MCSCPM -Chapter 335 A Conversation

“Bring me my casual clothes,” Chu Helian ordered.

Although the guards didn’t understand, they hurriedly fetched them.

Chu Helian went to the teahouse where Chu Jingcheng was. Because of his status, he didn’t want to disturb others, so he instructed the guards, “Wait outside. Do not follow me in.”

“Your Majesty, perhaps we should accompany you. The teahouse is crowded and complicated.”

“I will be careful. You stay outside. Besides, Prince Jing is inside—who could possibly harm me?”

“Yes, then we will wait outside. Your Majesty, if you need anything, just call us,” the guard said.

Chu Helian stepped down from the carriage and entered the teahouse.

Prince Jing was still seated in his usual spot. From here, he had a clear view of the alley and street. He would surely recognize Yin Qingyue if she appeared, but after all these days, she had not. And being stubborn by nature, Chu Jingcheng would not return to the residence until he found her.

At that moment, the door to the side room was pushed open. He looked up and saw his father. Surprise crossed his face.

“Father—”

Before he could finish, Chu Helian interrupted, “This isn’t home. No need for formalities.”

Chu Jingcheng quickly closed the door, still astonished, and asked, “Your Majesty, what brings you here?”

“I haven’t seen you for many days. Since you won’t come to the palace, I had no choice but to come out myself.”

“Your Majesty should return to the palace. This is not Prince Jing’s residence; I worry something might happen,” Chu Jingcheng said cautiously. After all, this was the emperor. If something happened, chaos would engulf the realm.

Chu Helian paid no heed and sat down. “Relax. My guards are outside. I simply want to see what you’ve been doing these past few days.”

Chu Jingcheng knew he couldn’t avoid this visit. His father came with intent—there must be something he wanted to discuss. And since his father knew where he was, he obviously knew he was waiting for Yin Qingyue.

He poured a cup of tea for his father and said, “Although the tea outside the palace isn’t as refined as that in the imperial court, it has a pure fragrance that lifts the spirits. Palace tea, in contrast, carries a faint bitterness.”

Chu Helian raised an eyebrow. “Interesting. Are you using tea as a metaphor to teach me a lesson?”

“I dare not,” Chu Jingcheng replied. “I only feel that while the palace is magnificent, it also has its flaws.” He put down the cup and looked at his father. “I understand that you wish to admonish me, but my heart is steadfast. Although the palace is grand, I find contentment where I am now.”

Chu Helian was not foolish—he understood his son’s meaning. He sipped his tea and gently set it down. “Jing’er, I understand your intentions. But you are a prince; your destiny cannot change.”

“Yes, Father, I understand. But some things cannot change my heart.”

“You mean the Divine Physician?” Chu Helian asked, with a questioning tone but a firm expression.

Chu Jingcheng did not hide his feelings. “Since you already know my heart, Father, I beg you not to force me, and certainly not to stop me.”

“Do you think I would still stop you now? Your stubbornness reminds me of myself. Truly, you are my son. But there are boundaries—if I do not stop you once, do not overstep repeatedly.”

“If Father had not intended to kill Yin Qingyue, I would not oppose you,” Chu Jingcheng replied firmly.

Chu Helian scoffed. “The Divine Physician has disappeared of her own will. No matter how hard you search, it’s useless. Perhaps a year from now, she may already have a child. Why be so infatuated? So obstinate?”

“Impossible,” Chu Jingcheng said, turning his head away, his conviction unwavering.

Chu Helian shook his head. “Nothing in this world is certain.”

“I am convinced—it is absolutely impossible,” Chu Jingcheng replied.

“Jing’er, you are my chosen heir. And yet you worry so much over a single woman. How can I entrust the realm to you in the future?”

Chu Jingcheng remained calm. “Father, I simply trust that Yin Qingyue will not betray me. If what you say comes true, I will accept it. I will eliminate her husband and bring her and her child back.”

Chu Helian was shocked. “You are so stubborn. Do you know what you are saying? With such obstinacy, do you even deserve the title Prince Jing?”

Chu Jingcheng ignored the threat. His gaze turned to the window. “If Father disapproves, you may strip me of my title. But my heart is set. Do not try to persuade me further.”

He continued staring at the alley outside.

Chu Helian, as emperor, thought himself stubborn—but he hadn’t realized his son could surpass him in obstinacy. He could never truly strip him of his title; after all, among all his sons, Jing’er was still his pride. This moment was no exception.

“Jing’er, as Prince Jing, you must uphold the dignity of the title. Don’t let the people ridicule you. As for the matter of the Divine Physician—”

At that moment, Chu Jingcheng saw a glimpse of a woman’s back in a gray rough cloth robe, resembling Yin Qingyue. Without caring that his father was speaking, he immediately ran after her.

Chu Helian was baffled. Looking outside the window, he saw his son already descending the stairs and running to the alley, appearing frantic in search of someone.

He realized his son was searching for Yin Qingyue. If she did not return soon, how long would his son remain in such a distracted state? If it continued, the realm could not be entrusted to him. Considering Yin Qingyue’s personality, outside interference might endanger imperial authority. Chu Helian would need to discuss this carefully with Jing’er.

Chu Jingcheng searched the alley and street, but found no trace of Yin Qingyue. The figure he had glimpsed earlier had disappeared.

“Yin Qingyue, is that you? If you are here, come see me,” Chu Jingcheng called weakly, looking around as if the world had frozen. Yet she was nowhere to be found.

Perhaps he had imagined it.

After wandering for a long time, he returned to the inn.

Seeing his son so dejected, Chu Helian could hardly contain his anger. He sighed. “You disappoint me. It seems your heart is entirely with the Divine Physician. What place is left for me? For Beihao?”

Chu Jingcheng lowered his head. “Father, I acted rashly earlier. It was wrong. I just wanted to find Yin Qingyue as quickly as possible.”

“Are you not afraid I will kill her?” Chu Helian asked seriously, his eyes cold.

“If Father truly intends to kill her, then he must kill me first. I will protect her completely, ensuring not a hair on her head is harmed.”

“Slap!” Chu Helian suddenly slammed his hand on the table, rising in anger, his gaze cold. “Don’t think that I am granting you the position of crown prince. Even today, allowing you to be Prince Jing is already grudging enough!”

Chu Jingcheng remained unmoved, smiling freely. “Father, as I said before, you may strip me of my imperial status. I do not desire the crown. I only desire Yin Qingyue.”

Chu Helian’s forehead twitched in anger. “You have utterly disappointed me.”

“I am merely speaking the truth,” Chu Jingcheng replied.

In the next moment, Chu Helian slapped him hard across the face, leaving it instantly red.

Even Chu Helian was surprised—this was the first time he had ever struck his beloved son. He stared at his hand, feeling his anger slowly subside.

Chu Jingcheng, however, was unbothered. “Father, I know I have disappointed you. But I still say, if you intend to kill Yin Qingyue, kill me first.”

“Do you think I won’t dare?”

“No, Father is the emperor of Beihao. Killing one person is like killing an ant. But surely you have already discovered who attempted to assassinate me? I only want to ask—was it you who punished that person?”

Chu Helian’s eyes widened in surprise. He had thought only he knew about this. But Chu Jingcheng had already found out. He was momentarily speechless.

A small smile appeared on Chu Jingcheng’s lips. His father’s hesitation showed how difficult this matter was for him. He said, “Regarding me, let us wait until Father uncovers the culprit before questioning me further.”

With that, Chu Jingcheng left.

Chu Helian frowned deeply. Indeed, as his son said, he had discovered the culprit—it was Prince Yi. He hadn’t expected the brothers to end up in such a situation. He rubbed his temple. If the matter were fully investigated, even punishing Prince Yi could create widespread repercussions, possibly involving the entire harem.

Could this matter really go unresolved?

Sighing in frustration, he left the teahouse with his guards, but the problem continued to weigh on his mind.

While Chu Helian pondered in the study, Eunuch Sun suddenly entered, knowing that the emperor would be in such a mood after returning from outside. Clearly, the conversation with Prince Jing had been unpleasant.

Eunuch Sun approached quietly. “Your Majesty, Liu Zhaoyi requests an audience outside the study.”