Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Su Yaozheng did not say a word as her expression became grim.
âWhat was my last order before I left the capital? I told you to stick to Lady Han at all times, and yet, you lost track of her for the whole night! Are you dumb?â Aunt Long who was standing beside the princess was ruthless from anger as she did not expect such a massive incident to happen. Dong Baoâwho grew up with Lady Hanâwas always steady and she had not made a single mistake.
âItâs all my fault, Iâ¦â Dong Bao admitted that she was at fault. She had been negligent for not thinking things through. Things would not have ended this way if only she had asked the other servants to search around the city before she left! She had no way to absolve the blame.
âMother, donât be mad. Iâm fine, look at me! Donât I look alright?â Han Jing interrupted Dong Baoâs self-blaming. Based on everything that happened after she woke up, she was certain that Dong Bao was absolutely loyal to her, even after disregarding Dong Baoâs relationship with Lady Han. The girl was just tricked by Han Yan. She was a little too naive from having stood by Lady Hanâs side for all these years.
She needed more practice.
âFine. I can relieve you from the punishment of death, but you still need to be disciplined. Ah Long, take her and give her 20 strokes as punishment.â Su Yaozheng waved her hand to dismiss them.
Han Jing was reluctant, âMotherâ¦â Han Jing lamented as she was unwilling to let her mother punish Dong Bao.
Su Yaozheng ignored her.
Dong Bao groveled as she thanked the princess, âThank you for the enlightenment, Your Highness!â
Her negligence this time was grave. The 20 strokes would be acceptable for her as she practiced martial arts. However, Dong Bao was still guilty that her Ladyâs virtue was tarnished. She was even willing to get beaten to death as punishment.
Aunt Long and Dong Bao left for the punishment, leaving only Su Yaozheng and Han Jing in the room.
Su Yaozheng sighed and held Han Jingâs hand, âWhatâs done is done, donât think or worry too much. You are my daughter, Su Xingyan has to marry you even if your virtue is stained! You will still be Princess Ling, and no one will ever take your place. Donât worry, I will tear those who hurt you into pieces! I am at fault too, for being rash. I thought that no one would dare harm you in Hanjing City! I never expected them to be this bold! Hmph! They must be bored of living!â
Han Jing blinked in surprise. She could not believe that those words came out of her motherâs mouth. Although she had Lady Hanâs memories, she could not sense her motherâs genuine care until this moment.
It was no wonder that not many in Hanjing City dared to provoke her. Who would not fear to find trouble with her when she had such a domineering mother?
Han Jing stifled a laugh.
Su Yaozheng furrowed her brows. âWhat are you laughing at?â she glared.
Su Yaozheng was surprised to see that her daughterâs eyes were twinkling with an odd radiance as she gazed at her.
She had been providing her daughter with the best things in life to make her feel better as she knew that she was vulnerable. However, she was aware that everything she provided her was only physical glamor. Her daughter was still insecure.
However, instead of her usual fake confidence, Jingâerâs eyes that day were filled with genuine spirit that came from within!