Chapter 3: The Heiress’s Boldness

“Your Highness, shall we return to the prince’s residence?” Qingfeng, the guard and coachman, glanced at the darkening sky as he asked.

After today’s commotion, if the young lady were to spend the night at the prince’s residence—

But the carriage was silent now; the girl’s voice was no longer heard. Could it be that the prince had strangled her to death?

Was he planning to dispose of the body later?

Qingfeng’s thoughts were a chaotic mess. After a moment, he finally heard the prince’s voice.

“Go to the Lu family.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

After a while, the prince’s voice came again.

“Bring the physician Fu as well.”

The Lu residence.

The maid Qiujue ran hurriedly, her voice arriving before she did.

“Miss, something’s wrong, very wrong!”

Startled, Lu Zhaoyun pricked her finger with a needle, and a drop of fresh red blood welled up.

A bad premonition stirred in her heart.

“What’s all this shouting about? Who’s unwell?” Lu Zhaoyun glared angrily at the bursting-in Qiujue.

“The… the second young lady has returned home!” Qiujue panted, stammering slightly.

“Who do you call ‘young lady’?” Lu Zhaoyun sprang to her feet, instantly furious.

At the Lu residence, she was the true young lady!

Qiujue was frightened by her fierce expression and hastily corrected herself, “Mistress, I misspoke—it’s the second young lady, the second young lady has returned!”

“How could she possibly come back at this hour?” Lu Zhaoyun exclaimed.

“It’s true! Both master and madam are at the front hall to greet her!”

“Do I have to have my parents personally welcome her? Who does she think she is!” Lu Zhaoyun bit her lip. “I’m going to see for myself!”

She immediately rushed out.

“Miss, wait! The second young lady was sent back by the Prince of Jin!” Qiujue hurried after her.

At the Lu residence’s front hall.

Lu Mingnian, around forty, looked youthful and handsome, a respectable gentleman.

Madam Lu was adorned with pearls and jewels, her clothes splendid, appearing barely past thirty.

Both were staring at Qingfeng, somewhat bewildered.

“Young man, you say the Prince of Jin sent the young lady back? Right here at the gate?”

Qingfeng maintained a neutral expression. “Yes, Miss Lu Zhaoling, daughter of Your Excellency, correct?”

Lu Ming’s heart skipped. “Indeed, that good-for-nothing daughter of mine. Where is she?”

“Miss Lu is unwell. Please have two people escort her inside.”

Madam Lu’s eyes widened in disbelief. “She reached the doorstep herself yet can’t enter without being supported? A child raised in the countryside, how can she be so delicate? This is outrageous!”

Qingfeng glanced at her, thinking Lu Zhaoling bore no resemblance to Madam Lu.

Lu Ming sharply rebuked her, “Enough noise! Didn’t you hear the Prince of Jin sent her back?” He quickly summoned two servants and adjusted his robe. “Go greet the Prince of Jin.”

Qingfeng stopped him, looking at the two servants.

“Does Your Excellency intend to have them support Miss Lu?”

Two men to support her? Was he joking?

“Oh, right! As soon as I heard the Prince of Jin returned to the capital, I got all flustered. Madam, shouldn’t you call two maids instead?” Lu Ming realized.

“That girl is so troublesome! I bet she’s scheming to have us personally welcome her at the gate!” Madam Lu muttered resentfully.

The group hurried toward the gate.

Lu Zhaoyun caught up and immediately followed. She linked arms with Madam Lu. “Mother, is it true the Prince of Jin sent second sister back?”

They were not close to the Prince of Jin, but Lu Zhaoyun knew that Miss Shen, daughter of Prime Minister Shen, had long admired the Prince.

Miss Shen was the foremost noble lady of the capital; any man she fancied was certainly extraordinary!

“No idea how she managed to cozy up to him! Truly a country bumpkin, rude and shameless!” Madam Lu ground her teeth.

They arrived at the gate and saw a modest carriage.

Lu Ming was experienced enough to notice that although the carriage appeared plain, it was solid and spacious, made from premium wood, and drawn by rare fine horses. He immediately shed his slight disdain and hurried forward to bow.

“I am Lu Ming, greeting the Prince of Jin, welcome back to the capital.”

Though the carriage curtain obscured the occupant, who would dare impersonate a prince?

Inside the carriage, the Prince of Jin looked at the still unconscious girl. He extended a finger and poked her swollen forehead.

No movement, but her head bobbed slightly at the touch.

“Lu Ming has raised a very bold daughter.”

The voice floated out like a feather lightly brushing Lu Zhaoyun’s heart. She widened her eyes, peering at the carriage.

Was that the Prince of Jin’s voice? So pleasant!

Lu Ming’s face changed. Was the prince’s remark a reproach? What had Lu Zhaoling done? Anxiety gnawed at him.

The Prince of Jin was never to be trifled with!

“Your Highness, this daughter of mine was raised in the countryside, naturally rough and unrefined. If she’s offended Your Highness in any way, feel free to punish her.”

The prince gazed at the unconscious girl, his expression cold.

Clearly unloved by her parents, and with no idea what had transpired, he was already blaming her.

“Heh.” The Prince chuckled softly, pushing the girl out. “Physician Fu will come to treat her injuries. Take good care of her until she wakes.”

After all, she was his “fiancée.” Once she awoke, he would discuss their “engagement” properly.

Qingfeng signaled, and two maids quickly stepped forward to support her.

Lu Zhaoling was unable to stand on her own; the two maids gritted their teeth to hold her up.

Madam Lu and Lu Zhaoyun both looked at her.

Lu Ming also glanced over. Goodness! She was in terrible condition. Had the Prince of Jin beaten her?

Beaten nearly to death and then sent back to be revived, only to be beaten again upon awakening?

In that moment, Lu Ming felt he understood the prince well—a man with a violent temper, cruel methods, and ruthless coldness!

“Yes, yes, I will make sure she’s well watched,” Lu Ming hurriedly promised. “Shall we bring the second young lady inside?”

The carriage turned and left.

“Have someone wait for Physician Fu!” Lu Ming instructed the steward.

“Master, the Prince of Jin has beaten her so badly; why summon Physician Fu? He’s not someone anyone can call upon easily!”

Madam Lu’s jealousy surfaced.

Physician Fu had retired from the imperial medical team and had longstanding ties with the retired emperor. Even the current emperor gave him some leniency. His skills were superb, but he seldom made house calls.

Madam Lu had previously prepared lavish gifts to invite him but was denied entry.

Now, Physician Fu was coming personally to treat Lu Zhaoling? Where did that girl get such nerve?

“The Prince of Jin will surely heal her only to punish her severely afterward! Lu Zhaoling is in deep trouble!” Lu Ming’s face darkened.

Lu Zhaoyun’s eyes flickered. “Father, I’ll check on second sister and find out exactly what happened. We can’t let her bring trouble to you.”

“You’re so sensible and thoughtful, Zhaoyun. Alright, I’ll leave her in your care,” Lu Ming said, relieved.

A bucket of cold water was poured over Lu Zhaoling’s face.