MCSCPM -Chapter 224 Stripping to Check

Right after Ding Ying and Mei’er left, Chu Jingcheng called Leng Yi over.

“How is Leng Feng’s injury?”

“Your Highness, his wounds aren’t serious. A few days of rest will suffice. Miss Ding came by earlier with the medicine powder from Miss Yin, so he should recover quickly.”

“Yin Qingyue came as well?”

Leng Yi only smiled. “No, Your Highness. Miss Yin didn’t come herself. She had Mei’er bring Miss Ding. Didn’t you see Miss Yin just yesterday?”

“So what? I want to see her, even if it’s every day—it wouldn’t be strange,” Chu Jingcheng said, standing up and striding out.

“Where is Your Highness going now?”

“To the outskirts of the capital.”

Leng Yi smiled to himself. The prince hadn’t seen Miss Yin yet today, and after yesterday’s meeting, it wouldn’t be long before he couldn’t resist visiting her again. Adding Leng Feng into the mix, Leng Yi finally understood the saying that the world is full of passionate hearts. But Chu Jingcheng’s emotions ran deeper than anyone could imagine; he had never thought he’d become so infatuated with a woman.

In a private residence on the outskirts of the capital, Chu Jingcheng arrived slightly before Ding Ying. He went straight to Yin Qingyue’s room and, as he entered, saw her changing clothes.

The sudden opening of the door startled Yin Qingyue. Turning, she saw Chu Jingcheng staring at her and hurriedly put on her outerwear—fortunately, she was only partially dressed.

“Your Highness, don’t you knock before entering?” she scolded, slightly annoyed.

Chu Jingcheng walked in casually, teasing, “This is my place. Do I need to knock on my own door?”

“Your Highness’ words are always unbeatable,” she replied, rolling her eyes.

“Don’t be shy. Even if you were completely naked in front of me, I wouldn’t laugh at you,” he said. Though his words sounded playful, there was a subtle tone of familiarity, almost like an old married couple.

Yin Qingyue sighed, inwardly scolding him for being a rogue, and snorted. “I’m not like you, Your Highness. I wouldn’t dare speak such words without embarrassment.”

“Why? Are you blushing?”

“Which woman wouldn’t be shy under Your Highness’ gaze?” she said.

Hearing this, Chu Jingcheng took a few steps forward, completely blocking her path. A mischievous smirk tugged at his lips. “When have you ever been shy? Why would I know? Since that’s the case… I’ll teach you a trick to stop being shy.”

“What do you mean?”

“What I mean… guess!”

He advanced step by step, leaving Yin Qingyue no escape. Not knowing what he planned and thinking her recent tonic medicines had strengthened her body, she braced herself. Deciding to try her mind-reading ability, she met his gaze—hot and intense.

The next moment, Chu Jingcheng reached for her waist, a wicked gleam in his eyes.

Yin Qingyue, reading his thoughts, realized he intended to strip her. The thought was so audacious she mentally cursed him a thousand times.

“Your Highness, are you planning to strip me?” she asked.

Chu Jingcheng was surprised she guessed it. He smiled. “And what if I do? You’ve already stripped me before, haven’t you seen my body? Today, I just want to see yours.”

As he reached out, Yin Qingyue sidestepped, and his hand grabbed nothing.

“Your Highness, don’t be reckless,” she warned.

Seeing the “prey” slip away, Chu Jingcheng felt disappointed. He tried to pull her closer, but Yin Qingyue retreated several steps.

“Today, you won’t run away,” he said.

Yin Qingyue read his intentions again—he planned to lift her onto the bed and stay the night.

“Your Highness, don’t forget Miss Ding will be back soon. And you should return as well. This place is too simple for you to stay overnight,” she said.

“Yin Qingyue, how do you know what I’m thinking?” Chu Jingcheng asked, surprised.

Of course, she knew. Her mind-reading had worked. Seeing his astonished expression, she confirmed it was effective.

“You don’t need to know how I know. Your intentions are obvious,” she said coldly.

Chu Jingcheng, caught off guard, felt like his secret had been exposed and was slightly disappointed. He stepped forward, hands behind his back, and said, “Woman, what are you thinking? Fine, I’ll let you escape this time, but next time, you won’t be so lucky.”

Yin Qingyue smiled. “Next time, Your Highness probably won’t even get the chance.”

“What did you say? Are you provoking me?”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

“I see nothing you wouldn’t dare.”

Yin Qingyue had no words. Chu Jingcheng always left her bewildered, sometimes to the point of speechlessness.

Just then, she heard Mei’er calling her from outside.

“Your Highness, please stay here. Miss Ding is back. It’s better if you don’t meet her,” she said.

“Why?”

“It’s just… not appropriate,” Yin Qingyue replied, unwilling to explain that she knew Ding Ying liked him. She paused, then added, “Is Leng Yi outside?”

Chu Jingcheng understood her concern. Since Ding Ying was present, he had already arranged for Leng Yi to wait elsewhere. “Don’t worry. Leng Yi is elsewhere. You may go ahead.”

“Okay.”

In the front courtyard, Yin Qingyue went to meet Ding Ying and watched her and Mei’er enter the house.

Mei’er sent Ding Ying inside and went to the kitchen to prepare medicine for Yin Qingyue.

“Miss Yin, have you been waiting long?” Ding Ying asked.

“Not at all,” Yin Qingyue said, guiding her to sit. During the hours Ding Ying had been at Prince Jing’s residence, she had thought about something important she needed to discuss with her.

Seeing Yin Qingyue acting mysterious, Ding Ying grew nervous. “Miss Yin, just tell me directly. Over the past two days, I’ve learned a lot from you. Hearing from others isn’t as good as experiencing it myself.”

“What do you mean?” Yin Qingyue asked.

“Earlier, Jiao Ran mentioned you came here and caused quite a scene. You didn’t mind and still helped me. Honestly, I haven’t even said sorry to you yet. Miss Yin, I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?”

Hearing this, Yin Qingyue was slightly surprised but not shocked. Ding Ying was straightforward and sensible, unlike Shangguan Jiaoran.

She smiled softly. “Miss Ding, don’t say that. Misunderstandings happen between people. There’s no need to apologize.”

“You’re right. Oh, by the way, just call me Ding Ying from now on. I’ll call you Qingyue, alright?”

“Fine, agreed.” Yin Qingyue’s expression gradually became serious. “Ding Ying, there’s something important I must tell you. I’ve thought about it for hours and decided to speak.”

“What is it? Just say it.”

“It’s about Prince Jing.”

Hearing this, Ding Ying’s expression changed. Though she no longer had lingering feelings for Chu Jingcheng, mentioning him still stirred emotions. She tried to hide it. “Miss Yin, what do you mean by that? I don’t understand.”

Yin Qingyue knew she was concealing her feelings but decided to speak clearly.

“Ding Ying, you don’t need to hide anything from me. I know you like Prince Jing, but you’ve never admitted it. It’s been hidden in your heart, hasn’t it?”

“I…”

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. But you must understand some things have pros and cons. You know a relationship with him is impossible. Think carefully—if you keep loving him, what conflict would arise between your family and the Shangguan family? You understand? Your father and General Shangguan could clash. But if you and the prince ended up together, it’d be a happy ending for everyone. Still, you know who the prince truly loves, don’t you?” Yin Qingyue emphasized the last sentence.

Ding Ying listened intently, grasping every word, her hands tightly clenched, palms sweaty.

“Ding Ying, I’ve said so much. You probably understand now. If it’s impossible, why not accept someone else?”

“Qingyue, I understand. I’ve thought it through and will remember what you said,” Ding Ying said seriously, lowering her head.

Yin Qingyue understood her feelings and continued, “Regarding Leng Feng… what have you decided? As I said before, if you like him, it’ll be a happy ending. If not, tomorrow I’ll send you back, and your marriage plans will end.”

“No…” Ding Ying suddenly lifted her head. “Qingyue, you told me how serious this is. I’ve understood it for a while, which is why I didn’t say anything. I know the disparity between our families. Don’t worry—I won’t think about it again.”

“So… about Leng Feng?”

“This time he saved me and got hurt himself. I feel guilty. Qingyue, don’t worry. After these past two days, I understand… I’ll think about it.”