MCSCPM -Chapter 230 Getting Drawn In

Ding Ying knew very clearly that now, she had to listen to Yin Qingyue.

“Qingyue, I still can’t accept this. Jiaoran is my good friend, but how could she do this to me? I’m so disappointed… and so sad.”

Her voice trembled, and tears threatened to fall.

“Ding Ying, don’t dwell on this matter anymore. Listen to me: right now, the most important thing is your health. You must get better quickly, only then can I stay out of all this.”

Although Ding Ying didn’t fully understand what Yin Qingyue meant, she could tell she was serious. She steadied her breath and coughed again.

Her chest heaved—it seemed her asthma was acting up again.

Yin Qingyue pressed a point just three inches behind her ear and said, “Ding Ying, don’t think about your asthma. Focus on something else, and you won’t feel so uncomfortable.”

Ding Ying obeyed. Gradually, her discomfort eased—perhaps due to Yin Qingyue pressing that spot behind her ear, her asthma attack subsided quickly this time.

“From now on, if you feel uncomfortable, have Xiang Xu press this point. It will relieve the tightness in your chest. Just relax, and everything will be fine.”

“Okay, okay. I understand. Thank you, Qingyue.”

At this time, Ding Heng waited anxiously outside. Xiang Xu brought him the list of medicines.

“Master, this is from the divine healer. She instructed to prepare medicines exactly as written.”

Ding Heng, naturally cautious, still had some doubts about this divine healer. He didn’t immediately have the medicines prepared but first showed the prescription to the palace physicians.

The physicians examined the list carefully. One by one, their faces revealed awe, and their eyes showed admiration.

Master Physician Deng said, “As expected of a divine healer—using hollow bamboo to make the decoction is brilliant. Truly remarkable. We all admire her skills; even we cannot match her expertise.”

Praised like that, Ding Heng no longer had any doubts.

“Since Master Deng says so, I’ll have the medicines prepared immediately.”

“Lord Ding, you needn’t worry about Miss Ding anymore. With the divine healer here, everything will be fine.”

“Yes. Master Deng’s praise makes me feel reassured—what else could I worry about?”

“Then we should return to the palace to report to the Emperor.”

The physicians thought to themselves that their own skills weren’t as good as the divine healer’s. There was no point lingering here; better to return to the palace.

The medicines were quickly gathered, and the physicians returned.

In the palace, Chu Helian was reviewing memorials, but his mind wasn’t on them. He closed the documents and looked toward the door, deep in thought.

At that moment, Eunuch Sun hurried in and bowed. “Your Majesty, the situation has been clarified.”

Chu Helian suddenly stood. “What happened? What’s the verdict?”

“Your Majesty, Miss Shangguan has been visiting the divine healer frequently, causing a commotion each time. The healer didn’t retaliate. This has happened several times. This time, Miss Ding Ying went to see the healer—maybe just for a conversation—but Miss Shangguan rushed in with a whip, destroying things inside and striking anyone in her way. Unfortunately, Ding Ying was hit.”

“I see.”

“Moreover, people say that Miss Shangguan is usually very overbearing. She has beaten many servants in her household. Everyone fears her.”

“Overbearing?” Chu Helian’s tone carried disbelief.

From his impression, Shangguan Jiaoran spoke directly but had never seemed this violent. If she became Princess of Prince Jing… the thought was worrying.

“How could Shangguan Qingyun raise such a daughter? I always thought Jiaoran was brave, intelligent, polite, and gentle… how did she become like this?”

Chu Helian sounded disappointed.

“Your Majesty, it’s said that Prince Jing often visits the divine healer, which angered Miss Shangguan, prompting her actions.”

Chu Helian knew his son—he had warned him before—but Chu Jingcheng didn’t listen, and now this mess had occurred.

Eunuch Sun asked, “Your Majesty, shall we summon General Shangguan?”

“Not yet. Let’s observe and not escalate the situation.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

At this moment, Master Physician Deng requested an audience.

Chu Helian summoned him immediately. Deng knelt. “I pay respects to Your Majesty.”

“Rise. You went to the Ding residence to treat Miss Ding Ying. How is she? Is she alright?”

“Your Majesty, Miss Ding was severely injured. Her wound from the whip is badly inflamed and triggered a series of complications. It may leave lasting effects,” Deng reported thoroughly.

Chu Helian sighed and asked, “Then why have you returned? Why not stay at the Ding residence?”

“Your Majesty, Lord Ding invited the divine healer. She truly is extraordinary. I am unable to match her skills. I returned to the palace quickly to report to Your Majesty.”

“The divine healer? She went to the Ding residence?”

“Yes. Her medical skills are exceptional.”

Hearing this so vividly described, Chu Helian was truly surprised and curious. When he had seen her briefly in the forest before, he was intrigued. This woman truly was extraordinary.

“Master Deng, you may leave. Keep this matter discreet, understood?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I take my leave.”

Chu Helian found himself in a dilemma. The divine healer’s skills were unmatched; Ding Ying would likely be safe. If Ding Heng could settle things quietly, it would be ideal. If not… he hoped the situation could be minimized.

Meanwhile, at Prince Jing’s residence, Leng Feng returned and faithfully relayed Yin Qingyue’s trip to the Ding residence to Prince Jing.

Chu Jingcheng’s expression was calm but with an undertone of concern.

Leng Feng said, “Your Highness, rest assured. Once Miss Yin cures Ding Ying, I’ll safely escort her back. Lord Ding is only concerned about Ding Ying. If she is cured, it will benefit Miss Yin.”

“Benefit? What kind of benefit?” asked Leng Yi curiously.

“Lord Ding has already reported to the Emperor. The palace physicians went to the Ding residence but could do nothing. Imagine if Miss Yin really cures Ding Ying—the Emperor will view her favorably. This could pave the way for her to become our Princess of Prince Jing,” Leng Feng explained, clearly imagining every scenario.

Leng Yi stared, then laughed in amazement. “Leng Feng, when did you get so clever? Truly, the medicine Miss Ding gave you is making you smarter.”

But Chu Jingcheng frowned, his voice cold and worried. “Even if it’s beneficial, failure could cause trouble. The Emperor is meticulous. If Miss Yin succeeds, great. If not, both the Ding and Shangguan families could put the Emperor in a difficult position.”

Leng Yi and Leng Feng exchanged glances, slightly confused.

“Your Highness, I don’t understand. Whether Miss Yin succeeds or not, this shouldn’t affect you, right? And it won’t harm Miss Yin either!”

“Don’t you see? The Emperor intends for me to marry Shangguan Jiaoran. If Miss Yin fails, it will implicate Jiaoran. The Emperor may then not allow me to marry her, which benefits me. But Miss Yin would gain the reputation of a fake divine healer. Even Lord Ding would not spare her. If she succeeds, her title will spread like wildfire. The Emperor will still want me to marry Jiaoran, but knowing my intentions, he may act decisively. And with a skilled divine healer involved, consider how far the Emperor might go for the sake of the realm.”

“The Emperor… would harm Miss Yin to protect General Shangguan?” Leng Yi was astonished.

“Exactly. If the Emperor wants me to marry Jiaoran and knows my heart, the biggest obstacle must be removed.”

Yin Qingyue had already been drawn into this web.

Leng Feng was furious at himself. He slapped his own face hard. “It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have involved Miss Yin. If not for me, she wouldn’t be drawn in. Your Highness, punish me. If the Emperor truly acts, I’d gladly die in her place.”

“Leng Feng, do you think Miss Yin would let Ding Ying suffer and do nothing? Even if you hadn’t asked, she might have gone herself. The Emperor hasn’t acted yet. This isn’t hopeless. You’re so eager to die in her place—you believe I won’t stop you?” Chu Jingcheng pounded the table, eyes icy.

Leng Feng and Leng Yi said nothing further, exchanging uneasy glances. This situation was a tightrope.

That evening, Yin Qingyue remained in Ding Ying’s room. She had just changed her medicines, and Ding Ying’s condition had improved considerably.

Xiang Xu quietly handed her a note.

“It’s from the guard Leng Feng sent.”

Yin Qingyue opened it and saw Chu Jingcheng’s handwriting.

He was waiting at the back gate of the Ding residence. As expected, he came. Yin Qingyue burned the note on the candle and told Xiang Xu, “Watch over your mistress carefully. I’m going to fetch some herbs and will return immediately.”

“Don’t worry, Miss Yin. I’ll take care of her,” Xiang Xu assured.

Yin Qingyue quietly stepped outside and saw a carriage not far away. Leng Feng stood outside it.

Seeing her, he said quickly, “Miss Yin, Prince Jing is waiting for you inside.”

Yin Qingyue nodded and entered the carriage, where Chu Jingcheng’s cold, unyielding face met her.

“Prince Jing, why seek me so late? Something urgent?”

His expression was stern, his tone as icy as his face. “Don’t you know what it means that you came here tonight?”

“Of course I know. I’m aware of all your concerns.”

“And yet you came?”

“Prince Jing, you know I cannot leave Ding Ying to suffer. You know that as well, don’t you?” Yin Qingyue’s tone rose sharply.