Mo Lian Reborn : The Jade Princess's Revenge

"You don't see it? This place is dangerous!" Zhao growled, his voice low and sharp.

"Let go! Let go of my hand!" Mo Lian struggled, trying to pull her hand away from Zhao's grip. But the man didn't budge. Instead, his hold tightened.

Suddenly, he released her wrist, only to wrap an arm firmly around her waist and yank her into his embrace. Now, they were standing face-to-face, no space left between them.

Zhao leaned down, his face dangerously close.

"Is your jealousy so overwhelming that you've lost all sense of reason, huh?!" His voice was filled with fury, and he pulled her even closer. Their bodies were completely pressed together now. His eyes locked onto hers with burning intensity.

This woman... She'd rather die than let Fengyan and Roulan be together? And she still dares to pretend she's against the arranged marriage? Zhao's heart raged with confusion and anger.

"Let go, Your Majesty! I don't have much time left!" Mo Lian's voice grew desperate, her eyes scanning the chaotic room. More intruders were pouring in, and the situation was spiraling out of control.

Soon… the scene will happen… Roulan will fake an attack and get herself 'hurt'… No! I have to stop it before it begins!

"Away!" Mo Lian pushed Zhao's chest hard and broke free from his grip.

But once again, Zhao wouldn't let her go. He grabbed her arm tightly, holding her back.

Clang!

Clang!!!

The sound of clashing swords between the intruders and palace guards filled the air. Mo Lian glanced toward the Crown Prince, who was still shielding Roulan protectively in his arms.

"Take Lady Mo out of here, now!" Zhao Tiangsheng shouted to one of his guards who had just taken down an attacker.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Zhao loosened his grip just a little, and Mo Lian seized the chance. She slipped from his hold and dashed toward the Crown Prince.

At that exact moment, one of the intruders leapt onto the table, sword raised high, eyes locked on the Crown Prince.

"No!" Roulan screamed in panic.

Sensing danger, the Crown Prince reacted swiftly. He took one step back and launched a powerful kick at the intruder's wrist. The sword flew out of the man's grip and crashed to the ground.

"Are you alright?" the Crown Prince turned quickly to Roulan.

"I-I'm fine, but I'm scared, Your Highness..." she whimpered, clutching his robe even tighter.

Before either of them could breathe a sigh of relief, the attacker sprang back up, drawing a small dagger from his robe and aiming it straight at Roulan.

Eyes wide, Roulan reflexively pulled Mo Lian—who was right beside her—forward, trying to shield herself.

Slice!

The blade buried itself deep into Mo Lian's upper right chest.

"Ahh!" Mo Lian gasped, eyes fixed in horror at the hilt protruding from her body. Her legs wobbled, unable to support her.

"Sister Mo!" Roulan cried, voice trembling.

"Bastard!" Zhao roared as he saw the scene. His eyes glinted with pure rage. Without hesitation, he charged at the attacker and slashed his sword.

Whoosh!

The blade sliced cleanly through the intruder's neck.

Blood spurted. The body collapsed, landing right on the Crown Prince's table.

Zhao rushed to Mo Lian, shoving Roulan aside with his arm. "Move!"

His face paled at the sight of Mo Lian, her chest soaked in blood.

"Mo Lian! Stay with me!" Zhao held her tightly. His hands trembled as he tried to stop the bleeding.

Inside, Mo Lian cursed under her breath. Damn it… I was supposed to let Roulan fail her little act… Why did I end up being stabbed instead?

"Mo Lian! Listen to me! Stay awake, you fool!" Zhao shouted, slapping her cheek lightly but firmly.

"It… hurts… so much…" she murmured weakly.

Zhao didn't waste another second. He scooped her into his arms and held her tightly.

"Guards!" he shouted over his shoulder. "Call the imperial physician! Now!"

Roulan stood frozen in the Crown Prince's arms. Mo Lian's blood was still dripping onto the floor as Zhao rushed out.

The room fell silent. The stench of blood lingered. Corpses of the intruders littered the ground, staining the once-pristine floor red.

---

"It hurts… It hurts so much, Your Majesty… I think I'm going to die…" Mo Lian whispered.

She was still in Zhao's arms as he strode swiftly through the Pavilion Yun corridor.

"Don't talk nonsense!" Zhao snapped, his face tense. "Who dares to kill you, huh?! If anyone's allowed to take your life, it's me!"

He gritted his teeth, glaring at her pale face.

"You foolish woman… Were you born just to torment me? To make me worry, to drive me insane every time you get hurt?!"

Though his words were harsh, they couldn't hide the panic in his voice, nor the sorrow in his eyes.

---

Now, Mo Lian lay motionless on her bed. Her eyes shut tightly, breath shallow. Her chest rose and fell faintly, as if life and death were battling inside her.

Two palace physicians worked diligently, while maids and servants came and went, bringing clean cloths, medicinal herbs, and hot water. Everything needed was rushed into the room.

At the corner, Zhao stood silently. The Crown Prince and Roulan stood beside him, each holding their breath, waiting for a miracle.

"How is Lady Lian's condition?" the Crown Prince finally asked, breaking the tense silence.

One of the physicians looked up, clearly exhausted. "Forgive me, Your Highness… Her condition is critical. We've done everything we can. The poison on the blade was strong. Now… all that's left is her will."

He bowed deeply. "If she's strong enough, if she chooses to survive… then by morning, she will awaken."

With that, the physician excused himself and left the room.

Zhao moved to the bedside and sat down. He stared at Mo Lian's pale face and gently grasped her cold hand.

"Please wake up. If not, I'll feed you a poison worse than this," he muttered under his breath.

Just then, a soft voice chimed in behind him.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty…" Roulan said gently, stepping forward. "A man and woman who aren't married shouldn't be this close. Sister Lian is the Prime Minister's eldest daughter. It's best if I stay by her side instead."

Zhao turned to her swiftly, eyes narrowing.

"If you even try to touch her…" he said in a chilling tone, "I'll break your hand."

The room immediately filled with tension.

Hearing Zhao's threat, the Crown Prince stepped forward, visibly furious. "Lord Zhao!" he barked. "What do you mean by that?!"

Zhao straightened his back. "I mean exactly what I said. No one has the right to be near Lian in this state. Especially a scheming girl like her."

"You think I don't see through your 'kindness'?!" he snapped, glaring at Roulan.

Roulan's face turned pale. Her fists clenched as she slowly stepped back, hiding behind the Crown Prince.

"I don't understand what His Majesty is implying," she said shakily.

The Crown Prince flicked his sleeve harshly and turned away, trying to rein in his temper. "Lord Zhao, this is not the time to argue. Our focus should be Lady Lian," he said, glancing at the unconscious Mo Lian.

Zhao stared at him for a moment, then said nothing. He sat back down, his eyes never leaving Mo Lian's face.

At that moment, Maid Mei stepped forward cautiously. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. Allow me to watch over Lady Lian."

Zhao turned to her and gave a small nod.

Then, Roulan deliberately tugged on the Crown Prince's sleeve, pulling him toward the door.

"Take care of her properly," Zhao said to Maid Mei in a firm voice.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Just as Zhao turned to leave—

A faint grip wrapped around his hand.

"Don't go…" Mo Lian whispered, her voice barely audible.

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