MCSCPM -Chapter 76 Recognizing a Person by Their Scent

“Crown Prince, perhaps tonight’s banquet should end here?” Chu Jingcheng put down his cup and looked at Yin Qingyue helplessly.

“Looks like that’s the only option,” Nangongxiao said with a smile. “I’ll have someone escort you back.”

Mei’er nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Crown Prince.”

“No need for trouble. I’ll take her back myself,” Chu Jingcheng stood and walked steadily to stand in front of Yin Qingyue. Mei’er tilted her head in confusion. “Huh?”

Chu Jingcheng leaned closer, and the nearer he got to Yin Qingyue, the clearer her familiar scent became. It was the sweet fragrance of a young woman mixed with the lingering aroma of wine. Chu Jingcheng felt that just smelling it made him feel intoxicated.

“W-Wangye…” Mei’er hurried after them.

Nangongxiao watched the three of them leave, a faint smile tugging at his lips. It seemed Prince Jing had genuine feelings for the Divine Physician… Suppressing the discomfort that rose in him, as if his treasure were being coveted by someone else, he thought: perhaps Yin Qingyue had another important role for him besides treating illnesses.

“Prince, have you had your fun?” Once out of sight of the others, with only Yin Qingyue, Chu Jingcheng, and Mei’er present, Yin Qingyue finally gave up pretending and opened her eyes in Chu Jingcheng’s arms.

“Not playing anymore?” Chu Jingcheng teased, though he had no intention of putting her down. Far behind them, Leng Feng and Leng Yi had no idea what to say.

“How did you know I wasn’t drunk?” Yin Qingyue struggled to jump down from his arms. She had planned to use her drunken state as an excuse to leave the banquet early, but the atmosphere at the dinner had become increasingly tense.

“I know the signs of someone who’s drunk. Or… perhaps you overacted?” The prince’s eyes flickered with a hint of displeasure, and the emptiness in his arms felt strange.

“Hmph, I—” Before she could finish, Chu Jingcheng pulled her back into his embrace, his stern face radiating killing intent as he glared into the dark corner: “Who’s there? Show yourself!”

“Hmph, so it’s the famed Killing God, Prince Jing. We mean no offense. Just hand over the woman in your arms, and we’ll leave immediately!” The leader of the assassins leapt out from the flowers, realizing they could no longer hide.

“Oh? Few dare act so arrogantly knowing my identity!” Chu Jingcheng’s eyes froze like ice. Even his voice sounded jagged with frost. Yet Yin Qingyue, sheltered in his arms, felt strangely unaffected.

“Prince, I advise against rash action. It will take the guards of the Eastern Palace some time to arrive. You are outnumbered!” The assassin leader clapped his hands, and dozens of figures surged from the grass, surrounding the five of them.

“Heh, all attention on the prince. Leng Yi, how long has it been since we’ve seen this?” Leng Feng chuckled.

“Three years,” Leng Yi’s eyes flashed with battle intent. “Looking for death!”

Three years ago, the entire assassin organization had mobilized, and they had been fewer than ten, yet thanks to the prince, even with numerous injuries, they survived. Blood flowed across the ground, and the prince had stood among the fallen like a hellish warrior, exuding deadly authority. And now, these few dozen minor assassins were no match for him.

Yin Qingyue slid out of Chu Jingcheng’s embrace. “Their target is me.” She looked deeply at him and said coldly, “Go—now!”

Even with Prince Jing’s reputation, could he really handle so many professional assassins at once?

Chu Jingcheng frowned. “You want me to abandon you?”

Yin Qingyue’s mouth twitched slightly. She glared at the assassin leader. “You came here to take my life?”

“Divine Physician Yin’s fame has risen too quickly. Naturally, many would wish to end your life!” The leader admitted openly that their actions were directed by someone else.

“Who sent you?” Yin Qingyue stared straight at him. The leader shivered under her gaze. “Sorry… in our line of work, we cannot reveal our employer!”

The Third Prince’s plan was poorly conceived—who would have expected a Prince Jing to appear mid-way?

“So that’s it…”

Reading the leader’s thoughts, Yin Qingyue quickly pieced it together: the Third Prince had poisoned Nangongxiao to trigger a relapse, but she had healed the Crown Prince, ruining the Second Prince’s plan. Enraged and embarrassed, he sent assassins after her.

“What did you find out?” Chu Jingcheng asked, puzzled by her words.

Mei’er stood nearby. “Miss, who sent these assassins? Are they trying to kill us?”

“Looks like there are many who dislike me. Even I didn’t expect the culprit!” Yin Qingyue could not reveal this to Mei’er, as it would be far too dangerous for her small maid.

“Enough talk. Since Prince Jing has no intention of surrendering, don’t blame us!” The assassin leader signaled, and all the assassins surged forward, revealing hidden numbers behind the fake rock, likely having eliminated the nearby guards.

“The killer will be killed in turn. Are you ready to die?” Yin Qingyue’s lips curved as she took a small porcelain bottle from her sleeve. She whispered, “Hold your breath!”

It was her lethal poison mist, inhaled to act but dissipating in ten seconds. Without hesitation, she smashed the bottle.

A faint green mist spread in the night, quickly filling the air.

Chu Jingcheng and the others instinctively followed her command. Prince Jing’s expression remained cold as he watched the assassins fall like wheat in a harvest. Leng Feng and Leng Yi were also stunned—had this existed three years ago, their battle would not have been so brutal.

“Hold your breath!” The leader realized too late. Half his men had been affected, while the rest, experienced, instinctively held their breath.

Ten seconds later, fewer than ten assassins remained standing.

Yin Qingyue slowly exhaled. “Done.”

“What is this? Divine Physician, teach me! How do you make it?” Leng Feng shouted excitedly, running forward. Chu Jingcheng’s cold voice cut through: “Eliminate them all!”

Just as victory seemed certain, the assassin leader, attempting to flee, bit his teeth and charged at Yin Qingyue at incredible speed. She couldn’t dodge in time.

“Attack…” His dagger was deflected by Chu Jingcheng’s sword.

“Dying for it!” The words struck him as if he had been hurled into hell. Surrounded by a sea of corpses, his life ended there.

“Thank you.”

“Mm.”

“…”