Rebirth: After Becoming the Villainess-Chapter 36: Excuse Me, Prince Ling, Who Are You to Me?

Zhou Junlin stared at her in disbelief. The two had practically grown up together, and their engagement had been set long ago. Because the Lady of Xuan Chang was the grand-aunt of his mother’s eldest sister-in-law, by that logic, Song Lianhe was technically his great-aunt.

The elders often used to tease them about it when they were children, and Song Lianhe would occasionally call him "nephew." But ever since she’d developed feelings for him, she’d refused to mention their familial connection, afraid it made her sound old.

He knew Song Lianhe quite well. She had been spoiled and domineering her entire life. He had never seen her back down for anyone—let alone act so subservient.

Zhou Junlin frowned slightly and looked again at his Imperial Uncle, who was several years his senior.

Zhou Cangyan’s gaze was lowered languidly, the depths of his eyes holding a view no one could fully comprehend.

He extended a hand. The pads of his long, fair fingers bore thin calluses. He lifted his eyelids slightly, glancing at the obedient and respectful young woman before him.

The Shadow Guard stood by his master’s side. Knowing full well his master never accepted food or drink from anyone unfamiliar, he moved to receive it on his behalf out of habit. But to his surprise, a large, fair, and slender hand reached out, took the tea Song Lianhe offered, and took a leisurely sip.

As if they had just completed some mysterious ritual along the lines of ’drink my tea and you’re my big brother,’ Song Lianhe’s eyes instantly lit up.

Zhou Junlin frowned instinctively, finding the scene jarring.

He suddenly spoke. "Imperial Uncle."

Zhou Cangyan looked up.

"Lianhe has been imposing on you at your Prince Mansion for several days. Her family is here to take her home now, which is only natural. I hope Imperial Uncle will permit it."

Others might not know, but Zhou Junlin was certain: if not for a direct order from his Imperial Uncle, there was no way the staff of the Prince Qing Mansion would be so protective of Song Lianhe.

With Prince Ling stepping forward on their behalf, Mrs. Liu and Song Xilan both breathed a sigh of relief.

No matter how much they disliked Song Lianhe, they had to take her back. Song Xingfeng had been caned by the Holy Emperor in front of all the civil and military officials. Who knew if the Holy Emperor’s displeasure would continue?

Mrs. Liu immediately stepped forward. "The General misses his daughter terribly. We hope Prince Qing will allow us to take her."

Zhou Cangyan propped his chin on one hand, his chilly gaze looking past her to land directly on Song Lianhe.

"So, you want to go home?"

"Absolutely not!"

The words tumbled out of Song Lianhe’s mouth. Realizing her tone toward her ’Big Brother’ was far from respectful, she immediately stood before him, performed a proper curtsy, and said softly, "In response to Prince Qing, I am not willing."

Zhou Cangyan didn’t even ask why. With a single word, "Fine," he agreed as if it were a matter of course. The protectiveness in his tone was blatantly arrogant.

At the same time, the Shadow Guard and Xuan Mei took a step forward, flanking Song Lianhe protectively.

Zhou Junlin’s expression darkened.

"Imperial Uncle, this is hardly appropriate."

Song Lianhe had finally had enough. "Prince Ling, you just returned to the city after fighting bandits. You must be exhausted from your travels. Instead of going to your own mansion to rest, you have the leisure to come here and meddle in other people’s business! What does my going home or not have to do with you?"

Song Lianhe’s flippant and vicious attitude toward Zhou Junlin was a stark, glaring contrast to the way she had just been fawning over Zhou Cangyan!

Considering how she used to chase Zhou Junlin all over Ling’an City, her current treatment of him was nothing short of ironic.

A knot of frustration tightened in Zhou Junlin’s chest, and his voice was strained. "Song Lianhe! What new scene are you making? An unmarried young woman living in someone else’s mansion—what has become of your decorum?"

His tone was filled with disdain.

Song Xilan immediately gave his sleeve a gentle tug. "My Prince, please speak with Lianhe nicely. Don’t be so harsh with her."

His expression softened only when he met her gaze. "Alright."

Song Lianhe rolled her eyes. ’It’s always like this. She starts the trouble, and then she’s the one who gets to play the peacemaker! Always playing the part of the heroine, doing good deeds and making sure everyone knows it!’

’In fact, even more than the male lead, she detested the female lead’s harmless facade.’

’But what could she do? She was the villainess, after all.’

Song Lianhe’s lips curved into an even more innocent smile. "May I ask, Prince Ling, in what capacity are you standing here, deciding whether I stay or go? Who, exactly, are you to me?"