Chapter 68: The Ruthless Woman

In the end, Wu Rong’er’s complexion remained frozen in its pallor; the shock of Liu Ling’er wanting to kiss her was even deeper than being thrown into the water by her. Wu Rong’er didn’t know where she found the strength, but she suddenly broke free from Liu Ling’er’s grasp, scrambling out of her reach and curling herself up like a hedgehog, instinctively wrapping her arms around her chest—a helpless rabbit cornered by a wolf.

But that wasn’t all. Her lips quivered as she spoke, “Liu Ling’er, don’t come any closer! We—we’re both women. I know the Virtuous Prince might not satisfy you, but this isn’t right. Don’t try anything with me!”

The more she spoke, the shakier her voice became. This was a ruthless woman—why hadn’t she noticed before? Could it be that after tormenting her, Liu Ling’er saw her beauty and wanted to take advantage? The more she pondered, the more likely it seemed, and the more frightened she became, especially fearing that Liu Ling’er might lose control and pounce on her. That would be truly tragic.

Fortunately, Liu Ling’er had no idea what was going on in Wu Rong’er’s mind! If she could sense others’ thoughts and heard what Wu Rong’er said, she’d surely spit blood. Facing a shapely, alluring woman, she couldn’t exactly change her own nature—how could she even attempt such a thing?

Liu Ling’er pulled a white pill from her bosom and handed it to Wu Rong’er. “Take this, and I’ll let you go.”

Wu Rong’er picked up the pill, her face suddenly stricken with terror as she stared at it. “What is this? Can I not take it?”

Liu Ling’er grinned, showing a row of white teeth. But to Wu Rong’er, those teeth seemed capable of devouring her whole. “Of course not. This is my life-saving talisman. If you don’t take it, I’ll strangle you right now and toss you into the fish pond.”

Seeing Wu Rong’er’s fear, Liu Ling’er added, “Don’t worry! The pill won’t kill you, but it’s a magical medicine. If I die, its effect will trigger, and you’ll perish instantly. If you’re smart, you’ll know what choice to make.”

“Really? You’re not lying to me?” Wu Rong’er was dubious, afraid Liu Ling’er was tricking her. Liu Ling’er patted her cheek. “Sweet one, I wouldn’t dream of letting you die.”

With a jolt, Wu Rong’er shuddered violently. Was Liu Ling’er trying to take advantage of her again? Heaven help her! Would she use this to threaten her obedience and gain more from her?

Oh, this world is so terrifying! I want to go home, I want to return to the palace and seek comfort from the Emperor! Wu Rong’er regretted everything—why had she quarreled with Liu Ling’er in the street, why hadn’t she seen her wicked nature sooner?

But regret was useless now. Seeing her hesitate, Liu Ling’er realized waiting for her to take the pill would be futile. She grabbed Wu Rong’er’s mouth, shoved the pill inside, and closed her lips. Done—problem solved.

Wu Rong’er was stunned; the pill was in her now. Heaven help me! I actually swallowed it! Liu Ling’er patted her shoulder cheerfully. “Relax. As long as you don’t play any tricks on me, you’ll be safe. We’re in the same boat now, bound together like grasshoppers on a string.”

Wu Rong’er nodded mechanically, not even noticing when Liu Ling’er dragged her into the room. Xiao Tao, seeing her mistress bring in someone soaked to the skin, quickly put down her work. “Miss, what happened?”

Liu Ling’er instructed Xiao Tao, “Go fetch a basin of hot water for her bath. She’s the Noble Consort—if you neglect her, you’ll suffer for it.”

“What? This dazed person is the Noble Consort? Miss, you must be joking. How could that be possible? You’re just teasing me,” Xiao Tao said incredulously, convinced her mistress was pulling her leg.

Liu Ling’er glared at her. “Keep babbling and I’ll cut your tongue out with scissors. Let’s see if you can still spout nonsense.”

Startled, Xiao Tao wondered if this woman truly was the Noble Consort. Why would she, enjoying her status, follow her mistress in a watery suicide attempt? Was drowning in vogue this year? Though perplexed, she moved swiftly, rushing off to fetch water.

Seeing Wu Rong’er still dazed, Liu Ling’er felt a little annoyed. Although that white pill was just flour pressed together to amuse Xiao Shuangshuang, completely harmless, Wu Rong’er didn’t need to take it so seriously!

When Liu Ling’er started to help her undress and remove her wet clothes, Wu Rong’er suddenly snapped back to herself, springing upright. “Ah! I’ll do it myself!”

Her reaction startled Liu Ling’er. Fine, do it yourself—did she think Liu Ling’er enjoyed undressing women? Please! She had better things to do.

After a while, Wu Rong’er emerged from the room, timidly peeking at Liu Ling’er. “Um, can I go home now?”

Her aggrieved, submissive look made Liu Ling’er want to laugh. Just as she was about to tease her, a servant rushed over, out of breath, forgetting even to bow.

Liu Ling’er asked in confusion, “Afu, why are you in such a hurry? Has something happened in the manor?”

Afu, spotting the princess, hurried to report, “Your Highness, please go to the front hall. An imperial edict has arrived from His Majesty. The Prince is absent, so you must receive it.”