Capítulo 28: Third Miss, Lan'er Makes A Move
Lan'er could sense the tension hovering dangerously in the air. It stood so high, Lan'er felt as if she could die from being smothered by all the pressure.
One wrong move and she could slip out of favor.
Her motive for appearing tonight was simple: to retrieve her father's trust in her— this little obedient puppet of his. She understood more than anyone else that once something lost its value, this father of hers would not hesitate to destroy them.
Take her own mother as an example, the general didn't lack in resources. However, he didn't even bother to try reviving her. Once her mother was regarded as both a threat to him and his pride, she was tossed aside.
Lan'er could not fall out of favor just yet. She desperately stressed herself of that. Her own organization was not complete.
She still required more time.
She sighed inwardly, so here she was, to buy more time...with this monstrosity.
Lan'er must admit that she really had slipped up today. She was always the withdrawn one, the intelligent one. The one who was still with the shadows thoughtfully observing the plays the manor created and obeying her father to live under his order.
Continuously tiptoeing about, cloaked under a roof of lies and blood.
She had never acted out so recklessly before; however, she also knew that her sister didn't have much hope this time.
She was forced.
Lan'er felt she had no choice.
Lan'er had seen her sister's room at that time. It was an unkempt room with squeaking floorboards, infected with mold spreading up the walls. A modest set of furniture that was coming apart and the room itself hardly had anything of value.
This, she already knew, from a long time ago. Nevertheless, to see it in person was a complicated experience. Was it her accountability that her sister endured for so long?
The third miss sadly shook her head at the regretful recollections that started to emerge. She had laid her hand on the old bed and ran her finger across the rim of the wood. She could detect a familiar scent within the red bloodstains on the blankets, the bloodstains her sister had so desperately bled.
Did her sister know? That she was the one who—
Lan'er shook her head. She actually didn't want to remember about it. Lan'er attempted to clear her mind.
Back then, Lan'er couldn't do much, and the general at least pretended to dote on Hongyue. This would give Hongyue some sort of safety as it appeared she was much in favor, which was why Lan'er never stepped in. Those who were not in the plan kept away while watching in envy and secretly plotted. However, they never dared come forward to touch a single hair on Hongyue.
How ironic.
Safe yet in so much danger.
Nonetheless, this time it was different. Lan'er could feel it herself.
All concubines in the manor appeared to know of this as well. They were huddled in the dark, plotting their next move to kill off the pest in their eyes. Back then, Father had at least pretended to care for her elder sister. This time the news of how the general delayed the critical treatment for her dying sister spread uncontrollably inside the walls.
Everyone was eagerly anticipating for the perfect opportunity.
Just like the second and the fourth concubine.
Perceiving this rising danger, Lan'er had to take action herself. She owed Hongyue too much to stand back this time. Thus she ran in and ended up offending her father's perfect image. While the situation didn't look to be too bad at first, her father had sent one of his men to monitor her.
This confirmed his discontentment.
She frowned, what did the third prince say to him that made him so upset?
While Lan'er was reluctant, she was still under the control of her father. She still needed to be that perfect puppet for him. This was her only leverage. Even if he could replace her, it would be hard to. She had trained so long for his plans, so she bet he wasn't willing to lose her so quickly. Even so, the general was a ruthless and suspicious person, he would always try to cut all the weeds by the root.
So Lan'er herself could be...
No, she cannot let that happen.
She still needed her father's trust.
She knew that tonight he had probably investigated her as well as increased security around her own manor to keep a closer eye on her. This was a warning to her. This was indeed a person who cared not for the blood relationships and only for political gains.
The best way to approach a monster like this was to act loyal and give absolute obedience.
Lan'er placed a sweet smile on her face acting coyly.
"Does father no longer trust me, your most faithful daughter?" Lan'er asked softly. She put a grieved look on her face.
"Lan'er, you overthought. Father was merely troubled by today's events," The general conversed dismissively. He eyed her carefully.
"Then, this daughter apologizes to have trouble, Father," Lan'er returned his gaze calmly. The general seemed to have believed her words and nodded.
"Speak. why did you cause such a big commotion today." He asked coolly, watching for any change of expression on her face only to find none.
Lan'er neared closer and kneeled. She blinked her eyes, looking wronged.
"Lan'er tried to do what was best for father, did I not?"
Seeing him stay quiet, she proceeded lightly as if she was greatly wronged.
"Today, both the second and the fourth madam were too hasty together in their moves. If not for this daughter's timely intervention, Father would have suffered."
PENSAMENTOS DOS CRIADORES 
in_awe
in_awe A twist!
In all the novels I've read, the outstanding sister is the cannon fodder. I want a more in-depth meaning for Lan'er. She's more sentimental and fueled by her emotions to take actions. Her backstory will come up soon. I want to make a more emotional attachment for some of the characters instead of just giving you their bad history and say pity them
Do you guys like her?
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