What a shy and adorable little prince!
Lin Huaiyin didn't know how to answer Xiao Zhian's question.
Her face was covered in tears from the pain in her throat and the choking sensation. Xiao Zhian was blurry in her vision, and she couldn't see him clearly.
With each breath, Lin Huaiyin felt intense pain. This was a sign that she had come back to life, a sign that she would not die for the time being. As oxygen slowly flowed into her brain, the buzzing and clamor gradually subsided, and Xiao Zhian's words before he made his move flooded back into her mind.
Lin Huaiyin read through it carefully and realized that Xiao Zhian's words were all accusing her of deception. He mentioned Shen Congyun in every sentence, mentioning Shen Congyun five times in a row, but never once mentioned Princess Pingyang.
The reason he was angry was somewhat subtle; it seemed like he was jealous of Shen Congyun.
Could it be that his outburst of anger was not because she laid a hand on Princess Pingyang, but because he was jealous?
They're practically killing people?
Is she that jealous?
Lin Huaiyin was shocked by this incredible discovery, and the taut string in her heart suddenly loosened a little.
Xiao Zhian gazed intently at her, and in her silence, he carefully laid out all the things he had thought about.
Erwang Temple.
Why didn't Yinyin expose him directly, but instead risked execution by forging a secret edict? Because she wanted him to notice Pingyang first.
A floating ship for the Buddha's Birthday.
When Pingyang knocked on the door, why did Yinyin react so strongly, spreading her arms to protect him and urging him to run away? Because she was certain that Pingyang was a huge threat that endangered her life.
Central altar.
Why did Yin Yin subtly decline his request to let Yuan Jie'e return to the capital? Because she knew that Yuan Jie'e would eventually discover the affair between Pingyang and Shen Congyun, and she was reminding him that Yuan Jie'e might know something.
Just now, under the covers.
Why did Yinyin insist on holding onto his hand even if it meant being discovered? Because she was afraid. She was afraid that Pingyang would harm him. If there was something in the medicine, he would die, and Lin Cuiyue would also die. There would be no way to save him, and everything would be over.
Xiao Zhian was absolutely certain: Shen Congyun had uncovered a shocking conspiracy. Her heart was in her throat, worried about the Lin family, worried about him, afraid of Pingyang, hating Shen Congyun. She was terrified and disgusted, but she had no choice but to maneuver carefully and exhaust herself.
She risked her life to save him, seeing him as her only hope to defeat Pingyang and Shen Congyun. She kept reminding him, but he never caught a signal, always protecting Pingyang and forcing her to confess.
She must have been in utter despair to poison Pingyang in front of him.
She must have been utterly desperate.
She's only a few years old, how can she carry such a heavy burden?
She protected her family and also protected his empire.
He was not only stupid, but he also humiliated her and almost killed her.
"Yinyin, my Yinyin."
Xiao Zhian was in tears, his body felt like it was being torn apart, he swayed and couldn't stand up.
Trembling and staggering, he returned to Lin Huaiyin's side and knelt before her bed.
"I'm sorry, Yinyin, I'm so sorry."
Xiao Zhian suddenly burst into tears in front of Lin Huaiyin.
Lin Huaiyin was extremely surprised.
This is absurd. Was she choked and confused? If the Crown Prince kneels before her, will he be struck by lightning? Lin Huaiyin looked up at the roof with a sense of unease, then swallowed hard. Her throat ached, but it didn't hurt that much.
He knelt down before her, looking pitiful like an unwanted dog, yet his crying was strangely beautiful and endearing. Lin Huaiyin moved to the edge of the bed, dangling her legs down, and bent over to wipe away Xiao Zhian's tears. As she touched him, her right hand became wet, and the more she wiped, the more tears flowed.
Why are you crying so hard after just bullying someone?
"Don't cry."
Lin Huaiyin chuckled, unable to help but find it a little funny.
I can't explain why, it's just so funny.
That's hilarious.
She gritted her teeth and tried to suppress her laughter, but couldn't help biting her fingers to hold it in. Laughter escaped through her teeth. Xiao Zhian was greedily rubbing his palm against hers when he looked up and saw her bent over laughing. His face flushed red, and he looked around nervously, his sense of shame suddenly overwhelming him.
Seeing this, Lin Huaiyin almost broke from laughing—what a shy and adorable little prince—it was even funnier!
"Hahaha!" Since she had been caught anyway, she couldn't hold back anymore. She let loose and laughed heartily, rolling around on the bed!
Xiao Zhian was utterly exasperated. He rolled his eyes and composed himself to regain his dignity as the Crown Prince.
However, in Lin Huaiyin's opinion, the big dog's attempt to appear serious was even funnier than before.
"Hahaha! Hahahahahaha!"
She laughed like a rolling shrimp, but when she opened her eyes to look at Xiao Zhian, trying to add to the laughter, she finally got her comeuppance—a muscle in her lower abdomen suddenly spasmed—"Hiccup!"
Lin Huaiyin could no longer laugh.
Her little muscle twitched again, and she clutched her stomach—"Burp!"
"What's wrong?"
Xiao Zhian hurriedly stepped forward, picked her up to help her catch her breath, and covered her lower abdomen with his large hand.
A wave of heat washed over her, making her feel comfortable and warm. Lin Huaiyin squinted her eyes and leaned against Xiao Zhian's chest, as if she could fall asleep at any moment.
Xiao Zhian's strong, pounding heartbeat traveled through her skin and flesh to her body, like a series of calls.
Lin Huaiyin felt a strange sense of familiarity. In the imperial prison, when she first lay on the Crown Prince's body, she heard this heartbeat.
It wasn't the first time she'd been in Xiao Zhian's arms, but it was the first time she'd felt this way. His embrace made her feel exceptionally safe. Lin Huaiyin brushed her forehead against Xiao Zhian's chin and looked up at him.
He was looking at her too.
Their eyes met, and all was silent. His eyes were still wet with tears, and his gaze was gentle and tender. There was no longer the domineering search or the playful indulgence in his eyes. He was looking at her very seriously, calmly, gently, and with a little spark, a crackling sound.
He smells so good.
It smells even better than before.
Lin Huaiyin is forgetful of past mistakes and wants to take another bite.
But she held back.
“Yinyin,” Xiao Zhian said slowly, “we should have a good talk, but right now you need Physician Lu the most.”
He picked her up and went out to announce her arrival.
Physician Lu arrived immediately.
At this moment, the five-finger mark on Lin Huaiyin's neck had become visible.
Physician Lu always served Xiao Zhian and was familiar with the size of his palms and the length of his fingers. When he smelled the blood on the bronze mirror, he couldn't help but guess that His Highness had learned some strange things and was playing with more fun than the harem. How could Miss Lin, with her slender arms and legs, withstand it?
After setting up his tools, Physician Lu began to treat the wound on Lin Huaiyin's back.
The knife wound, healing and then reopening, was still bleeding profusely. Xiao Zhian was pale and filled with remorse. His left hand clenched into a fist behind his back, and he only wanted to kill himself to atone for his sins.
Lin Huaiyin noticed that his jawline was tense and his eyes were red, as if he was about to cry again. She quickly reached out her hand to say, "Big Dog, come here, hold my hand, don't cry."
Seriously, stop crying. Lin Huaiyin wanted to say that she plotted against the crown prince and only got a beating. It's like her ancestors' graves were emitting auspicious smoke, okay?
If I told my older brother about this, I'd get a severe beating! My father and brothers would all be involved, beating me from dusk till dawn!
Moreover, Xiao Zhian did not defend Princess Pingyang against her; instead, he asked her why Princess Pingyang deserved to die.
This was a joyous discovery, and Lin Huaiyin genuinely wanted to hold his hand and pat his big head.
Xiao Zhian held her hand; her fingers were like slippery little mudfish, slipping between his fingers, their ten fingers intertwined.
She always curled up in a small ball, lying in his palm. But now she spread herself out like this, squeezing out the air, her fingers intertwined intimately—something that had never happened before.
She took the initiative to ask him for it; she was comforting him.
Like a myriad of starlight, she fell into Xiao Zhian's heart, illuminating his solitary path in life. She said nothing, but Xiao Zhian knew that he was hers.
"Yinyin."
"Doctor Lu."
Xiao Zhian and Lin Huaiyin spoke in unison.
Lin Huaiyin glared at Xiao Zhian, seized the opportunity to speak, and asked, "May I ask, sir, what kind of medicine do I take every day, and what illness does it treat?"
"The young lady is not ill. The medicine is to promote the healing of the knife wound. Once the wound has completely healed, it can be discontinued."
Physician Lu answered according to Xiao Zhian's instructions.
Lin Huaiyin didn't press further, but she absolutely refused to believe it.
She could tell that the medicine Xiao Zhian sent had been completely changed after the imperial physician examined her pulse. These two were hiding something from her. However, Lin Huaiyin wasn't in a hurry to find out. Once they returned to the capital, Xiao Zhian couldn't possibly send medicine every day. He would eventually have to produce the prescription, and then a doctor would examine it, and the truth would come out.
Lin Huaiyin remained silent.
After cleaning the wound, Physician Lu applied ointment.
His hands were very steady, but inside he felt extremely guilty: the fact that Miss Lin was poisoned and might be infertile could be kept secret now, but it couldn't be kept secret forever. His Highness the Crown Prince couldn't sever the royal bloodline for a woman, especially since Miss Lin was now Madam Shen.
Your Highness is reckless at this moment, unaware that the truth cannot be hidden forever. Sooner or later, the Emperor, the court officials, the Shen family, the Lin family, and even Miss Lin herself will all be in an uproar.
With this thought in mind, Physician Lu quickened his pace, finished his work, and ran off as fast as he could.
Xiao Zhian wanted to have a good talk with Lin Huaiyin, but when the two looked at each other, it was getting dark outside, which was not a good time.
The White Lotus Sect is still lurking, and nighttime is the most dangerous time. There's no time for them to be lovey-dovey or pour out their hearts to each other.
"I want a jujube wood bow," Lin Huaiyin said first.
"I'll send someone to deliver it to you." Xiao Zhian understood that she was going to meet the enemy; he couldn't stop her, nor should he.
"You need to take good care of yourself." Lin Huaiyin knew she couldn't stay by his side.
"I will be wary of Pingyang and protect the court officials and their families, so you can rest assured," Xiao Zhian reassured her.
After a pause, Xiao Zhian took off the jade pendant from his waist and placed it in Lin Huaiyin's palm, instructing her: "This jade pendant is my personal possession. If you have nothing to do tonight and want to see me, take this and you can come freely."
"Okay." Lin Huaiyin hugged Xiao Zhian tightly, smiled and looked up, resting her chin on his chest.
He understood what she wanted before she even spoke. He was more clear-headed and wise than she had imagined. He was still the brilliant and mighty Crown Prince, and he did not disappoint her.
"That pinch wasn't for nothing."
Lin Huaiyin winked at Xiao Zhian, her eyes sparkling, and smiled mischievously before running away.
Xiao Zhian felt heartbroken and helpless, and was so embarrassed behind her that he wanted to disappear.
——
The main hall of Princess Pingyang.
A cup of tea, steaming hot.
A wisp of fragrance, like flowing clouds.
She rested her chin on her hand, leaned back for a long time, and after thinking it over, she temporarily defined Lin Huaiyin as: a pitiful person who accidentally broke into the assassination scene, risked her life to protect the emperor, and was then taken a liking to by Xiao Zhian.
Princess Pingyang believed in Shen Congyun's abilities. She firmly believed that Lin Huaiyin could not possibly betray Shen Congyun. On the contrary, Xiao Zhian, who had little experience with women, could not resist a woman who was willing to risk her life to protect him and was also quite beautiful, which was understandable.
Lin Huaiyin saved the emperor because she came from the Lin family, whose generations of teachings were to be loyal to the Xiao royal family. Whether her submission to Xiao Zhi'an was coerced, bribed, or a combination of both, Princess Pingyang did not care.
As long as Lin Huaiyin doesn't interfere with her grand scheme, Princess Pingyang won't bother with this trivial matter and will keep it a secret from Shen Congyun.
Princess Pingyang was well aware of Shen Congyun's nature; even if he didn't like something, he would never let anyone touch it.
Let's pretend we never saw what happened today. This deadly move of the Crown Prince having an affair with a minister's wife can be saved for later. We're not afraid we won't be able to kill Xiao Zhi'an then.
"Hehehe, lust is a deadly weapon, the ancients were right."
Princess Pingyang took a sip of hot tea and turned to the White Lotus Sect leader, Tai Doudou, who had been waiting for a long time.
"Send the signal before it gets completely dark, and remember to do so discreetly."
Tai Doudou bowed and said, "Yes, Master."
Princess Pingyang put down her teacup. "Four thousand White Lotus disciples and their followers against five thousand Imperial Guards, the outcome is uncertain. However, if something happens on the mountain to hinder Lin Cuiyue, he will be invincible. The ninth day."
Chu Jiu clasped his hands in a defiant gesture and said, "Your humble servant is here."
Princess Pingyang scoffed and said, "Take your men and, according to the list your master has prepared, set fire to the residences of all the court officials after dark. Make sure the fire burns so brightly that it reaches the clouds in the sky, so that it can serve as a guiding light for my White Lotus Sect."
"Your humble servant obeys the order."
On the ninth day, I bowed.
——
On the second floor of the imperial palace, Xiao Zhian watched Lin Huaiyin walk away.
He looked up at the sky, down at the mountains and rivers, surveyed Wanxian Peak and Xiandu Peak, and then his gaze returned to the altar.
“Xuan Ge,” Xiao Zhian called out.
"Your subordinate is here."
Xiao Zhian ordered, "Go, bring Yuan Jie'e up."
"This humble general obeys the order."
Xuan Ge stepped back.
——
Imperial Guard Camp.
Lin Huaiyin changed her clothes, mounted her jujube wood bow, and furtively inquired about the two imperial guards who had conspired to release the snakes.
They made their way to a secluded corner where two imperial guards were being flogged.
Upon seeing her arrive, the captain who had come up the mountain with her earlier put away his baton and bowed to Lin Huaiyin: "Third Miss, I told them that the snake catchers were brought here one by one on your orders. All the snake catchers confessed, but these two are stubborn and refuse to admit that they participated in the plot to murder Lord Liu."
Upon hearing this, Lin Huaiyin's expression froze—oh no, she had forgotten about him, this is going to be a disaster.
"I don't care!"
The captain struck twice more with his staff, hands on his hips, chin raised, no longer caring about rank or titles, and shouted, "Why did the Third Miss look for them? Without me, this isn't over! I'm going to find the General—"
"Okay, okay!" Lin Huaiyin quickly agreed, "I'll take you with me, let's go patrol the mountain, let's go now!"
Upon hearing this, the captain was overjoyed and immediately adopted a fawning posture, occupying the position to the left rear of Lin Huaiyin.
Lin Huaiyin led the three of them, along with twelve snake catchers, and they ventured into the mountains in a grand procession.
Snake catchers, who live off the land, are very familiar with Heming Mountain. When they heard that Lin Huaiyin was going to set a trap and lay an ambush, with each underhanded trick more vicious than the last, they immediately began to make preparations.
Lin Huaiyin was overjoyed and did whatever the snake catcher said.
They worked until dark, when suddenly a red glow appeared in the sky, making the sixteen people look completely red.
The fire on the mountaintop was raging fiercely!
Lin Huaiyin had a splitting headache.
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