Cang Lang glanced at their usually stern and aloof Lord Governor, who now appeared oddly indulgent, teasing Tang Ning as if she were a child. The rare sight made him steal a couple of extra glances, earning himself a sharp, chilly glare in return.
After retreating alongside Jin Yun, Cang Lang turned his head and caught a glimpse of Xiao Yan reclining lazily against the low couch, engaging in casual conversation. Tang Ning occasionally responded, and during the pauses, Xiao Yan would use his chopsticks to add food to her plate.
From the outside, their exchange seemed serene and picturesque—if one couldn’t hear the actual words. But anyone who could catch the content would likely have their jaw drop to the floor.
Cang Lang nudged Jin Yun. “Is the Lord Governor raising a carnivorous flower?”
Just look at the lessons being taught—traps and schemes, one after another.
Cang Lang could almost picture the once-innocent little Tang Ning flower darkened beyond recognition. He muttered under his breath, “The Lord Governor’s already cunning enough, and now he’s putting all this effort into grooming a little fox. If she masters it all, isn’t he afraid she’ll outwit him?”
Jin Yun cast him a glance. “Care to speak louder?”
Cang Lang quickly shrank back and shut his mouth.
Jin Yun turned his gaze back toward the room and, in a calm voice, remarked, “The Lord Governor never intended to keep her as an accessory by his side. Nor is she someone destined to be confined to the inner chambers. Since she wants to explore the world, she must learn how to protect herself.”
An overly naive treasure, left unguarded, would only end up in ruins.
Cang Lang rolled his eyes. “Oh, aren’t you the flattering one.”
Not only flattering their master but even getting a head start on the future mistress.
Jin Yun ignored his grumbles and instead looked out at the night sky. His tone turned serious. “The situation with the Empress Dowager is worsening, and Lu Zhao has already been imprisoned. The Lord Governor may accelerate his plans. We’ve uncovered questionable ties between the Cheng Prince and some of the aristocratic families. If they act tonight, it’s likely to be significant. Stay sharp.”
“Do you even need to say it?” Cang Lang retorted with a pout. He patted the white jade-inlaid hilt of his sword at his waist, then drew it out with an exaggerated flourish, cradling it in his arms as if admiring its beauty. “My sword has been thirsting for blood for a while now.”
“…”
The previously serious atmosphere instantly shattered. Jin Yun’s temple twitched.
This idiot.
“Hey, where are you going?” Cang Lang called after Jin Yun, who abruptly turned to leave.
Expressionless, Jin Yun didn’t respond. He just needed to put some distance between himself and Cang Lang before he lost his patience and beat him to death.
=========================
At the Cheng Prince’s residence, Ling Yin remained stationed outside, standing vigil near the Cheng Princess’s chambers after delivering the latest updates.
The Cheng Princess, troubled by the unexpected revelations, had only just managed to rest before being jolted awake by a nightmare.
Nanny Jiang rushed forward in concern, helping her sit up, pouring her water, and rubbing her back to ease her discomfort.
Ling Yin watched from the side, her gaze locked on Nanny Jiang, as though trying to see through her entirely. It wasn’t until someone entered the courtyard that Ling Yin finally shifted her attention.
It was a shadow guard disguised as a maid, sent from the Lord Governor’s estate.
“The master has sent a message.”
The maid whispered a few words to Ling Yin, who raised her brow. “Stir the hornet’s nest?”
“The Lord Governor said to make some noise.”
Ling Yin glanced toward the inner room, then nodded slightly. “Understood.”
After dismissing the maid, Ling Yin entered the chambers. Approaching the Cheng Princess and Nanny Jiang, she lowered her voice. “Your Highness, the Lord Governor and Lady Tang have sent word that they’ve uncovered something.”
The Cheng Princess was about to send Nanny Jiang away when Ling Yin continued directly, “The Lord Governor’s men have located the family once betrothed to the Cheng Prince—the one whose daughter was said to have eloped with an actor and later died by hanging. From her brother’s account, she did not take her own life but was murdered…”
Crash!
Before the Cheng Princess could react, there was a loud bang. Nanny Jiang, while putting something down, had kicked the table leg, causing a cup to fall and shatter on the table.
Both women turned to look at her. Nanny Jiang quickly explained, “This old servant was startled.”
Her hands trembled as she propped herself up on the table, her knuckles white from exertion. She hastily rearranged the items on the table, lifting her head to reveal a face that was now somewhat composed, though traces of shock lingered.
“Did the Lord Governor truly uncover the truth? After so many years, could it be a mistake?” Nanny Jiang asked shakily.
“Anything done leaves a trace, no matter how long ago,” Ling Yin replied calmly, as though she hadn’t noticed Nanny Jiang’s reaction. “The third family that was once betrothed to the Cheng Prince belonged to the Yuchi clan of the Imperial Guard.”
“The Yuchi family’s eldest son revealed that when they found his sister, she had already been hanged. The actor, however, was still alive, barely. He confessed to their elopement and then took his own life by ramming his head against a pillar. The Cheng Prince was present at the time, which solidified the claim of elopement.”
“But according to the Yuchi family, their daughter had already known the Cheng Prince for some time before the marriage proposal. When the family sought her opinion, she personally agreed to the match and expressed admiration for the Cheng Prince. It was only after her consent that the family proceeded with the arrangement.”
A woman who had personally agreed to a marriage and admired her fiancé—how could she have eloped with an actor and committed suicide?
The Cheng Princess understood the implication and paled, collapsing into her chair.
Ling Yin quickly supported her. “Your Highness!”
The Cheng Princess rasped, “What else?”
Ling Yin hesitated.
“Tell me. I can handle it,” the princess urged.
Finally, Ling Yin spoke. “Your Highness’s initial meeting with the Cheng Prince was no coincidence. That encounter was premeditated. He had already investigated you beforehand. Even the so-called heroic rescue was no accident—he knew in advance you would be in danger.”
She paused before adding cautiously, “As for the matter with Mr. Gu, it seems there was also deliberate interference…”
Ling Yin trailed off, her eyes catching the panic in Nanny Jiang’s expression. Filing the detail away, she refrained from continuing. The Cheng Princess, however, grew even paler. Worried she might collapse from the stress, Ling Yin surreptitiously pinched her arm under the guise of supporting her, making sure the gesture was conspicuous enough for the princess to notice.
“Your Highness, are you all right? Please don’t frighten this servant…”
The Cheng Princess, red-eyed, looked up to see Ling Yin blocking Nanny Jiang’s view. Her fingers tightened around Ling Yin’s sleeve, and understanding dawned. She closed her eyes and slumped into Ling Yin’s arms.
“Your Highness!”
Ling Yin feigned panic, while behind her, Nanny Jiang’s expression shifted drastically. “Your Highness!!”
=================
You can read ahead to chapterr 234 (100+ extra chapters) here
Comments
Post a Comment