Chapter 28 "You may be immature, but you should always have..."
Ling Zhenli stood under the eaves of the Mingde Hall in the East Palace, holding a newly delivered letter in her hand.
The letter was written by the Prime Minister's wife, asking her to return to the Prime Minister's residence.
"Prepare the sedan chair, I'm going back to the Prime Minister's residence," Ling Zhenli said calmly.
Tang Qiu looked worried: "Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince said this morning that he wanted to have dinner with you..."
“Just say my mother misses me and I have to go back.” Ling Zhenli interrupted her, turned and walked towards the bedroom to change her clothes.
The woman in the bronze mirror had beautiful features, but she couldn't hide the weariness in her eyes; Ling Zhenli was worried and anxious.
The palace maids slowly styled Ling Zhenli's hair, and Ling Zhenli chose a set of pearl jewelry as tribute.
The letter was suspicious. The Prime Minister's residence had always been too lazy to pay attention to her, but recently they had been writing to her frequently to inquire about her well-being, and today they even asked her to return to the residence.
"Your Highness, the sedan chair is ready," Tang Qiu reported softly from outside the door.
Ling Zhenli took a deep breath, looked at herself in the mirror, and was quite satisfied with her appearance, which was pretty and appropriate.
A few days ago, the Prime Minister's wife returned from Jiangnan, bringing back many local specialties. She wrote to Ling Zhenli, asking her to return to the Prime Minister's residence to see if there were any ornaments or jewelry that she could bring back to the East Palace to admire.
The prime minister's actions harmed her father, leading to the destruction of her family and her fall into prostitution. This also gave Ling Zhenli a chance for revenge and a second chance at life. Regardless of her inner state, she at least appeared to be living a glamorous life on the surface.
Ling Zhenli was not grateful to the Prime Minister's Mansion, and it seemed that the Prime Minister and his wife did not expect her to repay them. They did not like her and at most wanted her to marry into the Eastern Palace in their place. As for how she would live after marriage and whether she could successfully take revenge, it all depended on her own fate.
In the past, let alone choosing ornaments and jewelry, she would never be invited back to the Prime Minister's residence for even a regular family banquet. This time, it's as if she's taken the wrong medicine.
As I was thinking, we arrived at the Prime Minister's residence.
The gates of the Prime Minister's residence remain majestic and solemn, with the stone lions in front of them baring their teeth and claws, as if they might pounce on anyone who dares to approach.
Ling Zhenli alighted from the sedan chair, and the steward of the manor came forward with a polite smile on his face.
"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Princess. May Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings."
Ling Zhenli gave him a cold glance: "Where is my mother?"
"The lady is waiting for you in the inner courtyard."
Ling Zhenli was slightly nervous, and unconsciously clenched her handkerchief. In the past, the Prime Minister's wife never came to her with good news.
...
The Prime Minister's wife's room was bustling with people, all in high spirits. Ling Zhenli, however, entered with a calm expression, which made her seem somewhat out of place.
Cui Yuerong didn't pay attention to these minor details and greeted her with a smile.
"Yingyue, come quickly to your mother."
Cui Yuerong was very enthusiastic today. Although the Cui family girls were there, it was probably just an act for them. Ling Zhenli was still not used to it.
After hesitating for a moment, Ling Zhenli forced a smile and stiffly walked to Cui Yuerong's side: "Mother, what's wrong?"
"Your mother specially ordered this golden phoenix crown and sideburn ornament for you when she went to Jiangnan. Do you like it?"
The pair of hair ornaments in Cui Yuerong's hands are luxurious and exquisite, clearly crafted by skilled artisans.
Ling Zhenli took it, carefully admired its beauty, and then said, "Thank you, Mother."
"And you'll definitely like these glass hairpins too."
"Thank you, Mother. I like it very much."
Ling Zhenli smiled and picked up the glass hairpin to examine it; it was indeed a fine item.
"Oh, I almost forgot, this is your second maternal uncle's cousin, whose courtesy name is Yingxue. Yingxue, come here quickly and greet the Crown Princess."
Cui Yingxue stepped forward and bowed gracefully. Her eyes shone with a sharp light, suggesting she was not a kind person.
Cui Yingxue hadn't seen Xue Yingyue since she was eight years old, so Cui Yuerong wasn't worried that she would recognize the Crown Princess's true identity.
Although Cui Yingxue was impolite, Ling Zhenli didn't mind or pay attention, and after saying a few polite words, she asked her to get up.
Cui Yingxue did not like Xue Yingyue. They were both daughters of the five great clans, and both had fathers and mothers in high positions. Why was Xue Yingyue allowed to be the Crown Princess?
Crown Prince Pei Xuanlin is brave and handsome, and Cui Yingxue also wants to marry him.
After Xue Yingyue became the Crown Princess, Cui Yingxue asked her father to ask the Crown Prince to take her as a concubine. However, her father refused outright, saying that the Crown Prince had stated in court that he only wanted one Crown Princess and did not allow ministers to recommend their own female relatives to enter the Eastern Palace.
Why is Xue Yingyue so lucky?
Cui Yingxue's annoyance and impatience were written all over her face, which Ling Zhenli noticed, but Ling Zhenli was too lazy to argue with her.
Afterwards, Cui Yuerong talked to Ling Zhenli for a long time before letting her go.
Ling Zhenli originally wanted to take the opportunity to discuss the impeachment of Princess Jin'an with the Prime Minister, but the Prime Minister was not at home, so she had to leave disappointed.
On the way out of the Prime Minister's residence, they encountered Xue Haoting.
As soon as I pushed open a courtyard gate, I was greeted by Xue Haoting, wearing a jade crown and white robe, leaning against an apricot tree, his eyes shimmering with the warmth of spring in March, and his smile radiating nine parts certainty.
He had been waiting there for a while, knowing she was coming.
Fortunately, she didn't let the palace maids follow her.
"What are you doing here? Miss Cui is here today, aren't you supposed to be entertaining her?"
A meeting can spark a connection, and Ling Zhenli, pleased by the Prime Minister's wife, naturally took the initiative to speak to Xue Haoting.
Instead of answering her question, Xue Haoting asked, "Your mother brought back many good things for you from Jiangnan. Have you seen them all?"
"I've seen it. I still want to ask you what happened. Why did the Prime Minister's wife's attitude towards me change so much?"
Ling Zhenli seemed to be deep in thought. After thinking about it carefully, she realized that she hadn't brought any benefits to the Prime Minister's Mansion yet, so it didn't make sense.
“You are your mother’s daughter now, isn’t it only natural that she treats you well?” Xue Haoting smiled, as if it were all a matter of course.
Ling Zhenli was even more puzzled after hearing this, as she had never seen the Prime Minister's wife treat her like her own daughter before.
I never would have guessed that the Prime Minister's wife was someone who could have a change of heart.
“So that’s how it is…” Ling Zhenli fell into deep thought.
Now that Ling Zhenli was lost in thought, it was the best time for him to apologize. Although he had already prepared his apology, Xue Haoting mustered up his courage twice, but still felt embarrassed and couldn't bring himself to say it.
Seeing that he seemed to have something to say but couldn't bring himself to say it, Ling Zhenli felt anxious for him and had no choice but to be blunt:
"What are you trying to tell me? Why are you holding it in?"
Ling Zhenli's almond-shaped eyes widened, her peach blossom eyes seemingly both angry and reproachful, the corners of her eyes slightly upturned, her eyes shimmering with water, making Xue Haoting's heart tremble.
"Um...it's just..."
Xue Haoting became even more embarrassed to speak after she made him hesitate, which made Ling Zhenli anxious.
"When did you become so slow? If you don't tell me, I'm leaving."
Hearing Ling Zhenli say she was leaving, Xue Haoting became anxious: "Don't be in such a hurry to leave. You've finally come home for a visit. Father will be back soon. Why don't you stay and say a few words to him before you go?"
Mentioning the word "father," Ling Zhenli remembered that she wanted to tell the Prime Minister about Princess Jin'an, but unfortunately the Prime Minister was not there, and she didn't want to stay any longer...
"By the way, please tell the Prime Minister that Princess Jin'an forcibly demolished civilian houses to build her mansion, condoned her soldiers beating civilians, and abducted children from the streets to become slaves in her mansion. Please have Father write a memorial impeaching her."
"Princess Jin'an has just given birth, and the Emperor and Empress are doting on her. To impeach her at such a crucial time? Are you crazy, Ah Li?"
Ling Zhenli naturally knew it was inappropriate, and rolled her eyes at him: "I only asked my father to write it, I haven't asked him to report it to higher authorities yet... Also, who are you calling Ah Li?"
"You."
"Huh? Isn't your sister named Ahri?"
"...Actually, her name is Qingqing."
"?"
"I know your name is Ahri."
"..."
Ling Zhenli remained silent.
"So all that time you made me pretend to be your sister was just to tease me, to make a fool of me?" Ling Zhenli forced a smile, but felt only bitterness and couldn't manage a laugh.
"I don't know what I was thinking back then, Ahri. Actually... I actually liked you from the first moment I saw you. I did think I liked my sister before, because I had never been in contact with any woman other than her. I didn't realize my feelings for you..."
In a panic, Xue Haoting rashly grabbed Ling Zhenli's hand, and Ling Zhenli froze for a moment.
This scene was clearly witnessed by Xue Wenmian, who had been observing from the shadows for a long time.
Xue Wenmian was once young and impetuous, and he was once crazy for love. Looking at his son's state, you can tell he's doomed.
If Ling Zhenli were just Ling Zhenli, it wouldn't matter, but she is now Xue Haoting's younger sister, the eldest daughter of the Xue family, and the Crown Princess of the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, Xue Haoting's feelings must be nipped in the bud.
"Xue Haoting, don't talk nonsense!" Ling Zhenli shook off his hand.
Xue Haoting looked at the hand that had been shaken off, then sighed: "I know you definitely won't forgive me, I just want you to know that I know I was wrong."
He took a few steps closer, and Ling Zhenli subconsciously stepped back, her back hitting the door panel.
A hint of displeasure flashed in Xue Haoting's eyes, but he quickly concealed it and changed the subject: "How have things been between you and the Crown Prince lately?"
“Very good.” Ling Zhenli replied briefly, looking at him warily.
"That's good."
"You probably have nothing more to say, right?" Ling Zhenli tried to remain calm, wanting to leave as soon as possible.
Xue Haoting realized she was trying to escape, so he quickly grabbed her hand again.
At that moment, a voice stopped him.
"You wretched creature! Let her go!"
The prime minister walked out from a short distance away, his face grim.
It seems he saw everything that just happened.
When Ling Zhenli saw the Prime Minister arrive, she immediately shook off Xue Haoting's hand and took two steps back.
Xue Wenmian strode in, his sharp gaze sweeping between Ling Zhenli and Xue Haoting before finally settling on Ling Zhenli.
“Run’er, you returned to the manor today because your mother asked you to come back. You didn’t have to talk to your brother.”
His tone was icy, and his eyes were full of warning.
Ling Zhenli suppressed her anger and curtsied, saying, "Yes, daughter understands."
"Hmph." Xue Wenmian sneered, then turned to look at Xue Haoting, "You brat, you've really grown wings now!"
"My father knew all along what my son felt for her." Xue Haoting was not afraid at all.
Xue Wenmian found it amusing, took a few steps closer, and lowered his voice: "You are my son, young and impetuous, prone to making mistakes. I can forgive you this time, but..."
He abruptly changed the subject, his sharp gaze fixed on Ling Zhenli.
"You may be immature, but someone always has to take the punishment for you."
Ling Zhenli felt a chill run through her body until Xue Wenmian threatened her.
“Father,” Ling Zhenli forced a smile, “I have always kept my duty in mind and have never forgotten it for a moment.”
"That would be for the best," Xue Wenmian said coldly, turning back to Xue Haoting. "I will arrange a marriage for you. You can stay home and wait to get married. From today onwards, you are not allowed to meet with the Crown Princess in private."
Xue Haoting's face turned ashen, but he dared not disobey, fearing that further arguing with Xue Wenmian would harm Ling Zhenli. So he had no choice but to agree: "Yes, Father."
Xue Wenmian then looked at Ling Zhenli: "Run'er, if you have nothing else to say, please return to the palace and visit the Prime Minister's residence less often in the future."
Ling Zhenli gritted her teeth and bowed again: "Your daughter takes her leave."
As she turned to leave, she heard the Prime Minister whisper to Xue Haoting.
"She's just a cheap prostitute redeemed from a brothel. She's probably forgotten her place, daring to continue acting like a prostitute and shamelessly seducing you. You're different; you're the future pillar of the Xue family. It's time to wake up..."
As for what happened next, Ling Zhenli had already walked away quickly, not having heard it clearly and not wanting to hear it anymore.
*
After leaving the Prime Minister's residence, Ling Zhenli was in a daze.
The palace maids dared not approach to ask questions and could only follow silently.
After getting into the carriage, Ling Zhenli kept thinking back to what Xue Haoting had just said to her.
Xue Haoting actually likes her?
How could that be? If you truly love someone, you should treat them like Pei Xuanlin did, showering them with care and fulfilling their every wish, instead of seeking pleasure and satisfaction through tormenting and humiliating them.
Xue Haoting said he liked her, maybe he did, but so what?
She never believed in fate or destiny; she only believed that things are up to people. If people don't cherish what they have and keep looking around, what's the use of God giving them more opportunities and fate?
If he truly loved her, he should have married her directly after she was redeemed from the Prime Minister's residence. If he disliked her status, he could have taken her as a concubine or a maidservant. However, Xue Haoting did none of these things. Instead, he made her a tool for sexual gratification, even worse than a maidservant.
How can you like someone like that?
Let's talk about Xue Wenmian...
He said she was his daughter, but he still looked down on her.
Xue Wenmian knew perfectly well that it was Xue Haoting who was constantly violating her, but he only protected his son and didn't care about her, his "daughter," at all.
Even after becoming the Crown Princess, in his eyes, Ling Zhenli was still that prostitute he could trample on at will.
Her family was destroyed, and she ended up as a prostitute in a brothel. Who was responsible for this? It was all Xue Wenmian's fault. Xue Wenmian ruined her parents and the whole family. What right does he have to slander her?
Thinking of this, an unprecedented surge of anger and despair welled up in my heart.
Let's just go down together.
Ling Zhenli suddenly opened her eyes.
Once an idea arises, it grows wildly like weeds.
She might as well tell Pei Xuanlin the truth as soon as she returns to the palace: how she was redeemed from the brothel and forced into marriage, how she was used by the Prime Minister's mansion, what Xue Haoting's intentions were towards her, and how the Prime Minister threatened her. Then, they would all die together.
Anyway, she doesn't know how long she'll be scheming to avenge her parents, so she might as well commit the crime of deceiving the emperor and wipe out the Prime Minister's mansion in one fell swoop.
The sedan chair finally arrived at the East Palace.
Ling Zhenli got out of the sedan chair in a daze. The guards at the gate were shocked to see this and hurriedly wanted to inform the Crown Prince.
Ling Zhenli waved her hand, signaling them to leave: "There's no need to disturb His Highness. I will go to see His Highness myself in a little while."
Ling Zhenli first returned to her bedchamber, drank some hot tea, and recovered.
Her heart remained unsettled for a long time, and only one thought occupied her mind:
Go tell Pei Xuanlin, and then end all of this.
She knew this was wrong, but she couldn't suppress the growing hatred in her heart.
"Your Highness, you look terrible. Would you like to rest first?" Tang Qiu asked worriedly.
Ling Zhenli shook her head and asked only, "Where is the Crown Prince?"
"He is in the study, discussing matters with several officials."
Ling Zhenli got up and walked outside. Tang Qiu wanted to follow, but Ling Zhenli stopped her: "I'm going alone. No one is allowed to come with me."
As she walked through the corridor, Ling Zhenli's pace quickened, until she was almost jogging towards the Crown Prince's study.
Just as she was about to push the door open, the conversation coming from inside made Ling Zhenli suddenly stop.
"...His Majesty has listened to the Empress's slander and intends to depose His Highness and make the Princess the Crown Princess instead," a strange voice said.
Pei Xuanlin's voice was low and solemn: "This matter has not been publicized yet, we need to make plans as soon as possible."
"The Empress's faction is already working in secret, just waiting for the right time. If Your Highness has no heart to do so, then we will all die without a burial place."
Ling Zhenli held her breath and pressed herself against the door.
Pei Xuanlin was silent for a moment, then said, "In that case, we should strike first. It would be best if we had the support of Princess Wuyang, as she has considerable influence in the court."
The conversation that followed became blurry, Ling Zhenli's ears were ringing, and her heart was pounding like a drum.
Pei Xuanlin... is he planning a coup?
Ling Zhenli took a few steps back and leaned against a pillar in the corridor, her mind filled with countless thoughts.
If Pei Xuanlin's coup fails and he is deposed, who will care about her as the Crown Princess? It's all fake, the Emperor won't care about the deposed Crown Prince's wife, he only cares about whether the Prime Minister who works for him is loyal.
But if Pei Xuanlin ascends the throne and she becomes empress, she can follow Emperor Shizong's example and arbitrarily accuse any ministers who stand in her way of committing a crime and execute them.
Therefore, Pei Xuanlin cannot fall from power, absolutely not!
An unprecedentedly strong desire rose from the bottom of her heart. Ling Zhenli secretly vowed that she would sit on the throne of Empress. Only by ascending to that supreme position could she trample all those who had humiliated her under her feet and make them kneel down and beg for mercy!
Besides, Pei Xuanlin treated her so well...
Ling Zhenli straightened her clothes, took a deep breath, softened her tone, and gently knocked on the study door.
"Sanlang, it's me. I want to see you."
"Come in," came Pei Xuanlin's gentle voice.
The moment she pushed open the door, Ling Zhenli had a polite smile on her face, as if she wasn't the one who had been so angry and desperate that she wanted to die together with others.
Ling Zhenli bowed gracefully: "How could Sanlang forget? Didn't you promise to dine with me?"
Pei Xuanlin was slightly surprised, but quickly recovered and gestured for the others to leave, saying they would continue tomorrow.
When only the two of them were left in the study, Pei Xuanlin asked with concern, "Why do you look so pale? Were you unhappy returning to the Prime Minister's residence?"
Ling Zhenli said softly, "Where do you look unwell? Could it be that Sanlang finds me ugly?"
Pei Xuanlin's eyes narrowed: "No, I thought you had suffered some injustice, that's why you were in such a hurry to find me."
Ling Zhenli looked directly into his eyes and said, word by word, "I am somewhat aggrieved. I was scolded by my father again when I returned to the manor today."
“Your father-in-law is confused. You are the ruler and he is the subject. If he criticizes you, just say that I taught him to do it.”
Ling Zhenli smiled slightly and said softly, "It's all a small matter. I won't take it to heart. Sanlang, let's go have our meal."
No matter what happens, Pei Xuanlin always stands by her side. Now that he's in trouble, Ling Zhenli thinks it's time for her to come in handy.
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