The Princess and Wanyu - Chapter 1

The Prince’s manor had few heirs, and my sister and I were successfully adopted by the Princess and the concubine.

My sister, determined to become a noble lady, threw herself into the Princess’s embrace without a second thought.

But the Princess was strict and humorless; every day, she had a governess teach her etiquette and decorum, and even a slight mistake would result in a beating or scolding.

After I was taken by the concubine, I was pampered and became her cherished darling. She even arranged an excellent marriage for me with my sister’s childhood sweetheart, Fu Hengzhi, the young general of Bianjing.

My sister, however, was married off to Mongolia for a political alliance with the palace.

On the day of my wedding, my sister personally fed me poison, causing my sudden death.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day we were adopted, only to see my sister push me forward and whimper.

“I am foolish, and I fear displeasing the Princess. Sister is more suitable.”

I hurriedly knelt and bowed, “Daughter greets Mother.”

She didn’t know that the concubine’s courtyard was a man-eating den.

After my birth mother passed away, she left my sister and me, two concubine-born daughters, barely surviving.

But the Prince’s manor had thin heirs; besides the two of us, there were no others.

So, Father brought my sister and me to the Princess’s courtyard, intending for the Princess to adopt us.

“You have no children of your own, and Concubine Liu’s life was short. Why don’t you pick one to raise by your side? Just treat it as raising a cat or a dog.”

There was nothing wrong with what he said. My sister and I were indeed like cats and dogs in this manor, perhaps even less significant than the white cat in Concubine Lin’s courtyard.

As he finished speaking, my sister pushed me forward, hiding behind Father and whimpering.

“Father, your daughter is foolish and fears displeasing the Princess. Please let the Princess adopt Sister.”

Father’s brows slightly furrowed as he looked at my sister. Selfishly, he wanted the Princess to adopt my sister, not for any other reason than that my eyes resembled my birth mother’s, and Father detested her.

“Besides, Father often stays in Concubine’s courtyard. If he sees Sister, he might get angry again.”

My sister’s words hit Father’s heart. In my previous life, when I went to Concubine Lin’s courtyard, Father always looked displeased whenever he saw me. Seeing this, Concubine Lin would send me to the woodshed, forbidding me from appearing before Father, not even a cough was allowed.

As Father and the Princess were already distant and indifferent, and he stayed in Concubine Lin’s courtyard daily, I spent most of my time in the woodshed.

Thinking of this, Father felt it was reasonable and nodded, agreeing to the matter.

She stepped forward and hugged me, her face full of reluctance, and whispered in my ear.

“Hmph, your good days are over. This time, I will be the darling of the Prince’s manor.”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. It seemed Su Wanrou had also been reborn.

In my previous life, she was determined to become the legitimate daughter, a noble lady, and unhesitatingly acknowledged the Princess as her mother. But as days passed, she increasingly regretted her decision.

The Princess and Father were originally married by imperial decree, with no affection between them. The Princess never sought favor; every day, she lived a life of purity in her courtyard, sometimes tending to flowers and plants, sometimes copying scriptures. The entire courtyard was exceptionally quiet.

However, when it came to raising children, the Princess was extremely strict, not allowing Su Wanrou any slack.

Every day at dawn, Su Wanrou would be dragged up by the governess to recite poetry. After meals, she would go to the private school to study.

After class, she would begin learning etiquette and rules. Even a slight mistake would result in a beating with a plank. After finally enduring until night, she would start learning household management. Every time I saw her, her eyes were dark.

But Concubine Lin was different. Although she came from a brothel as a courtesan, she was constantly favored and was exceptionally lenient with her children.

Not only did she never beat or scold me, but she also took me to the streets daily to drink tea and listen to music. Jewelry and clothes were always sent to my room like flowing water.

At every banquet, I played the pipa masterfully, every gesture and smile full of charm, admired by many men.

My sister, however, was obscure. Everyone in every household only knew of the concubine-born daughter Su Wanyu, not the legitimate daughter Su Wanrou.

When the border was in chaos, Mongolia intended to seek peace, and the only requirement was to send a princess for a political marriage.

But there were no suitable princesses in the palace, so they turned their attention to the imperial clan and chose my eldest sister, who had just reached adulthood.

She had long since secretly given her heart to her childhood sweetheart and tearfully begged him to marry her.

Fu Hengzhi only said, bewildered, “I like your sister. Mother has already come to propose marriage today. Don’t you know?”

Su Wanrou was completely heartbroken. On the day of my wedding, under the guise of sending me off, she personally fed me poison.

As I lay dying, I saw her laughing madly, drinking the last of the wine in the cup, “What I can’t have, you won’t get either.”

“You should go to **** with Mother! Go to ****!”

What I didn’t expect was that we both were reborn, and she unhesitatingly chose Concubine Lin.

I couldn’t help but smile. My dear sister, this life, let you taste the flavor of ****.

Compared to Concubine Lin’s courtyard, the Princess’s quarters were indeed somewhat dilapidated.

Who in Bianjing didn’t know that Prince Rong and Princess Rong were estranged, that he doted on the concubine, and even the power to manage the household fell into the concubine’s hands?

The Princess’s room was not as luxurious as Concubine Lin’s, even excessively plain. Besides the necessary furniture, there were only stacks of scriptures and poetry. It was the height of summer, yet an inexplicable chill permeated the air.

The Princess sat at her desk, her brush never pausing. Her elegant small script flowed onto the paper, and she said calmly, “It’s still not too late to regret.”

If not for seeing it with my own eyes, no one would believe that the dignified Princess was less carefree and comfortable than a mere concubine.

With a “thud,” I knelt and bowed, “Once a mother, always a mother. Your daughter will certainly be filial to Mother in the future.”

As I finished speaking, the Princess nodded slightly and looked at me. The ink from her brush dripped onto the paper, blooming into a flower. After a long moment, she chuckled softly.

“Heh, since you are willing to stay, then follow me from now on.”

“However, I am strict. Your filial piety probably won’t last long.”

I looked directly at her and said righteously, “A parent’s love for their child is to plan far ahead for them. What Mother teaches must be for Wanyu’s sake.”

She sat back at her desk, continuing to transcribe scriptures, and said calmly, “Look at those accounts next to you first. I will test you in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.”

I looked at the account books, which were half my height, and swallowed. But I obediently picked up the books and began to read.

The numbers on the paper were obscure and difficult to understand, even more tedious than the musical scores from my previous life. I couldn’t help but feel a little sleepy. Suddenly, with a “bang,” the governess’s ruler landed on me, making me gasp in pain. The Princess, however, didn’t even lift her eyelids, saying calmly.

“It’s not too late to feel the hardship now and give up.”

I stared blankly at my slightly reddened hand. Seeing this, the Princess couldn’t help but sigh softly.

I heard myself say calmly, “Why should I give up, Daughter? This world is inherently unfair to women. If I, your daughter, don’t even have the ability to manage the household and look at accounts, it will be even more difficult for me in the future. I don’t want to be that kind of person.”

A glimmer of light appeared in the Princess’s eyes. This was the first time I had seen a different emotion in her eyes, without the usual indifference and lifelessness, but with some expectation and hope.

Late that night, when all was quiet, she pushed open the door and entered. I lay on the bed with my eyes tightly shut, fearing she would discover I was awake.

She carefully took my hand, and I couldn’t help but tense up, feeling a cool warmth spread over my hand.

I narrowed my eyes to a slit. In the moonlight, the gentle and considerate woman carefully applied ointment to my hand, then tucked me in before quietly leaving.

I discovered that the Princess was not as cold and distant as she claimed. There was still some joy in my heart.

Days passed. Every day, under the Princess’s supervision, I studied etiquette, decorum, poetry, and household management. Although I would get a beating every day, at night she would apply medicine to me while I was asleep.

Soon, it was the Mid-Autumn Festival. Although Father didn’t like the Princess, he would still spend holidays in the main courtyard, which was considered giving the Princess due respect.

Whenever this happened, the servants and maids in the Princess’s courtyard would work extra hard, trying to bring Father and the Princess closer.

But just as Father sat down, a pipa melody drifted from outside the courtyard.

The pipa melody was melodious and pleasant, but one could still tell that the player’s skill was clumsy, making several wrong notes.

The music suddenly stopped. Concubine Lin slowly walked in, swaying her waist, and sat down directly.

She was beautiful, and with daily meticulous care, she looked no older than twenty. Su Wanrou, behind her, was also raised to be delicate and beautiful, every gesture and smile having a hint of her shadow.

“Did Your Royal Highness recognize whose hands played that piece just now?” Concubine Lin asked charmingly.

Father smiled and took her hand, teasing, “You played that piece countless times for this Prince back then. How is it that you played it wrong today?”

“Your Royal Highness always teases me. Wanrou kept pestering me to tell her about the old days, so I thought of this piece to teach her. What do you think, Your Royal Highness?” Concubine Lin chided.

“This Prince thinks it has quite your style from back then.”

As he finished speaking, Su Wanrou smiled sweetly, “Daughter feels she is far from as good as Concubine Lin. Why doesn’t Father go to Concubine Lin’s room to listen again, so he can give Daughter some pointers?”

Father looked at the Princess with a difficult expression, but there was no hint of guilt in his eyes. Seeing this, Su Wanrou stepped forward and tugged gently at Father’s sleeve, “Concubine Lin’s small kitchen always brews ginseng soup every day, but Father has never come to drink it. Concubine Lin is sad.”

Concubine Lin feigned anger and scolded her, but what needed to be said had already been said. Father looked at her apologetically, “Since that’s the case, this Prince will go and taste it.”

Concubine Lin immediately blossomed into a smile, linking arms with Father and gracefully walking away. Before leaving, Su Wanrou didn’t forget to cast a provocative glance at me.

From beginning to end, the Princess merely watched silently, without a ripple. After they left, the main courtyard returned to its usual silence.

The governess next to the Princess sighed when she saw her expression, “Your Highness, should we heat these dishes again?”

Today, Father came for dinner, and the small kitchen had prepared a table full of dishes, with many more yet to be served. But just now, they were only focused on watching Concubine Lin’s performance, and now everything was cold.

“Please trouble Governess to heat them quickly. Will the festival not be celebrated just because Father isn’t here?” I said with a smile, “And that ‘Treasure Duck Diced’ dish should be quick too. I’m looking forward to that one!”

After speaking, I didn’t forget to show a doting expression, which made the maids and governesses chuckle, “This old servant will go now!”

The courtyard instantly became joyful, with a festive atmosphere. The governess was quick and efficient, and dishes were soon served one after another. I ate heartily, but still maintained the decorum of a noble lady, occasionally serving the Princess and constantly mumbling about which dish was delicious.

She smiled and used a handkerchief to wipe the grease from the corners of my mouth, chiding playfully, “Eat slower, no one is snatching it from you.”

“You’re right, this life is for oneself.”

This was the first time the Princess had shown me motherly affection in front of others. I was somewhat overwhelmed by the unexpected favor.

From that day on, within two days, I would have a meal of “Treasure Duck Diced,” and the dishes I said were delicious would appear every other day.

However, the main courtyard remained as quiet as ever. Father still stayed in the adjacent courtyard daily, and a steady stream of rewards flowed into the neighboring courtyard. Every time Su Wanrou saw me, she would show off her newly acquired items.

“Father’s rewards are too many, I can’t even carry them all. I really want to share some with Sister, but unfortunately, you and that old woman are not favored. Father feels annoyed just looking at you two.”

“When I marry into a noble family in the future, you can just stay with that old woman and those scriptures and poems for the rest of your life!”

The disdain on her lips was not concealed at all. I looked at her outer garment, thin as a cicada’s wing, her slender waist, and the unnatural hollows in her cheeks, and said calmly, “Sister is so frail, is she not eating enough?”

“Oh, yes, courtesans and courtesans have always been this delicate and weak, only then can they be favored by men.”

Su Wanrou’s face instantly changed, turning completely red. But moments later, she reverted to a smug expression, sneering.

“Hmph, you’re just jealous that I have Father’s affection and the admiration of young masters from noble families. People like you will eventually be scorned by the world, just you wait.”

With that, she swayed her waist and hurried away. I was all too familiar with that gait. In my previous life, I endured a lot of hardship to practice that walk.

Concubine Lin said that a woman’s waist is a fatal sword; only by swaying her waist can she capture a man’s attention.

She taught me to play instruments and dance, taught me how to use my eyes to entice, and even taught me how to keep a man in the bedroom.

She forbade me from eating, saying that only then could I be as light as a flying swallow on her palm. I could only grow thinner day by day. Even when I cinched my belt as tight as possible, my waist was still loose.

And to ensure I learned meticulously, Concubine Lin would have us serve outside her room late at night, making me listen to how she and Father flirted and behaved, and afterwards she would make me describe every detail clearly.

Such things were a living **** for an unmarried woman. I spent every day in shame, yet I was helpless.

If I resisted even slightly or missed any detail, countless silver needles would pierce my body, spreading through my blood. Even a slight movement would cause excruciating pain.

Later, Father took in many new concubines and gradually alienated Concubine Lin. Her temper became even more gloomy, and she made me entice Father to her room. But how could I condone such an immoral act? I could only struggle through each day under her brutal beatings.

From Concubine Lin, I understood that those who serve by their beauty will eventually see their beauty fade and their love diminish, ultimately ending up discarded.

But the Princess was different. She did not have Father’s favor, yet she had sufficient confidence. The power to manage the household circulated among the various concubines, but the shops and estates remained firmly in the Princess’s hands. The servants and maids in her courtyard dared not be disrespectful in the slightest, showing great reverence and courtesy.

This was how a noble lady should be, not learning the ways of courtesans, constantly thinking about how to gain men’s favor and living dependent on them.

Days passed. Su Wanrou spent her days learning to play instruments and sing, growing thinner by the day.

Meanwhile, I followed the Princess daily, studying poetry, historical anecdotes, and etiquette. Gradually, the number of times I was beaten decreased, and the Princess would nod in satisfaction whenever she tested me.

“Mother, I want to learn martial arts.”

During this time, I heard many rumors about the Princess, and by piecing them together, I could understand a thing or two.

The Princess came from a family of military generals, but she had no elder brothers, only herself. When her father died in battle, she tried to lead the Shen Family Army herself to fight the enemy and avenge her father, but she was stopped by the people of the world. They all said that as a mere woman, she would only be ridiculed by the enemy on the battlefield, and even her mother thought so.

To prevent the Shen Family Army from falling into others’ hands, the Emperor decreed her marriage to Prince Rong.

A formidable general’s daughter, yet she could only wash her hands and cook, trapped in this inner courtyard for life.

And that armor, which she had intended to wear into battle, was carefully hung in her room, preserved and polished daily.

In my previous life, Su Wanrou always knew about this. Every time she saw this armor, she would come to my room to complain, saying that the Princess was crude and unwomanly, no wonder Father didn’t like her.

But I seemed to see a woman sitting high on a horse, showing no less bravery than a man. I also wanted to be such a woman.

“Please teach me martial arts, Mother.” I spoke eloquently, but she remained calm as still water, her movements never stopping.

I couldn’t discern her emotions, and I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous, thinking I might be pushing my luck.

Just as I was about to break the deadlock, I heard her say calmly, “Go stand in the sun for an incense stick first.”

My heart soared with joy. She had agreed.

From that day on, another task was added to my already complex studies.

Learning martial arts required stability. I never skipped a day. Even when it was windy or raining, I would go to the courtyard to practice my horse stance for an incense stick’s worth of time and perform a set of punches before stopping.

From sword manuals to fist manuals, from sharp swords to tasseled spears, the Princess taught me each one, helped me try each one, and helped me choose the most suitable weapon.

On the day I reached adulthood, she took out a cold, gleaming red tasseled spear from the storeroom. There was a small character “Luan” on it. I knew it was the Princess’s given name.

I kept the spear by my side, practicing in the courtyard every day, until one day I was practicing in the garden. As my movements flowed, leaves scattered, and spear blossoms instantly appeared.

Cheers erupted. I looked back in surprise, only to see a group of young ladies and gentlemen walking towards me, led by Su Wanrou.

I suddenly remembered that yesterday, with the peach blossoms in full bloom, Su Wanrou had sent out numerous invitations and hosted a banquet at the manor. These people must have come for the banquet today.

Su Wanrou wore a red dress, which made her skin appear fair and even more alluring, though her makeup could barely conceal her fatigue.

But the young masters from noble families surrounded her, constantly offering flattering compliments, which made Su Wanrou giggle continuously.

However, my spear dance captivated everyone present. They abandoned Su Wanrou and cheered for me.

“Miss’s spear dance is excellent; truly, a heroine among women.”

“She is truly a female hero; those delicate women probably can’t even keep up on horseback.”

What was said innocently was heard with intent. These words took on a different meaning in Su Wanrou’s ears. She glared at me, her eyes like poison, wishing she could devour me whole.

After speaking, they all came forward, asking me for guidance on spear techniques. Su Wanrou stood alone at the side, no longer having her previous smugness.

That day, the courtyard was a commotion. Several maids and governesses rushed into my room, led by the governess from Concubine Lin’s side.

“The concubine’s bracelet is missing. His Royal Highness has ordered this old servant to search every room.”

With that, before I could even speak, several maids rushed forward and searched my room. In a moment, they found a brocade box in the wardrobe, and inside was the jade bracelet.

The governess snorted coldly, sneering, “Hmph, someone, escort Miss to the main hall!”

Several maids brought me, escorting me to the main hall. Father sat on the high seat, beside him was a wailing Concubine Lin, and Su Wanrou knelt below, her eyes full of tears. When she saw me, her gaze darted away, “Sister, I’m sorry, I really didn’t want to expose you, but…”

“Rou’er, it’s come to this, and you’re still trying to cover for her? My child, how could your life be so bitter!”

Their crying and tones were remarkably similar, like a real mother and daughter, making it exceptionally comical.

Father picked up a teacup and smashed it at me. Tea and leaves clung to my forehead, dripping down my hair. “You wretch! To steal something, you dared to beat your sister? Do you have any respect for rules and decorum left in your eyes?!”

It was then I noticed the bruised marks on Su Wanrou’s arm. So that was it.

My eyes met Father’s. His eyes were full of disgust. I understood that this beating was inescapable.

In a wealthy family, every child had their purpose and would not be easily killed, but corporal punishment was common. Although I was fostered under the Princess, I was ultimately the daughter of a lowly maid, so there would be no leniency for me.

Concubine Lin cried heartbrokenly, kneeling at Father’s feet and wailing, “Your Royal Highness, this concubine believes she has treated Wanyu well. Whatever she wanted, she just had to ask, and this concubine would not refuse. But this item was a token of our love that you gave me years ago. She knew this concubine would not willingly give it away, so she even coerced Rou’er into doing such a disgusting thing. If this gets out, my Rou’er might be ruined!”

As she spoke emotionally, mother and daughter hugged each other, crying in a heap. Father’s gaze at me grew even darker, and he slammed the table.

“Guards! Drag this wretch away and give her twenty big planks! After that, throw her back to the Princess’s courtyard and let her see the good daughter she raised!”

Twenty planks wouldn’t be fatal, but it would mean not getting out of bed for two or three months. Just as I was thinking about how to break this situation, I heard a familiar voice.

“Wanyu is your humble servant’s daughter. How she should be punished should be decided by your humble servant.”

I turned back in disbelief. The Princess walked gracefully, came forward and helped me up, wiping the tea from my forehead with a handkerchief. Then she looked at Father and said, “Your Royal Highness, do you think what your humble servant says is right?”

Father’s gaze fell behind the Princess, his lips tightly pressed, no longer responding.

Concubine Lin, however, spoke up, “Wanyu is also Your Royal Highness’s daughter. Can Your Royal Highness not even discipline his own daughter? What kind of logic is that? The Princess must be abusing her power for personal gain!”

“Her hands and feet are not clean. If she behaves like this in front of outsiders, what face will the Prince’s manor have?”

Concubine Lin spoke nonchalantly, looking at the Princess disdainfully. For all these years, no matter how big or small the matter, as long as she spoke, Father always sided with her. Naturally, she wouldn’t take the Princess seriously.

The Princess gracefully sat down, playing with her fingernails, and said calmly, “A mere maid dares to shout in front of her master. Slap her mouth.”

Concubine Lin looked at her in disbelief, then at Father.

Father’s gaze remained fixed on the rows of well-trained guards outside the door. They all wore embroidered scarves on their arms, with a large character “Shen” that was hard to ignore. This was the Shen Family Army from back then.

I had always thought the Shen Family Army had been handed over to the imperial court, but I didn’t expect them to have remained by the Princess’s side as guards.

The governess didn’t hesitate, stepping forward and slapping her left and right. Soon, Concubine Lin’s delicate face was highly swollen, with traces of blood at the corners of her mouth. She looked at Father with tear-filled eyes. Father gritted his teeth and said, “Where do you, a concubine, have the right to speak here?”

The Princess’s gaze fell on Su Wanrou, “I heard the injuries on your body were all inflicted by Wanyu?”

Su Wanrou had already been stunned by the previous scene. Now, suddenly asked, she could only nod numbly.

“It’s rather interesting. On my way here, I happened to see Yunxia, your maid, leaving the manor with a package on her back. I specifically brought her here for you to bid farewell.”

With that, a disheveled woman was brought up, her lower body bloody and mangled. She could only crawl towards Su Wanrou with her hands, constantly mumbling.

“Miss… save me… save me…”

Su Wanrou was so frightened that she quickly backed away, shouting, “Don’t come closer, don’t come closer!”

The Princess took out a piece of paper from her sleeve and handed it to Father. It meticulously described how Su Wanrou’s injuries came about and how the bracelet was placed in my room. “Your Royal Highness has many complex matters, so your humble servant will handle these trifles.”

Father took the confession, clutching it tightly, veins bulging on the back of his hand. For the first time, he understood the Princess’s terrifying nature. For years, she had been secluded in a corner of the manor, silent, making Father long forget her true appearance.

Concubine Lin tried to argue again but was silenced by a single look from Father. He looked at the Princess and lightly coughed.

“Since all this was done by this maid, have her beaten to death with sticks.”

Su Wanrou had just breathed a sigh of relief when she heard the Princess rise and say calmly, “Your Royal Highness’s eyes are dim and cannot see the mastermind. Perhaps your humble servant should read it aloud for everyone to hear.”

Father quickly tried to stop her. He understood that if this matter spread, Su Wanrou’s reputation would be completely ruined.

“Guards, drag this rebellious daughter away and give her twenty big planks!”

The governess stepped forward and dragged Su Wanrou away. The guards by Father’s side personally carried out the punishment. Her cries soon echoed. The Princess did not linger long. After everything was settled, she took me back to her room.

“Do you think I’m foolish, being bullied by her in this manor for so many years?” The Princess sat by the brazier, burning sheets of scriptures.

I went forward and joined her in burning them. The flames danced in my eyes. “You don’t love Father, so naturally you don’t care about them.”

“But the deceased are gone. One must live for oneself, after all.” I remained silent for a long while, then, after burning the scriptures before me, I said calmly.

The Princess’s body stiffened, then she gave a bitter smile, “Yes, the deceased are gone.”

Back then, when old General Shen was still alive, he had a strategist by his side, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, an object of admiration for many women in the capital.

Among them was the Princess. That tasseled spear was personally polished by him and given to her before he went to war.

He said he would come to propose marriage after he established military merits.

But what came instead was the news of his death and that of her father and brother.

The Princess was heartbroken, wanting to rush to the battlefield to avenge her father and brother, and even more so to retrieve his body, but she failed.

So she copied scriptures every day, inscribing his name, praying for his happiness and well-being in the next life.

But all of this was pieced together from the governess and guards; I hadn’t witnessed it firsthand.

Until one day, the Princess had a fever and nightmares, and even the imperial physicians were helpless. In a daze, she gripped the governess’s hand as she fed her medicine and murmured, “You’ve finally come. For all these years, you never visited me in my dreams. I thought you resented me…”

I knew she had mistaken the person, and I also knew who she was thinking of. I picked up the tasseled spear and practiced in the courtyard all night long.

The spear whizzed, and the Princess’s breathing became steadier. The next day, her illness significantly improved.

It was then I realized that the knot in her heart had never dissipated.

Su Wanrou was back on her feet in just half a month, showing Father’s obvious favoritism.

I heard that the guard who carried out the punishment that day came from a family of jailers, possessing a special skill, which explained why Father had him personally administer the beating.

When I saw her again, Su Wanrou was much thinner than before, but her face still wore that smug expression.

“Hmph, Father’s heart is still with us. That old woman, no matter how fierce she is, is just a joke.”

These words quickly reached the Princess’s ears. She raised an eyebrow, looked out into the courtyard, and said calmly, “It’s time for a change in the weather.”

After autumn, the weather became unpredictable, but we knew it wasn’t just the outside weather that was changing, but the atmosphere of the Prince’s manor too.

After the last incident, Concubine Lin had been unusually quiet. Counting the days, the flower viewing banquet was approaching. In my previous life, it was at this banquet that I gained Fu Hengzhi’s favor.

As for me, I continued to study with the Princess. Now, I could not only manage shops independently and inspect estates, but the Princess even gave me two shops to practice on.

I looked at the stacks of land deeds and only then realized that these were all her dowry, completely unrelated to the Prince’s manor. I was somewhat shocked.

She saw my surprised expression, smiled, and poked my forehead, “What? Do you think I’ve spent these years just eating those books?”

I nodded numbly, listening to her instruct me on the intricacies.

I looked at her profile, always feeling something was different about her.

While I was burning the midnight oil calculating accounts, the adjacent courtyard was also burning the midnight oil learning music. Every night, the pipa music resonated through the beams. I wondered if Su Wanrou in this life had heard about the unsavory deeds of the concubine and Father.

During the day, I inspected shops, while Su Wanrou circulated among various banquets, gaining the admiration of many young gentlemen. They all said she was talented and beautiful, with a graceful waist. She didn’t know that these men would jokingly say in brothels, with a concubine like her, what more could a husband ask for?

You see, no one ever thought of marrying her home as the main wife, only wanted her as a beautiful concubine for pleasure.

Soon, the day of the flower viewing banquet arrived. Su Wanrou carried her pipa past me, her eyes dark circles. It seemed she had heard those things.

I couldn’t help but show a hint of pity, but she arched her brows and sneered, “Hmph, after today, I will be the general’s wife. How will you compare to me then!”

I looked at her, and after a moment, I spoke, “For the sake of our deceased birth mother, I advise you, don’t play ‘Red Zhao’s Wish’.”

She laughed even more wildly, “Hmph, don’t think I don’t know your plan. He’s mine!”

I looked at her arrogant back and shook my head. She was asking for it herself, it had nothing to do with me.

At the banquet, young ladies and gentlemen of noble families were seated. Fu Hengzhi’s face was stern, as if keeping everyone at a distance. When I saw him, I felt my blood surge, and the fear from my previous life returned, chilling me to the bone.

I forced myself to sit down, pretending to be calm. Su Wanrou swayed her waist and went on stage to play, her gaze occasionally darting towards Fu Hengzhi, alluring and captivating.

This piece was Concubine Lin’s masterpiece. Years ago, she gained fame and won over Father with this very piece. Therefore, she believed these young gentlemen would also fall into Su Wanrou’s hands. Indeed, that was the case, and Fu Hengzhi was the target she had chosen for Su Wanrou.

After the song ended, everyone present applauded loudly. She proudly raised an eyebrow at me, not noticing my discomfort.

The next day, Fu Hengzhi sent an invitation, inviting her for an outing. She dressed up beautifully and happily went.

But when she returned, she rushed into my room in a frenzy, screaming at me.

“Why didn’t you tell me!”

Yes, Fu Hengzhi was not as glamorous as he appeared on the surface.

He had a hidden ailment, he was impotent, which made his character gloomy. In the previous life, the song “Red Zhao’s Wish” did attract his attention, but more so because the male-female intimacy in the song pierced the pain in his heart. He found out about my situation in the Prince’s manor and invited me to his residence, where he abused me in the woods. But my stubborn nature refused to make a sound, which completely triggered his pathological psychology, and he came to propose marriage.

Concubine Lin also knew these hidden facts, which was why she chose Fu Hengzhi as my husband, betting that I would catch his eye.

I looked at her disheveled appearance, my gaze falling on the red marks on her neck, and slowly said.

“I did advise you. Fu Hengzhi was personally chosen by Concubine Lin for you. Do you think she wouldn’t know the intricacies of it? Even if she didn’t know, do you think she would refuse this marriage after you told her?”

She shook her head in disbelief, muttering, “No, she wouldn’t, Concubine Lin loves me so much, how could she!”

“You’re lying to me! If he was really like that, why did you still marry him in the previous life?!”

I scoffed, for a moment not knowing if she was truly foolish or feigning it.

“That day you came to my room, wanting me to die, yet you ignored my hands and feet tied under my wedding dress.”

“Speaking of which, I should thank you. If not for you, I might not have been adopted by the Princess and lived the way I am today.”

After hearing the truth, Su Wanrou still didn’t give up, running back to the courtyard to question Concubine Lin.

But Concubine Lin was best at acting, so she naturally appeased Su Wanrou gently, saying that Fu Hengzhi was not a good match and that she would find a better marriage for her in the future, coaxing her until she completely believed these lies.

But the next day, she secretly went to Fu Hengzhi’s manor to arrange the marriage. This marriage was quickly settled, and engagement gifts were sent one by one into the side courtyard. Su Wanrou finally realized she had been tricked, crying and making a scene every day, a lively spectacle.

Concubine Lin was selfish and wouldn’t let a piece of fat meat fly away, so she ordered Su Wanrou to be locked in the woodshed until the marriage was complete.

That night, I went to see Su Wanrou. Her cheeks were sunken, she was gaunt and skin and bones. I put down the food and turned to leave.

She called out to me in a hoarse voice, “Sister, why did you never speak of these grievances in the previous life?”

I paused, and said bitterly, “Every time I spoke two sentences, you would impatiently interrupt me, pouring out the hardships of the Princess’s courtyard to me. Before the wedding, I once gave you a letter, which not only contained the events that had happened over the years but also the silver notes I had saved, but you discarded them like worthless trash.”

“I told you, many times, it’s just that you didn’t care.”

With that, I walked out of the woodshed without looking back, feeling a hollow space in my heart.

After that day, Su Wanrou became docile and sensible. Not only did she willingly marry into the Fu family, but she also became exceptionally filial to Concubine Lin, obedient to her every word, and scented her inner garments fragrant and soft every day.

But under Su Wanrou’s gentle and considerate service, Concubine Lin’s temper grew increasingly irritable. Every night, she would have nightmares and scream, and gradually, Father stopped visiting her room.

The day before the wedding, Concubine Lin had an episode of hysteria, screaming and shouting in the courtyard, scratching her face until it was bloody. Su Wanrou went to comfort her, but Concubine Lin held her tightly. In their struggle, they accidentally knocked over a candle stand, and flames quickly rose. By the time the fire was extinguished, the room had become a ruin.

But these were merely the servants’ accounts.

I burned the letter Su Wanrou wrote to me in the incense burner. The truth of the matter had become unimportant.

This time, the border war came later than in the previous life, but Mongolia’s demands remained the same.

Choose a princess and send her to Mongolia for a political marriage. This marriage, not unexpectedly, once again fell upon the Prince’s manor.

This was the first time I saw the Princess in imperial attire. She carried the Shen Family Army’s token and General Shen’s memorial tablet, and went alone into the palace to meet the Emperor.

When she returned, however, the Emperor decreed war with Mongolia, and the Princess’s guards never reappeared.

I knew she had exchanged the Shen Family Army for me, and I couldn’t help but look at her with some guilt.

She chuckled, “How could I make a losing deal? Just you wait and see.”

After Father learned that the Shen Family Army was no longer in the manor, he eagerly came before the Princess to regain his dignity from that day.

But before he could say two sentences, he heard the eunuch beside the Emperor holding an imperial decree and shouting, “Imperial decree arrives!”

“Prince Rong and Princess Rong have been estranged for many years, which greatly pains Our heart. To allow old General Shen to rest in peace beneath the spring, We have decided to command the two to divorce. From this day forward, male and female marry, and have no further connection.”

Father took the imperial decree, reading it again and again in disbelief. He looked at the Princess and angrily said, “You dared to divorce! Mother-in-law will not agree!”

“What does her agreement have to do with anything? Do you intend to defy the imperial decree?” she said with an indifferent expression.

Father’s face turned red with anger, yet he was helpless. He could only watch as the Princess and I left.

Father was originally a profligate prince. The Prince Rong’s manor had long been empty in appearance due to his mismanagement. When the Princess was there, she could still support it somewhat, but after the Princess left, the servants from the brothels and courtesans demanding payment surrounded the manor, causing Father to fall ill with anger.

The servants and concubines in the manor, seeing that Father’s power was gone, hastily gathered their contracts and valuable items and fled. By the time Father woke up, the manor was already empty, not a single person in sight.

The Princess and I laughed uncontrollably when we heard this amusing story on the boat. She poked my head and playfully chided.

“How can you mock your own father! No manners.”

I, however, said carelessly, “Since I am not born of him, nor raised by him, why can I not laugh?”

“If you follow me from now on, you will no longer be a noble lady of the Prince’s manor. Do you resent me?” she asked tentatively after a long period of contemplation.

I smiled towards the sky, and said confidently.

“Who wants to be a troublesome young lady of the Prince’s manor? I want to be the wealthiest woman, just like Mother.”