The ancestral hall was solemn and oppressive, with the strong scent of incense lingering around Lin Ting.
She knelt quietly on the prayer mat, staring at the memorial tablets inscribed with different names, still unable to believe that she had transmigrated into a highly restricted-rated web novel.
Ninety percent of the content was explicit descriptions of how the male and female leads engaged in intimacy—by the window, in the mountains—unlocking countless positions.
Lin Ting had been shocked while reading it.
But now, being in the novel herself, the experience was different.
Who would want to witness such scenes happening around them?
As she was lost in thought, a maid entered, quietly placing a soft kneeling cushion under her knees and using her skirt to cover it.
The maid whispered, “Seventh Miss, you should just apologize to Third Master.”
Lin Ting was kneeling in the Lin family’s ancestral hall because her father, Third Master Lin, had discovered she was conducting business outside and was punishing her.
If she admitted fault and promised never to do it again, the matter would be over.
But she was stubborn and refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing.
If she had been a traditional woman of this era, she might have obeyed.
But she wasn’t.
She had done nothing wrong.
If she backed down, Third Master Lin would take her shop away.
She wouldn’t let her hard work go to waste.
She didn’t know why she had transmigrated after dying of cancer, but since she had a second chance, she had to plan ahead.
Money was essential—she needed to secure as much as possible.
At the thought of silver, Lin Ting’s eyes shone with excitement.
Regardless of the era, money was a woman’s foundation.
She rubbed her numb knees.
Even with a cushion, kneeling was uncomfortable. “No need to persuade me. I know what I’m doing.”
The maid fell silent.
At that moment, a commotion came from outside.
“She has been weak since childhood, and you would still do this to her? What if something happens? Forget about me, but she is your own daughter.”
The voice arrived before the person did.
Madam’s voice was one Lin Ting was very familiar with. She quietly poked her head out to take a look, like a sly little cat.
Due to the angle, she couldn’t see much.
Fearing that she would be noticed, she quickly withdrew and continued kneeling.
Outside, she heard Third Master Lin’s stern reprimand: “Disgraceful! Go back.”
Her mother refused to back down. “I can’t go on living like this.”
For some reason, their voices suddenly lowered, and shortly after, a maid entered and helped Lin Ting up.
“Seventh Miss, Third Master has pardoned your punishment for today. Please rise.”
Lin Ting was confused.
Would her father let her off so easily?
Impossible—there must be something behind this.
The maid stood aside and explained, “Miss Duan has an urgent matter to discuss with you. Madam has called for you to hurry over and not keep her waiting.”
Lin Ting hummed in acknowledgment.
So, it was Duan Xinning.
No wonder Third Master Lin relented.
He feared family scandals spreading and also wanted to use Lin Ting’s relationship with Duan Xinning to gain favor with the powerful Duan family in the capital.
A well-calculated move.
Lin Ting felt that her father was a true businessman—what a waste for him to be an official.
As a child, Lin Ting had once accidentally saved Duan Xinning.
Since then, the girl had stuck to her, treating her as a close friend, visiting frequently, and sharing everything without reserve.
Duan Xinning had been well protected by her parents, was simple-hearted, and treated people with genuine sincerity.
In the original novel, Lin Ting was a supporting female character.
Due to her upbringing, she was deeply insecure, vain, and full of schemes.
From a young age, she had envied the protagonist, Duan Xinning, who was cherished by everyone.
Like many villainous supporting characters, Lin Ting pretended to be close friends with Duan Xinning on the surface but secretly tried to sabotage her.
In the end, Lin Ting grew jealous when she saw Duan Xinning falling for the male lead and did everything possible to break them apart.
Her reason?
She happened to have a crush on the male lead.
But that was just the original story’s setting and plot.
It had nothing to do with Lin Ting.
She had no interest in the male lead and felt no jealousy toward Duan Xinning.
She only wanted to make her own money.
After all, what was more attractive—men or wealth?
Men could betray you.
Money never would.
Lin Ting returned to her room to change before meeting Duan Xinning.
Although she hadn’t knelt in the ancestral hall for long, the scent of incense had soaked into her clothes, and for someone unaccustomed to it, it was rather suffocating.
The servants quickly washed and dressed her in fresh clothes.
She spread out her hands and let the maids work, watching her reflection in the mirror.
The person in the mirror had two dark, neatly tied buns, adorned with a slanted silver hairpin.
Her skin was smooth and fair, her beauty mark at the forehead refined, and her features delicate.
Her lips were a soft shade of red.
Lin Ting had inherited her mother’s looks—stunning yet not overly seductive, like a lotus in full bloom.
The maids chose a rose-red dress for her, which made her complexion appear even whiter.
She withdrew her gaze, took the sash herself, and tied it around her waist.
As she lowered her head, the cool surface of her dangling moon-shaped earrings brushed against her cheek.
The icy sensation left her momentarily dazed.
Once fully dressed, Lin Ting was seated before the mirror for makeup.
The red silk ribbon in her hair draped over her shoulders, adding a flush to her already vibrant appearance.
She was beautiful, but it was an assertive, striking beauty—one that usually needed to be softened with makeup.
“Seventh Miss, do your knees still hurt?”
Her chief maid, Tao Zhu, carefully combed Lin Ting’s hair, lowering her gaze to her knees, her eyes filled with concern.
Lin Ting no longer cared.
She waved her hand with the casual air of a merchant, showing resilience and adaptability.
“It’s fine. It’s not like I haven’t knelt before.”
Then she asked Tao Zhu to bring her a sachet and rose to leave.
Tao Zhu followed closely behind.
The clouds were high in the sky, and the scorching sun blazed like fire.
Accompanied by the hot wind, Lin Ting had barely walked for a moment before a thin layer of sweat formed on her skin.
Without stopping, she headed straight for the main gate of the Lin residence.
Duan Xinning had not entered the estate and was still waiting outside.
The Duan family’s carriage was quite ostentatious.
A small lantern hung from the corner, with a family emblem painted on its paper surface.
Tassels dangled from the end, and silk curtains draped over all sides.
The carriage body was intricately carved.
A maid stood on the right side of the carriage.
Seeing Lin Ting appear at the gate, she stepped forward to greet her.
“Seventh Miss.”
Lin Ting nodded and looked toward the carriage.
The curtains were lifted from inside, and a small black head peeked out, eyes fixed on Lin Ting, whispering, “Hurry up and get in.”
The speaker was none other than the Duan family’s third young miss, Duan Xinning.
Lin Ting looked up at the sound.
The golden hairpin in Duan Xinning’s bun swayed slightly.
She smiled shyly at Lin Ting, her crescent-shaped eyes curving.
Her lightly powdered face glowed under the sunlight, and her smile was even more dazzling than her lavish attire.
She had a naturally youthful face, making her look younger than her actual age.
She adored soft pink shades and would only wear pink dresses.
Today was no exception—she wore a pale lotus-pink ruqun, with a matching silk shawl draped over her shoulders.
In Lin Ting’s view, Duan Xinning was the perfect example of a life’s winner.
She came from an extraordinary family, had striking looks among her peers, and possessed a charming personality.
She was cherished by her parents—wasn’t this the standard setup for a female protagonist?
Every time Lin Ting saw Duan Xinning, she was reminded that they were inside an R18-rated restricted novel.
The inappropriate scenes from the book would surface in her mind, impossible to shake off, leaving her feeling conflicted.
She couldn’t imagine the well-behaved Duan Xinning engaging in such things with the male lead.
Lin Ting didn’t even know how to face her.
Why couldn’t people just erase certain memories with a single button?
Seeing Lin Ting standing there in a daze, Duan Xinning asked curiously, “Why aren’t you getting in?”
She couldn’t afford to think about it any longer.
Taking a deep breath, she followed the instruction and boarded the carriage.
Today, Duan Xinning seemed particularly shy.
Her cheeks were flushed, and she hesitated before speaking.
“You… can you accompany me somewhere later?”
*
Imperial Prison.
The damp, cold ground was soaked with foul-smelling blood, the stench heavy in the air.
Groans of agony echoed throughout, rising and falling, as prisoners subjected to brutal torture lay in a delirious state, their bodies covered in festering wounds, flesh rotting, and bones exposed.
Not far away, a young man dressed in a crimson Feiyu robe stood tall, flipping through a case file at a leisurely pace.
His expression remained calm, as if he neither smelled the overwhelming stench of blood nor heard the pitiful screams around him.
After a long moment, another painful groan broke the silence, and a prisoner, barely breathing, weakly muttered, “I confess.”
Duan Líng’s fingers paused briefly before he closed the case file.
His face, as delicate as a refined scholar’s, lifted slightly.
His gaze passed over the dark and bloodstained torture instruments before landing on the prisoner.
He then stepped forward, treading over the discarded bones scattered across the floor.
The prisoner instinctively avoided Duan Líng’s gaze.
With his gentle and scholarly appearance, he seemed like a man of peace.
Yet, who would have thought that he was, in reality, a decisive and ruthless commander of the Jinyiwei?
Duan Líng bent down slightly, looking at the prisoner as he spoke, “Who are your accomplices?”
After handling the case, Duan Líng left the imperial prison.
Just as he stepped out, he saw someone rushing toward him in haste.
The man stopped before him and urgently reported, “My lord, something has happened at Nanshan Pavilion!”
*
Nanshan Pavilion was one of the top restaurants in the capital, favored by noble young masters and even frequented by court officials for gatherings.
Lin Ting was brought here by Duan Xinning.
As soon as they stepped down from the carriage, the shopkeeper personally led them to a private room on the second floor.
Before entering, Duan Xinning glanced at the private room next door.
According to the shopkeeper, the guest inside was Heir Apparent Xia Zimo.
Lin Ting immediately understood.
Xia Zimo—the male lead in the original novel, heir to the Shian Marquis Manor.
Duan Xinning had fallen in love with him at first sight and had been finding ways to meet him ever since.
Lin Ting had often heard Duan Xinning talk about Xia Zimo recently, repeatedly describing their first encounter.
It was clear that this was a young girl’s first awakening to love.
Lin Ting did not get involved, merely acting as a listener.
Today, being brought to Nanshan Pavilion to meet Xia Zimo, she had no intention of doing anything.
As soon as they entered the private room, Duan Xinning immediately leaned against the wall next to the neighboring room, eavesdropping.
Lin Ting ignored her little tricks, found a seat, and began savoring Autumn Dew White, one of Nanshan Pavilion’s signature wines.
The wine was excellent.
Lin Ting wondered if she should start a business selling liquor.
The private rooms at Nanshan Pavilion were too well soundproofed.
Duan Xinning listened for a long time but couldn’t make out a single word.
Disappointed, she sat beside Lin Ting, clutching her handkerchief.
“Do you think I have a chance with Heir Xia?”
You’re the male and female leads, locked together by the author.
Lin Ting silently rolled her eyes in her mind but left some room in her response.
“Fate should take its natural course.”
Duan Xinning looked down, feeling discouraged.
“Forget it, let’s just enjoy our meal today. What would you like to eat?”
Lin Ting did not stand on ceremony and ordered several dishes.
Since her father was still angry, she might have to go hungry at home tonight—better to eat her fill now before going back to face punishment.
During the meal, Duan Xinning brought up Xia Zimo again.
“If he had no interest in me, why would he personally escort me home? But if he does like me, why has he never come to see me?”
Lin Ting admired the scenery outside the window, swallowed a mouthful of fish, and said, “You can ask him directly.”
Duan Xinning hesitated for a moment, glancing frequently toward the neighboring room.
Lin Ting’s words clearly tempted her.
“Ask him directly? Wouldn’t that be too forward?”
Before Lin Ting could reply, Duan Xinning removed the jade pendant from her waist, which had “Xinning” engraved on it.
“I want to give this to him,” she said shyly.
For someone usually so well-behaved, she was quite bold.
Lin Ting couldn’t help but sigh and took the jade pendant from her, attempting to return it.
“Wait until you both confirm your feelings before giving such a token.”
At that moment, the door suddenly burst open.
Outside, the maids and servants all had knives pressed against their necks.
Duan Xinning, never having seen such a scene before, let out a cry and instinctively hid behind Lin Ting.
The intruders, armed and menacing, demanded, “Who here is Duan Ling’s sister?”
“…”
Lin Ting was still holding Duan Xinning’s jade pendant, and just like that, she was mistaken for her.
Even though Duan Xinning tried to explain that she was the real one, they refused to believe it and forcibly dragged Lin Ting downstairs.
With a cold blade pressed against her neck, Lin Ting felt the chill against her skin but did not resist.
She moved step by step down the stairs.
As they reached the staircase landing, their captors did not continue downward but instead tightened their grip on the blade, restricting her movements.
Below, rows of archers stood ready, arrows gleaming in the light, all aimed at the staircase.
Standing among them was a Jinyiwei commander, dressed in a crimson officer’s robe, his waist bound with a jade belt, black boots planted firmly on the ground.
He rested his hand on his embroidered spring blade, his long fingers tapping lightly against the hilt.
His red robe was as vivid as blood, yet the person wearing it was as cold as snow.
The captors, seeing him, issued a threat.
“Duan Ling, if you don’t want your sister to die, let us go.”
Duan Ling lifted his gaze, his eyes sweeping over Lin Ting.
He said nothing.
Her rose-red dress was slightly disheveled, faint wrinkles appearing in the fabric.
Looking further up, her slender neck was pressed against a knife, her side profile smooth, her lips red against her white teeth.
The pearl hairpin at her temple trembled, on the verge of falling.
His gaze finally settled on her face, appearing deep in thought.
With the blade at her throat, Lin Ting dared not even breathe too hard.
For the first time, she felt how close death was.
She hadn’t earned enough money yet.
She hadn’t even started spending it.
She couldn’t just die like this.
But she couldn’t panic—that wouldn’t solve anything.
She had to find a way to survive.
Lin Ting forced herself to stay calm.
But before she could react, a cold, mechanical voice echoed in her mind.
“Villainous Supporting Character Mission Triggered. Host must confess to Duan Ling within ten days. Failure will result in termination.”
In the original novel, the villainous supporting character’s logic was:
“I’ll confess to you just to disgust you.”
What?!
Lin Ting was not only shocked by the sudden appearance of the system but also by the mission itself.
Her breath became unsteady.
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Why do people always take the mission window at face value? “Ah yes. This thing that showed up out of nowhere and demanded that I do something must surely have my best interest in mind. The fact that I already died shows that there is an afterlife, but I’d rather play along with something that has shown no regard for my free will or life. Yeah… I’ll do something stupid because if I don’t the world would be too logical. No. We have to do something overly contrived because the hallucination says so.”