The Love-Hate Relationship Between the Female Lead and the Second Female Lead - Chapter 3

The sun rose in the east, painting the sky outside the window with a pale, fish-belly light. Several sparrows perched on the windowsill, chirping playfully.

A maid yawned as she opened the door and entered the room. Seeing the woman sitting at the table, she exclaimed in surprise, Miss, you’re awake so early!

Ji Zining didn’t respond, staring blankly out the window, as if still lost in thought.

The maid noticed she was still wearing yesterday’s clothes, her hair undone. Assuming she hadn’t slept all night, the maid felt a pang of sympathy. She stepped forward and earnestly advised, Miss, even in your sorrow, you must take care of yourself. Prince Chen may have married the eldest daughter, but his heart belongs to you. Once his illness is cured and she no longer holds any leverage over him, he’ll divorce her sooner or later. Then you and His Highness can finally be together. Please don’t ruin your health over this.

Ji Zining ignored her, instead gripping the maid’s hand tightly. Her usually calm, stagnant eyes now shone with an uncontainable excitement. Zanyue, she said, her voice trembling with emotion, I wasn’t injured yesterday.

Huh? Zanyue asked, puzzled by Ji Zining’s strange words.

Everything changed yesterday. Am I finally free? Can I leave this place? Ji Zining stood up, her face radiating relief.

Prepare the carriage. We’re leaving.

Miss, where are we going? Zanyue was bewildered by Ji Zining’s sudden decision to leave.

Where? Ji Zining smiled faintly. We’re going back to Jiangnan. We’ll never return here again. Hurry! Her last words carried a hint of urgency.

Alright, alright. Zanyue felt a surge of happiness. Jiangnan was their hometown. Since the deaths of Ji Zining’s parents and their subsequent move to the General’s Manor, neither of them had been back.

As Zanyue packed, Chu Mohuan arrived, dragging Wen Shijun by the arm.

It’s not my fault! Why should I apologize? Wen Shijun stubbornly protested as Chu Mohuan berated her.

Zanyue emerged from the room, her expression grim. Your Highness, she said in a low voice, please lower your voice. Miss Zining’s old illness has flared up, and she just fell asleep.

While packing earlier, Ji Zining, who hadn’t slept all night and had been exposed to the cold wind the previous evening, fainted. This terrified Zanyue. Fortunately, after consulting a physician and taking several doses of medicine, Ji Zining’s condition improved slightly, and she had just fallen asleep when the commotion outside began. How could Zanyue possibly be happy about this?

Upon hearing this, Chu Mohuan immediately fell silent.

Wen Shijun, however, upon learning that his romantic rival had just fallen asleep and was displeased by his actions, deliberately raised his voice.

Chu Mohuan slapped Wen Shijun, who cried out in pain.

What’s wrong? Is it serious? Let me check on her, Chu Mohuan said, releasing Wen Shijun and stepping toward the inner chamber.

Zanyue blocked the doorway, her voice calm but firm. Your Highness, it is improper for a man to enter a young lady’s bedchamber without permission. For the sake of Miss Ji’s reputation, I must ask you to stop here.

Chu Mohuan hesitated, unable to enter. He stood outside, his voice anxious. Has a physician been summoned?

Yes, Your Highness. The physician said Miss Ji’s old illness was triggered by exposure to the cold wind, Zanyue replied, hoping to prompt Chu Mohuan to ask why Ji Zining had been exposed to the cold wind and to evoke his sympathy.

As expected, Chu Mohuan followed up on Zanyue’s words. How did she get exposed to the cold wind when she was fine yesterday? How are you caring for your mistress?

This was all for Your Highness. If Miss hadn’t been seeking a Marriage Talisman last night, she wouldn’t have been exposed to the cold wind, Zanyue said, handing Chu Mohuan a small object.

Chu Mohuan took it, stroking it tenderly. So that’s what happened? His voice carried genuine concern for Ji Zining.

Zanyue continued to paint a pitiful picture of Ji Zining, deliberately trying to evoke Chu Mohuan’s sympathy while also provoking Wen Shijun.

But Wen Shijun was too stunned to react. Staring at the familiar Marriage Talisman and listening to Zanyue’s words, her expression momentarily shattered.

Yesterday’s ethereal beauty… she’s actually the Second Female Lead from the novel?! The one who hates the female lead with a vengeance, scheming to create misunderstandings between the main couple, acting sweet to their faces while plotting behind their backs—that vicious, scheming villainess?!

Is this some kind of mistake?!

That stunningly beautiful, gentle, and kind woman… she’s Ji Zining?!

Wen Shijun felt her world collapsing. Despairingly, she stared at the tightly closed door, desperate to burst in and confirm whether Ji Zining was indeed the woman from last night.

Miss’s devotion to Your Highness is unwavering. Please, Your Highness, do not betray her feelings, Zanyue said, mistaking Wen Shijun’s despondent expression as a sign of her success in provoking her. A triumphant smile crept across her face.

I would never, Chu Mohuan replied with deep sincerity.

Wen Shijun, unable to bear the scene any longer, turned and left without a word.

Her desolate figure retreating into the distance carried different meanings in the eyes of the two remaining figures.

Wen Shijun returned to his room, immediately collapsing onto the bed and picking up the handkerchief from the previous day.

Of all people, why did it have to be Ji Zining?

Wen Shijun stared blankly at the handkerchief in his hand, a chill running down his spine as he recalled Ji Zining’s fate in the novel.

In the original story, once Chu Mohuan realized who had saved him as a child, he turned on Ji Zining with ruthless cruelty. He imprisoned her, tortured her relentlessly, and, as if that weren’t enough, locked her in a cage with vicious dogs, leaving her to be torn apart alive. Finally, her mangled remains were tossed off a cliff, leaving no trace of her existence.

When Wen Shijun had read this passage, he hadn’t felt any satisfaction, only pity. After all, Ji Zining had been mistaken for the savior without knowing the truth. The novel also mentioned her loveless upbringing, which had led her to fall for Chu Mohuan, who showered her with affection and care. Perhaps if not for that jade pendant, Ji Zining would never have become entangled in the protagonists’ twisted love-hate drama.

Wen Shijun carefully folded the handkerchief and placed it in the bottom compartment of his jewelry box.

Regardless, thank you for the meal, he murmured, setting the box aside.

Wen Shijun had been waiting for Ji Zining to fall ill so he could save her with his bl00d. But to his surprise, she suddenly ran away.

Chu Mohuan, preoccupied with searching for her, naturally had no time for Wen Shijun. This was perfect for Wen Shijun, who felt like a wild horse freed from its reins. For the next few days, he roamed Yangzhou City, indulging in unrestrained revelry.

The very next day after Chu Mohuan’s departure, an uninvited guest disrupted Wen Shijun’s plans.

Wen Shijun had just returned from Yangzhou, his hands laden with treats and trinkets, when he entered the inn and spotted a young woman seated on an ornate chair. The chair clearly didn’t belong to the inn, as it was inlaid with gold and various gemstones. The woman sat with an air of haughty arrogance, attended by four maids who fanned her, two who massaged her legs and back, and two who peeled fruit for her—a scene of extravagant indulgence.

Her ostentatious attire immediately identified her as Princess Jiaolan, the third daughter of the imperial family. While her attire was undoubtedly luxurious, it was also garishly vulgar. Her hair was piled high with golden hairpins that glittered blindingly, and her wrists were stacked with bracelets. Even more infuriating was the sight of three gold rings adorning a single hand—a display of wealth so excessive it bordered on inhumanity.

Wen Shijun glanced down at his own simple appearance, adorned only with a single jade hairpin, and the contrast between them couldn’t have been starker.

As Wen Shijun stared at her, a throbbing headache began to pound at his temples. This county princess was the Empress Dowager’s beloved granddaughter, raised at her side since childhood and showered with affection. This upbringing had molded her into an arrogant and domineering woman, one even the Emperor had to appease.

In the original novel, aside from Ji Zining, Princess Jiaolan was the character who caused the most trouble for the female lead. Why? Because she was infatuated with the second male lead, who in turn was in love with the female lead—a tangled web of unrequited affections.

After a day of sightseeing, Wen Shijun had little patience for Jiaolan’s antics. He hoped to slip upstairs unnoticed, but Jiaolan’s sharp eyes caught him the moment he entered. Left with no choice, Wen Shijun approached to greet her.

Sister-in-law, you’re back! This county princess has been waiting for you for ages, Jiaolan said, deliberately using the term sister-in-law to remind everyone that Su Huai was already married and unattainable.

Wen Shijun forced a smile. What brings the County Princess to Yangzhou?

Everyone’s coming to Yangzhou, Jiaolan huffed, leaving me all alone in the Imperial City!

As if I’d believe that! Wen Shijun thought. Jiaolan wasn’t particularly close to Chu Mohuan and the others. Would our departure really affect her?

Then it’s truly my fault, Wen Shijun said with a polite, apologetic smile.

Sister-in-law, you’ve been traveling for so long, you must miss the Imperial City’s cuisine. I brought a palace chef with me—you must eat plenty! Jiaolan said enthusiastically, gesturing for him to sit down.

Wen Shijun sensed something was amiss the moment he saw her act so solicitous, but given her powerful status, he had no choice but to obediently take a seat.

Shortly after they sat down, servants began bringing out dishes, clearly prepared well in advance.

Soon, the table was laden with delicacies. Jiaolan poured Wen Shijun a cup of wine and picked up a bite of food for her, her large eyes fluttering as she gazed at him, appearing every inch the innocent and obedient younger sister.

Wen Shijun sensed something was amiss at her excessive attentiveness. The fact that she hadn’t sought out Chu Mohuan immediately upon arriving in Yangzhou, but instead lingered here, made it clear her true target was him.

With a smile, Wen Shijun picked up a piece of meat for her. Princess, you must be exhausted from your journey. Please, eat your fill.

Both were playing a game of polite refusal, each hoping the other would take the first bite.

Jiaolan watched the food piling up in her bowl, forming a small mountain, and her patience began to fray.

To ensure Wen Shijun couldn’t avoid eating, Jiaolan had laced all the dishes with laxatives, hoping to vent the pent-up resentment from her time in the capital. But Wen Shijun’s refusal to eat only fueled her simmering anger.

Just as Wen Shijun picked up another piece of meat for her, Jiaolan slammed her chopsticks down, her voice icy. Does my sister-in-law look down on this County Princess? You haven’t touched a single bite I offered you.

How could I? Would I dare? Wen Shijun replied innocently. But Princess, you haven’t touched a single bite I offered you either. Does the Princess despise me? You haven’t even glanced at it.

Jiaolan never expected Wen Shijun to turn the tables on her. In the past, Su Huai had been so eager to please her, obeying her every whim. How had he become so sharp-tongued since arriving in Yangzhou?

Unwilling to argue further, Jiaolan picked up a chopstick full of food and forcefully tried to shove it into Wen Shijun’s mouth.

Wen Shijun sneered. He wasn’t so easily bullied. He raised his hand to block her.

Jiaolan stared in disbelief.

The System’s warnings blared in his ears, but Wen Shijun ignored them. Based on his previous OOC incidents, the warnings were empty threats—annoying but ultimately harmless.

As the daughter of a military family, Wen Shijun’s physical strength far surpassed that of these pampered noble ladies. With a light push, he shoved Jiaolan onto the dining table, overturning bowls and splattering oil stains across her sleeves. Jiaolan glared at him, her face contorted with fury.

How dare you! Jiaolan hissed.

The maids who had retreated outside the room rushed back in at the commotion.

County Princess, are you alright? The maids swarmed around Jiaolan, anxiously checking on her.

Jiaolan waved them away, pointed at Wen Shijun, and snarled, Seize her! Today, you will eat this, whether you like it or not!

The maidservant moved to strike, but several burly men strode in from outside. Their fierce, menacing appearances were enough to intimidate the delicate palace maids, who shrank back, afraid to approach.

These men were guards Wen Shijun had hired from a bodyguard agency. After all, it was dangerous for a young woman to travel alone, especially in feudal times. If she went missing, finding her might prove impossible.

County Princess, you should go find your Imperial Brother, Wen Shijun said coldly. I won’t serve you here.

Su Huai, do you even know who I am? My maternal grandmother is the Empress Dowager! If you offend me, I’ll make sure you suffer. I’ll have my Imperial Brother divorce you!

Heh— Wen Shijun scoffed. You’re a County Princess, but I’m the Princess Consort of Chen. By seniority, I’m your sister-in-law. You should be greeting me properly. Now, showing such disrespect to your elder, I’d like to see how you justify your behavior.

You—you! Jiaolan sputtered, tears streaming down her face. I can’t believe Brother Yun likes you! You shrew!

That princess is even worse than a shrew like me! Crybaby! With that, she stormed off.

Jiaolan was left fuming, stamping her foot in frustration.

After this incident, everyone expected Jiaolan to either return to the palace or seek out Chu Shihuan. Instead, she remained at the inn, harassing Wen Shijun day and night, driving him to the brink of madness. In desperation, Wen Shijun instructed Ling Ling to buy some storybooks, and the mistress and servant retreated to their room, refusing to venture out.

At first, Jiaolan tried to force Wen Shijun out by banging on the door daily. However, the door was of such sturdy construction that it wouldn’t budge, no matter how hard she pounded. This only led to complaints from other guests at the inn. The innkeeper, aware of Jiaolan’s noble status, dared not confront her directly and could only apologize to the disgruntled patrons.

After several futile attempts to get Wen Shijun to show herself, Jiaolan gradually gave up. Accompanied by her guards, she began exploring Yangzhou City, captivated by its local customs, regional beauty, and endless entertainment. With her days filled with amusement, she had no time left to bother Wen Shijun.

Wen Shijun found her current life unprecedentedly carefree. With no official duties and no nagging, she slept until she woke naturally each day, and upon waking, servants attended to her every need. It was the life of her dreams, and she didn’t want to return to her former life.

But such blissful days always pass too quickly. One day, Chu Mohuan, who had been missing for nearly half a month, returned, carrying Ji Zining in his arms.

Ji Zining lay motionless in Chu Shihuan’s embrace, her eyes tightly closed. She looked frail, her face deathly pale, with a smear of bl00d at the corner of her mouth—a stark crimson contrast against her pallid complexion.

Quick, find a bed! Chu Mohuan roared, rushing upstairs to the second floor, guided by a servant.

Here it comes, Wen Shijun thought. He knew the bl00d-drawing scene was about to unfold. Though he had prepared for this moment for weeks, even rehearsing his lines, the reality still made his heart race with anxiety.

After all, it meant having a knife plunged straight into his chest and bl00d drawn out. How could Wen Shijun, who had always been afraid of even minor scrapes since childhood, not be terrified?

Wen Shijun silently steeled himself. Suddenly, Feiying, Chu Mohuan’s personal guard, strode over, seized Wen Shijun’s hand, and forcefully dragged him into the room.