MCSCPM -Chapter 277 Prince Yi

He hadn’t expected that the moves he had made would come to this point.

Could it be that he had grown old, that he could no longer see things clearly?

Perhaps Yin Qingyue was suitable to be Princess Consort of Prince Jing. But Chu Helian thought further: even if Yin Qingyue were exceptional, her bloodline wasn’t pure. According to the rules of the Northern Hao royal family, the main line must maintain noble blood. Yin Qingyue came from a merchant family—how could she be worthy of being Prince Jing’s consort?

Nearby, Eunuch Sun understood the emperor’s intentions but remained silent.

For a while, Chu Helian felt a headache coming on. His eyes were dark and imposing, yet his heart wavered. He knew he had to consider this matter very carefully.

After a while, Eunuch Sun spoke, “Your Majesty, Prince Yi has obeyed your summons and returned to the palace, but he has gone to visit Consort Shu.”

The emperor waved his hand without speaking. “Very well. Mother and son share a deep bond. He hasn’t seen his mother for a long time—let him go first.”

Now, he had no energy to concern himself with Prince Yi. His gaze drifted toward the hall’s exterior, and he shook his head, letting it go.

Consort Shu’s Palace

As usual, Consort Shu was tending the flowers. The blooms were vibrant—red and green—a truly pleasing sight.

“These flowers will need to be picked in a while and moved to the Imperial Garden,” He Ningxiang said.

A maid nearby asked, puzzled, “Your Highness, the flowers bloom so beautifully. Why not leave them here instead of moving them to the Imperial Garden?”

He Ningxiang smiled gently, plucking an orchid with her scissors and placing it aside. “Even the most beautiful flowers will wither. I do not wish to see them die in my palace when their season ends.”

“I understand. We will move the flowers on an auspicious day.”

“Be careful not to damage the seeds. Next year, they must be transplanted again.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

He Ningxiang continued trimming carefully. At that moment, a young eunuch ran over.

“Your Highness, Prince Yi has returned to the palace.”

Upon hearing that her son had returned, He Ningxiang put down the scissors, wiped her hands, and smiled joyfully. “Finally, he’s back.”

She hurried to the main hall, even breaking into a light run. She hadn’t seen her son in a long time and missed him deeply.

Rushing in, she saw Prince Yi standing in the main hall, dressed in splendid robes. A translucent jade hung at his waist. His posture was dignified, carrying a hint of Chu Helian’s imperial aura.

Turning his head, his face was handsome, with calm, composed eyes reflecting wisdom and reserve.

“Mother, I pay my respects. Your son has been unfilial, unable to attend to you frequently,” Chu Yifeng said, performing a formal son’s salute.

He Ningxiang quickly stepped forward and held his hands, tears glimmering in her eyes. “You’ve finally returned. Mother has missed you every day. Finally, you’re back.”

“It is I who am unfilial. Thank the Emperor for summoning me back.”

“Let Mother see you,” He Ningxiang said, guiding him to sit, and instructed a maid nearby, “Bring Prince Yi the camellias he likes.”

“Mother, no need,” Chu Yifeng raised his hand, dismissing the maid.

He Ningxiang looked at her son with concern. “Yi’er, look at you. You’ve lost so much weight.”

“Mother, I am fine. But you, Mother, have grown thinner,” Chu Yifeng replied respectfully.

He glanced around and asked, puzzled, “By the way, where is Fengjiao?”

At the mention of Chu Fengjiao, He Ningxiang made a small sound—half anger, half helplessness. “Don’t mention that girl. She’s always causing trouble.”

“What happened?”

“Nothing serious. I have just been lax in supervising her, so I told her to stay in her room. She hasn’t been seen for several days.”

Chu Yifeng smiled. He had always indulged his younger sister. “Mother, Fengjiao has a temper. She may anger you sometimes, but she has no ill intent.”

“Of course. Isn’t she my daughter?” He Ningxiang smiled lightly, then remembered something and asked quickly, “Yi’er, you’ve surely heard about Prince Jing’s incident, right?”

“I know about it, Mother. Fortunately, Prince Jing is safe. Otherwise, the Emperor would surely worry,” Chu Yifeng said calmly, showing no sign of concern.

He Ningxiang asked again, “Yi’er, what have you been doing outside the palace these days? Mother hasn’t heard from you for a long time.”

“I was outside attending to the Emperor’s matters, Mother. Very busy,” he replied.

“I see. Previously, I sent you a letter. The guards said you went out and returned several days later. Where did you go?” He Ningxiang’s tone was more like testing him than asking.

In truth, Consort Shu suspected her son of attempting something against Prince Jing, so she tried to probe him.

But Chu Yifeng was not naive. Smiling calmly, he explained without revealing anything. “I went out on official business and returned that night. Do not worry, Mother.”

Chu Yifeng was loyal and filial only to his mother. He didn’t want her involved, to avoid danger affecting her.

“Mother, I just returned. I must first handle some matters and will come later to pay respects,” he said, standing and bowing in the son’s salute.

“Very well. Go rest first,” she replied.

“I take my leave,” Chu Yifeng said and departed.

But He Ningxiang’s heart was heavy. Though her son was filial, some matters she could never probe or guess. She sighed and let it be; after all, no one else knew about it.

Imperial Garden

Lan Rao wandered leisurely through the garden, enjoying the blooming flowers.

Prince Jing was safe and had even gone to the county with Yin Qingyue. Her mood was naturally lifted.

Unexpectedly, she ran into Liu Sishui. Since learning Prince Jing was unharmed, Liu Sishui had rarely left the palace.

Lan Rao remembered Liu Sishui’s earlier arrogance and now seized the chance to strike at her.

Liu Sishui glanced at her. “Consort Lan, enjoying yourself?”

“Of course. Who would have thought that Liu Zhaoyi would also be so cheerful, even strolling in the Imperial Garden,” Lan Rao replied, walking up to her. Her phoenix eyes swept over Liu Sishui proudly. “If I were you, I’d hide in the palace. You’ve just slapped yourself in the face—both painful and humiliating.”

“What are you trying to say? If it’s nothing important, I have no time to waste on you,” Liu Sishui snapped.

Lan Rao laughed, enchanting. “You may be busy, but I am not. Now that Prince Jing is safe, I’m very pleased, so I’m here to enjoy the flowers and pass the time.”

“Don’t get smug.”

“Smug? I am indeed smug. Prince Jing is safe, and some people’s schemes have failed completely.”

“You…” Liu Sishui’s face darkened. She gritted her teeth, wanting to slap her.

Seeing Liu Sishui’s anger, Lan Rao felt triumphant. “Let me tell you, Liu Sishui, don’t get ahead of yourself. Prince Jing is the Emperor’s favorite son. Protected by the Emperor’s true dragon, nothing can harm him.”

“Lan Rao, don’t lecture me. I know you’re pleased. I slapped myself, and you’re delighted. But don’t forget, the future is uncertain.”

“Very well. Then we shall see who laughs last.”

“Fine.” Liu Sishui snorted and left, clearly displeased.

Lan Rao smiled behind her, plucked a flower, sniffed it, and sneered. “Even the sweetest flower must be examined. A mere Zhaoyi dares to compete with me—how naïve.”

She felt joy from the bottom of her heart for Prince Jing and Yin Qingyue, and also for her own future. She wondered how they would deal with Kong Xian, and what had become of the county now.

In the County

Kong Xian had committed a capital offense. Normally, he would be executed immediately.

But after consideration, Yin Qingyue said, “No. Killing him directly is too easy for him.”

Chu Jingcheng asked, “What do you plan to do?”

“Parade him through the streets to show the people and vent their anger.”

“Good idea,” Chu Jingcheng agreed, looking at Yin Qingyue with admiration. “Qingyue, why don’t you act as magistrate? Look at how the people see you as a living Bodhisattva.”

“Prince Jing jokes. So, I’ll be magistrate, and you won’t return to the capital? Stay here with me?”

“Why not? I’d like to live with you in this remote county, far from the Emperor,” he said, smiling, eyes full of longing.

Yin Qingyue teased, “Don’t forget, you are Prince Jing.”

Suddenly serious, Chu Jingcheng looked at her. “Yes, I am Prince Jing, and you are my Princess Consort. How could you serve as magistrate?”

“Who said I want to be your consort?” she said, pouting.

“If not you, then who? The one I marry will only be you. Remember, you belong to me.”

Seeing his sincerity, Yin Qingyue knew he loved her deeply, willing even to risk his life. Yet she still didn’t know what she should do.

Kong Xian was placed in the prisoner’s carriage and paraded through the county. Everyone in the town came—people he had harmed.

They shouted, “Dog official! You finally face retribution!”
“Heaven sees all. You deserve to die, heartless dog official!”

They threw eggs, vegetables, even spat at him.

Kong Xian’s head was covered in eggs and leaves. He endured it all, full of regret.

Among the crowd, his wives and children wept silently, afraid to cry aloud lest they be associated with him.

Kong Xian’s youngest daughter cried, “Mother, what’s wrong with Father? Why is this happening?”