MCSCPM -Chapter 368 Yin Ziyu Arrives

Yin Ziyu had been in this situation before, and the guards were getting annoyed.

“We’ve already reported it. Whether it’s true or not, we don’t know. You’d better behave, or we won’t go easy on you.”

“I can’t stay here any longer. Release me at once, or when I get out, I’ll make sure you pay for this!” Yin Ziyu said firmly.

“No matter what you say, we follow the rules. If we’re punished by our superiors, it won’t fall on us.”

“My sister is the Princess Consort of Prince Jing!”

“That doesn’t matter. Rules are rules.” The guards were unmoved and turned to close the door.

But in the next moment, Yin Ziyu grabbed the door. “Wait! I have to ask—how much longer? You’ve been reporting this for so long.”

The guard impatiently waved her off. “That’s none of your concern.”

“You…”

Before she could finish, the guards closed the door and left.

Yin Ziyu was furious. She had endured so much to come all the way from Xize—she couldn’t just be locked up and go home without seeing Yin Qingyue. If she returned without meeting her sister, she’d be laughed at.

Not long after, the door opened again. This time, the guards were internal guards from the Prince Jing Mansion, not the ones stationed outside.

“Are you Miss Yin Ziyu?” the guard asked politely.

“Yes, that’s me. What’s going on? Are you sending me back to Xize? I won’t go back! I’m not leaving without seeing my sister!” Yin Ziyu said firmly.

The guard remained expressionless. “Miss Yin, you misunderstand. We’ve been ordered to escort you to the Prince Jing Mansion.”

“Really?” Yin Ziyu was overjoyed. “Did my sister send you?”

“Yes, Miss Yin instructed us to bring you immediately to the mansion.”

Yin Ziyu’s posture straightened, a haughty, proud expression crossing her face. “Then let’s go. This awful place isn’t fit for anyone to stay.”

She stepped out, giving the guards who had detained her a disdainful glare. “Remember this—I’m the sister of the Princess Consort of Prince Jing. We’ll settle this account later.”

The guards said nothing, unfazed.

What Yin Ziyu didn’t expect was that Xiao Chengli was accompanying them to the mansion.

Seeing him, she was furious. She stepped forward and slapped him. “Xiao Chengli! How could I, Yin Ziyu, ever have been so blind to fall for you?”

“Ziyu, don’t overthink it,” he said.

“Overthink? Even now, at this moment, you can still say that? You deserve to be torn apart!”

Xiao Chengli remained indifferent, his face cold. “I don’t care what you say. Aren’t you here now? If you came, isn’t it for wealth and status?”

“So what if it is? Even if you, Xiao Chengli, don’t want me, there are thousands who would. Now that Yin Qingyue is the Princess Consort, as long as I stay by her side, I’ll enjoy endless wealth and honor.” Yin Ziyu said defiantly.

Xiao Chengli didn’t care at all. He snorted and followed the mansion guards inside.

But a moment later, Yin Ziyu called after him. “Xiao Chengli, one last question: all this time, did you ever truly love me?”

Xiao Chengli stiffened. He didn’t love her, but being asked like this, he didn’t know what to say and remained silent.

“Speak! I want the truth.”

“Ziyu…”

“Say it! I need to know if I’ve been a fool all this time.” Tears glimmered in her eyes.

After a long pause, Xiao Chengli said, “I’m sorry for everything.”

Hearing this, Yin Ziyu realized she had indeed been a fool all this time. She forced a bitter smile. “Fine, Xiao Chengli, I accept your apology. But in front of my sister, don’t say anything reckless.”

“I won’t.”

Yin Ziyu glared at him sharply, then followed the guards.

It was clear now—Xiao Chengli had never loved her. For Yin Ziyu, this was nothing short of a slap in the face.

---

At the Prince Jing Mansion, Yin Qingyue knew Yin Ziyu and Xiao Chengli would arrive today, so she got up early, washed, and carefully prepared herself.

Dong’er noticed. “Miss, are you meeting someone important today? You’ve been at the mansion for a while but never dressed like this.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Normally, you dress simply here. Today, you’ve made yourself up. Surely you’re meeting someone important.” Dong’er said while fixing her hairpin.

Yin Qingyue’s lips curved. Looking in the mirror, she said, “Yes… I am going to meet someone important.”

“Who?”

“Someone who should face retribution.”

Her words were vague, and Dong’er didn’t fully understand.

“You still wouldn’t understand, and it’s better that way,” Yin Qingyue said with a faint smile. Dong’er smiled and didn’t press further.

After finishing her preparations, Yin Qingyue, accompanied by Dong’er, went to the front courtyard. According to the time, Yin Ziyu and Xiao Chengli would arrive soon.

Soon, the sound of horses approached. Yin Ziyu and Xiao Chengli got down from their carriages.

Yin Ziyu looked up at the mansion’s plaque, her heart tightening. She couldn’t believe she was really here. Compared to her, Xiao Chengli remained calm.

“Please come in,” said the guard.

Yin Ziyu nodded but glanced at Xiao Chengli before entering.

Once inside, they saw Yin Qingyue. Time had changed her; the once gentle eyes were now resolute, even emitting a chilling aura.

Seeing her, Xiao Chengli called, “Qingyue…”

“Why are you only here now?” Yin Qingyue interrupted, walking over warmly. “You two must have suffered on the way.”

Hearing the word “husband and wife,” Xiao Chengli hurriedly clarified his relationship with Yin Ziyu. “Qingyue, actually I…”

“Actually, what?”

“I haven’t forgotten you. Back then, I acted that way out of necessity. I hope you won’t take it to heart,” he explained.

He didn’t know Yin Qingyue was no longer focused on what he said.

Yin Qingyue said, “I don’t remember how you treated me. Let’s consider the past over.”

Though she said this, her eyes darkened. The hatred she felt would be avenged—this pair of despicable people would pay.

Before Xiao Chengli could say more, Yin Ziyu stepped forward, smiling brightly. “Big Sister!”

Yin Qingyue finally looked at her. “Ziyu, step closer. Let me have a good look at you.”

Yin Ziyu approached sweetly, linking her arm through Yin Qingyue’s. “Big Sister, I’ve missed you. Ever since you went to Luocheng Academy, I’ve been thinking of you and worrying about you.”

“Finally, you’re thoughtful.”

“Ziyu has been thinking about you, so I came to see you.”

Yin Qingyue smiled. “I’m glad you came. Stay here. I’ll take care of everything else for you.”

Yin Ziyu nodded, smiling softly, acting very gentle.

At that moment, Chu Jingcheng returned and saw the three of them together. His gaze immediately fell on Xiao Chengli, eyes narrowing slightly, displeasure evident. He made no attempt to hide it.

Seeing Chu Jingcheng, Xiao Chengli and Yin Ziyu quickly bowed. “Greetings, Prince Jing.”

Chu Jingcheng waved his hand. “No need for formalities. Since you know Qingyue, there’s no need for courtesy.”

Xiao Chengli felt slightly uncomfortable but said nothing, standing aside.

Yin Ziyu, however, was drawn to Chu Jingcheng’s commanding presence and undeniable charm. She thought to herself: a man like this, she might never meet in her lifetime. She imagined how perfect it would be if she were the Princess Consort.

Chu Jingcheng looked at Xiao Chengli, then at Yin Ziyu. Although they had no grudge with him, anyone who ever harmed Yin Qingyue would not be spared.

Yin Qingyue looked at him and asked, “Why are you back so early?”

“I finished the tasks. By the way, Father will likely issue the decree for your marriage today. Your title as Princess Consort is not far off.” Chu Jingcheng walked over, naturally placing his arm around her waist.

Yin Qingyue didn’t resist, glancing at him shyly. “Don’t be too forward—there are others around.”

“Is there anything wrong with what I said?” Chu Jingcheng asked.

Yin Qingyue remained silent. Chu Jingcheng then turned his gaze to Xiao Chengli. “You must be Mr. Xiao?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you from Qingyue. Seeing you today, she spoke accurately.”

“How did Qingyue describe me?”

“Qingyue?” Chu Jingcheng’s expression darkened instantly at the intimate tone. “Let me remind you—only I can call her ‘Qingyue.’ You’d better stop, or you’ll regret it.”

Xiao Chengli, stubborn as ever, said, “Prince Jing, I know Qingyue will soon be your consort, but calling her this is a habit. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not mind? Fine, I don’t mind,” Chu Jingcheng said, eyes cold but a slight smile on his lips.

Yin Qingyue watched this, realizing Xiao Chengli might be in trouble for confronting Prince Jing. She knew she wouldn’t have to intervene before Chu Jingcheng acted.