MCSCPM -Chapter 311 Red-Rimmed Eyes

“Yes, we are brothers, both sons of the Emperor,” said Prince Yi.

Even these words carried hidden meaning. He was the Emperor’s eldest son, yet it was Chu Jingcheng who was favored. In truth, this was the root of Chu Yifeng’s discontent.

Chu Jingcheng was not stupid; he understood the implication perfectly. This was likely why Prince Yi had attempted to kill him: jealousy, yes, but also ambition for the throne. Since ancient times, succession struggles among princes were often stained with blood—palace intrigue was always built on the lives of royal sons.

“Elder Brother, Father’s gifts are outside. Do you want to see them?” Chu Jingcheng asked.

“No need, they are just material things.”

“You’re right, Elder Brother.”

“But if Second Brother wants them, I’ll give all of Father’s gifts to you,” Prince Yi said, forcing a polite smile.

Chu Jingcheng only smiled coldly. “No need. The Jingcheng residence has plenty.”

Hearing this, Chu Yifeng’s face fell, as if slapped.

Time was already late, so Chu Jingcheng rose to leave. “It’s getting late. I won’t disturb you further. Rest well. I’ll come again when I have time.”

“Alright, then I’ll see you out,” said Prince Yi.

Chu Jingcheng bowed politely and left.

Alone, Chu Yifeng could no longer contain his anger. As soon as Chu Jingcheng departed, he slammed the teacup on the table to the floor, his face flushed with fury.

“Chu Jingcheng, I’ll see who laughs last! Just wait and see!”

Startled by the noise, the guards rushed in. “Your Highness, what happened?”

“Out! All of you, get out!” Chu Yifeng shouted.

The guards quickly obeyed, knowing better than to linger.

Chu Yifeng’s rage burned like fire. He wished he could tear Chu Jingcheng apart and cursed himself for not finishing him off before.

Meanwhile, Consort Shu received the news. Worried, she hurried to the imperial study to request the Emperor’s permission to visit Prince Yi.

“Your Majesty, Yi’er has encountered a problem. I beg you, allow me to go to Prince Yi’s residence,” He Ningxiang pleaded.

But Chu Helian remained unmoved. “He is grown. Must you worry over everything? Return to the palace; do not think of leaving.”

“But Your Majesty, Yi’er is still my child. How can I not be concerned? I only wish to visit briefly; I’ll return immediately.”

“Consort Shu, I know you care for Yi’er—he is also my child. But if anyone could leave the palace whenever worried, would there be any order left?” Chu Helian scowled. He hated repeating himself and was displeased with her stubbornness.

Still, where in the world is there a mother who does not worry for her child? No matter how grown, a mother worries.

He Ningxiang did not give up and even knelt, begging. “Your Majesty, consider my many years of abstinence and devotion to Buddhism—please allow me this one visit to Prince Yi’s residence.”

Chu Helian’s heart softened, seeing her anxious face glistening with tears. He shook his head and turned aside. “I have said no. No means no. Nothing you say will change it. Jing’er has already taken my gifts to him, and the imperial doctors say it is not a serious illness. You need not worry. I have urgent matters—leave now.”

He Ningxiang was surprised. The Emperor had sent Prince Jing; if anything happened to her son, having him go would be embarrassing. She also knew Chu Helian was resolute. No matter how much she pleaded, he would not allow it. She decided to think of another way.

“Then I will take my leave for now,” she said.

Chu Helian waved dismissively.

Back at her palace, He Ningxiang tried to find ways to see her son, to at least know his current condition.

At that moment, Chu Fengjiao suddenly ran over, worry written all over her face. She grabbed her mother’s arm. “Mother, is it true? Did Elder Brother really get into trouble? I’m so worried!”

Chu Fengjiao loved her brother dearly, and hearing of his trouble, she rushed immediately.

He Ningxiang’s face darkened. Sighing, she said, “Mother does not know. I just asked your father for permission to leave the palace, but he refused.”

“How could Father do this? I’ll go ask him myself!” Impulsive as ever, Chu Fengjiao tried to head to the imperial study, but He Ningxiang pulled her back.

“Don’t go. It’s useless. Father will not agree.”

“Mother, are we just going to wait? What if something happens to Elder Brother?”

“He is protected by fate. Nothing will happen. Besides, your father said he is not seriously ill. Still… I can’t help but worry.” He Ningxiang pressed a hand to her chest, feeling short of breath.

Chu Fengjiao quickly supported her mother, seating her carefully. “Mother, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing—just an old anxiety. I’m worried about your brother.”

Just then, a young eunuch entered, holding a letter. “Your Highness, a letter from Prince Yi,” he said.

“Yi’er?” He Ningxiang took it quickly, the suffocating feeling already easing.

Opening it, she saw Prince Yi’s handwriting. The letter simply reassured her not to worry and that he was well.

Reading it, she exhaled in relief. “It’s alright… it’s alright…”

Chu Fengjiao read it too and felt reassured. “Mother, Elder Brother knew we were worried, so he sent someone with this letter.”

“Yes.” He Ningxiang smiled, her mood lifted. Prince Yi had anticipated her concern and knew the Emperor would never let her leave the palace, hence the letter.

“Don’t worry, Mother. Brother will be fine,” Chu Fengjiao said.

“I’m fine, Fengjiao,” He Ningxiang replied.

Suddenly, Chu Fengjiao threw herself into her mother’s arms, crying loudly, guilt written all over her face. “Mother, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have made you angry.”

Seeing her daughter so sensible, He Ningxiang was comforted. She gently patted her daughter’s back. “It’s alright. Mother isn’t mad at you. Don’t cry.”

But Chu Fengjiao couldn’t stop crying. Once she started, it never seemed to end. He Ningxiang’s heart ached.

Meanwhile, in the Dali Temple…

Shangguan Jiaoran was locked inside. Fortunately, her father was a general, so the prison was clean—but she had never endured anything like this.

“Anyone there? Get out! All of you, come out!” she shouted.

Several guards rushed in, worried for her safety.

“Miss Shangguan, what is it?” they asked.

Furious, she shouted, “Release me now, or I’ll have your heads! Open the door!”

“Miss Shangguan, if we release you, we’re doomed.”

“Do you not know who my father is? Open the door now!” She shook the door violently, but nothing happened.

The guards feared both Shangguan Qingyun and Prince Jing. They could not release her until the investigation concluded; otherwise, they would face certain punishment.

Impatient, Shangguan Jiaoran kicked the doorframe and shouted, “You all have the hearts of bears and leopards! Listen well—if I get out safely, I’ll have your heads. Don’t believe me? Wait and see!”

“Miss Shangguan, we don’t refuse to release you, but keeping you here protects us. We are just following orders. Don’t make this harder for us,” the guards explained.

“You call Prince Jing! I haven’t killed anyone! I need to tell him!”

“Prince Jing is not here. He will not come,” they said.

But Shangguan Jiaoran would not be silenced. “I didn’t kill anyone! Prince Jing has been wronged! Go fetch him so I can explain! Now!”

The Dali Temple guards had no means to summon Prince Jing. “Miss Shangguan, even if you scream, he won’t come. Just wait here.”

With that, the guards left, pretending not to hear her.

Exhausted from shouting, Shangguan Jiaoran slumped against the wall, crouching and quietly crying.

Though usually arrogant and domineering, this situation made her afraid.

Through her sobs, she muttered, “Mei’er, I didn’t kill you… really didn’t.”

She regretted it too late—Mei’er was already dead, and she was imprisoned. If her father had the power, she would have been released long ago.

Shangguan Jiaoran now had no choice but to endure.

Her body shook with sobs. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and utterly exhausted, she eventually fell asleep against the wall.

She probably never imagined she would come to this. She had always obsessed over Prince Jing, but he had returned from Xize with a strange woman.

If not for Yin Qingyue, she would not have suffered this fate. Thinking of this, Shangguan Jiaoran felt a surge of hatred.