Chapter 16 Resentment: This is just the beginning of the storm to come.
"So, Prince Zhang is still waiting at the Prince Zhang's residence for the Emperor's verdict today?"
After hearing the whole story in detail, Bai Lian pondered it repeatedly, feeling that something was amiss, something unusual...
However, as an "outsider," it's not appropriate for me to make hasty conclusions.
The palace maid, who had been speaking with such fervor that she forgot to tremble, now raised her head high and, gesturing wildly, replied in an almost joyful, lively voice:
"That's right! At Prince Zhang's Mansion, no one can leave and no one can enter. That's good, it cuts off Consort Liu's path to revenge. Who dares to disobey the Emperor's decree? She can only be angry and upset, and she's so angry that she's bedridden in the palace. Tell me, her son isn't even well yet, why is she, as his mother, meddling in all this trouble?!"
Another palace maid, who had been kneeling silently listening to the story, suddenly felt that this servant's way of commenting on her master was far too presumptuous. So she kept nudging her with her elbow, trying to signal her to tone it down and not get into trouble...
Unexpectedly, the young palace maid, who was in the middle of her enthusiastic talk, flicked her hand, frowned, and yelled at her companion, "Aren't you annoying? I haven't finished speaking yet!"
The palace maid, speechless for a long time after being treated this way... She subconsciously stole a glance at the soon-to-be princess...
Aside from leaning forward slightly to listen more carefully, Bai Lian didn't seem bothered or angry, as if she was quite used to such "inappropriate wording"...
"Speaking of Consort Liu of Yujin Palace, she clearly has a son and a daughter, but she dotes on her eldest son above all else, treating him like a precious treasure. Even though Prince Yu has already been granted a princely title and moved out, she still calls her son back every day to chat with her, while ignoring her younger daughter who is still by her side as if she doesn't exist... In fact, the palace maids who serve them all say that Princess Shuli is very well-behaved and sensible, and she will be coming of age in a few days, but now her brother has gotten into such trouble..."
The young palace maid's expression gradually calmed down, and she hesitated to continue speaking.
She had steered the conversation quite far off course, but Bai Lian understood what she was trying to say.
Perhaps they felt sorry for the high and mighty princess, but how could a servant express such sympathy...?
However, the name Princess Shuli sounded familiar, and in the past two years, she didn't seem to have seen many guests. ...Bai Lian was slightly puzzled by this.
"I've got the gist of what happened. You two, get up. Be more careful with your words and actions in the future. This kind of thing can't happen again!"
Bai Lian, who was deep in thought, finally gave an explanation, and the two palace maids thanked her and tactfully withdrew.
Bai Lian paced slowly alone in the room, her thoughts still reeling from the sudden royal incident.
The Jia clan, who sit atop the Phoenix Kingdom, wield the power to overturn the heavens and the earth, and hold the reins of life and death.
This unrestrained and unbridled life is the ultimate desire that the powerful and wealthy dream of but dare not express, and it is also a foolish fantasy that ordinary people can only dream of.
But how many of these privileged individuals, high above the clouds, can truly experience happiness?
Bai Lian couldn't help but sigh slightly. The imperial power was so vast, how could she possibly dare to speculate about it?
She herself was nothing more than a woman who had abandoned everything to marry into the royal family for her own benefit. The palace was already more dangerous than she had imagined. Now she could only seek to protect herself and it seemed best not to meddle in things that were not her business.
Bai Lian walked to the bronze mirror and sat down, combing her long black hair. Her eyes were fixed on her reflection, lost in thought. But this Shu Li, Shu Li, she really wanted to know why she remembered this name...
Just as he was reciting the mantra, a palace maid suddenly announced, "Princess Shuli has arrived!"
She stood up instantly; whoever she thought of would appear.
Princess Shuli, dressed in a gorgeous pink gown, walked gracefully towards Bai Lian, meeting her gaze. This girl, not yet fifteen, was as delicate as a flower petal, her pink and tender figure making the surrounding air sweet and fragrant.
Upon seeing Bai Lian, she was overjoyed to see an old friend again. She hurriedly stepped forward, took Bai Lian's hand, and exclaimed, "Sister Lian, it's been so long since I've seen you! I've missed you so much! Are you feeling better now?" As she spoke, she gave Bai Lian a sweet smile, and her soft, white hands cupped Bai Lian's delicate hands, the gentle touch making Bai Lian's heart flutter.
Bai Lian didn't withdraw her hand, but smiled gently and said, "Shu'er, your sister Lian's memory isn't very good, please forgive me. Is there anything you need to see me about today?" As she spoke, she led Shu Li to sit down to the side.
For some reason, she had a strange fondness for Shuli. Although she didn't remember having any dealings with her before, Shuli had a very pleasing and sweet face, which made her seem like a kind-hearted woman.
Shuli gazed eagerly into Bailian's eyes, as if she had much to say, but remained silent for a long time. She slowly lowered her head, adorned with gold hairpins and jade beads, and softly murmured:
"Shu'er doesn't blame Sister Lian for not remembering Shu'er. Actually, Shu'er only visited Sister a few times when Sister was recovering from her serious illness. At that time, Sister couldn't remember things clearly, so it's natural that Sister forgot Shu'er... Shu'er has liked Sister ever since the first time she met her. She hopes that one day she can become as beautiful as Sister!"
As she spoke, she looked up at Bai Lian again, her two adorable dimples just beginning to appear before fading slightly, and said:
"Shu'er came here this time just to have a heart-to-heart talk with her sister. She only recently learned that Sister Lian has been betrothed to Brother Lin. You two are the most perfect match in Shu'er's eyes, even if Brother Yu..." Just as she was about to say something, she suddenly realized that she was about to commit a taboo, so Shu Li quickly covered her mouth with her hand and looked away.
"It's alright. I've heard a little about what happened to your brother Yu. Now that it's just the two of us here, Shu'er, you can say whatever you want to say. Sister Lian will keep it a secret for you."
Bai Lian gently stroked Shu Li's tightly clasped hands. Such a lovely woman, just looking at her makes one's heart ache.
Shuli sighed softly, her bright eyes instantly welling up with tears. She bit her lip, as if trying to hold back her tears, and after a moment's hesitation, she replied, "Shu'er doesn't have many close friends in this palace. Sixth Sister and Seventh Sister are still young, and sometimes it's not appropriate for me, as their older sister, to say certain things to them... I'm truly happy to be able to talk with Sister Lian today, and to have you be so understanding."
"How is your brother Yu now?" Bai Lian asked, subtly adding fuel to the fire when she saw Shu Li hesitate to speak.
“His...his condition is not optimistic. He actually woke up this morning, but he hasn't spoken. My mother and I have gone to see him several times, but he won't even look at us. My mother cried after she went back...I know she hates Brother Zhang, but I don't dislike him at all. I believe there must be some misunderstanding!”
Shuli raised her head, her gaze meeting Bailian's with unwavering determination. Her voice was soft yet tinged with emotion: "Sister Lian, let me tell you a few things from my heart today... My mother has never been particularly kind to me, perhaps because I am a girl. Although Brother Yu is my elder brother, he rarely has time for me. It is Brother Zhang who often keeps me company and plays with me. And Brother Yu's best friend, who is also your elder brother, Sister Lian—Brother Ziyuan, they have always treated me with great kindness and gentleness."
Her voice trailed off, tears welling in her eyes: "In Shu'er's heart, they are all the gentlest and kindest people in the world. So... when Mother said that Brother Zhang harmed Brother Yu, I simply refused to believe it..."
Hearing this, Bai Lian felt sad and wanted to comfort Shu Li, so she gently patted Shu Li's shoulder.
Shuli suddenly grasped Bailian's hand, her voice mournful and almost pleading: "Sister Lian, Shuli has a request... Please, please grant it to me."
"Why don't you tell me, Shu'er?" Bai Lian asked, quite puzzled.
"Actually, Brother Yu has always admired you, Sister Lian. This accident was most likely caused by Sister Lian being upset about the arranged marriage and drinking too much. So, if it's convenient for you, Sister Lian, could you come with Shu'er to visit him? I think if he knew you cared about his injuries, his mood would improve a lot..."
Bai Lian felt quite helpless upon hearing this. "Shu'er, don't worry. I understand how you feel right now, but firstly, the Emperor has ordered that this matter must not be spread." She considered carefully and said, "Secondly, I have already been betrothed, and it would be inappropriate for me to visit him in such a grand manner."
Shuli bit her lip and replied, "Sister Lian, there's no need to worry. I suppose Father Emperor issued this order because he was afraid that some factions in the court would fight over this matter. We only went to visit out of concern, and I think Father Emperor will understand."
Upon hearing this, Bai Lian remained silent for a long time before nodding slightly.
-
Princess Shuli's request, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, rippled across Bai Lian's heart.
She had already decided to stay out of it and protect herself, but the entanglements within the royal family were far more profound and complex than she had imagined.
However, Shuli's eyes, brimming with tears, filled with sorrow and trust, and his earnest words softened her hardened heart.
It is truly rare to maintain such a pure and kind heart in the depths of the palace. Moreover, she genuinely felt pity and a strange sense of closeness towards this delicate and pitiful princess.
Silence filled the room, broken only by the occasional crackling of the candlelight. Shuli stared nervously at Bailian, her hands unconsciously twisting the hem of her dress.
After a long pause, Bai Lian finally sighed softly and nodded almost imperceptibly: "Shu'er, I know you are worried about your brother and are extremely anxious. Fine, I will go with you on this trip. But..." Her expression turned serious, "Remember, we are only going to visit his injuries, we will stay for a short while and then return. We will not say anything else, and we must not mention anything that may cause misunderstanding."
Upon hearing this, Shuli's face instantly lit up with a joyful smile mixed with tears, and she nodded vigorously, "Shu'er understands! Thank you, Sister Lian! Thank you!"
The atmosphere on the way to the Jade Prince's Mansion was somber and somewhat oppressive. The setting sun cast long shadows on the palace walls, shrouding the city of Phoenix Dance in its obscure secrets.
The palace servants bowed their heads and walked hurriedly, a tense atmosphere of impending storm permeating the air.
Bai Lian's unease grew clearer. She vaguely felt that this visit might not be as simple as just comforting an injured prince.
The guards outside Jia Xuanyu's palace were far more stringent than usual. When they saw Princess Shuli and the Crown Prince's fiancée Bai Lian arrive together, the guards looked hesitant, but ultimately dared not stop them. They respectfully made way for them, only whispering, "His Highness is awake, but... he is in a bad mood and does not wish to see anyone."
The hall was filled with a strong medicinal smell, mixed with a lingering, rusty, and bloody odor.
The heavy curtains blocked most of the light, making the room unusually dark and gloomy. Jia Xuanyu leaned against the brocade couch, her face as pale as paper, her lips cracked, and deep shadows under her eyes.
His left sleeve hung empty, and his eyes stared blankly at the intricate patterns on the tent ceiling, his gaze unfocused, filled only with a deathly desolation.
"Brother Yu..." Shuli called out timidly, her voice choked with sobs.
Jia Xuanyu's eyes slowly moved, his gaze sweeping over Shu Li without lingering, as if she were just an insignificant stranger.
However, when his gaze fell upon Bai Lian, who stood beside Shu Li, her simple white dress unable to conceal her beautiful appearance, a storm suddenly surged in his otherwise lifeless eyes.
Shock, disbelief, and a faint glimmer of hope were quickly replaced by deeper pain, humiliation, and a near-mad resentment. His breathing suddenly became rapid, his chest heaving violently, and his remaining right hand gripped the quilt beneath him tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.
"You... how did you get here?" His voice was hoarse and dry, like sandpaper rubbing, carrying an emotion that was being suppressed.
Bai Lian stepped forward, gave a slight curtsy, and spoke in a calm yet distant tone: "Hearing that Prince Yu is seriously injured, Bai Lian has come with Princess Shuli to visit him. I hope Your Highness will rest and recuperate and take care of yourself." Her words were cautious and appropriate, not overstepping any rules.
Jia Yu stared intently at her, his eyes now filled only with burning pain and jealousy. "Coming to laugh at me?" He tugged at the corners of his mouth, revealing a mocking smile that was more like a grimace.
“Brother Yu!” Shuli hurriedly interrupted him, afraid that he would say something even worse, “Sister Lian is concerned about you, she…”
“Concern?” Jia Yu abruptly interrupted her, her voice rising sharply and becoming shrill. “She’s a future princess now! She’s concerned about me? Haha… What a joke!” The intense emotional turmoil aggravated his injuries, and he groaned as a bead of cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead, his face turning even more pale.
Bai Lian was startled, but maintained her composure. She hadn't expected that Jia Xuanyu's mind would become so obsessive and sharp after such a severe injury.
She lowered her eyes, avoiding his resentful gaze, and said softly but clearly, "Your Highness is seriously injured and should not be emotionally agitated. Bai Lian has come on behalf of the First Prince to visit you..."
"Now you're putting on a show of brotherly love for me?" Jia Xuanyu seemed to be deeply stung by these words. He suddenly raised his right hand, pointing to his empty left shoulder, his eyes filled with bone-deep hatred. "Where was he when I sent people to ask for help? Where was he when my 'good brother' chopped off my arm?!"
He almost roared, his voice echoing in the empty hall, filled with endless grief and despair, "And you... Bai Lian! If it weren't for this arranged marriage! Why would I be..." His words stopped abruptly, his chest heaving violently, his bloodshot eyes staring intently at Bai Lian, as if trying to etch her image into his very bones.
At that moment, Bai Lian clearly felt the resentment emanating from him, which was almost tangible.
This resentment wasn't just directed at Gazhang and Galuolin; it seemed to have already wrapped around herself. She realized that any words of comfort would be pale and powerless at this moment, and might even add fuel to the fire.
She said no more, but curtsied again: "Your Highness, please calm your anger and take care of your health. Bai Lian will not disturb you any longer, so I will take my leave now." After saying that, she gently tugged at Shu Li, who was still sobbing, signaling her to leave.
Shuli was shocked and frightened by her brother's almost insane appearance. Tears rolled down her cheeks even more fiercely, but she dared not linger any longer and could only follow Bailian outside.
Just as they were about to step out of the palace gates, a low, hoarse voice came from behind them, a voice carrying a chilling, desperate despair that seemed to come from the depths of hell:
"This hatred for the severed arm, this...resentment, I, Jia Xuanyu...will never forget it in this lifetime." His gaze, like a poisoned icicle, was fixed on Bai Lian's retreating figure.
“Brother Yu…” Shuli turned around, her eyes brimming with tears, and saw her brother hidden in the dim light and shadow. His twisted and resolute profile, like a wounded and trapped beast, exuded a dangerous aura.
Bai Lian didn't turn around, but she could feel that gaze, ever-present and icy cold. She quickened her pace, practically carrying Shu Li as she fled the palace shrouded in resentment.
On the way back, the sun completely sank below the horizon, dusk settled, and palace lanterns lit up one after another, but they could not dispel the chill in Bai Lian's heart.
Shuli was still sobbing softly, whether it was because of Jia Xuanyu's horrifying injuries or his terrifying appearance was unknown.
Bai Lian remained silent. She had initially thought it was just an accidental disturbance, but after seeing Jia Xuanyu with her own eyes, she realized that this was only the beginning of a storm to come.
A seed of hatred was planted in Jia Xuanyu's heart. In this fertile soil of power struggles and fratricide, it would quickly take root and sprout, and no one could predict what kind of towering poisonous vine it would grow into.
Today's visit may not only fail to comfort him, but may even provoke him, causing him to completely entangle the pain of his severed arm with his emotional disappointment, transforming it into a deep hatred for the entire royal order.
"Sister Lian..." Shuli called out timidly, her voice filled with lingering fear, "Brother Yu... how could he have become like this..."
Bai Lian gently embraced Shu Li's trembling shoulders, her gaze fixed on the direction of Jinyang Palace, her heart heavy.
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