Chapter 16

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Su Yaozheng did not say a word as her expression became grim.

“What was my last order before I left the capital? I told you to stick to Lady Han at all times, and yet, you lost track of her for the whole night! Are you dumb?” Aunt Long who was standing beside the princess was ruthless from anger as she did not expect such a massive incident to happen. Dong Bao—who grew up with Lady Han—was always steady and she had not made a single mistake.

“It’s all my fault, I…” Dong Bao admitted that she was at fault. She had been negligent for not thinking things through. Things would not have ended this way if only she had asked the other servants to search around the city before she left! She had no way to absolve the blame.

“Mother, don’t be mad. I’m fine, look at me! Don’t I look alright?” Han Jing interrupted Dong Bao’s self-blaming. Based on everything that happened after she woke up, she was certain that Dong Bao was absolutely loyal to her, even after disregarding Dong Bao’s relationship with Lady Han. The girl was just tricked by Han Yan. She was a little too naive from having stood by Lady Han’s side for all these years.

She needed more practice.

“Fine. I can relieve you from the punishment of death, but you still need to be disciplined. Ah Long, take her and give her 20 strokes as punishment.” Su Yaozheng waved her hand to dismiss them.

Han Jing was reluctant, “Mother…” Han Jing lamented as she was unwilling to let her mother punish Dong Bao.

Su Yaozheng ignored her.

Dong Bao groveled as she thanked the princess, “Thank you for the enlightenment, Your Highness!”

Her negligence this time was grave. The 20 strokes would be acceptable for her as she practiced martial arts. However, Dong Bao was still guilty that her Lady’s virtue was tarnished. She was even willing to get beaten to death as punishment.

Aunt Long and Dong Bao left for the punishment, leaving only Su Yaozheng and Han Jing in the room.

Su Yaozheng sighed and held Han Jing’s hand, “What’s done is done, don’t think or worry too much. You are my daughter, Su Xingyan has to marry you even if your virtue is stained! You will still be Princess Ling, and no one will ever take your place. Don’t worry, I will tear those who hurt you into pieces! I am at fault too, for being rash. I thought that no one would dare harm you in Hanjing City! I never expected them to be this bold! Hmph! They must be bored of living!”

Han Jing blinked in surprise. She could not believe that those words came out of her mother’s mouth. Although she had Lady Han’s memories, she could not sense her mother’s genuine care until this moment.

It was no wonder that not many in Hanjing City dared to provoke her. Who would not fear to find trouble with her when she had such a domineering mother?

Han Jing stifled a laugh.

Su Yaozheng furrowed her brows. “What are you laughing at?” she glared.

Su Yaozheng was surprised to see that her daughter’s eyes were twinkling with an odd radiance as she gazed at her.

She had been providing her daughter with the best things in life to make her feel better as she knew that she was vulnerable. However, she was aware that everything she provided her was only physical glamor. Her daughter was still insecure.

However, instead of her usual fake confidence, Jing’er’s eyes that day were filled with genuine spirit that came from within!