Her motive for appearing tonight was simple: to retrieve her father's trust in her, this little obedient puppet of his. She understood more than anyone else that once something lost its value, this father of hers would not hesitate in destroying them. Take her own mother as an example, the general wasn't lacking in resources. However, he didn't even bother to try reviving her. Once her mother was regarded as a threat to him and his pride, she was tossed.

Lan'er could not fall out of favor just yet. She desperately reminded herself of that. Her own organization was not complete. However, she still required more time.

She sighed inwardly, so here she was, to buy more time...with this monstrosity.

Lan'er must admit she really had slipped up today. She was always the withdrawn one, the intelligent one. The one who is still in the shadows thoughtfully observing the plays the manor created and obeying her father to live. Continuously tiptoeing about, cloaked under a roof of lies and blood.

She had never acted out so recklessly before; however, she also knew that her sister didn't have much hope this time. Lan'er felt she had no choice.

Lan'er had seen her sister's room at that time. It was an unkempt room with squeaking floorboards, infected with mold spreading up the walls. A modest set of furniture that was coming apart and the room itself hardly had anything of value.

This, she already knew, from a long time ago. Nevertheless, to see it in person was a complex experience. Was it her accountability that her sister endured for so long, she conceived sadly shaking her head at the regretful recollections starting to emerge. She laid her hand on the old bed and ran her finger across the rim of the wood. She could detect a familiar scent within the red bloodstains on the blankets, the bloodstains her sister had so desperately bled.

Did her sister know? That she was the one who--

Lan'er shook her head. She actually didn't want to remember about it. Lan'er attempted to clear her mind.

Back then, Lan'er couldn't do much, and the general at least pretended to dote on Hongyue. This would give Hongyue some sort of safety as it appeared she was much in favor which was why Lan'er never stepped in. Those who were not in the plan kept away watching in envy and secretly plotted. However, they never dared come forward to touch a single hair on Hongyue.

How ironic.

Safe yet in so much danger.

Nonetheless, this time it was different. Lan'er could feel it herself.

All concubines in the manor appeared to know of this as well, huddling in the dark, plotting their next move to kill off the pest in their eyes. Back then, Father had at least pretended to care for her elder sister. This time the news of how the general delayed the critical treatment for her dying sister spread uncontrollably inside the walls.

Everyone was eagerly antic.i.p.ating for the perfect opportunity.

Just like the Second and Fourth concubine.

Perceiving this, Lan'er had to take action herself. She owed Hongyue too much to stand back this time. Thus she ran in and ended up offending her father's perfect image. While the situation didn't look to be too bad at first, her father had sent one of his men to monitor her, this confirmed his discontentment. She frowned, what did the Third Prince say to him that made him so upset?

While Lan'er was reluctant, she was still under the control of her father. She still needed to be that perfect puppet for him. This was her only leverage. Even if he could replace her, it would be hard to. She had trained so long for his plans, so she bet he wasn't willing to lose her so quickly. Even so, the general was a ruthless and suspicious person, he would always try to cut all the weeds by the root.

So Lan'er herself could be...

No, she cannot let that happen.

She still needed her father's trust.

She knew that tonight he had probably investigated her as well as increased security around her own manor in order to keep a closer eye on her. This was a warning to her. This was indeed a person who cared not for the blood relations.h.i.+ps and only for political gains.

The best way to approach a monster like this was to act loyal and give absolute obedience.

Lan'er placed a sweet smile on her face acting coyly.

"Does father no longer trust me, your most faithful daughter?" Lan'er asked, softly. She put a grieved look on her face.

"Lan'er, you thought too much of it. Father was merely troubled by today's events." The general conversed dismissively. He eyed her closely.

"Then, this daughter apologizes to have trouble Father." Lan'er returned his gaze calmly. The general seemed to have believed her words and nodded.

"Speak. why did you cause such a big commotion today." He asked coolly, watching for any change of expression on her face to find none.

Lan'er neared closer and kneeled. She blinked her eyes, looking wronged.

"Lan'er tried to do what was best for father, did I not?"

Seeing him stay quiet, she proceeded lightly as if she was greatly wronged.

"Second and Fourth Madam were too hasty together in their moves today. If not for this daughter's timely intervention, Father would have suffered."