USWHC -Chapter 463 Escape (Part 3)

At the third quarter of noon, the Taoist temple had already fallen into a quiet lull. But just then, a sudden shout broke the silence.

“Something’s wrong! Run! The back courtyard is on fire!”

No one knew who had shouted, but the cry was like a stone thrown into still water, instantly stirring up waves—within moments, the entire temple erupted into chaos.

“Princess—quick, go wake the Princess!” Wan Yue tumbled off the bed in a panic. Fortunately, a young palace maid who had been standing nearby caught her just in time, preventing her from crashing headfirst and possibly breaking her neck.

But at that moment, a commotion arose outside the door, as if someone was forcing their way in. At a time like this, who could it be?

Wan Yue frowned anxiously, just as the person arrived at her door.

“Princess Lanyi, our Princess has not risen yet,” a palace maid said respectfully from behind.

Before she could finish speaking, with a loud bang, the door was kicked open. Liu Rong, the chief maid at Princess Lanyi’s side, strode in first. Behind her, Princess Lanyi followed with a dark expression, head held high and chest out, exuding an imposing presence that made Wan Yue’s heart sink halfway.

“Greetings, Princess Lanyi!” Despite the situation, Wan Yue composed herself and bowed steadily.

Princess Lanyi cast her a cold sideways glance and asked sharply, “Where is your Princess?”

“Our Princess is still resting,” Wan Yue replied calmly.

Unexpectedly, Princess Lanyi let out a disdainful snort. “The place is on fire outside, and your Princess can still sleep at a time like this?”

Wan Yue responded neither humbly nor arrogantly, “At a time like this, Your Highness still has the leisure to come looking for our Princess. It seems the fire outside is not very serious after all.”

“Impudent! I came out of concern for my sister. What—do you have objections?” Princess Lanyi’s gaze turned icy.

Wan Yue smiled faintly. “How would this servant dare? Your Highness shares such deep sisterly affection with our Princess—surely our Princess will be touched by your thoughtfulness.”

Though her words sounded compliant, there was an unmistakable edge to them, as if she meant the opposite.

Princess Lanyi’s face darkened immediately. “Enough of your nonsense. Speak—where is your Princess?”

Wan Yue looked up in feigned confusion. “Hasn’t she yet risen?”

“Hmph. Don’t think that just because your Princess protected you last time, you’re safe. If Father Emperor learns of this again, see if he doesn’t tear your worthless bones apart!” Princess Lanyi sneered viciously.

Wan Yue replied calmly, “I do not understand Your Highness’s meaning. If His Majesty wishes to tear this servant’s bones apart, then I will naturally submit.”

“Fine, since you’re so willing, then I should be happy for Sister Jinghan. She truly trained a fine maid,” Princess Lanyi said through gritted teeth.

Wan Yue remained unmoved, but Liu Rong had already grown impatient. She snapped coldly, “Why aren’t you moving aside? Blocking the Princess’s path—watch your skin!”

“Your Highness, Princess Lanqin has not yet risen. Would it not be improper to barge in so rashly?” Wan Yue refused to yield even a step.

At this, Princess Lanyi’s face turned completely dark. She lifted her foot and kicked Wan Yue hard, sending her sprawling to the ground.

“Save your loyal-dog act for when your Princess is actually in the room!” she said coldly.

With a furious wave of her hand, several palace maids rushed forward—not only forcing Wan Yue aside, but brazenly kicking open the Princess’s chamber door.

This—this was outright disrespect toward Princess Lanqin!

Wan Yue could no longer endure it. She shouted loudly, “You insolent servants! Do you know the crime of offending a Princess?”

“Wait until there’s actually a Princess inside before you say that!” Princess Lanyi sneered, pushing her aside as she strode in arrogantly.

Wan Yue cried out anxiously, “Princess! Princess! Something’s wrong—Princess Lanyi has gone mad!”

Smack! A sharp slap rang out as Liu Rong struck Wan Yue across the face. “Insolence! How dare you speak of the Princess like that? I’ll tear that filthy mouth of yours apart!”

But Wan Yue paid no attention. Her only thought was to protect her mistress. With all her strength, she shoved Liu Rong aside and rushed inside.