Mo Lian Reborn : The Jade Princess's Revenge

"I'll accompany His Highness to Sister Lian's chamber," Roulan said quickly.

Though reluctant, she had no choice but to return to Mo Lian's room to guide the Crown Prince. It was far better than watching Lord Fengyan go there alone.

Without wasting a second, the two of them hurried down the pavilion's northern corridor, passing the emperor's beloved koi pond and beautifully manicured gardens.

Roulan quickened her pace, leading the way. As soon as they reached the intricately carved door of Mo Lian's chamber, she didn't hesitate, she pushed it open at once.

The room was luxuriously furnished. Mo Lian lay on the bed, still resting.

But what Roulan saw next made her freeze in place. Her face drained of color, and her body stiffened with shock.

"My Lord! What do you think you're doing?!" she shouted.

Inside the chamber, Zhao Tiangsheng was seated beside Mo Lian's bed, his hand gently applying ointment to a wound on her chest.

However, from where Roulan stood, it didn't look like he was tending a wound. To an outside observer, it could easily be misunderstood as something inappropriate.

Zhao's hand froze in midair. He turned toward the door with a calm but emotionless gaze.

Just as he opened his mouth to speak, another voice roared into the room... louder, deeper, and filled with fury.

"Brother! Take your hands off her! How dare you touch Lady Lian so shamelessly?!"

The Crown Prince stood behind Roulan, his expression dark with rage. His golden robe billowed dramatically as he stormed into the room.

Without another word...

THUD!

A heavy kick landed squarely on Zhao's chest, sending him crashing to the floor.

"Argh!" Zhao groaned, falling flat on his back, his spine slamming against the cold marble.

The Crown Prince rushed to Mo Lian's bedside, eyes filled with worry.

"I knew you still held a grudge against Lady Lian," he snapped coldly. "But I never thought you'd stoop this low! Taking advantage of her while she's unconscious? That's beneath even you!"

His fists clenched tightly at his sides. His entire body trembled with fury. Deep down, he didn't understand why it burned so much—why the sight of Zhao so close to Lian made his blood boil.

Zhao Tiangsheng slowly sat up, brushing the dust off his robes with a half-smile. He straightened and approached the Crown Prince with an arrogant smirk.

"If you're worried about Lady Lian's honor, then it's simple... I'll marry her," he said lightly, his tone oozing arrogance.

The Crown Prince sneered. "Tch. What a shallow way of thinking. Lady Lian is the eldest daughter of the Mo family. She's worthy of becoming the empress. Not the mere wife of a minor king like you."

"Brother Fengyan!" Roulan's voice cracked as she stepped forward. Her face twisted in disappointment and disbelief.

"Empress? No!" she cut in sharply, shaking her head with rising anger.

"I've stood by the Crown Prince's side for so long. And now he wants to give that title to Mo Lian? He said it... right in front of me?"

Roulan bit back her fury. She couldn't believe what she had just heard.

Zhao, sensing the tension in her face, burst out laughing.

"Look at that, Brother," he said mockingly. "Your woman is jealous. Perhaps it's better if Lady Lian marries me instead."

The Crown Prince's expression turned colder.

"Brother," he said grimly, "I've respected you because you're family. But if you continue like this, I won't stay silent. I'll speak to Father."

Zhao rolled his eyes dramatically. "Tch." He waved lazily and turned toward the door.

"Whatever. Who'd want a fragile woman like her anyway? Marrying her would just be another burden."

With that, he walked out of the room, not sparing a single glance back.

The moment Zhao Tiangsheng disappeared, the Crown Prince sat on the edge of Mo Lian's bed. His expression turned soft, filled with sadness and deep concern.

Tenderly, he brushed a few strands of hair away from her forehead, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm sorry... for being late."

Roulan watched from nearby, her heart burning with jealousy. Her fists clenched at her sides.

She stepped closer, voice soft and sweet, trying to mask the storm inside her. "Brother…"

Without even turning his head, the Crown Prince replied, "You may return to your chamber, Lady Lan."

Roulan stared at him in disbelief. "But... I don't think it's appropriate for you to stay in Sister Lian's room alone. Should I call the maids to tend to her instead?"

This time, he turned.

His gaze was sharp. Cold.

His brows furrowed deeply. "Inappropriate? Then tell me, what will others say if I allow Lady Lian to suffer alone? What am I supposed to tell Lord Mo, hmm?"

His voice rose. He stared at her, unblinking.

Roulan took a step back instinctively. Her breath caught in her throat.

This... this was the first time he'd ever raised his voice at her. He had always been gentle. He always gave in to her every whim.

"Damn you, Mo Lian… You changed him…" she cursed inwardly.

Her gaze flicked to her sister, still lying unconscious. Hatred boiled in her chest.

"Why couldn't you just die?" she hissed in her mind, her nails digging into her palm until they turned white.

She tried again, softer this time. "Your Highness…"

The Crown Prince stood up, towering over her. His voice was cold and flat. "What is it?"

He stepped closer.

"I wonder… is what Prince Zhao said true? Are you jealous of your own sister?"

Roulan quickly shook her head. I must not look weak. I must not lose here.

Forcing a smile, she clung to his arm and leaned against him sweetly. "No, Brother… it's not like that."

"I'm sorry if I've been acting strange lately. I… I'm on my cycle. My stomach hurts so much…"

She doubled over slightly, letting out a soft moan of pain, and glanced at Fengyan through her lashes—confident he'd panic and take care of her, just like he always did.

He'll take me back to my room. He always does. He can't bear seeing me in pain…

But this time...

It didn't work.

Instead, the Crown Prince gently held her shoulder and shouted, "Attendants! Come quickly!"

Thud! Her heart dropped.

Roulan stood straight, stunned. Her face turned pale once again. She stared at him, then at the door.

Two female attendants rushed in, breathless.

"Brother…?" she whispered hopefully.

But the Crown Prince spoke clearly, firmly.

"Escort Lady Lan back to her room. And summon the royal physician."

Roulan gasped, clutching her own arms. No… He's really sending me away? He's not even taking me himself?

"I… I wasn't lying, Brother…" she murmured, tears welling in her eyes.

But he didn't even flinch. "Rest. Once I've ensured Lady Lian is safe, I'll visit your chamber."

Then he turned to the attendants. "Take her. Now."

"Yes, Your Highness!" they replied in unison. They stepped forward and carefully supported Roulan.

She allowed herself to be led away without resistance.

But once the door closed behind them and they reached her room, Roulan shoved their hands away harshly.

"Get out!" she snapped.

The maids recoiled, bowing deeply with pale faces.

"Y-Yes, my lady…"

Roulan remained standing at the door, teeth clenched. She turned back toward the direction of Mo Lian's chamber.

Her eyes were sharp. Burning. As if she could set fire to the entire room with just a look.

"I won't stand by and do nothing. You wretched snake… Don't think you've won."

Her lips curled in hatred, and with her faithful maid trailing behind her, she stormed down the hallway.

Unaware that—just ahead in the shadows—someone was waiting.

A sword gleamed faintly in the dark.

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