MCSCPM -Chapter 238 A Stunning Revelation

Yin Qingyue leaned slightly closer to Ding Ying and whispered, “Who is sitting next to Shangguan Jiao Ran?”

Ding Ying followed her gaze, took a deep breath, and said slowly, “Her name is Hai Qingshuang. She’s the daughter of the Grand Tutor and is twenty-three this year. She hasn’t married yet… all for Prince Jing.”

“For Prince Jing?” Yin Qingyue’s interest was piqued. A twenty-three-year-old unmarried lady in ancient times was already considered past the prime age for marriage, almost a spinster.

“Why? What does it have to do with Prince Jing?” Yin Qingyue pressed.

Ding Ying paused, then continued, looking toward Hai Qingshuang. “They say that when the Grand Tutor taught the prince, he often brought her along. Prince Jing is the most outstanding of all the princes. Naturally, someone like Hai Qingshuang would be attracted to him. Whether this is true or not, no one can say for sure… but it’s probably true.”

“I see…”

“But Qingyue, Prince Jing likes you,” Ding Ying teased with a smile.

Yin Qingyue said nothing. She already knew the prince’s heart and had accepted it.

She realized that Ding Ying, when mentioning Prince Jing, no longer looked sorrowful as before. Instead, she seemed freer—clearly, she had let go.

Still, Yin Qingyue silently cursed Chu Jingcheng. He left traces of affection everywhere. Besides what she knew, surely there were many other women who adored him.

Ding Ying lightly nudged her and gestured toward the elevated seats. “Consort Lan and Liuzhaoyi have arrived.”

Looking up, they saw Lan Ruo walking ahead, wearing a luxurious silk gown embroidered with intricate floral patterns that seemed almost lifelike.

By comparison, Liuzhaoyi, following her, looked simpler, yet still exuded nobility far above everyone else present.

Ding Ying explained quietly, “You were invited by Consort Lan, so you probably know who she is. That’s Liuzhaoyi behind her. She’s always amiable and loved by everyone. Her son is Prince Ling, Chu Ling, though he’s irresponsible and disinterested in governance, often staying outside the palace. Liuzhaoyi worries a lot over him.”

Yin Qingyue listened carefully. She had never met Prince Ling, but from the description, he sounded like a spoiled heir.

Ding Ying continued, lowering her voice slightly and pointing in another direction. “Since it’s your first time in the palace and Prince Jing isn’t here, I should warn you about someone. That is the Eldest Princess, Chu Fengjiao. Remember to steer clear of her. She’s notorious for being spoiled, though she’s actually a good person.”

Sure enough, the Eldest Princess sat there unconcerned by others, doing as she pleased, even sitting differently from the other princesses.

Chu Fengjiao? Spoiled? She was very much like Shangguan Jiao Ran. If the two were together, it would be quite the scene.

By now, the concubines and daughters of officials had all arrived.

Lan Ruo smiled warmly. “Ladies, today is the palace’s annual Flower Viewing Banquet. I am pleased to see all of you here. Please, don’t feel too constrained—consider this place as your own home.”

“Thank you, Consort Lan. Thank you, Liuzhaoyi,” they responded politely.

“Ah yes, the Virtuous Consort and Gentle Consort are unwell today, so they cannot attend. Today, I and Liuzhaoyi will accompany you,” Lan Ruo added in a friendly tone, masking any sense of authority.

No one paid much attention; it was usual for some consorts to be absent.

Liuzhaoyi then spoke, her voice soft and melodic, explaining why she was so favored by the emperor, as she instructed the palace maids: “Bring the qiongjang yulu (palace nectar) immediately.”

“Yes, your servant obeys,” the maids quickly delivered the beverages to each seat.

The ladies were familiar with this drink, so nothing seemed extraordinary.

Yin Qingyue poured a cup, tasting it. It was delicious, though she thought it resembled a modern cocktail. In the palace, it was treated like a divine elixir. She smiled subtly at the thought.

But Consort Lan’s eyes remained on her, carefully observing every expression and movement.

At that moment, Shangguan Jiao Ran suddenly drew attention, speaking to Consort Lan, “Your Highness, the Divine Physician has arrived today as well. She must be remarkable.”

“Shangguan’s meaning?” Lan Ruo asked.

“I’ve heard she can perform sword dances exceptionally. I, Jiao Ran, wish to learn from her,” Shangguan Jiao Ran said, glaring at Yin Qingyue with obvious intent.

Yin Qingyue had anticipated no such challenge. Clearly, she intended to make her look foolish.

She had wanted to remain low-profile, but it seemed fate forced her forward. She stood and said, “Your Highness, I am unworthy. How could I display such a thing before so many? It would be a great embarrassment.”

Her sudden words drew all eyes, causing murmurs.

“That’s the Divine Physician? She’s not ugly?”
“Yeah, she was said to be unattractive. How is she this beautiful?”
“She’s like a celestial being descended to Earth. I’ve never seen anyone like her.”
“Truly, her face is breathtaking!”

The banquet erupted in astonishment. Yin Qingyue’s beauty, even in understated attire, could not be hidden.

Consort Lan raised her hand, sternly commanding, “Enough. Settle down.” Then she looked kindly at Yin Qingyue, “Miss Yin, since Shangguan said your sword dance is excellent and everyone is excited, why don’t you perform for us?”

“Yes, will the Divine Physician not dare?” Shangguan Jiao Ran jeered.

Under all eyes, Yin Qingyue could hardly refuse. She thought carefully and did not want to risk reprimand for defying Consort Lan.

“Very well. I will perform. Please forgive my shortcomings,” she said.

A palace maid brought a beautifully crafted sword. Yin Qingyue drew it smoothly. Her footwork light, the sword seemed weightless in her hands. Each step, each movement, fused her grace with the blade.

Her blue sleeves fluttered like butterfly wings, delicate and ethereal, as if she were not of this mortal world.

The audience was mesmerized. No one expected the Divine Physician to be so skillful and beautiful. Their astonishment only grew.

Shangguan Jiao Ran’s plan backfired spectacularly—her attempt to humiliate Yin Qingyue ended in utter defeat.

At that moment, Emperor Chu Helian quietly appeared, unnoticed by others, observing from the side. Last time he saw her, she was allegedly ugly. Now, she was transformed, leaving him no doubt why his son was so infatuated.

Perhaps he should allow his son to marry Yin Qingyue as a concubine.

At the dance’s end, Yin Qingyue sheathed the sword gracefully. The maid holding the sword was startled.

“Miss Yin has performed,” she announced.

The room was still in awe when Chu Helian stepped forward, clapping his hands. “Truly magnificent. In all my years, I have never seen such a sublime sword dance. It has truly opened my eyes.”

Everyone rose immediately, including Consort Lan, and bowed.

“We may rise. Today, formalities need not be so rigid,” the emperor said.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” they responded.

Seated on the Dragon Throne, Chu Helian observed the ladies, who adjusted their manners, aware that imperial favor could elevate their future.

This was Yin Qingyue’s first direct encounter with the emperor. She recognized him as the man from that night but chose not to reveal it.

Chu Helian looked at her with satisfaction. “Miss Yin, not only are your medical skills exceptional, but your dance is extraordinary as well.”

She raised her head cautiously. “Thank you, Your Majesty. My humble dance cannot compare to the palace performers.”

“To me, your dance is unmatched,” he replied sincerely.

Though genuine, others could not help but feel envious. Shangguan Jiao Ran, especially, was furious. Last time, the emperor praised her sword dance, but not like this. Her jealousy burned.

Chu Helian sensed this young lady’s intelligence and composure. Were it not for her status, she would be a perfect match for Prince Jing.

“Enough. Everyone, relax. Laugh, speak freely,” he commanded.

Obliging, Yin Qingyue returned to her seat. Ding Ying grabbed her hand excitedly. “Qingyue, your sword dance was stunning! Didn’t you see the emperor’s gaze? He looked at you as if you were divine.”

“Divine?” Yin Qingyue laughed, covering her mouth. “Ding Ying, you always talk like that. If I get arrogant after the emperor’s praise, it’s your fault.”

“Not at all. I speak only the truth!”

“You have a tongue as sweet as Mei’er’s,” she teased.

They giggled, though Shangguan Jiao Ran, Chu Helian, and Consort Lan’s eyes continued to watch her intermittently.

Such glances lasted until the banquet concluded.

As guests departed, Chu Helian left as well. Yin Qingyue wished to leave with Ding Ying, but Consort Lan stopped her.

“Miss Yin, it’s late, and you live in the outskirts. Why not stay tonight?”

Yin Qingyue had no desire to remain in the palace. Had it not been for the emperor’s decree, she would never have come.

She declined politely. “Consort Lan, I appreciate your kindness, but it’s improper for me to stay in the palace. I should return home.”

“Improper? Why would that be?” Lan Ruo asked.