Chapter 137: Chapter 133: Lady Ning Lan

The so-called tall building has a name that sounds very strange to Shen Jingxian: Sacrificial Heart Tower.

Upon reaching the bottom of the building, what catches the eyes are gray tile white walls and a grand gate, with exquisite carvings on the gate walls, and even more beautifully intricate carvings on the roof, yet they carry an inexplicable oppressive feel.

The main building sits on a base of blue stones, rising directly up to seven floors, with deliberately uneven stone strips, rugged and heavy, like a giant exposing a solid chest and open heart. It’s said that the swing is on the seventh floor.

Perhaps Shen Jingxian lingered too long, for the City Lord’s Wife couldn’t help but urge, “Princess, let’s go.”

“Hm.”

Following the City Lord’s Wife up to the seventh floor, at least on one point the City Lord’s Wife did not deceive her: standing at this high place, the entirety of Mingxu City could be overlooked.

“Princess, this is the place; I’ll push the swing for you.”

The position of this swing is very peculiar. Logically speaking, placing a swing in a high building is too dangerous, especially because all around the seventh floor are only short railings, where with one careless move, people could easily fly off the swing.

This dangerous swing, surprisingly, is one that only distinguished guests can sit on?

Indeed, every place has its unique courting-death culture.

Perhaps only she would voluntarily come to experience this courting-death culture, but she had no choice. She’s the princess of Yunyi. If she were to refuse this invitation, others might think she was afraid of a mere swing.

Shen Jingxian walked to a spot and suddenly stopped, averted her gaze, and softly responded, “Mm.”

Today, Shen Jingxian wore clothing in a light color, sitting on the withered color swing like a spring butterfly resting in the dead of winter, beautiful and strange.

As the City Lord’s Wife helped her onto the swing, Shen Jingxian suddenly asked, “Lady Ning Lan, do you prefer golden silk cakes or honey date cakes?”

Lady Ning Lan did not understand why the princess suddenly asked her this question, so she honestly replied, “Golden silk cakes.”

Shen Jingxian nodded, sitting on the swing and swayed herself, “What a pity, this time our tastes differ; I prefer honey date cakes.”

Lady Ning Lan did not grasp the princess’s meaning, but she was starting to get nervous, wanting to make it quick, “What the princess prefers is naturally better.”

“That’s not how to say it. Weren’t you going to join Yi Fen on the swing?”

Lady Ning Lan’s hand paused, then she gently began to push, “Yes, chatting with the princess, I completely forgot about it. The princess must have a good look at the scenery of Mingxu City.”

“Indeed.”

Shen Jingxian was wearing a white jacket with fur gathered around her neck, as the swing swayed, her wide skirt spread like wings, akin to a fairy coming to life beneath the heavens.

Lady Ning Lan’s eyes could no longer hide the jealousy within as she looked at Shen Jingxian. Such a woman… a woman who could charm and bewitch hearts should not exist in this world.

As long as she dies, everything can return to normal.

The situation in Mingxu City, as well as for the Second Prince, could be salvaged.

Lady Ning Lan’s expression turned harsh, seeing the princess swinging higher and higher, she felt increasingly pleased.

Sitting on the swing, Shen Jingxian oddly sensed Lady Ning Lan’s intent to kill her from the strength with which she pushed.

Very good, quite vigorous.

But she was not about to be killed by some unnamed insignificant character, and this murder method was far from sophisticated.

When the swing turned back down to a height that wasn’t too high, Shen Jingxian released her grip.

She closed her eyes and soon fell into a warm embrace, familiar scents wrapt around her tightly in an instant.

Shen Jingxian instinctively held onto Wen Ranchen’s neck, while Wen Ranchen encircled her waist, his arms as firm and strong as iron.

He relieved Shen Jingxian’s fall, and her long dress traced an arc in the air, like a flower blooming, before gently landing on the ground.

Having been caught and let down so swiftly, Shen Jingxian felt a bit dizzy. Once placed on the ground, she was still somewhat unaccustomed, subconsciously clinging to Wen Ranchen’s arm.

Wen Ranchen stood steadily, his palm placed protectively at her back, quietly waiting for the princess to get her balance.

Shen Jingxian, a bit dazed, realized she was still leaning against Wen Ranchen and quickly retreated, but inadvertently stepped on her skirt, nearly falling again. Wen Ranchen reached out immediately to catch her, helplessly saying, “Careful.”

Shen Jingxian chuckled, reaching to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, promptly changing the subject, “Arrest Lady Ning Lan.”

“Yes!”

Lady Ning Lan appeared quite calm, and it seemed she acted alone, for no one came to her aid after being detained; yet, this was unreasonable. Without someone instructing her, Lady Ning Lan wouldn’t have made such actions.

Shen Jingxian considered who would benefit from her death; the answer was… no one.

Under what circumstances would someone do something that benefits no one?

Shen Jingxian’s answer was…

“Lady Ning Lan, have you gone mad?”

Only a lunatic would do such a thing, right?

Unexpectedly, upon hearing Shen Jingxian’s words, Lady Ning Lan burst into laughter, “Yes, I am mad, I’ve long been mad.”

Lady Ning Lan’s expression was mournful, appearing less like a lunatic and more like a desperate person.

Shen Jingxian didn’t understand what had happened to Lady Ning Lan, but women living in this city probably all had a tragic past.

“Tie up Lady Ning Lan and take her to my room.”

Concerning her method of killing, Lady Ning Lan seemed like a little fool.

Had she truly wanted to kill her, whether poisoning the food or stabbing suddenly, either would have been better than this approach.

Shen Jingxian decided to have a heartfelt conversation with this beauty. Is it the distortion of humanity, or the loss of morality that led her to conceive such a method to “assassinate” a princess?

Lady Ning Lan did not like sweet food, yet pretended to like it to get close to her. There had to be a reason for this as well.

Shen Jingxian prepared to descend but felt a bit shaky. She glanced at Wen Ranchen, and before she could speak, he had already stepped up to her.

Shen Jingxian hesitated for a moment but ended up holding onto Wen Ranchen’s sleeve.

As they walked, Wen Ranchen shared his findings regarding Lady Ning Lan with the princess.

“Lady Ning Lan had contacts with the Second Prince; her daughter was handed over to the Second Prince by her own hands.”

Shen Jingxian was taken aback, “Lady Ning Lan’s daughter, is she well now?”

“She’s alive, but has lost her senses.” Wen Ranchen added, “Lady Ning Lan’s daughter is seven years old.”

“The Second Prince deserves to die.” How could the princes of Dongwu Country be such scum?

Truth be told, none of the men in Dongwu Country were any good.

Places like Mingxu City were alright, but the closer to the center of power, the more disgusting the men became.

Shen Jingxian felt she was about to vomit.

This feeling persisted ever since she first learned of the Second Prince’s deeds.

The soldiers placed Lady Ning Lan on a chair, and Shen Jingxian ordered, “All of you, leave.”

“Brother Ranchen, you leave too.”

“… Very well.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep