Chapter 116: The Ruthless Imperial Family

Chapter 116: The Ruthlessness of the Imperial Family

Jiang Shuning encountered Jiang Lian returning home as she was leaving her second uncle's residence.

Jiang Lian was still wearing the same deliberate imitation of her style in dress and makeup. Seeing Jiang Shuning, she was visibly startled. "Eldest Sister, what brings you here?"

Jiang Shuning's expression darkened. "I came to advise Second Uncle against gambling further, so he wouldn't drag you down with him. To my surprise, he claimed he never gambles at all. Third Sister, why did you lie to me that day at Laifu Restaurant?"

Seeing the truth exposed, Jiang Lian decided to abandon all pretense, her tone laced with bitterness. "Eldest Sister, pursued by so many princes, you naturally cannot understand Lian'er's hardships. I come from an ordinary background; marrying into a noble family is as difficult as ascending to heaven. If I can use this face, which somewhat resembles yours, to win a prince's favor—even if only as a servant or concubine—it would be far better than marrying into an ordinary household!"

Jiang Shuning gave a cold laugh. "So, to get my help, you didn't hesitate to fabricate a lie, telling me Second Uncle had incurred massive gambling debts and planned to sell you off? Lian'er, how could you exploit your own flesh and blood like this?"

Jiang Lian's eyes reddened, tears welling up. "Eldest Sister, I'm truly desperate! I wanted to gain the Fourth Prince's favor, so I thought if I made myself seem pitiful enough, you might soften and lend me a hand."

Jiang Shuning sighed. "Although the Fourth Prince's reputation is not the best, he is not a lecherous man. You've truly set your sights on the wrong person."

In her past life, although Xiao Lingchuan had strong desires, was particularly fond of carnal pleasures, and was inventive in the bedchamber, he never took concubines.

Even when people tried to curry favor by sending him beautiful women or concubines, he consistently refused them all, sending every one back.

Once, an official, thinking himself clever, found a beauty who bore a seventy or eighty percent resemblance to Jiang Yaozhen, hoping to please him. Instead, it only provoked his anger.

He not only expelled that official but also stripped him of his position on charges of bribery.

Xiao Lingchuan's heart was like a rock, unmovable by mere beauty.

Trying to seduce him was simply asking for trouble.

Hearing this, Jiang Lian seemed somewhat resigned. "They say princes are surrounded by concubines. Why is the Fourth Prince so different?"

"Only the Third Prince has a crowd of concubines. The other princes have not yet taken wives or concubines. Third Sister, stop setting your heart on a prince. Find a good family to become engaged to instead!" Jiang Shuning advised earnestly.

Jiang Lian appeared to take the advice to heart on the surface, but inwardly she pondered: So, the Third Prince is the only one susceptible to feminine charms.

If she made an effort, perhaps she could have a chance to climb the social ladder.

On the carriage ride back, Ling Wu couldn't help but speak up. "Miss, I don't think the Third Miss took your words to heart at all."

Jiang Shuning sighed softly, a note of helplessness in her tone. "All I can do is warn her. If she insists on jumping into the fire pit, there's nothing more I can do. Some people won't give up until they hit a wall."

She seemed somewhat weary, leaning back in the carriage and slowly closing her eyes.

Even with a second chance at life, there were still many things beyond her control.

Such as her elder brother's death, Xiao Lingchuan's suffocating possessiveness, and Jiang Lian's unrealistic delusions.

Originally, in this life, she had only wanted to stay far away from Xiao Lingchuan, find a compatible partner, and live a peaceful life.

But now, to avenge her brother, she had to feign cooperation with Xiao Lingchuan, constantly enduring the unease of being watched like prey, seen as something already in his possession.

Now that she could barely manage her own affairs, how could she have the energy to interfere with Jiang Lian's choices?

Jiang Lian actually possessed some skill.

With any piece of jewelry, once she fiddled with it, adding a few embellishments and decorations, it could become exceptionally exquisite.

If she lacked certain materials, she would sketch a design and show it to the silver shop manager.

Seeing that the jewelry she designed sold extremely well, the manager allowed her to come to the silver shop daily to create new styles using some scrap materials.

Thus, Jiang Lian not only earned some wages at the silver shop but also incidentally picked up quite a bit of news about high officials and nobles.

One day, she unintentionally overheard someone ordering a high-quality hairpin, said to be a gift from the Third Prince to the top courtesan Hongying at Chunxiang Lou.

The purchaser was the madam of Chunxiang Lou. According to her, the Third Prince most adored unique women—those with a natural fragrance, or exceptional dancing or singing skills.

If one could catch his eye, not only could she be promoted to top courtesan, but she could also enjoy a life of luxury.

Hearing this, Jiang Lian's heart stirred.

She had no natural body fragrance, nor could she sing or dance, but she was unwilling to miss this opportunity. Determined to take a risk, she resolved to fight for a future free from want.

She proactively sought out the madam, stating bluntly that she wanted to go to Chunxiang Lou and compete to become the top courtesan.

The madam looked her up and down, her tone carrying a hint of condescension. "Your looks are rather delicate, but what special talents do you have?"

Jiang Lian's cheeks flushed slightly as she whispered, "Just tell His Highness the Third Prince that once my body grows warm, flowers will bloom upon my skin."

The madam gave a half-smile. "Is that truly the case, or are you spinning tales?"

Jiang Lian discreetly slipped a silver ingot into the madam's hand. "Please, Madam, give me a chance to meet His Highness the Third Prince. Whether I succeed or not will depend entirely on Lian'er's own fortune!"

Some time ago, Chunxiang Lou had been shut down by the Dali Temple for illegally purchasing abducted girls, and business had plummeted. It had only recently reopened and was in need of new faces.

Seeing Jiang Lian so proactive, the madam nodded in agreement.

"Very well. His Highness the Third Prince will come to Chunxiang Lou tonight to support Hongying. Prepare well and see if you can catch his eye."

"Thank you!" Jiang Lian hurriedly expressed her gratitude.

Returning home, Jiang Lian locked herself in her room. Facing the bronze mirror, she slowly removed her clothes, revealing the blue and purple marks on her body.

She bore some resemblance to Jiang Shuning. Consequently, whenever Jiang Yaozhen was angered by Jiang Shuning, she would summon Jiang Lian to Laifu Restaurant, pinching and hitting her to vent her hatred.

If she didn't find a prince to rely on soon, she feared she would eventually die at Jiang Yaozhen's hands.

Jiang Lian stared at her reflection in the mirror, a cold smile curling her lips. "Second Sister, since you bully me like this, don't blame me for seducing your future husband."

She picked up a box of rouge and carefully applied it over the blue and purple marks.

Before long, those marks indeed transformed into vivid, alluring flowers, shimmering with a captivating glow.

After finishing this, she applied makeup to closely resemble Jiang Shuning, then changed her clothes and quietly left.

Under the cover of deep night, Jiang Lian, wearing a veil, stepped into Chunxiang Lou.

His Highness the Third Prince, Xiao Xiuzhan, was indeed in a private room, enjoying Hongying's dance.

As the song ended, Hongying coquettishly threw herself into his arms. "Your Highness has finally come to Chunxiang Lou. Let this humble one serve you tonight!"

Unexpectedly, Xiao Xiuzhan pushed her away, his voice cold as ice. "This prince promoted you to top courtesan so you could make money for me. If you don't entertain guests, where will the silver come from?"

Hongying's heart tightened, and she could only retreat with tears in her eyes.

Indeed, the most ruthless were the imperial families.

Those days and nights of intimacy were merely false affection. What he wanted was only the wealth and benefits she could bring.

At that moment, Jiang Lian, veiled, was led by the madam to stand before Xiao Xiuzhan.

Jiang Lian secretly sized up the man before her, dressed in brocade robes and oozing privilege, but she felt somewhat disappointed.

She had thought that as brothers, they would at least share some resemblance, yet this Third Prince was far less exquisitely handsome and alluring than the Fourth Prince.

Xiao Xiuzhan glanced at her lazily, his tone indifferent. "So, what's your talent?"

Without a word, Jiang Lian shed her robes, revealing skin adorned with "blossoms."

Xiao Xiuzhan scoffed lightly. "Painting flowers on yourself... now that's a novelty. But these flowers are fake, and without exceptional beauty, it won't keep the customers happy."

As he spoke, he reached out and directly tore off her veil.

The moment he saw her face clearly, his eyes widened in shock!