MCSCPM -Chapter 231 Can Be Met, Cannot Be Forced

“No matter what you do, it will be dangerous. You can’t stay uninvolved—don’t you realize that?” Chu Jingcheng’s tone was no longer just anger; it was worry above all else.

Yin Qingyue seemed unconcerned and instead smiled comfortably, relaxing her body. “What? Prince Jing, are you really that worried about me?”

“When have I ever not worried about you? Your life belongs to me. I don’t care what you want to do, but if you put your life at risk, I have no choice but to intervene.”

Chu Jingcheng’s face was so serious, his concern for Yin Qingyue burning as if her life were tied to his own.

Yin Qingyue was not heartless. She could feel the sincerity behind Prince Jing’s worry, but his intensity felt overwhelming—almost like touching a blazing fire.

“Prince Jing, my life ended long ago in Xize. You’ve helped me so much. For you, all I feel is gratitude. If I cause you trouble, then, Prince Jing, Qingyue will never bring you any problems. You don’t need to worry about me.”

“Are you telling me you intend to stay uninvolved?”

“That’s exactly what I mean. I’m helping Ding Ying out of my own will. I’ve thought of the consequences—if I succeed, I might die; if I fail, I might die. Between the two outcomes, I trust my medical skills and will do my utmost to cure Ding Ying.”

“Yin Qingyue, you truly aren’t afraid of death.” Chu Jingcheng suddenly grasped her hand tightly, his eyes burning like firelight.

She smiled. “Qingyue has never feared death.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Chu Jingcheng gripped her hand even tighter, then after a moment, loosened it and turned his gaze aside. “Rest assured. I will not let you die. You cannot die. Only I can decide the fate of your life.”

“You’re wrong, Prince Jing. You saved my life, but my life still belongs to me… unless I return it to you.”

“You…”

“It’s getting late. I still need to check on Ding Ying, so I won’t see you off.” Yin Qingyue spoke calmly, then pulled aside the curtain, stepped down from the carriage, and didn’t even look back.

Chu Jingcheng truly wanted to pull her back before leaving, but he respected her decision. For now, all he could do was wait to see how Ding Ying’s condition would turn out.

Leng Feng asked outside, “Your Highness, shall we return?”

“Yes. Let’s wait a few more days and see the outcome.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Leng Feng quickly drove away. After all, this was the Ding residence; being discovered could be problematic.

---

When Yin Qingyue returned to the room, she didn’t disturb anyone. Sitting quietly, she thought about Ding Ying’s condition. Although she had found a way to treat her, unexpected complications could still arise.

After several tense days, Yin Qingyue’s care for Ding Ying had been meticulous. Ding Ying’s hand injuries had healed, her high fever subsided, and her asthma hadn’t acted up during these days.

“Ding Ying, your illness is cured. Now you must focus on restoring your strength. Continue applying the medicine I gave you, and for your asthma, never skip any doses.” Yin Qingyue carefully instructed.

Ding Ying had gotten out of bed. “Qingyue, are you going back now?”

“Yes. Your condition is almost stable, and I’ve explained everything to Xiang Xu. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.”

“You’ve stayed with me all these days. Qingyue, you must be tired. Why not stay a couple more days?”

“No. Mei’er must be worried too. Don’t worry—I’ll visit you whenever I have time.”

Ding Ying felt reluctant but didn’t know that her illness might have already implicated many others. Yin Qingyue didn’t tell her, probably to avoid causing unnecessary trouble by revealing that she had saved her.

“Qingyue, your medical skills are so impressive. Staying in the outskirts of the capital seems a waste. Have you ever considered opening a clinic?” Ding Ying asked curiously.

Yin Qingyue shook her head. “I’ll leave that be. Although life is somewhat monotonous now, there are things you simply wouldn’t understand.”

“You seem to have many secrets. Do you know? I’m really curious about you.” Ding Ying smiled brightly.

Yin Qingyue didn’t reply, instead tidying up her belongings.

Suddenly, Ding Ying said, “Actually, I really envy you—you can live so freely.”

“Freely?” Yin Qingyue’s hands paused. When had she ever been free? In Xize, she was “locked” in the Luocheng Courtyard. In Beihao, she was “locked” in Chu Jingcheng’s suburban residence. Freedom? She had none.

“Qingyue, I not only envy your freedom, but I also envy that Prince Jing protects you. He treats you so well—something other women can only hope for, something they might never encounter.” Ding Ying’s voice carried sighs of admiration and regret.

“Ding Ying, your ‘hope’ and ‘encounter’ lie with Leng Feng.”

At the mention of Leng Feng, Ding Ying’s lips curved. Though she hadn’t seen him in days, she knew he had been caring for her.

At that moment, Lord Ding arrived. With his daughter recovered, he naturally felt relieved.

“Divine healer, thank you so much these past days. If you have any request, just tell me. If I can, I’ll make it happen.”

Wearing her veil, Yin Qingyue’s expression was unreadable—smiling or indifferent. “Thank you, Lord Ding. I need nothing. What matters most is that Miss Ding recovers. Now that she is fine, I will return.”

“Return? Divine healer, why not stay a few more days? You’ve worked so hard; I should host you properly for a few days!”

“Lord Ding, that’s unnecessary. Saving Ding Ying is my duty. I will certainly visit when there is a chance. Today, I must leave.” She politely declined.

Ding Heng knew he couldn’t persuade her, so he only bowed in thanks.

After giving further instructions to other physicians, Yin Qingyue left the Ding residence.

---

Back at her suburban residence, Mei’er anxiously ran to meet her.

“Miss, I’ve worried myself sick. If you hadn’t returned, I would have come looking for you.”

“See? I’m back now. Don’t be upset.” Yin Qingyue smiled and wiped Mei’er’s tears.

“Miss, you’ve lost a lot of weight these past days. I prepared many snacks for you.” Mei’er began to fetch them from the kitchen, but Yin Qingyue stopped her.

“Mei’er, don’t worry about me. I’m fine. I…” Her words stopped as her legs weakened. She stepped back, sank into a chair, and felt dizzy.

Mei’er was terrified and rushed to her, tears streaming. “Miss, you said you were fine! Look at yourself—you always think of others and neglect your own health. What would I do if something happened to you?”

Yin Qingyue pressed her temples. Her vision had been blurry, but gradually cleared. After resting, she said, “Silly girl, how could I be in danger? I know my own body better than anyone.”

“But just now…”

“I was just too tired. These past days, I was busy taking care of Ding Ying and hadn’t rested. Don’t cry. You made snacks, right? Bring them here—I want some now.” Yin Qingyue smiled, despite her fatigue.

Mei’er, half-crying, half-laughing, hurriedly brought all the snacks she had prepared, filling the table.

Yin Qingyue was indeed hungry. During the days caring for Ding Ying, she hadn’t rested properly at night, fearing something might go wrong. Thankfully, it was over.

Still, she worried—would the Ding family, Shangguan family, and even Chu Jingcheng become involved because of this?

Lost in thought, Mei’er asked, “Miss, is it that my snacks aren’t tasty?”

“No, I’m a bit full. Mei’er, you eat too.”

“Miss, you should eat more.”

After a few days apart, Mei’er’s worry was evident. Yin Qingyue ate to reassure her.

Then Mei’er remembered Ding Ying. “By the way, Miss, how’s Miss Ding?”

“She’s much better. Her wounds are healed. As long as she continues the medicine daily, she’ll fully recover.”

“You truly are a divine healer. Now, surely the entire capital knows of your skill!” Mei’er said proudly.

“You little rascal.”

---

At the General’s residence, Yun’er ran in hastily, nearly tripping on the threshold.

Shangguan Jiaoran glared at her. “Why are you always so careless? Do you want a whipping?”

“No, no!” Yun’er waved her hands frantically.

“Speak. What happened?”

“It’s about Miss Ding.”

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Jiaoran immediately became alert. “Speak quickly!”

“Word outside is that Ding Ying’s condition has been cured. Her asthma has cleared up too. It’s said the divine healer treated her.”

“The divine healer? That witch?” Shangguan Jiaoran slammed the table and stood up, furious.

Yun’er, though frightened, tried to reason. “Miss, don’t be angry. Ding Ying is cured; she won’t cause trouble for you. Isn’t that good?”

“Good? How is that good? Now she’s famous. Everyone will praise her. And me? They’ll say I’m cruel and ruthless!” Shangguan Jiaoran gritted her teeth, regretting not having lashed Yin Qingyue with the whip instead.

But now it was too late to regret.

Yun’er stepped back, afraid to speak further.

Shangguan Jiaoran thought for a moment and hurried to her father’s room—but he wasn’t there.

“Where’s my father?” she asked the steward.

“He was just summoned to the palace by the Emperor, Miss.”

“What? Did they say anything?”

“No, but judging by his expression, he seemed unsettled.”

Unsettled? Yin Qingyue mused over those words. At this time, Shangguan Qingyun being summoned likely had everything to do with her whipping Ding Ying.

For the first time, Shangguan Jiaoran genuinely felt fear. Even if nothing happened to her, in the Emperor’s eyes, she would appear wild and difficult. Could her position as Princess of Prince Jing now be in jeopardy?