MCSCPM -Chapter 240 Polite Refusal

It was obvious that Liuzhaoyi had ulterior motives. She wanted Yin Qingyue to meet Prince Ling—clearly a thinly veiled attempt at arranging a match.

“Liuzhaoyi, I am truly honored by your suggestion. However, I am neither of royal blood nor from a noble family. Meeting Prince Ling would be far too extravagant,” Yin Qingyue said carefully, intending to politely refuse.

But Liuzhaoyi seemed determined to have her meet Prince Ling. Hearing Yin Qingyue’s words, she became slightly anxious. “Don’t say that! A girl as remarkable as you—if Ling’er is lucky, that would be his honor!”

“It’s not difficult, Your Highness. In truth, my health has always been poor. After returning home, I probably won’t be able to leave the house anymore. I have received your kind intentions, Liuzhaoyi,” Yin Qingyue explained, citing her health as a reason.

“I see. Taking good care of your health is most important. If fate permits, I’m sure you will meet him someday,” Liu Sishui replied.

By emphasizing her health, Yin Qingyue gave Liu Sishui a clear way to step back gracefully, and Liu Sishui had no choice but to concede.

However, Lan Ruo deliberately interjected. “Liuzhaoyi, Miss Yin is the one Prince Jing has his eyes on. How could Prince Ling compare? Nowadays, a relationship must be mutual. You’re far too eager.”

“Yes… yes… I forgot for a moment,” Liuzhaoyi said, trying to cover.

“I think Prince Ling is charming and graceful. So many women dream of being his consort! I don’t need your urging, Liuzhaoyi,” Lan Ruo continued, letting the words flow to her advantage.

Liuzhaoyi’s displeasure grew, yet she feigned ignorance. After a moment, she added, “A mother always worries about her grown son. I just hope Ling’er settles down and behaves as a proper prince. A mother worries when her son travels afar, Lan Consort—you can’t understand a mother’s feelings.”

Unexpectedly, Liuzhaoyi had struck hard with this move, but her tone was polite, as if she were expressing a mother’s grievance.

Lan Ruo had no children, so the remark hit a soft spot. Yet with Yin Qingyue present, she did not want to cause a scene.

“You’re right. I cannot understand a mother’s heart. But if I had a son like Prince Ling, as you said, a mother would surely worry when he travels far!”

The two women subtly sparred. Their expressions were sweet, but their words were like needles, each carefully pricking the other. Both had to endure the exchange.

The conversation ended somewhat awkwardly. Liuzhaoyi, realizing time was late, prepared to leave.

Before departing, she made a last-ditch effort to curry favor with Yin Qingyue. “Miss Yin, next time you have free time, let me bring you into the palace. There are so many things I wish to discuss with you!”

Yin Qingyue bowed politely and replied gently, “Of course. If there’s an opportunity, I will come.”

Satisfied, Liuzhaoyi left.

Once she was gone, Yin Qingyue breathed a long sigh of relief—just as Lan Ruo noticed the moment her brows relaxed.

“Miss Yin, about what was said earlier…”

“Your Highness, don’t worry. I’m not one to speak much. By the way, you may simply call me Qingyue,” Yin Qingyue said.

“That’s good. No need for formalities—it can feel distant otherwise,” Lan Ruo said with a smile. But for a moment, her expression grew slightly wistful, and she sighed.

“What’s the matter, Your Highness?”

Lan Ruo’s face held a trace of regret. “I’ll be honest, Qingyue. Even though I am a high-ranking consort, I have no children. You know, a woman without heirs, as she grows older, becomes lonely and dependent—quite pitiable, frankly.”

Yin Qingyue said nothing, quietly listening.

“If only I had a daughter your age… I wouldn’t be so alone in this deep palace,” Lan Ruo added.

In fact, what Lan Ruo implied was that she wished to take Yin Qingyue as a goddaughter. Yin Qingyue immediately understood from her words.

Lan Ruo’s gaze lingered on her, full of longing and hope.

But Yin Qingyue promptly replied, “The body and hair we are born with are gifts from our parents. Although my mother has passed, I still deeply miss her.”

“Qingyue, do you not wish—”

“Your Highness, I understand the pain in your heart and can feel it,” Yin Qingyue gently interrupted.

Lan Ruo understood her intent. Just as she had politely refused Liuzhaoyi, this was a subtle, courteous refusal—giving her a graceful way to step back.

Feeling less tense, Lan Ruo changed the topic. “By the way, Qingyue, which family are you from in Xize?”

“I was born in Shui Ling County of Xize, to a merchant family,” Yin Qingyue replied.

A merchant family? Everyone knew that, in this era, merchants were looked down upon, holding little more than a few silver coins.

Lan Ruo knew Yin Qingyue’s background was unfit for Prince Jing, not even as a secondary consort. But to gain favor with Prince Jing, she would naturally protect her.

Lan Ruo said no more, letting Yin Qingyue continue residing in the palace. She sent a few maids to attend her, but Yin Qingyue immediately declined.

“Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I’m used to being alone. Having someone serve me would make me uncomfortable.”

“But everyone in the palace lives this way. Don’t refuse. Two maids will stay with you so that you can give instructions if needed. Understood?” Lan Ruo instructed.

Yin Qingyue no longer refused. Having familiar palace attendants nearby was at least convenient. She thought of Mei’er and worried about her, quickly telling Lan Ruo, “Your Highness, I’ve been in the palace for two days. Mei’er…”

“Don’t worry. I’ve already sent someone to inform her. I knew you would be concerned,” Lan Ruo reassured her.

Indeed, Yin Qingyue was genuinely worried. As long as Lan Ruo didn’t release her, she could not leave the palace.

She decided to make the best of it.

Night fell, cool and serene. Yin Qingyue stood in the palace courtyard, gazing at the sky—familiar yet subtly different from outside the palace.

The stars were sparse. She fell into deep thought.

What about Chu Jingcheng? Had he reached the county? What was he doing now?

She didn’t know when he would return. Being in the deep palace, she thought, perhaps he sometimes gazed at the same starry sky on nights like this.

“Chu Jingcheng… you rogue.”

She didn’t know why she said it aloud, but a faint smile appeared on her lips.

“Rogue” was her favorite way to scold him—and he never got angry.

A small palace maid approached with a cloak, draping it over her shoulders. “Miss Yin, don’t catch a chill.”

She turned to see Lian’er—the same young maid who had followed her during the Flower Viewing Banquet.

“It’s late. You should rest. Don’t worry about me,” Yin Qingyue said.

But Lian’er shook her head vigorously. “I’m fine. I’d rather stay by your side.”

“You’re just as anxious as Mei’er,” Yin Qingyue teased.

“Mei’er? Who is that?” Lian’er asked.

“She’s my maid outside the palace, just like you—always anxious when speaking,” Yin Qingyue explained.

Lian’er blushed slightly but couldn’t help looking at Yin Qingyue. Finally, she said, “Miss Yin, you look like a celestial being.”

“Why are you suddenly saying that?” Yin Qingyue teased.

“I speak the truth. The first time I saw you, I was stunned. Especially when I watched your sword dance—it was the most beautiful I’ve ever seen,” Lian’er praised tirelessly.

Yin Qingyue couldn’t help laughing. In this deep palace, having such a lively young maid around made things less lonely.

“Lian’er, that’s enough. I’m tired and want to rest.”

“Yes, I will attend you to bed,” Lian’er said, supporting her into the inner room.

The nights in the palace were always long and cold.

The next morning, Lan Ruo rose early and went to the Imperial Study, assuming the emperor was still busy with court affairs, so she waited outside, not disturbing anyone.

Unexpectedly, she saw Liu Sishui approaching from the direction of the Imperial Study, smiling with a hint of flirtation. Clearly, she had arrived first.

Lan Ruo felt a pang of irritation. Even if she were the emperor’s favored consort, how could a mere Zhaoyi overshadow her? Besides, her son, Prince Ling, was unreliable. At least this thought eased her slightly.

Liu Sishui noticed her and smiled. “Consort Lan? Why are you standing outside instead of going to see the emperor?”

Lan Ruo scoffed. “I am not you. The emperor is busy with state affairs. I cannot disturb him.”

“That’s true. I didn’t speak to the emperor much either. I should return to the palace now,” Liu Sishui said, smiling as she left.

After nearly half an hour, Lan Ruo finally entered the Imperial Study just as the emperor put down a memorial.

“I pay respects, Your Majesty,” she said.

“My beloved? Why are you here at this hour? Sun Gonggong said you were waiting outside. Why not enter sooner?”

“I did not want to disturb you, Your Majesty, so I waited until you were free,” Lan Ruo explained.

“Oh? What’s the matter?” Emperor Chu Helian asked, a puzzled look on his face.

Lan Ruo considered how to phrase it and cautiously said, “At the Flower Viewing Banquet, I noticed Miss Yin’s sword dance was exquisite. In every gesture and in her speech, she exemplifies a true lady of refinement. Regarding Prince Jing…”

“My beloved, there’s no need to rush. I have my own plans,” Chu Helian interrupted.

The emperor had always disliked being pressured to make decisions. Matters concerning Yin Qingyue and his son were no exception.