Ji Lingxiu was momentarily stunned at those words but she quickly sneered. “What evidence do I need? Everyone present here knows the truth, but they’re just too scared to say anything. My older sister has always had a peaceful life in the Palace before you married your way into it, but the moment you came into the Palace, my sister was constantly framed and maligned by you. You were the one who caused my sister to be kicked out of the Palace. Isn’t this enough to prove how vicious you are?”
“You stupid thing!” Lin Qingyuan could no longer hold back when she heard those words.
She pointed at Ji Linghui and snarled, “I’ve never seen anymore more stupid than you. You’re saying all this based on just your sister’s words, aren’t you? You’ve been sold out by your sister without even realizing it. If you would like to know who is the true wicked person here, just check with your sister’s personal maidservant. Her maidservant has been serving your sister for so long, yet she was unwilling to leave the Palace when the opportunity came. She even begged Butler Zhao to keep her in the Palace. Do you know why that is?”
“It was because of your good sister. Every time something went wrong, your sister would torture the maidservant and vent all frustrations on her. Do you know how your sister tortured Xiao Xia? She used sharp, thin needles to poke her skin, and no one would notice as the wounds were covered by her clothes. She has caused Xiao Xia so much bodily harm that she would rather stay in the Palace than return to your sister’s side.”
“Moreover, there is no need for Her Highness to frame your sister. Your sister was the one who was jealous of Her Highness, which was why she took the risk of attempting to harm the Grand Princess’ little Prince to frame Her Highness. It was lucky that Her Highness was smart enough to see through her scheme. Your sister was clearly the one who committed all those crimes. How can you see it as Her Highness framing her instead?”
Ji Lingxiu’s eyes widened. “No, that’s impossible. You’re lying. My sister is a kind person. How could she torture Xiao Xia? How is it possible that she would attempt to harm the Grand Princess’ little Prince?”
Lin Qingyuan continued, “I know you and your sister have a close relationship and you’re unwilling to believe this, but those are the facts. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Xiao Xia for the truth.”
She paused and said with slight disdain, “Ji Lingxiu, I’ve always thought that you may be a brash person, but you’re actually good at heart. I’ve never expected for you to be deceived by your sister to such an extent.”
Ji Lingxiu was somewhat shaken by Lin Qingyuan’s words. “Big Sis, is Lin Qingyuan telling the truth?”
Ji Linghui was enraged and frustrated with Lin Qingyuan’s words, but she was unable to stand up. Her lips moved when she heard her younger sister’s accusatory tone and she denied everything. “Xiu’er, why are you believing an outsider over me? Lin Qingyuan has a close relationship with the Empress and it’s only natural that she sides with Her Highness. Why would you be silly enough to listen to her? If I really tried to harm the Grand Princess’ little Prince, would His Majesty allow me to live? Also, it’s clear that Xiao Xia has been bought over by someone to frame me.”
Ji Lingxiu hesitated again at her words.
When Lin Qingyuan saw that she was about to be convinced again by a few words from her older sister, she clapped her hand on her forehead and cursed, “What a stupid thing!”
Lin Qingyuan had finally witnessed what a blatant liar looked like. “Ji Linghui, there’s no need for you to pretend to be innocent. You know very well why His Majesty spared your life. I’ve heard that Duke Ji had begged for your mercy and exchanged the jade bangle bestowed to him by the late Grand Empress Dowager for your life. If I were you, I’d stop with all the scheming and get on with my life by being a better person because Duke Ji has nothing left to protect your life anymore.”
Ji Linghui blanked out.
Ji Lingxiu knelt where she was, stupefied. She had no idea how to react to this and it took her quite a while before finally she finally found her voice. “Big Sis, is she telling the truth?”
Ji Linghui was spasming from the pain over her entire body. All she wanted to do now was to quickly visit a physician. She said soothingly, “Xiu’er, don’t believe the words of others. I’m hurting a lot right now. Please bring me to see a physician quickly..”
