Double betrayal
When Lin Huaiyin arrived, the palace guards, contrary to their usual behavior, gave her a cold look and did not respond.
Overnight, Lin Huaiyin attempted to assassinate Princess Pingyang yesterday, nearly strangled Xiao Zhian, and Xuan Ge announced the charges against people when he arrested them—assassinating Zhao Changji and forging the Crown Prince's secret edict…
The guards had discussed all the crimes last night and were fully aware of them.
Putting aside other charges, the guards could no longer tolerate her plotting to murder the crown prince and attempting to kill their master.
Now that Lin Huaiyin was in front of them, everyone looked straight ahead, preferring not to see her. Only one person coldly pointed the way: "Now that Madam Shen has come to the case, she can be put into the prison cart with the White Lotus Sect traitors and taken back to the capital to be tried in the Dali Temple."
The guards' indifference was a direct result of Xiao Zhi'an's cold treatment, leaving Lin Huaiyin speechless, caught off guard.
On her way here, she was preoccupied with what to say and do when she saw Xiao Zhian. She hadn't come of her own volition; she had come reluctantly, forced by her brothers. She wasn't here to show weakness or to please Xiao Zhian, and she would never lower herself in the slightest. But things had changed. Xiao Zhian was no longer someone she could see whenever she wanted, and even his guards had turned their backs on her.
Xiao Zhian's goldfish pouch was still in the purse at her waist. Lin Huaiyin's fingers twitched in her sleeve. She wanted to use it, to test whether Xiao Zhian's power could still be used by her.
"Seeing this jade talisman is like seeing me in person."
Xiao Zhian smiled and personally handed her the jade talisman.
Separated by two layers of fabric, Lin Huaiyin held the jade talisman in her hand; Xiao Zhian's power as crown prince was truly in her palm.
Previously, Lin Huaiyin thought this was just another form of "Wild Deer Carrying Flowers" and there was no difference between them. Now she clearly understands the difference between the two - "Wild Deer Carrying Flowers" is hers once it's given to her, but Xiao Zhian's jade talisman may become invalid at any time. If he wants to take it back, she has to hand it over.
No.
The guards were rude and deliberately made things difficult for her. If she took out the jade talisman rashly and they didn't acknowledge it, they would accuse her of stealing it and forcibly take it away. Lin Huaiyin knew she couldn't protect it at all.
She let go, determined that unless Xiao Zhian came in person and asked for it back, no one could touch her jade talisman. Since Xiao Zhian was not taking in suspects and had no plans for her, she would leave instead of humiliating herself.
“I am a first-rank imperial consort.” Lin Huaiyin stood upright and retorted solemnly, “How can I be humiliated before the trial and judgment? Since Your Highness has no intention of detaining me, I will take my leave first.”
Turning around, Lin Huaiyin looked towards Princess Pingyang's courtyard. Although she didn't see Xiao Zhian, she wasn't discouraged. It was better that Xiao Zhian didn't imprison her. As long as she could move freely, she could continue to target Princess Pingyang and focus on avenging her blood feud.
As she walked, Lin Huaiyin planned her next move.
The gate behind her opened, and the guards of the Eastern Palace came out in formation, passing by her side.
When it was time to board the carriage, Lin Huaiyin stepped aside, lowered her eyes, clasped her hands on her left hip, and curtsied like an ordinary lady-in-waiting.
In their field of vision, shoes and boots marched past in perfect unison, their steps tight and impenetrable. Armor and swords were densely packed together, forming a rapidly spinning blade, poised to tear any who dared to approach and offend them to pieces.
Strangers are not permitted to enter.
This is the majesty of the Crown Prince's travels.
Lin Huaiyin knew that Xiao Zhian would soon appear on the other side of the human wall. She subconsciously bit her lip, her mind a complete blank, unable to think.
After an argument last night, Xiao Zhian stormed off in the darkness, only to find himself standing in the center of a crowd of thousands, out of reach of everyone else.
Lin Huaiyin's fingertips dug into her palms from her sleeves. She had clearly decided to break up with him and not want him anymore, but when the morning light reflected off Xuan Ge's luminous armor, her heart trembled and her breath caught in her throat.
Xiao Zhian is coming. Will he ignore her?
Or will he stay for her?
Lin Huaiyin was annoyed, annoyed that she couldn't suppress the anxious expectations in her heart.
Xiao Zhian abandoned her, leaving her behind. He was a bad person. She didn't want Xiao Zhian anymore. She didn't need him to stop talking to her, and she didn't need him to pay attention to her.
She doesn't need him.
Lin Huaiyin emphasized this to herself.
The human wall kept moving, and Xuan Ge's beam of light from his armor came and went.
As the light and shadow shifted and the footsteps continued, Lin Huaiyin understood. Her lips twitched upward as she smiled at herself—Xiao Zhian was gone, he was gone.
That's good. Lin Huaiyin clenched her purse, thinking that she shouldn't keep the jade talisman. She would ask her second brother to pass it on to him, so that he wouldn't send someone to ask for it back, making it seem like she was reluctant to give it up and didn't know what was good for her.
Lin Huaiyin, kneeling with a smile, curled up by the roadside, clutching the jade talisman. She felt it was good to put an end to one's worries; from now on, she could focus without distractions, without needing to worry about gains and losses, only needing to keep a close eye on Pingyang—
"Hmm?" Princess Pingyang's voice suddenly rang out.
Lin Huaiyin's heart skipped a beat. In the blink of an eye, the guards suddenly dispersed, and Princess Pingyang stood beside Xiao Zhian, holding his arm, her face showing surprise.
"Madam Shen, what brings you here?"
Princess Pingyang asked in surprise, her eyes filled with disdain. She gave Lin Huaiyin a deep look, then shook Xiao Zhian's arm reproachfully, "Brother, how could you go back on your word?"
He called out "Your Majesty" in a sweet, triumphant voice. Lin Huaiyin withdrew her gaze. She didn't know why she was looking away or avoiding him. She only felt something tug at her heart and something hit her back. She needed to use all her strength to stand up.
She managed to stand still, her field of vision reduced to only half an inch. Yet, within that small space, Xiao Zhian's and Princess Pingyang's upturned shoes and pearl-embroidered cloud shoes stood side by side, intimately piercing her pupils and blinding her.
They made up.
Lin Huaiyin had to face reality—her blood feud was only her own. As far as Xiao Zhian was concerned, Princess Pingyang had committed a terrible sin, yet she had not harmed him in the slightest. Xiao Zhian could easily forgive her, and the brother and sister would forgive each other and live happily ever after.
Let bygones be bygones, and let us love and cherish each other.
Just like those four shoes, lined up side by side.
Pearl-embroidered cloud-patterned shoes with upturned toes, exuding a coquettish charm.
Without replying, the upturned shoe turned its toes away from Lin Huaiyin and walked straight away.
The princess's carriage was surrounded by maids and guards, all of whom were Xiao Zhian's trusted confidants released the previous night.
The carriage was empty, and the confidants were all smiles as they watched Princess Pingyang and Xiao Zhian ascend the mobile palace—half of the imperial carriage.
The Imperial Guards were commanded from the front and rear, while civil and military officials boarded their respective carriages and lined up in order.
After preparations were completed, the main force set off back to Beijing.
The carriage rumbles, the horses gallop, dust billows, and the road stretches far.
The road ahead seemed to lead to the capital, but Princess Pingyang's heart was still not at peace.
In the palace, she leaned lazily against a soft couch, watching Xiao Zhian brew tea.
Last night, Xiao Zhian suddenly released all her confidants, and this morning he invited her to breakfast, putting on a conciliatory act. Princess Pingyang was unsure of her situation, but she had personally witnessed Xiao Zhian suffer and stumble at Lin Huaiyin's hands.
So, while Xiao Zhi'an was engrossed in his meal, Princess Pingyang kept staring at the handprint on his neck from various angles, reminding him—despite her thousand faults, she hadn't hurt him in the slightest. The wild woman he doted on and spoiled was the real idiot.
After a few glances, Xiao Zhian, just as Princess Pingyang had expected, put down his chopsticks and said to her, "What happened these past few days, once we return to the capital, let's pretend it never happened. You and I, brother and sister, will be as before."
He said that, and Princess Pingyang naturally agreed, smiling at him, getting close to him, snatching the snacks he put in her bowl, and acting coquettishly and playfully with him.
Whether Xiao Zhian was hurt by Lin Huaiyin and sincerely repented, or whether he was just being hypocritical and playing mind games with her, Princess Pingyang didn't care. As long as Xiao Zhian put on this act, the outside world would recognize her as the Crown Prince's most beloved younger sister, and she could still do whatever she wanted.
As for that fool Lin Huaiyin, all we need to do is show her that the siblings are getting along well, just like we did before, and her petty and narrow-minded nature will naturally crumble.
Princess Pingyang saw it clearly just now. Lin Huaiyin's pitiful and unbelievable appearance was truly heartbreaking. She was so heartbroken that even if Xiao Zhian was just acting, he would probably still be alienated from her.
Once the two drift apart, they will fall apart, making numerous mistakes and causing each other to suffer. What can they do about their own complicated entanglements?
The aroma of tea wafted through the air, and the sunlight streamed in through the window, bathing Princess Pingyang in its warmth. She squinted to greet the sunlight, the scabs on her neck from the day before when Lin Huaiyin had strangled her were now glowing in the sunlight, making her look stunningly beautiful and captivating.
How comfortable! If Brother Yun were here, that would be wonderful. Princess Pingyang basked in the sunlight, and thinking of Shen Congyun, the sunlight seemed to grow hands and feet, no longer behaving like a gentleman.
She enjoyed this moment, feeling completely relaxed, especially with Xiao Zhian back by her side, serving her tea. The life she had always dreamed of was for Xiao Zhian to be obediently by her side, doing trivial things for her and taking care of her daily life.
She can love and protect him just as he dotes on her; she will be the best sister, the kindest sister who loves her brother the most.
"Pingyang," Xiao Zhian whispered, bending down.
"Royal brother." Princess Pingyang opened her beautiful eyes, her eyes filled with overwhelming joy. It was her beloved brother.
With her slender, jade-like hands, Princess Pingyang took the white porcelain cup and held it in her palm. She lowered her head to smell the aroma of the tea, feeling the steam rising on her face, which was incredibly refreshing.
Seeing her like this, Xiao Zhian's eyes, beneath his eyelashes, were like a deep well. The innocent and carefree Pingyang slowly sank down, while the fiery Lin Huaiyin burst forth.
"After returning to the capital, I will immediately take action against Shen Congyun. You'd better not interfere," Xiao Zhian said calmly.
"Hmm." Princess Pingyang raised her head, her face glistening with tiny droplets of tea-scented water. A hint of expectation flashed in her eyes, then she winked mischievously and asked, "Is it for me, for your position as heir apparent, or for that woman, brother?"
“Ultimately, it’s all for you.” Xiao Zhian stood calmly.
"For me?" Pingyang's phoenix eyes brightened, curving into a beautiful arc as she sat up straight and pressed on, "Your Majesty loves me so much, I really want to hear it."
Princess Pingyang was overjoyed; her eyes sparkled with delight, a joy so pure and radiant that she could not be more delighted than anyone else.
There wasn't a trace of lingering affection for Shen Congyun in his eyes.
Xiao Zhian felt a pang of sadness. He suddenly realized that Pingyang was also a sensible person, but she was still succumbing to depravity despite her understanding. Ultimately, the fault lay with him; he had failed to discover her in time and protect his sister.
"I think you met Shen Congyun around that year."
Xiao Zhian's eyes were clouded. He had personally visited the imperial mausoleum's ancestral hall and stayed there for several days and nights, experiencing firsthand Pingyang's loneliness, despair, and fear.
“He should have known who you were when he met you.” Xiao Zhian’s jaw was clenched, his teeth chattering, and a crimson glint flashed in his eyes as he said:
"But he didn't come to me for you. He knew you were suffering, and he could have saved you with just one trip to the East Palace. But he hid you away, imprisoned you in the Hall of Offerings, and turned you into what you are now."
Seeing the phoenix in the sky, instead of letting it soar ten thousand miles, he cut down the paulownia tree and gnawed on its wings. His despicable and vile actions drove you to this dead end; he deserves to die a thousand deaths to atone for it.
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