The Love-Hate Relationship Between the Female Lead and the Second Female Lead - Chapter 10

Ling Ling?! What’s wrong? Wen Shijun asked, startled by the sight of the weeping woman before him.

Princess Consort? Ling Ling froze for a moment upon seeing Wen Shijun, then rushed forward to embrace him, sobbing uncontrollably.

What’s wrong? Wen Shijun tugged at Ling Ling’s sleeve, trying to free himself, but with each pull, Ling Ling only tightened her grip on his hand.

Wen Shijun repeatedly asked what was wrong, but Ling Ling refused to answer, only wailing louder.

Tears and snot streamed down her face, all of it wiping onto Wen Shijun’s waist. Though he wasn’t particularly fastidious, he still found the mess of another person’s tears rather unpleasant.

Just as Wen Shijun was at his wit’s end, Zanyue charged forward and forcibly pulled Ling Ling away.

Normally, Zanyue would never intervene in such a matter, given her deep-seated animosity toward Su Huai and her servant Ling Ling. It was clear that Zanyue was acting on Ji Zining’s orders.

Ling Ling, what’s wrong? Why are you crying so bitterly? Ji Zining asked, feigning concern with obvious insincerity.

Ling Ling, who had long despised Ji Zining’s pretentious demeanor and venomous heart, harbored even greater resentment after the events of the past two days. Seeing Ji Zining now, with Wen Shijun backing her up, Ling Ling couldn’t conceal her loathing. She tearfully appealed to Wen Shijun, Princess Consort, you have no idea how cruel they were while you were unconscious! They took advantage of your coma and even tried to murder you!

Ling Ling’s words were somewhat exaggerated, but she believed their animosity ran deep, fueled by their rivalry for Su Huai’s affections. If Su Huai’s soul hadn’t been replaced, they might have come to blows.

This— Wen Shijun cast a slightly suspicious glance at Ji Zining.

It wasn’t that Wen Shijun distrusted her in the original novel, Ji Zining and the original Wen Shijun had loathed each other. Poisoning and assassination attempts were minor offenses compared to Ji Zining’s future actions, which would ultimately lead to the heroine’s family’s ruin.

Though Wen Shijun cherished Ji Zining, affection didn’t preclude suspicion, especially while still inhabiting the original Wen Shijun’s body.

Unexpectedly, Ji Zining remained silent, refusing to confront Wen Shijun publicly. Instead, she fixed Wen Shijun with an intensely sorrowful gaze, her eyes reddening as if on the verge of tears.

Hey, hey, don’t cry! Wen Shijun panicked at the sight of her tears, rushing forward to comfort her.

But Ji Zining evaded Wen Shijun’s hand, refusing to shed tears in public this time. Instead, she turned away.

Wen Shijun noticed Ji Zining dabbing at the corner of her eye with a handkerchief and wanted to comfort her. But Zanyue rushed forward, blocking his path. Royal Consort, she said sharply, forgetting for a moment my lady’s tireless care for you, even when assassins attacked, she didn’t abandon you. You’ve been with her day and night these past few days—if you wanted to harm her, you’d have done it already. Why wait until now?

Wen Shijun harbored some doubts himself, after all, the plot was right there, impossible to ignore. But seeing Ji Zining’s tear-reddened eyes and pitiful demeanor, his heart softened. Even if she truly intended to harm him, he suspected he would forgive her.

Wen Shijun already felt deeply guilty toward Ji Zining. Zanyue’s next words only deepened his shame.

Royal Consort, Zanyue emphasized the title, as if reminding her that this Princess Consort position didn’t truly belong to her, Su Huai. These past few days, while you were unconscious, my lady has been tirelessly caring for you, staying up two nights straight, watching over you day and night. And not a single word of gratitude—

Enough, Ji Zining interrupted before Zanyue could finish. Words are useless now. Let’s go. With that, Ji Zining strode away without a backward glance at Wen Shijun.

Wen Shijun, already consumed by guilt, couldn’t bear to let Ji Zining leave in such distress. Just as he was about to chase after her, Ling Ling clung to him tightly, sobbing, Young Master, please don’t fall for their sob story! How could Ji Zining ever truly care for you?

Entangled by Ling Ling’s grip, Wen Shijun found himself unable to move. In that brief moment, Ji Zining had vanished. His anxiety grew, and he strained against Ling Ling’s hold, but couldn’t break free.

Young Master, Zanyue stepped forward, intending to reassure Ji Zining that there was no need to worry. But the woman before her remained composed, showing no signs of distress. A single glance revealed Ji Zining’s act, and Zanyue wisely kept her silence.

Go do something for me, Ji Zining said. Retrieve my belongings. As for the person… She paused, a cold glint flashing in her eyes as she remembered something. Kill them, she said coldly. I can’t stand the sight of them.

Understood, Zanyue replied, and departed.

Meanwhile, Wen Shijun finally managed to shake off Ling Ling’s grip and searched the entire camp for Ji Zining, but she was nowhere to be found.

His anxiety deepened. Zanyue had been seen earlier, but not by Ji Zining’s side. Where could a frail, sickly girl who struggled to walk a few steps without gasping for breath have gone alone?

After searching nearby, Wen Shijun found Ji Zining by the river.

Ji Zining sat beside a rock, her hair and gauze dress fluttering in the breeze. The rushing river only accentuated her solitude.

Wen Shijun wanted to approach her immediately, but realized apologizing empty-handed wouldn’t seem sincere. Yet he had no way to find a proper gift right now.

As he pondered this, his eyes fell on the wildflowers lining the path, and an idea struck him.

He gathered the most beautiful wildflowers and removed a spare silk ribbon from his sash. Tying the flowers together, he crafted a delicate floral wreath.

Despite his usual brashness, Wen Shijun was surprisingly adept at such intricate handiwork.

Clutching the wreath, Wen Shijun hurried toward Ji Zining and gently tapped her shoulder.

Ji Zining turned to see a bouquet of fresh flowers before her. Looking up, she met Wen Shijun’s apologetic gaze. I’m sorry about earlier, he said. I didn’t misunderstand you Ling Ling’s sudden announcement just caught me off guard… No, I didn’t react properly. Anyway, I’m sorry, and thank you for taking care of me these past few days.

Wen Shijun stood backlit, radiating a soft glow. Ji Zining squinted against the sunlight, only realizing the flowers in Wen Shijun’s hand were actually a floral crown when she took it.

The giver had been meticulous, securing the stems tightly to prevent them from snagging her hair. A crimson ribbon bound the flowers together with exquisite care.

Do you like it? Wen Shijun asked nervously, his toe tracing circles beneath his skirt.

I love it, Ji Zining replied.

Wen Shijun smiled. Then let me put it on for you. He took the crown from Ji Zining and carefully placed it on her head, gently arranging her hair.

The dark, lustrous strands flowed like satin, the vivid red ribbon cascading against the black, strikingly conspicuous.

The splash of red stood out not only against her dark hair but also against Ji Zining’s simple, pristine white attire, instantly enlivening her entire presence.

It looks beautiful, Wen Shijun said, his admiration undisguised. His unwavering gaze made Ji Zining blush.

Ji Zining lowered her head, her calm eyes suddenly alight with a newfound determination. The corners of her lips curved upward, a hint of triumph flickering in her gaze.

After Wen Shijun apologized, their relationship deepened. They ate and slept together, driving Ling Ling to seething frustration, yet leaving her powerless to intervene.

That night, in a dilapidated temple, dust lay thick everywhere. Rafters hung askew, and the central Buddha statue was shrouded in cobwebs, creating an atmosphere of desolation and decay.

Zanyue, dressed in black and her face veiled, strode to a corner where straw lay piled. As she raised her short sword to strike, the girl on the straw opened her eyes and pleaded urgently, Please spare me! I have money!

Give me all the gold, silver, and valuables you have, Zanyue demanded, lowering her blade.

The girl obediently produced her possessions and placed them before Zanyue, who took them and turned to leave. Though Ji Zining had ordered her to eliminate the witness, this woman was merely a defenseless village girl, hardly worth the effort of killing.

As Zanyue prepared to depart, Huilan, the girl behind her, harbored no illusions about survival. Having stolen jewelry and fled her home, she had endured days of hunger and sleeplessness, forced to disguise herself as a beggar for protection. She had hoped to find a prosperous place to start anew, but now her money was gone, and returning to her detested family was impossible. With no hope left, she resolved to end her life.

In utter despair, Huilan ran toward the wall.

Zanyue, hearing the commotion, turned just in time to see Huilan’s desperate act. With a swift kick, she sent a pebble flying, landing precisely in Huilan’s path. Huilan stepped on it and tumbled heavily to the ground.

Realizing she wasn’t dead, Huilan burst into tears.

Zanyue, cold and detached, had no intention of interfering. But since Huilan was her mission target, she had to ensure the woman posed no further threat before leaving. With forced patience, Zanyue asked, What’s wrong?

Sobbing, Huilan replied, I have no will to live anymore. I’ve lost everything. I might as well be dead.

Zanyue paused at these words. After a moment, she placed all the loose silver she had on her person before Huilan, then rose to leave. This was all she could do.

Huilan stared at the silver coins. Though casually offered, this small sum would be enough to feed an ordinary family well for two years. Overwhelmed by her current plight, Huilan looked up at Zanyue’s retreating figure, her heart clenching. She rushed forward and clung to Zanyue’s back, pleading in a pitiful voice, Young master, please take me with you. I’ll repay you even as a beast of burden. I truly have nowhere else to go.

Zanyue had disguised her voice and wrapped herself tightly, leaving no hint of her true gender. Given that no woman would dare such a scandalous act, Huilan immediately assumed she was a man.

Zanyue turned her head coldly.

Kind sir, please take me with you, Huilan pleaded, tears streaming down her face. I’ll do anything you ask. She even subtly touched Zanyue’s hand, hinting at more.

Unfortunately, Zanyue was utterly oblivious to such advances. Without a second thought, she refused No.

Huilan knew Zanyue wouldn’t agree, but this was her last lifeline. She clung desperately to Zanyue’s clothes, refusing to let go even if it meant death.

Exasperated, Zanyue was about to knock her unconscious with a chop to the neck when she paused, drawn by the girl’s eyes.

Moonlight streamed through the dilapidated house, illuminating those eyes with an extraordinary clarity and innocence, so much like the eyes of her younger sister from her memories.

For reasons she couldn’t explain, Zanyue, who always avoided trouble and acted decisively, found herself agreeing to help.

Having already betrayed her master through insincere obedience, Zanyue couldn’t possibly bring the girl back with her. Yet she couldn’t abandon her either. She had no choice but to secretly take Huilan to the Capital and settle her there.

After half a month of relentless travel, they finally arrived in the Capital.

As soon as they entered the city, they were greeted by the clamor of carriages and horses, and the sight of vendors lining the streets with their stalls. Having grown accustomed to modern markets, Wen Shijun found the ancient scene particularly fascinating.

Just as he was about to venture out to explore, Chu Mohuan pulled him back and escorted him to Prince Chen’s Manor.

As a result, Wen Shijun maintained a sullen expression throughout the journey, only relenting when Ji Zining offered him pastries to cheer him up.

Wen Shijun helped Ji Zining dismount from the carriage, his gaze filled with concern as he studied her pale face. Are you alright? he asked.

Ji Zining shook her head.

Here, have some water. Wen Shijun took the cup from a maid and held it to Ji Zining’s lips, watching as she drank.

After she finished, Wen Shijun helped her sit on a nearby stool. Ji Zining buried her face against his chest, closing her eyes. Her chest rose and fell faintly as she gasped for breath.

Wen Shijun held her tenderly. Shall we go back and rest?

Ji Zining shook her head again, too weak to speak.

Wen Shijun knew who she was waiting for, and his heart twisted with resentment.

Ji Zining, what’s so great about Chu Mohuan? He knows you’re frail, yet he rushed back here, pushing you beyond your limits without a thought for your health.

I haven’t properly asked about your health these past few days. Now I understand—your deep affection won’t even move your lips. You haven’t shown any concern for Ji Zining at all.

Just then, Chu Mohuan approached.

Ning’er, how are you feeling? Chu Mohuan asked with concern.

Hearing his voice, Ji Zining opened her eyes but remained leaning against Wen Shijun’s chest, replying weakly, I’m fine, Your Highness.

Good to hear. There are urgent matters in the palace. Rest well. He turned to the nearby maidservant and instructed, Take good care of Miss Ji.

Chu Mohuan was about to leave when he noticed Wen Shijun and offered a perfunctory greeting. Su Huai, how was your journey? How’s your injury?

Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I’m fine, Wen Shijun replied curtly, avoiding eye contact.

Chu Mohuan didn’t take her attitude personally. After instructing the servants to care for them properly, he departed.

Alright, can we leave now? Wen Shijun’s tone was sharp, tinged with bitterness.

Ji Zining nodded, gazing innocently at Wen Shijun’s face.

Wen Shijun stared straight ahead, refusing to look at her.

Where is Miss Ji’s residence? Wen Shijun asked.

Before the maid could answer, Ji Zining spoke up first. Sister, can I go to your place first?

No, Wen Shijun replied sternly.

Oh, Ji Zining said cautiously, confused by Wen Shijun’s anger.

Wen Shijun was about to explode with rage, unwilling to see this heartless woman for the time being.

As she walked, her anger only grew. She ordered the maid to take Ji Zining back and turned to return to her own Hibiscus Courtyard.

Upon entering the courtyard, Wen Shijun dismissed the servants and sat down in a chair. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. With a sweep of her hand, she knocked the teapot off the table. Still not satisfied, she threw the teacups down one by one.

Ling Ling had been waiting outside the door. Hearing the commotion, she pushed the door open, picked up the broken teacups, and asked, Miss, what’s wrong?

Wen Shijun remained silent.

Ling Ling knew she was angry at Ji Zining, and a secret joy bloomed in her heart. Finally, an opportunity to torment Ji Zining had arrived.

Miss, don’t be upset. Miss Ji has always been like this. She seduced Your Highness at the general’s birthday banquet years ago, which led to her current prosperity.

Wen Shijun knew that Ji Zining and Chu Mohuan had met at Old General Su’s birthday banquet, but the original text provided few details about their encounter, leaving Wen Shijun puzzled about the exact circumstances.

Noticing the curiosity in Wen Shijun’s eyes, Ling Ling slowly explained, Miss Ji lacks all sense of propriety and shame. She tried to take advantage of His Highness’s drunken state to consummate their marriage. If the Old Madam hadn’t intervened in time, she would have ruined the reputation of our General’s Manor.

Wen Shijun was shocked by this revelation. It wasn’t hard for him to believe, given the numerous scenes in the original text where Ji Zining attempted to seduce Chu Mohuan. His heart twisted with discomfort and jealousy.

Ling Ling was about to continue, but Wen Shijun cut her off impatiently.

Alright, alright, you can leave now, he said, rising to his feet and collapsing back onto the bed, unwilling to hear more.

Ling Ling, sensing her unwelcome presence, turned and left.

The room fell silent, but Wen Shijun’s mind remained restless and agitated.

Miss, Zanyue said respectfully as she entered the room.

Why did it take you so long this time? Ji Zining asked, stirring the soup in the pot with a ladle. The steaming heat blurred her face, making it impossible to read her expression.

I returned to Bright Moon Manor to visit my mother. It had been a while since I’d seen her, so I stopped by since I was passing through, Zanyue replied without hesitation, knowing that any hesitation would arouse suspicion.

Is that so? Ji Zining’s expression remained neutral, revealing no hint of suspicion.

Come help me wrap dumplings. I might not be able to finish them all by myself, Ji Zining suddenly said.

She picked up a dumpling wrapper, dipped it in water, added the filling, and completed the entire process in one fluid motion, quickly shaping a plump, golden ingot.

Relieved that she had successfully evaded suspicion, Zanyue picked up a wrapper and began wrapping dumplings as well.

But as she was wrapping her third dumpling, Ji Zining suddenly asked, Where did you put Miss Huilan?

The question struck like a thunderbolt into water, sending ripples through the air. Cold sweat broke out on Zanyue’s forehead as she hastily set down the dumpling skin and knelt on the ground.

Please forgive me, Miss, Zanyue said, her head bowed. I simply couldn’t bring myself to do it.

It’s only natural you couldn’t go through with it, Ji Zining replied, her expression indifferent as she continued wrapping dumplings, as if the matter held no significance. Not everyone is as cold-blooded as I am.

Miss, you worry too much, Zanyue said.

Find a suitable residence for her and teach her proper etiquette. She might prove useful someday.

Yes, Miss.

You may leave, Ji Zining said coolly.

Zanyue immediately rose and hurried out. As she closed the door, she glanced back at Ji Zining, whose eyes were lowered in concentration as she meticulously wrapped dumplings. A few stray strands of hair framed her forehead, lending her an air of gentle beauty. Yet Zanyue knew that since some unknown moment, her mistress had grown even more intelligent, cold, and powerful, indifferent to everything yet sometimes radiating an unbearable loneliness.