TPMCS(rebirth) 14 - Old friend arrives

Today, Tong’an City was destined to be restless.

Huo Jue walked along the main road, unfazed by the chaotic stream of people rushing past him. Men, women, the elderly, and children—all hurried forward, spurred by the lure of 1,000 taels of gold.

“Quick, faster! A thousand taels of gold is at stake!”

“I heard it’s a reward from one of Miss Xue’s admirers. But honestly, I doubt she’ll make it back alive...”

“Tsk, if he’s so smitten with her, why doesn’t he go and rescue her himself?”

“How do you know he didn’t try? Maybe he couldn’t find her last night, so he put up the reward.”

The entire city was abuzz with gossip about Xue Zhen’s kidnapping. Huo Jue, however, moved through the crowd with an air of calm indifference. His dark eyes, deep as ink, betrayed nothing of his thoughts.

At the ice bowl shop in the eastern part of the city, the shopkeeper’s wife caught sight of Huo Jue and immediately beamed. “Mr. Huo, the red bean steamed cheese you ordered is ready. I’ve packed it in the sturdiest food box, so it’ll stay warm until you get home.”

Huo Jue offered her a faint smile. “Thank you.”

The shopkeeper’s wife smiled even wider, her sharp eyes taking him in. “Sir, about the recipe for this sweet soup…”

“If you like it, it’s yours,” Huo Jue replied coolly.

This recipe had come from the imperial kitchen, a remnant of his past. If not for Ali’s craving for a cheese ice bowl that wasn’t cold, he wouldn’t have thought of it at all.

Overjoyed, the shopkeeper’s wife stuffed two large paper bags of small cakes into the food box. “Thank you, Mr. Huo! From now on, any ice bowl you order from our shop is on the house.”

Huo Jue nodded politely, picked up the food box, and stepped out of the shop.

He had taken only a few steps when a voice called out behind him.

“Mr. Huo!”

Huo Jue turned to see a group of dusty, rough-looking men approaching. Leading them was Sun Ping, whom Huo Jue hadn’t seen in nearly two months.

Huo Jue raised an eyebrow slightly and greeted him with a respectful bow. “Master Sun.”

Sun Ping had initially thought it impossible that such an elegant and refined man as Huo Jue would be buying something as frivolous as ice bowls. Yet, seeing Huo Jue emerge from the shop with a food box, Sun Ping suddenly decided that these ice bowls must have a story behind them. He resolved to try one himself someday.

With a hearty laugh, Sun Ping said, “The trip to Baishui Village went smoothly, all thanks to you. We made it back unscathed. Everyone here owes you their lives. If you ever need anything, just say the word, and we’ll do whatever we can to repay you.”

“You’re too kind, Master Sun. It was no trouble at all,” Huo Jue replied calmly.

“Oh, by the way, here’s your letter.” Sun Ping slapped his forehead, suddenly remembering. He pulled a folded envelope from his coat. “Before we left Shengjing, an old servant named Nanny Tong brought this letter for you.”

Huo Jue took the envelope and immediately recognized the elegant handwriting on the front: ‘For Mr. Huo’s Eyes Only.’

His dark eyes narrowed slightly. It was unmistakably his sister Wei Yan’s handwriting.

-

Deep within the dense forest, the wind howled ominously.

Xue Zhen ran frantically, her face pale and her eyes wide with terror, as though a monstrous beast were chasing her. She had been running for what felt like an eternity when she spotted a glimmer of light in the distance.

Her heart surged with hope. She picked up her pace, rushing toward the light.

“An exit! I found the exit!”

Her voice trembled with joy, and tears of relief filled her eyes. But when she reached the light, her joy turned to despair. It wasn’t an exit at all—it was the cave where she had first woken up.

Her knees buckled, and she dropped to the ground.

“How… Why am I back here?”

She had woken in this cave in the dead of night, cold and starving. Too terrified to leave, she had huddled there, fearing that a wild beast would drag her away the moment she stepped outside. When dawn finally arrived, she had fled into the forest, desperate to escape.

But no matter how far or fast she ran, she always ended up back in this cave. This was the fourth time.

It was as if she were trapped in some ghostly maze, unable to escape.

Ghosts?

Faces suddenly flashed before her eyes—small animals she had buried alive, maids she had abused to vent her anger, and girls she had framed out of spite.

In the distance, she heard faint sounds—mournful cries, the mewling of cats, and the crisp, mocking laughter of young girls.

Xue Zhen trembled violently. She collapsed to the ground, clutching her head.

“Ah! Stop it!”

“Don’t come for me!”

“Father! Mother! Please save me!”

-

Jiang Li first heard the news of Xue Zhen’s recovery from Yang Hui Niang.

“They say when she was found, she was hysterical, clutching a hairpin in a death grip. Her long hair covered her face so completely that no one could even see her features. Later, when Xue Shanzhang and his wife arrived, she seemed to calm down, but soon after, she claimed she wasn’t Xue Zhen at all. She said she was Sui Wu, Miss Xue’s maid,” Yang Hui Niang recounted.

Jiang Li, nibbling on the steamed red bean cheese Huo Jue had brought her, frowned slightly. Her cheeks puffed as she chewed. “So… was it Xue Zhen who was abducted, or her maid, Sui Wu?”

Yang Hui Niang explained, “The Xue family claims that when the bandits came, Sui Wu disguised herself in Xue Zhen’s cloak to mislead the kidnappers and protect her mistress. So, according to their story, it was the loyal maid who was taken.” She paused, a hint of doubt crossing her face, before adding, “Well, that’s what they say. Whether it’s true or not doesn’t really concern us.”

Jiang Li lowered her head, silent.

As a woman, she couldn’t help but feel sympathy for anyone who endured such a horrifying ordeal. Yet, she couldn’t erase the image of Xue Zhen standing by the pool that fateful day, smiling as Jiang Li struggled desperately in the water.

That smile—hidden behind the veil of night—was like a venomous serpent, flicking its forked tongue in the darkness.

Xue Zhen’s words had been sweet and kind, but her heart held sinister intentions.

If Jiang Li hadn’t known how to swim that day, she would have drowned, just another victim of Xue Zhen’s cruelty. How many others had fallen prey to her schemes?

After chatting for a while, Yang Hui Niang excused herself and returned to the tavern.

The tavern was unusually lively that evening, all thanks to the thousand-tael reward.

Dozens of people had been involved in Xue Zhen’s rescue. Now, with the bounty split among them, they flocked to the tavern to drink, boast, and celebrate. Those who hadn’t earned a share of the reward gathered out of curiosity, bombarding the rescuers with questions about what had transpired in the dense forest.

The noise and laughter from the tavern spilled into the streets, making the place feel more like a festival than an ordinary night.

In stark contrast, the neighboring medicine shop remained quiet.

Inside a small room on the western side of the shop, a simple setup adorned the table—a pot of tea and two roughly crafted teacups. Huo Jue sat across from a man with a rugged, scarred face.

The man’s handsome features were marred by two long scars stretching from the corners of his eyes to his ears, giving him a fierce, bandit-like appearance.

Huo Jue poured a cup of tea from the steaming pot, sliding it toward the man with a warm smile. “Shen Ting, try this. It’s Tong’an’s famous cloud tea.”

Shen Ting accepted the cup with trembling hands. “Young Master...”

Once upon a time, Wei Jin, the young master of Qingzhou’s prestigious Wei family, had two close personal servants: Shen Ting and He Jue.

Though they were called servants, the three had grown up together, their bond deeper than the typical master-servant relationship.

Shen Ting, six years older than Wei Jin, was the illegitimate son of Wei Jin’s grandfather, Huo Zhao. Calm and skilled in martial arts, he was Wei Jin’s trusted protector.

He Jue, on the other hand, was the son of Wei Jin’s wet nurse. The same age as Wei Jin, he was charming, quick-witted, and a favorite among the maids and older women in the household.

But everything changed on the day calamity struck the Wei and Huo families.

To protect Wei Jin, He Jue assumed his identity, willingly sacrificing himself. From that moment on, Wei Jin abandoned his own name, adopting his mother’s surname and He Jue’s given name to become Huo Jue.

Looking at Shen Ting’s emotional expression, Huo Jue’s usually calm heart stirred with rare warmth.

In his previous life, during the tenth year of the Chengtai reign, Baishui Village became infamous for its bandit problem. Every escort team passing through the area vanished without a trace, including several military units tasked with transporting court silver. Millions of taels of silver were lost, rumored to have been hoarded by the bandits.

By then, Huo Jue had established himself in the imperial court and was assigned to suppress the bandits. Unexpectedly, he encountered Shen Ting during his campaign.

Shen Ting had just succeeded his adoptive father as the leader of Baishui Village and was rallying various bandit factions to resist the government forces.

Neither man could have anticipated that the eunuch leading the suppression force would turn out to be Shen Ting’s childhood friend and young master.

Huo Jue successfully dismantled the bandit stronghold, but instead of arresting Shen Ting, he persuaded him to defect. Shen Ting, along with a group of loyal followers, joined Huo Jue and became a sharp blade in his arsenal—a decisive force in the battles that followed.

-

When Huo Jue and Shen Ting last parted, Huo Jue had been just a boy of ten, shorter and far less imposing than the man before him now.

Six years had passed, and the young master had grown into a man.

Shen Ting looked at the figure standing before him—now as tall as he was—and felt his throat tighten with emotion. “Young Master, you’ve endured so much,” he said hoarsely.

Huo Jue responded softly, his tone calm yet reassuring. “What have I endured compared to you and my sister? You, hiding in Baishui Village, and her, trapped in the Duke’s Mansion—your burdens were far heavier than mine. Does she know you’ve come to Tong’an City?”

“She knows,” Shen Ting replied. “When I saw the wood carving of the young master, I was worried it was a trap. So, I secretly followed the escort team to Shengjing. Later, I received word from Mother Tong, and only then did I dare to believe that you, my young master, were truly alive.”

As he spoke, Shen Ting suddenly dropped to his knees in front of Huo Jue. His forehead struck the floor with a heavy “thud,” and his voice broke as he choked out his words. “Young Master, it was I, Shen Ting, who was incompetent. I couldn’t save General Huo, I failed to protect you, and I couldn’t shield the young lady. Over 300 people from the Huo and Wei families—all gone...”

Tears filled Shen Ting’s eyes as he recalled the massacre that had plunged the Huo and Wei families into darkness. The memory of that day—the chaos, the screams, the blood—was a pain that never dulled.

He clenched his fists, his heart a cauldron of hatred. How could heaven be so cruel?

The Huo and Wei families had devoted their lives to the Great Zhou. How could they meet such a tragic end?

Huo Jue allowed Shen Ting to grieve, his expression calm but his eyes carrying a quiet, unshakable resolve. When Shen Ting’s sobs subsided, Huo Jue extended a hand and helped him to his feet.

“If the Wei family has fallen, then we will rebuild it,” Huo Jue said firmly, his voice steady as stone. “If the general’s mansion has been destroyed, we will raise another one in its place. Shen Ting, the road ahead is long. There is time yet.”

After Shen Ting left, Huo Jue stood by the window, pushing it open to let the cool night air wash over him. His gaze drifted toward the lively tavern next door.

It was well past midnight. Ali was surely asleep by now.

He recalled the events of the afternoon when Shen Ting had appeared briefly on Zhufu Street. He’d exchanged only a few words with Ali before leaving in a hurry.

But when Ali had watched him go, there had been something in her eyes—a flicker of disappointment, perhaps even anger. Was she upset with him?

Huo Jue’s hand absently drifted to the purse at his waist, his thoughts turning to another matter entirely. His sister had mentioned in her letter that she would set out for Tong’an City on the first of April.

By now, she should already be on her way.

With her arrival imminent, it seemed the time had finally come.

It was time to propose marriage.

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TPMCS(rebirth) 13 - I'm here to vent my anger on your behalf

Huo Jue took out two silver ingots and handed them to Bihong, speaking in a calm and measured tone. “A’Li lost a pearl hairpin in the lotus pond during the banquet that day. If possible, please arrange for someone to retrieve it. I would greatly appreciate your help. Should you ever have a need in the future, I will do my utmost to assist you.”

Bihong’s eyes widened in surprise. “A hairpin?”

Huo Jue unfolded a piece of drawing paper, revealing a detailed sketch of the pearl hairpin.

“This is the one,” Huo Jue said softly. “Miss Bihong, please do your best. If it can’t be found, it’s not a problem.”

His tone remained light, but inwardly, Huo Jue had already resolved that if the hairpin wasn’t recovered, he would buy the Zhang family’s estate in the future and turn every inch of soil if necessary to find it.

After Huo Jue left the restaurant, Bihong lingered by the window, watching him disappear down the street. As his figure faded, she exhaled and rubbed her arms briskly. “He’s so young, but why is his presence so commanding?”

Today, at least, his demeanor had been gentle, less intimidating.

Two days ago, however, when this same man had arrived at her home with a cold and stern expression, she’d been utterly terrified. She’d almost believed she had committed some grave sin against the heavens and that her days were numbered.

Though a servant, Bihong wasn’t naïve.

She had accompanied the old lady to meet numerous high-ranking officials, including the county magistrate and the prefect of Tong’an City, yet none of them had exuded the same powerful aura—one that demanded submission, as if defying it would cost her life.

Bihong chuckled wryly and shook her head. What was she even thinking? Huo Jue was just a student at the academy. How could he possibly compare to the county magistrate or the prefect?

Still...

She weighed the silver ingots in her hand. Why would someone spend so much money and go to such lengths for A’Li’s hairpin?

Could the hairpin hold some hidden significance?

Or perhaps, this Mr. Huo simply wanted to make A’Li happy.

Either way, she decided it was worth the trouble. If recovering the hairpin could bring a smile to A’Li’s face and help her recover faster, it would be effort well spent.

-

On April 15th, Jiang Li was finally able to leave her bed.

Having taken medicine daily for what felt like an eternity, even the root of her tongue was bitter. During her illness, she’d lost all appetite. But now that she was improving, her hunger had returned with a vengeance.

“Mom, I want skewers from the barbecue shop in the west of the city. Beef, lamb, chicken—everything! And is the ice bowl shop next to the barbecue place open yet? I want a red bean and cheese ice bowl.”

Yang Hui Niang set down a bowl of porridge with minced meat and vegetables in front of her and frowned. “When you’re fully recovered, I’ll get you whatever you want to eat. For now, you’ll just have to make do with this porridge.”

Jiang Li pouted and stirred the porridge with her spoon, gazing at her mother with wide, pleading eyes.

Her illness had left her noticeably thinner. The baby fat that had once rounded her cheeks was gone, leaving her with a delicate, palm-sized face, a pointed chin, and eyes that seemed even larger than before.

When she looked up at someone with those soft, dewy eyes, she resembled a helpless little animal, tugging at their heartstrings.

Yang Hui Niang hesitated, her stern resolve crumbling.

“Fine, fine,” she relented with a sigh. “Drink the porridge first, and I’ll bring you some roasted meat later. But forget about the ice bowl!”

Jiang Li smiled and was about to coyly thank her mother, but her younger brother, Jiang Ling, who should have been at the academy, walked in carrying an oil-paper bag.

The aroma of roasted meat, seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, instantly filled the room.

Jiang Li swallowed hard and grinned at her brother. “A-Ling, is this roasted meat for me? Twins really are amazing—you can sense what I want to eat even from a distance!”

Jiang Ling chuckled and shook his head. “What nonsense are you talking about? Didn’t you tell Brother Huo Jue yesterday that you wanted roasted meat? He lined up early this morning to buy it and asked me to bring it back for you.”

Jiang Li blinked in surprise, then remembered mentioning her craving the day before. She hadn’t expected Huo Jue to take her words so seriously. “Why didn’t he bring it himself?”

For the past few days, Huo Jue had been visiting her daily. He would sit outside behind a curtain, chatting with her to keep her entertained. Sometimes, he’d even bring sketchbooks filled with amusing stories to cheer her up. But today, he hadn’t shown up, and Jiang Li felt a pang of disappointment.

“Brother Huo Jue said he had something to take care of today but would probably be back tonight,” Jiang Ling replied. He tore open the oil-paper bag, revealing skewers of roasted meat. Selecting the three most fragrant skewers, he handed them to Jiang Li. “Brother Huo Jue said you can only have three skewers. The rest are for me and Mother.”

Jiang Li stared at the skewers in silence.

-

Huo Jue didn’t return that day. Jiang Li, accustomed to his daily visits, found herself restless. His absence left her feeling strangely empty.

Yang Hui Niang came in with Jiang Li’s medicine and found her staring blankly, hugging her quilt. Waving a hand in front of her daughter’s face, she asked, “What are you thinking about, A-Li?”

Jiang Li rested her chin on her knees and murmured, “Nothing.”

Yang Hui Niang gave her a knowing look. “Are you thinking about Huo Jue?”

Jiang Li, realizing she couldn’t hide her thoughts from her mother, chose silence instead of denial.

Yang Hui Niang sighed and sat on the edge of her bed.

She wasn’t blind. Over the six years she’d cared for Huo Jue, she’d seen how reserved and cold he could be, with the only exception being Doctor Su. Yet when A-Li fell ill, Huo Jue had been more anxious than she, A-Li’s own mother.

During these past few days, he’d gone out of his way to entertain Jiang Li daily—a stark contrast to his usual aloofness. His behavior was uncharacteristic unless he genuinely cared for A-Li.

Yang Hui Niang knew what was in her daughter’s heart, and she couldn’t help but feel conflicted.

What mother wouldn’t wish for her daughter to marry the man she loved, especially one as remarkable as Huo Jue?

But reality was rarely so simple.

Huo Jue would eventually leave Tong’an City. Could she bear to see her daughter marry and move so far away? Moreover, if Huo Jue achieved great success, would he remain devoted to A-Li alone? The idea of him never taking concubines seemed like a fantasy. Few officials lived without multiple wives.

Yang Hui Niang mulled over these thoughts, but she couldn’t bring herself to voice them. At least, not while A-Li was still recovering.

“Forget it,” she said softly, stroking her daughter’s hair. “Drink your medicine and focus on getting better.”

The medicine contained sedative ingredients, and before long, Jiang Li drifted into sleep.

In the middle of the night, Jiang Li felt as if someone was holding her.

The familiar scent of bamboo and musk surrounded her, soothing and warm.

“Huo Jue?” she murmured groggily, rubbing her eyes.

“Yes, I’m here.” His voice was soft, right next to her ear.

Jiang Li realized she was dreaming again. She reached out and clutched his collar, grumbling, “You didn’t come to see me today.”

A faint chuckle echoed in the darkness. His tone was gentle, almost indulgent. “I was busy venting my anger for A-Li today. I’ll come to see you tomorrow.”

Hearing his promise, Jiang Li’s lips curved into a smile. The unease she’d felt all day melted away. She muttered sleepily, “You’d better keep your word. If you don’t come tomorrow, you’re a puppy.”

Huo Jue chuckled again and, with a rare tenderness, kissed her hair. “Okay, I promise.”

When the little girl in his arms fell asleep, Huo Jue gently loosened his grip, carefully laid her down, and tucked the quilt around her.

Dressed in a black nightgown, his entire figure seemed to merge with the night, like a shadow.

With nimble movements, Huo Jue scaled the wall and returned to the medicine shop. After changing out of his nightgown, he took a large sip of cold tea and gazed out the window toward the northeast city gate.

Xue Zhen should be awake by now.

- 

The next afternoon, just as Jiang Li finished lunch, her friends Zhang Yingying and Liu Yan arrived together.

The two often visited and kept Jiang Li entertained with lively gossip about the latest happenings on Zhufu Street. Today was no exception, and the two quickly launched into their stories.

Toward the end of her tale, Zhang Yingying suddenly lowered her voice, as though sharing a secret. “When I left home earlier, I overheard our steward telling my father something shocking. The jewel of Principal Xue—Xue Zhen—went to Lanruo Temple yesterday to draw lots. On her way back, she was ambushed by bandits and kidnapped.”

The red bean cake in Jiang Li’s hand slipped from her fingers and landed on the plate with a soft “plop.” She looked at Zhang Yingying in disbelief. “Are you talking about Xue Zhen?”

“Who else could it be?” Zhang Yingying replied. “Principal Xue only has one daughter. Apparently, she was taken by the bandits into the forest. Now, all the idle ruffians in Tong’an City are rushing to the woods near Lanruo Temple.”

Liu Yan widened her eyes and took a sharp breath. “Why would they go there?”

Zhang Yingying leaned closer and whispered conspiratorially, “Because someone posted a reward in the city—1,000 taels of gold to anyone who rescues Xue Zhen. Can you imagine? A thousand taels! Most of those men have never even seen a hundred taels of silver. With such a fortune on the line, it’s no wonder they’re all flocking to the forest like madmen.”

Liu Yan sighed deeply. “Poor Miss Xue. Even if she survives, her reputation will be in ruins. It’s such a shame—she was talented, beautiful, and had an impeccable character.”

Zhang Yingying nodded solemnly. “My father said that under these circumstances, she’d be lucky to come back alive. As for her reputation, that’s a different matter entirely. If she survives, she’ll probably have to leave Tong’an City and start over somewhere far away.”

Jiang Li had remained quiet throughout their conversation. But now, unable to hold back, she asked, “Yingying, did your father say who offered the 1,000-tael reward?”

Zhang Yingying shook her head. “No, he didn’t mention it. But don’t you think it’s strange? Is the person who offered the reward being kind or malicious? On the one hand, the reward will attract more people to search for her. But on the other hand, such public attention only makes it more widely known that Miss Xue was kidnapped and spent the night missing. Won’t that only worsen the damage to her reputation?”

Jiang Li stayed silent, her thoughts swirling.

She had never told Zhang Yingying or Liu Yan about the incident where Xue Zhen had pushed her into the water. Sister Bihong’s advice rang in her ears: “When you’re powerless, seeking justice can invite disaster.”

Zhang Yingying and Liu Yan were her closest friends. If they knew the truth, they would undoubtedly take her side. Outspoken Zhang Yingying, in particular, might even openly curse Xue Zhen on Jiang Li’s behalf.

But Jiang Li knew better. Xue Zhen was dangerous. Stirring up trouble with her could bring only harm.

And yet, after all this time, it seemed justice had found its own way.

Is this what people mean when they say, “Heaven has its own plans”?

Xue Zhen had caused harm to others, and now her life and reputation teetered on the edge of ruin.

Jiang Li’s gaze fell on the broken pieces of red bean cake on her porcelain plate. A memory surfaced—the words Huo Jue had spoken in her dream:

“I’m venting your anger.”

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TPMCS(rebirth) 12 - Secret Kiss

Jiang Li slept for two full days and nights. Though she woke briefly a few times to take her medicine, she quickly fell back into a deep sleep.

By the third night, her high fever had subsided into a low-grade one.

Yang Huiniang and Jiang Ling, who had been at her bedside the entire time, finally breathed a sigh of relief. Exhausted, they retired to their rooms for some much-needed rest.

The distant sound of the third watch drum marked the dead of night. The tavern courtyard was silent, its occupants fast asleep. A tall figure leapt over the white wall with practiced ease and slipped quietly into Jiang Li’s room.

Jiang Li stirred restlessly in her sleep, a sheen of cold sweat glistening on her forehead. In her hazy state, she felt herself enveloped in a warm embrace, the scent of bamboo and musk unmistakably familiar.

“A’Li.”

The low, hoarse voice was soft but carried an undercurrent of deep emotion.

Jiang Li, half-conscious, immediately recognized the voice. “Huo Jue?”

“It’s me.”

The arms around her tightened, holding her close as though afraid to let her go.

Her muddled mind didn’t question his presence or whether this was a dream. Instead, her thoughts turned to the pearl flower hairpin she had lost in the lotus pond. The weight of that loss hit her anew, and grief welled up inside her. Tears pooled in her eyes.

“Huo Jue,” she choked out, her voice trembling with sadness. “The pearl flower you gave me… it’s gone. I looked for it in the lotus pond for so long, but I couldn’t find it.”

Huo Jue’s heart clenched at her tearful voice, and for a brief moment, panic flickered in his eyes. “It’s alright. If it’s lost, I’ll find it for you,” he said hurriedly, his voice soothing.

Jiang Li shook her head, her tears falling faster. “No, it’s gone forever,” she cried. “The token of love you gave me is gone.”

Her tears soaked into his sleeves, each drop cutting into his heart like a blade.

It wasn’t the first time he’d seen her cry. In his previous life, when she learned he had been castrated to enter the palace, she had cried outside the palace gates, inconsolable.

She had begged him to tell her the truth, asking if he’d been forced into it. She’d even vowed to avenge him.

The memory of that bitterly cold winter came rushing back. Snow had blanketed the ground, and the sky was heavy with dark clouds the day she came to see him.

Her tears had frozen on her lashes, only for new ones to replace them moments later. She had tried to smile through her tears, her voice light and comforting despite the anguish in her eyes.

“Huo Jue,” she had said, her tone trembling, “even if you’ve been castrated, you’re still a man who stands tall and proud. Don’t lose hope—I’ll find a way to redeem you.”

Huo Jue closed his eyes as the memory clawed at him. How many nights had he woken, haunted by the thought of that day? If only he could go back, he would never have faced her with such cold indifference.

He would have held her, wiped away her tears, and kissed her pain away.

“A’Li,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m sorry.”

Nestled in his arms, Jiang Li’s body trembled as her tears fell harder. But then, suddenly, she froze.

A single tear rolled down her cheek and met the warmth of his lips.

His breath was hot, and so were his lips.

Huo Jue kissed her tears away, his movements tender and reverent. “Don’t cry, A’Li,” he whispered, his voice low and soothing, resonating in the stillness of the night.

His fingers brushed her lips, dry and trembling. Tilting her chin gently, he leaned in and claimed her lips.

The kiss was fervent yet careful, his tongue sweeping over her lips and exploring her mouth with a mix of passion and restraint.

It was both an overwhelming storm and a gentle drizzle—an unrelenting tide that pulled her in.

Jiang Li’s head spun, her breaths quick and shallow. Her fingers clutched tightly at his collar, her knuckles turning white.

When Huo Jue finally released her lips, his forehead rested against hers, their breaths mingling. His voice dropped to a whisper, warm and steady against her skin.

“A’Li,” he said, “breathe.”

-

Jiang Li woke up the following afternoon.

The first thing she did was ask, “Did Huo Jue come last night?”

Yang Huiniang had just finished taking her temperature. Hearing the question, she nodded and said, “Huo Jue has been coming two or three times a day these past few days. He’s been helping A’Ling boil medicine for you. Sigh... I misjudged him before. I thought he was cold and indifferent, but he’s warmhearted beneath that exterior.”

Jiang Li hesitated for a moment before asking, “Then... did he come into my room?”

“What nonsense are you thinking?” Yang Huiniang gave her a pointed look. “Huo Jue is always proper and polite. How could he possibly barge into your boudoir?”

Jiang Li lowered her gaze, her fingers unconsciously brushing her lips.

So... last night was just a dream?

Xue Zhen hadn’t seen Huo Jue in three days. Normally, when he came to the academy, he would stop by the bamboo house to greet her father.

For reasons unknown, she had spent the last few days lingering in the bamboo house from morning to night, yet she hadn’t had a single “chance encounter” with him.

After subtly probing her father, she learned that Huo Jue had taken leave.

One morning, just as Xue Zhen finished her breakfast, a servant who attended to her father came sneaking over to inform her, “Mr. Huo has arrived.”

Xue Zhen’s spirits lifted immediately. She hurried to prepare herself, carefully applying makeup before heading to the bamboo grove. She calculated her timing perfectly, arriving just as a tall figure emerged from the trees.

Her heart leapt with delight. Composing herself, she stepped forward, bowed lightly, and greeted him with a soft smile. “Mr. Huo.”

“Miss Xue,” Huo Jue replied indifferently, his expression calm, his pale eyelids half-lowered.

“Zhen’er hasn’t seen Mr. Huo in a few days,” she said, feigning casual concern. “My father mentioned you had taken leave. Is everything alright at home?”

“Thank you for asking,” Huo Jue replied evenly. “An elder in my family has been ill, so I took a few days off to care for them.”

So, it wasn’t because of Jiang Li.

Xue Zhen let out a subtle breath of relief, her smile softening. “You’re very filial, Mr. Huo. I’m sure your elder will recover soon.” She tilted her head slightly, letting the sunlight accentuate her carefully made-up face. “By the way, I heard Miss Jiang fell into the water during Old Lady Chen’s birthday banquet. I hope she’s alright?”

Huo Jue’s expression remained unchanged, but his gaze sharpened slightly. “Oh? I wasn’t aware A’Li fell into the water.”

Xue Zhen’s smile didn’t falter. She assumed Jiang Li hadn’t dared to tell him, fearing he wouldn’t believe her.

“Indeed,” Xue Zhen said, her tone carrying just the right hint of concern. “During the banquet, Miss Jiang fell into the lotus pond. Suiyun and I happened to be nearby and immediately called for help. Thankfully, she was rescued quickly and wasn’t in the water for long.”

She paused, her voice dropping. “But...”

Huo Jue’s gaze fixed on her. “But what?”

Xue Zhen’s eyes reddened slightly, and she shook her head, sighing. “Forget it... It’s nothing worth mentioning.”

“What do you mean by ‘forget it’?” interrupted Suiwu, the maid standing beside her, lips pursed in indignation. “Miss, you were kind enough to save her, yet she accused you of harming her. She’s clearly jealous and used the opportunity to smear your reputation.”

“Suiwu, don’t speak nonsense,” Xue Zhen reprimanded lightly, though her tone remained graceful. “Perhaps Miss Jiang was just frightened and said things in a moment of panic. Let the past stay in the past; there’s no need to bring it up again.”

She turned to Huo Jue, her voice gentle and reassuring. “Mr. Huo, please don’t take what I’ve said to heart. As long as Miss Jiang is unharmed, I’m relieved.”

Huo Jue’s gaze bore into Xue Zhen, his dark eyes unreadable. After a long moment, the corners of his lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile.

“In that case, Miss Xue, rest assured—I won’t take it seriously.”

Huo Jue’s figure quickly vanished at the end of the path.

Sui Wu smirked and turned to Xue Zhen. “Miss, you see? I was right. That girl didn’t dare to complain at all. Mr. Huo wouldn’t believe anything she said anyway. It’s obvious he doesn’t take her seriously. Otherwise, how could he not even know she fell into the water?”

Xue Zhen lowered her gaze, lightly dusting off her sleeves, and smiled faintly. “I suspect the pearl flower she wore that day wasn’t a gift from Mr. Huo at all.”

Sui Wu’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Sui Yun must have been mistaken. She was so far away that day—how could she clearly see what Mr. Huo bought? Sui Yun’s eyesight has always been poor, so it’s no surprise she got it wrong.”

Xue Zhen glanced at Sui Wu with a cool expression. “Sui Yun truly lacks the capability to handle things. You, on the other hand, did well just now. From now on, you’ll accompany me instead.”

Sui Wu beamed with joy. She hadn’t served the young lady as long as Sui Yun had and was always overshadowed by her. Finally, she had the chance to surpass Sui Yun!

“Miss, should I arrange for someone to spread rumors in the city tomorrow?”

“Forget it,” Xue Zhen said with a slight smirk. “In a few days, I’ll be going to Lanruo Temple with my mother to pray for a good marriage. Let’s set this matter aside for now.”

-

After school, Huo Jue didn’t return to Zhufu Street immediately. Instead, he made his way to Hongfu Restaurant in the eastern part of the city.

Inside Room No. 1, a lively girl in pink was sipping tea, looking bored. Moments later, a waiter’s voice echoed from the corridor. “Miss Bihong, the person you’ve been waiting for is here.”

Bihong’s crisp voice rang out. “Let him in.”

As Huo Jue entered, Bihong prepared a cup of tea for him. “Mr. Huo,” she asked, “has A’Li’s cold improved?”

“A’Li is recovering. She should be able to leave her bed in a few days. I’m deeply grateful to you for your kindness, Miss Bihong,” Huo Jue said, bowing solemnly.

Bihong quickly waved her hands. “There’s no need to thank me. If I’d stayed by A’Li’s side that day, she wouldn’t have been pushed into the water.”

Seeing that Huo Jue still bowed respectfully, Bihong hurriedly returned the gesture and pushed a mahogany box toward him. “This is some salvia miltiorrhiza that the old lady gave me. I was planning to give it to A’Li anyway. Please take it to her for me, Mr. Huo.”

Huo Jue declined the box with a firm shake of his head. “Miss Bihong, I appreciate your thoughtfulness on behalf of A’Li, but please keep the salvia miltiorrhiza for yourself.”

Having dealt with Huo Jue just two days ago, Bihong had already realized he was a man of unwavering principles.

Studying his expression, she smiled faintly. “Alright then. With Mr. Huo and A’Li’s family taking such good care of her, I have no reason to worry.”

She took back the medicine, sipped her tea thoughtfully, and hesitated for a moment before asking, “May I ask why Mr. Huo sought me out today?”

Bihong was puzzled. Two days ago, Huo Jue had already come to her to inquire about the details of A’Li falling into the water. She had told him everything she knew. Why had he come to see her again?

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TPMCS(rebirth) 11 - Falling Water

The night was cool and still, as calm as water.

After Jiang Li fell into the lotus pond, the surface rippled briefly before settling into an eerie stillness.

Suiyun cast a cautious glance at Xue Zhen’s composed expression.

Earlier, she had pushed Jiang Li into the water at Xue Zhen’s silent signal. Suiyun had assumed the intent was merely to scare Jiang Li—a warning of sorts. She thought the young lady would call for help once Jiang Li fell in, allowing her to display both a cruel dominance and a facade of kindness, earning praise for her "compassionate heart."

But now, more than ten breaths had passed, and Xue Zhen remained motionless, her gaze fixed on the pond. There was no sign of concern, no call for assistance. Instead, the corners of her lips curved upward slightly, as if she were watching something amusing.

Suiyun felt a chill creep up her spine, and a memory resurfaced unbidden: the kitten Xue Zhen had owned when she was ten.

The little creature had scratched Xue Zhen’s hand by accident. In response, Xue Zhen had tied its legs together and buried it alive in the courtyard. Suiyun still remembered the young lady’s expression as she shoveled dirt into the pit—calm, almost serene, as though she were enjoying herself.

That same unsettling smile now graced Xue Zhen’s face as she stared at the water.

The April breeze carried a lingering chill, and Suiyun couldn’t suppress a shiver. Finally, she mustered the courage to speak. "Miss Xue, should we call for help? If we wait too long... it might be too late."

"What’s the rush?" Xue Zhen replied nonchalantly. "She fell in on her own. If she dies, she has only her bad luck to blame."

Tilting her head, she turned her gaze to Suiyun. The sight of Suiyun’s pale, panic-stricken face made her frown with disdain. "What are you so afraid of? It’s just a worthless life. Compose yourself. If I’d known you’d be this useless, I would’ve brought Suiwu instead."

"My apologies, Miss. Please don’t be angry," Suiyun stammered, forcing a strained smile as she fought to mask her growing dread.

But then, her eyes widened in horror. Pointing a trembling finger at the pond, she stuttered, "Miss Xue, look... she... she’s floating up!"

The water in the lotus pond was icy cold in April.

As soon as Jiang Li plunged into the water, the frigid temperature seized her lungs, and she could barely breathe.

She wasn’t helpless, though. Growing up, she had often swum in the streams behind Qingtong Mountain, moving as gracefully as a fish in water. But the bitter cold of the pond was unforgiving. Her limbs began to stiffen after only a few strokes.

To make matters worse, the pearl flower pinned in her hair had been dislodged by a lotus leaf and sank into the depths. Panic gripped her as she instinctively dived to search for it. Holding her breath, she frantically groped through the murky water, unwilling to lose the precious adornment.

Finally, her lungs burned for air, forcing her to surface briefly for a breath before plunging back into the icy depths to continue her desperate search.

She searched desperately for the pearl hairpin in the pond.

It was the first gift Huo Jue had ever given her. She hadn’t even had time to cherish it—how could she lose it so easily?

Jiang Li forced her eyes open, ignoring the stinging pain as she groped through the icy water. The cold seeped into her limbs, draining her strength with every second. When her legs began to stiffen, she bit her lip and surfaced for air before diving back down.

By now, several guards had gathered along the pond’s edge, lanterns in hand, their light flickering over the rippling water.

Xue Zhen, feigning concern, called out with an anxious expression, “Two strong men, quickly go down and save her! Miss Jiang accidentally fell into the pond. If you wait any longer, it may be too late!”

The guards hesitated. It was the old lady’s birthday banquet—if someone drowned, the servants would undoubtedly face severe punishment.

One of the guards finally began removing his shoes and socks, preparing to jump in. But before he could, a splash interrupted him. Jiang Li emerged from the water, her voice trembling as she called out, “Don’t come down! Go and get Sister Bihong instead.”

“Miss Jiang,” Xue Zhen protested gently, her tone dripping with false sincerity, “please don’t be so stubborn. If you stay in the water too long, you’ll fall ill. Let the guards help you—it’s no time to worry about propriety.”

Her words sounded considerate, but Jiang Li’s piercing gaze remained fixed on her. With her lower lip trembling from both the cold and suppressed anger, she retorted, “I heard what you said to Suiyun earlier. You pushed me into the pond and wanted me dead. Now that I’ve survived, you want to ruin my reputation! Let me make this clear: anyone who comes down will be complicit in your scheme to harm me!”

Her voice was soft and shaky, her face pale, but the conviction in her words left the guards dumbfounded. They exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of how to proceed.

One guard, who was on good terms with Bihong, finally stepped forward. “Wait here, Miss Jiang. I’ll go find Miss Bihong immediately.”

When the guard found her, Bihong was standing behind Old Madam Chen, watching the performance with delight. Upon hearing what had happened, her face fell. After quickly excusing herself, she grabbed a cloak and rushed to the lotus pond.

By the time she arrived, Xue Zhen was still speaking in a soft, convincing voice, accusing Jiang Li of misunderstanding her intentions.

Jiang Li, now barely able to stay afloat, ignored her entirely. She didn’t have the strength to argue and wouldn’t believe a single word from Xue Zhen’s mouth.

Bihong wasted no time. Though lively and charming by nature, she acted decisively, instructing two strong women to paddle a small raft to pull Jiang Li from the water. As soon as she was ashore, Bihong wrapped her in a warm cloak.

Jiang Li shivered violently in the cold wind, her pale face drained of all color. Her wary eyes darted between Xue Zhen and Suiyun. She looked like a ghost freshly dragged from the depths.

Suiyun averted her gaze, unable to meet Jiang Li’s accusing eyes. Xue Zhen, however, remained calm, her smile unwavering. She didn’t fear Jiang Li in the slightest.

After all, only the three of them knew what had truly happened. Xue Zhen was the daughter of the esteemed headmaster of Zhengde Academy, renowned for her supposed gentleness and kindness. Jiang Li, on the other hand, was merely the daughter of a widowed tavern keeper. Who would believe her story?

“A’Li,” Bihong whispered gently, noticing the tension in the air. “Let’s get you changed and warmed up first. We’ll talk about everything else later.”

Jiang Li nodded, too exhausted to argue. She followed Bihong to the side chamber of Rong’an Hall, where she changed into dry clothes and drank a bowl of ginger soup.

When Bihong suggested calling for a doctor, Jiang Li shook her head. “It’s the old lady’s birthday banquet. It’d be unlucky to call for a doctor now,” she said quietly.

Bihong sighed as she wrung out Jiang Li’s wet hair. “I believe you about what happened tonight, A’Li. But listen to me—don’t bring this up again. Talking about it will only bring you trouble. Miss Xue is an honored guest of the master. Neither the old lady nor the master will let her face any grievances.”

“I understand, Sister Bihong,” Jiang Li murmured, lowering her gaze to hide the bitterness welling in her eyes. “Thank you. If you hadn’t come when you did, I might have frozen to death.”

“Don’t talk about life and death like that!” Bihong scolded gently, tapping Jiang Li’s forehead. “You’ve survived this ordeal, which means blessings await you in the future. I’m sure of it.”

Jiang Li forced a tearful smile. “If I do have good fortune someday, I’ll be sure to share it with you, Sister Bihong.”

“Don’t be silly!” Bihong replied with a mock glare. “Keep your blessings for yourself.”

The warmth of the charcoal brazier filled the room, but Jiang Li’s face remained pale as a ghost.

Bihong’s heart ached for her. As she carefully combed Jiang Li’s hair, she lowered her voice. “A’Li, now that you know what kind of person Miss Xue is, stay far away from her. Protect yourself. We can’t afford to offend someone like her, but we can certainly avoid her.”

-

Jiang Li’s mind was still replaying Bihong’s words as she returned to the tavern.

When Yang Huiniang saw her stepping down from the Zhang family’s carriage with a pale face and wearing a different set of clothes, her heart tightened with worry. “Why do you look so unwell? What happened? And where are your clothes?”

Jiang Li forced a smile, shaking her head. “Mom, don’t worry. I’m fine. Someone spilled soup on my skirt during the banquet, and the old lady kindly sent someone to help me change. That’s all.”

Yang Huiniang studied her daughter’s face carefully, her concern not entirely eased. Placing a hand on Jiang Li’s forehead, she frowned. “Why is your forehead so warm? Are you feeling sick?”

Jiang Li gently held her mother’s hand and spoke softly to reassure her. “It’s nothing serious, Mom. Maybe I caught a chill from the night wind, but I’ll be fine after some rest.”

Jiang Li had always been robust and rarely fell ill. Even when she caught a cold, a bowl of ginger soup usually did the trick.

“I’ll make some ginger soup for you,” Yang Huiniang said firmly. “Drink it before you sleep.”

Jiang Li obediently drank the soup and went to bed early. However, she developed a high fever in the middle of the night.

Her head throbbed, her throat burned, and her voice was hoarse to the point of silence. She woke up groggily, her body heavy and weak. When she tried to get out of bed to pour herself some water, her legs gave out, and she collapsed to the floor with a loud thud.

In the room next door, the sudden sound of hurried footsteps and voices broke the stillness of the night.

Huo Jue stirred awake, a strange tightness pressing on his chest. He sat up and reached for the lamp when a rapid knock came at the patio door.

“Brother Huo Jue! Uncle Su! Open the door!”

It was Jiang Ling’s voice, urgent and trembling.

Huo Jue’s expression darkened as he crossed the room to open the door. “A’Ling, what happened?”

“Brother Huo Jue, A’Li has a high fever and has passed out,” Jiang Ling stammered, his voice breaking with panic. “My mother sent me to ask Uncle Su for help. We don’t have time to find another doctor—please, it’s urgent!”

Huo Jue’s jaw tightened as he clenched his trembling hands into fists. Without a word, he turned back inside, knocked on Su Shiqing’s door, and pulled the doctor out of his room.

Jiang Li was burning up, her body feverish as if engulfed by fire. She drifted in and out of consciousness, unable to open her eyes or speak. Every movement was unbearable.

In her daze, she felt a cool touch pressing against her acupuncture points. Soon after, a bitter liquid was poured into her mouth, spoonful by spoonful. The taste was so unpleasant that tears welled up in her eyes.

“It’s too bitter,” she murmured weakly, trying to push the spoon away with her tongue.

“A’Li, be good and swallow the medicine,” her mother’s trembling voice coaxed, tinged with tears. “You need this to get better.”

Hearing her mother’s plea, Jiang Li relented. She loosened her teeth and let the medicine slide down her throat.

Time blurred. She didn’t know how long she remained in this feverish haze before she finally sank into a deep, heavy sleep.

When Jiang Li’s fever broke, Su Shiqing leaned back with a weary sigh, putting away his needle box. “Her condition has stabilized, but she must continue taking her medicine and avoid the cold at all costs. Her lungs have been severely affected—it’ll take at least ten days, maybe more, for her to fully recover.”

“Thank you, Doctor Su,” Yang Huiniang said tearfully, her eyes red from worry. “A’Li has always been healthy. How could just a bit of night wind make her this sick?”

At these words, Huo Jue, who had been silent and brooding in the corner, finally looked up. His eyes, bloodshot from sleeplessness, were filled with suppressed fury.

“Aunt Yang,” he said, his voice flat but with an edge that sent a chill through the room, “where exactly did A’Li catch this so-called ‘night wind’?”

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TPMCS(rebirth) 10 - Token of Love

The purse Jiang Li had painstakingly embroidered was tucked securely into her waistband. When she was sure there was no one else around but the two of them, she hesitantly took it out.

Smiling softly, she held it out to Huo Jue. “I embroidered a purse for you. It’s... it’s a flower pattern with catkins. Do you like it?”

Her voice carried both expectation and unease as she offered him the small gift.

Huo Jue accepted it, his long fingers brushing over the heavy purse. The weight told him it was filled with silver, but his attention lingered on the carefully stitched pattern. Standing in the fading light, his face was shadowed, his expression unreadable, while his long lashes cast a veil over his dark eyes.

“How many more stitches did Ah Li have to add to her hands?” he asked softly.

Caught off guard, Jiang Li instinctively hid her hands behind her back, attempting to conceal the small wounds on her fingertips.

“Not many,” she said stiffly, trying to sound nonchalant. “I’ve gotten much better at embroidery now. It didn’t take much effort to make this purse.”

But in truth, she had almost pricked her fingers raw, desperate to create something good enough for him. She knew her handwriting was poor, and she wasn’t as educated or refined as someone like Xue Zhen. If even her needlework failed, how could she ever compare?

Huo Jue’s gaze softened as he studied her. Slowly, a faint light emerged in the depths of his dark eyes. Slipping the purse into his waistband, he smiled faintly.

“Ah Li’s purse is beautifully made. I like it very much.”

Jiang Li let out a quiet sigh of relief, her previously tense shoulders relaxing. “If you like it—”

Before she could finish, Huo Jue stepped forward. With a single fluid motion, he reached into his sleeve and pinned a hairpin into her bun.

The gesture left Jiang Li stunned.

Raising her hand, she touched the hairpin gently. It was a string of luminous pearls.

Huo Jue’s gaze momentarily lingered on her hands, catching sight of the needle pricks on her fingertips. He lowered his eyes slightly, fighting the impulse to take her hand and soothe the tiny wounds himself.

“When did you get the pearls?” Jiang Li asked, her tone a mix of surprise and delight. Her eyes sparkled, curving like crescent moons.

“I went to the pharmacy earlier to buy medicine for Su Bo,” he replied casually. “On my way back, I passed a hairpin shop. When I saw this string of pearls, I thought of Ah Li, so I bought it.”

Each pearl was large, smooth, and flawless. There were at least twenty pearls on the hairpin, and even without asking, Jiang Li could tell it was expensive.

She smiled, though her joy was tinged with worry. “Huo Jue, where did you get the money to buy such a thing?”

Huo Jue glanced at her, suppressing a sardonic laugh at her assumption. Did his Ah Li think he couldn’t make money?

“I sold a rare handwritten manuscript,” he said lightly. “It fetched a good price.”

“You sold a rare book?” Jiang Li’s concern grew. “But rare books are so hard to come by! Once you sell them, you can’t get them back.”

In her panic, she reached up to pull the hairpin out of her bun. “Quick, return the pearls and use the money to buy your book back.”

Huo Jue caught her wrist gently but firmly. With a small sigh, he tucked the pearl hairpin back into her bun. “Ah Li, I memorized the contents of that book long ago. I could rewrite it in one night if I wanted to. Just keep the hairpin.”

Jiang Li’s expression was skeptical. “Really?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

Only then did she relax. Jiang Li was willing to spend her own money on Huo Jue, but she couldn’t bear the thought of him sacrificing something for her.

Still, she worried he might be too extravagant in the future. Hesitating, she said earnestly, “You don’t have to give me gifts, Huo Jue. I can earn money myself and buy whatever I need.”

Huo Jue looked at her with a faint smile but said nothing in return.

How could he not give her gifts?

In this lifetime, he was determined not only to give Ah Li all of himself but also to ensure she lived a life of prosperity and honor, filled with unmatched affection and unwavering security.

-

After receiving the pearl hairpin, Jiang Li couldn’t stop smiling.

She was so fond of it that she hesitated to wear it often. Instead, she carefully wrapped it in a handkerchief and placed it in a wooden box, treasuring it like a priceless heirloom.

It wasn’t until the eighth day of April, the day of Mrs. Chen’s sixtieth birthday banquet, that she decided to wear the pearl hairpin again.

Two days earlier, the results of the prefectural examination had been announced. Zhang Heng, the eldest son of Mr. Zhang, achieved an impressive fifth place. With the college examination in June and the autumn examination in August, his path to future success seemed bright.

The Zhang family was overjoyed, their excitement palpable, and the invitation to Mrs. Chen’s banquet was extended to Jiang Li as well. She was the only resident of Zhufu Street to receive such an invitation—a significant gesture of recognition.

It was Jiang Li’s first time being invited to such a grand gathering hosted by a wealthy family. Initially, she was reluctant to attend, knowing she wouldn’t recognize anyone there. But she also understood Mrs. Chen’s goodwill. Declining the invitation would seem ungrateful, and Jiang Li didn’t want to offend someone as influential as Mrs. Chen.

After some deliberation, she decided to go.

When Yang Huiniang heard about the invitation from the prestigious Yuanwai Mansion, she was elated.

Mrs. Chen’s favorable impression of Jiang Li was an invaluable endorsement, one that would bolster Yang Huiniang’s confidence when discussing potential marriage proposals for her daughter in the future.

To ensure Jiang Li made a good impression, Yang Huiniang spared no expense, ordering a stunning light-red skirt for her. The hem was intricately embroidered with colorful butterflies frolicking among crabapple blossoms in gold thread. The vibrant colors complemented Jiang Li’s snow-white skin, making it glow with an almost ethereal quality. Her delicate features, more radiant than the flowers on her dress, made her appear breathtakingly beautiful.

Admiring her handiwork, Yang Huiniang nodded in satisfaction. “When you’re at the banquet, be mindful of your words and actions. Avoid offending anyone important.”

Jiang Li pouted. “Mother, when have I ever offended a noble?”

Her mother gave her a pointed look but ultimately agreed that Jiang Li had become more composed in recent days. Reassured by her daughter’s sensible nature, Yang Huiniang felt at ease.

When Jiang Li arrived at the Zhang Manor, she was greeted warmly by Bihong, a maid she was friendly with.

Bihong’s face lit up when she saw Jiang Li’s new outfit. “Who is this little fairy? You’re dressed so beautifully, you’ve nearly bewitched my soul!” she teased, reaching out playfully as if to pinch Jiang Li’s slim waist.

Jiang Li dodged quickly, laughing. “Sister Bihong, don’t tease me. Today, you’re the real fairy.”

Bihong, naturally pretty, looked dazzling in a peach-colored cloud-silk skirt embroidered with gold-thread peonies. A delicate butterfly-winged golden hairpin adorned her hair, making her look more like a lady than a maid.

“Of course, I’m a fairy,” Bihong said with a laugh, giving Jiang Li a teasing glance. “But you, Ah Li, are a natural beauty. I’m just relying on my clothes.”

Noticing how particularly cheerful Bihong seemed today, Jiang Li smiled and asked sweetly, “Sister Bihong, did something good happen to you?”

Bihong glanced around to ensure no one was listening. Leaning in close, she whispered into Jiang Li’s ear, “I heard from Madam Li that the old lady intends to find a concubine for the eldest son.”

Jiang Li’s eyes widened in realization.

Bihong was the most favored maid in the household, as well as the most beautiful. It seemed likely that the old lady had chosen her to be the eldest son’s concubine.

But Jiang Li couldn’t help wondering: was becoming a nobleman’s concubine truly better than being the legitimate wife of an ordinary family?

A wave of concern washed over her, and she hesitated before saying softly, “Sister, do you know which family’s young lady the eldest son will marry as his wife? If… if the mistress is difficult to get along with—”

Bihong caught the underlying worry in Jiang Li’s words and interrupted with a light laugh. “Oh, little Ah Li, are you worried about me? Don’t fret. I have the support of both the old lady and the eldest master. As long as I stay out of trouble, even the mistress won’t dare bully me.”

 "..."

Seeing the longing and hope in Bihong’s eyes as she spoke about her future, Jiang Li found herself at a loss for words. Everyone had their own destiny, after all. It was clear that Sister Bihong had genuine feelings for the young master of the Zhang family. Who was she to dissuade her from becoming a concubine?

The two of them chatted as they walked toward the back garden, where a stage had been set up for a performance after the meal.

Jiang Li handed the birthday gift to Bihong and slowly made her way to a table in the corner. Just as she was about to sit, a voice called out behind her, "Miss Ali."

Startled, Jiang Li turned and immediately recognized the speaker. She quickly curtsied. "Greetings, Young Master Zhang."

Zhang Heng greeted her warmly, his gaze kind and gentle. "This table seems crowded, Miss Ali. Please, come with me. I'll take you to the next one," he offered with a smile.

The table Jiang Li had chosen was occupied by the wives of the housekeepers who managed the Zhang family’s farm. It was a suitable spot for someone of her standing as the daughter of a tavern owner. However, the table Zhang Heng referred to was surrounded by individuals of much higher status. She knew she’d feel out of place there.

Politely, she declined. "Thank you for your kindness, Young Master Zhang, but I’m perfectly fine sitting here. There’s no need to move."

Zhang Heng seemed ready to insist, but just then, his personal servant approached him hurriedly and whispered something.

"Young Master, the master is asking for you. Principal Xue has arrived."

Hearing this, Zhang Heng’s expression shifted to one of respect. Though he wasn’t enrolled in the academy, his father had a close friendship with Principal Xue and often invited him to give Zhang Heng lessons in classics and history. As a mentor figure, Principal Xue deserved the utmost courtesy, and Zhang Heng couldn’t afford to keep him waiting.

Reluctantly, he relented and said, "In that case, I’ll excuse myself, Miss Ali. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask Bihong or Bilan for assistance."

As Jiang Li watched him walk away, she found herself reflecting on his demeanor. Young Master Zhang was approachable, polite, and undeniably handsome. It was easy to see why Sister Bihong admired him so deeply.

After finishing the meal peacefully, the guests moved to the stands to watch the performance.

Jiang Li, however, wasn’t particularly interested. Seeking some fresh air, she wandered to a secluded lotus pond nearby.

Old Madam Chen was known for her love of lotus flowers, and the mansion had several ponds dedicated to them. Jiang Li found herself at the largest one. Though it was early spring and the lotus blossoms had yet to bloom, the sight of the green leaves floating on the crystal-clear water was calming and pleasant.

She strolled around the pond twice before deciding to return and find Bihong.

The celebration for Old Madam Chen’s birthday was bustling, and Jiang Li knew the old lady would be too preoccupied to receive her. She figured she could simply bid farewell to Bihong before leaving.

As she walked along the pond, the distant sounds of the stage reached her ears. The melody of the performer’s voice drifted over the water. She recognized the play—it was Silang Visits His Mother. Humming softly to herself, she followed the path back toward the main gathering.

But after just a few steps, Jiang Li stopped abruptly. Two slender figures stood ahead on the path.

The girl in front exuded an air of quiet elegance, with a scholarly demeanor and an unmistakable refinement. The girl behind her had a round face, but her sharp, glaring eyes were fixed on Jiang Li.

Jiang Li froze for a moment, recognizing them instantly: Xue Zhen and Sui Yun.

She hadn’t expected to encounter them here. Keeping her composure, she gave them a polite nod and continued walking forward.

As she passed, a soft but cutting voice drifted to her ears, carried by the cool breeze.

"And you think you’re worthy of clinging to Mr. Huo all the time? Do you have no shame?"

The words were spoken in a gentle tone, but the venom behind them was unmistakable.

Jiang Li halted, her heart sinking. She turned, intending to respond, but before she could, a sudden, forceful shove came from behind.

She lost her balance entirely and fell into the lotus pond with a resounding splash.

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