No need to overthink it—he’s definitely up to no good.
Liang Di set down her quill, propped her chin on her elbow, and said to Liang Lin, “Well… not necessarily~”
“Hm?”
“Nothing. I just got back. Duke Austen probably thinks I’m too tired from traveling and won’t take me.”
“Oh…” Liang Lin rubbed her nose, blinked thoughtfully, and felt something was off—but couldn’t pinpoint it.
She actually believed that? What a flimsy excuse.
So naive.
A bitter ache twisted in Liang Di’s chest—she wanted to laugh, but couldn’t.
Early the next morning.
Liang Di sat by the window, fingers tracing the crimson velvet curtain. Blank-faced, she watched the carriage below. Duke Austen helped Miranda aboard while Liang Lin trailed behind, still half-asleep, head drooping messily—zero noble-lady grace.
“Pfft.”
So like her.
Blinking drowsily, Liang Lin scanned the area. No silver-haired girl in a wheelchair. She scratched her head. “Father, where’s Liang Di?”
“Ah…” Auston froze mid-motion, hand still on Miranda’s arm.
“Liang Di just returned after a long journey. She’s exhausted. Today’s palace visit isn’t urgent—I thought she should rest,” he said with a hollow smile, reaching to pat her head.
Liang Lin’s sleepiness vanished. She sidestepped sharply, frowned, and sized him up with undisguised disdain.
“I don’t like people touching my head.”
Auston’s hand hung stiffly in the air. Awkward silence thickened.
Clearing his throat to break it—and save face—he forced cheer. “Ahem! Liang Lin, such a caring sister, so concerned for her younger sibling. I’m truly relieved you two get along.”
Liang Lin’s lips curled. She glanced at Edwin already seated in the carriage.
“I get along with anyone… as long as they’re not an idiot.”
Auston glanced back at his milk-demanding toddler. A vein throbbed in his temple. *…Can’t argue with that.*
“Let’s go! Don’t keep Her Majesty waiting,” he said, offering his hand.
Liang Lin ignored it, lifted her skirts, and climbed in alone.
*Tsk.*
Auston’s jaw tightened but stayed silent. *This so-called daughter’s still useful. Don’t provoke her now. Handle her after the palace.*
The carriage rattled for over an hour—Edwin whined the entire time. Liang Lin’s head pounded. But Duke Austen was present, and Miranda, having heard about the slap, clutched her “precious” son protectively. No opening.
*Just a little longer,* she thought, fists clenched until veins bulged. *After I kill Liang Di… then Auston and Miranda. Why save Edwin for last? Not pity. I just want to see that idiot’s panicked, desperate face.*
Finally, the carriage halted.
Liang Lin exhaled in relief. The moment the door opened, she hopped down—heels and all.
“Miss Liang Lin,” Miranda sneered, stepping out with her son, “this is the palace. Mind your conduct. Don’t shame the Langwendi Family.”
Liang Lin smiled sweetly.
“Ever consider… *you’re* the one shaming the Langwendi Family, whore—oops, *maid madam*~?”
Auston paled, frantically scanning for witnesses. Seeing none, he sighed and shot Liang Lin a sharp “shh.”
“I won’t speak of this here. But return to my study once we’re home.”
Miranda’s face flushed green. Trapped by palace decorum, she swallowed her rage, linked arms with Auston, and shot Edwin a look. The boy scrambled to Auston’s side, cooing “Daddy!” while clutching his hand.
*How touching. A picture-perfect family.*
Liang Lin couldn’t care less. She preferred walking alone.
Miranda shot her a smug glance, expecting tears and shame like before.
Instead—cold smirk. Pure contempt.
Catching Miranda’s stare, Liang Lin snorted and flipped her off.
Miranda: “?”
Huh?!
Thankfully, a deep voice cut through the tension.
“Duke Austen. My mother awaits you in the rear garden. Follow me.”
Liang Lin turned—before she could see his face, Duke Austen shoved her forward.
Golden hair. Sea-blue eyes. A prince straight from a fairy tale. Poised. Confident.
Liang Lin: deadpan stare.
“This is His Highness the Prince, Liang Lin, quick—”
*Wait—how do you curtsy again?!* Sweat beaded on her brow. Frantic mental scramble. *Right. Like this.*
“Your Highness.”
She moved like a stiff marionette.
“No need for formality with me, beautiful lady,” he purred, voice dripping with affected charm. “I’ve long heard of your beauty. Today confirms it—you’re truly enchanting.”
Liang Lin: “?”
Ugh…
Her sunny expression drained to corpse-pale. *Gonna be sick.* Empty stomach churned; acid rose in her throat.
He even flashed what he *clearly* thought was a dashing smile.
Liang Lin: “…”
She stiffly turned and stumbled behind Auston.
Duke Austen chuckled nervously. “My daughter’s just… shy.”
“Understandable. Other ladies react similarly around me.”
Liang Lin’s face turned even more deathly pale.
