Mistakenly Marked the Madly Beautiful Princess - Chapter 8

Whether this could be considered another form of wish fulfillment, Ling Yue was nearly scared to death.

How could this person be so ghostlike? Ling Yue felt that even after having died once, her own aura wasn’t as heavy with darkness as the other’s. While mentally complaining, she quickly reacted and tried to get off the bed to pay her respects. Unexpectedly, the other pressed her shoulder and pushed her down. The moment the back of her head made intimate contact with the bedboard, little stars danced before Ling Yue’s eyes.

The pain made her frown. Lifting her gaze, she saw the instigator still smiling cheerfully, and the distance between them seemed a bit too close. The room was warmed by a stove, so it wasn’t cold, but the other had come from the wind and snow, her fingers naturally chilled. Ling Yue wore only thin undergarments, and the cold from the other’s fingertips seeped through the fabric onto her shoulder.

Ling Yue turned her head to look at the hand resting on her shoulder. This seemed like a good topic to broach. The more dangerous the situation, the calmer Ling Yue became. Suppressing her initial fear, she lowered her gaze to show humility.

“Your Highness has come through the snow. Would you like some hot tea?”

Lu He, seeing her quick composure, felt a flicker of admiration in her eyes. She released her hand and sat sideways on the edge of Ling Yue’s bed, her gaze drifting toward the tea in the room.

Ling Ya had visited earlier, and Chun Tao had poured her a cup of tea. Now the tea had cooled. Lu He looked at the tea with disdain before carefully examining the room’s furnishings.

The furniture in the room was old, with even the table and stools showing signs of repair. The red paint on the windows and bed had peeled away, revealing the aged structure beneath.

Ling Fu truly didn’t care much for this daughter. Unfortunately, he had misjudged her.

Lu He remained silent, but this terrified Ling Yue. She kept speculating about Lu He’s intentions, only to add to her panic.

Memories of her past life swirled in her mind. After Lu Weiying began to covet the throne, although Ling Yue disagreed, she also felt the reigning emperor was too weak. In comparison, Lu Weiying was indeed stronger, so she gradually compromised and started planning everything for Lu Weiying.

The Eldest Princess soon detected Lu Weiying’s ambition and directly presented her with poisoned wine.

Ling Yue’s intuition had always been sharp. On the day the Eldest Princess bestowed the wine, her heart remained unsettled. Secretly, she scaled the palace walls and, risking her life, saved Lu Weiying. As she jumped from the wall, a sharp arrow whistled past her ear. Turning back in panic, she saw the Eldest Princess standing on the wall. The moonlight was cold, but not as cold as the chill in her eyes. In her hand was a bow, the string still vibrating.

A gentle breeze lifted the hem of her robe. She reached for another arrow from her quiver, nocked it, and aimed directly at Ling Yue’s head.

Ling Yue didn’t dare look again. She ran, searching for cover, but the arrow never came. Yet she didn’t dare turn back, only running forward for her life.

But now…

In her past life, their relationship had been like fire and water, to the point where Ling Yue’s nightmares were all about Lu He. She was constantly on guard, fearing for her life at any moment.

Who could have imagined that, not long into this life, she would end up in bed with the person she’d once fought to the death with?

Though, the other’s archery skills were truly poor every time, she missed, allowing Ling Yue to escape.

“So shabby.”

Lu He’s disdainful voice pulled Ling Yue back from her memories of the past life. With lowered eyes and a submissive demeanor, she replied, “My father is a frugal and honest official, and he expects the same of me.”

A sudden pain in her chin forced Ling Yue to look up at Lu He. Though the other woman was smiling, her eyes held no warmth. “I don’t like children who lie, much less court officials.”

The grip was forceful, as though Lu He intended to crush the bone beneath.

But this level of pain meant little to Ling Yue. She obediently pleaded, “Your Highness, please forgive me.”

She didn’t dare meet Lu He’s gaze directly, letting her eyes drift to the side instead. In doing so, she noticed suspicious marks on the other’s collarbone lingering red traces that hinted at the wildness of that night.

Normally, such marks would have been concealed, but they were too close, and Lu He’s movements too unrestrained, allowing them to fall into Ling Yue’s line of sight.

Before she could look for long, the grip on her chin abruptly vanished, and the back of her head knocked against the bedboard again. Fortunately, the bedding was soft, though the impact left her with a dizzying, unsettling sensation.

Before she could react, Lu He’s hand moved to her neck. The cold touch of the other’s fingers against her skin sent a shiver down Ling Yue’s spine, like a snake slithering over her. Once again, her life was in someone else’s hands. Alongside fear, anger simmered within her.

Having been given a second chance at life, she treasured it deeply. This time, she met Lu He’s gaze directly, her tone icy. “What does Your Highness mean by this?”

Two paths lay before her. The first was to leverage the Grand Princess’s appreciation for talent and the kingdom’s current instability to secure a chance at survival. That way, she wouldn’t have to flee endlessly and could protect those she cared about. The second path was to escape alone, living under a false name for the rest of her life but then, Spring Peach, Ling Ya, and others would face retaliation.

Ling Yue was nothing like the heartless Lu Weiying, yet the first path was treacherous. Lu He was an unpredictable madwoman; serving under her, one never knew when their head might roll.

Seeing Ling Yue reveal her edge, Lu He seemed pleased. Ling Yue’s anger meant nothing to her; she continued smiling as if seeing right through her. “That look in your eyes like I’m a madwoman. Are you angry?”

It wasn’t a question, but an expression of amusement.

In the end, Ling Yue composed herself, suppressing all emotion and lowering her gaze submissively. “No.”

Lu He tightened her grip slightly, and Ling Yue swallowed nervously.

“I said I hate it when people lie to me.”

“This subject understands.”

Lu He chuckled. “Then I’ll ask again are you angry?”

“Yes.”

The hand left her neck, and Ling Yue’s clenched fist beneath the covers slowly relaxed. Interacting with the Grand Princess always carried an unusual thrill, like swinging on a precipice one misstep, and she’d plummet.

“You dare be angry after what you did to me.”

The teasing remark stirred guilt in Ling Yue, though she hadn’t acted intentionally. Her lips quivered. “I’m sorry.”

The apology sounded utterly aggrieved, and Lu He found it amusing.

In truth, the circumstances had left Ling Yue no choice. Moreover, she noticed that her passion toxin seemed to have receded slightly just a little, but even that was something the charlatan physician hadn’t managed in over a decade.

Still, she wouldn’t hastily attribute this improvement to Ling Yue. She’d wait until the charlatan returned to confirm.

Ling Yue’s thoughts began to wander. She pondered how to appease the Grand Princess and frantically searched her memories of her past life, hoping to find something that might please the other.

Unfortunately, she found nothing. In her previous life, Lu He had always worn a cold expression, never once appearing happy.

Suddenly recalling the princess’s earlier words, she hesitated for a moment before asking directly, “Your Highness, what must I do to appease your anger?”

Lu He pretended to ponder, but her peripheral gaze was fixed on Ling Yue. Seeing the other’s expression grow increasingly anxious, she curved her lips into a smile. “Seven days from now, at the military examinations take first place and prove it to me.”

Ling Yue’s face paled. Previously, to conceal her true abilities, she hadn’t even registered for the exams. Wasn’t this a death sentence? Watching the princess about to leave, she didn’t even bother with her shoes, rushing over in a few steps to grab the hem of the other’s robe. “Your Highness! I never signed up.”

But in her haste, she failed to control her strength, and the princess’s outer garment slipped down a section. Under the moonlight, the marks on the other’s right shoulder appeared excessively intimate. Ling Yue stared at those chaotic traces, her face first flushing red before gradually losing all color.

She released her grip as if electrocuted, smoothly dropping to her knees. “I beg Your Highness’s forgiveness.”

Lu He couldn’t tell whether the girl was afraid of her or not. She pulled her clothes back up, her expression displeased, and without another word, leaped away, vanishing into the moonlight.

After waiting a long time without a response, Ling Yue mustered the courage to look up, only to find Ling Ya standing before her, her eyes burning with intense curiosity.

Ling Yue’s face darkened. “When did you get here?”

She should have noticed, but whenever she encountered the princess, she grew nervous, and in such a state, it was easy to overlook things.

Still kneeling, Ling Yue had forgotten to rise. Ling Ya crouched down curiously. “What gift did the princess bring you?”

The ground was freezing. Ling Yue stood up, brushing the snow off her knees, her expression grim. “A grand one.”

Ling Ya rose as well, determined to get to the bottom of it. “What kind of grand gift?”

Ling Yue paused in her motions.

If there was one thing most unusual about this rebirth, it was this person. In her previous life, they had barely interacted, yet in this life, the other had inexplicably latched onto her. A thought crossed Ling Yue’s mind. She feigned panic though her acting was somewhat clumsy, Ling Ya was naive enough to buy it.

Lowering her voice deliberately, she said, “Her Highness came to see me, but as we spoke, she” Ling Yue intentionally trailed off, her hesitant manner thoroughly piquing Ling Ya’s curiosity. If she didn’t get an answer today, she’d likely lose sleep over it.

Ling Ya held her breath, her intuition telling her that what she was about to hear would be a royal secret.

Seeing the bait taken, Ling Yue hesitated a moment longer before speaking, her voice dropping even lower. “Her Highness, it seems she intends to depose the Emperor.”

“That’s impossible! Her Highness just today instructed me to counsel the Emperor properly.”

Ling Yue carefully observed the other’s expression, but Ling Ya’s reaction seemed utterly sincere, unlikely to be feigned.

The moonlight was cool as water. After all the commotion, Ling Yue had finally calmed down. Remembering the storms of her past life, she sighed. “One cannot take the words of royalty at face value. You are too naive, sister.”

If she recalled correctly, in her previous life, the princess had indeed considered deposing the emperor and had even assessed Lu Weiying, who was in the cold palace at the time. But Lu Weiying wasn’t chosen, and in the days that followed, she would occasionally bring up the matter, clearly holding a grudge.

The past always brought a somber mood. Though Ling Yue’s words seemed directed at the princess, they were mostly aimed at Lu Weiying.

“Are you sad?” Ling Yue looked at Ling Ya, whose eyes held a faint trace of heartache, so close.

The wind outside was fierce. With Ling Ya’s delicate health, she shouldn’t stand out for long. It was unclear how she had even gotten here without a single maid accompanying her. If she caught a chill, Ling Fu would undoubtedly direct his fury at her.

Ling Yue wasn’t afraid of Ling Fu, but she didn’t want unnecessary trouble.

Thus, she coldly issued a dismissal: “It’s late, sister. You should go back.”

Ling Ya felt somewhat wronged but held it in. As she turned to leave, she was called back. Just as she began to feel a flicker of excitement, she heard the other say, “Matters concerning the royal family must be spoken of with caution. You must not speak of today’s events to anyone.”

“I know.”

After Ling Ya left, the eventful night finally came to an end. Ling Yue was utterly exhausted, both mentally and physically. She leaned against the doorframe and gazed at the moon.

In her past life, when Ling Ya died, the Chang Gongzhu’s intention to depose the emperor was already out in the open. If Ling Ya had been reborn, she wouldn’t have been so shocked unless she was hiding her emotions. But from what Ling Yue could see, Ling Ya seemed genuinely astonished.

There was no need to elaborate on this lie; Ling Ya would keep it to herself. Ling Yue had carefully observed her surroundings, and there was no one else around.

Drowsiness washed over her, and Ling Yue yawned, deciding to sleep first. Only then did she feel the cold after all, she had rushed out barefoot in her haste, without even throwing on a robe.

Using her inner energy to dispel the chill, Ling Yue lifted the covers and sat down, but suddenly a thought struck her.

On such a bitterly cold, snowy day, the Chang Gongzhu seemed to be dressed rather lightly. If she had worn thicker clothes, that awkward incident of her clothes tearing wouldn’t have happened.

“Why am I thinking of her again? Stop it. Time to sleep.”

Pulling up the covers, Ling Yue slowly closed her eyes. She dreamed again, of that same tomb and the person whose face remained unclear. A melodious flute melody began to play, and for a while, Ling Yue forgot the heaviness of reality and the heart-wrenching pain of her past life.

In the dream, she fell asleep leaning against her own tombstone. Half-asleep, she felt someone gently stroking her face.

She slept soundly that night, but it was a different story for Ling Ya. She lay awake until dawn, and when she saw her haggard reflection in the bronze mirror while washing up, she couldn’t help but smile wryly.

After freshening up, she stared at the pass token in her hand, her thoughts wandering. One moment, she recalled the Chang Gongzhu’s gentle demeanor; the next, she thought of her younger sister’s sometimes muddled, sometimes sharp-witted nature. Forget the royal family even her own sister didn’t seem like someone to be trifled with.

After wrestling with her thoughts for a while, she decided to go to the palace. Staying at home would only bore her.

She always entered the palace accompanied by Auntie Qiu Ling, and this time was no different. However, the previous time, the Chang Gongzhu had been present; this time, she would be facing the emperor alone.

The emperor remained in his bedchamber, and upon seeing Ling Ya enter, he couldn’t conceal his disgust.

“Leave.”

Auntie Qiu Ling wanted to persuade him further, but seeing the emperor’s impatience, she sighed helplessly. “Miss Ling, come with me.”

Ling Ya’s slight sympathy for the emperor vanished instantly after being rebuffed, though she didn’t dare show it. Just before leaving, she stole a glance at the emperor, who was reading a book, and caught sight of the title.

The title seemed rather improper.

Following Auntie Qiu Ling out, they stopped not far from the palace gates.

“This servant will take her leave here. Please forgive me, miss.”

Since it wasn’t far, Ling Ya didn’t mind. She was very understanding and smiled. “Auntie, please go ahead with your duties.”

Auntie Qiu Ling found herself growing fonder of Ling Ya the more she looked at her. It was a pity the emperor was so resistant. With a heart full of regret, she departed, unaware that after she left, another person approached Ling Ya.

Ling Ya frowned as she watched Lu Weiying approach and respectfully bowed. “Your Highness.”

For some reason, Ling Ya felt the other’s gaze upon her was rather peculiar.

Before the princess could speak, Ling Ya said, “I have urgent matters to attend to and must take my leave.”

With that, she turned and walked away as if fleeing from a ferocious beast.

Lu Weiying’s intended words were left unspoken. She reached out a hand only to let it drop, her eyes filled with resentment.

Unseen from above, Lu He observed her every move.

Qiu Ling watched Lu He’s back with unease. She knew the Grand Princess was harboring other intentions, but her own heart leaned in a different direction, she did not wish to see the Grand Princess depose the emperor.

Suppressing her fear, Qiu Ling mustered the courage to ask, “What does Your Highness think of the Fifth Princess?”

Lu He glanced back at her and calmly warned, “Qiu Ling, you’re asking too many questions.”

Qiu Ling’s legs nearly gave way, but a strong hand gripped her arm, preventing her from falling.

She heard the Grand Princess’s voice, tinged with an elusive smile. “This is the last time.”

Leaning on Lu He’s support, Qiu Ling stood up, feeling as if all strength had left her body. “This servant understands.”

Lu He released her and continued to observe.

After a moment, she suddenly clicked her tongue and muttered to herself, “Why do I find her so detestable at first glance?”

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