MCSCPM -Chapter 307 Everyone Has Their Own Agenda

Chu Jingcheng’s arrival made Yin Qingyue nervous. She could not meet him—at least, not now.

She retreated to the other side of the front hall, keeping her head down, pretending to wipe the tables. Another attendant, having seen Prince Jing arrive, had already left the hall. Now, Yin Qingyue was alone.

Prince Jing already knew about Prince Yi’s attempt on his life, as well as what had happened in the county. But he hadn’t exposed it; he pretended to be unaware.

Chu Yifeng (Prince Yi) had deliberately summoned Prince Jing today—but for what purpose, no one knew.

Chu Jingcheng sat down, wearing a polite smile that was icy cold beneath the surface.

This time, Chu Yifeng personally poured tea for him. “Second Prince, you just returned from the county. I, your elder brother, haven’t had time to see you. Today, consider this a small gathering between us.”

“Elder brother, if you have other matters, just say it straight,” Chu Jingcheng said. He disliked beating around the bush. He knew Prince Yi’s nature and had no desire to be with such a two-faced person.

Chu Yifeng smiled. “Second Prince, don’t be so serious. I just thought it had been too long since we last met and wanted to have a chat.”

“About what?”

“Just some small matters. Recently I heard that Father sent the Imperial Guards to the outskirts of the capital. I wonder if it’s because of the Divine Physician. Does Father really intend to kill her?”

“Elder brother already knows. Why ask me?”

“I just wanted to confirm. You know Father’s nature—whatever he says, goes. And I know you care deeply for the Divine Physician, which is why you left the palace. But since Father has issued the order, he will not retract it.” Chu Yifeng looked regretful.

Chu Jingcheng coldly smiled, glancing at the cup of tea Prince Yi had poured for him.

Seeing him silent, Chu Yifeng continued, “Second Prince, are you lost and dejected because the Divine Physician is gone? Actually, it’s better that she left. Otherwise, she would have been captured by the Imperial Guards, and you would have been in a difficult position.”

“You know everything. Why ask me again?”

“I mean no harm. Don’t take it to heart. I just wanted to say—had you been injured, at least the Divine Physician could have treated you. I doubt the palace physicians match her skill.”

“Thank you for your concern. I know my own body. There’s nothing serious,” Chu Jingcheng replied, smiling without warmth.

Chu Yifeng was meticulous. Though he didn’t know whether Chu Jingcheng had guessed that he was behind the assassination attempt, summoning him today was a test. Chu Jingcheng seemed unaware.

Chu Yifeng said, “Since your health is fine, I can rest easy.” Then he picked up a cup of wine. “Today, I toast to you, Second Prince. I hope you’ll honor me.”

Chu Jingcheng glanced at the wine, wary. After all, this was someone who could disregard brotherly affection and had sought to kill him. Poisoned wine was no surprise.

Prince Yi noticed his hesitation and smiled. “Second Prince, are you unwilling?”

“It’s not that,” Chu Jingcheng thought. Having survived life and death, a cup of wine wouldn’t kill him—especially in public. He picked up the cup and drank it in acknowledgment.

The wine was not poisoned.

After setting down the cup, Chu Yifeng continued, “I heard you captured and interrogated Shangguan Jiaoran. Aren’t you afraid Shangguan Qingyun might take offense? By openly opposing him, did you consider the consequences? After all, he hasn’t relinquished all his military power.”

Prince Yi’s concern wasn’t baseless; it even seemed like friendly advice.

Chu Jingcheng, expressionless, maintained polite formality. “Father will decide this matter.”

“Are you not worried Shangguan Qingyun will retaliate?”

“Retaliate? What do you mean? Shangguan Jiaoran whipped someone previously and deserved punishment. You may not know, but before this, she had already injured someone with a whip—the daughter of Ding Heng. Now that someone has died, she cannot go unpunished.” Chu Jingcheng spoke logically, even righteously.

Prince Yi chuckled and poured another cup of wine for him. “Second Prince, do you know who tried to assassinate you on the way to the county? Have you discovered anything?”

Finally, Prince Yi cut to the point. Chu Jingcheng coldly scoffed in his heart. Prince Yi appeared concerned, but he was secretly striking at him. Truly ruthless.

Chu Jingcheng, of course, could not reveal anything. “I do not know either. Luckily, nothing serious happened.”

“Indeed, fortunately you’re safe,” Chu Yifeng said meaningfully.

Clearly, he was probing Chu Jingcheng, but Chu Jingcheng was even more guarded.

“Prince Yi, it’s getting late. I have urgent matters. I shall take my leave,” Chu Jingcheng said.

“Very well. When there’s a chance, we’ll drink properly,” Prince Yi said.

Chu Jingcheng remained expressionless, watching Prince Yi perform in front of him.

Just before leaving, he stopped and looked back. “Prince Yi, I have never competed with you before. I do not now, and I will not in the future. What you desire, take it with your own strength.”

With that, he left.

These words left Prince Yi partially understanding. He knew the meaning, yet still put on a performance, speaking ceremoniously.

All his life, Chu Jingcheng had competed with him over everything. Now he casually claimed no competition—it was laughable.

Meanwhile, Yin Qingyue, still wiping tables nearby, overheard everything. The two were secretly maneuvering, each hiding their intentions.

She wanted to help Chu Jingcheng, but was powerless now. She had no idea what to do.

She knew Chu Jingcheng was desperate to find her and had no mind to continue sparring with Chu Yifeng. She felt both anxious and helpless, unable to reveal her identity.

A guard from Prince Yi’s residence suddenly suggested, “Prince Yi, should we have someone monitor Prince Jing’s every move?”

He waved his hand. “No need. He’s in the capital. Besides, he’s busy looking for the Divine Physician. He won’t have time to do anything else.”

“How thoughtful of Prince Yi,” said the guard who had just been slapped twice, flattery dripping from his tone. Truly reckless.

Prince Yi paid no attention, standing. “Return to the residence.”

“Yes.”

At his command, the guards began withdrawing. With Prince Yi gone, the teahouse staff could finally breathe. Everyone feared him—his temper unpredictable, any moment could bring death.

As Chu Yifeng was about to leave, he noticed Yin Qingyue still wiping tables. He was cautious, suspicious of everything, and she was the only one left.

Could she be trying to eavesdrop?

Yin Qingyue realized that Chu Yifeng suspected her. But he had never seen her before and wouldn’t recognize her.

Chu Yifeng approached, cold and severe. “Did you hear what was just said?”

“No. I didn’t hear anything,” Yin Qingyue said calmly.

“Really? Everyone else left, yet you remain. If not eavesdropping, then why?”

“You misunderstand, Prince Yi. I’m just wiping tables. I’m not eavesdropping. You can verify this,” she said, keeping her head low.

Chu Yifeng glanced at her. Such an ugly woman; he usually wouldn’t look at her, let alone this close.

“I dislike liars most. Speak truthfully, and perhaps I’ll spare you,” he said coldly.

Yin Qingyue remained expressionless. “Prince Yi, I truly heard nothing. I would never lie, and certainly not to you.”

Chu Yifeng frowned, clearly doubting her. He stepped back, looking at her with disgust, then ordered a guard, “Seize her.”

The guard immediately moved to grab Yin Qingyue.

Anger surged in her chest. In the modern era, encountering such a person would be incredibly unlucky.

Prince Yi said, “I’ll give you one last chance. Did you hear anything?”

Yes, she heard everything, all of it! She thought: Are you going to cut out my tongue too?

Yet she deliberately looked innocent. “I heard nothing. Even if you give me a chance, I still heard nothing.”

“You dare deny me? Fine, I have a method to make you confess.” Prince Yi flicked his sleeve, ordering the guards, “Listen. Even if it means beating her, make her tell the truth. Understood?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Chu Yifeng had no time to waste on her and left after giving the command.

The guards naturally proceeded to try to extract information from Yin Qingyue.

The owner and other attendants, hiding behind a pillar in the backyard, watched as she was seized. They held their breath, sweating nervously.

One assistant asked, “Owner, what should we do?”

The owner shook his head. “What can we do? She caused this herself. No matter how much we warned her, she wouldn’t listen.”

“Do you think she’ll be beaten to death?”

“Maybe… perhaps.”

“Alas, even if she’s ugly, it’d be a pity if she dies over this,” an assistant said, shaking his head. But there was nothing he could do.

The guard who had just been slapped glared at Yin Qingyue. He had been humiliated earlier and now had a chance to teach her a lesson.

He stepped forward, demanding, “Speak! Did you hear anything?”

“No,” Yin Qingyue said.

“No? Then you’ll be beaten!” The guard raised his hand.

But then he sneered, contemptuous. “You’re ugly as you are, yet still reckless. Prince Yi won’t bother with you, so let me handle it. Don’t worry—I’ll be gentle.”