The Abused Novel Heroine Became a Clingy Sweetheart [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 40.1

The first time I met Song Yaozi was in the winter of the fifteenth year of Ningjing.

The heavy snow fluttered and swirled, blurring the vision until nothing could be seen clearly.

You Ting stood under the eaves, her gaze falling upon the red plum forest in the courtyard that had just begun to bloom.

Not far away, someone happened to be approaching from within the forest, coming from a distance.

That person wore a cloak of crimson woven brocade trimmed with fur, appearing even more vivid than the plum blossoms on the branches.

But her countenance was pale.

Under the brim of her hood, a delicate and sickly face was partially revealed.

Her chin was slender and pointed, her red lips thin and light, and her skin was excessively porcelain-white, like the faint halo of a new moon.

The palace attendants followed half a step behind her holding umbrellas. Upon meeting You Ting’s gaze, they all paused together and bowed in greeting.

The snow was falling too heavily, making it difficult for You Ting to see the expression on Song Yaozi’s face clearly.

She only remembered the white snow drifting and dancing, landing on the other’s shoulders.

In those eyes of a slightly lighter hue, however, there seemed to be dark flames burning with a quiet intensity.

The eighteenth year of Ningjing.

The palace held a grand banquet to welcome the Third Prince, He Zhige, back from his military expedition.

The current Emperor was aging, and his sons’ wings were gradually becoming full; they had reached the age where they could vie for the position of Crown Prince.

Among them, several held the highest chances of success.

The Third Prince, He Zhige, was precisely one of them.

He did not have a mother’s family with a powerful background; his current prestige was entirely carved out by his own hands, fighting solo.

Just like this victory banquet, it was held because not long ago, He Zhige had led his troops to a great victory against the Wujin Kingdom, which had been invading the border.

At the palace banquet, people exchanged cups and toasted, talking and laughing merrily; it was exceptionally noisy.

As the protagonist, the Third Prince merely toyed with his wine cup, his gaze drifting toward the direction outside the hall from time to time, looking as if his mind were elsewhere.

He Zhige was still very young, with a tall and straight posture.

He possessed a handsome appearance, his skin a healthy wheaten color, and his down-turned eyes seemed to carry a sense of wildness.

Perhaps because he had led troops in battle for many years, he had inexplicably gained a few hints of a murderous aura, making people afraid to approach him easily.

Emperor Ningjing noticed his distraction and spoke up to ask, “What is Azhi looking at?”

He Zhige snapped back to his senses, lowered his eyes, and answered, “Replying to Imperial Father, I was just thinking… why Imperial Sister has not yet arrived.”

Upon hearing the two words “Imperial Sister,” Emperor Ningjing’s face darkened slightly, and the palace banquet seemed to fall silent for a brief moment.

Emperor Ningjing had only one princess under his knees who could be called “Imperial Sister” by He Zhige.

Princess Shun’an, He Tinglan.

Although she was the eldest daughter of Emperor Ningjing, he did not like this daughter.

The reason, presumably, was that she looked too bewitching, too vivid.

She looked too much like her mother.

“Shun’an has always disliked noise and clamor; Zhen did not send anyone to call her,” Emperor Ningjing said casually.

“Imperial Father,” He Zhige gave a neither humble nor haughty slight smile, “For such a fortunate event, it is only right that Imperial Sister comes to share in the joy.”

No matter what, He Zhige was the great hero who had returned victorious; it was impossible for Emperor Ningjing to brush off his face today.

He nodded with a smile, “Azhi speaks with reason. Someone, go and summon Princess Shun’an here.”

The palace attendants received the order and departed.

It didn’t take long for this decree to reach Duanyang Palace.

Qing Su asked, “Is Your Highness not going this time either?”

In the past, for similar banquets, Emperor Ningjing had sent people to invite You Ting.

But You Ting had always declined, claiming illness.

This time, she uncharacteristically agreed: “I’m going.”

Qing Su was stunned, then beamed with joy and said, “This servant will definitely dress Your Highness up beautifully!”

As the personal maid of Princess Shun’an, Qing Su immediately spoke up with a sweet tongue to persuade her: “Your Highness, please change your clothes quickly! This is the Third Prince’s victory banquet. Since His Majesty asked you to go, he must surely value you greatly!”

You Ting lay languidly on the beauty couch. Hearing Qing Su’s words, she let out a sound of laughter with an ambiguous meaning from her throat.

“Value?” she said. “It’s just for show.”

Qing Su’s face instantly filled with tension as she looked around, whispering, “Your Highness, watch your words!”

“What is there to fear? Duanyang Palace is so remote,” You Ting glanced at her, her tone indifferent. “Do you really think he would waste energy to monitor me?”

Qing Su said, “Regardless, this is His Majesty’s verbal command. This servant should still help you change your clothes and head over quickly.”

You Ting thought about it; if she went late, she would only give Emperor Ningjing another excuse to find fault and criticize her. So she stood up and allowed Qing Su to pull her away to get ready.

Qing Su dragged out two large trunks and asked You Ting enthusiastically which outfit she wanted to wear.

After all, in the past, Emperor Ningjing had never allowed the Princess to make an appearance at such events.

Recalling the rumors in the palace that Emperor Ningjing disliked the Princess’s appearance for being too vivid and beautiful, Qing Su hesitated for a moment and picked up a light-colored dress.

She tilted her head to look at You Ting and asked, “Your Highness, what do you think of this one?”

You Ting looked over and laughed.

“The army has won a great victory, and I’m wearing something so plain—am I going to a funeral?”

Qing Su hissed, her face full of horror: “Your Highness, how can you say such a thing!”

Everything about her mistress was good, except for this mouth, which truly lacked any restraint.

You Ting pointed randomly at a dress with a crimson base and silver-threaded peony patterns. “That one.”

Qing Su hesitated and said euphemistically, “Will it be… a bit too eye-catching? This banquet is being held for the Third Prince, after all.”

With such an intense color paired with her mistress’s face, Qing Su could imagine how much attention it would draw.

Not to mention that Emperor Ningjing already disliked You Ting’s looks.

Would it not be bad to steal the Third Prince’s spotlight like this?

You Ting, however, seemed quite indifferent: “Why should I care about him?”

“Since he insists on me going,” she curled her red lips, “then I shall go.”

If he didn’t like her eye-catching face, then she would simply dress even more eye-catchingly.

After finally finishing changing her clothes and reapplying her makeup, Qing Su followed behind You Ting with a nervous heart, walking toward the direction of the great hall where the palace banquet was being held.

Ever since she entered the palace as a maid, she had been assigned to the Duanyang Palace where You Ting resided.

It was said that this Princess Shun’an had a perverse temperament and was capricious in her moods.

Furthermore, she did not have Emperor Ningjing’s favor, lived in the most remote palace, and enjoyed venting her anger on the servants.

At first, Qing Su was so flustered by these rumors that her heart was in a state of panic. However, on her first day entering Duanyang Palace, she saw Princess Shun’an on a swing set.

At that time, the Princess was in her early teens. In her features, which still carried a bit of childishness, the peerless elegance of her future self had already begun to emerge.

She sat on the swing in the courtyard, her eyes clearly distinguishing black and white, her gaze falling upon the trembling Qing Su.

“Are you the new one?” she asked.

Qing Su nodded and bowed cautiously.

The little princess looked her over for a long while, then crooked her finger at her. “Come here, push the swing.”

Qing Su walked over with fear and trepidation and pushed the little princess on the swing for the entire morning.

Later, she slowly discovered that Princess Shun’an was actually not as terrifying as the legends said.

Since Qing Su entered Duanyang Palace, she had never seen the Princess wantonly punish any servant.

Most of the time, the Princess just curled up lazily on the beauty couch, flipping through a leisure book.

The only thing that matched the rumors was that Emperor Ningjing truly did not like this daughter.

Once, she accompanied the Princess to the Imperial Garden to pick flowers and happened to run into the Emperor’s carriage passing by.

Consequently, they were punished by kneeling for an entire day and night on the charge of colliding with the Imperial Carriage.

Looking at the bruises pressed into the Princess’s knees, Qing Su burst into tears at the time.

She sobbed, for the first time being bold enough to harbor a rebellious resentment: “How can His Majesty treat you like this!”

The Princess, instead, let out a laugh and picked up a handkerchief to wipe away her tears.

“Incompetent people,” the Princess said in a light tone, “always like to vent their anger on innocent people.”

“In this way, they can display their own capability.”

Qing Su didn’t understand.

But she felt that Her Highness did not belong in this tiny Duanyang Palace.

“What are you thinking about, to be so distracted?” The voice by her ear made Qing Su snap back to her senses instantly.

Only then did she realize that she had unknowingly almost walked past their destination.

“This servant deserves death!” Qing Su hurriedly apologized. “Please punish me, Your Highness!”

“Enough, enough, stop with that act,” You Ting shook her head. “When have I ever punished you?”

Raising her eyes to see the carved beams and painted rafters of the great hall before her, even before entering, she could already hear the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments from within.

It was truly lively.

Yet the emotions in her eyes were very cold. If it weren’t for the sake of changing the plot point, she wouldn’t have bothered to show up for this banquet.

The eunuch at the door announced in a shrill voice: “Princess Shun’an has arrived!”

Amidst the varying gazes of the crowd, You Ting led Qing Su and slowly walked into the great hall.

He Zhige’s hand gripping the wine cup tightened slightly. He raised his eyes, his gaze landing directly in the center of the hall.

The first thing he saw was a flash of scorching red.

The surroundings were brightly lit, reflecting this touch of red into something even more boiling and shimmering.

Further up was a face like a hibiscus, capable of stealing one’s soul.

Her vivid features carried a few hints of natural allure.

Yet those dark pupils were cold; thus, this touch of allure was like a flower bud hidden beneath a glacier.

It made people desperately want to explore the mystery behind it.

He Zhige lowered his eyes, concealing the restless urge within them.

After several years of not seeing her, Imperial Sister was still so beautiful.

You Ting lowered her head in salutation: “Greetings to Imperial Father.”

The movement wasn’t exactly meticulous, but no faults could be picked out.

Emperor Ningjing gave a neither heavy nor light “Mm.” “Sit down.”

He didn’t bestow a seat, so You Ting could only find an empty spot to sit.

And the places left empty were all seats for minor, insignificant officials.

For her status as a princess, it was undoubtedly an insult.

But You Ting didn’t care and lifted her foot, preparing to walk over there.

Suddenly, a clear male voice rang out in the hall: “Imperial Sister.”

You Ting followed the sound and met He Zhige’s smiling eyes: “Imperial Sister, sit here with me.”

“Counting the days, it has been quite some time since Azhi and Imperial Sister have met.”

Emperor Ningjing’s expression was indifferent, and he did not speak up in opposition.

The protagonist of this banquet had spoken, so You Ting naturally could only step over.

Moreover, this was exactly what she wanted.

She remembered that in the original plot, Song Yaozi was sitting next to He Zhige.

The table was not narrow, enough to accommodate two people sitting together.

Just as she sat down, You Ting heard the person beside her whisper very softly: “Imperial Sister.”

The ending note was raised, sounding very cheerful, reminiscent of a puppy wagging its tail incessantly, waiting for its master to pat its head.

She heard it, but she only pursed her lips, did not speak, and did not turn her head.

But even without looking, she could feel a burning gaze tightly glued to her.

You Ting held the white jade wine cup on the table and let out a long sigh in her heart.

—What a sin.

He Zhige was the male lead of this book, and You Ting held the script of the male lead’s “White Moonlight.”

She had been in this world for several years before she encountered the young male lead for the first time.

The childhood He Zhige was not as formidable as he was after growing up; he was thin and weak, bullied by other princes in the palace because he had no powerful maternal family.

On her way back to Duanyang Palace, You Ting happened to stumble upon a scene of He Zhige being humiliated.

The child was covered in injuries, forced to kneel on broken porcelain shards, with blood continuously spreading from beneath his legs, soaking the ground.

Originally, You Ting should have walked past as if she had seen nothing, completely nipping this ill-fated connection in the bud.

But she met the young boy’s dark, moist eyes—a look that was both aggrieved and pure.

A child only a few years old, being tormented into such a state of being black and blue all over; she truly could not bring herself to be a cold-eyed bystander.

You Ting helped him.

From then on, He Zhige became her little tail.

Even though she hadn’t actually given him much of a pleasant face.

It wasn’t until later, when he grew older and moved out of the palace, that the two hadn’t seen each other for many years.

Just like the original plot, He Zhige had a morbid obsession and fixation on her, his Imperial Sister.

“In the blink of an eye, years have passed,” He Zhige asked softly. “Has Imperial Sister ever missed Azhi?”

Without waiting for You Ting’s answer, he muttered lowly to himself: “Every single day outside, Azhi was thinking of Imperial Sister at all times.”

You Ting remained silent.

The man beside her had a deep voice, like an aggrieved interrogation: “Why does Imperial Sister ignore Azhi?”

“He Zhige,” she couldn’t take it anymore, “shut up.”

The young man suddenly laughed, his features full of a state of satisfaction.

Imperial Sister spoke to him again.

Truly wonderful.

He gazed intently at You Ting’s profile, as if he could never see enough.

Everyone thought he was calculating and risking his life just to obtain that position.

In fact, it was not so.

From beginning to end, He Zhige only wanted to obtain one person.

He knew this thought was an act of extreme rebellion against the world’s norms, so he had to ascend to the highest point of this world.

One by one, he would kill those who wanted to oppose or obstruct him.

He Zhige tilted his head back and drained the wine in his cup, yet his peripheral vision still rested on You Ting.

He told himself to wait a bit longer.

Wait until he was strong enough, then he could openly pull Imperial Sister into his arms.

What should belong to him will surely not escape.

What He Zhige was thinking, You Ting could guess about seventy to eighty percent without even trying.

This person’s gaze was truly too naked. If it weren’t for the fact that others wouldn’t have thought in such an earth-shattering direction, they probably would have seen the clues long ago.

She frowned.

A bit of a headache.

During the rest of the banquet, no matter what He Zhige said to her, she turned a deaf ear, acting as if she were deaf.

Even so, He Zhige could entertain himself alone and was very happy.

She was getting annoyed by the noise until the eunuch’s announcement rang out: “Miss Song of the Grand Preceptor’s Manor has arrived!”

The Grand Preceptor was one of the Three Excellencies; this Miss Song was precisely the only granddaughter of the Grand Preceptor—Song Yaozi.

In the current dynasty, women could also serve as officials, so this Miss Song was highly likely to succeed the Grand Preceptor’s position in the future.

Everyone’s eyes couldn’t help but carry a trace of solemnity as they all looked toward the direction of the hall door.

Even He Zhige beside her quieted down.

You Ting also looked over. The protagonist she was waiting for in this banquet had truly made her appearance.

A figure in goose-yellow appeared gracefully within everyone’s sight.

Song Yaozi had clear and sparse features, her face carrying the paleness of a long illness. She lowered her eyes and bowed in greeting: “Greetings to Your Majesty.”

“My grandfather originally wanted to come in person to congratulate the Third Prince, but unfortunately, his illness is truly severe, so he asked this daughter to convey his wishes on his behalf.”

Her voice was soft and gentle, and every move she made showed the demeanor of a young lady from a prestigious family.

Emperor Ningjing laughed amiably: “The Grand Preceptor is truly too polite. Yaozi, later you should go to the Imperial Medical Bureau and see if there are any medicinal ingredients that can be used; just take them as you wish.”

Song Yaozi bowed her head in thanks: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s immense grace.”

“Someone, bestow a seat.” Emperor Ningjing waved his hand, and immediately palace attendants carried over a seat.

It happened to be placed right beside You Ting.

She watched out of the corner of her eye.

Song Yaozi was born with illness from her mother’s womb; her body had been poor since childhood and required constant nourishment with expensive medicinal herbs.

But she had been taught well by the Grand Preceptor; she wasn’t as excessively weak as ordinary young ladies, confined only within the four walls of a courtyard.

The Grand Preceptor only had Song Yaozi’s bloodline remaining, so he raised her as his own successor.

Song Yaozi did not disappoint; from a young age, she displayed extremely high natural talent.

Rumor had it that a master once spoke a prophecy: “The Phoenix Girl of the Song family; obtain her and the world shall be at peace.”

Of course, specifically who said this was no longer verifiable; it had just quietly begun to spread.

Even the Imperial Family had heard of it.

What kind of woman could be called a Phoenix?

The answer was self-evident.