MCSCPM -Chapter 313 A Cordial Invitation

Prince Yi issued an order. The most important task for the Yi Prince Residence now was to find Yin Qingyue—both to aid Prince Yi with his unbearable itching and to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, Hai Qingshuang and her father entered the imperial palace. She had no idea why Liu Zhaoyi had suddenly summoned her—this was the first time.

“Qingshuang, your father needs to visit the Ministry of Personnel first. You’ll go see Liu Zhaoyi alone.”

“Don’t worry, Father.”

After giving a few instructions, Hai Taifu left. Even though he doted on his daughter, palace rules couldn’t be disregarded. Moreover, he wasn’t worried at all; his daughter had never given him reason to.

The palace maids were already waiting for Hai Qingshuang and escorted her directly to Liu Zhaoyi’s palace.

Upon entering, she saw Liu Sishui, who greeted her with a warm smile and took her hand affectionately. “How are you? Was the journey tiring?”

“Qingshuang pays respects to Liu Zhaoyi. Thank you for your concern, I am not tired.”

“That’s good. Come, sit.” Liu Sishui’s demeanor had changed completely; she was unusually kind and gentle, as if she wanted to treasure Hai Qingshuang in her hands.

What was Liu Zhaoyi up to? Normally, she paid little attention to Hai Qingshuang. Even at the previous flower-viewing banquet, she hadn’t been so attentive. What could her intention be?

Hai Qingshuang thought of Prince Ling at that moment. She glanced around the palace, then asked softly, “Prince Ling… hasn’t he returned to the palace?”

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she asked; perhaps she felt it was improper to bring it up.

Mentioning Prince Ling made Liu Sishui sad. She sighed, “The Emperor hasn’t allowed him back yet. Maybe in some time.”

“I see,” Hai Qingshuang replied with a faint bitterness. Her usual cold and proud demeanor, however, remained intact in front of Liu Zhaoyi.

Liu Sishui secretly wiped a tear. With her son not by her side and the Emperor forbidding his return, how could a mother not feel heartbroken?

Seeing the tears in Liu Sishui’s eyes, Hai Qingshuang realized her question had touched her. She smiled faintly and asked, “Your Highness, may I ask why you summoned me?”

Liu Sishui quickly recovered from thoughts of her son, putting on a smiling face. “It’s nothing particularly urgent. I just wanted to see you and have a proper conversation. At the flower-viewing banquet, I wanted to speak with you, but you left immediately, giving me no chance.”

Her tone carried a hint of regret.

Hai Qingshuang was not naive. She immediately guessed Liu Zhaoyi’s intentions but replied politely, smiling, “Your Highness flatters me. I didn’t wish to disturb you.”

“Not at all. I just wanted to chat with you. Since there’s time today, I summoned you. I hope you don’t find me rude.”

“Not at all. It’s an honor for Qingshuang to be here.” Hai Qingshuang sat upright, her slight smile polite. Of course, she smiled slightly in front of Liu Sishui—after all, she was Prince Ling’s mother.

At that moment, Liu Sishui instructed her maids, “Bring over the finest pastries immediately.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The maids hurried off. Soon, a whole table of delicacies fit for the palace appeared.

Hai Qingshuang was not an ordinary girl; she had seen luxurious foods before. Though the pastries looked exquisite, their taste was mediocre. She wasn’t inclined to try them, but she couldn’t refuse Liu Zhaoyi’s invitation.

Liu Sishui introduced the pastries one by one. “Qingshuang, these are made with the finest ingredients. Try them; I hope they suit your taste.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. But there’s so much; I may not finish it all.”

“That’s fine. If you can’t finish, I’ll have them packed for you to take home.” Using golden chopsticks, Liu Sishui placed a pastry on Hai Qingshuang’s plate. “Try this one first and see how it tastes.”

Hai Qingshuang, usually cold and independent, let down her guard slightly in front of Liu Sishui. She smiled faintly, picked up the pastry, and took a small bite.

Liu Sishui watched intently, asking, “Well?”

“It’s very good, just to my liking. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

“I’m glad. Next time, you must come again. You should visit often.” Liu Sishui’s expression was joyful.

Hai Qingshuang smiled but did not eat another bite. Honestly, the pastries weren’t bad—but their flavor was strange, unlike any pastry she had tasted.

Liu Sishui asked, “Hai Taifu? Didn’t he come with you?”

“My father went to the Ministry of Personnel, so I came alone.”

“I see. I heard your father hasn’t been well lately. Is it serious?”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. My father is strong. He only has minor ailments; nothing serious.”

At this point, Liu Sishui had her maids bring out something else—precious medicinal herbs.

“I prepared these ginseng roots for your father to strengthen his health. He works hard in guiding the prince. Take these to him on my behalf.”

“Your Highness, you’re too kind. I can’t accept them.”

“They are for your father, not you. Just take them. Whether he uses them is another matter.” Liu Sishui pressed the ginseng into Hai Qingshuang’s hands.

She also had the pastries packed into a box for Hai Qingshuang to take. Every gesture was carefully calculated.

“Qingshuang, you are a good girl. I truly like you. If only you could stay by my side…”

“Thank you, Your Highness, but I am just an ordinary woman. I am not worthy.”

“Don’t say that. You are clever and obedient—a good girl.”

Hai Qingshuang smiled politely but said nothing.

Liu Sishui, for her son Prince Ling, could do anything—she wanted not only to have Yin Qingyue as her daughter-in-law but also to win over the Hai family. Her first step: starting with Hai Taifu’s daughter, securing his support for her son’s future.

Hai Qingshuang understood her intentions and felt a chill. This kindness was not genuine. She had no choice but to play along.

They chatted for two hours, mostly casual conversation and pleasantries. Hai Qingshuang mostly listened, nodding or shaking her head.

Finally, Liu Sishui said, “It’s getting late. We’ll end here. Next time, I’ll summon you again for a proper talk.”

“Yes, Qingshuang will come.”

“Send Qingshuang back to her residence, prepare a carriage.”

Hai Qingshuang immediately said, “No need, Your Highness. I can return myself.”

Liu Sishui held her hand kindly. “No need to be polite.”

Hai Qingshuang reluctantly accepted, pretending to be content, carrying Liu Sishui’s intentions as she left the palace.

On the way back, she kept thinking: if Liu Sishui were truly kind to her—not just trying to win over her father—then she might be happy. Otherwise… it was all calculated.

She arrived at the Hai Residence. Hai Taifu had been anxiously waiting outside, unsure why Liu Zhaoyi had summoned his daughter. Seeing her return, he finally relaxed. Yet seeing palace eunuchs accompanying her, he wondered when Liu Sishui had become so considerate to their family.

“Qingshuang, what did Liu Zhaoyi say to you?” he asked gently.

Hai Qingshuang pointed to the gifts: “These are from her, including ginseng for you to strengthen your health.”

“That’s unusual…”

“You find it strange too, Father?”

“Yes. Liu Zhaoyi has had no dealings with our family. Why now…?” Hai Taifu’s brow furrowed. He didn’t press further.

Hai Qingshuang didn’t reveal anything either: “Father and I probably think of the same reason.”

“Seems she will summon you to the palace again.”

“We’ll see. I’m tired and will rest. As for the ginseng, Father, if you don’t want it, just discard it.”

With that, she went to her courtyard.

Lanxin, who had been waiting, hurried over. “Miss, Liu Zhaoyi didn’t trouble you, did she? I was worried.”

“What’s there to worry about? She didn’t trouble me and even gave some gifts.”

“Really?” Lanxin’s eyes lit up, seeing the pastries.

“You can have them. These are palace pastries made personally by Liu Zhaoyi. You’ll like them.”

“Really?” Overjoyed, Lanxin took the box.

Hai Qingshuang sighed, her mood heavy. She didn’t care about the pastries. Sitting down, she remained lost in thought, not venturing outside.

Meanwhile, Prince Yi’s search for Yin Qingyue could not escape the Emperor’s notice. Nearly all of Prince Yi’s guards were dispatched.

The next day, news reached Chu Helian. His palace guards reported, “Your Majesty, Prince Yi is searching for the divine doctor to aid Prince Jing.”

Chu Helian flung aside the memorial in his hands, slamming it onto the desk. “Bring Prince Yi and Prince Jing to the palace immediately!”