MCSCPM -Chapter 365 Sneaking Out of the Palace

Though it had been a serious topic, Yin Qingyue smiled, and Chu Jingcheng’s expression softened.

“I want to know if your answer is the same as what I have in mind,” he said.

Yin Qingyue lowered her head and smiled shyly. “You asked me before. The way I answered you then is exactly how I answered your father. I don’t know if my answer will satisfy you as it did him.”

Hearing this, Chu Jingcheng finally smiled and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.

“The more I see you, the more I love you, Yin Qingyue. You always stir my heart.”

“You dare say that,” she teased.

“When I speak to my woman, why should I be embarrassed?”

Yin Qingyue leaned against him, savoring the moment as time slowly passed.

Meanwhile, in the imperial palace…

Prince Ling had just come down from the main hall when Chu Helian pulled him back to the imperial study, telling the young eunuchs to follow at a distance.

Prince Ling sensed his father had something important to discuss. Carefully, he asked, “Father, is there something you want to say to me?”

“You noticed? It’s not about court affairs,” Chu Helian replied.

“Then what is it, Father, that you want to avoid others?”

“It concerns your second elder brother,” Chu Helian said, looking troubled.

Hearing it was about Chu Jingcheng, Prince Ling’s eyes became serious. “Father, is it because my second brother wants to marry the goddess doctor? Has he already decided?”

“He has decided, but I’m still considering it,” Chu Helian said.

“Father, do you… disagree?” Prince Ling asked cautiously.

Chu Helian felt conflicted. His son had openly defied him, acting before reporting, delivering a serious insult to his authority.

Sighing, he said, “If I don’t agree to your second brother, do you think it would be fair? How could it be explained?”

Prince Ling thought for a moment. “Then Father, perhaps you should agree. My second brother is willing to give up even his princely status for that goddess doctor. Maybe Father should…”

“Nonsense! You’re acting like your second brother. Your eldest and second brothers are both the same. I placed my hopes in you, and you side with your second brother?” Chu Helian scolded.

“I understand my mistake,” Prince Ling said, stepping back and lowering his head. “I know Father is angry, but if you resist further, my second brother will surely defy you. If word gets out, it won’t look good. Better to just agree.”

“If I agree, it acknowledges that what he did was right. How would I save face?” Chu Helian said, frowning.

Prince Ling lowered his head, too cautious to speak further, even though he wanted to defend Chu Jingcheng.

Chu Helian studied him, a trace of disappointment in his eyes. After a moment, he exhaled and asked, “Ling’er, be honest—do you think I am really so tyrannical? Otherwise, why would Yi’er and Jing’er act this way?”

“This…”

“I want the truth.”

“Father, everything you do is for the benefit of your elder brothers. I understand that,” Prince Ling said sincerely.

“And what use is that? If they understood, I wouldn’t need to worry,” Chu Helian said, walking forward. “Enough. I don’t want to discuss this anymore. You must be tired. Go back for now. Remember to finish the books I gave you. I’m also tired and will return to the palace to rest.”

With that, Chu Helian left for the imperial study. The eunuchs followed promptly.

After seeing the emperor off, Prince Ling exhaled a long sigh. Had he said one more word, the emperor’s suspicion might have caused trouble. Fortunately, he understood his father well.

Feeling tired, he wanted to rest in the palace but also wished to sneak out. Last time, his mother discovered him, so this time, he had to be discreet.

Avoiding the eunuchs who always followed him, he quietly slipped out of the palace again.

The young eunuchs hesitated but eventually told Consort Liu Sishui about Prince Ling’s escape. Last time, they were harshly punished for letting him sneak out.

Outside Consort Liu’s palace, she saw the eunuchs and immediately knew her son had done something reckless. She sighed in frustration.

“Little Shuangzi, has Prince Ling caused trouble again?”

“Your Highness, Prince Ling…”

“What happened? He was just discussing state affairs with the emperor.”

“Yes, but now… he has snuck out again,” the eunuch reported.

Consort Liu slammed her hands on the table. “This child, why is he so reckless? Why now?” She worried both about his safety and being discovered by the emperor or other consorts. “Little Shuangzi, does anyone else know about this?”

“No, Your Highness. No one knows. The emperor has retired to rest, and Prince Ling is likely reading in the hall. He shouldn’t find out suddenly,” the eunuch assured.

“Good. Remember, no one must find out.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” the eunuch replied and left.

Consort Liu sat quietly, holding her head, worried about her son. She had placed all her hopes on him, hoping he could secure the position of crown prince.

“Ling’er, don’t disappoint your mother. All my hopes are placed on you.”

Meanwhile, after Leng Feng’s marriage, he rarely visited the Prince Jing residence. Today, the weather was pleasant, so Ding Ying wanted to visit.

“Leng Feng, why don’t we go to the Prince Jing residence today? I haven’t seen Miss Yin in a while. She’s about to be Prince Jing’s consort. I wonder how she feels… nervous, perhaps?”

Leng Feng was sharpening his sword but nodded. “Yes, we have time today. Let’s go.”

“Really?”

“When have I ever lied to you?” Leng Feng replied, setting down his sword and looking at Ding Ying with affection. She had endured so much; it was not easy to reach this moment.

Ding Ying shyly leaned against him. “Leng Feng, I never thought we could truly be together like this.”

Leng Feng, though taciturn, understood. “I’m truly happy. I’m not a nobleman or a prince, yet you don’t mind and marry me. This is the greatest honor of my life.”

“I won’t let you say that. In my heart, you are the best. No one compares to you.”

“Even the prince?”

“Of course,” Ding Ying said, smiling softly.

Leng Feng felt like the luckiest man alive, and it was largely thanks to Yin Qingyue’s help.

Ding Ying suddenly remembered something. “We should prepare some gifts before going. We can’t go empty-handed.”

“Gifts? You think of everything,” Leng Feng said, smiling at her.

Soon, gifts were prepared, and Leng Feng and Ding Ying went to the Prince Jing residence.

Yin Qingyue had been waiting outside. Seeing Ding Ying, she quickly pulled her inside.

“You must have been very busy lately,” Yin Qingyue said.

“Yes, I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to visit you. I apologize,” Ding Ying replied.

“Don’t say that. Come, let’s chat in the back garden,” Yin Qingyue said, taking Ding Ying’s hand and ignoring Leng Feng.

Leng Feng didn’t mind; women’s whispers were not his concern.

Chu Jingcheng soon arrived.

Leng Feng stepped forward. “Your Highness, how have you been?”

“How’s that? You finally return? I thought you might have forgotten your duties as my guard with beauties around.”

“Your Highness, I…”

“Enough, I was only joking,” Chu Jingcheng said with a laugh.

Leng Feng scratched his head sheepishly. “Your Highness, I should also congratulate you. Miss Yin married you. You must be very happy.”

“Of course,” Chu Jingcheng said.

“But are you not worried about the emperor?” Leng Feng asked.

Chu Jingcheng said nothing, walking to the main hall to sit quietly.

Leng Feng followed, continuing, “But considering your marriage is known throughout Northern Hao, the emperor probably can’t oppose it.”

“I have made my decision. Whether Father agrees or not, my mind is set. Nothing will change.”

“That’s good to hear,” Leng Feng said.

“You seem more relaxed now,” Chu Jingcheng said, smiling slightly and taking a sip of tea.

Leng Feng grinned awkwardly. “Your Highness, it’s all thanks to you and Miss Yin. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Chu Jingcheng smiled without speaking.

At that moment, a guard reported, “Your Highness, Prince Ling is outside.”

“Prince Ling again? He really doesn’t rest,” Chu Jingcheng said, puzzled.

“Your Highness, shall we…?”

“Forget it. Let him in,” Chu Jingcheng said.

“Yes,” the guard said, retreating.

Leng Feng bowed. “Your Highness, I’ll take my leave first.”

Chu Jingcheng nodded and waved him off.