MCSCPM -Chapter 237 The Iceberg Beauty

In just half the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Lan Ruo carefully brightened the room. The furnishings were simple but deliberate, giving off an air of quiet elegance. A young lady living here would indeed cultivate refinement.

At that moment, Yin Qingyue came from the backyard, wearing a green blouse with a pleated skirt. She moved like a small boat gliding through water—graceful and eye-catching.

Having just bathed, her skin seemed to glow from within, tender as if dipped in water, flawless and delicate. Her already stunning face, after the warmth of the bath, appeared even more refined: every pore open, tiny droplets clinging to her, accentuating her exquisite features—arched brows, a delicate nose, and rosy lips—so perfect it was impossible to look away.

Fortunately for Lan Ruo, despite a woman’s natural jealousy, she hid her envy carefully. Yin Qingyue’s beauty surpassed her own, but she kept her feelings concealed.

Yin Qingyue took a few small steps forward and bowed politely. “I wonder, Your Highness, what brings you here again so suddenly?”

“Miss Yin, I know you do not wish to enter the palace. I said before that I wouldn’t force you, but… this time I bring the Emperor’s decree,” Lan Ruo replied.

“The Emperor’s decree?” Yin Qingyue was half doubtful, half surprised.

Lan Ruo nodded, lowering her voice politely. “Yes. I bring the Emperor’s decree: you must attend the Flower Viewing Banquet at the palace.”

Before Yin Qingyue could respond, Lan Ruo continued, “I know you do not wish to go, but now that the Emperor has issued his command, no one can disobey. In other words, you have no choice. I may invite you and you could refuse, but with the Emperor’s decree… you cannot refuse, can you?”

Appealing to both reason and sentiment, combined with the Emperor’s command, left no way for Yin Qingyue to refuse.

If she went, she would inevitably become entangled with the royal family. If she did not, defying the imperial order meant death.

Helpless, Yin Qingyue replied, “Your Highness, I truly do not wish to enter the palace, but now that the Emperor’s decree has been issued, your humble servant can only comply.”

“Very well. After two invitations, you are finally coming to the palace. It is decided; in a few days, someone will escort you.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Lan Ruo smiled, rubbing her hands discreetly. On the surface, she seemed pleased, but inwardly she muttered. She had invited her, yet she would not come—forcing the Emperor’s command was necessary. How ungrateful, having to rely on imperial authority.

After Lan Ruo left, Yin Qingyue sighed. There was no escaping fate.

Mei’er entered, having overheard everything outside the door.

“Miss, are you really going?”

Yin Qingyue poured a cup of tea, replying helplessly, “Consort Lan brought the Emperor’s decree. If I do not go, I would be defying the imperial order.”

“But Miss, if you enter the palace, I cannot accompany you. What if someone gives you trouble?” Mei’er fretted.

Yin Qingyue smiled. “Do you think I haven’t faced trouble before?”

Indeed, just from Shangguan Jiao Ran alone, there had been endless commotion.

Still, Mei’er worried. “Miss, if someone deliberately makes things difficult, will you endure it first and retaliate later, or strike back immediately?”

Yin Qingyue paused, placing her cup down, eyes wide with curiosity. “Mei’er, you are clever—you know there are two ways to respond?”

Mei’er blushed. “After so many years by your side, Miss, I’ve learned a lot. My mind used to be so dull.”

“You have a sweet tongue,” Yin Qingyue teased, and the tension melted.

They discussed the matter carefully. Yin Qingyue reassured her: “Mei’er, don’t worry. At most, I’ll be in the palace for two days. Nothing will happen. Besides, the banquet will have many people—who would even notice me?”

“Still, Miss, you’re so beautiful. Even sitting inconspicuously, you’d draw attention.”

“You little thing,” Yin Qingyue replied.

She thought through every possible scenario and finally let it go.

That afternoon, Yin Qingyue sat quietly, and Mei’er didn’t disturb her. She prepared the medicinal brew as usual and brought it in.

“Miss, the medicine is ready. Drink it while it’s hot.”

Yin Qingyue hesitated, then pushed it away. “No need. It doesn’t need to be brewed again in the future.”

“No need? Miss, are you certain your health is fully restored?” Mei’er asked in surprise.

Yin Qingyue nodded. “I know my body best. It is fully healed. You’ve helped brew medicine and injured your hand, Mei’er. Thank you truly.”

“You speak wrongly, Miss. Caring for you is my fortune. As long as you are well, I am happy,” Mei’er said anxiously.

This little girl was always worried, overthinking things.

Yin Qingyue had confirmed that her health was steadily improving, and she realized last night that Chu Jingcheng had never intended to kill her. Her previous fears had been mistaken.

More surprisingly, Chu Jingcheng genuinely loved her—deeply and sincerely, a true love she had not encountered in her present life but found here in the past.

Yet matters of the heart did not rush her. She had been moved, grateful, blushing, and even slightly swayed, but she would not act rashly. If Chu Jingcheng married Shangguan Jiao Ran, she would be saddened, but it would not drive her to despair. Whatever happens, she would accept.

Meanwhile, beside a small river in the outskirts, the moonlight shone gently, mingling with the murmuring stream. Chu Jingcheng stood quietly by the water, gazing at the bright moon, his thoughts on Yin Qingyue.

“Yin Qingyue… what are you doing now?” he wondered. Could she manage without him nearby?

Leng Feng and Leng Yi watched silently, knowing their prince was thinking of Yin Qingyue and did not disturb him.

At that moment, Leng Feng also thought of Ding Ying, the pang of longing indescribable. Seeing Leng Yi’s cold, impassive face, he teased, “Prince, I know what this is. I’m thinking of Ding Ying too!”

Leng Yi remained silent. Leng Feng leaned closer mischievously. “Don’t you have someone you long for? Always alone—it’s pitiful.”

“I have no one to long for, nor do I need to,” Leng Yi replied coldly.

“Not marrying? You really are an iceberg. There’s no one in this world who could thaw you,” Leng Feng muttered.

Though he teased Leng Yi, he still worried for him. Compared to the Prince’s struggles with Yin Qingyue, Leng Yi seemed fortunate to have no unrequited longing, and this made him secretly smug.

A few days later, a yellow imperial carriage came to escort Yin Qingyue from her estate.

Today she wore a modest blue garment with simple hairpins and accessories. Outwardly unremarkable, yet her exquisite beauty could not be concealed.

Seeing her, Mei’er anxiously warned, “Miss, even in this simple attire, you are astonishing. Be extremely careful in the palace!”

Yin Qingyue patted her hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry. I’ll return soon.”

Accompanied by palace attendants, she quickly entered the palace. A young maid led her to the banquet hall for the Flower Viewing Banquet.

It was her first time in the North Hao Imperial Palace, and the word grandiose hardly captured its magnificence.

“Miss Yin, Consort Lan instructed me to bring you here,” the maid said, glancing at her in awe.

Though many said the Divine Physician was unattractive, clearly she was not—on the contrary, she was stunning. The maid almost gaped in surprise, but she dared not be negligent.

“Miss Yin, if you need anything, just tell me. I’ll be by your side,” the maid added.

Yin Qingyue found her charming and asked gently, “What is your name?”

“I am Lian’er, humble servant,” the maid replied.

Yin Qingyue remembered the name, smiling quietly.

She kept a low profile at her seat. Many ladies were present, including Ding Ying. Shangguan Jiao Ran sat in the head seat, poised and proud, though today she appeared slightly restrained, smiling graciously.

Ding Ying noticed Yin Qingyue and walked over warmly, instructing her maid, “Move my seat here. I want to sit with Qingyue.”

“Yes, Miss,” the maid added a chair at Yin Qingyue’s table.

“Ding Ying, perhaps you should sit back,” Yin Qingyue suggested.

“No matter. Everyone knows you saved me. Sitting together won’t cause gossip, and I like being near you,” Ding Ying said, holding her hand.

Yin Qingyue said nothing—having Ding Ying beside her was pleasant and provided someone to converse with or ask questions.

Shangguan Jiao Ran, however, glared at them, her anger intensifying. She was already planning to make Yin Qingyue regret it later.

As Ding Ying chatted with her quietly, Yin Qingyue observed the other attendees.

Her gaze was drawn to a woman with a cold, impassive demeanor. Her expression was unreadable, and her face exuded a deep, unapproachable elegance—truly an iceberg beauty.