MCSCPM -Chapter 367 Blushing

Chu Ling fell silent. He didn’t care about being heir apparent and never wanted such a title for himself.

Chu Jingcheng continued, “Chu Ling, every step you take is being watched. Every word you speak, every action you take, must be considered carefully. You can’t go on like before, acting recklessly. Everything must be thought through.”

“Second Brother… were you like this before?”

“Don’t concern yourself with me. Now, you must think of the future and be mindful of your position.”

“So, Second Brother… are you happier now, or back then, when you were free?” Chu Ling asked again, his eyes serious.

Chu Jingcheng stared at him. “Don’t try to pick faults. I’m speaking to you sincerely.”

“I’m not joking. Second Brother, I understand the reasoning. As heir, you lose freedom. Compared to before, you’re much happier now.”

Chu Jingcheng shook his head. “Even if you’re right, so what? You’ve had your fun. Now it’s time to rein yourself in. Stay in the palace and behave.”

Chu Ling sighed. “I know my limits.”

“If you knew your limits, why dare sneak out now? Aren’t you afraid Father will catch you?”

At this, the topic lightened a bit.

Chu Ling didn’t care about being caught. He chuckled, straightening his sleeves. “Don’t worry about me. If I dare to come out, I’m not afraid of Father’s scolding. And if he scolds me, I wouldn’t even mind.”

“Talking to you is exhausting, Chu Ling. I’ve said all I need to. What you do now is up to you.”

“I’ll listen, Elder Brother. Once I return to the palace, I’ll think seriously about what you said.”

“That’s enough. I’m glad you’re obedient,” Chu Jingcheng said, seeing Chu Ling’s grin. Of course, he didn’t really believe him, but he couldn’t constantly remind Chu Ling.

Chu Ling glanced outside, noticing it was getting late, and smiled. “Elder Brother, I’ll stay to have a meal with you.”

“No need. You think I wouldn’t notice your little schemes?”

“Elder Brother…”

“Time’s late. Go back to the palace.”

Chu Ling couldn’t defy Chu Jingcheng’s authority and pouted. “Fine, I see your heart is made of ice.”

Chu Jingcheng’s expression remained serious. “Since you know my heart is ice, don’t waste words. Go.”

Resigned, Chu Ling could say nothing more and left with a sigh.

As he pushed open the door, Chu Jingcheng suddenly called out, “Chu Ling, remember this: no matter what happens in the future, never forget your original intention.”

At that moment, Chu Ling trembled slightly. He said nothing but left, feeling a weight in his heart from Chu Jingcheng’s words. Chu Jingcheng was right—no matter what, he could never forget his original purpose.

As Chu Ling left the Prince Jing Mansion, he happened to see the Hai family’s carriage. Hai Qingshuang must be visiting, likely to congratulate Yin Qingyue.

Chu Ling watched Hai Qingshuang descend from the carriage. She maintained her usual cold and aloof demeanor, and Chu Ling felt nothing unusual, showing no extra emotion.

However, when Hai Qingshuang saw Chu Ling, the icy beauty froze for a moment. Her ears reddened, and she didn’t take a step forward after getting down.

Chu Ling found it strange—this had happened more than once. Every time she saw him, she reacted this way.

He walked toward her. “Miss Hai, are you feeling unwell?”

Hai Qingshuang lowered her head further. “No.”

“No? Then why are your ears red?”

“I…” she hesitated, unsure what to say. Normally reserved, she now blushed at the sight of Chu Ling.

Chu Ling enjoyed teasing women. The more reserved they were, the more interesting he found them. He smirked. “Cold beauty… it’s been a long time. But every time we meet, it’s always like this? Have you changed, Miss Hai?”

“Prince Ling, don’t joke… I just…”

“Just what?” Chu Ling pressed further, leaving Hai Qingshuang speechless.

At that moment, Yin Qingyue and Ding Ying appeared. Yin Qingyue intended to escort Ding Ying home and didn’t expect to walk in on this scene.

“Ding Ying, you go back first. I’ll visit you next time,” Yin Qingyue said.

“All right, I’ll go then. Miss Yin, no need to see me off,” Ding Ying replied.

“Be careful. Leng Feng is probably still in the inner hall talking to Prince Jing. He’ll return later,” Yin Qingyue said.

“I understand. He rarely comes back these days. Let him stay a little longer,” Ding Ying smiled.

Yin Qingyue nodded, escorted Ding Ying to the carriage, and watched her leave.

After sending Ding Ying off, Yin Qingyue greeted Hai Qingshuang. “Miss Hai, what brings you here?”

Hai Qingshuang glanced at Chu Ling. “I just wanted to see you. It’s been a while.”

Yin Qingyue noticed Hai Qingshuang’s gaze, realizing Chu Ling was making things awkward. She held Hai Qingshuang’s hand. “All right, let’s go inside and talk.”

Chu Ling protested. “Divine doctor, Miss Hai hasn’t answered me yet.”

Yin Qingyue understood Hai Qingshuang’s feelings and said, “Prince Ling, don’t you get it? When someone admires another, their ears naturally turn red. No need to ask.”

Chu Ling was stunned, not fully understanding Yin Qingyue’s meaning, feeling slightly frustrated.

Taking advantage of the moment, Yin Qingyue led Hai Qingshuang inside. “Prince Ling, you should return to the palace. I won’t see you off.”

Chu Ling shrugged, shook his head, and didn’t make a fuss over Hai Qingshuang’s red ears. He thought it over and returned to the palace.

As Hai Qingshuang followed Yin Qingyue inside the mansion, she stopped after a few steps. “Miss Yin, don’t worry about it. I just wanted to see you and congratulate you. That’s all.”

“Why in such a rush?”

“You know my father. After the last incident, he’s very cautious. I have to return within half an hour whenever I go out,” Hai Qingshuang explained.

Yin Qingyue understood and said, “In that case, go back. I’ve received your intentions.”

“Miss Yin, there’s something I’ve never told you.” Hai Qingshuang’s voice grew quieter, her expression lowering.

“What is it? Why this look?”

“The last time Prince Jing found out about your inn incident, it was me who told him. Even though you repeatedly instructed me not to reveal your whereabouts, I thought for days and… I still told him,” Hai Qingshuang said, remorseful.

Yin Qingyue smiled. “That’s all? Miss Hai, you think too little of me.”

Hai Qingshuang immediately apologized. “I wanted to say I’m sorry.”

“Miss Hai, it’s in the past. Without you telling Prince Jing, I doubt we’d be where we are today,” Yin Qingyue reassured her.

The usually cold Hai Qingshuang, facing Yin Qingyue, seemed to shed a lifetime of icy armor, delicate as jade. She said, “No matter what, I still want to congratulate you, Miss Yin.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s late. I’ll go. I’ll visit again when I have time.”

“I’ll see you out,” Yin Qingyue said.

After sending Hai Qingshuang off, Yin Qingyue returned and bumped into Chu Jingcheng.

“Weren’t you sending Ding Ying back? Why did it take so long?” Chu Jingcheng asked.

“Nothing, just talked a bit. What, Prince Jing intends to detain my freedom here too?”

“If you hadn’t said it, I wouldn’t have thought of it. Now that you mention it, it’s a good idea.” Chu Jingcheng stepped forward, grabbing her hand. “You can’t go anywhere these days. Stay here.”

“You really intend to detain me here?”

“Since you mentioned it, of course I must.” He smirked. “Also, I’ll be out patrolling. Probably won’t return until tomorrow. Your sister and your… fiancé will come tomorrow. Handle them properly.”

Chu Jingcheng’s eyes flashed with anger at the words “fiancé.”

Yin Qingyue noticed but explained, “Don’t worry. I just want to teach him a lesson. Nothing more.”

He suppressed his anger. “Remember, you belong to me. Dare betray me, and I won’t be lenient.”

“Understood.”

Chu Jingcheng finally smiled in satisfaction. Yin Qingyue, unusually obedient today, nodded.

---

Meanwhile, Yin Ziyu, detained in a clean but simple room by the Prince Jing Mansion guards, remained dissatisfied. Though treated well, boredom gnawed at her.

She pounded on the door. “Someone! Come here!”

A guard opened it, scolding, “Quiet! What are you shouting for?”

“Let me out! If my sister finds out, you’ll pay for it!”