MCSCPM -Chapter 73 Words of Advice

“Miss, it seems fate has brought us together. Since we’ve met, I will give you eight words. If they can help you, all the better.” The manager lightly tapped the table with his index finger.

“Please, wise sir, guide me through this maze!” Yin Qingyue stared steadily at him, her cold black eyes as if trying to see straight into his mind.

“Mirror flowers, water moon, soul, return…” The manager spoke and then closed his eyes.

Yin Qingyue tried to read his mind, but all she saw was a swirling mist. She couldn’t tell whether it was the manager’s profound depth or her own insufficient skill.

“Get out! Who let you in? You’re not welcome here, and don’t come back again!” For some unknown reason, the usually calm manager suddenly shouted sharply and got up, pushing Yin Qingyue away.

“Manager?” Yin Qingyue was startled by the sudden change. The manager shoved her out of Li Ji Pawnshop.

“Get out! Take your junk and leave! Your sincerity is gone; now take your dirty things and go!” The manager flicked his sleeve violently, snorted lightly, and turned back inside.

Standing at the door, Yin Qingyue frowned in suspicion. The manager’s sudden anger seemed inexplicable, yet he didn’t strike her as the type to act out of boredom…

What a shame—she had been about to ask what it meant… Yin Qingyue lowered her head and turned to leave. After brushing past someone, a conversation from inside the pawnshop reached her ears:

“Who made you so angry?”
“How did you get here?”

Glancing at the tightly closed door, Yin Qingyue didn’t think further.

“Miss Yin… you came in from outside?” The steward’s mouth fell open as he saw her enter through the main gate, accidentally blurting out.

“I went to the pharmacy outside to pick up some medicine.” She needed to make a few more pills for disguises.

“Miss Yin, whatever you need, just say it. Someone outside can prepare it—you don’t need to handle it yourself.”

“I’m not incapable of carrying things. Besides, you’ve had enough on your hands with the Crown Prince’s matters; I won’t trouble you further.” Yin Qingyue looked at the steward. “Have you found out who tried to poison him?”

“All 260 people in the Eastern Palace Pavilion are being interrogated. There’s been no progress yet. Do you want to come see?” The steward offered.

“Me? Hehe, no need. I’m just a woman; I don’t know anything about interrogations!” Yin Qingyue shook her head with a smile.

“Old servant thinks, though, that you seem able to see through people’s hearts. If you wish to help, on behalf of those in the Eastern Palace Pavilion concerned for the Crown Prince’s health, I thank you.”

“Don’t say that. I really can’t help much!” Yin Qingyue felt embarrassed at his words.

Seeing the medicine package in her hand, the steward didn’t ask what it was and discreetly withdrew. But his departure didn’t mean Yin Qingyue was safe. Standing like a guardian at the door was Chu Jingcheng.

“Greetings, Prince Jing.”

“No need for formalities.” Chu Jingcheng faintly furrowed his brow. “These aren’t medicines related to the Crown Prince’s illness, are they?”

Yin Qingyue looked at him in surprise. “How do you know, Prince Jing?”

“If it concerned the Crown Prince, why would you leave? Does it matter to tell me?” The prince tilted his chin, as if bestowing upon her the choice to answer.

“They’re just some beauty-enhancing herbs. I was going to make them into pills. Maybe one day they’ll help remove the scar on my face!” Yin Qingyue said dreamily, glancing at the prince’s sharp, handsome profile. “Though, of course, Prince Jing doesn’t need them!”

The hint of regret in her tone—did it mean, I’m not disfigured, and you’re unhappy?

“Ugliness tends to cause trouble, so naturally, I don’t need them!” Chu Jingcheng, annoyed by her tone and reminded of her behavior with the Crown Prince yesterday, blurted this out without thinking.

The moment he spoke, he regretted it. He wanted to apologize but couldn’t bring himself to do it. Yin Qingyue didn’t even seem upset—not a trace of disappointment.

“Yes, yes!” Yin Qingyue smiled sweetly, nodding. “If I had the Prince’s divine looks, I wouldn’t need these herbs either!”

Still a bit annoyed—though she knew this wasn’t her natural appearance, everything he said still referred to her!

“…” Prince Jing was left speechless at such veiled mockery wrapped in praise.

“Prince Jing, please forgive me. I’ll take my leave.” Yin Qingyue brushed past him with the medicine package.

Chu Jingcheng instinctively grabbed her wrist. Seeing her frown in disgust, he felt a tightening in his chest.

“Sorry,” he said, and for some reason, it felt easier to say aloud. “I didn’t mean it!”

“Huh?” Yin Qingyue’s eyes widened slightly. Chu Jingcheng thought those big, round black eyes were stunningly beautiful.

Using her mind-reading, she tried to see his thoughts: “…Wait, isn’t this supposed to be an apology? Why is he looking at me like that?”

“I’m not worthy of Prince Jing’s apology!” Yin Qingyue pursed her red lips and withdrew her hand. “Please let go, Prince Jing. I want to rest!”

“Then will you forgive me?” Chu Jingcheng still didn’t get the answer he wanted and refused to release her.

“How… could I ever blame Prince Jing?” Yin Qingyue looked directly into his eyes. Those cold, unfathomable pools revealed a decisive, ruthless character—but why did he keep staring at her? Was it that incident in the outskirts?

“Then I’ll take it that you forgive me. Rest early!” Chu Jingcheng let go, and Yin Qingyue turned to leave, though her steps seemed slightly hurried.

“Miss, you’re finally back! You didn’t say a word when you went out—Mei’er was worried sick!” Mei’er ran up, taking the medicine from her hands.

Yin Qingyue stretched lazily. “It was urgent, no time to tell you. Next time, I will!”

Seeing the dark circles under Yin Qingyue’s eyes, Mei’er said gently, “I’m not blaming you, Miss. Rest now. So many sudden changes have happened recently—even you would be tired.”

“Hehe, Mei’er cares for me. Others only know how to exhaust my strength…” Yin Qingyue yawned, glanced at the sky. “It’s still early. Do you know where the people being interrogated are?”

“Yes, I know. Do you want to go see, Miss?” Mei’er frowned. “But I think you need rest more.”

“Don’t worry. I can handle it. Let’s go!” Yin Qingyue led the way.

“This place is rather secluded.” Guided by Mei’er, Yin Qingyue saw a courtyard that looked no different from the other rooms and stepped inside.

“Miss Yin, wait. A confidential interrogation is in progress. You shouldn’t enter.” The guards at the door blocked her. The steward hadn’t expected her to come and hadn’t given instructions.