Volume One, Chapter Four: You Deserve It All

“Someone, hold her down for me!”

Lin Qingwu had just returned to the Marquis’s residence of the Ru Kingdom when she collided head-on with Lin Qingyun upon entering the backyard.

At her command, two maids immediately rushed forward, each grabbing one of Lin Qingwu’s arms, pinning her to the ground.

Lin Qingyun slowly crouched down, lightly lifting Lin Qingwu’s chin with her fingers. “Where have you been?”

With due respect, Lin Qingwu replied truthfully, “I entered the palace under imperial orders.”

“You shameless wretch, you actually dared to go!” Lin Qingyun’s expression shifted abruptly as she raised her hand and slapped Lin Qingwu fiercely across the face.

Sharp nails scraped a long, bloody scar along Lin Qingwu’s cheek, blood slowly trailing down her face.

The next moment, Lin Qingyun suddenly stood up and stomped hard on the back of Lin Qingwu’s hand.

Her eyes burned with anger as she ground her foot down, as if intent on crushing Lin Qingwu’s dignity alongside.

“After all these years, you still haven’t learned to behave yourself?” Lin Qingyun’s voice dripped with contempt; her words were like blades piercing Lin Qingwu’s heart.

“What were you doing in the palace? Who were you trying to seduce? What schemes did you try to pull?” Each question was an interrogation, as if Lin Qingwu were a criminal.

Lin Qingwu bit her lip in pain, her voice weak and trembling. “I did not—”

“Did not?” Lin Qingyun sneered, her eyes filled with deep disgust and hatred. “Don’t forget, I, Lin Qingyun, am the Lin family’s most esteemed legitimate daughter. Ever since you caused my mother’s death, you were destined to be nothing but a lowly servant. Never dream of stirring up trouble!”

Seeing Lin Qingwu remain silent, Lin Qingyun snorted coldly and leaned close to her ear. “Prince Yue has returned to the capital. We will be married soon, and I will become the imperial sister-in-law of Princess Fuwan. Do you really think relying on a crippled princess will get you anywhere?”

“I never thought of such things,” Lin Qingwu replied calmly, a warning beneath her words. “But Princess Fuwan is of noble rank. Miss, please do not speak disrespectfully.”

Though this life was her choice, she would not allow Lin Qingyun to shamelessly humiliate her friend.

“How dare you speak to me like that?” Lin Qingyun was momentarily stunned, then furious. “This is outrageous!”

She raised her hand to strike again, but at that moment, a figure suddenly appeared nearby, freezing the smile on her face.

Her expression changed drastically, and she screamed as she fell backward.

At this critical moment, Lin Qingyan suddenly appeared behind her, firmly catching Lin Qingyun.

“Yun’er, are you hurt?” His voice was full of concern as he anxiously checked her over.

Tears welled in Lin Qingyun’s eyes as she shook her head with an aggrieved expression. “I’m fine. I just lost my balance. Brother, please don’t blame your sister.”

Hearing Lin Qingyun mention Lin Qingwu, Lin Qingyan’s face shifted from worry to anger immediately.

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