MCSCPM -Chapter 300 Two Slaps

“I, as a noble consort, going to check on Prince Jing’s injuries is part of my duty.”

“Duty? Consort Lan, it’s clear you went to win over Prince Jing. You even acted worried that others wouldn’t know you cared for him—a whole performance.”

“Don’t slander me, or I’ll tell the emperor,” Lan Rao threatened.

But Liu Sishui wasn’t intimidated at all. She stepped forward two paces, raising an eyebrow. “Go ahead and tell the emperor. Right now, he’s too worried about Prince Jing’s matters. He has no time for me.”

“That’s true. If he had time, Prince Ling would have been summoned back to the palace long ago,” Lan Rao said.

Hearing this, Liu Sishui grew anxious and pressed, “What do you know? Did the emperor tell you something?”

Lan Rao just smiled. “Yes, the emperor did say something. He said Prince Ling is idle and good-for-nothing. He’ll never amount to anything in his life.”

“You’re lying!” Liu Sishui shouted.

Indeed, Lan Rao was lying, but seeing Liu Sishui so flustered made her even more pleased. She continued, “I’ll tell you this too—the emperor has no hope for Prince Ling at all. Even if he were talented, he could never compare to Prince Jing. In the emperor’s heart, the one he cherishes most, the one he spoils, is Prince Jing alone. Your Prince Ling, no matter how accomplished, is nothing but a worthless wretch.”

“Smack!”

Suddenly, Liu Sishui slapped Lan Rao across the face, glaring and shouting, “Lan Rao, you vile woman! It serves you right that you have no son to care for you in old age. Prince Jing would never recognize you as his mother. You poisonous woman, you deserve to go straight to hell!”

Lan Rao held her face, stunned by the sudden slap. She had wanted to provoke her, but hadn’t expected to be struck.

In an instant, Lan Rao raised her hand and returned the slap with force.

Liu Sishui, struck, tried to retaliate again, but Lan Rao grabbed her hand. Smirking, she said, “Liu Sishui, don’t forget your rank. No matter how much the emperor favors you, you’re only a Zhaoyi. I am a high-ranking noble consort, first among the four consorts. If you dare strike me, that is insubordination, and I could have you punished immediately, even without troubling the emperor.”

“Lan Rao, you vile woman…”

“So what if I am vile? Even if I err, the emperor would not punish me. Today, you dared strike me—if you died three times over, it still wouldn’t be enough.” She raised her other hand and slapped Liu Sishui again.

“One slap deserves two in return. Next time, it won’t be so simple. I don’t want Prince Ling to lose someone he loves because of foolishness.”

With that, Lan Rao turned and left.

Liu Sishui couldn’t believe it—she had been slapped twice. Her anger burned hotter, tears forming in her eyes. She was furious, yet felt wronged.

At least, Lan Rao was right. She was merely a Zhaoyi. No matter how much the emperor favored her, her status paled in comparison to Lan Rao’s.

A palace maid stepped forward. “Your Highness, are you alright?”

Looking where Lan Rao had gone, how could she be?

“Today’s two slaps are noted. In the future, I will repay her double,” she said.

“Your Highness, shall we return to the palace now? I can apply medicine; your face is already swollen.”

Still fuming, she grunted and returned with the maid.

Meanwhile, through Lan Rao’s orders, news of Chu Jingcheng’s condition quickly reached the private residence on the outskirts of the capital.

Yin Qingyue sat in the courtyard, dazed, feeling a deep emptiness. Mei’er was gone, leaving a void in her heart. Usually, Mei’er would be here at this time, draping a shawl over her to keep her warm.

Now, in the quiet residence, even if she wanted to hear Mei’er’s voice, it was impossible.

At that moment, a guard entered and stood aside, seemingly hesitant to disturb her. The news he brought might make her even more upset.

After a while, Yin Qingyue noticed him. Forcing a smile, she asked, “What is it? Is it news from Prince Jing?”

The guard hesitated, then stammered, “Miss Yin, this news was brought by Consort Lan from the palace. She said Prince Jing angered the emperor over the county matter and was whipped. He is unconscious but otherwise unharmed. He cannot leave the palace for now. Consort Lan feared you would worry, so she sent me to inform you.”

The guard spoke clearly and seriously.

Yin Qingyue immediately tensed. “How could this happen? Is Prince Jing really okay? He already had injuries.”

“I do not know for certain. But Consort Lan said he’s alright. Miss Yin, please do not worry. Worrying will only make him more anxious. He is injured and must stay in the palace. Once he recovers, he can leave.”

“I am still worried. By the way, has the person sent by Consort Lan left?”

“They have left.”

Yin Qingyue sighed in relief. If they hadn’t left, she might have tried to sneak into the palace with them. Now, she had no way to see Chu Jingcheng or know how he was.

She paced nervously in the courtyard, unable to think of a method to enter the palace.

The guard beside her, equally worried, urged, “Miss Yin, don’t fret. He will be fine.”

Yin Qingyue suddenly looked at him. “Is there any way you could get me into the palace?”

The guard was startled. “Miss Yin, I’m only a guard at Prince Jing’s residence. I could never enter the palace, let alone bring you along. That’s impossible.”

She furrowed her brows and tried to calm herself, telling herself that Chu Jingcheng would be fine. Fate favors the good, and the emperor cherished him; nothing would happen.

She silently prayed, calming herself as she wished him well.

Her worry kept her awake all night.

The next day, she went to the front courtyard to check, but Chu Jingcheng still had not returned. She could only sigh and wait outside.

Meanwhile, in the palace, Chu Jingcheng had awakened.

The imperial physicians remained by his side. His first words were, “Where is Yin Qingyue?”

The physicians didn’t fully understand, only asking, “Prince Jing, do you feel any pain?”

He shook his head and tried to get out of bed. “I must see Yin Qingyue. She’s waiting for me.”

The physicians rushed to stop him. “Prince Jing, the emperor has ordered you to stay in the palace. You’re not yet well. You should rest here.”

“Prince Jing, don’t trouble me.”

“Step aside.” He pushed them away forcefully but hit his wound, causing him to collapse.

The physicians quickly helped him back onto the bed.

“Prince Jing, you must rest. Your injuries are severe. Without proper treatment, they may leave lasting harm.”

“I don’t care. All of you, leave. Bring Yin Qingyue in. I want to see her.”

The physicians could not dissuade him and were frustrated. Fortunately, at this moment, Lan Rao came to see him.

“Greetings, Consort Lan,” the physicians bowed.

Lan Rao said, “You may leave. I have matters to discuss with Prince Jing.”

The physicians exited without further question.

Lan Rao closed the door and approached Chu Jingcheng’s bed. “Prince Jing, do you feel unwell? You must be honest—your injuries are important.”

“I do not need your concern. Leave.”

“Prince Jing, I know you are worried about Miss Yin,” Lan Rao said.

At the mention of Yin Qingyue, Chu Jingcheng immediately asked, “How is she?”

Calmly, Lan Rao replied, “Don’t worry. I know you were concerned, and she is worried too. When you were injured yesterday, I sent someone to inform her. I only told her your injuries are not serious, and once you recover, you can leave the palace. She should be less anxious now. You can rest here. I will persuade the emperor on your behalf.”

He looked at her in disbelief. Though she sought to win his favor, she genuinely cared for him. Still, his expression remained cold. “Thank you, Consort Lan.”

“Do we need thanks between us? Though you are not my child by birth, I have long treated you as my own. I know about you and Miss Yin. Rest assured, I will persuade the emperor so you may marry her.”

“Consort Lan, whether your concern is genuine or feigned, I still thank you.”

Lan Rao smiled silently.

Chu Jingcheng finally relaxed. He would accept this favor from her.

“Then I won’t disturb you further, Prince Jing. Rest well and recover. Don’t worry about anything else.”

“Mm.”

“And don’t worry about Miss Yin. I will make sure she is cared for. You just focus on healing.”

Chu Jingcheng said nothing. Matters with Yin Qingyue did not require her attention—though he did not voice this.

Lan Rao left but reminded the physicians at the door, “Prince Jing’s injuries must be treated quickly. No complications should remain. You know he is the emperor’s most favored son, so treat him well, understand?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” the physicians replied.

Lan Rao departed, leaving the physicians anxious and careful, fearful of making mistakes and being reprimanded.