Mistakenly Marked the Madly Beautiful Princess - Chapter 13

From the moment they met, Ling Yue had never been able to comprehend the other party. Even after a lifetime, she still couldn’t see through her.

The force pressing down on her weapon was immense, making it strenuous to resist. It was clear her opponent was fighting in earnest, if Ling Yue didn’t give her all, she might truly be killed.

With a sharp crack, the Eldest Princess’s smile widened as fissures spread across the spear shaft.

Ling Yue dared not let her focus waver. She pushed her opponent back with all her strength, but before she could prepare for the next move, another attack was already upon her.

Lu He held nothing back, each strike aimed to kill. Faced with such relentless assaults, Ling Yue could only defend passively.

The duel soon spilled beyond the arena. Ling Yue stumbled and fell from the platform, but Lu He pursued without hesitation.

Ling Yue rolled aside just as the sword tip grazed her cheek fortunately, leaving no injury.

On the platform, Wang Lan watched in stunned silence. Staggering to the edge, she trembled as she witnessed the life-and-death struggle below. The lethal techniques on display shook her to the core.

She had only wanted a rematch out of frustration, never expecting such an outcome.

The Eldest Princess was notorious for her madness and obsession. Today, it seemed Ling Yue might not leave alive.

Wang Lan’s face paled, partly from blood loss and partly from guilt.

Initially, Ling Yue managed to hold her ground, but before long, her weapon shattered under the strain. As the blade descended toward her shoulder, she braced for injury.

Yet, at the last moment, the Eldest Princess withdrew her sword and switched to a kick, sending Ling Yue tumbling across the ground.

“Cough, cough, cough!”

Clutching the broken spear, Ling Yue used it to steady herself as she rose. During this time, the Eldest Princess made no move.

The crowd fell into dead silence, all eyes fixed on the two combatants. The other contestants faded into insignificance.

Most had underestimated the Ling family’s second daughter, knowing only that her father, Ling Fu, neglected her. Whenever seen, she kept her head down, appearing timid and submissive.

Even her impressive performance in archery and horsemanship had only elicited mild surprise after all, as Ling Fu’s daughter, some skill was expected.

But now, they were truly astonished. Ling Yue, armed with inferior equipment, was trading blows with the Eldest Princess. Though outmatched, she was holding her own against a legend, a woman who had single-handedly slaughtered an entire bandit stronghold of a hundred men, emerging unscathed from a river of blood.

What a pity, they thought. With the Eldest Princess serious, Ling Yue’s end was near.

Wiping blood from her lips, Ling Yue recoiled at the familiar, metallic taste. Her right hand trembled around the broken spear as fury and fear surged within her. She met the Eldest Princess’s gaze squarely. “Is this still not enough to prove myself to Your Highness?”

Seeing her resolve, Lu He only grew more exhilarated. Raising her sword, she smiled. “Then prove it to me.”

Ling Yue sighed softly and shifted the broken spear from her right hand to her left.

Spectators murmured in confusion some thought fear had driven her mad, others guessed her right hand was injured. Every theory pointed to her disadvantage.

But only Ling Yue knew: she was simply ready to take this duel more seriously.

Though her weapon was broken, the segment with the spearhead remained long enough to be effective. The impact was minimal.

Ling Yue’s expression shifted, as if she had returned to her former confident and spirited self. She spoke calmly, “Then I ask Your Highness to enlighten me.”

A flicker of admiration passed through Lu He’s eyes, accompanied by a sense of pressure she hadn’t felt in a long time, which only excited her more.

Instantly, the arena was filled with the clashing of metal as the two engaged in a fierce exchange, neither holding back in their attacks.

Wang Lan, the closest spectator, watched the back-and-forth battle and suddenly understood something.

Ling Yue was actually left-handed, yet she had used her right hand in the previous match, a clear concession.

Wang Lan was furious but also inwardly acknowledged Ling Yue’s skill. Her anger stemmed from the feeling that Ling Yue hadn’t taken her seriously as an opponent.

In her past life, Ling Yue had faced the Grand Princess numerous times, but most encounters ended in her fleeing for her life. Opportunities for a fair, head-on confrontation like this were rare.

Truth be told, she still couldn’t win.

At this thought, she couldn’t help but smile bitterly. But survival was paramount now having been given a second chance at life, she couldn’t die without changing anything.

Gritting her teeth, she decided to endure a desperate strike. As the sword was about to descend, she didn’t block it but instead snapped her spear shaft and thrust forward.

Just as it seemed both would be severely wounded, Lu He showed no fear her excitement nearly overflowing.

The crowd held their breath, and some of the more timid spectators closed their eyes, unable to watch.

But the expected outcome didn’t occur. Ling Yue had underestimated Lu He, who, in the critical moment, dropped her sword and struck Ling Yue’s wrist.

Ling Yue cried out in pain, and the broken spear fell from her grasp. But the momentum in her steps didn’t cease, and she stumbled straight into the Grand Princess’s arms.

The elegant scent of plum blossoms lingered at her nose, and a wave of immense disappointment washed over her. Ling Yue’s legs weakened, threatening to give way, but a hand settled at her waist, holding her steady.

The killing intent in the arena vanished completely. She heard Lu He chuckle softly, “It’s not yet time to sleep.”

Ling Yue stiffened and struggled to push the other away, but the hand at her waist held her firmly like a chain.

Exasperated, she gave up resisting. Seeing that the Grand Princess made no further moves, it seemed the match was over.

Hesitantly, she looked up to find the other’s face so close that a slight lean forward would bring their lips together.

Ling Yue gazed at the other’s smile, then lowered her head. “I’ve lost. I am at Your Highness’s mercy.”

Of course, this was merely a polite formality Ling Yue still very much wanted to live.

In the ensuing silence, she occasionally stole glances at Lu He’s expression.

Then she felt a familiar warmth on her neck, just like that night Lu He’s hand resting there.

Ling Yue clenched her teeth inwardly but realized there was no suffocating pressure, only a stinging itch.

“You’re injured.”

There was a small, barely noticeable cut on the side of Ling Yue’s neck so minor she hadn’t even felt it until Lu He mentioned it.

Ling Yue reached up to touch it but brushed against Lu He’s fingers instead. They were cold, unnaturally so.

She quickly withdrew her hand and apologized with concern, “I’m sorry.”

But her apology went unanswered. When she looked up, she saw her own reflection in those cool, detached eyes. For a moment, Ling Yue thought she saw pity in them.

The thought made her laugh at herself inwardly.

Lu He could appreciate her, use her, or persecute her but feeling pity for her was out of the question.

Ling Yue quickly dismissed her fanciful thoughts, yet she couldn’t help feeling that their embrace in front of everyone was highly improper.

Summoning her courage, she softly called out, “Your Highness.”

The arm around her waist finally loosened, and Ling Yue regained her freedom. Her hands were still trembling, this life seemed far more intense than the last.

Lu He glanced at her, then at the spear broken into three pieces on the ground. With an enigmatic smile, she walked over to Wang Lan.

The arrogant Wang Lan knelt shakily, not daring to lift her head.

Lu He looked down at her and said coldly, “I believe she deserves to be the champion. Do you have any objections?”

Wang Lan kept her head lowered, avoiding eye contact, but she felt an overwhelming pressure. Not only did she not dare to object, but judging from the earlier match, if she had been the one fighting, she wouldn’t have lasted halfway before collapsing.

“I have no objections, Your Highness.”

Lu He was satisfied with her compliance. She then scanned the crowd and raised her voice, “Does anyone else disagree?”

“Long live the Princess’s wisdom!”

Someone started the chant, and soon the entire crowd echoed the phrase.

Lu He raised her right hand, and the voices instantly fell silent.

Ling Yue watched her retreating figure with a sigh. Heaven had been excessively generous to this woman bestowing her with peerless beauty, supreme authority, and extraordinary talent.

A wave of insecurity washed over Ling Yue, but she shook her head to adjust her mindset.

In her previous life, she had sided with the wrong person and opposed the Princess. But upon reflection, many of the Princess’s decisions had been correct, only excessively ruthless.

Then again, perhaps it was Ling Yue who had been mistaken.

Unaware of Ling Yue’s shifting thoughts, Lu He announced the final result, “Then, the martial champion of this event is Ling Yue.”

All eyes turned to Ling Yue. Previously, no one had paid her much attention, but now she accepted the outcome with unwavering composure.

Lu He turned and met her gaze, then approached and patted her shoulder. “This time is an exception. In the future, there’s no need to risk your life for me.”

As Lu He prepared to leave, Ling Yue called out and asked, “Your Highness, do you approve of me now?”

Perhaps finding the question amusing, Lu He shook her head without looking back. “I’ve approved of you from the very beginning.”

Ling Yue’s heart skipped a beat. She stood in silence, watching the retreating figure until it disappeared.

On her way back, Ling Yue was lost in thought, letting her horse carry her home.

“Ling! Stop right there!”

Amid the rapid hoofbeats, Wang Lan’s furious shout echoed. Soon, Wang Lan blocked Ling Yue’s path.

Her injuries hadn’t yet healed, but she had mustered enough strength to chase after Ling Yue. Her eyes were wide with rage.

Ling Yue felt concerned Wang Lan needed rest. But before she could speak, Wang Lan lifted her chin, practically glaring down her nose.

Still, her tone was slightly better than before more accusatory than mocking.

“Why did you hide your abilities?”

Ling Yue smiled bitterly. “There are many reasons.”

Wang Lan scoffed. “With skills like yours, you chose to hide? In these troubled times, you only cared about yourself. If not for the Princess, would you have hidden forever?”

Ling Yue remained silent. She had indeed considered it.

Without waiting for a reply, Wang Lan cracked her whip and vanished down the road.

Ling Yue shook her head and chuckled. “Some people never change.”

In her previous life, Wang Lan rode away on horseback and never returned, but Ling Yue knew that this time they would meet again.

With this thought, her mood lifted considerably. She decided to change her mindset continuing to be a general wasn’t so bad after all.

As for starting a family, she might as well forget about it.

For some reason, the face of the eldest princess kept flickering in her mind, and she quickly shook it off.

Rubbing her forehead, she laughed at herself inwardly: “My courage has grown, daring to fantasize about anyone now.”

She muttered to herself, “Ling Yue, don’t push your luck. A ruler and a subject are just that nothing more.”

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