The Punishment of Luo Zhao

Luo Zhao did not know what Gu Chengyin and Lin Qingyan were doing behind the screen.

But she knew it was definitely nothing good.

Just like the absurd things they had done to her in her bedchamber, right by her bed.

However, Luo Zhao could be certain that this time it probably wasn't to test her, but for some other reason.

Although she didn't know the exact reason, it didn't matter. The person who knew had just returned, hadn't she?

After seeing Gu Chengyin and Lin Qingyan off, Shangguan Yunying had just returned to the long desk.

Luo Zhao's hand suddenly reached out, grabbed her wrist, and pulled hard.

Ah!

Shangguan Yunying cried out in surprise as her entire body was yanked forward.

Because she didn't dare to circulate her true qi to resist, she could only let herself lose her balance.

And then she fell into a soft embrace.

Just now, Luo Zhao's voice sounded by her ear, were Gu Chengyin and my aunt behind the screen?

Her tone was highly unkind, like the rolling thunder before a storm.

Shangguan Yunying's heart skipped a beat.

Lying in Luo Zhao's arms, she buried her face in Luo Zhao's shoulder.

Your Highness... Shangguan Yunying opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately just nodded gently.

She felt Luo Zhao's body tense up a bit more.

So you suddenly came over.

Holding so many memorials, reporting so urgently, just to cover for them?

Shangguan Yunying could not deny this question. She nodded again, as if confessing to a crime.

Then, she felt Luo Zhao release her wrist.

But it wasn't to let her go.

Instead, Luo Zhao changed her posture, moving her hand from her wrist to press against her waist.

Her other hand gripped the back of her neck, forcing her to meet Luo Zhao's gaze.

This was an interrogation.

Speak. Luo Zhao stared directly into Shangguan Yunying's eyes, her tone icy. What were they doing behind the screen?

Speaking of this.

A strange emotion suddenly welled up within Shangguan Yunying.

It was a mix of grievance, unwillingness, and a sense of self-righteousness.

She looked back at Luo Zhao without any fear.

Your Highness.

Just now on the second floor, I saw Lord Jingzhe's inner demon.

Luo Zhao's pupils contracted slightly.

Inner demon.

These words were like a key, unlocking a long-sealed room in her heart.

Luo Zhao naturally knew that Lin Qingyan had an inner demon.

She even knew the root of that inner demon: Empress Lin.

That was her mother, who had passed away early, leaving behind only shattered memories.

Luo Zhao knew better than anyone how deep her aunt's obsession with her mother was.

It was a near-morbid attachment, an emptiness that could never be filled, a yearning that would spiral out of control just from catching a similar scent.

Therefore, when Shangguan Yunying mentioned the inner demon, the anger surging within Luo Zhao largely dissipated.

Are you saying...

Gu Chengyin was helping my aunt weaken her inner demon?

Of course, Your Highness! Shangguan Yunying's voice suddenly rose, her eyes full of grievance and indignation:

Otherwise, why would I cover for Gu Chengyin! Do you think I'm someone who doesn't know her priorities?!

By the end, there was even a hint of a sob in her voice.

However, Luo Zhao's reply shattered Shangguan Yunying's grievance: Then how do you explain your behavior last night?

Shangguan Yunying froze instantly, a guilty smile appearing on her face:

Your Highness, I know I was wrong~ Wasn't this to dispel Gu Chengyin's suspicions~

Luo Zhao scoffed coldly, temporarily skipping the topic, and asked:

Why behind the screen?

If they wanted to weaken the inner demon, wouldn't the Celestial Master's Mansion be more suitable?

Or simply finding a quiet place. Why come to Wenli Hall and hide behind the screen?

Shangguan Yunying could not answer this question either.

In fact, she had been wondering the same thing.

I find it strange too.

A thoughtful look flashed in Shangguan Yunying's eyes: But given Gu Chengyin's temperament, he must have tried everything else and only did this as a last resort.

So I think...

It might be because of you, Your Highness.

Luo Zhao was startled: Me?

Yes.

Shangguan Yunying nodded, her eyes becoming serious: Your Highness, think about it. Who is the most important person to Lord Jingzhe?

This question required no thought.

Luo Zhao answered without hesitation: Naturally, my mother.

And other than Empress Lin?

Who is the most important person to Lord Jingzhe?

Luo Zhao fell silent.

Other than her mother, the most important person to Lin Qingyan.

Was herself.

Since that's the case...

Shangguan Yunying's voice continued:

Isn't it perfectly normal for the inner demon to be related to you?

A violent throb surged in Luo Zhao's heart.

Yes.

It was too normal.

Lin Qingyan's inner demon originated from her mother, and she was her mother's daughter; her mother's blood flowed in her veins.

Not only did she have a similar appearance, but even her tone of voice and way of doing things were very similar.

So how could Lin Qingyan's inner demon have nothing to do with her?

Everything made sense now.

Luo Zhao took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

She originally wanted to search for memories of her mother, but for some reason, Gu Chengyin's figure quietly emerged.

One was her mother.

The other was Gu Chengyin.

The two figures slowly overlapped in Luo Zhao's mind.

Apart from their different genders, they were strikingly similar in other ways.

Luo Zhao suddenly opened her eyes, a flash of realization in them.

She understood.

She finally understood.

She understood why Lin Qingyan sought out Gu Chengyin.

And she finally understood...

why she herself had tolerated Gu Chengyin's offenses so much.

It wasn't because of hypnosis.

It wasn't because of scheming.

It wasn't because of any external reasons.

It was because Gu Chengyin had her mother's shadow in him.

That feeling was vague and unclear, but it truly existed.

That was why she backed down time and again, tolerated him time and again in front of Gu Chengyin.

Doing things time and again that were completely unlike her.

Your Highness?

Shangguan Yunying's voice pulled Luo Zhao back from her deep thoughts.

Only then did she realize she had been silent for too long.

So long that Shangguan Yunying began to feel uneasy and wanted to get up from her embrace.

But Luo Zhao did not let her get up.

Yunying.

Did you just say Gu Chengyin will come looking for you tonight?

Shangguan Yunying's entire body stiffened; she sensed something bad.

But she didn't dare to lie and could only bite the bullet and nod:

Yes... Your Highness...

Luo Zhao's voice continued, a half-smile on her face:

As the chief lady-in-waiting, you allowed Gu Chengyin to offend your master.

By reason and logic, shouldn't you accept punishment?

Shangguan Yunying's heart began to beat wildly. Her voice was a little dry, and her fingers unconsciously gripped Luo Zhao's lapels.

Yunying... begs Your Highness for punishment...

Luo Zhao leaned close to Shangguan Yunying's ear. Her warm breath brushed past the auricle, making Shangguan Yunying's body tremble uncontrollably.

Tonight...

You are not allowed to let Gu Chengyin touch you.