Mistakenly Marked the Madly Beautiful Princess - Chapter 64

Ling Yue had been awake all along. The sudden tightening grip on her hand made her realize that the Eldest Princess had woken up. The other woman was drenched in sweat clearly, she had had a terrible dream. Ling Yue reached out to wipe the sweat from her forehead and couldn’t help but say with concern, “Did you have another nightmare?”

The Eldest Princess sat up. She didn’t deny it, nodding slightly as she gently massaged her temples. The dream had left her feeling somewhat guilty toward Qing Niao. Although Qing Niao in this lifetime was a bit frivolous, upon reflection, it might just be a sign of her happiness.

Ling Yue helped the Eldest Princess out of bed. There wasn’t a single attendant in the room, so Ling Yue had to take matters into her own hands, helping the princess get dressed. Once finished, she asked, “Shall I bring the memorials from the Hall of Mental Cultivation?”

“No need. I’ll rest today.”

Ling Yue was pleased to see the princess willing to relax and couldn’t resist speaking favorably of the emperor: “Your Highness, the emperor was raised under your guidance. You can truly rest assured.”

The Eldest Princess understood this well. She knew the emperor had an inherently kind nature, but every word and action from the throne affected the interests and sometimes even the lives of many. It was only natural for her to hesitate when making decisions. However, such an emperor was ill-suited for turbulent times.

Yet, from the current situation, it seemed the world wouldn’t descend into chaos anytime soon.

In that case, it was best to focus on strengthening the military. If they could become so powerful that the neighboring kingdoms could only look up to them in awe, then even if the emperor was a bit too benevolent, it wouldn’t matter. Besides, the emperor’s kindness stood in stark contrast to her own ruthlessness.

Ultimately, having something to cherish made the Eldest Princess start caring about her health and learning to let go appropriately.

From the day she truly took power, she had never imagined such a day would come. Life truly was an unpredictable journey, one never knew what they would encounter along the way or how it might change them.

However, Ling Yue seemed to hold the emperor in high regard. The Eldest Princess remembered that this hadn’t been the case initially.

This thought bothered her. After sitting down, she asked, “I recall when I first mentioned deposing the emperor, you said Lu Weiying was no match for my younger sister. It seems you hold her in high esteem~”

Ling Yue felt there was something odd about the other’s tone, reminiscent of the way Wen Yuanyuan would speak when she was angry and ignoring Wang Lan in their previous life. Back then, someone in the military camp had been infatuated with Wang Lan, causing Wen Yuanyuan to frequently become jealous. When upset, she would resort to sarcasm: “Oh, yes, yes, yes, I’m being unreasonable. As the daughter of a merchant, I’m not worthy of you~”

Though the content was different, the undertone felt strangely similar. Ling Yue pondered this but dismissed it as overthinking. The Eldest Princess from their previous life might have had feelings for her, but this was a new lifetime. Now, their relationship was purely based on interests, with only a hint of mutual appreciation.

Besides, even if she didn’t hold the emperor in high regard, there were only two people with the surname Lu left, weren’t there? And the Eldest Princess didn’t seem interested in the throne herself.

Ling Yue explained, “The emperor cares for her people as if they were her own children. She is truly a good ruler. This isn’t out of personal bias but an objective assessment based on facts.”

Her expression was so frank and open that it made the Eldest Princess, Lu Hao, seem petty and narrow-minded in comparison.

Afraid that the princess might bring up the topic again, Ling Yue quickly changed the subject and began discussing the events that had transpired at court that day.

She smiled and said, “Today at court, someone advised His Majesty to expand the harem. After hearing it, His Majesty flicked his sleeve and left.”

The Princess raised an eyebrow, seemingly very interested in the matter. She leaned in slightly, looking curious. “And then?”

There was no “and then.” Ling Yue didn’t dare say that His Majesty then returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to read forbidden books, did she? If she did, the Emperor would look at her with suspicion from then on.

Ling Yue had a vivid imagination. She couldn’t help but picture the scene as if it had already happened, His Majesty preparing to tear her apart with his gaze.

No, Your Majesty! Your Majesty, I am a loyal subject!

Ling Yue was lost in her own little drama, her expression shifting uncontrollably. Across from her, the Princess propped her chin on her hand, watching with great interest, and couldn’t resist asking, “What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing, Your Highness. I just think His Majesty should indeed consider marriage.”

The Princess already had someone in mind. She couldn’t help but give Ling Yue a deep look. Seeing the other’s innocent expression, she felt both amused and sorrowful. If Ling Yue had a different temperament, how could she have been deceived so badly? But it was fine for her to remain innocent. In her previous life, perhaps due to her own poor health, she couldn’t protect Ling Yue. But in this life, her health was steadily improving. She could let Ling Yue remain as innocent as she was, while she, the Princess, would bear all the darkness alone.

She had originally thought the grave in her dream was Lu Ai’s, surprised that she could love her royal sister so deeply. But it wasn’t Lu Ai’s grave, it was Ling Yue’s.

That made everything make perfect sense.

Though a grave was never a good thing, the Princess would rather it belong to her enemy, so she could shed hypocritical tears there.

Ling Yue ran through all the noble ladies she knew from her past and present lives, but those she was acquainted with were either already spoken for or too strong-willed. After all, she often dealt with the battlefield and knew people from there. She couldn’t think of a single suitable candidate.

Suddenly, an idea struck her, and Ling Yue thought of her own sister. Her expression instantly turned complicated.

Her sister had a gentle temperament, but she had been frail since childhood, recuperating in the mountains and rarely seeing anyone. She was somewhat naive. Would she be bullied in the future? Ling Yue was deeply troubled. Though she was the younger sister, she felt more like Ling Ya’s mother, having to think everything through carefully for her.

Seeing Ling Yue lost in thought again, the Princess felt neglected and couldn’t help but feel a bit displeased. She spoke up, “Since you care so much, do you have anyone in mind, General?”

Ling Yue hesitated to say. Matters of the royal family were too complicated. She was afraid her sister would get hurt. In her previous life, her sister’s life had been so short. Now that it was finally heading in a better direction, she couldn’t let her walk down a path of no return.

“I have no one in mind, Your Highness.”

The Princess could tell at a glance whether she was lying, but her tolerance for Ling Yue was growing, allowing this small insincerity.

Seeing the Princess leisurely sipping her tea, Ling Yue thought of the pained expression on her face while she slept. It was a pity she hadn’t brought the sachet with her today. She was used to nightmares and could endure them, or at least bear with them. It would be better to return the sachet to the Princess.

Thinking that the pill might have been prepared by the Princess for her, Ling Yue felt a warmth in her heart.

“Why are you staring at me?”

The Princess tapped Ling Yue’s head playfully, her touch so light it was barely felt.

Gazing at the princess’s smile, Ling Yue was momentarily dazed. Realizing her lapse in composure, she lowered her eyes and said softly, “I just feel that Your Highness treats me very well.”

Unlike her previous life, the princess in this lifetime was always smiling. Though sometimes it wasn’t genuine, it was still far better than how she had been before. If the princess from her past life could see this version of herself, she would surely be astonished but such thoughts were merely fleeting fancies.

Ling Yue realized she often dwelled on strange musings. Setting aside the princess for a moment, hadn’t her own past life been equally devoid of joy? Whenever she felt happiness, it would abruptly vanish when she least expected it. Those who brought her joy would smile one moment and be gone forever the next. Thus, she had never truly known lasting contentment.

Keeping herself busy was one way to numb the pain, a habit Ling Yue had long adhered to.

If her past self were to meet her present self, the first reaction would likely be envy.

Ling Yue found this thought somewhat foolish. Whether in her past life or this one, she was still Ling Yue.

However, now that she had decided to return the sachet to the princess, Ling Yue resolved to retrieve it personally. She could have sent someone else, but matters concerning the princess always made her wary of mishaps.

After a moment’s thought, she said to the princess, “I left something at my residence. May I have Your Highness’s permission to retrieve it? I will return as soon as I have it.”

The princess seemed reluctant but, seeing Ling Yue’s urgency, relented. “Go ahead, but remember to return soon.”

A familiar sense of déjà vu washed over her, this was reminiscent of the exchanges between Wen Yuanyuan and Wang Lan in her past life, words often spoken when they parted. Wang Lan was usually the one leaving, so Ling Yue had grown accustomed to hearing Wen Yuanyuan say those very words.

Suppressing the turmoil in her heart, Ling Yue feared that dwelling on it would lead her to misinterpret their relationship.

Steeling herself, she said, “I take my leave.”

As Ling Yue’s figure receded into the distance, the princess grew weary of these repeated separations. Standing at the doorway, her smile faded.

Qing Niao emerged from the side hall, grinning at the princess. “If you like her, just say so. No one will laugh at you.”

The princess shot her a sidelong glance and retorted coldly, “Are you not human?”

After a moment’s reflection, Qing Niao protested, “Hey! I’m not mocking you, I’m genuinely happy for you!”

The princess fell silent. Her mood was already irritable; under normal circumstances, she would have teased Qing Niao, but now was not the time.

Instead of responding, she gazed at the sparse scenery in the courtyard and asked impulsively, “What do you think about planting the entire courtyard with roses?”

Qing Niao was puzzled by the sudden suggestion but, considering practicality, advised, “It’s too close to your bedchamber won’t it attract mosquitoes? Or are you trying to lure butterflies and bees?”

The princess felt her temper flare but restrained herself. “A dog’s mouth doesn’t spit out ivory.”

Qing Niao showed no offense at the insult. Compared to the princess’s usual demeanor, the fact that she hadn’t resorted to physical force was already remarkably gentle which in itself felt abnormal.

Growing concerned, Qing Niao reached out to check the princess’s pulse. “Has your brain gone soft? Let this divine physician take a look!”

The princess dodged her hand, finally losing patience. “Qing Niao.”

As if struck by a immobilizing spell, Qing Niao immediately stilled but couldn’t resist muttering, “So fierce.”

The princess studied her, recalling events from her dreams, and decided to let it go.

Yet she herself did not know what she wanted to do. Perhaps she simply wanted to stand here, waiting for Ling Yue to return.

The Blue Bird stayed by her side, watching her stand motionless and unable to hold back a sigh.

Just like in her past life, the Eldest Princess often stood silently at a high place, watching Ling Yue depart. Most of the time, she never received a glance back from the other. But this life was different, she was still waiting, yet this time, she was waiting for that person’s return.

Finally, that person appeared in her world, running from afar and stopping before her, no longer harboring hostility.

She pressed a sachet containing medicinal pills into the Eldest Princess’s hand, her sweat-covered face wearing a smile as she said, “Your Highness, may you sleep well tonight.”

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