Rebirth: After Becoming the Villainess-Chapter 99: She Decided to Be in Cahoots with Him

Chapter 99: Chapter 99: She Decided to Be in Cahoots with Him

Chun De took the ginseng soup from Fang Xiu, took a light sip, and set it down.

"Then tell me, what was your mistake?"

"Er..."

Song Lianhe opened her mouth. ’I can’t just say it to her face, can I? The Empress has her dignity to consider, especially in front of her "brother-in-law."’

Left with no choice, she shot a glance at Zhou Cangyan—

’Please, do something!’

Zhou Cangyan’s gaze lazily dropped. After a quick glance, he nonchalantly looked up again. "Your Majesty, you’re frightening her."

Chun De’s expression froze for a moment. She quickly glanced at Fang Xiu, her eyes filled with unconcealable joy. But she just as quickly composed herself, clearing her throat and speaking slowly, "I merely invited her for a visit, and Biwu insisted on coming along. I can overlook that, but am I not even allowed to ask her a question now?"

Song Lianhe was still kneeling. Her heart pounded at the Empress’s words. ’Is the Empress really that bothered by Consort Jing?’

Zhou Cangyan’s expression remained unchanged. He sighed as if in resignation, his tone growing even more languid. "Your Majesty, she’s been kneeling for a long time."

Song Lianhe’s eyes narrowed, and she was incredibly moved.

’He’s so loyal!’

’Even though he’s supposed to be the villain, I’ve decided! From now on, we’ll be partners in crime!’

’In short: it doesn’t pay to be a good person!’

Chun De: "..."

Chun De shot him a glare, half-amused. "Fine, you may rise. If you don’t get up soon, I’m afraid someone will start to hold a grudge against me."

Song Lianhe immediately expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

She had been kneeling for quite some time. As she rose, her legs felt like jelly, and she staggered.

Just then, a hand reached out and steadied her.

"Thank you."

Song Lianhe blinked at the man beside her, her fondness for him growing by the second. ’If everyone were like this "villain," the world would be a much better place!’

Zhou Cangyan’s handsome eyes narrowed slightly, and the corners of his lips seemed to quirk up.

Chun De saw their little exchange. Under the guise of sipping her soup, she watched them for another moment before exchanging a knowing look with Fang Xiu.

Chun De’s smile vanished, replaced by an intimidating, regal aura.

"Song Lianhe, I never would have guessed. It turns out you have a talent for healing the sick and saving lives..."

"Your Majesty is too kind. I only acquired this skill by chance and, inspired by Your Majesty’s guidance, wished to do something for the people. As for... hiding my identity, I simply didn’t want my past reputation to get in the way of my efforts to do good."

Chun De nodded. "That does sound like the truth."

"I would not dare to deceive you, Your Majesty."

Chun De studied her again. Truthfully, her opinion of Song Lianhe had started to change after the Hairpin Banquet. The shift in her attitude toward Zhou Junlin, in particular, had both intrigued and relieved her—

’It was rare for Biwu to take an interest in a woman. If her heart belonged to another man, it would have been quite a predicament.’

’But now, she had given up on Zhou Junlin, which meant she could devote her heart entirely to Biwu.’

As a result, Chun De’s gaze softened, as if she were looking at a cherished younger relative.

Song Lianhe made a silent vow. ’I have to save myself. I need to clear the air about Consort Jing and not let the Empress hold this against me.’

"Your Majesty, regarding Consort Jing... I have something to say."

Chun De raised an eyebrow and cleared her throat. "I’m interested to hear it. What is it you have to say?"

Zhou Cangyan clasped his hands behind his back and turned his head to watch her.

"Your Majesty, a healer’s duty is to be compassionate. There should be no distinction of status between a patient and their doctor. In my eyes, whether it’s Consort Jing or Your Majesty, you are no different from any commoner on the street..."

"How audacious!" Fang Xiu snapped. "How dare you speak such drivel before the Empress!"

Startled, Song Lianhe instinctively shrank toward Zhou Cangyan, her body nearly brushing against his as she unconsciously tugged at the corner of his sleeve.

Zhou Cangyan slowly lifted his gaze. "Why be angry, Auntie? Besides, Second Miss Song is not wrong."

Fang Xiu bowed her head. "Forgive me, Your Highness."

Chun De cleared her throat. "Stand down."

"Yes."

Fang Xiu immediately retreated to the Empress’s side, yet her face showed no sign of displeasure or grievance. On the contrary, she shot the Empress a look, and the Empress had to struggle to keep her lips from curving into a smile.

Song Lianhe stared blankly at the man before her. He stood tall and straight, with a slender waist and a silhouette as fluid and supple as green bamboo.

He didn’t have a broad, imposing build, yet for some reason, his presence brought her a sense of peace.

’Has he... has he just picked a side?’

Song Lianhe shyly lowered her head, her hands unconsciously toying with the jade pendants at her waist.

’It feels so good to have someone back you up!!’

’Song Lianhe felt like she was on top of her game again!’