The Abused Female Protagonist In The Angst Novel Is Actually A White Lotus - Chapter 6

“Young Miss… Young Miss? Someone in the front hall is asking for Third Young Miss Ling,” Yun Nian said, her voice slightly hurried. This was highly unusual for the Prime Minister’s Residence, where even the servants remained composed in the face of calamity. Normally, even after encountering something like the incident at the firewood shed earlier, Yun Nian would have reported it with her usual calm demeanor.

The urgency in her voice now clearly indicated something serious had occurred. Shen Sijing straightened up and called Yun Nian in. Yun Nian cautiously closed the door behind her before approaching Shen Sijing and reporting in a low voice, “Young Miss… Second Imperial Prince Xiao has arrived with congratulatory gifts. Upon hearing that Third Young Miss Ling is wearing her wedding gown, he’s demanding to see her. Madam is currently handling him in the front hall, but we can’t keep hiding Third Young Miss forever. She’s already sent someone to fetch her.”

Yun Nian’s words implied that Shen Sijing could no longer keep Ling Qingyi hidden. Although the Second Imperial Prince wasn’t the most favored among the princes, he was still a member of the imperial family, and all due respect and etiquette had to be observed. Madam Shen might be able to stall him for a while, but offending the Second Imperial Prince for Ling Qingyi’s sake wasn’t worth the risk.

Yun Nian’s unspoken message was clear: Shen Sijing needed to consider the bigger picture and not let her feelings for Ling Qingyi cloud her judgment. Shen Sijing nodded, took Yun Nian’s hand, and stood up. “That scumbag, huh? Let’s go meet him together.”

Ling Qingyi’s face darkened at the mention of Second Imperial Prince Xiao. She glanced up at Shen Sijing’s indignant expression, puzzled but choosing to set aside her questions for now. She followed Shen Sijing out of the room.

The main hall was now crowded with onlookers. When Shen Sijing entered, leading the radiant and stunning Ling Qingyi by the arm, the crowd gasped.

“The young lady beside Young Miss Shen… is that… Third Young Miss Ling?”

“Yes, yes! Didn’t they say she was wearing a red wedding gown today?”

“Clothes make the man, and a saddle makes the horse. Ling Qingyi knows better than to think the Second Imperial Prince would notice her in that gown, so she quickly changed into something more presentable.” The speaker’s voice dripped with jealousy. Shen Sijing needed only a glance to identify her: Ling Xing’er, the Ling family’s most arrogant and brainless second young miss.
What a ridiculous name, Shen Sijing thought, curling her lip. And this woman dares to flaunt herself? She curtsied politely to Second Imperial Prince Xiao Jing, then wrapped her arm around Ling Qingyi’s with practiced familiarity. “I heard Brother Xiao came to see Qingqing?”

As for why Shen Sijing called him “Brother Xiao,” it was simply because the original owner of her body had an incredibly prestigious background. She could even be considered royalty, since Madam Shen’s aunt was the current Empress Dowager. This Empress Dowager had used every means imaginable to amass both prestige and power. She and the Shen family had personally supported the current Emperor’s ascension to the throne, yet they had never once overstepped their bounds.

Now, revered by all the people, Shen Sijing truly deserved to be called the “Heaven-Ordained Daughter.” Perhaps it was this very destiny that had made her life so tragically short.

Shen Sijing’s reincarnation wasn’t about reclaiming anything. She simply wanted to save those who would be harmed, like Ling Qingyi.

Xiao Jing’s eyes were fixed on Ling Qingyi, his gaze unwavering. He mechanically urged Shen Sijing to rise, then abruptly shifted his demeanor 180 degrees, turning to Ling Qingyi with a flirtatious smile. “Third Young Miss Ling, you truly live up to your reputation for exceptional beauty. Even the slightest embellishment makes you utterly breathtaking.”

Hearing this, Shen Sijing immediately tugged at Ling Qingyi’s sleeve. She hadn’t forgotten how deeply the female lead had once been infatuated with this scoundrel. What if this single compliment was enough to lure away the little heroine she had worked so hard to save?

Contrary to Shen Sijing’s expectations, Ling Qingyi curtsied respectfully. “Your Highness, your praise is undeserved. My reputation has brought shame upon you. On the occasion of Young Miss Shen’s birthday, I have a humble request.”

Her words caused a stir among the guests. What was Ling Qingyi planning? To make such a request on Shen Sijing’s birthday?

All eyes gradually turned to Shen Sijing. Madam Shen, unable to bear the sight, moved to intervene, but Prime Minister Shen, seated at the head of the table, restrained her with a shake of his head, signaling her to observe further.

Madam Shen reluctantly held back, her gaze fixed on Shen Sijing. The young miss gracefully curtsied again, Yun Nian supporting her as she sat down beside them, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Qingqing, what are you saying? Just don’t spoil the mood for everyone.”

Shen Sijing neither blindly favored Ling Qingyi nor dismissed her outright, leaving room for reconciliation. Taking this as her cue, Ling Qingyi continued, “In my youth and ignorance, I repeatedly troubled the Second Imperial Prince, drawing much gossip. Now, I humbly request that Your Highness rescind the imperial decree and cancel our betrothal.”

With that, Ling Qingyi lifted her skirt and knelt, the jade hairpin in her hair catching Shen Sijing’s eye. She truly suited such an elegant ornament.

The crowd’s expressions shifted between shock and suspicion, their gazes darting between Ling Qingyi and Shen Sijing. They couldn’t help but feel this occasion was perfectly suited for Ling Qingyi’s announcement. Xiao Jing couldn’t possibly lose his temper in front of the Shen family and so many witnesses. But hadn’t Ling Qingyi always been deeply infatuated with the Second Imperial Prince Xiao Jing?

Now, being publicly rejected by a woman, Xiao Jing’s face darkened ominously. He had initially been captivated by Ling Qingyi’s beauty, but now he felt nothing but utter loathing.

“Ling… Third Young Miss Ling… What do you mean by this! Are you treating this Imperial Prince’s words as a joke?”

The truth was, this engagement had been nothing more than a consequence of Ling Qingyi’s youthful antics. Raised by a dancer in the countryside, she had grown up immersed in the arts. Two years ago, upon her return to the capital, her breathtaking dance at the Second Imperial Prince’s birthday celebration had moved the Emperor to grant her a favor. At the time, the Second Imperial Prince had insisted they were both too young, so the engagement remained unwritten, becoming merely a subject of public gossip.

Now that Ling Qingyi wished to annul it, she wasn’t exactly defying imperial decree.

Shen Sijing tapped her fingers lightly on the table. This scene hadn’t occurred in the original novel. Why had Ling Qingyi suddenly changed her mind? Could it be because of Shen Sijing’s recent arrival in this world?

Shen Sijing knew she didn’t possess such great influence, so Ling Qingyi’s actions were truly abnormal. Yet her submissive demeanor didn’t suggest sudden enlightenment or possession.

So… what’s really going on? Shen Sijing found herself increasingly intrigued. Whatever the reason, this was undoubtedly a good thing.

After all, without her needing to devise a plan, Ling Qingyi had already taken the initiative to request the annulment of their engagement.

However, someone as prideful as Xiao Jing would likely refuse to let this matter rest.

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