The next morning.
Ye Qinglan opened her eyes and gazed at the clear sky outside.
Her gaze was unfocused, carrying emotions that were difficult to describe.
Those eyes, usually as still as an ancient well, were still rippling with waves even now.
After escaping last night, she had not been pursued. She had hidden in a safe house.
After resting for the entire night, she had taken three baths, yet still felt filthy all over.
She clearly had not been touched. They had not even shared any physical intimacy.
Yet no matter how she washed, she could not cleanse this feeling.
That detestable boy's gaze seemed to remain all around her even now.
That posture she wished she could forget had left an especially vivid impression on her.
She could not forget it. She really could not forget it...
During her brief rest last night, she had even dreamed of that little devil in a daze.
She had to deal with him, or he would surely become her inner demon!
At that thought, a gloom surfaced in the Goddess's heart.
Knock, knock, knock.
Someone lightly knocked on the gate of the small courtyard.
Ye Qinglan gathered her thoughts and walked out with a calm expression.
Very few people knew about this residence of hers. This visitor's identity was surely important.
After opening the door, the Goddess saw a smiling young man.
The young man looked fairly handsome, but his demeanor was somewhat too humble.
The person before her was none other than the Ninth Prince of the imperial family—and the True Dragon Ye Qinglan had chosen!
"I received a report from my men first thing this morning that there had been signs of a battle in front of your little residence recently."
"Since Goddess Ye is safe and sound, I can rest easy. Did you encounter any danger?"
Concern colored the Ninth Prince's voice.
As he spoke, he naturally leaned forward, as if expressing his submission.
How did he look like a prince? He was clearly just a simp paying his respects to a goddess.
Looking at the familiar posture, Ye Qinglan involuntarily thought of another young man.
After unconsciously comparing the two, she reached a conclusion.
Whether in appearance, bearing, personality, or attitude, he seemed far inferior to that person...
Especially compared to the arrogant, unrestrained way he had toyed with her. The contrast was stark.
The Goddess was suddenly startled when she thought of this.
How could she have such a thought?
That villain who had bullied her was clearly hateful to the extreme!
She was beginning to have trouble understanding her own thoughts.
"Goddess Ye, are you all right? Could you have been injured? I have Healing Pills here!"
Seeing her distracted look, the Ninth Prince spoke in a concerned tone.
He felt that coming over at just the right time to offer her warmth had truly been the right move.
"I was merely discovered. There is no need to worry. Everything is under control."
"At present, it would be unsuitable for the two of us to meet. The only thing you need to do is bide your time and keep a low profile."
Ye Qinglan instantly returned to her usual state and spoke.
She had nothing to say to this prince, because there was nothing for him to do at present.
As for chatting to strengthen their relationship?
That could be forgotten. She did not want him to misunderstand that they had grown closer.
"That is exactly what I should do."
The Ninth Prince nodded repeatedly, as if he had received his objective and orders.
His eyes were filled with fighting spirit. Clearly, he had made up his mind.
I must win over more talented people. I absolutely cannot disappoint the Goddess!
After chatting with the Ninth Prince for a few moments, Ye Qinglan closed the door.
When people had nothing to say to each other, even half a sentence was too much. There was no need for idle chatter beyond serious business.
Even so, the Ninth Prince was already quite satisfied.
Although he had not even entered the room, the prince left with a broad smile on his face.
It was obvious that he was in a very good mood.
After noticing this, Ye Qinglan thought again of the young man who had treated her with utter disdain.
The Goddess sighed and stopped comparing the two.
That man had practically become her nightmare.
What mattered most now was getting her revenge and clearing her mind!
But how should she do that?
Originally, she had intended to make her way in the capital through her own efforts.
But after he had taught her a lesson, she had gained a profound understanding of the value of power.
If she had possessed a few helpers, how could she have ended up being struck from behind?
The rebellious Goddess decided to obediently inherit the family business from then on.
Next, she planned to mobilize the forces affiliated with her sect.
Her Martial Uncle was a native of the capital. He could surely bring her some assistance!
With the help of those forces, she could make up for her shortcomings.
By then, even dealing with the young master of the Realm Protectorate would not be difficult!
At this thought, a chill appeared in the Goddess's eyes.
Once I catch you, I will definitely turn you into that state too!
Only by seeing you humiliated and helpless will I be able to clear my mind!
Realm Protectorate.
It was morning.
Jun Huang arrived at the Realm Protectorate, intending to ask Su Qing about his plans going forward.
But he did not receive a warm welcome from him. She did not even see him after finishing a cup of tea.
Jun Huang unhappily set down the teacup and prepared to get up and leave.
He still isn't coming to see me?
Fine, if you want to put on airs, then I will take the initiative to find you!
At that thought, the long, shapely legs beneath her high heels lightly rubbed together.
Why did she always feel the urge to step on something whenever she saw him?
"Hmph. You'd better not fall into my hands. Otherwise, you will suffer!"
"Your Highness, Master is receiving an honored guest. Please wait a moment."
Qin Lan Shan looked at the noble Princess and spoke respectfully.
She obediently stepped forward and refilled her teacup.
"You? Who are you?"
Jun Huang looked down at Qin Lan Shan and spoke.
She looked at the maid who had entered, her brows furrowing as scrutiny filled her eyes.
With her presence fully unleashed, the golden-haired, mature beauty had a cold air and exerted immense pressure.
The woman she had never seen before wore a black dress and possessed a gentle bearing.
Her full, soft figure was perfectly displayed with every movement.
Her stunning features, gentle demeanor, and that highly approachable smile at the corner of her lips...
However one looked at it, she seemed like a virtuous wife and loving mother who would be easy to trick and bully.
But one thing seemed out of place: the collar around her neck.
This mature beauty showed no intention of hiding it. Instead, she revealed it openly.
It was as if... she did not consider it shameful, but took pride in it.
Looking at this soft and supple older sister, the golden-haired Princess inexplicably felt displeased.
So much so that she did not even dwell on the fact that the other woman had not come to see her immediately.
One was forceful and intimidating, while the other was gentle as water.
In this room, the two women's gazes met, as if a smokeless war had begun.
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