MCSCPM -Chapter 314 Excusing

The imperial guards, realizing the Emperor was angry, immediately followed orders and left.

Chu Helian now wished he could tie up both of his sons—first Prince Jing, then Prince Yi. How could one son after another act so foolishly? Could a single woman really cloud their judgment so completely? They seemed to disregard even their own royal status.

Prince Yi was usually so steady and composed. Could he too have been enchanted by this divine doctor? No matter how remarkable she was, could she really have driven both sons to search for her simultaneously?

Half an hour later, only Prince Yi arrived at the palace—Prince Jing did not.

“My father, I, your son, pay respects. I apologize for arriving late upon your summons.”

Chu Helian frowned in displeasure. “Where is Prince Jing?”

“Father, my second brother is temporarily unable to come.”

“What? You no longer heed my imperial decree? Once, I could forgive, but this is not the first time—twice, and I absolutely cannot forgive!” Chu Helian’s anger flared. Normally, he kept his temper in check, but this time he could not contain it.

Chu Yifeng said, “Father, my second brother is still injured. He may not be able to enter the palace at the moment.”

“Are you defending your brother? What’s wrong with both of you? Prince Jing, and now you too? You even helped him search for the divine doctor. Do you realize this is defiance against me? Are you two planning to join forces against me?”

“I know my fault.” Chu Yifeng suddenly knelt, continuing, “I know what I did was wrong and defied your imperial command. But I have something to say—I hope Father will listen to me fully.”

“At this point, what could you possibly say?”

Chu Yifeng’s expression was serious as he knelt. “I only wish to explain the pros and cons. My second brother is deeply concerned about the divine doctor. At this critical moment, Father commanded the imperial guards to capture her. Could my brother not be anxious? Now the divine doctor has left on her own. To put it bluntly, if she had not been found, perhaps my second brother would never return to the palace. This would benefit neither you nor him. Father, why not temporarily set aside this matter, and make a judgment after she is found?”

Chu Yifeng spoke both to reason and to emotion.

Yet in truth, he had his own cunning. If the divine doctor stayed with Chu Jingcheng, a man easily swayed by women, how much could he really compete for the throne?

But this reasoning only angered Chu Helian further. Blood and family ties should outweigh a woman, should they not?

“Preposterous! Is it conceivable that a Prince of Beihao would break with me over a woman?”

“Father, the facts are clear. My second brother’s mind is made up. He will find the divine doctor and ensure her safety. He has already taken this course. Would it not be wiser for Father to endure for a time?”

Chu Helian was resolute. “I have already judged. The divine doctor will die; otherwise, Prince Jing would be defeated by a woman.” He spoke decisively, listening only to himself. While he heard Prince Yi, it did not mean he accepted his reasoning.

Chu Yifeng persisted—not to excuse Prince Jing, but for his own long-term plans.

“Father, even if you now placed a sword at my second brother’s neck, he would still persist in this task: finding the divine doctor. One, for the stability of the royal family; two, for my second brother’s own good.”

At the mention of “stability of the royal family,” Chu Helian’s expression wavered slightly.

Chu Yifeng continued, “Father, you are devoted to the nation. You surely would not wish my second brother’s actions to affect affairs of state.”

“That’s enough! No more,” Chu Helian interrupted, perhaps fearing his resolve might falter.

Just as he spoke, Chu Yifeng’s body began to itch again. He twisted in discomfort, grimacing.

Chu Helian noticed immediately. “What’s wrong?”

“I…I am fine,” Chu Yifeng said, trying to endure.

Seeing this, Chu Helian summoned Eunuch Sun. “Bring the imperial physician immediately.”

Eunuch Sun glanced at Prince Yi, understood, and promptly fetched the doctor.

The physician treated Chu Yifeng with acupuncture, temporarily relieving the unbearable itch that radiated from his bones outward. The sensation was torturous; he resolved to find the divine doctor as soon as possible, lest this torment continue day and night.

The doctor said, “Prince Yi, the treatment can only provide temporary relief.”

“Is there no permanent cure?”

“Forgive me, Your Highness. The root cause cannot be found yet. A wrong prescription could worsen the condition, so I dare not risk it.” The doctor looked helpless.

“But you said after some days the cause could be determined. Several days have already passed.” Chu Yifeng’s tone was calm, as if consulting rather than commanding.

The doctor shook his head. “I am still unable to identify it.”

Chu Helian turned to the physician. “I don’t care what you do—treat Prince Yi’s illness properly.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Alright, you may leave.”

“Yes.” The room emptied.

Chu Helian approached Chu Yifeng. “Tell me honestly—did you help search for the divine doctor for your own sake?”

Prince Yi’s thoughts had been read, but he shook his head. “No. The palace physicians are skilled; my itch is tolerable. I truly wish to find the divine doctor to ease the tension between you and my second brother. Nothing else.”

He concealed his true motives well. Chu Helian was suspicious but could not detect deceit. Turning slightly, he muttered, “If the divine doctor can indeed cure your illness, that would be good.”

Chu Yifeng caught this quietly spoken statement. His father seemed to soften—meaning the matter of finding the divine doctor would likely no longer be interfered with. Upon returning to Yi Prince Residence, Prince Yi could intensify the search for Yin Qingyue.

This news soon reached Chu Jingcheng.

Leng Feng, having learned of it outside, hurried to inform him.

“Your Highness, news just arrived—Prince Yi is also searching for Miss Yin. I inquired further; he is helping you, Your Highness.” Leng Feng even doubted his own words.

Chu Jingcheng was puzzled. Prince Yi helping him find Yin Qingyue seemed odd—Prince Yi never acted selflessly. Surely, he had ulterior motives.

“Your thoughts?” Leng Feng asked. “Could Prince Yi be plotting, or…”

Chu Jingcheng raised his hand to stop him, frowning. After thinking carefully, he said, “Never mind. If he wants to help, let him. Since he is helping, he won’t harm Miss Yin. My only concern now is finding her. Any schemes would be later.”

“But Your Highness, I am still worried. Prince Yi has long harbored intentions toward you. Could he not use finding Miss Yin to threaten you?”

“No. If that were the case, he wouldn’t search openly. Once he finds her, he will safely bring her to me.”

“You are right, Your Highness. But caution is wise.”

“I understand.” He paused, then added, “Now, with the Yi Prince Residence guards intensifying the search, Yin Qingyue—if you haven’t left Beihao—I will surely bring you back.”

Leng Feng said nothing, silently admiring his lord’s devotion.

That same day, Leng Feng went to Ding Residence. He had been too busy searching for Yin Qingyue to visit Ding Ying. Now he finally had a moment.

Ding Ying was embroidering the pair of shoes she intended to give Leng Feng, her heart full of joy.

At that moment, Ding Heng returned from the palace. Seeing his daughter embroidering, he entered and said, “You’re not even married yet, and your heart is already full of that Leng Feng. Have you forgotten your father completely?”

Ding Ying quickly set down the shoes, helped him sit, and smiled. “Father, don’t tease me.”

“I’m not teasing. After returning, your thoughts are all on him. Don’t forget your own health. Stop thinking for others constantly.” Ding Heng worried for his daughter.

“My injuries are already much better, not as severe as you say. Rest assured.”

“But eventually, you will marry. Leng Feng is carefree but a good man. At first, I wasn’t fond of him, but he is virtuous. If you marry him, I’ll be at ease.” Ding Heng sighed at the thought of his daughter marrying.

Understanding her father, Ding Ying hugged him. “Father, don’t worry. Even after marriage, I will visit often. I won’t neglect you. Seeing you upset makes me sad.”

Ding Heng patted her shoulder gently. “I’m not upset. I’m happy. Your marriage should bring joy, not sorrow. Don’t overthink it.”

She nodded, then suddenly asked seriously, “Father, what about Jiaoran? Did she really commit murder?”

“Why ask this suddenly?”

“You know, Jiaoran and I have been friends for many years. No matter what she has done, I still worry about her.”

Mentioning Shangguan Jiaoran displeased Ding Heng. Last time, his daughter had nearly died because of her actions. Though Ding Ying bore no grudge, as a father he could not help but feel uneasy.