Chapter 15 Truth Unveiled
After long preparations, my wings were full.
Father Emperor decided to name me GreatZhao's heir.
The decree day was rainy.
I rode to the temple for incense; on return, assassins struck.
Many black-clothed men flew from woods, strikes lethal, aiming for my life.
But before nearing the carriage, Zhuyun Guard slew them.
To prevent survivors swallowing poison, I ordered jaws dislocated.
Torture extracted the mastermind's name.
That day, I became Great Zhao's Crown Princess.
Also that day, I learned my Imperial Consort Mother wanted me dead.
Though I expected no more from her, I never thought her so ruthless.
In Jinghua Palace.
I threw the confession before her, asking faintly.
"Anything to say?"
Imperial Consort Mother laughed up, smashing the priceless purple jade cup, staring viciously.
"Why didn't you die? Why aren't you dead!"
I paused. "Sorry to disappoint."
"Don't call me Imperial Consort Mother! I'm not your Imperial Consort Mother!"
She went mad suddenly, nails digging table edge, sneering repeatedly.
"You're the daughter of that wench Lin Rouyu! My real daughter died long ago!"
I froze, my mind blank for a moment.
My fingers trembled. "Who is Lin Rouyu?"
Consort Chen's eyes filled with jealousy.
"Lin Rouyu was a washerwoman the Emperor met down south; she disliked the palace, left after birthing you."
"The Emperor pitied your birth gossip, so he had me, with a stillborn, raise you as my daughter's replacement."
"Understand? You're just a substitute taking my daughter's place! I have no love for you!"
I gazed at Consort Chen's hateful eyes, recalling two lives; she indeed never loved me.
So that was the truth.
I wanted to ask if Lin Rouyu lived.
But realized asking her was useless.
Only Father Emperor knew.