mei’er drove Ding Ying to the residence.

Upon arrival, Mei’er said, “Miss Ding, I’ll wait here for you.”

“Thank you, Mei’er,” Ding Ying said and walked toward the residence. Though the guards didn’t recognize her, she showed the token her father had given her. “I am the daughter of the Minister of Justice. I’m here to see Leng Feng’s guard.”

The guards understood immediately. “Miss Ding, Leng Feng is inside.”

She nodded and the guards left.

Ding Ying knocked. “Who is it?” came a voice.

“It’s me, Ding Ying.”

The room fell silent. After waiting a while, she called again, “Leng Feng, are you there?”

“I’m here, wait a moment,” he replied.

Finally, Leng Feng opened the door, dressed in black. Though appearing normal, Ding Ying noticed he had carefully dressed to look more handsome. She smiled but said nothing.

“Ding Ying, why are you here so early? Are you alright?”

“Why do you always ask if I’m alright the moment you see me?”

“Yesterday—”

“Let’s not talk about yesterday. Let’s just remember the good things,” Ding Ying said, then noticed his arm. “Your hand… is it better? I brought some medicine. Miss Yin said it’s very effective for knife wounds.”

“I’m fine,” he said, smiling foolishly, standing at the doorway like a statue.

“I’ll help you check it anyway,” Ding Ying said. She knew he cared about his pride and didn’t want her to worry. She walked in, sat him down, and placed the medicine she brought on the table.

“This medicine is prepared by Miss Yin, a divine doctor. Applying it will help you heal faster.” She rolled up his sleeve, noticing the white bandages already soaked with blood. Her brow furrowed with concern.

“This will hurt a little when applied. Bear with it,” she warned.

Ding Ying removed the old bandages and applied Miss Yin’s powder carefully, checking on him as she worked. Though it clearly hurt, Leng Feng gritted his teeth in silence.

While applying the medicine, she said, “I know you’re kind. Even when injured, you didn’t say anything to save me. Miss Yin was right. You might seem cold, but once someone gets to know you, they see how different you really are. You’re not like anyone else—you’re just you.”

Her words almost sounded like a confession, though Ding Ying was just speaking honestly, unaware of the deeper meaning.

Leng Feng smiled. “Ding Ying, you’re wonderful too. If I could marry you, I’d consider myself fortunate. Don’t misunderstand me; I just think you’re kind, sincere, and caring.”

“Really? Am I really that good?”

“Of course. You’re the best girl I’ve ever met.”

Ding Ying kept her head down, focusing on the medicine, but her heart was warm.

“Leng Feng, you’re the first to say that about me. I’m already very happy. You don’t need to say more,” she said.

“Why? Are you embarrassed?” he teased.

“I… I’m not,” she murmured, silent again.

Outside, Leng Yi had been standing for a while, originally intending to change Leng Feng’s dressing early. Seeing Ding Ying inside, he waited outside quietly, listening to their conversation, seemingly more moved than either of them. After a while, he left without disturbing them.

Time passed. Mei’er waited outside, anxious for Ding Ying to finish, worried about explaining to her lady. Finally, Ding Ying emerged. Mei’er waved her over.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Mei’er.”

“No problem. How’s Leng Feng?”

“I applied the medicine Miss Yin gave me. He should be fine now.”

Mei’er smiled and teased, “Miss Ding, have you really fallen for him? You came so early to help him.”

“Mei’er! When did you start teasing me like that?” Ding Ying said, turning and boarding the carriage.

Mei’er understood her feelings and didn’t ask further, driving off quickly.