Chapter 102: I Saved Her Life So She Is Mine
Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=3614052
This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
He Ziyi could not bear such a tragic outcome, but he also could not do anything against morality.
But he could not ignore the lives of his clan's disciples either. So, he had no choice but to send someone to inform Shen Lingyun and let her decide for herself.
When the clan member found Shen Lingyun, she had just finished packing her luggage. She was about to leave the
The Qingyang Clan to take a walk and calm down.
After all, she had just quarreled with Shu Yao last night. She did not want to force herself to interact with Shu Yao as before when her emotions were most likely to get out of control.
Besides, love was not easy to come by. Arguments would only hurt people. She did not want to hurt Shu Yao's heart, and she also did not want to feel too stifled, so she just wanted to leave alone and calm herself down for a while.
Unfortunately, Shen Lingyun still failed to leave in the end.
When she heard that the Prince of Yu came to demand a person, Shen Lingyun was silent for only a moment before she resolutely threw down her luggage and calmly responded, "I will go and take a look first."
She wanted to leave only because of a small quarrel between her and Shu Yao. Although she could harden her heart to leave Shu Yao, she still could not bear to let Shu Yao be forced like this by others.
After speaking, Shen Lingyun followed the person and hurried outside the main gate.
But it was a pity that she came alone in the end, which still made the Prince of Yu angry.
“Master He, this Prince gave you time to invite the person. Did you let someone secretly help her escape instead?”
He Ziyi actually wanted to, but both the front and back gates of the Qingyang Clan, even the area outside the gate, were all surrounded tightly by the Prince of Yu’s heavy troops. What person could he send out?
Before He Ziyi could reply, Shen Lingyun already stepped forward, bowed to the Prince of Yu, and then said, “I do not know why Your Highness brought such a large force? If it is for Shu Yao’s safety, then Your Highness really does not need to worry. Inside the Qingyang Clan is very safe. She can live well here. Your Highness should go back.”
This time, the Prince of Yu was so angry that he laughed.
Was he here to see whether Shu Yao was living well or not?
He only wanted to take her away quickly while Li Qiubai was not around. Otherwise, when Li Qiubai returned, how could he face her and play along?
Even He Ziyi could see through his intentions. The heavy look on his face clearly showed that he was in a difficult situation. Yet, this young woman dared to act so fearlessly and pretended not to know, trying to play tricks with him.
Seeing Shen Lingyun like this, the Prince of Yu decided to get off his horse and, with his hands behind his back, walked up to her.
"I am connected by blood to her. We are truly family. She has been away from home for a long time, and her life and death are unknown. Everyone in the imperial family is worried. Now that I have finally heard news of her, I miss her greatly. I just want to bring her back and take good care of her. How, Young Miss, do you think you should be involved in this? Is it not a bit unreasonable?"
Since the Prince of Yu used the imperial family as an excuse, Shen Lingyun decided to follow his example and brought up Li Qiubai.
"Then Your Highness might be disappointed. A few days ago, Her Highness the Second Princess trusted me and entrusted the Third Princess to me. She repeatedly instructed me not to hand her precious younger sister to anyone else. When one receives trust, one must be loyal to that trust. Therefore, I cannot give her to you today. If Your Highness is truly nostalgic, then when Her Highness returns, I will surely pass on your words to her. How about she and the Third Princess visit you together?"
Unfortunately, the Prince of Yu did not come out of nostalgia. Upon hearing her words, he only mocked her coldly, saying, "What a sharp-tongued little girl. But what is your intention with all this obstruction? I have been here for so long and still have not seen her. How can I be at ease? Moreover, handing her over to an outsider like you, how can you take care of her as well as we, her family, can? Miss, do not take someone’s joke too seriously."
Even though the Prince of Yu's words hit a sensitive spot and were hurtful, Shen Lingyun still remained calm, her expression unchanged, as she looked back at the Prince of Yu with steady eyes.
"Your Highness is overly kind. I saved her life. If I do not care for her, then no one could possibly care more than I do. She is with me, so Your Highness need not worry. I will take good care of her. When Her Highness returns, we will visit together. There is no need to keep Your Highness here today. Please, take your leave."
Shen Lingyun believed that since the Prince of Yu still tried to stall and did not directly act to capture the person, it proved that he still needed a legitimate reason for his actions.
The more the Prince of Yu acted this way, the more she had to follow his words and politely refuse.
Seeing her so stubborn, the Prince of Yu's face grew colder.
At this point, he could no longer pretend to play the kind and gentle uncle role with her. He stepped forward, leaned close to her, and whispered in a lowered voice,
"Miss Shen, right? If I remember correctly, your father, Shen Congyun, was once the head of the Imperial Medical Bureau. The death of Doctor Shen was caused by my good imperial brother’s hands. And now, you want to protect his daughter? I wonder if Doctor Shen, in the afterlife, might be able to rest in peace."
If the previous words were nothing more than meaningless formalities to Shen Lingyun, words she could calmly counter, causing the Prince of Yu to become even more enraged, this time, with the mention of her late father, Shen Lingyun was no longer so indifferent.
She clenched her fists tightly, using the pain to remind herself over and over that these were just the Prince of Yu’s malicious words, and she must not fall into his trap.
No matter how angry, how upset, how resentful, or how much she hated, she could wait until later to settle the score. Right now, she absolutely could not show any of it in front of this person, and she definitely could not let him succeed.
After calming her chaotic thoughts a little, Shen Lingyun coldly asked, "What is Your Highness talking about? I do not understand."
But the Prince of Yu did not take her pretended ignorance seriously. He was even willing to waste more of his energy to continue talking to her: "Do you know why your father died back then? My good imperial brother claimed that Doctor Shen's medical skills were poor, that he could not even cure the Empress' minor illness, so what use was there in keeping him alive? That is why he ordered him to be killed. But the truth is…"
Even though she knew that the Prince of Yu's words might just be to break down her defenses, Shen Lingyun could not help but feel curious about the cause of her father's death.
She held back the hatred in her heart and maintained a calm expression, staring closely at the Prince of Yu, quietly waiting for him to continue.
Unfortunately, such a small gesture of deep emotion was enough for the Prince of Yu to see through her.
"Your father's death had other hidden reasons. If you hand Shu Yao over to me, I will tell you the truth about that matter. How about it?"
Shen Lingyun: "…"
Sure enough, this person suddenly saying these things was probably just to bait her. Whether it was true or not still needed to be considered. How could she have almost fallen for his trick?
Seeing the Prince of Yu's confident posture, Shen Lingyun only gave a dismissive cold smile and replied, "There is no need. If the Prince of Yu has no other matters, we will take our leave."
Seeing that Shen Lingyun really turned and started walking back, the Prince of Yu could not help but step forward, grabbing her shoulder. He forced back his anger and said, "If it were not for me, traveling far and wide, seeking the help of various officials to sign a petition for your father’s life, do you think the relatives of the Imperial Medical Bureau could have survived? How can you repay me for saving your life? You would rather protect the daughter of your enemy than ask about your father’s cause of death? Shen Lingyun, you truly are unkind, unjust, and unfilial."
Those words were like sharp blades, stabbing directly into the softest part of Shen Lingyun’s heart.
Shen Lingyun, without internal energy, could not withstand the force of someone who had practiced martial arts for years. The grip, enhanced with a bit of internal energy, caused her to suddenly weaken and collapse.
"Your Highness, please show respect!"
Seeing that Shen Lingyun was being pushed and swayed, He Ziyi, who had been watching the two and keeping a close eye on Shen Lingyun’s safety, could no longer stand it. After calling out a warning, and seeing that the Prince of Yu did not release her, He Ziyi immediately stepped forward, grabbing the Prince of Yu's wrist, holding back his anger as he said, "How can the Prince of Yu treat a young girl like this?"
This single move shattered the tensed calm between the two sides.
All around, the crossbowmen immediately nocked their arrows, aiming them in the direction of He Ziyi.
Meanwhile, the sword formation of the Qingyang Clan was already in place. Seeing this, they simultaneously drew their weapons, raised their iron shields, and took several steps forward.
The members of the Qingyang Clan, with their actions, clearly showed the Prince of Yu and his soldiers that if they dared to strike, they would fight to the very end, even at the cost of their lives.
Shen Lingyun did not want to witness such a scene.
The Qingyang Clan had treated her well. How could she bear to watch these people suffer or die because of her and Shu Yao?
"Uncle He, do not worry, I am fine."
Shen Lingyun gritted her teeth and suppressed the scream that almost escaped her lips. Only then did she regain some strength and raise her hand to push away the Prince of Yu’s grasp from her shoulder. "Your Highness, I am just a woman of the Jianghu. I do not understand the matters of court officials and their grievances. Those matters have nothing to do with me, and I do not wish to know about them. I do not know if you have misunderstood something, which is why you are saying all of this to me. All I know is that it was my hand that saved Shu Yao’s life, so she is now under my care. If you want to take Shu Yao today, you will have to step over my dead body first."
He Ziyi’s strike had made the Prince of Yu’s palms go numb, but he held a stern face, not showing any change in expression.
With He Ziyi watching closely, the Prince of Yu could not do anything further to Shen Lingyun. He had only acted out of frustration when he saw Shen Lingyun about to leave, momentarily losing control and trying to grab her. In the end, this only caused them to misunderstand his intentions.
However, the Prince of Yu had no intention of explaining himself to them, knowing that even if he did, they would not believe him.
Now, hearing Shen Lingyun speak such harsh words, he could not help but let out a mocking laugh. "The little girl is young, but her tone is quite big. Who gave you the confidence to speak to me this way? Was it these death-seeking knights beside you? Have you no fear of death? Do you really think I would not dare to kill you?"
The Prince of Yu’s eyes were cold and indifferent. He did not care for Shen Lingyun’s cold words distancing herself from the Shen family. He sneered and said, "Anyway, I saved your life back then. Now, if I take the life of an unfilial daughter like you, it will be something you owe me."
"Confidence? My confidence is not from these people."
Now that the face had been torn off, Shen Lingyun no longer held back. She would not continue being polite and play along with him.
She turned around and faced the cold gaze of the Prince of Yu, speaking with firmness, "The Qingyang Clan is merely where we are temporarily staying. The matters between me and her have nothing to do with the Qingyang Clan. Do not forget, Your Highness, that I am from the Divine Doctors Sect, and I am also the Young Master of the Divine Doctors Sect. If you dare to kill me, the Divine Doctors Sect and the Prince of Yu's manor will become irreconcilable enemies, and there will be no end to it. I believe there will be many people who will avenge me. It would not be a great loss for Lingyun to die today, but what about you, Your Highness? Can you withstand the constant fear of my family coming to seek revenge on you day and night?"
"If Your Highness dares to take my life, then come and take it directly. But if you want to bloodily slaughter the Qingyang Clan as a means to threaten us, you will probably be disappointed. Wiping out the entire Qingyang Clan is not an easy task, and there are many skilled experts in our clan. With the soldiers you have brought today, it may not be enough. If even one person escapes today, then countless people will know of these events."
"Furthermore, even if you manage to kill all of us here today, what difference will it make? Her Highness the Second Princess has always been blessed and lucky. I believe she will safely return from this trip. When she returns and sees the bloodshed at the Qingyang Clan, do you think she will not guess who is responsible? Do you think she will not seek revenge for her in-laws' entire family? Can Your Highness endure the unending pursuit of vengeance from all sides?"
"Moreover, even if Your Highness can kill all of us here today, can you guarantee that all the people you brought with you will obey your every command? Can you guarantee that they will not leak even a whisper of today's events? If someone leaks information, you know very well the consequences that await you, do you not?"
Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=3614052
This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
"If Your Highness does not care about these things and still wants to kill me, then I can only accept my fate."
Shen Lingyun showed no fear, and every word she spoke struck straight at the heart of the Prince of Yu, each one piercing like a blade.
Indeed, if not for these concerns, he would have already fought with He Ziyi. Why would he waste time arguing with them, making up so many excuses and reasons?
Yet, concerns were concerns—being openly exposed by Shen Lingyun like this was no different from a direct provocation and threat.
This time, the Prince of Yu could no longer swallow his anger. Ignoring He Ziyi’s watchful eyes, he was so enraged that he directly reached out and clamped his hand around Shen Lingyun’s throat.
"You little girl, you have quite the nerve to even dare provoke me. But you did remind me of something. You are right—your current identity is rather special, so I cannot let you die just like this. But you should know, there are many ways to make someone live a life worse than death. What do you say? Do you want to give it a try?"
Shen Lingyun's face flushed red from the lack of air, but she endured the pain and simply glared at the Prince of Yu with unyielding defiance.
That gaze clearly said: If you have the guts, then kill me. What kind of man plays such tricks?
Provoked by that stare, the Prince of Yu, driven by frustration, tightened his grip even more.
The grip of those fingers tightened further and further, as if about to strangle Shen Lingyun to death on the spot.
Shen Lingyun could endure the pain, but He Ziyi, watching from the side, could no longer bear it.
"Let her go!"
To him, this child was like half a daughter. Now, seeing her suffering in front of him, He Ziyi could no longer restrain himself. He directly drew the long sword from his waist and thrust it toward the Prince of Yu.
Perhaps as if he had anticipated it, before the blade could even touch the Prince of Yu’s robe, he had already agilely pulled Shen Lingyun aside, dodging the attack with ease.
At the same time, he coldly curled his lips.
"He Ziyi dares to attempt an assassination on this Prince, defying his superior—such a crime deserves death. Soldiers, obey my command! Kill him!"
The heavily armed troops surrounding the Qingyang Clan responded in unison, "Yes!"
Just as both sides were about to break into an all-out battle, a voice suddenly rang out from within the gates.
"Wait!"
That single call immediately drew the Prince of Yu’s attention.
He looked up, only to see someone rushing straight toward the three of them.
"Let her go!"
That voice sounded somewhat familiar.
Only then did the Prince of Yu raise his hand to stop the crossbowmen and fix his gaze on the mask covering the newcomer's face.
The person had already stopped before him, and in the single eye exposed outside the mask, hatred brimmed so intensely it seemed ready to overflow.
"Let her go. I will go with you, Imperial Uncle."
That "Imperial Uncle" was spoken through gritted teeth, as if he were her mortal enemy.
Mm, that made sense. She certainly had every reason to hate him.
Whether it was the fire from years ago or today's events.
Thinking it over carefully, the Prince of Yu finally forced a smile that appeared somewhat amiable and said, "It has been a long time. I trust you have been well, A'Yao?"
But Shu Yao kept her gaze fixed on the hand gripping Shen Lingyun's throat, her voice seething with hatred. "Let her go first. I will speak with her for a moment and then leave with you."
At that, the Prince of Yu complied with the little princess' request, releasing his hold on Shen Lingyun's neck and shoving her toward Shu Yao.
"Hurry it up."
Shu Yao reacted swiftly, rushing forward to catch Shen Lingyun, preventing her from collapsing from weakness.
"You… cough, cough…"
Shu Yao quickly patted Shen Lingyun’s back to help her breathe more easily, gently coaxing, "Shh, do not speak yet. Take a few breaths first."
But Shen Lingyun did not listen. She lacked the strength to push Shu Yao away and could only ask through gritted teeth, "Why did you come out? Cough, cough… cough… Who… who let you come out?"
Seeing the red marks on Shen Lingyun’s neck, Shu Yao felt an ache deep in her heart.
Unfortunately, too many eyes were watching them, leaving her no chance to speak her heart. She could only lower her gaze, gently rubbing the bruises on Shen Lingyun’s throat as she said with restrained emotion, "If I did not come out, should I have just stood by and watched you all die because of me? Lingyun, I do not want to spend the rest of my life living in regret. The Qingyang Clan is innocent. They should not be implicated because of me. And you… you have already done too much for me. If I keep cowering behind you, letting you bear everything for my sake, then would I not be utterly useless?"
Shen Lingyun, always so composed, now only had frustration and anger left on her face. Seeing this, Shu Yao felt even worse.
"You should not have to suffer such grievances. If you were to endure pain because of me, I would only feel—"
The word “heartache”nearly escaped Shu Yao’s lips, but she forcibly swallowed it and changed her words. "I would only feel guilty."
Shen Lingyun bit her lip and immediately turned her head away.
How ridiculous. She had struggled against the Prince of Yu for so long without bowing her head, yet in the end, she still lost to Shu Yao’s one sentence—"I would only feel guilty."
She knew that Shu Yao’s decision was, without a doubt, the best choice for everyone. No one would be hurt because of her. No one would die because of her. The Qingyang Clan would not be implicated. It was a situation where everyone should be happy. Even this princess was willing to sacrifice herself rather than selfishly fleeing alone. What was there for her to feel distressed about?
But no matter how well she reasoned it out, she simply could not convince her heart.
The bitterness within her was overwhelming, so strong it felt as though it would spill over. Even her lips and tongue seemed to be coated with its taste.
The Prince of Yu stood by with his arms crossed. Seeing this, he urged impatiently, "Are you done, A’Yao?"
He did not want to be dragged into this by these troublesome girls, causing him to miss the opportunity of dealing with Li Qiubai. If that happened, his actions today would be meaningless.
Upon hearing this, many things that Shu Yao wanted to say to Shen Lingyun remained unsaid. Instead, she mumbled the last sentence, “I am sorry, I promised to protect you as your bodyguard, but I ended up breaking my word. I made you stand in front of me, causing you to suffer for my sake.”
She spoke softly and did not wait for Shen Lingyun’s reply. After saying this, she released her grip on Shen Lingyun and stepped toward He Zi Yi, saying, “Master He, I am truly sorry. Today’s events are all because of me, causing you trouble. Could you please help take care of Lingyun and have someone apply some medicine to her?”
This simple task, there was no need for Shu Yao to ask; He Ziyi would do it without question.
Once he had agreed, Shu Yao walked toward the Prince of Yu and reminded him, “Master He merely slipped with his sword earlier; there was no intention of assassination. Surely, Your Highness will not mind?”
With Shu Yao present, the Prince of Yu did not worry about handling Li Qiubai. He waved his hand and replied with a pleasant tone, “Naturally, no problem. Everyone, retreat.”
At the same time, the prepared carriage had arrived in front of Shu Yao.
Just as she was about to step into the carriage, Shen Lingyun, who had been silent until then, suddenly spoke.
“Wait!”
When Shu Yao turned back, she saw Shen Lingyun walking decisively toward her.
“I will go with you.”
Shu Yao was about to refuse when she saw Shen Lingyun direct her gaze at the Prince of Yu, asking, “Your Highness, surely you do not mind, do you?”
It was just an extra delicate, defenseless woman to take along. To the Prince of Yu, it really was not a matter worth concerning himself over. Since Shen Lingyun could act as if the previous dispute never happened and continue speaking politely to him, how could the Prince of Yu not cooperate?
“Of course, Miss Shen, please go ahead.”
It was not until Shen Lingyun pushed her into the carriage that Shu Yao realized she had not fully understood this person’s intentions. The carriage had already left the Qingyang Clan, and the person who had said they would accompany her was now sitting silently, coldly, with her eyes closed, not saying a word. She looked clearly furious.
After silently watching Shen Lingyun for quite a while, Shu Yao finally gave in and sighed, speaking first, “Lingyun... do you have any idea how dangerous this trip is? You could have safely returned to the Qingyang Clan, so why follow me?”
Only then did Shen Lingyun slowly open her eyes, giving a half-smile, and asked, “Oh? So, you know this trip is dangerous? I thought you did not realize.”
Shu Yao immediately felt embarrassed.
She subtly moved closer to Shen Lingyun’s position, not daring to touch her until she was sitting right next to her. Only when she was not pushed away did she cautiously tug on Shen Lingyun’s sleeve and ask softly, “Does the wound still hurt? Do you have any medicine with you? Should I help you apply some?”
The pain from the wound on her neck was nothing compared to the anger she felt when Shu Yao upset her.
Shen Lingyun pressed her lips together, not pushing Shu Yao away, but silently pulled out her sleeve and still refused to answer any of Shu Yao’s questions.
Even someone lacking common sense could tell that Shen Lingyun was furious.
Worried that she might hurt herself by holding it all in, Shu Yao could only speak softly to her, “Do not worry, I understand. He only wants to keep me as a weakness, as a way to control my imperial sister. He would never dare to truly hurt me. Moreover…”
Not wanting anyone to overhear, Shu Yao leaned on Shen Lingyun’s shoulder, getting closer to her ear, and continued speaking softly, “Moreover, my imperial sister left some hidden guards for me. When I went to find you, they had already infiltrated the Prince of Yu’s forces and would be accompanying me back to the Prince of Yu’s manor. With their protection, I will be fine.”
Only then did Shen Lingyun open her eyes again, turning to look at Shu Yao with a look of reproach.
Did her actions when facing the Prince of Yu seem like a joke to Shu Yao?
Seeing the look on her face, Shu Yao could not help but smile, despite knowing they were in a place where they should not be relaxed. Her heart raced, and she leaned in closer, wrapping her arms around Shen Lingyun’s neck and affectionately nuzzling her.
"If I had known earlier that you cared so much about me and could not bear for me to be in even the slightest danger, I would not have cried until my eyes were swollen last night."
Author's Note:
Hit daily 10000, praise me!
A fever patch on my forehead, a pain relief patch on my body, a hot water bag when I feel cold, a nasal rinse for a stuffy nose, and ibuprofen when I feel unwell.
Yet, I am getting more hyped the more I write! Maybe my virus strain is the "learning strain"!
