Chapter Seven: Xiao Huaijin's Assassination Attempt

"Shen Yi, you were the one who deliberately spread those rumors outside, weren't you!"

Just as Shen Yi was having her dinner, Jiang Nansheng's voice echoed from the doorway. Moments later, Shen Yi watched as a menacing Jiang Nansheng stormed into her room, accompanied by her maid, her face full of accusation.

Shen Yi was slightly taken aback by the hostile arrival. She shouldn't have been here; she was supposed to be at the Jiang residence and was not expected back at the Prince's manor until tomorrow. Why had she returned so impatiently after being gone for only an afternoon? Could it be that because Xiao Huaijin did not go with her, she found it unbearable to stay at the Jiang house?

*She is the heroine, for goodness' sake. Jiang residence, do you even know what you are doing?*

Shen Yi set down her spoon and stood up. "What are you talking about, Sister?"

*Sister?* Hearing the address, Jiang Nansheng felt a surge of fury. Shen Yi was the Prince’s sworn sister, and as the Princess of the War King’s manor, Jiang Nansheng believed that Shen Yi should be addressing her as "Sister-in-law." Using "Sister" instead revealed her true intentions for all to see.

Jiang Nansheng retorted, "Shen Yi, stop playing dumb. You spread rumors outside that the Prince spent the night in your room, trying to coerce him into granting you the position of a secondary consort. Let me tell you clearly: as long as I, Jiang Nansheng, am the War Princess, you can put away your petty schemes. I will never agree to two women sharing one husband."

Jiang Nansheng was a transmigrator—a female Ph.D. in medicine—and she seemed to be a reborn soul as well. Like Shen Yi, she could not tolerate the poison of feudal society. Little did she know, Shen Yi had no desire to be a secondary consort, let alone steal her position as the primary wife. After all, she was just the villainous supporting character; even if she was no longer wicked, she was still a supporting character. Supporting characters shouldn't try to steal the spotlight from the leads. As for the leads—who followed whom, or who held power—that was not for Shen Yi to worry about.

Shen Yi rose and looked at Jiang Nansheng. For the first time, Jiang Nansheng was so overwhelmed by Shen Yi’s presence that she took two involuntary steps back. A strange sense of guilt flickered within her. But soon, she bolstered her courage. Before anyone could react, a silver needle appeared in her hand and struck Shen Yi’s arm with lightning speed.

Shen Yi’s arm immediately went numb and hung limply at her side. Seeing her arm in this state, she opened her mouth, staring at Jiang Nansheng in horror.

Jiang Nansheng sneered, "Shen Yi, for the Prince's sake, I’ll only give you a lesson this time. Your arm will recover on its own in an hour. But if I hear you spreading rumors again, I will make sure you never speak another word in your life!"

Shen Yi quickly pressed her lips together, terrified that this vicious woman would plant another needle in her mouth.

*Wait a minute,* she thought. *I’m the villainous supporting character, aren't I?* Jiang Nansheng’s actions were hardly those of a heroine.

After delivering her threat, Jiang Nansheng left triumphantly. Shen Yi sat down and shook her arm, finding it completely devoid of sensation. For a moment, she felt utterly hopeless.

Just then, Liu'er scurried into the room in a panic. "My Lady, this is terrible!"

Shen Yi cast a sharp look at her; it seemed this girl was the culprit. Liu'er felt a jolt of fear and stammered, "My Lady, it’s a disaster!"

"You know it's a disaster?" Shen Yi asked with dissatisfaction. "Tell me, was it you who spread the news about the Prince spending the night in my room?"

Liu'er blushed and defended herself, "I just thought that if others knew, the Prince would surely make you a secondary consort to protect your reputation. You’ve always wanted to climb into the Prince's bed, and this was a perfect opportunity!"

"I..." Shen Yi wanted to argue that she never had such intentions. But the original owner of this body had indeed done such absurd things. It was on the day of Xiao Huaijin’s wedding that Chen Xijun had given her the idea to take Jiang Nansheng’s place in the bridal chamber. She had claimed that Xiao Huaijin would be plied with wine at the banquet and, once thoroughly drunk, would never know whether the bride was Shen Yi or Jiang Nansheng. The original owner, usually quite shrewd, had actually believed it.

Thinking of this, Shen Yi felt a headache coming on. She wanted to scold Liu'er, but the girl had genuinely been trying to help. If it had been the original owner, she probably would have thanked her!

Suddenly, Shen Yi remembered. "Liu'er, you said it was a disaster—what happened?"

"My Lady, the Prince was assassinated. He is severely wounded."

Shen Yi stood up, stunned. "What?"

Liu'er continued, "The Prince encountered assassins on his way back. If it weren't for Chongming’s timely arrival, the Prince might not have survived. My Lady, let’s go and see him!"

Shen Yi prepared to go, but ultimately, she didn't move. "Liu'er, since the Prince was attacked, Jiang Nansheng will naturally treat him. Let’s not get involved. Also, don't mention this to anyone; act as if we know nothing."

Liu'er was full of confusion. *Why doesn't my lady care about the Prince anymore? Is she truly heartbroken?*

Shen Yi was not the original owner, so she had no need to force herself upon him. Besides, she had no medical skills; going there would only invite more of Jiang Nansheng’s hatred. Jiang Nansheng was the heroine, gifted in medicine, and would surely save Xiao Huaijin. Once she saved him, their relationship would undoubtedly reach new heights. Perhaps by this time next year, they would already have children. At the thought of this, a faint smile appeared on Shen Yi’s face.

However, seeing Shen Yi smile caused Liu'er to look worried. *Could my lady have been the one to send the assassins? Driven by love turned to hate?*

Soon, Liu'er dismissed the thought. *That's impossible! My lady is kind-hearted, generous, and upright; she would never do such a thing.* Indeed, in Liu'er’s heart, whatever Shen Yi did was always right. But Liu'er did notice something odd. "My Lady, what happened to your arm?"

Shen Yi looked at Liu'er and asked earnestly, "Liu'er, is it too late for me to learn medicine?"

Liu'er hesitated for a moment and shook her head.

"What about cooking?" Shen Yi asked.

Liu'er felt her mistress had gone mad. Why would she want to learn to cook? Even if she wanted to please the Prince, it shouldn't come to cooking! Her cooking was barely edible! The most fatal part was that she always made her try it!

Liu'er’s expression made it clear to Shen Yi that she was, apparently, good for nothing.

That night, the Prince’s manor was ablaze with light and bustling with activity. News of the assassination attempt spread through the capital like wildfire. Countless people speculated on who had struck. This was the Prince Regent, after all. Could it be the person sitting on the Dragon Throne?

At that very moment, the person on the Dragon Throne was beginning to doubt himself. *Could I have inadvertently arranged for assassins to eliminate my own brother, who holds such power over the court?*