"His Majesty is still in his prime, and while the Empress’s position is secure, the Third Prince, being her son, naturally enjoys great prestige. But Father, aren’t you afraid of betting on the wrong horse?" Zara Yun continued, "The Fifth Prince may be the Imperial Consort’s son, but her family’s influence is solid—they’re not without the power to compete for the throne. The Emperor has many children, but few have survived. Those who did must be exceptional. Father, shouldn’t you reconsider your stance?"
"There’s no choice left." Lord Grant’s voice softened. "The Yun Family is already tied to the Third Prince."
"Understood," Zara Yun nodded. "I’ll agree to it."
"You’re so quick to agree?" Lord Grant finally looked directly at his daughter.
"Father, you’re being so straightforward—how could I drag my feet?" Zara Yun seemed to have forgotten she’d nearly died at her father’s hands just moments ago. Calmly, she looked at Lord Grant and said, "Even if I don’t join the military, I’d probably end up paving the way for my elder sister and brother, right? If I’m stuck in the back courtyard, I’d be useless anyway. I might as well take a chance in the army and fight for my own future. Maybe if I earn a few military merits, when my sister becomes Empress, she won’t be seen as weak by the Third Prince. Wouldn’t you agree, Father?"
Lord Grant couldn’t help but sigh.
He had never realized his daughter was this clever!
Her act of playing the fool had been far too convincing!
Even he’d been fooled by her!
The whole world believed the second young lady of the Yun Family was a lovesick, clumsy good-for-nothing.
But tonight, he finally realized that this daughter was the one truly hiding her strength.
Still, as long as he could keep this daughter under his control, everything would be fine.
Lord Grant pulled a box from the bookshelf, took out a brocade case, and handed it to Zara Yun. "It’s not that I don’t trust you! But once you step out that door, you’re no longer the second young lady of the Yun Family—you’re a soldier guarding the Princess Residence!"
Zara Yun accepted it and opened the case. Inside was a pill.
If she wasn’t mistaken, this was poison.
Zara Yun laughed coldly to herself.
So this is what it means to be a father!
He actually wanted his own daughter to swallow poison, just to guarantee absolute control!
"This mission is dangerous, but it’s also vital. If you complete it, you’ll get the antidote." Lord Grant narrowed his eyes at Zara Yun. "But if you betray me—"
Zara Yun picked up the pill and waved it in front of her eyes. "Father, I just want to ask you one thing. I want the truth."
"Ask," Lord Grant’s eyes burned with fanatic ambition. He seemed to have found a shortcut to power.
"Did you ever love my mother?" Zara Yun’s tone was heavy as she looked straight at Lord Grant.
Lord Grant didn’t answer.
Zara Yun gave a self-deprecating smile. "I see."
Without another word, Zara Yun swallowed the poison pill right in front of Lord Grant.
Seeing Zara Yun take the poison, Lord Grant finally smiled.
"I await Father’s good news." Zara Yun took out her jade pendant and placed it on the desk. She stepped back, clasped her fists, and bowed deeply. "Zia takes her leave!"
With that, Zara Yun turned on her heel and strode out of the study.
Lord Grant stared at the jade pendant on the desk for a long time before picking it up and gently stroking it. He murmured to himself, "Let’s hope nothing goes wrong this time."
After leaving the study, Zara Yun slipped into a hidden corner, trying to spit out the pill. But it melted instantly—there was no time to spit it out.
Zara Yun let out a bitter laugh and murmured to herself, "Is this what it means to sacrifice my life for freedom? As long as I can fight on the battlefield, losing a few decades isn’t such a big deal."
Zara Yun straightened up and clenched her fists. "This time, I’m living for myself!"
Three days passed in a flash.
During those three days, something major happened in the Capital City.
Lord Grant petitioned the Emperor, claiming his second daughter was talentless and immoral, had recently acted disgracefully, and was no longer worthy of a royal marriage. He begged the Emperor to revoke the family marriage contract.
At first, the Emperor refused. But after a long private discussion with Lord Grant, he finally signed off—cancelling the marriage contract between the Yun Family’s second daughter and the Third Prince.
When the news broke, the whole city was stunned.
The second young lady of the Marquis’s household was devastated by the news and fell gravely ill.
Night fell.
Zara Yun, dressed simply and carrying her bundle, stood before Lord Grant.
Lord Grant stared at her. "Are you truly decided?"
Zara Yun nodded. "The moment I handed over the jade pendant and swallowed your poison pill, I was already prepared."
"You didn’t have to fake your death, you know." Lord Grant narrowed his eyes at her.
Zara Yun smiled wryly.
If she hadn’t died, how could she ever leave the Yun Family?
To truly break free from the Yun Family, she had to shed her old identity.
"Starting today, I’ll officially pretend to be ill." Zara Yun continued, "I’ll stay in Lord Grant’s Yun Family Library for three months. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, I’ll leave the manor as a new recruit and join Princess Ling’s Residence."
"Then your funeral will be held in ten days." Lord Grant narrowed his eyes. "You still have a chance to change your mind."
"I don’t regret it." Zara Yun smiled proudly. "Thank you for letting me go, Father!"
Lord Grant nodded, and Zara Yun picked up the key to the Yun Family Library from the desk and left.
As soon as Zara Yun left, Ryan Yun stepped out from behind and bowed to Lord Grant. "Father, do you really believe what Zara Yun said?"
"It doesn’t matter whether I believe her or not. She’s taken the poison pill—she can’t escape my grasp now." Lord Grant replied coolly. "With her as an insider at Princess Ling’s Residence, your path will be much smoother."
"Yes, Father!" Ryan Yun’s face showed a hint of joy.
This chapter isn’t over yet ^.^ Please click next page to continue reading!
He had only one sister—Wendy Yun.
Everyone else was just a pawn he could use.
"Did His Majesty really agree to let her fake her death to enter Princess Ling’s Residence?" Ryan Yun pressed.
"I reported to His Majesty that Princess Ling’s Residence has always been guarded by her own loyal soldiers, making it hard for our people to infiltrate or control them. But if Zia can get inside, we’ll have an extra pair of eyes. If Princess Ling and Lord Lucian plan to rebel, we’ll know in advance." Lord Grant smiled. "With His Majesty’s suspicious nature, of course he agreed. But—"
"But His Majesty doesn’t know that we sent Zara Yun in to win over Princess Ling and Prince Adrian." Ryan Yun said quickly. "Father, I understand your plan now."
Lord Grant patted Ryan Yun’s shoulder. "You’re my only son. One day, everything in the manor will be yours. Don’t let me down."
"I will obey, Father!" Ryan Yun clasped his fists. "I won’t let you down!"
Zara Yun entered the Yun Family Library and closed the door behind her.
Facing the massive bookshelves, Zara Yun took a deep breath.
She hoped none of this would disappoint her.
Zara Yun wasted no time. She filled all the oil lamps, then started with the first row of shelves, gathering every book on military strategy, law, and martial arts into a towering pile. Afterward, she found a good spot and prepared to read.
Every day, someone brought her food, water, and other necessities, then took away her trash.
Just like that, ten days passed in a flash.
After ten days, mourning filled the air outside.
The second young lady of the Yun Family had died of illness.
From then on, there was no more Zara Yun in the Marquis’s manor.
Inside Princess Ling’s Residence.
Lucian Fox glanced at the intelligence report, his golden eyes flickering.
The second young lady of the Yun Family died of illness?
She was no frail heiress. Her spear technique was fierce, and she was nothing like the lovesick girl rumored in town.
Those appearances might fool others, but not him.
So what exactly is the Marquis’s manor trying to accomplish?
Lucian Fox’s golden eyes darkened. Just as he was about to rise, someone rushed in to report, "Sir, Princess Ling has coughed up blood again."
Lucian Fox vanished in a whirlwind, instantly appearing in Princess Ling’s chambers.
"Mother!" Lucian Fox grabbed the towel and gently wiped the blood from Princess Ling’s lips.
"I’m fine." Princess Ling pushed Lucian Fox away, her face pale as she leaned against the couch. "My royal brother must be afraid I’ll survive."