This statement wasn't a lie.

From her first step off of the carriage, Hongyue was already fighting for her life.

What the distance between each step needed to be. What face she should have on at each moment. What tone of voice she needed to use to talk. All those mannerisms were to portrayed her role as the stupid eldest miss and were all prepared for that purpose.

Not one was real.

Calculated.

Prepared.

In a dangerous battlefield, there were uncertainties everywhere and to make the game flow, Hongyue needed to play the p.a.w.n. Nonetheless, it didn't mean she was invincible.

It was all about calculating steps.

Even now, although she looked like she was revealing her true face with her hidden intentions, it was merely another act. One that looked genuine to the third prince but merely a trap for the rats planted within the grounds of the garden.

Playing the role of a fox pretending to be a sheep that was actually a demon, Hongyue smiled, just the fitting role for her.

"If you're so worried, why not leave?" Hongyue asked, her question piercing into Jiayi's heart.

Yes.

Why not leave?

To have him be the one to lead her into the garden, it was already the first move from the Empress. There was no doubt there would be something planned for her here. Seeing him not answer, Hongyue chuckled. Her body shook from laughter, but her eyes revealed a hidden intention.

Just how much hope was he betting on her?

He should already know of the danger he was put in. If he were smart, he would make the first move to leave.

From their interaction, Hongyue knew he wanted something from her, but just what was still unknown. Does he want her help, her alliance, or...her blood?

Why is it that everyone desired for her blood? In her past life, and as well as in this life.

Fine.

If they wanted a drop, they'd have to come and get a taste of her as well.

"Royal Pervert, if you aren't going to leave, please don't blame this miss when you get in trouble."

******

Crash.

Elsewhere in the palace, in a messy golden room, a nearby servant shook in fear as the most exquisite wine in the kingdom was splashed onto her face. The wine cup sc.r.a.ped her forehead and left a bleeding gash. Plates of fruit, silk fabric, and jewelry were sowed all over the place. In front of the servant, a fuming Empress paced angrily in her room. Around her feet were broken pieces of porcelain, scattered food, and torn fabrics. Her eyes were burning in anger with her red lips set in a scowl.

"Leave!"

"Mother, there's no need for this," A voice sounded out from behind the servant. The rustling robes of the Crown Prince came into sight. With a dismissal wave of his hand, the remaining servants left the room. As the room became quieter, the Crown Prince smiled loftily as he walked toward the Empress. Stopping, he swooped down and picked up the wine cup she had thrown.

"Why be so angered over this?"

His words were not unreasonable. The Empress raised her head. Her chest was heaving, and she sighed, "It's just that if-"

"There's no need to worry," The Crown Prince gently patted her arm but his gray eyes were stormy, "Therefore, there's no need to get so angry. Once royal father sees her uselessness, he'll abandon her."

"Useless?! She's not useless! That girl is smarter than you think, don't underestimate her," The Empress took the wine cup from her son's hands. How could someone useless survive within her hands? She didn't believe it!

Standing up, the Empress suddenly swiped all her sparkling pieces of jewelry off of her dresser as another thought crossed her mind. What would have pleased her greatly a few days ago irritated her considerably now. Just the sight of them made her heart boiled in fury. Her breathing was awfully rushed, and her eyes held great malice as she opened her mouth.

"Someone! Go get Concubine Yun for me!"

Nearby, the Crown Prince stood in place with no intention of stopping his mother. His dark eyes were focused on one spot on the ground— a single drop of blood.

From the first day, he met the eldest miss in the general's manor, she had caught his interest. While it seemed like she had a hidden side to her, he didn't mind. After all, she held a great treasure within her body, and he could overlook her antics. However, to be able to take down the second madam in the eyes of so many along with bringing out the Dragon's Glory— she was too uncontrollable.

She was smart.

Too smart.

Hongyue, Hongyue.

Being too clever isn't good.

If you were still the useless miss, I might have spared you. But you just had to be so eye-catching. If I can't control you, I might as well kill you.