Lin Pianran remembered from her previous life that The Eldest Princess was ultimately framed by others and implicated in the Witchcraft Case.
Qin Wudi deeply detested matters related to witchcraft. Flying into a rage on the spot, he ordered The Eldest Princess to be stripped of her outer garments in public and executed by waist chop in the marketplace, her hair disheveled, meeting a tragic end.
How pitiful for such a beautiful and kind-hearted daughter of heaven!
The death of The Eldest Princess was also greatly related to the schemes and betrayal of Princess Huai’an, who became the final push that sent the princess, already standing on the edge of the cliff, tumbling into the endless abyss.
It could be said that she was also the chief culprit.
By exposing Huai’an’s true nature today, Lin Pianran was effectively giving a warning to this exceptionally beautiful and kind-hearted Eldest Princess, so she wouldn’t meet such a tragic end again.
Kind people should not be deceived and harmed by malicious and heartless individuals.
Instead, the wicked should descend into the eighteen layers of hell and suffer due punishment.
Princess Huai’an glanced down at Lin Chuyan, who was fleeing in panic with tears streaming down her face, and declared in a self-righteous tone, “As royal princesses, we must prioritize the greater good and never show favoritism. Otherwise, it’s easy to leave room for criticism and impeachment.”
“We must not only uphold the dignity of the royal family but also maintain the fairness and justice of the law.”
“Elder Sister, finding reinforcements is now an urgent matter. Your younger sister is willing to accept this responsibility in this critical moment. I will definitely bring back aid to save everyone from this dire situation. I will not let everyone down! I beg Elder Sister to grant permission…”
After speaking, she gave a perfunctory bow to The Eldest Princess and, without waiting for a response, fled with her Shadow Guard along the hillside behind.
Her departure was extremely hurried, even giving a sense of fleeing in disgrace.
Lin Pianran glanced faintly at her retreating figure and said softly, “Your Highness, I suspect Princess Huai’an will not return. She must have gone directly back to the camp to rest…”
The Eldest Princess opened her pure and innocent eyes wide, somewhat disbelieving, and asked, “Would my younger sister really be so selfish, caring only for her own life?”
“Lin Chuyan is Huai’an’s study companion and also her own cousin. They grew up together and share a deep bond. Could she really abandon even her? That seems impossible, truly unbelievable!”
To make The Eldest Princess see Princess Huai’an’s ugly true nature, Lin Pianran deliberately said, “In that case, how about I make a bet with Your Highness?”
Although The Eldest Princess couldn’t understand Princess Huai’an’s selfish behavior, she became interested and agreed softly, “Very well. If I lose, I will give you a set of Imperial Head Ornaments.”
“Deal!”
As they spoke, the Shadow Guard brought two more young ladies up.
Then, Feng Pan, the second son of the Rongchang Marquis Household, came up holding a young lady.
Next, Xue Yunci, the young master from the Minister of War’s family, also came up holding a young lady.
Even more surprisingly, Lu Xueyan, the third young lady of the Dingbei Marquis Household, also came up carrying a young lady.
It was quite unexpected.
Within a quarter of an hour, the trapped young masters and ladies below were all rescued one after another.
Lin Chuyan was saved by Feng Pan.
Feng Pan was a concubine-born son in his family. He was not very tall and was rather plain-looking, giving off a sturdy and honest impression.
When Lin Chuyan was carried up, she immediately broke free from Feng Pan’s embrace and fled far away, as if evading a flood or wild beast, terrified of being falsely implicated.
Witnessing this scene, Lin Pianran couldn’t help but let out a series of cold sneers.
Lin Chuyan truly embodied the essence of being heartless and ungrateful to perfection.
She showed not even the most basic respect to her own savior.
The Lin family, just as in her previous life, remained sycophantic toward the powerful and contemptuous of the weak, selfish and unfeeling—utterly disgraceful!
Several young ladies, after being rescued, clung to each other, weeping bitterly.
They rejoiced at their narrow escape from death.
“I was almost scared to death just now; I thought my life was over…”
“Me too! A wolf scratched me, and I thought I wouldn’t make it. I never expected Miss Lü’s martial arts to be so exceptional—she actually saved me from the jaws of the wolf. I’m immensely grateful to her; it feels like she gave me a second life!”
“Miss Lü is truly a heroine among women, a role model for our generation! I used to have the biased notion that women who practiced martial arts were coarse and vulgar. From now on, I stand with Miss Lü—she is the ‘great hero’ in my heart!”
“I was rescued by Young Master Xue. He descended like a celestial being, saving me from peril. Words cannot express my overwhelming gratitude to him…”
“My savior is Feng Pan. I will definitely have my family reward him generously…”
“I was saved by the Sixth Miss Lin. Her archery skills are absolutely unparalleled—with a single arrow, she killed the wolf lunging at me. Otherwise, how could I still be standing here speaking?…”
…
The crowd buzzed with excited discussions.
Spotting Lin Pianran among the crowd, Lin Chuyan was greatly startled but paid her no heed.
She always pretended not to know Lin Pianran in front of outsiders, afraid of elevating her status.
Instead, she softly asked a noble young lady she was acquainted with, “Where is Huai’an Gongzhu (Princess Huai’an)? Why haven’t I seen her? I was waiting down there for her to come rescue me!”
The noble lady who had been rescued first let out a cold laugh, her eyes filled with mockery. “Huai’an Gongzhu (Princess Huai’an) was saved early on, but she abandoned everyone and left in a hurry!”
“She even claimed she was going to find reinforcements for everyone, but it’s been so long and she hasn’t returned. She’s probably hiding back at the camp by now!”
After speaking, she suddenly realized she had said too much and quickly covered her mouth, not daring to utter another word.
Lin Chuyan found it hard to believe that Huai’an Gongzhu (Princess Huai’an), with whom she shared such a close relationship, would abandon her.
What a heartless wretch!
It was utterly infuriating!
She struggled to suppress her deep resentment and bitterness.
Reflecting on all the efforts and flattery she had poured into currying favor with Huai’an Gongzhu (Princess Huai’an), Lin Chuyan’s heart turned icy cold.
She felt as though she had suffered a grave injustice and was deeply wounded.
But on the surface, she concealed it with all her might.
She resolved to report this matter to her father and grandmother upon returning. They would surely protect her and demand justice on her behalf.
Even if the other party was a princess, she would have to provide a reasonable explanation for this incident.
Among all the daughters of the Lin family, Lin Chuyan was the most doted upon. Not only was she talented and beautiful, but her reputation for both intellect and virtue spread far and wide in the capital.
Lin Aodong had pinned nearly all his hopes on her, granting her every wish and showing her extreme favoritism.
He devoted himself to nurturing her, hoping she would marry into the imperial family and lead the Lin clan toward a glorious future.
In terms of cunning and tactics, Lin Chuyan was certainly no less formidable.
She excelled at reading people’s expressions and hiding her true intentions. Outwardly, she appeared beautiful, gentle, and considerate, but behind the scenes, she harbored malicious thoughts and was utterly selfish and unfeeling.
She disliked being in the spotlight, always presenting herself as amiable and kind-hearted. Yet, she took pleasure in stirring up trouble, sowing discord, and manipulating situations from the shadows, ultimately reaping the benefits.
If the other young ladies of the Lin family could be dismissed as mere “decorative vases” lacking intelligence, then this Third Miss Lin was the perfect fusion of talent, cunning, and beauty.
She never failed to impress and command respect.
Absolutely not to be underestimated!