Chapter Eleven: The Woman in the Dungeon
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The Prince of Lin’s residence was located in Linjiang City, within Linzhou. Fifteen years ago, Lin Hengchong was granted the title of Prince by the reigning emperor and stationed to govern Linzhou. Linzhou lay in the southern territory of the Daning Dynasty, once considered a “wild frontier” often mentioned in historical records.
Of course, Linzhou could no longer be called a wild frontier. Since the founding of the Daning Dynasty a century ago, a policy encouraging southern migration had been in place. Over a hundred years of historical evolution and continuous expansion had transformed Linzhou into a prosperous and bustling region.
Especially Linjiang City, as the political, economic, and cultural center of Linzhou, it had become the economic heart of the southern Daning territories.
The Prince of Lin’s mansion stood within Linjiang City.
On the day after regaining consciousness, Lin Jiangnian finally stepped out of his room for the first time. Having recovered physically, it was time to take a walk.
Previously, while confined to his room, Lin Jiangnian had only seen the lavish decorations and seemingly priceless furniture around him. Now, standing in the courtyard, he took in the magnificent carved railings and jade pillars of the entire estate — truly grand and imposing.
The Prince’s mansion sprawled over an expanse so vast it seemed endless. Everywhere he looked, there were intricately carved pavilions and eaves, lacquered red lanterns hanging beneath them, pathways paved with bluestone slabs, and towering ancient trees casting deep shade.
The estate nestled against the mountains and near water; not far behind Lin Jiangnian, imposing mountains rose majestically, with waterfalls cascading spectacularly down the cliffs.
Surrounded by mist and steam, the Prince’s mansion perched amidst the mountains like a paradise on earth.
Though prepared for grandeur, the opulence of the mansion still exceeded Lin Jiangnian’s expectations.
It was poverty that had limited his imagination!
The morning meal was equally splendid. In an age where common folk were grateful just to have food, a dazzling array of pastries and snacks were laid before Lin Jiangnian.
The Prince’s consort had passed away early, so the only person qualified to dine alongside the Prince’s heir was the Prince himself. As the Prince was currently absent from Linzhou, Lin Jiangnian was left to enjoy the feast alone.
Remembering the heir’s preferences from the previous night, Lin Jiangnian felt assured to eat heartily today. Naturally, the servants were well aware of the young master’s tastes and had prepared the breakfast accordingly.
After filling his stomach, Zhi Yuan appeared again in Lin Jiangnian’s sight.
Her expression remained cold and detached, elegant but seemingly soulless.
Not at all endearing.
“Your Highness.”
“Is there something?”
Lin Jiangnian glanced at her coldly, snorted, and replied with an unfriendly tone.
The malicious heir deserved to be held grudges against.
Zhi Yuan seemed oblivious to Lin Jiangnian’s harsh tone and calmly said, “Your Highness, I have discovered the person behind the recent attack on you.”
Discovered? So soon?
Now that Lin Jiangnian was the Prince’s heir, he naturally took the attack on himself seriously.
More importantly, he had narrowly escaped death in that attack!
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What should his reaction be now?
Anger?
Thus—
Lin Jiangnian’s eyes suddenly changed, a cold and fierce light flashing across his face: “Who is it?”
Zhi Yuan looked at him calmly and said, “The mastermind has already been captured. Would Your Highness like to see for yourself?”
“See? Of course I want to see!”
Lin Jiangnian sneered, “I want to see who dares to harm the heir of this house!”
Zhi Yuan glanced at him again. “Please follow me, Your Highness.”
She turned and led Lin Jiangnian through a long corridor into a secluded courtyard, arriving at the entrance of a dungeon.
Guards stood watch at the door. As Lin Jiangnian stepped inside, he felt a chilling, eerie atmosphere wash over him.
Dim and quiet light flickered, a biting coldness seeped through the air, and a faint scent of blood lingered. Apart from that, there was no nauseating stench.
The dungeon’s corridor was long and empty, with the yellow lamps on the walls flickering. Lin Jiangnian followed behind Zhi Yuan, his gaze fixed on her silhouette.
Her jet-black hair was coiled neatly, with a few strands falling onto her back. From behind, her azure blouse and skirt accentuated her graceful figure, her slender waist tied with a blue-and-white sash embroidered with delicate patterns, emphasizing her poise and competence—slim enough to encircle with a single hand.
She stepped lightly within the dungeon, the hem of her skirt revealing glimpses of exquisite embroidered shoes with blue faces and white soles, small and delicate, making soft footsteps in the silent dungeon.
As she walked forward, Lin Jiangnian followed closely, his eyes unconsciously studying the maid.
Suddenly, Zhi Yuan stopped and turned around.
That look back revealed she noticed the heir’s gaze lingering on her.
“Why stop?”
Lin Jiangnian raised his eyes and saw her expressionless face, tinged with a hint of coldness.
After a moment of silence, Zhi Yuan said, “Your Highness, do you still remember the incident when you were attacked during the patrol?”
Lin Jiangnian’s heart tightened. He nodded cautiously, “Of course I remember.”
He only recalled that the woman in red had told him about what happened at the old temple, but he had no idea why the heir had gone on the outing, where he had been, or what happened beforehand.
Even the woman in red seemed unclear—clearly, the attack on the Prince’s heir was unexpected by her.
Fortunately, most who knew the truth were dead, so Lin Jiangnian only needed to be careful not to be tricked into revealing anything.
Zhi Yuan remained expressionless. “Then do you remember who invited you on that outing?”
Lin Jiangnian’s heart skipped a beat!
Fear summons what it dreads!
How would he know who invited the Prince’s heir out?
As Zhi Yuan’s eyes fixed on him, Lin Jiangnian barely had time to think, calmly nodding, “Naturally, I remember.”
Before Zhi Yuan could say more, Lin Jiangnian’s expression grew serious, and he hurriedly asked, “Could it be him?!”
He had no idea who it was.
But now he had to pretend!
Seize the initiative.
Zhi Yuan wouldn’t mention the inviter for no reason; the only possibility was…
The person who invited him out was likely the mastermind behind the attack?!
“It seems Your Highness knows very well,” Zhi Yuan said expressionlessly.
Fortunately, she did not see through Lin Jiangnian’s unease and did not press further, turning to continue walking.
But this time her pace noticeably quickened, soon distancing herself from Lin Jiangnian.
As if afraid he would take advantage.
When Lin Jiangnian caught up with her again, she stopped before a prison cell.
The door was open. She glanced at Lin Jiangnian before stepping inside.
Lin Jiangnian followed closely.
Inside the dim, quiet cell, besides Lin Jiangnian and Zhi Yuan, there was another figure.
A woman!
Disheveled hair, tattered clothes, limbs shackled and bound to a frame with chains.
“Your Highness, do you recognize her?” Zhi Yuan’s indifferent voice came from beside him.
Lin Jiangnian looked at the pitiful but still beautiful woman before him.
His mind went blank—completely dazed.
Who was she?
He did not know her at all.
…