MCSCPM -Chapter 308 Beat You

At that moment, Yin Qingyue suddenly lifted her head, a cold smile playing on her lips. “Fine. Then go ahead and hit me. Let’s see if you actually have the skill for it.”

Huh? An ugly woman dared to talk back—truly reckless. If she were beautiful, he might have held back. But an ugly woman? He didn’t care at all.

“You ugly girl! I’ll show you what pain really means!”

No sooner had he spoken than the guard reached out to slap her. But in the next moment, Yin Qingyue moved with astonishing agility, dodging the blow entirely. The slap instead landed squarely on the face of the guard who had grabbed her.

The guard nearly cried out in pain.

Having missed his target, and worse, having been struck himself, the guard’s anger boiled. His face turned dark as he growled, “Alright! If you don’t learn some sense, I’ll rip your tongue out!”

“Let’s see if you have the guts,” Yin Qingyue replied calmly.

Several guards rushed forward to capture her. But they had no idea just how agile she was. She dodged every attempt, leaving the guards exhausted, sweating heavily, and completely unable to get the upper hand.

After several failed attempts, their fury reached its peak.

The lead guard shouted angrily, “How dare you mock us!”

The guards drew their swords, preparing to seize her. “Since you refuse to speak, then only death will keep your mouth shut.”

They were about to kill her to silence her—was there no law left in the world?

The scene was terrifying, especially for the innkeeper and the other attendants hiding in the back. They clenched their teeth and hurried away, unwilling to witness such bloodshed.

As the guards tried to seize her, Yin Qingyue was unafraid. She had seen all kinds of scenes before—these few men could never truly harm her.

Just as she was about to act, a clear, melodious female voice rang from outside the inn:
“Several grown men attacking a helpless girl—is that right?”

The voice was incredibly pleasant, almost ethereal. Everyone looked toward the door and saw a woman in a green robe, her expression icy and unreadable. One word described her perfectly: cold.

It was none other than Hai Qingshuang—the famous icy beauty.

Everyone recognized Hai Qingshuang and knew who her father was. The guards hesitated; Hai Qingshuang was not someone to be trifled with.

The lead guard gave a subtle signal, and the other guards sheathed their swords. The lead guard stepped forward with a forced smile. “Miss Hai, this matter has nothing to do with you. Please don’t interfere.”

“Don’t interfere?” Hai Qingshuang said coldly. “You openly attack a woman. If this spreads, it’ll make you look ridiculous. And this girl is powerless. Do you intend to kill her here? Is this what your master ordered?”

The guards glanced at each other. Prince Yi had ordered them to beat her, not kill her. If they acted on their own to murder someone, they would be blamed, and death would be inevitable. Hai Qingshuang’s intervention made any thought of killing impossible.

One guard said, “Miss Hai is right, but we are only following orders. We cannot release this girl.”

“Oh? Then tell me—what crime has this girl committed to anger Prince Yi?”

“Well…” The guard hesitated. He couldn’t reveal the conversation between Prince Yi and Prince Jing earlier. After thinking, he said, “Miss Hai, it’s better not to ask about this. Since you’re here, we won’t interfere, but we must take her away.”

Hai Qingshuang, though calm outwardly, assessed the situation fully. If these guards took Yin Qingyue, she would likely be killed. She would never allow it.

Stepping forward, Hai Qingshuang looked at Yin Qingyue, then at the guards. “This girl is just a maid at this inn. What law could she have broken? With me here, none of you can take her. If you try, take me too.”

“Miss Hai…” The guards were trapped. Hai Qingshuang was clearly formidable—they dared not provoke her.

It is said: a true hero does not suffer losses needlessly. This was an unexpected intervention by Hai Qingshuang. When they returned to Prince Yi’s residence, they could shift the responsibility onto her.

Hai Qingshuang continued, “If you don’t leave, I guarantee you will regret it.”

The guards had no choice but to withdraw. “Very well. Since Miss Hai insists, we will not take her.”

After saying this, they glanced at Yin Qingyue and then departed.

Even if Hai Qingshuang had not appeared, Yin Qingyue had her own way of escaping this trouble. She looked at Hai Qingshuang—this icy beauty was genuine. Throughout, she had shown no false expression. Who could guess her thoughts?

Earlier, Ding Ying had mentioned that Hai Qingshuang liked Prince Jing—cold on the outside, never showing her emotions. Whether it was true or just speculation, no one knew.

Hai Qingshuang approached Yin Qingyue. Seeing her disheveled appearance and plain clothing, she said, “Don’t worry. They won’t bother you again. But next time, be careful. People from Prince Yi’s residence are not easy to deal with.”

“Thank you, Miss Hai,” Yin Qingyue said gratefully.

“No need to thank me. Today, I would help anyone in need. Besides, I believe you’ve been wronged.”

Yin Qingyue smiled but didn’t know what else to say.

Hai Qingshuang appraised her again. Seeing her plain clothes and unattractive appearance, she said, “If you ever find yourself in trouble, come to my residence. I happen to need a maid, and you seem diligent. If you’re willing, you won’t be mistreated.”

Yin Qingyue could never agree. If she went, what about investigating Cha Mei’er?

“I’m sorry, Miss Hai. I appreciate your help, but I’m not suited to serve in your household. Besides, the innkeeper treats me well. I’ll stay here.”

“I never force anyone. If you don’t wish it, I won’t insist. Just be careful in the future.”

“I understand.”

Hai Qingshuang kept her cold expression. She looked at Yin Qingyue, feeling a sense of familiarity in her eyes, as if she had seen them somewhere before—but she couldn’t place it. “Your eyes… they remind me of someone.”

Yin Qingyue lowered her head, unwilling to be recognized. Last time at the palace flower banquet, she had barely avoided recognition. “Miss Hai, you must be mistaken. I’m a humble person, unworthy of such words.”

“Perhaps I am mistaken,” Hai Qingshuang said. Indeed, the girl was too plain to know.

“I’m going to start cleaning. I won’t disturb you further. Thank you again for your help. I’ll repay you if I can.”

“No repayment needed. Go on, I’ll take care of it,” Hai Qingshuang said.

“Yes,” Yin Qingyue said, quickly retreating. She knew Hai Qingshuang was smart—any further conversation risked recognition.

Even without being recognized, Hai Qingshuang’s noble and proud demeanor was tempered by her kindness. She would help a stranger in need.

Hai Qingshuang left quickly to attend to her own affairs.

By now, the inn’s guests had all come out, shaken by the commotion. The two assistants had almost lost their tongues, and Yin Qingyue had nearly died. Just thinking about it made them shiver.

The innkeeper found Yin Qingyue. She said nothing, keeping a cold expression. Though she felt wronged, she could not let it end here—she had nearly died. Prince Yi’s cruelty deserved a lesson.

The innkeeper said, “Miss, you’re fine. But really, you were asking for trouble. Everyone else left, yet you stayed. No one can blame them.”

“Yes, fortunately Miss Hai intervened, or you’d be dead already.”

Their words were half-malicious, half-sympathetic.

Yin Qingyue ignored them. She went into her room, locked the door, and focused on her own thoughts. The innkeeper, thinking she was scared, did not disturb her, and instructed others to stay away. Everyone understood and left.

Meanwhile, the guards returned to Prince Yi’s residence to report.

“Prince Yi, we intended to question her, but Miss Hai Qingshuang suddenly appeared. We… had to return.”

Prince Yi, leisurely sipping tea, slammed the cup down heavily. The guard flinched, bowing his head, stepping back a pace, afraid to meet Chu Yifeng’s gaze.

After a moment, Chu Yifeng said, “Forget it. Even if she heard something, she probably won’t speak. If she dares, we can send someone later. There’s still time.”

Chu Yifeng was surprisingly relaxed. Hai Qingshuang’s interference meant he had to maintain some face with her father.

The guard relaxed. “Your Highness, if she dares speak, I will ensure she can never open her mouth again.”

“Rascal! Always calling for violence. When did I ever instruct you to do this?” Chu Yifeng snapped.

“Pardon, Your Highness. It was my fault. It won’t happen again.”

“Go. Do not disturb me unless necessary,” Chu Yifeng said, blowing on his tea and not even looking at the guard, taking a sip.