Chapter 1000

First Volume_Chapter 1000: Master and Maid Meet, Eyes Red with Anger

Jing Ci and Zhang Chao looked gloomy and remained silent for a long time.

Just then, a familiar figure appeared before Jing Ci; seeing this person, Jing Ci's expression instantly collapsed.

"How dare you show your face to me?" Jing Ci's voice was cold as she rebuked sharply.

Though Qi Ya's heart was agonized beyond endurance, she still forced herself to walk forward.

Even though her former mistress had become a prisoner, while Qi Ya had secured powerful patronage and an unlimited future—with their statuses utterly reversed—Qi Ya showed not the slightest arrogance; instead, she was filled with guilt toward her old mistress.

Qi Ya and Jing Ci were not merely mistress and maid—they were as close as sisters.

Betraying Jing Ci was more painful for Qi Ya than death itself.

Yet the world holds too many things beyond one's control: either drift with the tide, or die without a grave.

Facing her former mistress, Qi Ya's lips curled into a bitter smile.

"Princess…"

Before Qi Ya could finish speaking, Jing Ci coldly cut her off.

"Don't call me Princess! Now I'm a prisoner, and you're A Feng's favorite—your status and position far surpass mine; I'm nothing but someone you can crush at will."

"Qi Ya, our bond ends here!"

"From now on, you take your own path, I'll take mine—we owe each other nothing."

Seeing Jing Ci's resolute expression, Qi Ya's heart felt as if pierced by knives—if not forced, how could she betray Jing Ci against her conscience?

Jing Ci ignored Qi Ya, swept her long sleeve aside, and turned her back.

Just then, Jing Ci heard a muffled thud behind her; she noticed Zhang Chao's gaze shift slightly, glanced back with the corner of her eye, and was stunned to see Qi Ya kneeling on both knees, face streaked with tears.

Qi Ya made no effort to hide her grief, sobbing: "Your Highness, all this is my own fault—I blame no one but myself for my weak will."

"I dare not hope for Your Highness's forgiveness—even if I can never serve by your side again, I deserve it."

"I only wish to tell Your Highness: betraying you was never my wish—if there had been any other path, I would never have chosen to betray you."

Watching Qi Ya weep uncontrollably, Jing Ci's heart ached unexpectedly.

After all, Jing Ci had always treated Qi Ya like a younger sister; otherwise, upon learning of Qi Ya's betrayal, she would not have been so heartbroken.

From the regret in Qi Ya's eyes, it was clear her emotions were genuine—not feigned.

Considering A Feng's methods, Jing Ci had already suspected Qi Ya had fallen into A Feng's trap and been coerced into making this choice.

Yet Jing Ci still could not easily forgive Qi Ya; she snorted softly and said nothing.

Qi Ya bowed her head, sorrowful and forlorn, speaking to herself: "Your Highness, all is lost now—only by cooperating with A Feng is there a sliver of hope."

"I cannot bear to see Your Highness imprisoned—I beg you…"

Before Qi Ya could finish, Jing Ci cut in sharply: "So you want me to betray Di and betray the people of Heaven? Dream on!"

Qi Ya shook her head frantically, crying in protest: "Your Highness, I'm not asking you to become a traitor to your country—reality is before us; what meaning is there in dying?"

"If Your Highness cooperates with A Feng, you can bring prosperity to the people of Heaven—wouldn't that be what you've always wished for?"

Jing Ci burst out laughing bitterly, turned around, and stared coldly at Qi Ya.

"Prosperity? What a joke. Now Di is desolate, its people starving—whose fault is that? Isn't it A Feng's?"

"If A Feng hadn't launched the Winter War, how would the countless lives of Di have ended up like this?"

"Even the people of Changshui County have been dragged into this war—can you not see these bloody realities? Even if I die, I will never submit to A Feng."

Jing Ci's stance was absolute—no room for negotiation.

Just as Qi Ya was heartbroken and nearly given up, laughter suddenly came from the direction of the Gate.

Instantly, all three turned toward the Gate, where a woman in a green long robe stepped in with light, graceful steps.

Jing Ci and Zhang Chao did not recognize this woman, but Qi Ya had seen her once while reporting to Liu Ming—and knew she was A Feng's elder sister, the Eldest Daughter of the Qin Family.

Jing Ci studied the unfamiliar woman, raised an eyebrow, and spoke coldly: "Who are you?"

Shen Qingci said nothing, simply walked forward with light, graceful steps.

Qi Ya feared Jing Ci might provoke Shen Qingci and whispered urgently: "Your Highness, this woman is A Feng's elder sister, Shen Qingci."

Hearing this, Jing Ci's heart sank—she had heard A Feng had four adopted elder sisters, yet had never met any of them.

Suddenly facing Shen Qingci, Jing Ci was caught off guard—but as a Princess, even as a prisoner, she stood tall, showing no fear.

Shen Qingci sat down beside the StoneTable, silently studying Jing Ci; after a moment, she spoke slowly.

"Princess, don't be tense—I merely happened to pass by, heard your conversation, and came in out of curiosity."

"You just said the suffering of your people was caused by Feng-er?"

"Then I'd like to ask: when your country launched the National War against Shedynasty, was that also caused by Feng-er?"

Sensing Shen Qingci's hostility, Jing Ci did not back down: "The National War and the Winter War are not the same—how can you equate them?"

Hearing this, Shen Qingci laughed: "Princess, you're too naive."

"Do you truly believe the Winter War and the National War are not part of the same war?"

Jing Ci frowned slightly: "Of course not! The two wars were nearly half a year apart."

Shen Qingci sighed and shook her head: "It seems Feng-er was right—though you love the people as one's own children, your nature is too naive and simple, unaware of the world's cruelty."

"As Feng-er says, you always assume things should be as you wish them to be."

"You always interpret the world's worst intentions with your greatest kindness—then who else, if not you, will be hurt?"

Jing Ci's frown deepened; she stared fixedly at Shen Qingci, unsure of her intent, and asked quietly: "What exactly are you trying to say?"