MCSCPM -Chapter 372 Attempted Seduction

The moment Qian Zhuang saw Yin Qingyue, he stepped forward, bowing with a smile. “I didn’t expect the Princess Consort of Prince Jing to summon me. I am truly honored.”

“Qian Zhuang, there’s no need for formalities. I just want to talk briefly and then leave. I won’t stay long.”

“Oh? May I ask what the Princess Consort wishes to discuss?”

Yin Qingyue smiled faintly, her tone suddenly serious. “Qian Zhuang, I’m just asking… do you really like my sister?”

At this, a flicker of surprise crossed Qian Zhuang’s face, but he quickly said, “Of course! Your sister is beautiful, Princess Consort. I truly like her.”

Yin Qingyue knew very well that Qian Zhuang, being a lecherous man, wasn’t actually in love with Yin Ziyu—but she had no intention of exposing him. She said, “Very well. Then leave matters between you and Ziyu to me.”

“Really?”

“Since I’ve agreed, you can rest assured I won’t speak carelessly,” Yin Qingyue replied.

Qian Zhuang looked delighted, rubbing his hands together in excitement. “When will…?” he asked eagerly.

Yin Qingyue laughed lightly. “You’re in such a hurry?”

Qian Zhuang blushed and quickly said, “Princess Consort, I didn’t mean it like that. I just wanted to ask.”

“Don’t worry. As long as you cooperate, I’ll help. But some things take time,” Yin Qingyue said.

“No problem. I’ll wait however long it takes,” Qian Zhuang replied eagerly.

Seeing his impatience, Yin Qingyue knew her plan would work easily. She didn’t want to stay any longer, so she said, “It’s getting late. Here’s what we’ll do: tomorrow night at this hour, wait in the ‘Tian’ room upstairs. She will come naturally. Then, whatever happens, depends on you.”

“Really? But today she didn’t seem very willing!” Qian Zhuang said, doubtful.

Yin Qingyue was confident. “Just trust me. One more thing—you mustn’t tell anyone about tonight, and definitely don’t tell Ziyu that I sent her. Understand?”

Though half-doubtful, Qian Zhuang figured that whether Yin Ziyu came or not, he had nothing to lose.

“Alright, I’ll follow your instructions. I’ll wait in the upstairs room tomorrow,” he said eagerly.

Yin Qingyue nodded. “Then wait for good news.”

After speaking, she left the inn. Qian Zhuang stood there, excited. For someone as ugly as him, if he didn’t force himself, no girl would follow him—but if Yin Qingyue really helped, it would be perfect.

---

Meanwhile, at the Prince Jing mansion:

Yin Ziyu was bored indoors. She had planned to rest but then wanted to go find Yin Qingyue and chat, trying to get closer to her.

Just as she was about to leave, a maid entered carrying a basin of water. She stumbled and accidentally bumped into Yin Ziyu, spilling the entire basin on her.

Water drenched Yin Ziyu from head to toe.

The maid, knowing Yin Ziyu’s temper, panicked and knelt, crying and begging, “Mistress, I didn’t mean it! Please forgive me!”

“You idiot! Do you know how much this outfit cost?”

“I know I was wrong! I know!” The maid slapped herself repeatedly.

Yin Ziyu glared at her. Soaked and miserable, she realized she couldn’t punish the maid further, so she said, “Forget it. Quickly bring me a dry outfit. I’m going to see Big Sister.”

“Yes, Mistress!” The maid went to get clothes but then remembered, “By the way, the Princess Consort isn’t in the mansion. She went out earlier.”

“Out? Where? It’s so late—she hasn’t returned yet?”

“I don’t know. I’ll get your clothes first.”

“Wait,” Yin Ziyu stopped her, thinking for a moment. “Is Prince Jing… in the mansion?”

The maid nodded. “He’s in the backyard waiting for the Princess Consort.”

“I see. You can rest now. Don’t worry about me.”

“But Mistress, your clothes…”

“I said it’s fine. Go rest.” Yin Ziyu’s tone was firm.

The maid hesitated briefly, then left.

Yin Ziyu closed the door. With this opportunity before her, how could she miss it? Perhaps this time, she could become the Princess Consort herself.

She quickly found a thin pink dress, applied makeup, and even made her lipstick brighter. Now she looked like a true beauty, though her eyes carried a sharp, scheming glint.

Dressed, she went to the front courtyard. Just as the maid had said, Chu Jingcheng was there. This rare opportunity presented itself perfectly while Yin Qingyue was absent.

Yin Ziyu approached him with a coy, shy smile, whispering, “Greetings, Prince Jing. It’s so late… why aren’t you resting?”

Chu Jingcheng looked up and saw her in the pink dress, appearing very alluring. But he wasn’t a fool—her little tricks were immediately seen through.

“It’s so late. Why are you here?” Chu Jingcheng asked coldly.

“I originally wanted to talk to Big Sister, but she wasn’t here, so I saw you instead. You’re waiting for her, right?”

Chu Jingcheng snapped, “This is none of your concern.”

Yin Ziyu smiled. “Of course, I’m not concerned. But Big Sister staying out so late… one shouldn’t be alone outside as a woman.”

Chu Jingcheng’s dislike for her intensified. He hated gossip most of all, especially from shameless women.

Yin Qingyue might tolerate her, but he couldn’t.

“Yin Ziyu, perhaps you don’t understand my nature. I won’t explain everything to you, but know this: my heart belongs to one person—your Big Sister Yin Qingyue. Everyone else is nothing but common women in my eyes.”

“Prince Jing—”

“Am I clear enough?” Chu Jingcheng’s eyes flashed with a dangerous light.

Even if Yin Ziyu didn’t fully understand people, she saw through his intent. Hesitating, she asked, “Does Prince Jing really only like Big Sister?”

“Why do you ask? Don’t you want her to be happy?” Chu Jingcheng replied.

“No, I… I don’t mean that,” Yin Ziyu stammered.

Next, Chu Jingcheng grabbed her hand tightly. Yin Ziyu winced in pain, frowning. “Prince Jing, you hurt me.”

He leaned closer, narrowing his eyes, serious. “How you treated Yin Qingyue before doesn’t go unnoticed. She forgave you, but I won’t. Control yourself. Don’t use your old tricks, or you’ll face the consequences.” With that, he flung her hand away.

Yin Ziyu, once meticulously dressed, was now a mess, drenched and humiliated. She couldn’t speak, only feeling her face burn. Traveling from Xize to Beihao, she had never expected such insult—especially from Prince Jing.

Yet, her pride remained. After a moment of silence, she said, “I know I wronged Big Sister and caused her suffering, but it’s been so long. Even she doesn’t pursue it… why does Prince Jing bring it up?”

Chu Jingcheng looked at her and snorted coldly. “Though this is past, you’d better behave. I’m not a kind man, and I never spare the wicked. Even if your sister were here, I’d say the same thing.” Sweeping his sleeve with authority, he added, “It’s late. Go back to your quarters.”

Humiliated, Yin Ziyu could barely hold back tears. She turned away, leaving in stifled anger.

---

After a short while, Yin Qingyue returned and was surprised to see Chu Jingcheng waiting in the courtyard. She approached, asking, “Why aren’t you resting yet?”

“Why didn’t you tell me when you went out?” he asked, a hint of anger in his voice. “And you went to see Qian Zhuang—don’t you know what kind of man he is?”

“How did you know I went to see him?”

“Don’t worry about that. Haven’t I told you? Without my permission, you cannot go out.”

Knowing he was displeased, Yin Qingyue smiled softly. “Alright, I understand. I’ll tell you next time before I go out.”

Seeing her compliance, Chu Jingcheng’s expression softened. He drew her close. “If you behave like this consistently, you’ll save me a lot of worry.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You’re asking that knowingly,” he replied.

Yin Qingyue raised her hand to swat him but was caught and pulled into his embrace. The night was cool, yet the moment was intimate.

Chu Jingcheng said, “It won’t be long before I marry you.”

“Your father agreed?”

“He hasn’t opposed it after all this time, so he’s agreed. Besides, he cannot stop me.”

Yin Qingyue remained silent, leaning quietly against him.

After a moment, Chu Jingcheng said, “You went to see Qian Zhuang tonight… for your sister’s matter, right?”

She pulled back slightly, nodding with a faint smile. “Of course. Can’t let her be happy all the time.”

“You’re just like me in that regard.”

“Am I?”

“Of course.”

The two smiled at each other and didn’t speak further. Seeing the hour, Chu Jingcheng knew she was tired and escorted her to her room. After giving Dong’er a few instructions, he left.

Yin Qingyue asked Dong’er, “Did you tell Prince Jing about me seeing Qian Zhuang?”

Dong’er lowered her head. “Miss, I didn’t want to, but… Prince Jing—”

“It’s fine. I don’t blame you. I just wanted to handle this myself and not involve him.”