PMM - 51

On the second day after Liang Zhen’s departure, the Ling family uncovered information about Linghua Village.

Liang Zhen frowned deeply: “What did you say?”

The man, originally from Linghua Village in Yingdong, answered respectfully: “Lord City Master, every word I speak is true. Though small, Linghua Village is prosperous due to its proximity to the Yingdong City Lord’s residence. It was later renamed Hongshan Village, and the old name is rarely mentioned anymore.”

Linghua Village… the Yingdong City Lord’s residence! No wonder! Even though Fei Yu’e was clever, she was just a pregnant woman. Without help, she couldn’t have hidden from him for nearly seventeen years!

Lian Mo! It was connected to Lord Lian!

Ling Chu’s mind raced, his expression growing increasingly strange: “Father… girls around sixteen or seventeen from the Yingdong City Lord’s residence…”

Though he spoke cryptically, both Ling Jiuyao and Ling Feng understood immediately—girls around sixteen or seventeen, from the Yingdong City Lord’s residence! Lian Sheng fit the description perfectly. And—

“Father, don’t you think Lian Sheng looks somewhat familiar?” Ling Chu pressed.

Ling Jiuyao’s expression darkened further as he finally realized what that strange feeling was when he first saw Lian Sheng—her eyes bore a striking resemblance to Fei Yu’e’s.

Ling Chu continued to fan the flames: “Father, I think she looks a bit like me, don’t you think? We both have faces that could captivate the world.” He had initially meant to say she resembled their father, but he quickly changed it to himself. Ling Chu’s face was handsome and delicate enough that even dressed as a woman, no one would suspect otherwise. He leaned closer to Ling Jiuyao, urging him to take a closer look.

“...”

The unease in Lord Ling’s heart grew heavier. He pushed his second son’s face away: “Enough, stop fooling around. If she really is your sister, things just got a lot more complicated.”

The thought of this possibility made him regret bitterly—he had handed over his long-awaited precious daughter with his own hands! If anything happened to Lian Sheng, he would never forgive himself. And she was pregnant! How could she possibly survive under Liang Zhen’s care?

Ling Feng was more rational. Understanding his father’s anxiety, he gently consoled him: “Father, don’t rush. Let me send someone to Yingdong to verify the truth first. If she really is our sister, we’ll figure something out then.”

Ling Chu, however, was dissatisfied with his older brother’s approach. Though he had kidnapped Lian Sheng, he had also taken care of her along the way and developed some attachment to her. He countered: “There’s no time for back-and-forth investigations. By the time we confirm the truth, it might already be too late. I say we rescue her first. Even if she isn’t our sister, having her in our hands ensures Yi Qian Cheng won’t dare attack Huanshui. If all else fails, we can return her to Yi Qian Cheng.”

For once, Ling Feng didn’t object. After a moment of contemplation, he said: “That works.”

Ling Chu looked at Ling Jiuyao in surprise, and Ling Jiuyao nodded. If she truly was his daughter, not a moment could be wasted. Lian Sheng had already been taken away for a night—there was no telling what condition she was in now. With Liang Zhen harboring ill intentions, the longer they delayed, the more dangerous it became.

Before Ling Jiuyao could issue any orders, a servant hurriedly reported: “Lord City Master, General Yi Qian Cheng and Second Young Master Lian Qi request an audience.”

It was a request for an audience, not an invasion. Ling Feng was taken aback. Just days ago, reports had come in that Yi Qian Cheng had achieved a great victory and imprisoned the entire Lian family. How had Lian Qi ended up coming to Huanshui with Yi Qian Cheng? Could it be because of the kidnapping of his sister?

Ling Jiuyao wasn’t one to shy away from trouble, and he happened to have questions for Lian Qi. He quickly said: “Invite them in.”

Yi Qian Cheng, clad in full battle armor, exuded icy coldness. He showed no kindness toward the Ling family. “Where is she?” He was on the verge of madness with worry!

The three members of the Ling family fell silent for a moment before Ling Jiuyao spoke: “Yesterday, Liang Zhen took her away.”

At these words, even Lian Qi, standing behind Yi Qian Cheng, turned pale. Lian Qi, looking haggard and clearly unwell, stepped forward in shock and anger: “You actually handed A-Sheng over to Liang Zhen?”

Ling Jiuyao regretted it deeply, but he wasn’t a man without responsibility. Nodding, he asked: “Young Master Lian, seventeen years ago, did your household take in a beautiful woman who was pregnant?”

Lian Qi had come precisely for this matter. There was no time to waste, so he didn’t mince words: “The person you’re referring to—isn’t she Aunt Yu’e?”

Ling Jiuyao’s eyes lit up. So he indeed knew Fei Yu’e’s whereabouts. Lian Qi continued: “Seventeen years ago, just half a year after my mother passed away, my father brought home a beautiful woman, introducing her as his concubine. But no one knew her name; everyone simply called her Lady Yu.”

“Lady Yu was heavily pregnant and rarely left her quarters. Back then, I was young and reckless, accidentally wandering into her courtyard. She pitied me for losing my mother and treated me kindly. Later, she gave birth to a daughter but remained melancholic. One day, she told me her real name was Fei Yu’e and begged me to take good care of her younger sister. Not long after that, Aunt Yu’e passed away.”

The expressions of those present varied. Finally, Lian Qi delivered the last blow: “Aunt Yu’e’s daughter is my younger sister, Lian Sheng.”

After a brief pause, Lian Qi added: “Perhaps she should be called Ling Sheng.”

Ling Chu nearly jumped up! His earlier suggestion to save Lian Sheng had been made casually, almost jokingly—but it turned out she was truly his blood sister! Even Ling Feng’s expression changed; sending their own sister into such peril weighed heavily on him as the eldest brother.

Grief and regret nearly overwhelmed Ling Jiuyao. Fei Yu’e was dead, and his daughter was now in grave danger. Forget about seeking forgiveness from Fei Yu’e in the afterlife—even he couldn’t forgive himself.

Yi Qian Cheng forced himself to remain calm, allowing them to finish speaking. He had never been so afraid in his life. The woman he loved most, carrying his child, was in danger. For days, he had raced madly toward Huanshui, yet still arrived too late. He dared not imagine what he would do if harm came to Lian Sheng. His life had only just become whole again; he couldn’t bear another loss.

Yi Qian Cheng forced himself to stay composed. Lian Sheng was still waiting for him to rescue her. She must be terrified right now—he couldn’t afford to panic.

Huanshui wasn’t far from the imperial city. By water, it would take only two days. Liang Zhen hadn’t reached the capital yet.

“Lord Ling, which route is the shortest from Huanshui to the imperial city?”

With his precious daughter at stake, Ling Jiuyao quickly regained his composure: “By land, it will take only a day and a half. But even if we catch up with Liang Zhen, it won’t help. Lian Sheng is in his hands, and no one dares to make a move against him.”

The dagger held by the eunuch had been pressed against Lian Sheng’s belly. Pushing Liang Zhen too far might drive him to kill her.

Just then, footsteps echoed outside. Several guards brought in a man: “Lord City Master, this man was lurking suspiciously near the waterside pavilion.”

The man hastily explained: “No! His Majesty left a letter for Lord Ling, instructing me to deliver it at the right moment.” His voice was sharp and high-pitched—he was a eunuch from the palace.

Fearful for his life, the eunuch handed over the letter. It contained only one short sentence:

“Lord Ling, how about trading Yi Qian Cheng’s head for your daughter’s life?”

By now, everything was clear. Liang Zhen intended to pit them against each other, forcing Ling Jiuyao to act against Yi Qian Cheng. He had deliberately stationed people here. Even if Ling Jiuyao hadn’t uncovered the truth, Liang Zhen would have found a way to inform him that Lian Sheng was his daughter.

Ling Chu leaned over to read the letter, then glanced at Yi Qian Cheng, whispering: “Father, you’re not seriously considering this brilliant idea, are you?” Trading his brother-in-law’s life for his sister’s.

Ling Jiuyao shot him a glare. He would never agree to such a foolish plan. His daughter would surely hate him forever if he did. Liang Zhen was cunning and would undoubtedly go back on his word afterward.

After some thought, Ling Jiuyao said: “There’s a woman in the palace who might be able to help us. We can try that plan now.”

---

Liang Zhen took Lian Sheng by waterway. After she refused his cloak, Liang Zhen only gave her an ambiguous smile. His gaze inadvertently swept over her belly, and a sinister look flashed across his face.

Lian Sheng naturally sensed something was off. She stayed inside the cabin and didn’t come out again.

During this time, Liang Zhen had food sent in for her, but Lian Sheng didn’t touch a bite. She opened the window and poured half of it into the lake. She then grabbed a few oranges from the table, peeled them, and ate them, finally feeling slightly better.

The ominous feeling in her heart grew heavier. She could only talk to the child in her belly: “Be good, don’t let anything happen to you. Your father will come to save us soon.”

Whether or not the child could hear her, she found some comfort in her words. For its sake, she wouldn’t allow anything to happen to herself.

Hours passed, and the sky gradually darkened. Since becoming pregnant, Lian Sheng had been prone to drowsiness. As she struggled to stay awake, she began to feel sleepy. Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Lian Sheng snapped her eyes open, instantly alert.

It was Liang Zhen!

He chuckled softly: “Why are you looking at me like that? I spent quite some time in Yingdong two years ago. You could say we’re old acquaintances.”

As he spoke, he moved closer. Lian Sheng tensed up but remained silent.

“I’ve been thinking about you day and night. That one glance two years ago—you stole my soul. Now that you’re finally in my hands, I don’t care about the bastard in your belly. As long as you serve me well...”

As he spoke, he reached out to touch her face with one hand while trying to undo her clothes with the other. His expression was hazy, filled with greed, and his movements became urgent.

Suppressing her revulsion, Lian Sheng slashed at him fiercely with the dagger in her hand. Liang Zhen hissed in pain as a cut appeared on his hand. If he hadn’t reacted quickly, the injury would have been far worse.

“You wench! What do you think you’re doing?”

Lian Sheng gripped the dagger tightly, pressing it against her own neck: “Liang Zhen, if you dare lay a finger on me today, I’ll die before letting you have your way. This empire may still bear your family name now, but once I’m dead, it will belong to Yi Qian Cheng.”

The threat in her words was unmistakable. Liang Zhen’s face darkened, and he sneered: “Do you really think you can threaten me? Do you dare die? Are you willing to sacrifice the life in your belly?”

Lian Sheng’s expression shifted imperceptibly. The moment Liang Zhen made a move, she sharply rebuked him: “Watch me dare! Even if you force yourself on me, you won’t be able to keep it safe. Death is inevitable, and it’s better than being humiliated by you.”

As she spoke, she pressed the dagger deeper, drawing blood from her delicate skin.

Liang Zhen stopped in his tracks, studying her with an unreadable expression. Finally, he said cryptically: “Fine. I’ll wait a few more days. By then, even if I don’t touch you, you’ll beg me to.”

His eyes roamed over her alluring figure. Two years had passed since he last saw her, and she had shed the awkwardness of youth, gaining a more seductive charm. Just looking at her now, her eyes seemed to beckon him—how much more enticing must she be up close? Her slightly rounded belly didn’t detract from her beauty; instead, it added a touch of allure.

This exquisite creature would soon belong to him. Once Yi Qian Cheng was dead, not only Lian Sheng but also the entire empire would be his. He would become the rightful emperor.

Lian Sheng felt sickened by his lecherous gaze. Coldly, she ordered: “Get out!”

After Liang Zhen left, Lian Sheng lowered the dagger. She took a handkerchief from her sleeve and hastily bandaged the wound. Fear lingered in her heart, and her hands trembled slightly. Liang Zhen was right—she couldn’t bear to lose this child, couldn’t bear for it to die without ever seeing the world.

Fortunately, her gamble had paid off. Liang Zhen valued the empire he had fought so hard to seize far more than her life.

She wiped the blood from the dagger clean, refusing to let it leave her side. It was a gift Yi Qian Cheng had given her the first time he went to war, when she helped him change his clothes. He had told her to protect herself. Lian Sheng had stared blankly for a long time after receiving it.

It was the first gift Yi Qian Cheng had ever given her, and she had carried it with her almost constantly. She never expected it would prove so useful today. Looking at the dagger, she finally felt a small measure of reassurance. Yi Qian Cheng would surely come for her.

She had to stay alive. Nothing could happen to her—or to the child. They had to wait for him together.

For reasons unknown, Liang Zhen didn’t attempt to touch her again. Still, Lian Sheng dared not eat the food he sent, and the oranges were no longer enough to sustain her. She grew increasingly hungry. Just as she was beginning to despair, they finally arrived at the imperial city.

Liang Zhen brought her to the Hundred Charms Palace.

The palace was opulent and magnificent. Liang Zhen smirked and leaned close to whisper in her ear: “Look, this is proof of my devotion. Unfortunately, Lord Lian was too foolish, sending that madwoman Lian Sitian instead. Otherwise, you would have lived here long ago.”

Lian Sheng took a step back, pursing her lips and remaining silent.

Liang Zhen chuckled to himself: “Thankfully, your dear little sister came up with a plan, convincing Ling Jiuyao to kidnap you and deliver you to me. This palace finally has a mistress. Stay here and keep me company.”

Lian Sheng’s expression didn’t change. Lian Sitian had always disliked her, but she had never imagined her younger sister could be so malicious. Still, she no longer held any expectations for them. Liang Zhen referred to Lian Sitian as a madwoman—evidently, Lian Sitian’s life was pitiful. But her actions were cruel, and she deserved her suffering.

The interior of the Hundred Charms Palace was lavishly decorated with fine carpets everywhere. No sooner had Liang Zhen accompanied Lian Sheng inside than a sharp eunuch’s voice rang out from outside.

“Lord Ling requests an audience—”

Liang Zhen didn’t move, but his brows furrowed suspiciously. A eunuch who often accompanied him hurried in and whispered something in his ear. Liang Zhen’s lips curled into a satisfied smile.

When he looked at Lian Sheng again, his gaze was filled with certainty and triumph.