134 Paranoid (2/2)

”Why would the Duke use her for power?” Li Xueyue mumbled, scratching her head.

This was foolish thinking.

How could Li Minghua simply insult Li Wenmin? He wasn't a dimwit at all and was actually one of the most intelligent people she knew.

Li Xueyue enjoyed poking at his reluctance to read books, but she knew he didn't need to be book smart to be wise. She let out a sigh to herself. How could she have the audacity to criticize Li Minghua?

Li Xueyue decided to read on, but she felt an unsettling knot in her stomach as if her gut was telling her to not continue—as if the truth she would uncover today would be one she could ever forget.

And like a fool, she ignored her gut feelings and continued on. The next entry was written the following week after the private meeting.

'My cousin said it's not safe for me to continue living in Hechen with my parents. They'll continue to lock me up at home and I won't ever be able to see anyone!

Both my cousin and lover said they have to head back to the Capital now, it's where they belong. They can't stay here for too long. I don't want them to leave. I want to go to the Capital with them, I know the Li main manor is there, it's enormous there.

Father is only forcing us to stay in Hechen because he's a damn coward! He doesn't want to return to his Prime Minister position because he says it's tiring. Well, this country is deteriorating, and he needs to hurry up and return to his post!

I told him I want to live in the Capital with my cousin and the Royal Family. They'd never control me. I'd control them first! I honestly hate my Royal Aunt, why would she let my Royal Uncle marry so many whores? Doesn't she feel ashamed of herself for not speaking up?'

Li Xueyue's eyebrows shot up at Li Minghua's brash wording.

”Control them first? What was she talking about?” She bit her bottom lip. Royal Aunt? Royal Uncle? Was Li Minghua referring to the Empress and Emperor?

Li Xueyue continued. The date of the next entry was precisely two years ago, on this exact same day. She shivered at the coincidence, unsettling goosebumps rising on her arms.

'Today is the first day I moved into the Imperial Palace! Father finally relented, saying I can only stay for a little while. But we'll see about that.

Also, I have exciting news, diary. Guess diary, guess! I think I'm getting engaged! We haven't told anyone yet, but he says he has plans. I know, I know, I'm too young for this, but he says he loves me regardless.

And besides… I… allowed him to deflower me. I didn't mean for it to happen, but he convinced me that it was for the best. That is, as long as I became his, no one would dare to take me away from him. It was consensual. I love him. He loves me. That's all that mattered.

I never told anyone about what happened that night. What if my parents find out? They'll think less of him. Especially Dad. But not Mom, she always supports me, even if she doesn't like him. I don't think she knows the extent of my relationship with him. She probably thinks we're just friends.

I don't care that he's not the heir. I don't care that he's intimidating and can easily overpower me. I love him. I love him, so so much.

I have another exciting news! Guess again, diary! His rank in the military was upgraded! He's no longer a simple General!

Royal Uncle was so excited to see me move in. He's the Emperor, but he's always so kind towards me. He finds it amusing that I'm so close to my cousin, his son.

I ignored that comment and joked that he should remember this day for the rest of his life. His niece might marry one of his favorite child, even though they're not blood-related, but the Empress really adores my lover.

Also, I'm finally free from my father! I'm finally ready to live the life of the wife of a Commander.'

Not the heir. Close to the Royal Family. Lives in the Imperial Palace. A Commander. Everything was beginning to make sense now, and not in the best way.

Li Xueyue's heart dropped to the pit of her stomach, her face turning pale. She abruptly stood up, tripping over her legs out of utter shock. ”No way.” She gasped, covering her mouth, her hands trembling.

Li Minghua was Wen Jinkai's woman. Li Minghua was the woman he couldn't forget. The woman that Li Xueyue was supposed to replace.