The Princess swept the cup from her side.
Shattered porcelain fragments scattered at Song Shi’s feet, causing her to shrink back involuntarily.
Even Empress Song in the palace couldn’t suppress the Princess’s imposing manner, let alone her.
“You treated A Ling as your own?” The Princess raised her voice. “Bribing her wet nurse to administer madness-inducing drugs, using a scheme of self-injury to force her to leave the capital—Song Jun, you truly have no shame.”
“Cousin!” Song Shi cried out, her voice breaking. “I am your own cousin! How can you suspect me like this?”
The Princess’s gaze suddenly turned sharp, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Aren’t the Song Family’s kind particularly fond of preying on their own flesh and blood?”
Qu Ling reached out and gently grasped the Princess’s hand.
Feeling the warmth on her hand, the Princess’s knife-like coldness softened slightly.
Song Shi’s face turned deathly pale.
Qu Cheng shot her a glare, regretting bringing her along.
Empress Dowager Song and Hengshan Grand Princess—this mother and daughter pair.
Though connected by blood, they were locked in a life-and-death struggle.
This was a topic not to be mentioned.
The Song Family had always sided with the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince’s faction. To them, the Princess was a political enemy.
“Your Highness,” Qu Cheng spoke up, steeling himself, hoping to leave quickly. “This official has come today to take A Ling home.”
His gaze fell upon Qu Ling.
“A Ling, come home with your father. I promise you, from now on, I won’t let your mother interfere with matters in your courtyard. Is that alright?”
Qu Ling spoke slowly, “She is not my mother.”
“Alright,” Qu Cheng agreed without hesitation. “You don’t have to call her mother.”
“I want my courtyard back—the one my mother gave me.”
“Your father has already given the order. Nuanshan Residence rightfully belongs to you.” Qu Cheng felt these requests were entirely reasonable.
Qu Ling found it amusing.
In her previous life, she had been scolded for disrespecting elders simply because she refused to address Song Shi as “mother.”
And when she tried to reclaim Nuanshan Residence, she was accused of being unbrotherly and unsisterly.
Pitifully, she endured endless reprimands and ended up with nothing.
It turned out she simply lacked power.
The Marquis of Dingxiang, who commanded absolute authority in the Hou Manor and was revered by all, could bend his waist so low before the Princess.
Power truly was a marvelous thing.
Unconsciously, Qu Ling moved closer to the Princess.
Thinking she was afraid, the Princess whispered softly, “If you don’t wish to return, you don’t have to. You may stay at the Princess Manor.”
Qu Ling shook her head. “Thank you, Aunt. I am the eldest young lady of Dingxiang Marquis Manor. That is where I rightfully belong.”
Her eyes concealed a murderous intent.
Of course, she had to return.
How else could she avenge her tragic past life?
“Very well,” the Princess did not press further. “That is your home. No one can drive you away.”
She turned her attention back to Song Shi, who stood with her head bowed.
“Six years ago, you claimed A Ling stabbed you with a knife—that was your scheme of self-injury.”
The Princess’s words stirred unease in Song Shi’s heart.
“You forced A Ling to leave home for six years. No matter how I think about it, I cannot swallow this grievance.”
She waved her hand, and a maid handed over a dagger.
“This is my gift to you,” the Princess said, placing the dagger in Qu Ling’s hand. “If anyone dares to bully or humiliate you in the future, don’t hesitate to use it.”
Even Qu Cheng’s expression shifted slightly at this.
“Go, repay the stab wound she falsely accused you of six years ago.”
“This is what she owes you.”
The Princess pushed Qu Ling toward Song Shi.
“How dare you!”
Song Shi stumbled back two steps in panic.
“I am your legal mother,” she stared at Qu Ling and the gleaming dagger in her hand. “If you dare harm me, that would be unfilial.”
Qu Ling was pleased with the expression on her face.
It was good that she knew fear.
“Madam seems to have forgotten that Father just said I don’t need to regard you as my mother.” Qu Ling advanced several steps, her tone cheerful.
As if seeing a ghost, Song Shi immediately hid behind Qu Cheng, clutching his sleeve with both hands. “Marquis, will you just stand by and watch her act so recklessly?”
“If she injures me and word gets out, it will damage the reputation of Hou Manor.”
Qu Cheng frowned and spoke slowly, “A-Ling, don’t be presumptuous.”
No sooner had he spoken than a long sword was pressed against his neck.
“How dare you defy this Princess’s words?”
The bright yellow sword tassel made Qu Cheng’s hair stand on end.
His knees weakened and he knelt on the ground. “This official wouldn’t dare.”
That was the Shangfang Sword bestowed by the late emperor.
Granting authority to execute first and report later.
Just a few days ago, a fourth-rank court official had died by this very sword.
Despair filled Song Shi’s heart.
She watched helplessly as Qu Ling gripped the dagger and swung it toward her.
A mischievous smile spread in Qu Ling’s eyes as the blade tip aimed for her cheek.
“Ah—”
Song Shi retreated while using her hands to block.
The sharp dagger tore through her clothing, leaving a bloody wound on her arm.
“Marquis, save me!”
Song Shi screamed in excruciating pain.
Qu Cheng knelt on the ground, not daring to move without permission, keeping his head lowered and avoiding looking at her.
But in his heart, he was shocked to realize how ruthless his own daughter could be.
“Shut your mouth,” the Princess pointed her sword at Song Shi. “You’re being too noisy.”
Song Shi’s lips trembled, one hand covering her arm as bright red blood dripped through her fingers, a horrifying sight.
The hatred in her eyes was almost enough to slice Qu Ling into a thousand pieces.
“Take Song Shi back,” the Princess sheathed her sword. “So as not to dirty this Princess’s place.”
Qu Cheng’s back was soaked with sweat, and he breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
When he looked at Qu Ling, the three parts guilt he originally felt had turned entirely to blame.
And added dislike.
Song Shi didn’t miss his gaze, feeling somewhat comforted.
You little bastard, once we return to the manor, I’ll make sure you wish you were dead.
I’ll never let you have another chance to see the Princess.
“A-Ling…” Song Shi, pale from pain, forced a smile and said to Qu Ling, “It doesn’t matter if you hate me, but your father truly cares about you.”
“Please address me as Eldest Young Lady.” Qu Ling quietly put away her knife, her tone cold.
Song Shi’s strained smile froze on her face.
The Princess, however, was quite pleased.
She wasn’t worried about Qu Ling being arrogant; she only worried that Qu Ling might be easily deceived.
“It’s getting late, A-Ling, let’s go home.” Qu Cheng was extremely disappointed with this daughter who looked exactly like his deceased first wife.
But constrained by being in the Princess Manor, he didn’t dare show it.
He could only take her back for now and teach her properly later.
Qu Ling needed to return.
But not just like this.
Before Qu Cheng and Song Shi arrived, she had already begged the Princess.
“Aunt, my wet nurse has died, and I have no one to care for me. Could you give me someone capable?”
The Princess naturally wouldn’t refuse.
When leaving the Princess Manor, Qu Ling was followed by one person.
She was none other than the wet nurse of Jiaping Commandery Princess Zhao Yuanrong.
In addition, there were dozens of maids and elderly servants.
The Princess warned Qu Cheng, “Dingxiang Marquis, A’Zhao died for my daughter. I will not allow anyone to mistreat her child. Since your Hou Manor cannot properly care for its eldest young lady, I shall take charge of her care.”
Qu Ling watched the deferential Qu Cheng and the disheveled Song Shi with satisfaction.
The Princess Manor had even prepared a separate carriage.
Just as she was about to step in, Qu Cheng said, “A’Ling, it has been many years since we last met as father and daughter. Why don’t we share a carriage so we may talk?”