The Abused Novel Heroine Became a Clingy Sweetheart [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 44.1

When she woke up again, Song Yaozi stared blankly at the unfamiliar bed curtains.

The gauze curtains were a clear, deep blue, with threads of light falling through the gaps and shining on her face.

Song Yaozi lifted the curtain and called out, “Ying’er?”

The response she received, however, was a different voice: “You’re awake.”

The voice was pure and clear, like pearls dropping onto a jade plate.

She recognized the owner of the voice and was startled: “Your Highness?”

The person stood up and walked out of the shadows, looking at her on the bed with a gentle curve of their brow: “Do your legs still hurt?”

It was You Ting.

Hearing the question, Song Yaozi finally reacted.

Her originally swollen knees felt a slight coolness, indicating that medicine had been carefully applied.

The memory of fainting returned to her mind, and she replied, “It’s nothing serious, thank you, Your Highness.”

Song Yaozi was a little worried: “Did Your Highness bring me back to the Duan Yang Palace? What about Empress Mother…”

You Ting’s lips curved into a mocking smile, “Don’t worry, Mother is busy having a pleasant conversation with Consort Li. She has no time to pay attention to your affairs.”

Song Yaozi glanced at You Ting again and asked hesitantly, “Why did Your Highness happen to pass by today?”

Was she also invited by the Empress to the flower viewing party?

But this banquet was for the Second Prince to meet potential partners, so logically, the Empress shouldn’t have invited the princesses.

You Ting said, “It wasn’t a coincidence.”

Song Yaozi blinked in confusion.

She then slowly opened her mouth: “I rushed over after Qing Su told me about Miss Song entering the palace.”

Song Yaozi was stunned.

“So, Your Highness came specifically for me…”

Her voice suddenly caught, and she didn’t continue the sentence.

Inexplicably, Song Yaozi felt the same rapid heartbeat as that night.

She hurriedly turned her gaze away, her face flushing slightly.

You Ting looked at Song Yaozi and changed the subject: “Is harming yourself like this worth it?”

Song Yaozi smiled faintly: “Of course, it is worth it.”

It was strange, although she and Princess Shunan had only met a few times,

When facing Princess Shunan, she felt inexplicably relaxed.

As if she could freely speak the thoughts in her heart in front of the other person.

She raised her head, her gaze lifted and fell upon the other person’s chin.

A very delicate curve.

Looking further up, there were a pair of vibrant red lips.

The lips had a naturally upward curve and a tempting, bright red color.

Princess Shunan was about the same age as her, but she rarely appeared in public before.

Song Yaozi was not familiar with her.

The few times she had seen her, it was only a fleeting glance from afar.

The rumor was that Princess Shunan had a bad temper, which was why Emperor Ning Jing disliked her.

But Song Yaozi only felt that this princess seemed… very lonely.

When she saw You Ting, the other person always seemed to only have that small maid by her side.

Standing within the grand and luxurious palace, yet seemingly outside the bustling world.

Song Yaozi thought that perhaps they were people of the same kind.

There was a difference in their status, and they had no chance to meet again later.

Until the palace banquet that night, and that accident…

Song Yaozi lowered her head, her cheeks slightly warm.

Fortunately, the bed curtains provided some cover, preventing You Ting from noticing anything amiss.

You Ting said, “Mother’s flower viewing party should be almost over. I’ll escort Miss Song out of the palace.”

“There’s no need to trouble Your Highness. Yaozi can leave the palace by herself.”

Song Yaozi stood up and politely nodded, “Thank you, Your Highness, for today’s matter.”

Only the two of them were in the room. After such an intimate encounter, the current sober interaction felt awkward.

She felt restless and didn’t know where to look.

After a brief silence, Song Yaozi pursed her lips and said, “If there is nothing else, Yaozi will take her leave first.”

You Ting didn’t speak, tacitly agreeing.

As she passed You Ting, she suddenly heard the woman’s voice sound out faintly: “You don’t have to be so distant with me.”

You Ting’s voice was slightly strained: “…In the future, we still have to…”

The rest of the sentence was too quiet for Song Yaozi to hear. She turned her head and asked in confusion, “What?”

Just then, Ying’er’s call came from outside: “Miss, Miss!”

The words You Ting wanted to explain were swallowed back into her throat. She whispered, meaningfully: “Nothing. Miss Song will understand in a few days.”

The room door creaked open, and Song Yaozi and You Ting slowly walked out.

Seeing Song Yaozi’s figure, Ying’er’s face showed a hint of urgency.

She quickly ran to Song Yaozi’s side, not even taking the time to salute You Ting, and spoke quickly: “Miss, let’s leave the palace quickly!”

You Ting asked, “Has something happened?”

Ying’er then realized she was in You Ting’s Duan Yang Palace and quickly bowed to apologize: “This servant greets Her Royal Highness the Princess. I was in a moment of panic, please forgive me, Your Highness.”

You Ting raised her hand indifferently and asked again: “So, what exactly happened?”

Ying’er glanced at Song Yaozi before saying with unconcealed worry: “Reporting to Your Highness, it’s… the Seventh Prince. He wants to see our Miss.”

“The little maid in the palace told me that the people sent by Consort Li to invite Miss are already on their way.”

Song Yaozi frowned slightly.

The Seventh Prince inherited his mother’s arrogance and was not someone easy to deal with.

Moreover, he was used to being domineering, and whatever he wanted, he would always find a way to snatch it, no matter what it was.

He Zhige snatched things covertly, while the Seventh Prince was reckless and did everything openly.

It was rumored that the Seventh Prince had always been very interested in Song Yaozi…

Previously, Song Yaozi Yaoshu was outside the palace, at the Grand Tutor’s residence, the Seventh Prince might have had some reservations and didn’t dare to do anything too outrageous.

But now they were in the palace, and with Consort Li’s help, the tactics of this mother and son should not be underestimated.

You Ting pondered for a moment, then looked at Song Yaozi and said, “Take my carriage to leave the palace.”

Given the Seventh Prince’s nature, besides the people sent by Consort Li, he might also have people guarding Song family’s carriage.

“Your Highness…” Song Yaozi parted her lips, finally saying two words, “Thank you.”

You Ting suddenly smiled softly, “I told you, you don’t need to be so polite with me.”

She called out: “Qing Su.”

“Take my token and escort Miss Song and them out of the palace.”

“If anyone stops you,” You Ting thought for a moment, “just mention He Zhige’s name.”

Anyway, He Zhige was happy to have his name used to intimidate people.

Qing Su responded: “Understood, Your Highness.”

She then bowed to Song Yaozi, “Miss Song, please follow this servant.”

Song Yaozi lowered her eyes and bid farewell to You Ting, ” Yaozi will keep today’s kindness in her heart. If Your Highness ever needs Yaozi, Yaozi will definitely not refuse.”

You Ting’s gaze fell upon her, and after a moment, she suddenly curved her vibrant eyebrows.

Her ink-dark eyes were as deep as the sea, reflecting Song Yaozi’s figure.

She lowered her gaze and whispered into Song Yaozi’s ear: “I hope, when that time comes, Miss Song will not regret the words spoken now.”

Song Yaozi was puzzled.

She said earnestly, “My grandfather has taught me since childhood that a gentleman’s word is his bond.”

“Your Highness can rest assured, Yaozi will certainly act as promised.”

You Ting smiled and did not continue on this topic.

“Miss Song, take care.”

After Song Yaozi and Ying’er had followed Qing Su a short distance, she suddenly stopped and looked back.

Princess Shunan was still standing in the same spot.

The bright daylight fell overwhelmingly on that tall and vibrant figure, and she could not clearly see the expression on the other person’s face.

She only remembered those deep, dark ink pupils, which seemed to harbor endless temptation and danger.

Ying’er asked, “Miss, what’s wrong?”

Song Yaozi withdrew her gaze and slowly shook her head.

She just felt that You Ting’s tone when saying those words just now was a little strange.

Song Yaozi thought for a long time but couldn’t figure it out.

So, she simply put the matter completely aside.

In any case, she believed that His Highness would not ask her to do anything outrageous.

Not long after Song Yaozi and Ying’er disappeared with Qing Su.

The people sent by Consort Li arrived at the Duan Yang Palace.

The Duan Yang Palace was desolate, and they had not dealt with You Ting before.

For a time, they only dared to stand outside the palace gate, hesitating and unsure whether to advance or retreat.

Finally, the leading first-class palace maid knocked on the palace door.

After a while, faint footsteps sounded from behind the door.

The main door was pushed open from the inside, and the palace maids widened their eyes in surprise.

The person who opened the door was Princess Shunan herself.

Black hair and red lips, an extremely beautiful appearance, like a peony flower spirit painted by a master.

They quickly bowed and saluted, murmuring to themselves that this Princess Shunan had indeed inherited the beauty of the late Consort Shu, being extraordinarily beautiful.

It was a pity that she was not favored by the Emperor, and there were not many people to serve in the Duan Yang Palace, so even such a small matter had to be handled by herself.

You Ting’s expression was cold: “What is the matter?”

The first-class palace maid cautiously began, “Consort Li was very pleased to hear the news of Miss Song entering the palace. Hearing that Miss Song was suffering from heatstroke and resting in the Princess’s palace, she specifically ordered her servants to come and bring Miss Song over for a gathering.”

“I see.”

You Ting slightly curled her lips: “Unfortunately, you came too late. Miss Song has already left after waking up.”

The palace maids exchanged glances. Failing to complete the task assigned by Consort Li meant there would certainly be consequences when they returned.

The first-class palace maid braced herself and asked, “May I ask Your Highness, how long ago did Miss Song leave?”

You Ting pretended to think, drawing out the end of her sentence carelessly: “Ah… maybe about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea.”

The palace maid frowned.

After such a long time, it would definitely be impossible to catch up now.

They could only hope that at the palace gate, the Seventh Prince or Consort Li had made arrangements.

“Thank you for informing us, Princess, and for the disturbance,” the first-class palace maid led the others behind her to bow to You Ting, then hesitated to speak, “However—”

She gritted her teeth and said, “If we return like this, we will surely be punished by Consort Li.”

“We ask the Princess to accompany us to see the Consort and speak a few good words on our behalf.”

In essence, they hoped that You Ting would explain the situation clearly to Consort Li herself, so that Consort Li’s attention would be focused on You Ting.

If Song Yaozi was not stopped at the palace gate, the subordinates like them could be spared from suffering.

The smile on You Ting’s face faded, and she raised an eyebrow and asked, “What if this Princess does not?”

The first-class palace maid lowered her head and said, “The Princess is kind and surely won’t make things difficult for her servants.”

She paused, her voice slightly lower, “Empress Mother has entrusted the management of palace affairs to Consort Li. The weather has been getting hotter recently, and the Consort often mentions that the Princess is obedient and should have more ice added to her palace.”

There was a hint of threat in these words.

Obedience meant ice, but what about disobedience?

You Ting carefully scrutinized the palace maid in front of her and smiled.

She was indeed someone who could serve by Consort Li’s side.

“Fine, this Princess will go with you.”

She wasn’t afraid of Consort Li, but mainly wanted to see the Seventh Prince.

Hearing her agree, joy flashed in the palace maids’ eyes, and they repeatedly thanked her: “Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness!”

Consort Li was favored and lived in the Guang Xiu Palace, which was magnificent and grand, incomparably larger than the Duan Yang Palace.

You Ting rarely came to this place.

Firstly, Consort Li looked down on her and naturally wouldn’t invite her as a guest.

Secondly, she herself didn’t want to interact much with Consort Li.

To be precise, You Ting didn’t want to see anyone in this palace.

Before entering the palace, You Ting heard Consort Li’s voice: “Have you brought Miss Song here?”

The first-class palace maid stepped forward and replied, “Consort, Miss Song has already left the palace.”

“Useless!” Consort Li rebuked angrily, “Then who did you bring back!”

The palace maids and eunuchs serving in the hall all knelt down, and You Ting stood out among them like a crane among chickens.

The first-class palace maid replied tremblingly, “It is Her Royal Highness Princess Shunan.”

Consort Li’s voice wavered.

A young man’s voice followed: “Sister Shunan is here?”

It was likely the Seventh Prince, He Ting.

Consort Li narrowed her eyes and looked over. After a while, she forced a false smile: “So, it’s Shunan.”

“Come in quickly and let me take a good look. You’re growing more and more lively.”

You Ting walked into the inner hall and greeted: “Consort Li.”

Consort Li was very well maintained. At an age in her thirties, she still looked fresh and beautiful like a girl next door.

A polite smile hung on her lips, but there was no genuine warmth in her eyes.

You Ting shifted her gaze to the young man standing next to Consort Li.

The young man had inherited Consort Li’s looks, with fair skin, red lips, and white teeth, and sharp canine teeth on both sides when he smiled.

If one didn’t know his true nature, perhaps no one would associate this young man with the willful and tyrannical Seventh Prince.

Meeting her gaze, He Ting showed a sweet smile.

You Ting thought that perhaps men were all born to be good at disguising themselves.

Like He Ting.

And like He Zhige.

Unlike Song Yaozi, who looked delicate and soft, but in reality… was also very soft.

“Sister Shunan,” He Ting said, his tone sounding wronged, “You haven’t spoken to Ting’er for a long time.”

Anyone who didn’t know would think the Seventh Prince and You Ting had a very good relationship.

You Ting looked at him and pulled at the corner of her mouth: “Didn’t I come today?”

“Then it’s settled, Sister Shunan. You must stay longer today. Don’t go running back to the Duan Yang Palace the moment I blink!”

He Ting looked innocent and even winked at You Ting.

You Ting only felt that this kid was pretending to be young and replied with a half-smile: “Don’t worry, Seventh Brother, I came specifically for you today.”

Their eyes met, and their expressions curved with similar arcs.

But if one looked closely, they would find only a pervasive cold mist in each other’s deep pupils.

“Enough, enough,” Consort Li waved her hand and smiled at He Ting with indulgence, “I know you and Shunan have a good relationship. Save the reminiscing for later.”

She looked at You Ting, “Why did Shunan come today?”

You Ting said, “The Consort sent people to the Duan Yang Palace to look for Miss Song, but Miss Song had already left the palace and returned to her residence. The Consort’s maids then asked me to come and explain the situation clearly, otherwise, they might withhold supplies from the Duan Yang Palace.”

She looked at Consort Li and smiled slightly: “Does the Consort think Shunan has explained clearly?”

He Ting chuckled softly, laughing uncontrollably: “Did those palace servants have the audacity of a bear? How dare they say such a thing.”

“Sister Shunan is the Eldest Princess. If any blind fool dares to threaten her, I will be the first to object.”

Consort Li’s face immediately looked quite unpleasant. She forced a smile and replied, “These bold and lawless dog servants! Someone, give those palace maids who just left twenty strikes of the rod!”

“Shunan,” she then soothed You Ting, “Don’t take it to heart.”

You Ting smiled: “The Consort worries too much.”

Her expression was indifferent, and the smile on her lips was nonchalant. Consort Li could not discern her true thoughts.

Consort Li had experienced the era when Consort Shu was the most favored in the six palaces.

Before Consort Shu appeared, Consort Li was most proud of her own face.

But when Consort Shu arrived, she immediately stole all her thunder.

That face, she was sick of seeing it every time.

To make matters worse, You Ting looked too much like that woman, which left Consort Li feeling very suffocated.

She secretly muttered to herself, these palace servants are so meddlesome. Why would they invite her out of the Duan Yang Palace for no good reason?

“Ting’er has been constantly mentioning you, Shunan. It’s rare for him to come to the palace, so why don’t you accompany him for a walk around the palace?” Now, Consort Li only wanted to quickly send her away, out of sight, out of mind.

Speaking of this, she couldn’t help but inwardly grumble.

He Ting did indeed often mention Shunan.

Her son had always looked down on everyone else. She didn’t know how an unfavored princess could have caught Ting’er’s eye, with him calling her ‘Sister Shunan’ all the time.

There were so many princesses in the palace, but Consort Li had never seen He Ting show any kindness to others,

Even to Princess He Yujiao, who was born of the Empress.

Consort Li once voiced her doubts to He Ting.