DTBCF Chapter 25

The night wind grew colder, but Prince Li didn’t leave, standing there, listening.

Song Jiaoyue had no choice but to stay with him, as he too found some interest in hearing what two supposedly talented women would discuss.

But the conversation… something seemed off, right?

Inside the temple, two girls sat together, one with the aura of a protagonist and the other, a supporting character who had transmigrated into the story. They were characters who, under normal circumstances, should never have been peacefully talking together.

The main reason for this strange calm is that the protagonist expresses her strong dissatisfaction with the arranged marriage, especially her deep fear of Prince Li.

Bai Xiangxiu widened her eyes in disbelief. Is the protagonist really this gullible, distrusting the male lead because of rumors?

Even though this was an inevitable part of the story, Bai Xiangxiu, who had read the novel, still kindly tried to explain on the male lead’s behalf.

“Miss Lin, I think you misunderstand. His Highness is an incredibly loyal and righteous man. How could he ever do such things to women?” War isn’t as simple as people think.

On the battlefield, women endure the same hardships as men, but instead of openly fighting, women use seduction and assassination techniques to target generals. As for Prince Li, killing in war is a duty, not a crime, right?

“No, it’s one thing for him to kill on the battlefield, but as a man, he shouldn’t treat women the way he does, or allow his subordinates to treat them that way.”

Lin Qianzhi was on the verge of tears. Why is Bai Xiangxiu so determined to defend that man?

“Miss Lin, the battlefield is far more complicated than you or I can imagine. Given Prince Li’s integrity, how could he allow his subordinates to behave like that? If those women choose to enter that world, they should bear the consequences. Don’t be swayed by malicious rumors. The Prince is truly a man worthy of a lifetime of trust.”

Bai Xiangxiu carefully comforted the protagonist, hoping to guide her feelings toward the male lead. That way, she wouldn’t need to seduce the second male lead and could escape this situation.

But Lin Qianzhi was stubborn, crying out, “Of course you’d defend him—you’re his woman! But the rumors outside all say…”

“Rumors, rumors… how could you believe such things? His Highness has driven out powerful enemies and defended our borders for years, suffering more injuries than we can count. It’s absurd that some spiteful people are spreading these baseless stories. If he were guilty, the Emperor himself would have judged him. But where’s the evidence? If there’s no proof, why tarnish the reputation of a hero who protects our home?”

Bai Xiangxiu was deliberately painting the male lead in a heroic light.

This speech was something the second male lead, Song Jiaoyue, would say at a banquet in the future to defend the male lead. Bai Xiangxiu thought she might as well borrow it now. Surely, words like these would touch the protagonist’s heart, right?

The protagonist was indeed moved, staring at Bai Xiangxiu in a daze. Then she said, “But… he’s still killed people.”

“Which military commander hasn’t killed? Or which official hasn’t had blood on their hands? Miss Lin, you must understand—sometimes, the ones who kill are not always the villains. It’s the ones who manipulate and backstab in secret that are the real villains.”

Goodness, this girl is so hard to convince. I’ve said all this, and she still doesn’t feel even a bit warmer toward the male lead.

Not only that, but Lin Qianzhi started crying again. Bai Xiangxiu sighed and said, “Alright, there’s no need to cry over this. Are you planning to leave?”

“Yes, but please, keep this a secret, okay?” Lin Qianzhi had made up her mind to leave, shivering at the memory of the cold look Prince Li had given her at the manor.

“Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider? He truly is a good man, and you’re destined to marry him. Why make things difficult for both families by running away?”

Since reasoning with her hadn’t worked, Bai Xiangxiu tried using family duty as leverage.

Lin Qianzhi sighed. “My mother only cares about the family’s interests. She doesn’t care whether I like him or not… In the capital, it’s hard for someone of my status to make their own choices.”

Oh, please, Bai Xiangxiu thought, rolling her eyes. You’re a high-ranking lady. Even if you can’t make your own choices, at least you’re going to be the official wife.

Unlike her, who had been inexplicably reduced to a concubine. Should she run away, too?

“Miss Lin, you’ll be the legitimate wife when you marry into the prince’s household. As for me…” Bai Xiangxiu sighed.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. But I’ve made my decision. Please don’t stop me,” Lin Qianzhi said just as there was a light knock on the window behind the temple.

Lin Qianzhi brightened and rushed to the window. Wait, what? Does she have someone helping her escape?

This wasn’t in the novel! Bai Xiangxiu thought as she saw Lin Qianzhi open the window to reveal a man standing outside.

Bai Xiangxiu quickly grabbed her arm. “Miss Lin, this isn’t right! Even if you hate the prince, you can’t run away with a man!”

Her words weren’t meant to ruin Lin Qianzhi’s reputation—she was genuinely concerned. Running away with a man? That was scandalous even in modern times, let alone in ancient times. How bold could this girl be?

But innocent Bai Xiangxiu didn’t realize that her words had inadvertently painted a darker picture for the men listening under the tree.

Prince Li and Song Jiaoyue frowned. Is Miss Lin planning to elope? Prince Li let out a cold chuckle, thinking the Lin family’s upbringing might be questionable.

And meeting with a man in private—how inappropriate. If not for his distaste for dealing with his so-called fiancée, Prince Li might have intervened already.

Back in the temple, the man outside turned dark with anger at Bai Xiangxiu’s comment. “I’m just here to help my cousin escape. Please don’t speak nonsense, madam.”

It was one of the many cousins, who had always liked Lin Qianzhi. Unfortunately, he was a man of poor character, though thankfully, he wouldn’t successfully lead the protagonist astray in the end.

But right now, it sure looked like he was about to succeed. If Bai Xiangxiu’s actions were like a butterfly flapping its wings, then she might have accidentally nudged the protagonist into her cousin’s arms. That wouldn’t be good.

“Miss Lin, you can’t do this. If you leave like this, how will the prince save face? How will the Lin family… Ah!” Bai Xiangxiu exclaimed as the cousin forcefully pulled Lin Qianzhi through the window, causing Bai Xiangxiu to slam into the windowsill. The pain spread from her forehead to her chest as she gasped for breath.

By the time she recovered, the cousin had already fled with Lin Qianzhi. Bai Xiangxiu stood there with her hand outstretched, slowly lowering it. The plot is just too powerful. No matter what I do, the protagonist still runs away. Male lead, stay strong—you’re going to need all the effort to win your wife back, and I’ll support you in spirit.

Little did she know, the prince, standing under the tree, had been deeply moved by her passionate defense of his honor.

Though he didn’t care about the rumors, no one had ever defended him so earnestly to his face. He’d be lying if he said it didn’t make his heart race a little.

His thoughts were so jumbled, that he missed most of what happened next in the temple.