Gu Shengyin knew that Jiang Yunshan, who had transmigrated from another world, was deeply sensitive about her status as the illegitimate daughter of the Jiang family. In the original timeline, after gaining the Emperor's favor, she insisted on being granted an elevated status to mask her origins, as if such a decree could erase her humble beginnings.
Gu Shengyin's mission in this world was to change Jiang Lingzhen's tragic fate and elevate her to become the most distinguished woman in the kingdom. To achieve this, the greatest threat—Jiang Yunshan—could not remain unchecked.
For now, Gu Shengyin was content to let Jiang Yunshan endure the disdain and scorn of others. After all, in the original story, Jiang Lingzhen had suffered relentless torment at Jiang Yunshan's hands, leading to her eventual suicide.
Hidden within her flowing sleeves, Jiang Yunshan's nails dug so deeply into her palms that blood seeped out, yet her face betrayed none of her inner turmoil. Instead, she appeared pitiable, her tears falling as she spoke in a soft, trembling voice.
"Your Highness, Yunshan knows her place as an illegitimate daughter and dares not presume to be close to you. However, Yunshan cannot help but admire Your Highness's majestic presence. If my feelings have been inappropriate, I ask Your Highness for forgiveness."
Her words were followed by a small bow, her posture shrinking as though in shame, and she turned as if to leave.
The Crown Prince, Ji Ye, had a notorious weakness for beauty, and he was helpless against Jiang Yunshan's charming display. Her deference and sorrowful expression made him feel both magnanimous and needed—an irresistible combination for a man with his ego.
He swiftly stepped forward, catching her wrist with a gallant smile. "There's no need for such formality. Stay a moment longer."
Gu Shengyin, standing to the side, observed the scene with cold detachment. This man is supposed to inherit the throne? How laughable. She smirked inwardly.
Her mission required her to ascend to the highest rank of honor. For that, this kind of man—a fickle, shallow fool—was not worth her attention. The throne's future seat would be better suited for someone else.
Jiang Yunshan took the opportunity to recount her version of events to the Crown Prince. As expected, Ji Ye turned to Gu Shengyin with a frown of disapproval.
"Cousin," he began in a reproachful tone, "the matter of your fall was not Yunshan's fault. She came here with a sincere heart to apologize. Why make such a fuss over something so trivial?"
Gu Shengyin felt a wave of disdain rise in her chest. Men like Ji Ye, who allowed beauty to cloud their judgment, disgusted her the most. It was precisely because of a man like this that Jiang Lingzhen had met such a tragic end in the original timeline.
She tilted her head slightly, examining her polished nails, and finally deigned to reply. "Your Highness, your words confuse me. I was merely sitting here enjoying the breeze when my younger sister arrived uninvited and began crying. Having just recovered from a serious injury, I was too disoriented to understand what was happening." She paused and glanced at Jiang Yunshan, a faint smile curving her lips. "However, when I saw Your Highness arrive, I began to understand a little better."
The veiled implication in her words caused Jiang Yunshan's expression to stiffen momentarily, but she quickly lowered her head again, feigning embarrassment.
Gu Shengyin, uninterested in prolonging the charade, raised a hand to her forehead and let out a soft, plaintive sigh. "Oh dear."
The two maidservants attending her—Hu Zhu and Lin Liang—immediately stepped forward, concern etched on their faces.
"Junzhu, are you feeling unwell?" Hu Zhu asked anxiously.
Gu Shengyin nodded faintly. "The wind has been rather strong, and I'm starting to feel lightheaded. Help me back to rest."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and allowed her maids to support her as she walked away, sparing only a brief glance of acknowledgment at Ji Ye and Jiang Yunshan.
Ji Ye, watching her retreat, felt a flicker of concern as he noticed the slight pallor of her complexion. It softened her usual dignified beauty, giving her an almost ethereal fragility that stirred something in him. He took a step forward, intending to follow her.
Before he could take another step, a soft cry of "Oh!" reached his ears, and he turned just in time to catch Jiang Yunshan as she stumbled, falling into his arms. Her delicate figure and the faint fragrance of her perfume filled his senses, sending his thoughts spinning.
Ahead of them, Gu Shengyin heard the commotion and couldn't help but smirk. Ridiculous.
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