Fury coursed through Ding Xue's veins, making her blood boil and her chest heave. She cast aside the bed cover and leaped to her feet. "Liu Fen, that shameless harlot!" she spat, matching towards the door, her eyes blazing. "She will taste my wrath today!"
Her maid, who had brought her the news of Liu Fen's dalliance with the Crown Prince, hurried to block the way, placing herself between Ding Xue and the door. "Miss, please, calm down." she begged. "You must not go out."
Ding Xue halted, her nostrils flaring. She was about to unleash a storm of words upon the maid when she caught a glimpse of herself in the small mirror on the table. Her attire — a simple white blouse and matching breeches —was suited only for the privacy of her room. "You're right," she said. "I can't go out like this. Fetch me a dress."
"But Miss, you shouldn't go out at all," the maid persisted. "Your health…" her voice trailed off, leaving the unsaid words hanging in the air.
Ding Xue knew what the maid meant: if she left her room now, her deception would be exposed. She had pretended to be gravely wounded in the attack by the river, hoping to gain the Crown Prince's sympathy and affection. But her plan had failed. While she was lying here, pretending to recover, Liu Fen was out there, seducing the Crown Prince with her charms. "That vixen!" Ding Xue hissed, clenching her fists. gliding her teeth. "I will break her bones and rip her skin!"
"Miss, we must not act rashly," the maid advised. "If you attack Miss Liu openly, General Liu will surely seek retribution from His Majesty."
Ding Xue knew the maid was right. General Liu was Ding Xue's father's greatest rival at court. The General had the Emperor's favor, a fact that made even her father cautious when dealing with him.
"But how can we ensure that witch heeds my warning and keeps away from the Crown Prince without a direct confrontation?" Ding Xue mused aloud.
"You don't need to warn her any longer," the maid replied, a sly smile playing on her lips. "We just need to ensure that His Highness finds her… unattractive."
Ding Xue turned to the maid, curiosity aroused. "And how do you suggest we do that?" she asked.