MCSCPM -Chapter 225 I Won’t Force You

When Ding Ying said, “I’ll think about it,” Yin Qingyue finally relaxed. This time, she didn’t intend to read her mind—whether Ding Ying would truly consider it could only be left to fate.

Yin Qingyue said, “So what you mean is… since you’ll think about it, then regarding the marriage…”

“Let’s leave it at that for now. Since I said I’ll consider it, I’ll definitely think it over carefully,” Ding Ying replied.

“Ding Ying, you’re a good girl. Leng Feng will surely treat you well.”

Ding Ying didn’t say anything more, lowering her head nervously.

Mei’er came from the kitchen, carrying the medicine she had prepared earlier.

“Miss, the medicine is ready to take.” Mei’er placed it on the table.

During the past couple of days, Ding Ying had seen Yin Qingyue taking medicine regularly and asked worriedly, “Qingyue, has your health always been like this?”

“Don’t worry, I’m fine. I just take some medicine to strengthen myself.”

“I see…”

Yin Qingyue didn’t elaborate further. After finishing the medicine, she let Ding Ying go back to rest. Thinking of Chu Jingcheng in her room, she left Mei’er and returned inside.

When the door opened, she saw Chu Jingcheng actually sleeping on her bed, looking extremely comfortable.

Seeing Yin Qingyue, the prince smirked. “It seems you’re increasingly looking like a proper Princess Consort.”

Yin Qingyue walked to the bed and asked, “What do you mean by that?”

“You’ve spoken to Ding Ying at length. You now possess all the grace of a Princess Consort,” he teased.

“You were eavesdropping on us!” She reached out, grabbed his hand, and tugged him up. “Get up, this is my bed.”

“Your bed?” Chu Jingcheng suddenly lifted his head and smiled. With a forceful pull, he drew Yin Qingyue’s whole body toward him and, as she stumbled, he suddenly pinned her beneath him.

“Chu Jingcheng, what do you think you’re doing? Get up!” she said, glaring.

But Chu Jingcheng looked every bit the rogue. He pressed her hands firmly and said, “You said this is your bed, but it’s also mine. How about… we sleep here together for a while tonight?”

“Chu Jingcheng, you’re such a scoundrel! Move away, or—”

“Or what? No one can stop me from doing what I want,” he said.

“Your Highness… you never force me, right?” Yin Qingyue suddenly asked. The question created a strange, unspoken tension between them.

Chu Jingcheng’s smile faded. He knew he could not and would not force her. Her words stirred a confusing mix of emotions inside him.

“Yin Qingyue… who are you? Why does every word from you unsettle me so?”

Yin Qingyue looked at him silently. Who was she? A modern woman who could read his thoughts—this was not something she could reveal.

“Yes… you’re right. I won’t force you, nor will I force myself to do so,” he said seriously, his gaze firm.

But in just a moment, that serious look softened into a playful glint. He lowered his head slightly toward her lips. “But… tonight, I do want to do something. I can’t just let you off so easily.”

No sooner had he said it than he pressed a gentle kiss to her lips—light and fleeting like a butterfly. Then he pulled away without another word.

When had he become so gentle? Usually, every kiss from him was demanding, forced, taken. This one, so light, unsettled her heart.

Putting aside these feelings, Chu Jingcheng’s kindness was undeniable—surpassing anyone else. Her heart, though, felt numb and confused, unable to fully understand these emotions.

The next day, Leng Feng arrived at the outskirts residence.

He had promised Ding’s father to return Ding Ying in three days, so he prepared a carriage in advance.

This time, Ding Ying did not cry. She walked up worriedly but dared not touch his hand. “How is it? Is your hand better?”

To reassure her, Leng Feng lifted his injured hand and shook it a few times. “See? I’m fine. The medicine you gave me healed it completely.”

“Don’t move recklessly! Even if it’s healed, you can’t shake it like that.”

“I just don’t want you to worry.”

“Alright, alright. I’m not worried anymore.”

Yin Qingyue observed the playful exchange and smiled. Their relationship seemed settled. As long as Ding Ying’s worries were eased, their marriage would soon be decided.

“Leng Feng, take Ding Ying back quickly, or her father will start worrying,” Yin Qingyue reminded.

Without her prompting, they might have completely forgotten she was still in the room.

“I will. I’ll take her now,” Leng Feng said.

As he prepared to leave, Ding Ying looked at Yin Qingyue with some reluctance. She quickly stepped forward and hugged her tightly. “Qingyue, thank you for taking care of me today.”

“It’s my duty.”

“If there’s a chance, I’ll come visit you again.”

“You’re always welcome.”

After some farewell words, Ding Ying was put into the carriage. Leng Feng returned immediately to thank Yin Qingyue. “Miss Yin, you’ve helped me so much. I swear, in the future, just say the word, and I’ll do anything for you.”

“Leng Feng, I don’t ask for such favors. Remember, Ding Ying hasn’t fully agreed yet, but at least she’s willing to accept you. You must work hard for it.”

“I understand.”

“Go quickly. Don’t leave her waiting alone.”

“Yes.” Leng Feng laughed and hurried off.

These two were like night and day. Yin Qingyue hadn’t expected much at first, but now she admired Leng Feng. His injury had truly not been in vain!

Soon, Ding Ying was delivered back to the Ding residence. Leng Feng didn’t go in but left her at the gate.

“Ding Ying, I’ll visit again when I have time.”

“Okay. You promise to take care of your hand. Don’t move it recklessly like before.”

“You care so much about me, Ding Ying. You don’t know how happy that makes me.”

Ding Ying blushed and smiled before turning to enter.

Leng Feng scratched his head, both relieved and happy. Seeing the time, he hurried back to Prince Jing’s residence.

Ding’s father stayed home, knowing his daughter would return safely. Seeing her back brought him peace.

“Father, I’ve caused you worry these days.”

“Ying’er, you know I was very worried! I feared something might happen to you. But since the prince sent word, I could only trust that you were safe. Thankfully, you’re back,” Ding Heng said anxiously.

“Father, I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

Ding Ying stepped aside, carefully organizing her thoughts. “Father, in the past, I was stubborn and didn’t understand your concern. I caused you grief and difficulty. Especially this time, when you personally went to petition Prince Jing, I not only didn’t understand but also misunderstood you.”

“Father, I’ve thought it through. I understand you now. So… I want you to give me some time. I will seriously consider Leng Feng.”

Ding Heng’s face lit up. He had worried she wouldn’t agree and that he’d have to negotiate with the prince himself. Hearing this, he felt relieved. “Ying’er, I’m truly glad you’ve come to understand.”

“Father, I’ve learned from your words and everything you analyzed. I’ve remembered it all,” Ding Ying said.

Ding Heng was surprised. His daughter had been gone only a few days, yet she had changed so much.

The father and daughter shared their heartfelt words, resolving past misunderstandings. Ding Ying’s clarity brought happiness to many.

Elsewhere, in the general’s residence…

Shangguan Jiaoran woke up, holding her temples in pain, and sat up. Yun’er immediately ran to her.

“Miss, you’re finally awake! I was so worried!” Yun’er cried.

Shangguan Jiaoran murmured, gradually becoming clear-headed. “Yun’er… what happened? Why are you crying? What’s wrong with me?”

“Miss, you’ve slept three full days and nights. Three days ago, the tavern boy brought you back.”

“Three days and nights?” Shangguan Jiaoran sprang up in shock. “How could I sleep for three days? What happened? Yun’er, tell me!”

Yun’er, frightened by her reaction, quickly explained, “I don’t know. The tavern boy didn’t say much. The doctor said you mistakenly drank a flower tea. Once ingested, it causes sleep for three days and nights.”

“What? Flower tea? When did I ever drink any?” She paused, realizing, then smacked her forehead in anger. “That witch! That cup of tea was the culprit! I won’t let her get away with this!”

She grabbed her whip to go out, but Yun’er blocked her. “Miss, you mustn’t go out! Master has forbidden it. He’s still in the residence and won’t let you leave.”

“Step aside!” Shangguan Qingyun shouted from outside as he stormed in, glaring at his daughter.