Mistakenly Marked the Madly Beautiful Princess - Chapter 7

Lu Weiying sat on the bed in a daze. After being treated by the imperial physician, she had recovered without any major issues. The palace maids who often bullied her had been replaced, and not only that, she could now come and go from the Cold Palace as she pleased.

Lu Weiying pondered for a long time. When she regained consciousness that day, she had seen Ling Ya with Qiuling, who was by the emperor’s side. Could it be that Ling Ya had taken pity on her and deliberately pleaded with Qiuling on her behalf?

At this thought, her anxious heart warmed slightly.

Only after calming down did she begin to reflect on the events of that day. Ling Yue had clearly followed her but ended up being drawn elsewhere as if by something, leaving her goal unaccomplished and earning herself a beating for nothing.

Enraged, she slammed her fist on the table, causing the teapot to jump. The lid clattered against the pot with a crisp sound.

“How infuriating.”

Once she had vented her anger, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, suddenly remembering Ling Ya again.

If her feelings for Ling Yue were merely utilitarian, her feelings for Ling Ya were love at first sight. In her previous life, after Ling Yue had saved her, she had sneaked out once more. Behind a tree, she had found a hairpin, and at that time, Ling Ya had been searching for it.

Just one glance from behind the tree had left her longing for the rest of her life.

Since she had been reborn, why must she follow the same path as her previous life? Both Ling Ya and Ling Yue were daughters of the Ling family, and Ling Ya, being the legitimate daughter and deeply favored, was undoubtedly a better match than Ling Yue in every way.

As for Ling Yue, that person was dull and uninteresting, prone to jealousy, and of lowly birth as a concubine’s daughter. No matter how one looked at it, she was unworthy of the position of empress. It would be better to make use of her talents and, once the court situation stabilized, strip her of her power and relegate her to the role of an idle general.

Lost in her fantasies of a better future, Lu Weiying couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

“What’s so amusing?”

Lu Weiying’s laughter abruptly ceased. She turned her head toward the door and saw the Eldest Princess leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed, watching her with a faint, mocking smile.

That familiar face stirred up unpleasant memories, and fear robbed her of her voice, leaving her almost breathless.

Ling Ya peeked out from behind the Eldest Princess, glanced inside with a hint of disgust, and quickly withdrew.

The Eldest Princess had already clarified the events of that day. On the day they entered the palace, it was this Fifth Princess who had led her younger sister to the Cold Palace. Though she didn’t know what the other party was scheming, recalling what her sister had told her, she was convinced that this one was not as innocent as she seemed.

What surprised her was that the Eldest Princess had taken the time to explain things to her. It seemed that the rumors circulating outside were somewhat exaggerated, the Eldest Princess was actually quite kind.

Ling Ya was especially happy. She wanted to return immediately to comfort her sister and tell her that the Eldest Princess was, in fact, very gentle.

Lu Ha cast a disdainful glance around the room before her eyes finally settled back on Lu Weiying. Though she had a fierce reputation, such extreme fear was somewhat abnormal.

Mentally noting this peculiarity, Lu Ha felt a wave of inexplicable disgust rise within her.

She had come this time merely to issue a warning. Straightening up, she brushed the dust from her sleeves and cautioned, “Back then, you were young. But you’re not young anymore now. Understand?”

Sweat soaked through the clothes on her back. In the midst of her overwhelming fear, Lu Weiying finally found her voice. “I understand.”

Suppressing her disgust, Lu Ha turned away. “As long as you understand.”

Before leaving, Ling Ya glanced back once more. This time, her gaze met Lu Weiying’s directly. Out of politeness, she lowered her eyes to avoid the contact, then turned and disappeared along with Lu Ha.

After they left, Lu Weiying’s entire body went limp, cold sweat trickling down from her temples. She gasped for breath heavily, like a drowning person finally reaching shore.

Her mouth was dry and parched. With great difficulty, Lu Weiying swallowed, reaching for the teapot. But her hands trembled too violently; with a sudden loss of strength, the teapot fell to the ground and shattered into pieces. Staring at the broken shards of porcelain, Lu Weiying let out a sharp scream.

She covered her ears and crouched on the floor, screaming, “Ah!!!”

The pure white porcelain shards before her eyes seemed to grow flesh and blood, gradually taking on the shape of hands and feet. Terrified, she scrambled backward, eventually crawling away without any regard for her dignity.

A howling cold wind blew open the tightly shut doors and windows with a loud bang.

Lu Weiying was startled once again. After a moment, she opened her eyes to find no writhing flesh before her only fluttering curtains and the white porcelain shards scattered across the floor.

Realizing it was all a hallucination, Lu Weiying finally calmed down. Leaning against a pillar, she slowly stood up, repeating to herself, “It’s just an illusion, don’t be afraid. In this life, just spare Ling Yue’s life.”

The constant self-reassurance had an effect; Lu Weiying’s legs stopped trembling. She silently returned to her original seat, not rushing to clean up the mess.

She was utterly perplexed.

In her previous life, she had executed Ling Yue and pinned the crime of poisoning a meritorious official on the remaining members of the Ling family, claiming they had acted out of resentment toward Ling Yue. In this way, she smoothly eliminated Ling Yue and her faction, reclaiming all military power.

Just when she thought her position was secure and she could rest easy, her aunt returned.

After Ling Yue helped her ascend the throne, Lu He had suddenly vanished. Her absence lasted nine years so long that Lu Weiying had forgotten the terror this aunt inspired. Overly confident, she sat on the dragon throne and taunted, “Has Aunt returned to offer me your head?”

Lu He merely looked at her with that heartbroken gaze she still remembered.

Despite all her efforts over the years, Lu He had effortlessly dragged her down from the divine altar, turning her from a lofty emperor into a ragged prisoner. She could only watch as her limbs were severed, struggling helplessly.

The nightmare-like scene replayed in her mind. Lu Weiying could only hold herself tightly, murmuring distractedly, “Why? They were supposed to be mortal enemies. Why?”

Unfortunately, no one could answer her question. Only the former princess regent knew the answer, but that past life was like an illusion, no matter how much she pondered, it remained as elusive as viewing flowers through fog.

The farther they got from the cold palace, the better the princess regent’s mood became. She frowned slightly but didn’t dwell on the matter.

Ling Ya followed obediently behind Lu He, not making a sound, her demeanor quite endearing.

Lu He understood the other’s physical condition, but she had a way to resolve the issue. By nature, even if the young emperor disagreed, she would have forced her to marry Ling Ya. However, considering how much Ling Fu and Ling Yue seemed to care for Ling Ya.

Given the tense situation, now was not the time for drastic measures.

With countless thoughts swirling in her mind, the princess regent said kindly, “May I call you Xiao Ya?”

Ling Ya’s pupils trembled slightly. She thought she had misheard, but upon closer confirmation, it all felt real. Somewhat flustered, she lowered her head and replied, “Of course, Your Highness may do as you wish.”

Taking in Ling Ya’s reaction, Lu He found it amusing. She thought to herself that despite Ling Fu being so cunning, the daughters he raised were surprisingly naive, a rare trait indeed.

She hadn’t forgotten her purpose and let out a long sigh. “The Emperor ascended the throne at a young age and has no confidants by her side. It’s only natural for her to become withdrawn. Hearing that you’ve come down from the mountain, I thought of General Ling’s strict family upbringing, which surely produced an exceptional daughter. Since you’re close in age to her, I must ask you to visit the palace often and guide her.”

Ling Ya felt immense pressure. Her, guiding the Emperor?

She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was some scheme at play and was about to politely decline when the Princess sighed again. “I believe you’re the only one who can do this.”

Ling Ya swallowed her refusal and put on a serious expression. “Your Highness places such trust in me; I will spare no effort!”

Lu He smiled, her gaze lingering on Ling Ya’s face as she recalled Ling Yue, who was hiding like an ostrich back at the estate. Her smile deepened. “I didn’t mean to frighten your younger sister. Please convey a message to her for me: the rumors outside are not to be believed. When I visit her someday, I’ll ask what little gift she would like.”

Ling Ya, captivated by Lu He’s gentle smile, couldn’t help but lament how deceptive rumors could be.

She nodded solemnly. “I will certainly relay Your Highness’s words.”

As they walked and talked, Ling Ya, initially reserved, gradually warmed to Lu He’s approachability and began to speak more freely.

Having spent years on the mountain, her nature was simple and guileless. In just a few words, she laid bare her family background to Lu He.

From her, Lu He gleaned some additional information, though very little about Ling Yue. She only learned that Ling Yue had been unruly as a child, prone to wandering off, but no one paid much attention to her whereabouts since she always returned on her own after straying too far.

“I heard about that on the mountain too she disappeared for an entire night once.”

Lu He’s eyes flickered slightly as she smiled. “What a troublesome child.”

Soon, they reached the palace gates. Ling Ya, having not spoken with anyone for so long in a while, felt reluctant to part, but it was late, and her family would worry if she didn’t return.

Seeing her hesitation, Lu He said softly, “Go on.”

“Your servant takes her leave.”

Ling Ya boarded the carriage and headed back toward the General’s estate.

Upon arriving home, Ling Ya immediately sought out Ling Yue, pulling her out from under the covers to share the good news.

“Don’t be afraid, little sister. The Princess is very gentle. She heard she frightened you and even said she’d come to visit and ask what gift you’d like.”

Ling Yue’s half-closed eyes snapped wide open.

Everyone knew there was only one Princess in the court, but the Princess was gentle? And she wanted to bring her a gift?

Heavens! Please don’t come! Just forget about someone like Ling Yue!

Ling Yue’s face turned ashen. Staring at her excited older sister, she wearily murmured, “Sister, I’m tired and want to rest.”

Sensing her sister’s unusual state, Ling Ya could only reluctantly hold her tongue. “Then rest. I’ll return to my room.”

After Ling Ya left, Ling Yue burrowed back under the covers. The darkness brought her a sliver of comfort, but it was only temporary.

Ling Yue thought to herself that the Princess was surely busy with state affairs, and her own matters were too trivial for the Princess to bother with so soon.

She breathed a sigh of relief and, huddled under the quilt, tried to bolster her own courage. “It’s just the Princess! No need to be afraid!”

Unbeknownst to her, a figure stood at Ling Yue’s door, dressed in white under the moonlight, a faint smile gracing their lips.

Lu He gazed at the small lump on the other’s bed, knowing she must have curled into a tight ball. From that bundle came a feeble attempt at a brave voice, utterly lacking in confidence.

Lu He found it increasingly amusing.

She walked over and gently pulled back the other’s blanket. Meeting Ling Yue’s incredulous gaze, she curved her lips into a smile. “The moonlight is beautiful, isn’t it?”

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