Chapter 2: They Have Arrived!

Reborn on the night she lost herself to the Crown Prince.

Ling Yuzhao’s face was sharply defined, his features resolute, surprisingly more exquisite than those of ordinary women. His natural handsomeness carried an indescribable authority and sharpness, as if he looked down upon all living beings.

“Be good,” Ling Yuzhao’s voice was gentle yet filled with longing. “After tonight, you will be my Crown Princess.”

His gaze was clouded, clearly affected by the drug. Ji Hua closed her eyes in despair. She had already lost her virtue and was powerless to turn back time. But why must she be reborn at this very moment?

Ling Yuzhao’s movements grew more forceful, his voice laced with desire and a magnetic undertone. “Don’t dare to open your eyes to look at me?”

Ji Hua met Ling Yuzhao’s dark eyes, within which flickered a blazing fire as if it would consume her in the next instant.

“Your Highness, this is a trap.”

According to her previous life’s events, reinforcements were soon to arrive! She weakly raised her hand, pushing against Ling Yuzhao’s chest. Yet, drugged and overwhelmed, her resistance seemed more like reluctant acceptance.

Ling Yuzhao’s gaze turned cold, though his movements never ceased. “I will make those behind this pay the price.”

His indifferent tone carried a hint of futility, sending Ji Hua’s heart into an icy abyss.

So it was true—Ling Yuzhao was aware this was a scheme!

A crushing sense of helplessness spread through her. Was she destined to be a mere pawn in someone else’s game, even if given a second chance at life?

No!

She would never walk the same path again!

Ji Hua’s eyes shimmered with resolve as she spoke firmly, “Your Highness, you have deliberately fallen into the enemy’s trap, no doubt to strike at the root. But I have a better plan—I can help you!”

A sharp glint flashed in Ling Yuzhao’s eyes. “Oh?”

Though he appeared casual, it was as if one wrong word from her would spell her doom.

She steadied herself and continued, “If today’s incident spreads, King Xuan will kill two birds with one stone: the arranged marriage and the imperial favor.”

That was how it had unfolded before. Once exposed, even though the Emperor allowed the Crown Prince to marry Ji Shulan, he lost the imperial favor. For the following two months, the Emperor suppressed him ruthlessly.

Her father, the First Minister of the realm, was always impartial. Yet the Emperor’s suspicion of factional strife led him to marry his two daughters to different princes, ensuring no favoritism.

Though her birth mother died early and her stepmother was cruel and domineering, her father always protected her, keeping the stepmother’s bias at bay. He treated Ji Hua and Ji Shulan equally, with genuine affection for both sisters.

Ling Yuzhao’s sharp gaze felt like an invisible blade piercing Ji Hua’s chest.

“Continue.”

Ji Hua took a deep breath. “I know a fatal secret about King Xuan. If Your Highness protects me, I will reveal everything without reservation.”

She feigned calm, though her heart trembled wildly.

In truth...

Even if she married Ling Moxuan, she knew how terrifying Ling Yuzhao truly was.

Ji Shulan had thought she chose a good match, but in the end, the Crown Prince had tortured her to death.

Negotiating with a tiger was never wise, but now this was her only way out.

At that moment, chaotic footsteps sounded outside, as if a large group was rushing over.

Ji Hua’s face darkened. This life, she would never repeat the same mistakes!

The man pressing down on her was like a mountain; she couldn’t push him away.

“Your Highness!”

Ling Yuzhao grunted softly; the creaking of the wooden bed finally ceased.

Ji Hua hurriedly got off the bed; the ambiguous marks on her body were now painfully clear.

Ling Yuzhao’s clear eyes darkened slightly at that moment.

Ji Hua had no time to waste and hastily dressed herself.

The footsteps drew closer.

Her heart raced; if she lost this round, everything would collapse thereafter.

“Your Highness! Protect me, and I swear to keep my word!”

Bang!

The door was suddenly kicked open!

Tonight was the Water Melody Gathering hosted by the Noble Consort, attended by all noble youths.

Leading the group was Ling Moxuan.

His gaze was cold. Seeing Ling Yuzhao resting alone on the bed, his expression faltered slightly.

Why was he alone?

Ling Yuzhao slowly opened his eyes, lazily scanning the overwhelming pressure in the room.

“What is the matter?”

Ling Moxuan stepped forward, restraining his expression as he cupped his hands. “Brother Emperor, Miss Ji is missing. I have brought men to search for her. May I ask why you are here?”

Ling Yuzhao’s eyes instantly turned icy. “Do I owe you an explanation while I rest?”

Ling Moxuan’s expression shifted subtly. “I would never presume.”

Hidden inside the wardrobe, Ji Hua peered through a narrow crack, a fierce rage erupting within her.

Ling Moxuan!

Last life’s horrors felt as fresh as yesterday.

All the pain and torment made her tremble.

This time, she vowed to make Ling Moxuan pay for his blood debts!

“There is nothing here. I have not seen Miss Ji,” Ling Yuzhao’s voice was cold, his gaze casually sweeping over Ling Moxuan and his followers, forcing them to shrink back in fear.

Ling Moxuan’s face darkened.

No matter what, he would make everyone believe that the Crown Prince and Ji Hua were having an illicit affair!

He said in a low voice, “Your Highness, I have heard that Miss Ji has been poisoned. If not treated promptly, she may die. Brother Emperor, I must insist!”

With that, he strode straight to the wardrobe.