MCSCPM -Chapter 268 Imperial Edict

The next day, Ding Ying woke up.

Yin Qingyue went to see her and, seeing that her complexion had improved, finally felt at ease.

“Leng Feng… how is he?” Ding Ying immediately asked after waking, concerned about his condition.

“Don’t worry. He’s fine, but he needs proper rest. He hasn’t woken up yet.”

“Not awake? I want to see him.”

Ding Ying tried to get out of bed, but Yin Qingyue held her back. “Ding Ying, your body isn’t fully recovered yet. You also need to rest.”

“No, I have to see him. He coughed up blood—I’m worried!”

“When have I ever lied to you? If I say he’s fine, then he truly is. Do you not trust my medical skills?”

“I… of course I trust you, it’s just that I’m worried.” Ding Ying’s eyes showed urgency, though her tone softened.

Yin Qingyue knew she was worried but persuaded her to focus on recovering first. Ding Ying nodded and didn’t go to see Leng Feng.

“By the way, Ding Ying, once you recover, you must return home immediately. Your health has always been fragile; you can’t stay out here so long.”

Ding Ying gave a bitter smile. “As long as Leng Feng is fine, I don’t mind even if I die.”

Currently, two out of every three sentences she spoke revolved around Leng Feng. Her love and concern for him were evident.

In Leng Feng’s room, Leng Yi entered. Seeing his brother still unconscious, he walked to the bedside, gripping his sword tightly.

“Leng Feng, you still owe me three things. I want you to promise me the first—wake up now.”

Leng Yi was usually cold, but his heart was fiercely loyal, especially toward his brother. He could feel Leng Feng’s pain through their bond.

At that moment, palace guards arrived at full speed with an imperial edict.

Chu Jingcheng had the guards brought inside. “What does His Majesty command?”

The guards respectfully replied, “Prince Jing, His Majesty instructed me to inquire about your injuries. Hearing of your wound, the Emperor is deeply concerned.”

“I am fine. No need to worry.”

“His Majesty knows you were targeted in an assassination attempt and has commanded a thorough investigation.”

Chu Jingcheng nodded—good. Letting the Emperor investigate the assassin was best.

“There’s one more matter. His Majesty said that if you are well enough, you are to immediately go to the provincial counties to root out corrupt officials. The Emperor specifically commanded that the Divine Doctor accompany you to care for your injuries.”

Yin Qingyue would accompany him? Chu Jingcheng was a bit surprised, thinking perhaps the Emperor had taken a liking to her. In any case, he was thrilled.

“Very well. I will return to the capital immediately and go to the counties. As for the assassination, let His Majesty decide.”

“Yes, understood.”

After the guards left, Chu Jingcheng called Leng Yi.

“Leng Yi, I’m leaving for the counties immediately, but you don’t need to come.”

Leng Yi panicked. “Prince, why would you not let me accompany you?”

“Don’t worry. Leng Feng is injured, and Ding Ying is a young lady. You are to stay and take care of them.”

“But Prince…”

“Stay. That is your order.”

“Prince…”

Chu Jingcheng stood, his tone commanding. “This decision is final. You must obey my orders.”

Leng Yi didn’t protest further. He knelt on one knee. “Yes, my Prince. I obey.”

Chu Jingcheng also told Yin Qingyue.

With a teasing tone, he said, “While I was away from the capital, His Majesty summoned you. What did you say to him? And now he has allowed you to accompany me to the counties?”

Yin Qingyue laughed helplessly. “Prince Jing, it sounds like you don’t want me to come with you or even meet you.”

“How could that be? I’m delighted!”

“Really?”

“Yin Qingyue, I think you’re reluctant to come with me,” he said, staring at her intently.

Yin Qingyue turned aside. “The Emperor commanded me to accompany you to care for your health. I won’t break imperial orders.”

“When have you ever worried about that?” Chu Jingcheng asked.

This man always had to get to the bottom of things, never giving her an easy out. Yin Qingyue silently cursed him several times but simply said, “Who isn’t afraid of death, especially defying the Emperor.”

With that, she left.

The carriage to the counties was soon ready.

Leng Yi had intended to accompany the Prince out of the city, but Chu Jingcheng insisted he stay at the County Magistrate’s residence.

Ding Ying tearfully waved to Yin Qingyue as she boarded. “Take care of yourself.”

Yin Qingyue lifted the curtain and smiled warmly. “You too, Ding Ying. Your health is delicate; be careful on the way back to the capital.”

“I know,” Ding Ying replied obediently.

After giving a few final instructions, they parted ways.

On the carriage, Yin Qingyue’s expression was tense, worrying about Ding Ying and Leng Feng. Chu Jingcheng noticed and tried to comfort her.

“Stop worrying. Didn’t you just administer the medicine?”

“You know what I’m thinking?”

“You are a worm in my belly. Of course, I know.”

“You scoundrel,” she muttered.

When the carriage reached the city gates, someone suddenly stopped it.

Chu Jingcheng and Yin Qingyue saw that it was Yan Ling. Did she intend to cause trouble again? But Leng Feng was still at the County Magistrate’s residence.

Yan Ling stepped forward, her eyes fixed on Yin Qingyue. “Miss, I want to talk to you.”

Yin Qingyue was momentarily taken aback but got out to meet her, leaving Chu Jingcheng in the carriage.

They walked aside, and Yan Ling examined her closely. She was truly a rare beauty, unlike any mortal woman.

Yin Qingyue sensed her thoughts—she had let go, perhaps influenced by yesterday’s events.

Yin Qingyue asked, “Miss Yan, what do you want to say?”

“How is Leng Feng?”

“He’s fine.”

“Good. Thank you for saving him,” Yan Ling said sincerely.

Yin Qingyue knew she wasn’t a bad person, just stubborn. She responded, “You’re a good young woman. You’ll meet someone even better in the future.”

“Why are you so certain?”

“Not certain—inevitable. A woman like you, supporting the entire Yan household alone, is rare. I truly admire you.”

Yan Ling gave a wry smile. “As a woman, I act like a man. I see you are remarkable. If interested, we could collaborate with the Yan family business.”

Yin Qingyue smiled politely but declined. “I appreciate it, but I lack your courage.”

For some reason, Yan Ling felt genuine admiration for Yin Qingyue.

“If only we had met earlier, we’d get along well.”

“Yes, meeting someone as generous as you is my good fortune,” Yin Qingyue replied.

“By the way, I don’t know your name.”

“Yin Qingyue.”

“A beautiful name, and beautiful you are as well.” Yan Ling rarely praised, but this was sincere.

Yin Qingyue smiled silently. Compared to Shangguan Jiaoran, Yan Ling was more free-spirited—something Yin Qingyue liked.

Finally, Yan Ling said, “Also, thank you again for saving Leng Feng. As for him, I only wish to see him happy.”

“If you can let go, that’s best. Find someone good, and you’ll have a happy life.”

“Thank you for your kind words.” Yan Ling smiled and teased, “Your happy ending is probably with Prince Jing. He’s waiting in the carriage. I won’t hold you up. Take care on your journey.”

“Goodbye.”

Yin Qingyue bid her farewell. Just as she was about to get back in, Yan Ling whispered in her ear, “Miss Yin, watch over your Prince. If next time he meets a woman like me, it will be you who’s unlucky.”

Her words sank deeply into Yin Qingyue’s mind. Indeed, encountering such a stubborn woman would be troublesome.

On the carriage, they set off.

Chu Jingcheng suddenly asked, “What did she whisper to you?”

Yin Qingyue turned her head. “I’m not telling you.”

“What? You women keep secrets from each other?”

“Of course. That’s none of your business, Prince Jing.”

Chu Jingcheng chuckled. “You women are strange.”

“You men are stranger—especially you, Prince Jing,” she retorted.

Curious, Chu Jingcheng moved closer. “Oh? Then tell me, how am I strange? If you don’t tell me, I won’t let you off today.”

“What do you mean by that?” Yin Qingyue moved aside, but he edged closer again.

In the small carriage, Chu Jingcheng pushed her into a corner.

Yin Qingyue raised her hands. “Stop it, we’re still in the carriage.”

“Even in the carriage, I do as I please,” he said, leaning ever closer. “Tell me, what exactly did she say to you?”

“Do you really want to know?”