MCSCPM -Chapter 272 Learning the Truth

Yuelan looked at her and asked curiously, “Miss Yin, how did you end up here?”

“I followed you because you wouldn’t answer when I asked earlier. I heard everything you said,” Yin Qingyue replied.

Yuelan hurriedly explained, “Miss Yin, what we said just now was casual talk. Please don’t take it seriously.”

“Casual talk? At this point, you still intend to keep it a secret? Do you know that deceiving Prince Jing is a capital offense? If he investigates, everyone in your dance hall will die.” Yin Qingyue’s aura was overwhelming, each word precise and unyielding, leaving no room for argument.

At this moment, her gaze was no longer gentle; it had turned cold and stern, reminiscent of Chu Jingcheng’s sharp, discerning eyes. Beneath her solemn expression, she carried the bearing of Prince Jing’s consort.

Yuelan and Mother Gu were truly terrified, shivering all over, almost falling to their knees.

“Miss Yin, we… we’re just ordinary people. Some things should be said, some shouldn’t,” Mother Gu pleaded.

“Do you also intend to hide this from Prince Jing? Mother Gu, I’ll tell you one last time: if Lord Kong truly is as you say, it’s not just Prince Jing who would punish him—the Emperor himself wouldn’t spare him. But if you continue hiding the truth, Lord Kong’s fate will be yours as well.” Yin Qingyue’s words were a sharp warning.

Yuelan and Mother Gu stepped back, their eyes panicked. Deep down, they realized this could no longer be hidden.

Yin Qingyue continued, “I suggest you tell the truth. Do you really want to see your dance hall closed?”

“Of course not!” Yuelan exclaimed anxiously.

“Then tell me everything, truthfully. I can promise you: if it’s true, that Lord Kong will face the punishment he deserves.”

“Really?”

“Do you still have any choice but to believe me?”

The answer was clearly no.

After a long moment, Yuelan stepped forward, her eyes full of pleading, and said, “Alright, I’ll tell you.”

But in the next moment, Mother Gu grabbed her. “Yuelan, don’t say anything!”

“Mother Gu, I trust Miss Yin. I can tell she is righteous. She will make things right for us.”

Mother Gu, though reluctant, was persuaded and slowly let go of Yuelan’s hand.

Yuelan took a deep breath, looked at Yin Qingyue, and began, “This Lord Kong, using his position as county magistrate, constantly extorted silver and gold from us, claiming it was for county development to improve the people’s lives. But everyone knew it was a sham. All the money we gave went straight into his own pockets. If we didn’t pay, he would send men to threaten or even beat us.”

“Many shops closed because they couldn’t pay. Even the relief funds from the imperial court were all pocketed by him. We commoners were repeatedly oppressed. Far from the emperor’s eyes, here, he was the law.” Yuelan’s voice grew impassioned, almost gnashing her teeth.

Yin Qingyue listened carefully, recognizing the deep resentment. She asked, “Then why does the city seem prosperous now, without the suffering you described?”

“That’s because Lord Kong knew Prince Jing would come, so he cleaned up the entire county to hide the truth from him. The poor were placed in several residences, but no one knows where exactly.”

“I see.”

“Miss Yin, I trust you, so I’m telling you this. You must act on our behalf. Lord Kong is not just corrupt; he’s a shameless tyrant.” Yuelan, almost beside herself with anger, seemed as if, given a knife, she would stab him without hesitation.

Yin Qingyue now had a clear understanding: this Kong Xian truly deserved to be punished.

“Don’t worry. I believe your account, but we need evidence. If we can locate those residences, it will be easy to prove his crimes. I’ll report it to Prince Jing, and he will ensure justice is served.” Yin Qingyue said.

Yuelan felt both excited and relieved. If justice were done, it would be a blessing for the entire county.

Mother Gu also shed tears, thinking that now, the corrupt official’s fate was sealed.

Yin Qingyue then turned her attention to Yuelan’s injured foot. “Let me examine your foot first.”

“What? Miss Yin, this—”

“What? You think I only treat the wealthy and powerful?”

“No, it’s just… Yuelan is only a dancer. How could she be worthy of your treatment?”

“Dancers are people too. Even the emperor falls ill sometimes,” Yin Qingyue said. She had Yuelan sit on a nearby stone chair, lifted her foot, and gently pressed it. Yuelan let out a soft cry.

“Your injury has affected the inner tendons. The bones are fine—that’s your luck.”

Mother Gu hurriedly asked, “What should we do now?”

“An injury to the tendons requires blood circulation to be restored. I saw a jar of cypress flowers outside your dance hall. They’ve already produced seeds. Crush the seeds and soak them with the leaves in wine for three days and nights. Then apply it to the injured area and rest for several months—it will heal.”

“What? Cypress flowers are medicinal?” Yuelan gasped.

“Every flower has medicinal properties. Using the right remedy for the right condition—that’s the principle. Miss Yuelan, perhaps your pure heart has helped; the cypress flower, which blooms only once a year, happened to bloom now.”

“Miss Yin, you truly are a divine doctor. I admire you greatly,” Yuelan said with deep respect.

Yin Qingyue stood and repeatedly reminded them, “During this time, you must not dance. If you do, even a celestial being couldn’t heal your foot. Understand?”

“Yes. I will remember your words, Miss Yin.”

“It’s late. I must leave, or Lord Kong might come looking for trouble,” Yin Qingyue said.

Mother Gu insisted on seeing her out, but Yin Qingyue refused. “Mother Gu, help Yuelan inside. I’ll go alone—nothing will happen.”

“But it’s so dark, and you’re just a young lady…”

“Don’t worry about that,” Yin Qingyue interrupted firmly. After repeated refusals, Mother Gu let go, and Yin Qingyue hurried back to the County Magistrate’s residence—unnoticed.

Back in her room, she found Chu Jingcheng waiting for her.

“Prince Jing? Why are you here?”

“Waiting for you,” he replied calmly.

“You should be resting, your body isn’t well yet,” she said.

Chu Jingcheng, seemingly unconcerned, asked, “Did you learn anything at the dance hall?”

“Ah?” Yin Qingyue looked surprised. “How did you know?”

“I knew you followed the dancers out. I even sent someone to follow you, to ensure nothing happened,” Chu Jingcheng explained.

Actually, he had already noticed when she felt tired and wanted to leave; he also saw the dancer’s injured foot. Her sudden retreat had a reason, and he had arranged protection.

“Seems nothing escapes your notice,” she said.

“Of course not.” Chu Jingcheng smiled teasingly, then grew serious again. “Tell me, what exactly happened in this county? Is Kong Xian corrupt?”

Yin Qingyue organized the facts and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll explain slowly. From the moment we entered the county, everything we saw was a facade. Kong Xian cleaned up the area to hide the truth. He oppressed the people, extorted silver, and sent men to beat those who couldn’t pay. Many shops were forced to close.”

“Moreover, the relief funds from the imperial court were all pocketed by him. The county’s people suffer in silence, fearing reprisal.”

Chu Jingcheng nodded, understanding the situation. Though his face betrayed no anger, Yin Qingyue knew he mentally wished Kong Xian torn to pieces.

“That old thief… I want to see what he’s capable of, thinking he can deceive everyone,” Chu Jingcheng said indignantly.

Yin Qingyue continued, “There’s one more thing.”

“What is it?”

“The displaced people were placed in several residences. The locations are unknown. If we can find them and bring the people out, Kong Xian cannot deny his crimes.”

“The key now is to find the residences, without alerting him. We must investigate discreetly,” Chu Jingcheng said thoughtfully.

Kong Xian thought he could deceive everyone, but Yin Qingyue and Chu Jingcheng had seen through his scheme.

Seeing her tired eyes, Chu Jingcheng felt concern and held her hand. “Yin Qingyue, next time, don’t go alone. Tell me. If something happens while I’m not here, what will you do?”

She realized he truly cared. If he hadn’t sent someone to follow her, she might have been in danger on the way back.

“Yes. Next time I’ll be careful and inform you first.”

“You’re so obedient, I almost feel embarrassed to scold you.” Chu Jingcheng smiled gently, pulling her tightly into his arms.

“Prince Jing, your concern is my honor.”

“This honor is yours alone,” he said, eyes full of affection, holding her even closer.