Novel 王妃渴望復仇 Wangfei's Desire for Revenge

Chapter 20 Part One

Spoiler

“No!” cried Zhao shi, falling weakly to her knees.

Su Jing Fei watched as the various members of the Feng family displayed their emotions from hearing the news. There was despair, confusion, and anger. Su Jing Fei felt her own confliction of emotions; this was the result that she had intended but at a cost much greater than she had anticipated. Her conscience was filled with guilt at the thought of a young woman like Feng Eu Mei experiencing her first time in such a public and humiliating display like this. Su Jing Fei has only intended for the two to be found in bed together; this alone was enough for them to marry. But what had gone wrong? Was it the drugs she gave them? The dosage of the sleeping pills was just supposed to be enough to make then sleep hard for a half hour. Then it would be flushed out of the system before the doctor could even examine them. However, could it be the fact that Hou gongzi was intoxicated? Was the effectiveness of the sleeping pills lessened by the alcohol? She didn’t know. She hadn’t anticipated this situation and had only kept a few drugs on her for defensive use against the Feng family’s schemes, but now, she was experiencing the full unintentional result of her revenge; the complete humiliation of a member of the Feng family. But what good was this revenge against a child who knew no better? It was Feng Ruo Qian who had killed her brother and mother, and although the Feng family must surely know of his crimes, should they be also held responsible for them? Su Jing Fei felt her conviction waver. What sacrifices must be made for her to exact her revenge?

“Your highness, please seek justice for my daughter!” Feng Ruo Qian shouted as he kneeled before Li Wei Sheng; his face was red with anger. Feng Ru Weng also dropped to his knees before the imperial prince, a mixture of emotions apparent on his face.

“This imperial prince shall hear your words,” Li Wei Sheng said calmly as he seated himself before then. “What does the Feng family wish to do?”

Feng Ruo Zhang gestured to the servants. “Bring in the Hou gongzi!” A few minutes later, the young disheveled man was dragged into the hall, looking quite sobered and scared. “Speak! Explain yourself!” commanded Feng Ruo Zhang as the young man was made to stand before them.

The Hou gongzi’s eyes darted before the people present, landing on Li Wei Sheng’s figure. He quickly prostrated himself before the imperial prince. “This lowly one greets the imperial prince! I am Hou Jian Yu, eldest son of the Hou family in Fuo Alan!” He greeted himself properly, but his next words were a plea of innocence. “This lowly one has been forcibly detained and accused of crimes that one is innocent of! Will the imperial prince please seek the truth in the matter?”

“What truth!?” spat Feng Ruo Qian as he pointed an accusing finger at Hou Jian Yu. "Your irresponsible behavior resulted in the loss of Feng Eu Mei's purity!"

“My feelings for Feng Eu Mei are nothing but love and respect!” Hou Jian Yu replied as he remained in a prostrated position. “However, whatever actions this one has done while drunk are another matter, and I will take full responsibility for my actions. This one promises the Feng family and the imperial prince that he shall take good care of Feng Eu Mei for the rest of this one’s life!”

Li Wei Sheng nodded his head approvingly at Hou Jian Yu’s words. “A man must definitely take responsibility for his actions. This one has heard your words and adds to your proposal. For the crime of taking Feng Eu Mei’s purity before the night of marriage, you shall double the dowry and spend an hour each day for fifteen days kneeling before your ancestral hall to atone for your unfilial actions upon impugning the honor of your ancestors.” Li Wei Sheng turned to the Feng family, speaking directly to Feng Ruo Qian. “Does does the first master accept this proposal?”

Feng Ruo Qian grit his teeth, wanting to argue, but he knew that this was most likely the best result for his daughter now that her purity had been taken. Just as he was about to accept the proposal, a loud shrill voice interrupted him.

“This lowly one hopes the imperial prince shall seek justice for this one!” cried Feng Eu Mei as she stepped forward, her eyes burning with rage in Su Jing Fei’s direction. Her whole life had been dedicated towards becoming the wangfei of an imperial prince’s household, but now her future has been reduced to being the furen of a lowly official’s son! How can she just abandon her hatred and accept this fate quietly?

“What justice does the Feng xiaojie wish to seek?” asked Li Wei Sheng in a low voice; however, his eyes flickered to Su Jing Fei’s quiet and calm presence at the corner of the room.

“This lowly one accuses Su Jing Fei of drugging me and scheming with Hou Jian Yu to get me to marry him!” Feng Eu Mei declared in an angry voice before turning to Su Jing Fei with a dirty look. “You did this to me!”

Su Jing Fei kept her gaze trained on Feng Eu Mei, watching the young girl closely. Yes, it was definitely Su Jing Fei who had caused Feng Eu Mei to lose her virginity, whether she had intended for it or not. Despite this guilt causing her conviction to waver, Su Jing Fei’s responsibility to protect her sister far outweighed anything else. She couldn’t allow for herself to be put in a vulnerable position. Her eyes flickered to Li Wei Sheng.

“What does the Su xiaojie have to say about this matter?” Li Wei Sheng asked calmly, watching the young woman’s piercing cold eyes turn to him.

“This lowly one has never met nor spoken to Hou Jian Yu,” Su Jing Fei replied with a respectful bow. “Feng xiaojie is mistaken in her accusations.” She turned to Feng Eu Mei, bowing politely.

“You drugged my water!” Feng Eu Mei argued, shaking an accusing finger at Su Jing Fei. “You did this to me! You and Hou Jian Yu want to see me suffer!”

“That’s not true!” interrupted Hou Jian Yu as he stepped forward in Feng Eu Mei’s direction, throwing a pleading look in her direction. “This one only wishes to see Feng xiaojie’s happiness! This one was truly happy to have heard from Feng xiaojie tonight!”

“Lies! Everything!” cried Feng Eu Mei as anger, frustration, and despair flickered in her expression. She suddenly ran forward in Su Jing Fei’s direction, anger burning in her eyes.

Pa! A resounding slap sound echoed in the hall, gathering everyone’s attention.

“Mei’er!” Zhao shi sobbed as she moved quickly to her daughter’s side. Feng Eu Mei was seated on the floor, her face burning from the heat of her cheek. She clutched her face, tears streaming down her face as she gave a look of confusion.

“Disgraceful,” muttered Feng Ruo Zhang, his eyes were dark as he looked down on his granddaughter. “Do you still wish to act like a child forever?”

Feng Eu Mei was speechless. No one had hit her before, not even her father. The Feng family has always doted on her, but she saw now that they only favored her for her potential to rise on the wings of a phoenix. Now that she had lost her purity and her opportunity, she was no longer an asset to the Feng family. Her fate was sealed. There was nothing she could do now.

Su Jing Fei quietly watched the family displays before her. The Feng family could hide this humiliation by marrying Feng Eu Mei off to Hou Jian Yu. In the end, although she had achieved a form of revenge upon Feng Ruo Qian, Su Jing Fei had also sacrificed Feng Eu Mei in the process. In the modern world, they’d call it ‘an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.’ This was the only way to protect herself and her sister. It had to be done. However, she furrowed her brows slightly as she watched Feng Eu Mei resign to her fate.

The matter settled quite quickly after the outburst. Feng Ruo Qian accepted Hou Jian Yu’s proposal along with the imperial prince’s blessing for the two’s marriage. Feng Ru Weng followed his father out the door with Hou Jian Yu as Feng Eu Mei was escorted out by Zhao shi and the Feng Lao Furen. Su Jing Fei caught a glare from the two older women as they passed her. It was left to Feng Ruo Zhang to see Li Wei Sheng and Su Jing Fei out the door. Without even a passing glance in Li Wei Sheng's direction, Su Jing Fei entered her carriage with Yize at her side.

Once the carriage started rolling on its path home, Su Jing Fei stared out the window and watched the passing scenery. Yize knew something was off with her xiaojie, but she didn’t know how to start the conversation; so she sat in their comfortable silence until Su Jing Fei spoke up first. “Have I done a bad thing?” murmured the young woman, furrowing her brows slightly. Ever since Su Jing Fei had entered this world, she’d done nothing but try to survive. Now that she was starting to fight back against those who wronged her, the revenge felt differently than she had imagined. It felt more and more like she was destroying the chances for her and her sister to live a peaceful life.

Yize was surprised at her xiaojie’s question, not sure of how to answer her. After awhile, she still couldn’t seem to find an answer, but it seemed like her xiaojie had taken the silence as an answer itself. The rest of the ride home was quiet and calm as they slowly returned to Mudan-Yu.

 

Chapter 20 Part Two

Spoiler

The next few days, Su Jing Fei and Da Chun spent their time quietly in Fuo Lan as the former teached the latter a bit more about the knowledge of running businesses. Su Jing Fei found herself wanting to spend many days with her sister peacefully, and it seemed that Da Chun was quite content with this as well. However, an unexpected visitor interrupted their short-lived peace. A messenger from the Feng family came bearing an invitation to Feng Eu Mei and Hou Jian Yu’s wedding.

“Send a letter of acceptance back to the Feng family,” Su Jing Fei ordered Zihuan. “Also send the wedding gifts to the Feng and Hou residences.” Su Jing Fei had known that the Feng family would probably expedite the wedding in case Feng Eu Mei had fallen pregnant by any chance, so she had prepared the gift soon after the spring festival celebrations. Although her businesses were not luxurious by any means, Su Jing Fei had prepared a set of delicately ornate floral hair pins for Feng Eu Mei and also included two cuts of medium-grade cloth for the new couple to make summer clothes from.

Once Zihuan left with the messenger, Su Jing Fei returned to embroidering handkerchiefs with Da Chun. Da Chun was quite skilled at shaping the thread into beautiful intricate designs while Su Jing Fei found her own creativity to be lacking in comparison.

“Jie jie is too serious,” laughed Da Chun as she watched her older sister concentrating at the needle and cloth in her hands. “Just imagine a pretty image in your head and relax. Your hands already know how to sew; let them do the work for you.”

Su Jing Fei shook her head with a smile. “It is a good thing you’re not a teacher,” teased Su Jing Fei with a laugh. “That advice isn’t helpful to someone as uncreative as I am!”

The two young women laughed together, making for a very happy sight for the four yatou who watched them. Yize had never seen her xiaojie look so happy and relaxed. The rest of the afternoon was spent peacefully as Su Jing Fei taught Da Chun some reading and writing Chinese characters. Once night fell, the two bid goodnight and left to their respective courtyards. Yize helped Su Jing Fei settle down for the night, but instead of a bath, Su Jing Fei let Yize help her wash her hands and feet before settling into the bed. On her way out, Yize extinguished the candles in the room. A single candle was left lit at Su Jing Fei’s bedside.

Shadows were cast upon the walls of the room, moving with every flicker of the candle’s flame. Su Jing Fei listened for Yize’s soft footsteps moving away from the door of her room. As the silence of night filled the air, Su Jing Fei quietly sat up and got out of the bed. Moving to the window, Su Jing Fei pushed open the wooden shutters. A cool breeze drifted into the room, and Su Jing Fei turned to address the darkness in her room. “This lowly one would prefer to not be watched in the comfort of one’s own home,” spoke Su Jing Fei in a cold voice. “Please kindly remove yourself from my room.”

There was a moment of silence before a soft chuckle came from the shadows. “This imperial prince is quite amazed at Su xiaojie’s perceptiveness,” Li Wei Sheng replied in an amused tone as he stepped into the candlelight. He looked quite comfortable as he strolled through the room, settling into a chair. “It seems that my hidden guards were not lying when they said that you were able to seemingly detect their presence. This one has terribly underestimated Su xiaojie.”

Su Jing Fei remained near the window, watching Li Wei Sheng’s every move closely. “If the imperial prince wishes to have meaningless conversations, one could have come during the day like any other normal person.”

“But what would it mean for an imperial prince to visit the residence of a young unmarried xiaojie in the daytime?” Li Wei Sheng’s words were teasing, but his eyes seemed quite sharp as they kept a firm hold on Su Jing Fei. “The news would probably spread to the imperial city in a day by the mouth of gossiping old furens.”

“So visiting a young unmarried xiaojie in the cover of night is better than during the day?” Su Jing Fei replied, a bit of annoyance in her tone.

“Exactly.” Li Wei Sheng smiled, clearing enjoying the trouble he made for her. “There’s no one to talk if there’s no one to see or know. But these what ifs are too boring to discuss. Let us talk about more important matters.” He gestured for Su Jing Fei to sit at the chair across from him.

Realizing she couldn’t convince him to leave her anytime soon, Su Jing Fei closed the window to her room and returned to the bed where she sat comfortably at its edge. “And what important matters does the imperial prince wish to speak to me about?”

There was a glint in Li Wei Sheng’s eye as he looked at Su Jing Fei. “Can Su xiaojie enlighten this imperial prince as to why the Feng family wishes to see you either humiliated or dead?”

“If the imperial prince wishes to know the Feng family’s intent, then why not seek the Feng family for answers?” Su Jing Fei replied calmly, unperturbed by Li Wei Sheng’s piercing stare.

He watched her closely, gauging her reactions and trying to find out the truth behind that calm facade. However, it seemed impenetrable. For now, he’d have to concede. “This one will trade answers for answers. How about that?”

Su Jing Fei thought about it for a moment. It seemed that Li Wei Sheng didn’t bear any ill intent towards her for now. If, for whatever reason, she could have some assistance from Li Wei Sheng’s acquaintance, then it’d be best to learn as much as she can from him as well. “Very well then,” Su Jing Fei agreed with a nod of her head. “This one will answer truthfully to a question after receiving an answer first.”

“Go ahead.” Li Wei Sheng’s smile lifted into a grin.

“Why was the imperial prince at Xia-Wu that night?” Su Jing Fei asked. She knew it probably had something to do with the Emperor’s task that Li Wei Sheng was carrying out. She was actually quite curious about the matter.

“To investigate possible illegal activities,” Li Wei Sheng answered without a hint of hesitation. “Why was Su xiaojie at Xia-Wu?”

“To find someone,” Su Jing Fei replied, leaning comfortably against the head of the bed as she contemplated Li Wei Sheng’s words. If Li Wei Sheng was investigating illegal activities on the Emperor’s behalf, it was no wonder that Li Wei Sheng had made himself scarce in the official court while spending time travelling throughout Chu. However, she hadn’t anticipated Li Wei Sheng giving up this information so easily. “Is the imperial prince also investigating the Feng family in relation to the matter?”

“Yes,” Li Wei Sheng said easily as he leaned back into his chair. The candlelight shifted the shadows on his face, highlighting his sharp jaw and handsome appearance. His calm attitude added an air of comfortable mystery to his persona, but Su Jing Fei was more intrigued by the way he carried himself. Such a black-bellied character was quite similar to herself in a sense. She could respect the calm, effortless, and efficient way he handled matters. “Who is Su xiaojie searching for?”

Su Jing Fei hesitated answering. Although she had anticipated the question, it still threw her off. She didn’t quite know if she could trust Li Wei Sheng exactly, but he had been quite forthcoming with his answers. So far, he’d spared her life and also settled the matter of the lake incident. She was quite aware that she was in his debt, so she could only respond to his truthfulness with her own. “My sister,” murmured Su Jing Fei in a soft voice. “I was searching for my sister.”

 

Thank you so much for the update.. i really really like your story and will continue be a fan . Hope you are better though. Keep healthy

 

Thanks for your support! I’m working on getting back to good health, so right now the story is a bit behind in schedule. But I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the story! Thank you for reading!

 

take your time to rest. Get well soon!!

 

Current 2 week hiatus with infrequent updates until I can sort some stuff out irl. Thanks for everyone's patience!

 

Chapter 21 Part One

Spoiler

“Sister?” The shadows across Li Wei Sheng’s face flickered with the candlelight, highlighting his furrowed brows and deep black eyes.

“Yes,” replied Su Jing Fei in a calm tone. Her eyes were focused on Li Wei Sheng, gauging the latter’s reaction. “My full-blood sister. Not like Su Mei Rong.” She took a breath before continuing to speak, contemplating her words carefully. “The Feng family took my family from me. It was only natural that I take her back.”

Li Wei Sheng was quiet as he processed Su Jing Fei’s words. He seemed thoughtful but not surprised. “The Feng family have done many terrible things with their power,” Li Wei Sheng spoke in a low voice. “However, they’ve survived this long. It is best not to underestimate them.” After investigating the officials of Fuo Lan for awhile, he knew just how deep the corruption ran in this city.

“This one thanks the imperial prince for his concern, but to protect one’s own family, the imperial prince must be aware of the sacrifices to be made.” Su Jing Fei replied coldly. Although her conviction to enact revenge on the Feng family wavered, she never doubted her responsibility to protect her sister, even at the cost of another person’s life.

Li Wei Sheng stared into Su Jing Fei’s black eyes as the two individuals felt at an impasse in their conversation. They both knew the others’ motivations now, and they both were well aware that the enemy of one’s enemy could be today’s ally. Even if they couldn’t exactly trust one another just yet. “I’ll be taking my leave then,” spoke Li Wei Sheng, and Su Jing Fei merely watched as the man left as quietly as he had come. He was definitely a dangerous man; he could kill her anytime he wanted to. She was well aware of this fact. But for now, their motivations aligned against the Feng family, and their careful relationship would have to be mutually maintained towards a common goal. Su Jing Fei just wasn’t sure exactly how she could be a benefit to Li Wei Sheng alive, but it must surely have something to do with bringing out the Feng family’s crimes to light.

It was a few more days of peace for Su Jing Fei and Da Chun before Feng Eu Mei’s wedding took place. Yize and Si Qiang would accompany Su Jing Fei like last time. Da Chun was quite worried for her sister who seemed to always be walking straight into danger at every moment. “Please promise me you’ll be careful,” spoke Da Chun in a quiet voice as she helped her sister get ready for the wedding. “Do you have to go?”

“Yes, I have to,” replied Su Jing Fei with a small smile. “If the Feng family thinks they can scare us into submission, then there’ll be no peaceful days for us.” She took the young girl’s hands gently into her own. “How about we go somewhere after this? Would you like to take a trip somewhere?”

Da Chun’s eyes sparkled just a bit at the idea of travelling since the young girl had never left Fuo Lan her entire life. She nodded excitedly, smiling widely at Su Jing Fei who laughed at the young girl’s enthusiasm. “It’s a promise then! I’ll take you on a trip somewhere after I come back.” Su Jing Fei promised with a smile.

Su Jing Fei finished getting ready for the wedding, wearing simple robes and a simple hairstyle with a few of the dagger ornaments pinning her hair in place. Yize and Su Jing Fei boarded the carriage as Da Chun and the other three yatou bid them farewell at the gates of Mudan-Yu. Si Qiang started the carriage along its path, heading to the Hou residence where the wedding would take place. The journey was quiet and quick, and once they arrived, a crowd had already begun to form outside. Su Jing Fei exited the carriage near the women’s entrance into the backyard where most of the women would be in attendance until the wedding actually began.

The crowd bustled around her, talking excitedly about Feng Eu Mei’s sudden marriage to Hou Jian Yu. There were gossips and whispers about premarital relations, but Su Jing Fei turned a deaf ear to those rumors and kept walking into the moving crowd. Everyone was seated while waiting for Feng Eu Mei’s sedan to arrive at the Hou residence. In the meantime, men and women celebrated the joyous occasion separately, and Su Jing Fei quietly sipped her wine as the minutes passed by.

“Wan’er!” shouted a young woman’s voice. Su Jing Fei glanced to the side, taking in the sight of a young woman scolding a young child who looked quite ruffled up. The young boy was covered in mud as though he had been playing in dirt. The young woman gave an exasperated sigh while scolding the young boy. “How did you get this dirty? What will you do when mother sees you?” She bent down to wipe away the young boy’s dirty face with her handkerchief.

“But my toy is missing!” argued the young child, though he seemed to resign to sadness as his older sister wiped the grime off his face to reveal tears. “It was my favorite toy…”

Su Jing Fei was reminded of Mingyu’s crying face, and she felt just a little bit saddened at not having been able to see the young boy in awhile. Getting up from her seat, Su Jing Fei quietly made her way over to the crying young boy and his flustered older sister. “This one can’t help but overhear. Please pardon my rudeness,” spoke Su Jing Fei with a warm smile as she approached the sibling pair. “This one happened to have candies in my handbag.” She took off the small purse on her waist, reaching in and taking out three small sugar candies that she’d gotten from the store earlier that day when she and Da Chun had visited the morning market.

“Oh no, thank your kindness, but…” The young woman looked surprised at Su Jing Fei’s sudden appearance.

“Candy!” The young boy’s eyes sparkled at the sight of the sugar candies in Su Jing Fei’s hand; the sadness of his lost toy was all but forgotten for the moment.

Su Jing Fei chuckled lightly at the young boy’s candid enthusiasm for candies, holding them out for the young boy to take. “Would you like some candies?”

“Thank you!” spoke the young boy excitedly as he wiped away his tears with the sleeve of his robe, reaching out to take the three small candies from Su Jing Fei. He gave her a cheeky smile before popping one into his mouth.

The sister sighed at her younger brother’s rudeness, turning to Su Jing Fei with a respectful bow. “This lowly one thanks Su xiaojie for her kindness. I am Sun Xue Qin, da xiaojie of the city justice official’s family. This is my younger brother Sun Rong Wan. I believe you’ve met our father before.”

Su Jing Fei was surprised at the sudden acquaintance with the children of Sun Rong Shu; she hadn’t expected them to appear at Feng Eu Mei’s wedding. However, it made sense that the Hou residence wouldn’t be able to avoid inviting the city justice official’s family unlike the Feng family; especially since they were of a lower ranking noble family to the Sun family. “This one is happy to help.” replied Su Jing Fei with a smile. She invited them to sit with her for awhile, in which Sun Xue Qin accepted while her younger brother happily ate the candies. They chatted a bit about Fuo Lan before a servant came announcing Feng Eu Mei’s arrival at the Hou residence.

 

Chapter 21 Part Two

Spoiler

There were the ancient traditions of kicking down the sedan door, and everyone looked very cheerful and excited as Hou Jian Yu led the new bride inside. People trailed after them, congratulating the two. As the proper festivities began, Sun Xue Qin left with Sun Rong Wan to find their mother and take their seats. Su Jing Fei bid them a friendly farewell, but it wasn’t long before another person came to keep her a bit of company.

“Doesn’t Su xiaojie wish to see the happy couple?” Came a familiar voice from behind her.

Su Jing Fei made no effort to follow the crowd when she knew that they were heading to the nuptial chambers, but she did get up and perform a respectful bow before Li Wei Sheng. “This lowly one greets the imperial prince.”

“At ease,” replied Li Wei Sheng. The corner of his lip lifted in a small grin. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“This one has no interest in seeing such a performance,” Su Jing Fei said honestly. Her eyes followed the red figure who was led further into the household. She knew from the ancient customs that Feng Eu Mei and Hou Jian Yu would perform three bows; one for the heaven and earth, the second was for the parents, and the third was for each other. Then Feng Eu Mei’s red veil would be removed by her new husband. She would proceed to sit in the nuptial chambers as Hou Jian Yu drank merrily. These customs she was familiar with; both from her own knowledge and the original Su Jing Fei’s many memories of preparing for her wedding to the third prince. She didn’t like the latter thought very much. “I’m only here to show face.”

Together, the two quietly watched the crowd bustle away. “It is good that Feng Eu Mei has married into another household,” Li Wei Sheng said suddenly. There was a hint of warning in his next words. “The Feng family’s fate does not hold good fortunes.”

“Is it better to marry someone against your will to save yourself or suffer with the rest of your family?” Su Jing Fei mused thoughtfully, not really expecting an answer from Li Wei Sheng.

He looked at the young woman beside him, contemplating her strange questions and thoughts. She was truly brave to speak to him so freely, even going against him at times. However, looking upon her now, her physical appearance was nothing extraordinary. She had plain features, simple and easy to look at. However, it was the way she carried herself that exuded a refined aura; the way she walked and moved with grace lifted her up above the rest. There was no doubt that she was a well-bred young woman, but the unyielding nature of her demeanor was quite fascinating to Li Wei Sheng as well. Perhaps, in the future, she could prove to be quite a useful ally against the third prince Chen Hui Zhe.

Su Jing Fei felt Li Wei Sheng’s probing eyes give her a head-to-toe onceover; her eyes narrowed in his direction. However, before she could say anything, a yatou appeared before them. “This lowly one greets the imperial prince and Su xiaojie. Please forgive this lowly one’s rudeness. The Furen requests Su xiaojie’s presence.”

“Of course, please excuse me, imperial prince.” Su Jing Fei bowed respectfully to Li Wei Sheng before she followed the young yatou away and further into the Hou residence. They walked briskly past the crowd of men who drank merrily, and Su Jing Fei could see Hou Jian Yu blissfully drunk in the middle of it. That young master definitely had a weakness for alcohol.

However, no one paid them any mind as they slipped past the crowd and went even further into the courtyard. A row of yatou stood guard near one house in particular, but instead of going through the front, Su Jing Fei was led to a side entrance and into a waiting room.

“Su xiaojie looks well today,” spoke a familiar voice. “This one did not think that Su xiaojie would come. Of course, Su xiaojie probably didn’t expect to be summoned by me.”

Su Jing Fei’s eyes followed Feng Eu Mei’s entrance from the doorway to the seat across from her. The young woman wore a beautifully embroidered red dress; her hair was adorned in gold pins of various designs. Her slim face was padded down with white powder, making Feng Eu Mei appear ethereally pale against the red of her wedding clothes. Su Jing Fei had suspected that the ‘Furen’ requesting her presence was the new Hou Furen and not Hou Jian Yu’s mother. She was actually quite surprised that Feng Eu Mei sought her out. “This one gives her congratulations to Feng xiaojie.” Su Jing Fei greeted her politely.

“This one is no longer a xiaojie,” Feng Eu Mei replied with just a hint of anger. But it was carefully concealed behind a small smile. “It’s Hou Furen from now on.”

“Yes, please forgive my rudeness, Hou Furen.” Su Jing Fei corrected herself upon Feng Eu Mei’s words.

Feng Eu Mei sat quietly in her seat as her eyes sharply observed Su Jing Fei’s every move. “This one must thank Su xiaojie. It is due to your expertise that I am to be married today to Hou Jian Yu.”

Su Jing Fei gave a polite smile, relaxing into her chair as her hands carefully folded on top of her lap. “Hou Furen jests. This one does not know of what expertise that Hou Furen speaks of.” If Feng Eu Mei wanted to dance around the topic, throwing veiled insults and threats at each other, then Su Jing Fei could do this all day. Feng Eu Mei clearly knew the truth; her scheme had backfired against herself and now she was marrying the Hou gongzi instead of Su Jing Fei in a scandalous quick marriage.

Feng Eu Mei’s eyes narrowed in Su Jing Fei’s direction, her lips pursing slightly. “Su xiaojie is really ambitious. Just because you were once engaged to Chen Hui Zhe, you believe that you possess the fate of the phoenix. But the imperial prince is not the kind of man who will fall for your facades.”

It seemed that Feng Eu Mei possessed some kind of impression that Su Jing Fei had her eyes on Li Wei Sheng. But her motivations were not that shallow. “Hou Furen is mistaken. This one does not care for phoenixes. They may shine brightly, but that light is like a flicker in the darkness. Quick and fleeting.” Su Jing Fei did not desire to marry or become a ‘phoenix’ of this lifetime; not to Chen Hui Zhe nor to Li Wei Sheng. Her only true desire was to protect her sister.

“Hmph,” Feng Eu Mei looked annoyed at Su Jing Fei’s answer, but she spoke no further on the topic. Instead, she turned in her chair, facing Su Jing Fei head on. “But of course, Su xiaojie has other ambitions, isn’t that right?”

Su Jing Fei’s eyes darkened at Feng Eu Mei’s mysterious words, but she did not respond, merely sitting quietly as they both studied the other with an intense gaze. The sound of cheers and growing voices caused Feng Eu Mei to grow a bit antsy, and she finally broke the silence to speak once again. “Su xiaojie, you may think that you are cunning and invincible as the da xiaojie of the Right Prime Minister’s family. And you may be right.” Feng Eu Mei sudden smiled, baring a bit of her teeth as though she was a bit excited. “But that does not mean that the people around you are just as cunning and invincible.”

 

Chapter 22 Part One

Spoiler

Su Jing Fei felt her heart tremble at those words. Feng Eu Mei couldn’t possibly mean…!? “This one does not seem to understand Hou Furen’s words.” Su Jing Fei replied calmly, but her posture stiffened slightly. She looked at Feng Eu Mei with eyes cold and dark.

Feng Eu Mei felt Su Jing Fei’s imposing aura and the hardness in her words, and the young woman knew she had struck a sore spot. “It seems Su xiaojie is not as clever as one would think.”

There was no doubt about it now. Feng Eu Mei was clearly talking about Da Chun, making threats towards her sister. However, the matters were serious now. If Feng Eu Mei had the bravery to make such threats towards Su Jing Fei, then the Feng family must be planning to use Da Chun in their revenge! “It seems that Hou Furen is quite confident today,” Su Jing Fei spoke in a calm tone, rising from her seat. “But one must remember the results of yesterday’s efforts.” Meaning Feng Eu Mei should be careful with her words and threats; if she tries to scheme against Su Jing Fei, she might end up in a worse situation. Before Feng Eu Mei could say anything else, Su Jing Fei bowed politely and excused herself.

“You’ll regret what you did to me, Su Jing Fei!” were Feng Eu Mei’s last words as Su Jing Fei left.

But instead of causing hesitation, the threat urged Su Jing Fei to move even quicker. Her steps were light and fast as she made her way out of the courtyard and headed towards the entrance to the Hou residence. Even though the celebrations were still underway, Su Jing Fei could not stand to stay any longer. Something about Feng Eu Mei’s confidence caused Su Jing Fei’s heart to feel uneasy, and she needed to get home as fast as she could. She had to make sure that Da Chun was safe.

“Da xiaojie is everything alright?” Yize spoke hastily as she scurried alongside Su Jing Fei. “What happened?”

“We must get home,” Su Jing Fei spoke in a low voice. Her breathing quickened with her steps. “Quickly!”

Si Qiang came by with the carriage as Su Jing Fei waited impatiently. She didn’t even bother to have Si Qiang help her up into the carriage, and instead, pulled open the door and got in herself. She pulled Yize in without much effort, slamming the door behind them. “We must depart quickly to Mudan-Yu!” Si Qiang heard the sharpness and urgent tone in Su Jing Fei’s voice, so he rode forward more quickly than normal.

“Da xiaojie, what did they say to you?” Yize asked worriedly, checking over Su Jing Fei’s body to make sure her xiaojie was physically uninjured. She had never seen her xiaojie so unsettled before. But Su Jing Fei merely shook her head, furrowing her brows as a million scenarios played through her mind. Please, please let Da Chun be alright. Let her be unharmed.

As soon as Si Qiang pulled up to Mudan-Yu, Su Jing Fei flung open the door and jumped out. No one greeted her at the entrance, but the guards stepped aside as she pushed her way inside the front gates to Mudan-Yu. She headed straight for Da Chun’s courtyard. The servants bowed and greeted her as she passed, but she paid no mind to them. Finally reaching Da Chun’s courtyard, Su Jing Fei flung open the doors and stormed her way into Da Chun’s room. There was no one there. A dark feeling sunk into Su Jing Fei’s stomach.

“Da xiaojie?” came Xiao Chen’s voice from behind her. “This lowly one welcomes you home. However, is xiaojie feeling alright? Yize came running to me because she is worried for you.”

“Where is Da Chun?” Su Jing Fei demanded, turning to look at Xiao Chen with an unexpected harshness in her tone and expression.

Xiao Chen was surprised at her xiaojie’s sudden change in demeanor. “T-They went out shopping.” stuttered Xiao Chen, taking an unconscious step back from her xiaojie.

Before Su Jing Fei could inquire more, there were loud voices coming from outside. One of them sounded like Mu Tan’s voice! Rushing outside, Su Jing Fei ran to take a look at the commotion and found a shocking scene in front of Da Chun’s courtyard. Mu Tan’s heavily injured body was being supported by Yize and Dongfan; blood trickled down a cut on her face, and she was covered in dirt and wounds.

Su Jing Fei felt her fingers grow cold and numb. “What happened, Mu Tan?”

The older woman looked at Su Jing Fei with a pained expression, pushing forward and away from the support of the other two yatou as she fell to her knees before her da xiaojie. “This lowly one could not protect Da Chun! This lowly one deserves death!” Her cries struck Su Jing Fei like cold water. She knew her worst fears had come true.

“All of you, take Mu Tan to go rest. Call a doctor if you must.” Su Jing Fei turned to leave, walking with heavy yet quick steps as she went to find the one person who could give her answers. The servants were shocked to see their xiaojie’s terrible expression; a mask of rage and despair that Su Jing Fei could not keep off her face as she searched through Mudan-Yu. It was finally in a distant courtyard where she finally found him.

“Da xiaojie, you’ve returned home!” spoke Zihuan in a surprised voice as he pulled his clothes back together. An unfamiliar servant girl blushed and composed herself before Su Jing Fei, but the latter had no time to deal with her.

“Leave us,” commanded Su Jing Fei to the servant girl. The young woman scurried away with a fearful expression, only glancing back once at the two before she disappeared from their sight. Su Jing Fei’s eyes narrowed, and she tried to recompose herself but her fists could not unclench. “Where is Da Chun?”

Zihuan gave a look of surprise, as though he was genuinely shocked that Su Jing Fei would question him. “T-This lowly one doesn’t know what da xiaojie is speaking of…”
“Wrong answer,” Su Jing Fei’s eyes flashed with anger. She pulled out one of the pins in her hair, revealing the small dart knife that had been concealed as a hair ornament. With a flick of her wrist, she threw the dart in Zihuan’s direction, piercing the wood just right beside his head. She had no martial arts skills, but her modern life had taught her a few worthwhile skills. Playing darts and knife throwing were valuable entertainment displays that always impressed the foreigners who visited her inn with the idea of a mystical fantastical Chinese world. In the actual ancient Chinese world, the implications were a little more severe. “If you don’t answer quickly, my hand might slip and the knife will end up somewhere else.”

“Please have mercy!” Zihuan cried as he fell to his knees before Su Jing Fei. “This lowly one was threatened! They have my family in their grasps! If I did not do as they said, they promised to murder my entire family!”

His pleas fell on deaf ears however; Su Jing Fei did not need to hear his excuses. “So the Feng family paid you to spy on me?”

“Y-Yes.” Zihuan admitted readily, but his voice trembled in fear.

Su Jing Fei had guessed as much, but she had not anticipated that Zihuan would be so bold as to keep communications with the Feng family after she had the other yatou watching over him and stealing his secret messages. He had been watching her from the very moment she had entered Mudan-Yu, and it was her fault for not getting rid of him from the very beginning. She had thought that she could use Zihuan to gain information on the Feng family, but she had not anticipated that they would find out about Da Chun and act so quickly. “You’re going to accompany me. We’re going to pay the Feng family a visit.”

 

Chapter 22 Part Two

Spoiler

Hazy memories played through Su Jing Fei’s mind like a movie. Her modern life seemed so distant now… She saw herself working, living, and surviving in the modern world, but it seemed that happiness always eluded her. All she wanted was someone to care for, someone to love; a family. Flashes of an unhappy childhood appeared, showcasing a younger version of herself being passed from relative to relative until she ended up in the orphanage instead. It was there that she finally developed a small little family with the other children. But eventually, everyone left. And then it was her turn to leave.

A deep sadness filled Su Jing Fei’s heart, and it was the coldness of her own tears that awoke her. She found herself in a dark windowless room. Her eyes took awhile to adjust to the lack of light, but her ears could detect a bit of noise outside of the room. She tried to move but found herself restricted by ropes, tying her down to the chair she was seated in. There was no doubt about it; she’d been kidnapped. Of course, there was only one family that would want to see her suffer like this; the Feng family!

The door opened as a single figure walked in, carrying a small candlelight to illuminate her sharp features. Su Jing Fei recognized that face. It was none other than Zhao shi, Feng Ruo Qian’s wife. The woman set the candle down at a table in front of Su Jing Fei, settling into a chair. Her dark eyes were sharp and cold as they looked down upon Su Jing Fei. “When I first met Su xiaojie, it was hard to tell what kind of person you were. But now, I know that you’re nothing but a despicable little girl thinking she can do whatever she wants just because of her family status.”

Su Jing Fei’s eyes had long dried from the earlier tears, and her heart had turned cold at the sight of Zhao shi. “When this one first met Zhao shi, I knew exactly what kind of person you were. A mother who will do anything to use her children to further her own status, ignoring the evil acts committed by her husband. It is surprising that Zhao shi is still able to tolerate going to sleep next to such a man.”

Zhao shi’s eyes flickered slightly with the candlelight. “I love my children, and I would do anything for them.”

“The love of a mother… unfortunately, it is a concept I am unfamiliar with,” mused Su Jing Fei. Zhao shi was clearly here to intimidate her, but Su Jing Fei would not be so vulnerable. Although there was fear and worry in her heart, it also burned with anger. “Of course, Zhao shi must be familiar with this, since the Feng family were the ones who killed my mother after all.”

The words didn’t seem to bother Zhao shi too much, but it was Su Jing Fei’s nonchalant attitude that threw the older woman off. How could a young girl be so intimidating, even in a lower position than herself? Her cold attitude and prideful face… Zhao shi was sick of it!

Pa!

Zhao shi’s hands struck Su Jing Fei’s face, but the young woman never made a sound. Su Jing Fei tasted blood in her mouth, but she gritted her teeth against the pain that stung her cheek. Her eyes remained on Zhao shi’s twisted expression of anger. The physical pain was nothing compared to the emotions swirling inside Su Jing Fei at the thought of Da Chun being in the hands of the Feng family. Of course, she realized that she had acted irrationally and recklessly, but… the thought of Feng Ruo Qian getting his hands on her little sister made her skin crawl. There must be something she could do to escape and find Da Chun!

Meanwhile, somewhere else in Fuo Lan, an unexpected person paid the imperial prince a visit. In the dead of night, Li Wei Sheng sat in his study, carefully studying reports that he’d been reviewing for awhile until Shan Yu entered the room.

“Your highness,” greeted Shan Yu as he kneeled respectfully before Li Wei Sheng. “We’ve detained an individual who tried to break into the residence. They demanded an audience with your imperial highness.”

Li Wei Sheng set down his notes carefully. He knew that Shan Yu would not bother him unless it was something that truly needed his attention. “Who is it?” The young man asked in a curious voice.

“It is Mu Tan, the yatou of Su Jing Fei.” Shan Yu answered.

Li Wei Sheng lifted an eyebrow, slightly surprised at Shan Yu’s answer. “And why exactly is Su Jing Fei’s yatou here paying me a visit in the dead of night?” He stood up before Shan Yu could answer though, suddenly remembering that Su Jing Fei was absent for the rest of Feng Eu Mei’s wedding. He furrowed his brows. Initially, he had assumed that Su Jing Fei had just left early after showing her face, but… what exactly had transpired in Su Jing Fei’s conversation with the Hou Furen, who Li Wei Sheng had guessed to actually be Feng Eu Mei… “Quickly, take me to Mu Tan.”

Shan Yu bowed his head and nodded. “Yes, your highness!”


From the darkness of her room, Su Jing Fei was unable to discern the passing of time. She wasn’t sure of how many hours or days had passed, but it seemed long and endless. A bittersweet smell lingered in the air from the candles burning in the room. Su Jing Fei guessed that they were some sort of special candles because as long as they burned, Su Jing Fei felt her mind hazy as though constantly intoxicated. She rarely had any visitors, but Zhao shi came by a few times to taunt and ridicule Su Jing Fei. However, an unexpected figure visited Su Jing Fei.

“This one has heard many things about Su xiaojie,” spoke Feng Ruo Zhang as he seated himself comfortably in a chair. “It seems that many of them are true. You are as interesting as they say.” The full-bellied man gave her a leering look as a smirk twisted his lips. “However, you’re not half as beautiful as your mother was. It is too bad that Feng Ruo Qian did not have any patience and killed her so quickly.”

Despite the fog that clouded Su Jing Fei’s mind, her eyes flashed with anger at Feng Ruo Zhang’s remark. It was unbearable, hearing the disgusting man speak about her mother so carelessly. She wanted to tear his eyes out and shove them down his throat. “Why…” Su Jing Fei’s throat was hoarse and dry. “Why is the Feng family doing this? What do you want?”

Feng Ruo Zhang looked amused at Su Jing Fei’s words. “You truly do not know, do you?”

Su Jing Fei had thought long and hard about the Feng family’s antagonism towards her own family, and she could not understand their actions. Did they hate her because of her affiliation to the Right Prime Minister’s family? Or was it because the Feng family hated the Qiu family who were a strong military family in Chu? She had guessed that the Feng family had ties to Xinyi possibly, but she wasn’t sure whether this had ties to anything relevant to her at all. Honestly, she had no clue. There were too many unknowns and too many secrets.

“You seem like a smart girl,” Feng Ruo Zhang mused, looking pleased at Su Jing Fei’s suffering. “Maybe one day, you’ll figure it out eventually. But for now, Su xiaojie must be a good girl and disappear for awhile. We’ll wait a few more days after the wedding and have you die peacefully at Mudan-Yu, just like your mother.”

“My sister…” Su Jing Fei mustered enough strength to speak the words clearly.

Feng Ruo Zhang smiled. “Alive, for now. You’ll be reunited with her soon enough.” And then he turned and left Su Jing Fei alone once again.

 

Chapter 23

Spoiler

Da Chun was alive! Su Jing Fei felt her heart burst with relief, and the tension in her body relaxed just a bit. She’d been so afraid to think about what could have happened to Da Chun, but knowing that her sister alive gave her a bit more courage to carry on. Through the next few hours, Su Jing Fei worked through the fog in her mind and focused on escaping. Luckily, she’d worn a bracelet that she had specially designed herself. The jade bracelet slipped down her wrist easily, and she grasped it in her right hand as her fingers deftly worked at pushing apart one side of the jade bracelet to reveal a sharpened metal insert. She’d been working the ropes for awhile and had gotten through a bit of the rope enough that she could pull herself out of them easily. But she had to wait for the lights outside the room to dim. This usually happened when the guards outside her room changed because she could usually hear them talking.

However, unexpectedly, another person paid her a visit. It was another another familiar face. Feng Eu Heng appeared from the doorway, looking pleased as she gazed down at Su Jing Fei’s pitiful state. “Hmph, serves you right.” Feng Eu Heng had a haughty smile as she moved to extinguish the candles before taking a seat. “I heard about everything you did to my sister, but honestly, she deserved it too. She always thought she was better than me, but now she’s married to a merchant’s son!” Feng Eu Heng laughed heartily, looking genuinely pleased at the thought of her sister’s suffering. “With you two gone, there’ll only be me left. The Feng family only has me to rely on, so a marriage with the imperial prince will be inevitable!” Feng Eu Heng clasped her hands together, looking excited at the thought of her own fantasy. “But, of course, I can’t let you go peacefully without letting you suffer just a little bit of humiliation like I did. Come in!”

Su Jing Fei’s hands clutched tightly onto the bracelet in her hand. The rope would come off easily, but should she risk exposing her escape prematurely? However, as minutes passed, no one came. Feng Eu Heng glared at the doorway, shouting once more. Yet still, no one came. Su Jing Fei had an idea of what Feng Eu Heng probably had in mind for her, but it seemed like things were not going according to plan.

“These idiots!” Feng Eu Heng said angrily as she stood up and headed for the door. However, suddenly the door swung open as a few people rushed inside. It was Feng Ruo Zhang and his guards. “Ye ye!” Cried Feng Eu Heng in alarm as she clearly had not expected her grandfather to show up.

“What are you doing here?” Shouted Feng Ruo Zhang, surprised by his granddaughter’s appearance. His face twisted in anger and annoyance. “You’re not allowed down here! You know that!” However, he seemed in a rush as he quickly disregarded her and turned his attention to Su Jing Fei who was still in the room. “Never mind, get out of here quickly and find your parents! And you, I’ll deal with you personally!” He pushes Feng Eu Heng out of his way as he ordered the guards to grab Su Jing Fei.

“Ye ye, what’s wrong?” Feng Eu Heng said worryingly as she tugged at his sleeve.

Feng Ruo Zhang looked deeply annoyed as he pushed his granddaughter’s hands away. “Stupid child! Your family is in danger! The imperial prince and the city justice official are coming to arrest us! They’ll be searching the entire residence, and we can’t have them finding anyone that shouldn’t be here!”

Just as Feng Ruo Zhang’s men reached Su Jing Fei, she quickly slipped out of their grasp, moving fast in the confusion to grab Feng Eu Heng while her other hand grabbed a dagger pin from her hair to press against the young woman’s throat. “Don’t move or else you wish to leave a deep scar on your neck,” threatened Su Jing Fei as Feng Eu Heng struggled to break free. At the sound of her words however, Feng Eu Heng stiffly froze, and Su Jing Fei quickly maneuvered her back against the wall closest to the door. Feng Ruo Zhang and his men watched her carefully as she did so.

“How did you get out of your ropes?” Feng Ruo Zhang growled in frustration. But something seemed to pop into his head as he glared at Feng Eu Heng. “You!”

“It wasn’t me, Ye ye! I don’t know how she got out!” Cried Feng Eu Heng in a panicked voice, but the pressure of the dagger against her throat scared the young woman back into silence.

“Where is my sister?” Su Jing Fei demanded, keeping an eye on the men before her. The guards looked to Feng Ruo Zhang for orders.

“I’ll take you to her, just put that knife away.” Feng Ruo Zhang said in a calm voice, as though he was trying to coax a child. Su Jing Fei almost wanted to laugh at his half-baked attempt to dissuade her from violence. But Su Jing Fei knew that only the threat of violence would allow her to get what she wanted.

“You can lead the way or being her here. Either way, Feng Eu Heng’s life is still in my hands until I get my sister.” Su Jing Fei calmly replied. Her dark eyes were resilient, unwavering under Feng Ruo Zhang’s growing red-faced anger.

“You don’t have the guts to hurt someone! You’re just a woman! A child! You wouldn’t dare.” He threatened angrily, though his reluctance to act showed that he didn’t quite believe his own words.

“You wish to test my ability to kill someone?” Questioned Su Jing Fei in a mocking tone. “Be careful what you wish for.”

“I don’t have time for games!” Shouted Feng Ruo Zhang angrily. “Guards!”

Su Jing Fei knew that time was running out for the Feng family and herself. She’d heard his words loud and clear after all. The city justice official and the imperial prince certainly had uncovered enough evidence to expose and arrest the Feng family, and Su Jing Fei was definitely on the Feng family’s disposal list of evidence in crime. She’d have to find Da Chun quickly and wait for the rescue to come! But in the meantime, she’d have to escape somehow!

Quickly breaking the bracelet in her hand against the wall, the jade broke into pieces and deposited a red powdery substance into Su Jing Fei’s free hand. Honestly, she hadn’t really known what else to put in the bracelet at the time but it was always good to have some chili powder on hand! She quickly swiped her hand across Feng Eu Heng’s eyes, causing the girl to scream as Su Jing Fei pushed her towards the guards. She didn’t hesitate to make her escape, running out the door as Feng Eu Heng continued wailing and crying in pain behind her.

Feng Ruo Zhang shouted at his guards to follow Su Jing Fei while he had some others help hold up the crying Feng Eu Heng. The young girl’s eyes were red and puffy with tears streaming down her face in an ugly expression. “Get her out of here and take her to her room,” Feng Ruo Zhang commanded the men before him. “Everyone else take care of getting rid of everything!”

“Master, what about the people here?” asked one of the head guards.

“Take them to the lake residence and drown them at the bottom of the lake. Make sure the bodies won’t be found!” He replied urgently as another head guard approached him quickly.

“Master, the city justice official and the imperial prince are almost here!” said the head guard with a frantic expression.

“Then stop idling and get to work!” shouted Feng Ruo Zhang angrily as he kicked one of the men nearby. “Go!”

The men moved in a rush to obey their master’s orders. In the meantime, Feng Ruo Zhang brought Feng Eu Heng back to her room where he was met with a surprised Zhao shi. “Father-in-law, what happened?” Zhao shi cried as she approached the wailing Feng Eu Heng who was set in bed. “Why is Heng’er like this?”

“Get her to quiet down!” Feng Ruo Zhang said in an irritated tone. He had no time to deal with this annoying granddaughter. He knew Feng Eu Heng was young and stupid which is why he initially supported Feng Eu Mei due to the girl’s intelligence and beauty. She was supposed to be the phoenix that carried the Feng family to higher power, but now that was ruined all because of that brat Su Jing Fei!

“Heng’er, what happened to you?” Zhao shi felt fearful for her daughter who seemed to have gone crazy. The young girl thrashed around on the bed before she suddenly went still, falling quiet as silence filled the air. It seemed she passed out from the pain.

“Good, she finally shut up,” Feng Ruo Zhang said as he moved to leave. He had to deal with a few more things before the city justice official and the imperial prince showed up. “Keep her quiet if she reawakens.”

“Father-in-law, who did this to Heng’er?” cried Zhao shi at Feng Eu Heng’s side, holding onto the young girl with trembling hands.

“Who else?” shouted Feng Ruo Zhang. “Su Jing Fei! But that vile woman wouldn’t have been able to do anything to Feng Eu Heng if you didn’t tell her where the bitch was being kept! You should’ve kept your mouth shut, stupid woman!” Feng Ruo Zhang knew what kind of person his daughter-in-law was. She was intelligent and outwardly kind, but her true nature was one full of hatred and jealousy. She most likely told Feng Eu Heng where Su Jing Fei was being held so that the young girl could enact revenge for her previous imprisonment. But Feng Ruo Zhang didn’t have time to be dealing with the grudges of women; he had far more important matters to attend to!

“The city justice official and the imperial prince have just arrived!” announced a servant just as Feng Ruo Zhang stepped out of the house.

Feng Ruo Zhang forced himself to remain calm as he approached the entrance to his residence. The doors were held ajar as unfamiliar guards forced entry inside. “What is the meaning of this?” Feng Ruo Zhang said angrily as he approached the entrance. He had expected a more civil entry of his household, not this rude force of entry. His anger exploded at the sight of Sun Rong Shu at the head of the chaos. “Sun Rong Shu, even if you are the city justice official, I am the city lord official! Your intrusion of my house with such violence is completely uncalled for!”

Sun Rong Shu turned at the sound of his name, watching as Feng Ruo Zhang threw a tirade in his direction. “Guards, seize him!” He commanded after finally hearing enough of the older man’s angry insults.

Feng Ruo Zhang looked shocked as the city justice official’s men grabbed him, holding him back as he fought to free himself. “This is crazy! Unhand me unless you wish to go against the Emperor! The Emperor appointed me as the city lord official, and this rude intrusion of my home is completely uncalled for!”

“Go against the Emperor, you say?” spoke a calm low voice. Li Wei Sheng made a quiet appearance, but his expression was nothing less than frightening. Although the young man looked respectful in outward appearance, his demeanor and aura felt quite sharp and threatening. His words were even more frightening to hear. “You claim to speak on the behalf of the Emperor?”

Feng Ruo Zhang’s face paled with fear at Li Wei Sheng’s accusation. “N-No, not at all, your Highness! This lowly one is merely saying that this rude intrusion of one’s home is uncalled for! As the city justice official appointed by the Emperor himself, there must be some propriety and respect. But Sun Rong Shu has always been jealous of my position! Please don’t be convinced by his lies!”

Li Wei Sheng stared at Feng Ruo Zhang’s pitiful appearance, watching his show of desperation with unwavering eyes. “Let him go.” Li Wei Sheng commanded the guards that were at Feng Ruo Zhang’s side. The men immediately released Feng Ruo Zhang, making him fall to the ground. The older man scrambled quickly into a kowtow position before Li Wei Sheng; sweat covered his face and made dirt stuck to his body from where he had fallen. Feng Ruo Zhang felt anger at suffering such a humiliation, but he believed that he had swayed the imperial prince with his words. All he needed to do was speak some more accusations to convince the young man!

“This lowly thanks the imperial prince for his mercy!” Feng Ruo Zhang shouted as he prostrated himself and looked up at the young man with a pleading expression. “Sun Rong Shu has always been jealous of my position as city lord official, and he seeks to replace me. Thus, he probably conjured up lies to convince you of crimes that I have not committed. Please seek the truth and pass justice, your Highness!”

“Tell me, Feng Ruo Zhang,” Li Wei Sheng addressed the older man by full name as his gaze remained fixed on the kowtowing figure. “What crimes do you believe Sun Rong Shu are accusing you of?”

Feng Ruo Zhang pursed his lips, feeling frustrated that he couldn’t speak up. If he said anything, it would only implicate himself, so he was silent and remained prostrated before the imperial prince. He felt a growing anger at the humiliation he had to endure; years of working his way up to city lord official and here he was, still having to kneel at the feet of those above him!

“So you refuse to acknowledge my question,” Li Wei Sheng spoke calmly. “Do you think yourself so highly as to ignore a question from this imperial prince?”

“N-No! Never, your Highness!” Feng Ruo Zhang frantically replied. “This lowly one has no knowledge as to the crimes that Sun Rong Shu has accused me of, so this lowly one did not know how to answer!”

“I see,” replied Li Wei Sheng as he stared down at the prostrated man. “So you feign ignorance at your own crimes. Tell me, does the name Xia-Wu sound familiar to you?”

Feng Ruo Zhang gulped, feeling sweat slicken his face. That was the name of the courtesan house that Feng Ruo Qian frequented! He knew that the courtesan house had been infiltrated by Sun Rong Shu, but the Feng family had nothing to do with the running of Xia-Wu…

“Did you know that Xia-Wu had ties with the black market of Xinyi?” Li Wei Sheng asked calmly. “After Xia-Wu was taken under the city justice official’s care, there were quite a few witnesses who knew of Feng Ruo Qian’s frequent visits to the establishment. Some say he even did quite a bit of business there.”

“My son is a stupid man who doesn’t know what he was doing,” pleaded Feng Ruo Zhang, fully knowing that it was Feng Ruo Qian who had someone gotten them caught up in this mess. He had told Feng Ruo Qian to stop visiting such infamous establishments, but the stubborn man wouldn’t listen! “He is an ignorant man who most likely didn’t know he was working with anyone from Xinyi’s black market!”

“Oh really? Stupid enough to forge land titles and sell young girls to Xinyi’s black market traders?” Li Wei Sheng was growing impatient with Feng Ruo Zhang’s desperate attempts at ignorance. “Years of forgery, history, and connections tie the Feng family to Xinyi’s black market that could only be built on a foundation long before Feng Ruo Qian had carelessly abused the Feng family’s name and power. This one is tired of playing guessing games. Feng Ruo Zhang, you stand accused of treason against the imperial family and the country of Chu. You are to be arrested along with the entire Feng family where your crimes will receive judgment from the Emperor himself!”

The guards at Feng Ruo Zhang’s sides grabbed ahold of him once more, pulling him to his feet. He was in a daze at the sudden accusation, looking at the imperial prince with a shocked expression. Seeing the young man’s cold eyes and sharp features caused Feng Ruo Zhang to finally realize his mistake. Li Wei Sheng never had any intentions to let him nor his family go! He had been merely watching Feng Ruo Zhang humiliate himself like an idiot, playing the ignorant fool! He gave a despaired shout, knowing that everything was over. The Feng family was ruined and destined for hell!

 

Chapter 24

Spoiler

Su Jing Fei ran through the dark corridors as footsteps and shouts chased after her. Turning quick corners, she finally hid in a small crawl space between stairs, holding her breath as footsteps trampled the ground above her.

“This way!” shouted one of the men as the crowd seemed to move further down the hallway.

Quickly, Su Jing Fei got up and ran back the way she came. The corridors were a collection of dungeon-like rooms, obviously built for holding people or things that had to be hidden away. If Da Chun was anywhere, it had to be down here with her. Moving cautiously, Su Jing Fei gripped a hair pin dagger in her hand as she checked the rooms along the halls. Each one was empty and bore a similar layout to the room she had been held in. But once she turned a corner, the rooms began to give off a stench reeking of human urine and feces. She sincerely hoped she did not find Da Chun here, but there was only one way to find out.

Every so often there would be footsteps nearby, and she’d have to hide quickly in the shadows. But when she had the opportunity, she searched the rooms. There were obvious signs of previous life in them, but the people who had been held in the rooms were no longer there. Finally reaching the last door, Su Jing Fei pushed open the door.

“Who’s there?” cried the hoarse voice of a woman.

The room was pitch black, and a rotting stench filled the air. Su Jing Fei moved to grab a candle from the hallway before entering, illuminating the space with the single flickering light. A woman yelped at the sudden light, and Su Jing Fei spotted a figure curled up in the corner, hiding away from the light. The candlelight revealed a long glittering chain wrapped around the woman’s ankle, tying her to the bed at the corner. However, as Su Jing Fei’s eyes adjusted to the darkness, she noticed another figure on the bed but it was not moving.

“I won’t hurt you,” Su Jing Fei spoke in a gentle and calm manner, halting a fair distance away from the woman as to not frighten her. Whatever the woman had gone through… Su Jing Fei could only imagine. If Feng Ruo Zhang had not come in with such frantic news and Feng Eu Heng had her way… Su Jing Fei might have found herself in a similar position. “How can I help you?” She furrowed her brows, unsure of what to do. She still had to find Da Chun, but she could not just leave the woman tied up here.

“Y-You’re not the usual men…” the woman stuttered, turning slightly into the light as she became more accustomed to it. The dark clumped hair was brushed aside to reveal bright round eyes and pale thin lips. Su Jing Fei stared at the woman in shock, just as surely as the woman did in return. “S-Su xiaojie?”

It couldn’t be… “Han shi?” Su Jing Fei felt her chest tighten at the realization of her discovery. The woman before her looked nothing like the woman she had first met. The woman in front of her was a changed woman, broken from all the suffering. “How do I help? What do I do?” Su Jing Fei whispered quietly, feeling a swell of anger and despair at her discovery. An overwhelming feeling of helplessness washed over her.

Hearing Su Jing Fei’s words, Han shi let out a strangled cry before wiping away the tears with her hands, streaking dirt across her cheeks. “M-My husband… He needs help…” She crawled over to the bed, pulling herself weakly up on top of it.

Su Jing Fei moved carefully not to scare Han shi as she neared the bedside. Observing the bed, she noticed the emaciated figure of a man on the bed. He looked frighteningly close to death, and Su Jing Fei almost thought he was before she noticed the small rise and fall of his chest. “Guo Li Wei…” Su Jing Fei had never met the man before, but she knew without a doubt that it was him. “What happened?” She asked hesitantly.

Han shi turned to look at Su Jing Fei, and there was noticeable change in her appearance. Her eyes were dark and sunken in, and her face was thin and sharp. Su Jing Fei pulled out a handkerchief at her side and offered it to Han shi. The older woman managed a small smile, thanking Su Jing Fei as she reached out a shaky hand to grab ahold of it. After a few moments of wiping her face, the dirt was removed to reveal a pale face filled with red spots probably from improper hygiene care and bugs bites. Su Jing Fei waited patiently until Han shi was ready to speak.

“A stray arrow tore through the carriage. At first, we thought they were bandits, but it wasn’t anything like that. The men wore clothes of hidden guards… They took out our guards so quickly that I barely had any time to think, and then I…” Han shi’s eyes widened as she reached out and grabbed ahold of Su Jing Fei. “Ming’er! I hid my Ming’er away! Is he safe?”

Su Jing Fei nodded her hand, placing a gentle hand against Han shi’s grip. “Yes, Ming’er is safe. He’s with your family in Fuo Lan, waiting for your return.”

Han shi broke into a sob, sucking in air as though a weight had finally been lifted off her shoulders and she could breathe again. “I’m so thankful! So thankful!”

Su Jing Fei hesitantly reached out a hand and gently placed it onto the woman’s shoulder as sobs wracked her thin body. “Don’t worry, Han shi. The city justice official and the imperial prince are here to save us. They’ll find you and take you home.”

“Y-You’re not here to save us?” asked Han shi in a terrified voice, clutching onto Su Jing Fei’s arm sleeve.

“I don’t have the power to just yet…” Su Jing Fei furrowed her brows. “But they’ll find you and save you, alright?” Su Jing Fei took ahold of Han shi’s hand, uncurling the trembling fingers to place the hairpin dagger in the older woman’s hands. “This’ll keep you safe for now.” She folded the woman’s fingers over the handle to grip it tightly. “If I’m able to, I’ll come back for you. If I see them, I’ll bring them to you. But for now, I must go.”

Han shi stared at Su Jing Fei with sad eyes, yet there seemed to still be a light in them. The older woman had not given up completely, and it seemed that Su Jing Fei’s appearance had stirred the embers of Han shi’s hope once more. “Who did they take from you?” The woman asked in a quiet voice.

“My sister,” Su Jing Fei replied in a low voice. “They took my sister from me.”

Han shi was silent for a few moments before nodding her head. “Then go quickly away from here. In case… they come back…”

Su Jing Fei gripped the older woman’s hands, giving her a small smile before handing over the candle. As Su Jing Fei moved out of the room, the light behind her was extinguished, leaving the room in darkness once more. She was tempted to stay and help them, but she knew she had to move forward and find Da Chun. Although Su Jing Fei was not a religious person, she prayed harder than she had ever done before. She prayed to the gods, the ancestors, and anyone who was listening. Please, please let Da Chun be safe!

A heightened sense of danger caused Su Jing Fei to be quicker in her movements. Just where could Da Chun be kept? The corridors seemed neverending! She finally found a small staircase leading to a slightly higher floor. Cautiously, she made her way upstairs while dodging the sounds of voices and watching as shadows passed by her. Su Jing Fei ducked into a room to carefully avoid the capture of guards. However, she was too late to notice the figure at the other side of the room.

The young yatou stared at Su Jing Fei with a look of horror, but just as she was about to give a shout, Su Jing Fei moved quickly and tackled the young woman to the ground, clamping a hand over her mouth. “Don’t scream and I won’t be forced to hurt you,” Su Jing Fei threatened, pulling another hairpin dagger out and holding it up for the young girl to see. “Do you understand?”

The young girl nodded with tears streaming down her face. Su Jing Fei felt bad, but she knew that she had no other choice but to threaten the young girl to keep quiet. “I’ll uncover your mouth, but you must promise to not make a sound.” When the young girl nodded her understanding, Su Jing Fei carefully removed her hand and waited a bit to let the young yatou catch her breath.

The young girl swept away the tears with the sleeves of her dress, coughing slightly as she regained her breath. “Please don’t kill me.” The young girl begged quietly, moving into a kowtow position.

“I won’t kill you,” Su Jing Fei said in a calm voice. “But I need your help. Do you remember seeing a young girl brought somewhere here?”

The young yatou nodded her head. “Y-Yes, but the master brings many young girls down here…” She bit her lips, looking worriedly at Su Jing Fei as though the answer would anger her.

Su Jing Fei gave a long sigh. “It would be someone recent. She’d be young and wearing well-tailored clothing like a noblewomen.” Su Jing Fei began describing a bit of Da Chun’s appearance as the young yatou listened earnestly. “Have you seen anyone like that?”

“I-I think I have…” mumbled the young girl as she furrowed her brows in thought. “Master brought back a young noblewoman one night… I remember because she had a beautiful jade pendant and clothes that was unlike the usual young courtesan girls…”

That was no doubt Da Chun! “Do you know where she was taken?” Su Jing Fei said frantically, feeling a bit relieved at finally hearing a bit of news of her whereabouts.

“Y-Yes, I believe so…” The young girl looked a bit frightened, but seemed sure in her words.

“Where is it?” Su Jing Fei asked quietly, glancing at the door as she heard a few voices outside. “Is it close by?”

“Down the hall and to the left. It’s the room at the very end of the hall.” The young yatou also glanced at the door, but remained quiet. “It’s close…”

“Good,” Su Jing Fei spoke in a determined tone. “Then let’s go.”

The young yatou seemed to be aware of her situation and nodded as Su Jing Fei followed closely behind. They waited for the voices in the hall to pass before exiting the room, slipping through the shadows of the corridor before making a left. The hallways were eerily quiet as they approached the room at the end of the hall.

“H-Here,” stuttered the young yatou as she paused before a door. Su Jing Fei pushed open the door and stepped inside, immediately smelling the stench of something strong and pungent in the air. It had a slightly medicinal aromatic scent, and Su Jing Fei turned to the young girl who remained frozen in the doorway.

“What is this?” asked Su Jing Fei as she covered the bottom half of her face with the sleeve of her dress.

“I-I’m sorry!” cried the young yatou as she suddenly moved to run away.

Su Jing Fei cursed under her breath but knew that she couldn’t catch up to the girl. She had to get Da Chun quickly out of here so that they could escape! But the longer that Su Jing Fei breathed in the air, she felt her body began to burn slightly. It was a similar feeling to the drugs that the Feng siblings had put in her drink, and Su Jing Fei felt a sinking feeling at her stomach at the implications of her assumptions. Running further into the room, Su Jing Fei saw a figure hanging over the edge of a bed. Her heart sank into the pit of stomach at the sight before her. A small pale back was exposed to reveal dark purple bruises and long slashing whip marks. On the left shoulder was a small pink flower-shaped birthmark.

“Da Chun!” Su Jing Fei cried as she rushed to the bedside, pulling the young girl up and into her arms. She pushed the hair away from the young girl’s face, revealing more bruises and cuts on the familiar face. The young girl’s eyes were shut, and her body was unmoving. “No...” A cold despair overwhelmed Su Jing Fei as she cried over Da Chun’s small broken body. “Please…”

“Jie jie?” came a quiet whisper. Da Chun’s voice was weak and hoarse, but she was speaking nonetheless. Su Jing Fei sucked in a huge gulp of air to catch her breath, glancing down at the young girl whose eyelashes fluttered slightly.

“D-Da Chun?” Su Jing Fei’s broke slightly as she spoke her sister’s name, desperate for a reply, hoping that her ears had not deceived her.

The young girl’s eyes fluttered open slightly, looking red and swollen as though she had been crying. She looked up at Su Jing Fei with an indescribable expression, a mix of awe and happiness. “Y-You…found me again…”

Su Jing Fei choked back a sob, her trembling hand reaching down to gently rest on the young girl’s cheek. “I came here to save you…”

Da Chun’s pale lips lifted into a small smile, tears pooling at those big brown eyes. “Y-You did… You’ve saved me…”

Su Jing Fei shook her head, knowing that she had been too late to save Da Chun from Feng Ruo Qian’s cruelty. Her younger sister had suffered at that monster’s hands, and she had been unable to do anything. She had rushed in to save her sister, getting herself caught in her thoughtless attempt to save Da Chun at any cost. She’d been too desperate, too stupid, too ignorant at her own powerlessness. Su Jing Fei felt her sleeves grow wet with the blood from Da Chun’s wounds. She didn’t even know where to start to stop the bleeding. “They’ll be here. We’ll be saved, okay? And then I’ll take you to on that trip I promised you. We’ll go far away from here, from everyone, and it’ll be just us two…” Su Jing Fei’s voice trembled as she held back sobs.

“Okay…” Da Chun replied in a soft sigh as her eyes fluttered close.

“No, no, stay awake, Da Chun,” Su Jing Fei said in a frantic voice as she gently patted her sister’s cheek. The young girl’s eyes fluttered open again, but she clearly struggled to keep them open. “You can’t fall asleep, Da Chun. You have to stay awake with me, okay?” Su Jing Fei shifted slightly to sit the girl up higher, supporting the young girl’s body with her shoulder. Da Chun groaned slightly at the movement, but Su Jing Fei needed to keep Da Chun awake. She couldn’t fall asleep or else there was the possibility that she’d never wake up again. “Where do you want to go? On our trip?” Su Jing Fei asked a trembling voice, gently patting Da Chun’s cheek as the young girl’s eyes struggled to stay open. Those brown eyes looked at Su Jing Fei, tears streaming down the sides of those pale cheeks. Su Jing Fei managed a shaky smile, hoping to coax Da Chun to stay awake with conversation. “I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”

“I… want to… see the place where… the water touches the sunset…” Da Chun mumbled in a soft gasping voice.

“An ocean,” Su Jing Fei nodded her head as she gently wiped the tears away from Da Chun’s cheeks. “I’ll take you to the see the ocean. We’ll go on a boat and catch some fish.”

“I can’t… swim…” The young girl mumbled softly.

Su Jing Fei gave a small chuckle, sniffling as she smiled down at Da Chun. “It’s okay. I can teach you. It’ll be fun.”

“I can’t… see…” Da Chun’s voice was a whisper as those brown eyes seemed to stare distantly past Su Jing Fei.

“Please stay awake for me,” begged Su Jing Fei. She prayed to the gods, the ancestors, and to the ones who brought her back and threw her into this life. Somebody had to be listening or watching… Please! Please…Save her like you saved me once! Su Jing Fei begged, prayed, and cried. “Please…”

“I’m sorry…” Da Chun’s voice was small, filled with sadness as she began to cry with the last bit of her energy. “I’m sorry, jie jie!” Her small body shook with the sobs, and Su Jing Fei clutched the young girl in her arms, pressing her face against Da Chun’s hair as she let the despair overwhelm her.

“It’s all my fault,” Su Jing Fei sobbed, “I’m so sorry, Da Chun.” The two sisters held onto each other tightly and cried. They cried until Da Chun’s cries became small gasps, and then Su Jing Fei began to gently stroke the young girl’s hair and whispering in a small voice. “It’s okay. It’s okay, Da Chun. It’s okay.”

Su Jing Fei held her sister in her arms as the gasps quieted and the small hands fell lifelessly at the young girl’s sides. She continued to hold the young girl, rocking gently back and forth in silence. Her body burned intensely from the incense, and every movement was painful but the pain was a much needed distraction from the despair, the sadness, the anger; all the dark emotions stirring within Su Jing Fei was tightly coiled in the pain that burned her skin.

“You!” A voice shouted from the doorway. “What are you doing here!?”

Su Jing Fei froze at the sound of the familiar voice. Her eyes were fixed on her sister’s lifeless face. Her hand trembled as she gently placed a hand on those pale cheeks. Gone; she was gone.

“Stupid girl!” Feng Ruo Qian retorted angrily, moving into the room as he grabbed ahold of Su Jing Fei’s arm and pulled her. “I’ll take you back myself!”

Suddenly, Feng Ruo Qian found himself pushed to the ground. He tried to speak but a gurgling sound came out instead. He stared at Su Jing Fei with a shocked expression, reaching up with shaking hands to clutch at the dagger in his throat. He coughed out blood, his body began to spasm as he began to drown in blood that pooled at his neck.

One, two, three more stabs pierced Feng Ruo Qian’s body as he struggled underneath the weight of Su Jing Fei’s body. He looked at Su Jing Fei with a horrified expression, but the young woman’s eyes were cold and black. They were two pools of darkness that frightened Feng Ruo Qian, for he had never expected to see such a young woman showing such a terrifyingly cold expression. Four, five, six, seven, eight…Feng Ruo Qian’s throat gave a gurgling sound as he gasped for breath, unable to fight back as the strength left his body.


Nine, ten, eleven…

 

Chapter 25

Spoiler

Li Wei Sheng watched as the men carried out Guo Li Wei’s emaciated body; the man looked close to death, but somehow, he had lived. The doctors should be able to save his life. Han shi had struggled to fight off the men who had come to rescue her, and judging by her wounds and her appearance, Li Wei Sheng could guess at what terrible things she had to endure. Luckily, he had a few women in his hidden guard who had escorted her out. The only thing left was to find Su Jing Fei and her sister.

“Young master, we found a servant who has knowledge about Su xiaojie’s possible whereabouts.” Shan Yu respectfully kneeled before Li Wei Sheng as he relayed the news.

“Where is she?” Li Wei Sheng asked in a low voice.

“The girl is detained with some of the other servants near the-”

Li Wei Sheng interrupted Shan Yu with a firm voice. “Not her. Where is Su Jing Fei?”

“On the second lower level of the underground dungeons. Mu Tan has gone ahead, and-”

“Enough, take me there!” Li Wei Sheng’s voice was quite demanding.

Shan Yu was a bit surprised at his young master’s impatience, but he merely shook his head and followed his young master’s orders. He was getting used to his young master acting quite peculiarly in regards to the Su xiaojie now anyway. Moving past the men who continued clearing out rooms, Shan Yu led his young master to the supposed corridor where they spotted Mu Tan standing in the entrance to the room at the very end of the hallway.

Li Wei Sheng pushed past Shan Yu as he quickly made his way to the end of the hallway. He stopped at Mu Tan’s side, noticing the yatou’s strange expression. He felt his heart beat just a little quicker as he turned to look inside the room. There were two two distinct shapes visible in the slight haze of burning incense. He had recognized the aphrodisiac’s burning scent, and he found feeling strange at the implications of what the room’s conditions meant. Moving past Mu Tan’s frozen figure, Li Wei Sheng entered the room and headed towards the bed. He paused just as he reached the foot of the bed. His eyes gazed down at the mutilated body of Feng Ruo Qian that was on the floor. He moved his gaze back to the silhouette on the bed, recognizing Su Jing Fei’s familiar figure. The young woman was seated carefully at the edge of the bed, and the unmoving body of another familiar face laid in her arms. Li Wei Sheng recognized the girl to be the sister that Su Jing Fei had rescued from Xia-Wu. “Su xiaojie.” Li Wei Sheng addressed her quietly, speaking in a low voice as he watched her face for any signs of recognition or any reaction.

But the young woman’s face was expressionless, and her eyes stared off into the distance. She looked deathly pale against the blood that had splattered on her face. Her black ink eyes seemed clouded in a haze. Li Wei Sheng furrowed his brows at her frightening appearance and demeanor. It had been enough to scare Mu Tan, and Li Wei Sheng found himself feeling strangely upset at her weak and cold appearance. “Su Jing Fei,” He addressed her again a second time; speaking in a firmer voice. “It’s over.”

Even at those words, Su Jing Fei was silent and unmoving; it was as though Li Wei Sheng was not even visible in her eyes. As he observed her, he noticed the blood that soaked her dress. He was unsure if she was injured or not under all that blood, but he wouldn’t let her die here if she was. He stretched a hand out to place on Su Jing Fei’s shoulder, hopefully to bring her back from the daze she was in, but Li Wei Sheng suddenly found himself being attacked.

Su Jing Fei’s arm swung in his direction; her hand clutched tightly to a blade disguised as a hairpin. Luckily, Li Wei Sheng was quite skilled in martial arts and he dodged her attack, grabbing ahold of her arm as he shouted angrily at her. “Su Jing Fei, wake up!”

The young woman blinked once, then twice, and her black eyes flickered in Li Wei Sheng’s direction. “Li Wei Sheng?” Su Jing Fei’s voice was as quiet as a whisper, and she still looked quite out of it as she gazed at him. She looked like she had just awoken from a dream.

“Are you awake now?” He said in a low voice, still keeping a grip on her arm as she seemed to be returning to reality.

“I…” Su Jing Fei’s voice broke as she turned to look down at Da Chun’s lifeless body resting in her lap. “I was too late. I prayed and I prayed, and I begged, but no one listened. They wouldn’t bring her back to me. They wouldn’t!” Su Jing Fei’s grip on the dagger loosened until it fell from her hand and clattered onto the floor as she continued to ramble incoherently between sobs. “Then I cursed them for bringing me here! Making me suffer like this! Why did they bring me here if I couldn’t save her! I just-” And it was like everything had exploded inside of Su Jing Fei at once, making her grow tired of it all. Her eyes fluttered slightly as she looked up at Li Wei Sheng one last time before the darkness consumed her. “Why?”

Li Wei Sheng caught Su Jing Fei in his arms as she passed out, probably from exhaustion and the effects of the aphrodisiac. “Get in here and help me!” He shouted in a hurried voice as Shan Yu appeared at his side. “Take the younger girl out of here.”

“Young master, she’s already-” Shan Yu was a bit confused, but Li Wei Sheng seemed angry at Shan Yu’s hesitance.

“Just do it!”

But before Shan Yu could do anything, Mu Tan appeared at the bedside, staring down at the young girl. “I’ll do it.” Tears ran down her cheeks as she carefully picked up her xiaojie’s lifeless body, cradling it delicately.

Once the weight was lifted off of Su Jing Fei, Li Wei Sheng picked the young woman up in his arms, carrying her out. The aphrodisiac burned his skin, but his mind was clear as he made his way out of that dark place.



After a few weeks of tying up loose ends in Fuo Lan, Li Wei Sheng finally had a bit of free time. He stopped by the Guo family residence, receiving a warm welcome by Guo Li Xiang and Guo Li Wang. They sat comfortably in an open room, looking out at the small garden and pond in the middle of the residence.

“I apologize for not being able to visit sooner.” Li Wei Sheng started, sighing slightly as he thought of all the headaches he had to deal with in the past weeks.

“It’s no trouble at all. The imperial prince must be busy taking care of things in Fuo Lan after the Feng family’s arrest, so this lowly one thanks the imperial prince for making time to visit our humble residence.” Guo Li Xiang spoke with a smile.

“This one has indeed been quite busy with matters,” Li Wei Sheng confirmed with a nod of his head. “However, one has not been able to drop by to inquire about the third young master’s condition and his wife.”

“My younger brother is doing well,” Guo Li Wang spoke up, looking genuinely happy as he relayed the news to Li Wei Sheng. “His strength and vitality has recovered a bit with the help of medicine and food. Han shi has also physically recovered, and she’s been doing very well recently.”

“Has he awoken yet?” Li Wei Sheng asked, knowing that the third Guo son had fallen into a coma during his imprisonment in the Feng family’s residence.

“Unfortunately not yet,” Guo Li Xiang said with a small smile. “But his body is recovering well, so we hope he will awaken soon.”

Li Wei Sheng nodded his head in understanding. Once the body recovered, the mind should return; that was the hope anyway. The three men chatted a bit more about a few matters in Fuo Lan before Li Wei Sheng stood up to leave. As they were heading to the entrance, something small came barrelling out of nowhere, knocking into Li Wei Sheng’s legs and falling to the ground at his feet.

“Ming’er!” cried a woman’s voice. A familiar-looking woman came into view, stopping just right before the men. Li Wei Sheng recognized her as Han shi. She looked vastly better than when they had first met; her pale face had gained more color, and the fear in her eyes had disappeared. However, she did look quite a bit frightened as she noticed Li Wei Sheng. “Your Highness, please forgive my son’s rudeness!”

Li Wei Sheng chuckled, leaning down to scoop up the young dazed boy in his arms. “You have to be a bit more careful where you’re running or you might hurt someone.” He lightly reprimanded the boy but kept a smile on his face.

The young boy was quite heavier than Li Wei Sheng had anticipated, and his big round cheeks puffed up in a small pout. But then his shoulders sagged slightly as he seemed to reflect on his actions. “Okay… Ming Ming is sorry.”

“Good boy.” Li Wei Sheng replied with a laugh.

Mingyu stared at Li Wei Sheng for a bit, squinting his eyes and observing him in an exaggerated fashion that was quite endearing for a young child. “Are you prince?”

Guo Li Xiang and Guo Li Wang were about to speak up to apologize for the young boy’s rudeness, but Li Wei Sheng held up a hand to silence them. He didn’t mind children. They often spoke their minds and were quite easy to please. He preferred their honest chatter to the veiled words of adults.

“Wow, you are sharp, little one.” Li Wei Sheng smiled. “Yes, I am a prince.”

“You saved my mama n’ papa?” Mingyu tilted his head slightly, furrowing his brows.

“I might’ve.”

“Here,” Mingyu held out a candy in the palm of his hands, clearly offering it to Li Wei Sheng. “You can have. It is my favorite, but you can have it.”

“That’s quite generous of you,” Li Wei Sheng replied, but he shook his head. “Thank you for the offer, but I can’t take away your favorite candy. This candy is better for you.”

Mingyu seemed to think about it for a moment and then he nodded. “Okay…” He put the candy back in his pocket. “You can have this.” He pulled out another piece of candy and held it out to Li Wei Sheng. “It’s not my favorite, but jie jie like it. Prince save mama n’ papa like jie jie save me so you can have jie jie candy..”

“Jie jie?” Li Wei Sheng inquired curiously.

“Jie jie is jie jie.” Mingyu said firmly with a smile.

“Excuse this lowly one’s rudeness,” spoke Han shi as she stepped forward, kneeling before Li Wei Sheng respectfully. “The ‘jie jie’ that Ming’er is speaking about is Su Jing Fei. She had saved him once before and now he’s quite crazy about her.”

Li Wei Sheng nodded in understanding, smiling down at the boy. “Then I’ll take this candy then. Thank you.” Li Wei Sheng plucked the candy from the young boy’s open palm and tucked the candy into his pocket. He set down the young child, but Mingyu did not budge from his side. Instead, the young boy tugged gently at Li Wei Sheng’s pants. “Prince know jie jie?”

“Yes, I know Su Jing Fei.” Li Wei Sheng replied with a nod of his head.

“Is jie jie okay?” Mingyu asked, looking a little bit sad as he gazed up at Li Wei Sheng. “Ming ming miss jie jie.”

Li Wei Sheng was a little surprised at Mingyu’s question. He felt strange at the thought of Su Jing Fei, recalling the last time he had seen her. He had a few people visit Mudan-Yu to get updates on her, but…

“Ming’er, you promised to wait for jie jie, remember? Just like mama and papa, jie jie will come back and visit you soon.” Han shi spoke calmly, coaxing the child to return to her side.

Mingyu hung his head, running back to his mother and into her arms. She was still kneeling, and Li Wei Sheng quickly motioned for her to stand. As she held tightly to the child in her arms, Han shi gazed at Li Wei Sheng. Her light brown eyes shone bright unlike the woman he remembered. “This lowly one was able to live because of Su xiaojie. She saved my Mingyu, but she was unable to save her sister. This lowly one hopes the imperial prince can relay to Su xiaojie that we’ll be waiting for her whenever she needs us. The Guo family is in her debt.”

Li Wei Sheng felt the hopes of the Guo family around him. He gave a small sigh before replying. “You can tell her yourself when she recovers.”

Han shi smiled. “Of course.”

He bid farewell to the family, getting into his carriage. It seemed like the Guo family held Su Jing Fei in quite the high regard, probably even higher than him. The carriage rolled forward as Li Wei Sheng watched the passing crowd outside. It was a few minutes before they reached his next destination. The carriage came to a stop, and Li Wei Sheng stepped out, staring at the residence. He’d never really taken a good look at it in the light of day before.

“This lowly one greets his imperial Highness,” An older woman bowed respectfully before Li Wei Sheng. He recognized her as the woman named Dongfan.

“You may rise,” He spoke respectfully as the old woman did so. “How is she?”

Dongfan gave a small smile. “She has her good and her bad days, just like anybody else.”

“Today is a good day?” Li Wei Sheng asked.

Dongfan nodded, turning to lead Li Wei Sheng inside Mudan-Yu. “Yes, today is a good day.” They made their way through the residence, and Li Wei Sheng noticed the distinct lack of servants. “It is quite quiet in here.” He noted observingly.

Dongfan smiled. “After the incident, we couldn’t trust any of the servants that were hired by the head attendant Zihuan, so naturally, we had to let go a lot of people. There’s only a handful of us now, but the few of us left are enough for now.”

Li Wei Sheng recalled the face of Mudan-Yu’s previous head attendant Zihuan. He had only seen him once before when he had visited Mudan-Yu in the dark of night. But Li Wei Sheng was well aware of the betrayal that the man had committed against Su Jing Fei. “We didn’t find him at the Feng residence.”

“He’s probably long gone by now,” Dongfan replied simply. “He’s not an intelligent man, but he’s not stupid either.” They finally made it to the small courtyard that was Su Jing Fei’s personal place of residence. Upon entering the initial receiving room, Li Wei Sheng noticed a small shrine set up near the entryway.

“What is this?” Li Wei Sheng asked, noticing the peculiar setup of flowers and fruit. A candle burned at the center of the small shrine with a few items placed atop a small table. There were knitting needles, a few hairpins, and a few other items. At the very center of the table was a small delicately designed piece of pottery that Li Wei Sheng surprisingly recognized as an urn. Most noble families were usually buried, but it was not uncommon to see cremated remains in urns nowadays. He was just a bit surprised to find a small shrine at the entrance to Su Jing Fei’s house of residence.

“There was no place for Da Chun in the familial burial ground, so da xiaojie had her remains cremated,” explained Dongfan as she gave a small sad smile. “Da xiaojie then had a peculiar dream and requested us to setup a shrine in the home like so.”

Li Wei Sheng nodded his head in understanding. If this was a way for Su Jing Fei to process her sister’s death, then there was nothing he could say about it. He was quiet as Dongfan led him further inside. The old woman knelt outside a door, announcing his arrival. There were a few seconds of silence before a voice replied.

“Come in.”

Li Wei Sheng recognized it as Mu Tan’s voice. The door was pushed aside, and Li Wei Sheng was brought inside Su Jing Fei’s room. His eyes flickered across the scene before him. The windows were open slightly, letting in fresh air with the cool breeze. Mu Tan was seated at the side of the bed, but she got up and properly greeted Li Wei Sheng. He held up a hand and motioned for her to be at ease, and she returned to her seat. His eyes fixated on the unmoving figure seated upright in the bed. The young woman was dressed in white, a mourning color. Her long black hair was made up in a simple style, framing her delicate features plainly. She looked quite better than the last time he’d seen her, and there was not so much the stench of death as before. Her previously pale skin had regained a bit of its original color, and she looked much healthier. No more dark sunken eyes and pale chapped lips. However, she was still quite thin and frail looking, and he couldn’t fathom how such a figure could’ve overpowered and killed Feng Ruo Qian in such a gruesome manner.

“This lowly one thanks the imperial prince for stopping by.” Mu Tan said with a small smile.

“I should’ve came by long ago,” Li Wei Sheng smiled in return, settling into a chair that was brought for him. “There were quite a few things that needed to be taken care of before I could come.” His gaze remained on Su Jing Fei’s figure though; the young woman’s face was turned slightly as she stared out the window, not speaking a word. There was a calm expression on her face, and she was relaxed with her hands placed neatly on her lap. But there was no doubt that Su Jing Fei’s mind seemed a million miles away from the here and now. “Can she hear me?” He asked carefully.

Mu Tan gave a small laugh. “Yes, she can hear you.”

“En, good,” Li Wei Sheng nodded. Then he could say what he wanted to say. “Su Jing Fei, you are looking much healthier nowadays.” He started out a simple observation, feeling a little bit awkward speaking to her though she seemed so distant at the moment. Li Wei Sheng cleared his throat and began speaking about the matters he had taken care of in the past couple of weeks. “The Feng family were arrested and sent for judgment in the imperial city. For their crimes, the Imperial Emperor deemed them guilty based on the evidence provided. Feng Ruo Zhang and most of the inner family were sentenced to death. The only one left alive is Feng Eu Mei, for she no longer bears the name of Feng; she’s Hou Furen now.” Li Wei Sheng watched for any reactions from Su Jing Fei, but the young woman was as still and serene as when he first walked into the room. So he continued speaking, unfazed by her quietness. “The matters of eradicating the Xinyi black market from Fuo Lan was difficult. Most of the noble families involved were also sentenced to death for their crimes and involvement. It took me a long while to settle the matter of the noble families in Fuo Lan. Sun Rong Shu was also granted the position of city lord official. He was originally offered a position in the imperial court, but unsurprisingly, he declined, wishing to serve his family’s city of Fuo Lan well. The Emperor was quite understanding in having a reliable and honorable man in the position. A new city justice official was appointed as well. The family is known for being quite strict, but it will do Fuo Lan good.”

The cool breeze grew colder as the day began to set. The leaves were changing color afterall, and it wouldn’t be long before snow was upon them. The summer had gone and past by so quickly. Li Wei Sheng continued speaking as Mu Tan moved to close the windows and light some candles. “I visited the Guo family before coming here. Guo Li Wei has not yet awaken, but his wife Han shi is doing better. Today, I met Mingyu, and he spoke about missing you. He gave me this,” Li Wei Sheng stood up from his seat, taking the small candy from his pocket and stepping forward to place it on the bedside table. Su Jing Fei still was silent and unmoving, causing Li Wei Sheng to grow a bit frustrated. “He wants to see you. Don’t you want to go visit them?” Still nothing; not a twitch, look, or any sort of response from the young woman. Li Wei Sheng had never seen the woman seem so defeated; she had always struggled and fought in the worst against adversaries, but that woman seemed to have disappeared. She seemed nowhere to be found, so Li Wei Sheng tried something different. Hopefully something that would wake her up. “Su Jing Fei, do you know why the Feng family were so against you? Do you know why they killed your brother, mother, and now your sister?”

Su Jing Fei’s hands twitched slightly, the fingers curling just a bit. Li Wei Sheng’s eyes flickered from the movement to Su Jing Fei’s face. “It took me awhile to figure it out, but when returning to the imperial city for the Feng family’s trial, it finally came to me. The connection was quite obvious if you think about it. Who in the world would benefit the most from your mother and brother dying years ago?” Li Wei Sheng paused slightly, watching as Su Jing Fei’s hands clutched the bed sheets tightly. “You must’ve thought of it before. You must know who I’m talking about.”

“Liu shi.” Su Jing Fei whispered the woman’s name.

 

Chapter 26

Spoiler

Li Wei Sheng did not recognize the soft voice spoken like a whisper, but he was grateful that he had at least gotten her to talk a bit. “Yes, Liu shi, the Er Furen and your step-mother.”

“But how?” Su Jing Fei turned to finally look at Li Wei Sheng, but her eyes were still dark and cold. He was unable to discern the expression she bore behind that calm facade.

“The Feng family and Liu shi are roots stemming from the same tree. Feng Ruo Qian’s grandmother and Liu shi’s grandfather are brother and sister, making the two of them second cousins.”

Su Jing Fei was quiet as she processed the information. Li Wei Sheng watched as Su Jing Fei’s hands loosened, and she returned to staring out the window though the shutters had long been closed.

“Are you going to do something about it or are you going to sit there and waste away?” Li Wei Sheng spoke frankly.

“What else is there to do? Da Chun is still dead whether I do something or not.” Su Jing Fei replied quietly.

“So you’re just going to let Liu shi go? If it was my sister, I’d make sure everyone who had something to do with her death suffered a terrible end. I’d make sure that the people who did this never had the chance to do it to anyone else.” Li Wei Sheng argued.

“With whose power? Mine?” Su Jing Fei said, her voice growing noticeably louder. “I never had any power. I was ignorant and stupid about myself and my ability to protect my only sister! How could you understand the struggles I have to face when you have all the power in the world to do whatever you want!?” Su Jing Fei’s voice broke as she shouted for the first time in a long time; her throat was hoarse from unuse, and she gasped slightly from exertion and frustration.

“If you need power, I’ll lend you some,” Li Wei Sheng said in a low voice. “If you need weapons, I’ll give you some. All you have to do is ask.”

Su Jing Fei let out a laugh that sounded almost like half of a cry. “Then the power I’d be using is yours, not mine. I’d still be powerless.”

“Then do something about.” Li Wei Sheng argued. “Where is the woman who I first met, the sly and cunning woman who refused to be held back? The woman who fought against the Feng family with her own power? Where is she?”

“She’s dead.” Su Jing Fei replied coldly. “I think you should leave now.”

Li Wei Sheng felt frustrated at the impenetrable wall of solitude and grief surrounding Su Jing Fei, but he knew that if his words couldn’t reach her, then he should not be wasting such effort. “Fine, if that is what you wish.” Li Wei Sheng responded in kind, his voice growing hard and cold. He got up and left, not caring to bid her a proper farewell. No more wasted effort. Li Wei Sheng wasn’t even really sure why he had bothered to visit the young woman anyway; perhaps he had seen a certain familiarity in her, something in her that was similar to himself. But that spark of familiarity was gone now, and Li Wei Sheng did not wish to waste his breath on a dead person.

“This lowly one deeply apologizes for xiaojie’s behavior.” Dongfan bowed respectfully before Li Wei Sheng. He looked at the old woman, sighing slightly. He knew that he had gotten a bit frustrated by how much grief had changed Su Jing Fei, but he was not going to regret his words.

“It’s alright,” Li Wei Sheng replied with a long sigh. “If it’s peace and quiet that she desires, then so be it. I’m leaving for the imperial city tomorrow and will not be returning to Fuo Lan anytime soon.”

“I’ll make sure to relay the message,” Dongfan replied with a small smile. “This lowly one thanks the imperial prince.”

Li Wei Sheng gave a brief nod before turning to leave.


Meanwhile, Mu Tan looked worriedly at her xiaojie, having heard and watched the heated exchange between the two. “Da xiaojie…”

“It’s alright, Mu Tan. Could you please leave me alone for a bit? I need to think.” Su Jing Fei spoke quietly.

Mu Tan did as her xiaojie asked, moving quietly to leave. But just before she exited the room, Mu Tan paused for a moment and turned to speak to Su Jing Fei. “This lowly one is unable to help da xiaojie, but… this one hopes that da xiaojie will be able to find peace soon.” Then she carefully closed the door behind her as she left. For the first few days, the yatou had been afraid to leave Su Jing Fei alone, probably afraid that she’d take her own life. Honestly, Su Jing Fei held the inclination for it, but she was too tired to think about anything too much. Most days, she found comfort in dreamless sleep.

Carefully, Su Jing Fei reached over and picked up the candy on the tabletop. It was her favorite candy from the store she often frequented. There was no doubt that Li Wei Sheng had been given the candy by Mingyu. Only Mingyu knew what her favorite candy was. She thought about the young boy, remembering his bright smile and big brown eyes that crinkled with mischievousness. Now that she was thinking about him, she found that she missed him quite a bit. But the fleeting emotion was immediately drowned out at the remembrance of Da Chun’s death. The memory plagued her mind quite often; Su Jing Fei had conjured up so many different scenarios in her mind. If she had only done this or that, would Da Chun still be alive right now? It was the ‘what-ifs’ that haunted Su Jing Fei the most; these questions without answers left Su Jing Fei tired yet restless.

Su Jing Fei placed the candy back on the bedside table, her gaze lingering at the compartment underneath. Carefully, she pulled open the drawer and took out two objects that she had kept hidden away. One was her mother’s jewelry box and the other was Da Chun’s jade pendant. When they had cremated Da Chun’s body, Su Jing Fei wanted to set a shrine up for her sister; she knew a little bit about the funeral rites of the ancient era, but she disguised her own desires as dreams that came to her. At least this way, the strange practice could be attributed to her grief, and she wouldn’t be questioned too much. But even the thought of Da Chun still pained her. She had promised Da Chun that she’d protect her, that she’d take care of her, and she had failed.

Opening the jewelry box, Su Jing Fei set the jade pendant down beside the other one. Her fingers ran across the outline of the twin dragons, and her heart tightened. However, she noticed something peculiar about the contents. There seemed to be something else that hadn’t been there before. Carefully, she removed the small embroidered handkerchief that was folded carefully and placed at the bottom of the box. Su Jing Fei recognized the handiwork as belonging to Da Chun, but she didn’t recognize the handkerchief as any of the ones they had worked on together. As she handled the thin cloth, she felt a piece of paper folded inside the handkerchief. Su Jing Fei pulled out the paper, unfolding it to reveal a hidden letter addressed to her. It read:

Dear jie jie,

By the time that you’re reading this, I’m probably gone from this world. I’m so sorry I hid this secret from you, and you’re probably going to be very angry with me. I haven’t got much time left. After you saved me from Xia-Wu, there had been times when I felt sick in the mornings and couldn’t get up. But I asked Mu Tan to keep it a secret from you, so please don’t be angry with her. She’s even helping me write this letter because I’m still only able to write a bit of what you have taught me. I’m not as smart and quick as you are, but I hope that you’ll be able to forgive me.

The doctor said that it was a heart problem. Something to do with being born too early; it is especially common in twins, and it makes sense now that I think back on my life. I’ve dealing with this illness for the majority of my life, but it’s gotten worse recently. I’m afraid my heart will give out before I muster up enough courage to tell you the truth about my sickness. I can only hope that I’ll get better first. If not, I’ll leave this letter in the jewelry box you gave me. I’ve embroidered a handkerchief for you as a gift as well. It was an image of something that reminded me of you.

I hope you aren’t too upset with me. I’ve been so deeply blessed by being able to meet you. You saved me after all these years, and I hope that even if I die, you’ll be able to know how eternally grateful I am to having been able to call you my sister. Please take care of yourself.

The bottom of the letter was signed with slightly unsteady-looking characters, and Su Jing Fei recognized it as Da Chun’s handwriting. With a trembling hand, Su Jing Fei unfolded the handkerchief to reveal an intricately embroidered scene of a sun surrounding what looked to be a dragon’s body. The dragon’s blue green body looked similar to the waves of an ocean, and Su Jing Fei recalled her last promise to Da Chun to take her to see the ocean.

It was as if the tightly coiled emotions in Su Jing Fei had finally been unwound, and everything came bursting out at once. Su Jing Fei felt burning anger become swallowed by the cold waves of grief and sadness; she felt an inexplicable array of emotions wash over her, consuming her, and she finally let her hardened facade drop to reveal a broken woman inside. She cried, wailing as she clutched the handkerchief close to her heart. She let every torrent of emotion overwhelm her. She cried her heart out.

The four yatou stood outside the room, listening to their xiaojie finally cry for the first time since Da Chun’s death. They heard the despair in her voice and the desperation of her cries. They all sat quietly and cried along with Su Jing Fei. In the residence of Mudan-Yu, their cries broke the quietness that had settled there for the past few weeks. Nearby, the leaves of trees rustled quietly.

“Good, she’s finally crying,” muttered Li Wei Sheng as he leaned against the trees looking down at Su Jing Fei’s courtyard. “Took her long enough.”

Shan Yu looked at his young master, shaking his head slightly. Originally, his young master had made him keep watch over Su Jing Fei, but for some reason, tonight Li Wei Sheng had accompanied Shan Yu in his nightly watch. His young master truly acted strange in any matters involving the Su xiaojie, and Shan Yu could only sigh in response as he observed Li Wei Sheng watching over Mudan-Yu. However, although he had never properly met the Su xiaojie, he did indeed feel a bit relieved. She had seemed like such a lifeless person previously; it was good that she at least was lively enough to cry.

“Young master, it’s getting late. We have to finish preparing to leave tomorrow.” Shan Yu reminded the young man.

Li Wei Sheng stood up, glancing back at Mudan-Yu one last time. “I’ll wait to see what kind of conviction you’ll have upon returning to the imperial city, Su Jing Fei. Hopefully, it won’t be a disappointment.”

And then the two shadows disappeared into the night as quietly as they had come.

 

Author's Note: End of First Arc

Spoiler

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Hi guys!

I hope you've enjoyed the first arc of Wangfei's Desire for Revenge. I wanted to thank all the fellow readers and writers who have supported me throughout this story's development. It's been difficult to adhere to a regular chapter release schedule due to personal issues in my life at the current moment, but one of my goals for May had been to finish the rest of WDfR's first arc. Thankfully, I was able to finish before the end of May! Thanks to everyone for their continued support, and I hope you were able to enjoy these last few chapters.

Honestly, I've struggled a bit with how to develop Su Jing Fei as a believable modern character thrown into the ancient Chinese era that was typical of transmigration novels. I wanted her to be intelligent but not all-knowing, strong but not overpowered, vulnerable but not weak, and most importantly, I wanted her to be relatable while still adhering to the stereotypical transmigration tropes that we all know and love.

I found it quite challenging to maintain a careful balance of tropes with the realities of the modern world. For example, the whole "oh she's not a virgin anymore" schtick that most transmigration novels have is actually pretty discredited in the modern world but it is still a common trope that I knew I wanted to utilize in the story to stick a similar recipe that transmigration novels have. While writing it, I sort of laughed because my mind was like "AHH That's not how virginity works!!!"

Anyway, I hoped I was able to balance them well. It seemed like most people appreciated the instances of realism in the story, especially with Su Jing Fei's inner turmoil at resolving the conflicts between her modern values and the ancient Chinese values.

In regards to the ending of the first arc, I had struggled with a few possibilities, but ultimately settled on having Da Chun die. I explored the possibility of Da Chun living through the ordeal, but I knew that it was not a path for the story that I wanted to take. Knowing Su Jing Fei, I think if Da Chun lived, Su Jing Fei would've focused everything on taking care of Da Chun instead of focusing on her revenge which would sort of lead to a lackluster revenge unbefitting of the story's title honestly. I knew from the get-go that Su Jing Fei needed to learn true suffering and loss.

I've discussed it before where a lot of revenge transmigration novels have the female heroines enacting revenge for rather insignificant reasons such as "being treated poorly," etc. Thus, I wanted the reader to be able to experience and understand Su Jing Fei's motivations for her revenge. Obviously, this first arc was focused more on Su Jing Fei's integration into the ancient Chinese world while the readers also learned more about who Su Jing Fei was as a person. There was a bit of revenge, but most of it focused on exploring Su Jing Fei's moral dilemma.

In this next arc, (although I only have an idea of what I might write; I don't usually make story plot lines or really plan stuff ahead of time) I think a lot of the people who enjoy stereotypical Chinese revenge transmigration novels will look forward to Su Jing Fei's return. This next arc will also bet set after a small time-skip, but it won't be significant enough to really change anything about the story or the characters.

I hope everyone who has enjoyed WDfR continues enjoying and supporting the story, and I'll see everyone in the next arc!


Thanks!

Lukha

 

Congrats and thank you for completing the first arc of WDfR!
Your story has been a great blessing in all my novel readings!
I'm sure its been difficult for you, and so, I'd to say thank you very much for all the work you've done!
The story plot, character development and balance of modern-ancient era has been interesting and incredible.
Just know that your story has given me multiple surprises and tear-jerking moments that touch me.
You have my support and I look forward to the next upcoming arc!

 

Thank you for your continued support IhazelI! I'm glad you enjoyed the last couple of chapters in this arc, and I'm so thankful to having supportive and understanding readers like you. I hope you are able to enjoy the next arc just as much!

 

Thank you for this great story. Can't wait for the next arc.

 

Prelude (To Second Arc)

Spoiler

Han shi sat at her husband’s bedside as she wiped his body down with a cloth. “Ming’er is five years old now,” She spoke gently as her hands worked. “He’s getting so big. I can’t even carry him now.” Her laugh was light and cheerful, but there was a tinge of sadness to it. Her smile also carried the same sadness.

Suddenly, the door opened, and a young boy came barrelling into the room. “Mama!” Mingyu’s plump cheeks were flushed from the running, and he had a bright smile on his face. “Mama, guess who came to visit?”

Han shi smiled back at her son, setting down the washcloth to brush back the hair from her son’s face. “Hmm, I wonder who.” She mused, gently wiping away the crumbs from Mingyu’s face.

“This one sincerely apologizes for the intrusion,” spoke a familiar young woman’s voice. “I was waiting by the gardens, but Ming’er was quite persistent in me following him.”

“It’s no trouble at all,” replied Han shi as she stood up. “Su xiaojie and I both know Ming’er’s stubbornness the best.” The older woman gestured for Su Jing Fei to take a seat. “What brings Su xiaojie by today?”

Su Jing Fei took a seat, placing her hands neatly on her lap. “I’ll be returning to the imperial city tomorrow, so I came to bid farewell.”

“No! Jie jie is going to leave?” cried Mingyu as he turned around and ran into Su Jing Fei’s arms. The young woman gave a small smile, patting down the young boy’s hair affectionately.

“I’ll be back to visit soon, and I’ll send lots of candy and gifts.” Su Jing Fei promised.

Han shi looked at the young woman, observing her carefully. It wasn’t only Mingyu that had changed so much in the past year and a half. Su Jing Fei had also grown as well; her features were maturing and becoming much more beautiful by the day. The small pert nose elongated to match her oval face and high cheekbones. While there remained a youthful countenance, Su Jing Fei’s features were definitely developing into those of a refined young woman. With Su xiaojie’s usual respectful and mature mannerisms, Han shi quite often forgot just how young the woman actually was. “Su xiaojie has been maturing into such a beautiful young lady. It will not be long before the marriageable men from noble families seek Su xiaojie's hand in marriage once Su xiaojie reaches of age.”

Su Jing Fei smiled. “This one actually reached marriageable age quite a few months ago.”

The older woman paused with surprise. “How could this be? And the Su family did not ask for your return earlier?”

“It would be much less trouble for them if I stayed in Fuo Lan,” Su Jing Fei replied, patting Mingyu on the back as he continued to pout. “But it seems my presence back home is required. The Qu family are returning to the imperial city for my grandfather Qu Zhi Qiang’s retirement.”

Han shi was quite familiar with the famous Qu family, known for their brave military accomplishments that helped the current Emperor keep Chu country peaceful. However, hearing that the mighty military general and patriarchal leader of the Qu family was retiring, Han shi was a bit worried how the careful balance of political power might be disrupted in the imperial city. This can only spell more trouble for Su Jing Fei, who had become quite dear to Han shi over the past year and half. Although she knew she had a much lower societal ranking than Su Jing Fei, she couldn’t resist from saying a few words of concern. “Please forgive this lowly one for her rudeness. However, this lowly one hopes Su xiaojie will take good care of herself. If there is anything that Su xiaojie needs, please don’t hesitate to consult with the Guo family.”

Su Jing Fei nodded politely as she continued stroking Mingyu’s hair, pinching the little chubby boy’s cheeks with a small smile. “This one will remember the Guo family’s kindness and can only hope that she can repay them in this lifetime.”

Han shi furrowed her brows at the young woman’s words, feeling that there were quite ominous. Just what exactly did Su Jing Fei intend to do once she reached the imperial city? What dangers lurked in the corners of the Su residence that caused such a young woman to be so cautious at returning to her own home? Han shi could not fathom the dangers, but she was sincere in her words. “Please keep in touch. Ming’er would definitely love to receive letters from his most favorite jie jie,” the older woman could only say a few words with a gentle and sad smile. She could not help Su Jing Fei in the imperial city, but she could quietly offer her support, however small it may seem. “If Su xiaojie ever returns to Fuo Lan, please don’t hesitate to visit any time.”

Su Jing Fei smiled, and the two women’s tense words relaxed into pleasant conversation. And before long, the sun was beginning to set in the horizon. Both women stood as Han shi escorted Su Jing Fei to the entrance. Mingyu clutched to Su Jing Fei, pouting as the young woman chuckled at his childish stubbornness. “Take care of your mother, Ming’er. Maybe next time we see each other, Ming’er will be a big boy and become even taller than jie jie!”

Han shi smiled sadly, knowing that there would be a long time before they could meet again. “This lowly one hopes Su xiaojie also takes care of herself.”

“This one thanks Han shi for her kindness,” Su Jing Fei said courteously as she gave a respectful bow. “I’ll be taking my leave.” She gently nudged Mingyu back to his mother before turning to leave.

Mingyu ran into his mother’s arms, crying as they both stood at the entrance of the Guo family residence. Han shi watched the young woman’s calm and steady figure walk away, feeling that those small shoulders carried such a heavy weight but seemed so sturdy and strong. There was a determinedness to them, a defiant elegance in the way the young woman carried herself. Someday, she hoped that someone will be able to share the heaviness upon Su xiaojie’s shoulders.

As Su Jing Fei boarded the carriage, Yize placed a cloak around her xiaojie’s shoulders since the gentle breeze was beginning to chill. Su Jing Fei thanked the young yatou, leaning her back against the wall of the carriage. She resisted the urge to push aside the curtains and bid farewell to the only place where she’d felt welcomed in a long time. There was no looking, no turning back. All she could do was look forward, face the future that awaited her in the imperial city. Her resolve was firm, and her mind was clear.

As the carriage rolled forward, two figures remained at the entrance to watch it growing smaller and more distant. As it disappeared from view, the two figures headed back into their home for although the bitter coldness of winter had passed, one could still catch a chill from the night air. However, with the passing of winter, it also gave way to spring where life began to flourish. In the gentle breeze, the spring trees’ leaves rustled with the promise of new days and new beginnings.

 

Chapter 27 Part One

Spoiler

One and half years, almost two years, since Su Jing Fei had left the imperial city’s gates. Now, as she looked upon them, they seemed just as large and imposing as she remembered. There were no superfluous designs like Fuo Lan’s gates; instead, they gave an air of power and strength. Within those walls lived the heart of Chu country, a place where the imperial family called home.

Su Jing Fei felt the carriage roll forward as they approached the gate entrance. There was no trouble when Si Qiang held up their family nameplate, and they were let in without much trouble. She noticed her two yatou’s nervous appearances, giving a small smile. Yize noticed her da xiaojie’s calm demeanor, remembering the last time they went through these gates. “Da xiaojie, this lowly one remembers da xiaojie’s words last time. This lowly one will surely follow da xiaojie’s words and trust completely in da xiaojie!”

“This lowly one agrees with Yize!” Mu Tan heartily agreed. After a careful delibration back in Fuo Lan, Su Jing Fei concluded to leave Xiao Chen and Dongfan to take care of Mudan-Yu and handle the three businesses while Mu Tan and Yize accompanied their da xiaojie back to the imperial city.

Su Jing Fei smiled at her yatou who relaxed a little at seeing their xiaojie’s calm demeanor, and the inside of the carriage fell into a comfortable silence as both Mu Tan and Yize peeked curiously out of the curtained windows of the carriage. Su Jing Fei was quiet, lost in her own thoughts. In the past year since Da Chun’s death, Su Jing Fei had mourned and grieved, but eventually, that grief gave way to a firm resolve.

“We’ve arrived at the Su family residence!” announced Si Qiang as the carriage rolled to a stop. Carefully, the door to the carriage was opened, and Su Jing Fei was helped down. She looked at the entrance to the Su manor, feeling like the huge doors were a wide gaping mouth ready to swallow her in its greediness. Mu Tan and Yize quietly stood behind their da xiaojie, careful to mind their manners as Su Jing Fei stepped forward to enter the Su family residence.

“Welcome home, da xiaojie!” greeted all the servants at the front of the entrance. At the head of the servants was the familiar face of Li Chen, the Su manor’s head steward.

“This lowly one greats, da xiaojie! Everyone has gathered at the gathering hall to welcome da xiaojie home!” Li Chen said as he respectfully bowed before Su Jing Fei. “Please follow this lowly one.”

Su Jing Fei regarded the warm welcome with a brief glance, thinking to herself that the Su family seemed to be doing quite the 180 in attitude. If they thought that she would be easily swayed by such a flashy welcome, they were quite underestimating her. However, Su Jing Fei gave a polite smile and thanked Li Chen. She could play the dumb and easily pleased person they thought her to be. “Many thanks.”

Li Chen led the way as Su Jing Fei followed closely behind. They passed by many courtyards and gardens, reminding Su Jing Fei that Mudan-Yu was just a small grandeur compared to the residence of a prime minister. Finally, they reached the steps of the gathering hall. Behind her, Mu Tan and Yize noticeably hesitated in nervousness.

“The da xiaojie has returned!” announced Li Chen as Su Jing Fei stepped into the gathering hall. The last time she had entered this hall, she’d been punished by her father and banished to Fuo Lan. Su Jing Fei hid a sneer in her heart, thinking of what other great things would await her inside this place.

Within a few moments, Su Jing Fei took in the scene before her. Her father’s familiar figure sat at the forefront of the family; her father looked as displeased as usual. However, she noticed that upon her arrival, the older man schooled his expression into an indifferent one. Beside him sat Su Lao Furen who looked noticeably aged; the old woman’s posture was slightly curved, as though her old bones were unable to hold up the weight of her body. Those dark eyes were as stern as usual, however.

Su Jing Fei’s eyes flickered to the other woman at Su Xuan Mo’s side. The older woman looked just as dressed up in extravagance as always, wearing the facade of a gentle and tender woman. Su Jing Fei knew the ugly face behind that mask, and while she wished to rip the smile right off of Liu shi’s face, it was only the knowledge that one day she’d be able to see that face construed in anger and fear that held Su Jing Fei back.

It was only the briefest of glances, but Liu shi felt a coldness creep up her spine at Su Jing Fei’s arrival. The young woman exuded such an unfamiliar aura, acting so drastically different than previously. However, Liu shi was cautious and carefully maintained her gentle demeanor. Though, she had prepared for Su Jing Fei to come barrelling into the ancestral hall, it seemed that that would not be the case. Instead, Su Jing Fei merely bowed before her elders.

“Chennu greets father, grandmother, and stepmother,” Su Jing Fei greeted in a respectful bow as she kowtowed before them. Then she turned and greeted her uncle and aunt-in-law. When she was done with her greetings, she returned to a prostrated position facing the front of the ancestral hall. “Chennu apologizes for her inability to perform her filial duties this past year and a half. Hoping that grandmother can forgive chennu!”

Su Lao Furen looked a bit surprised at Su Jing Fei’s words at first but then seemed quite pleased at hearing such filial words. “En, seems like staying in Fuo Lan has made Fei’er a sensible young woman. There is no need to apologize as long as Fei’er is in good health.” The old woman gestured for the servants to help Su Jing Fei rise.

For a moment, no one really knew what to say. There was an awkward moment of silence in the air until Su Lao Furen gave Su Xuan Mo a meaningful look. Then the man coughed, finally looking at his eldest daughter in the face. “Father welcomes Fei’er back home. Fei’er must be tired from travelling so far, so your courtyard has been prepared for you to rest.”

“Chennu thanks Father for his kind words,” Su Jing Fei said with a polite bow. “However, chennu was away for so long and wishes to express her filial piety. Chennu has brought back healthy ingredients from Fuo Lan to cook dinner for everyone.”

Everyone seemed quite shocked at this unfamiliar demeanor that Su Jing Fei displayed; previously, they thought that Su Jing Fei had just been depressed when her engagement to Chen Hui Zhe was broken, but now they saw that the young woman had truly changed! It was Liu shi who was the most shocked as well as the most suspicious. Although she could not guess Su Jing Fei’s hidden emotions, she was doubly cautious around the young woman. In the past year and a half, Liu shi had been quite well-informed about the happenings in Fuo Lan while Su Jing Fei had been ruining the reputation of her niece and bringing down the fall of Liu shi’s maternal relatives. However, she still wasn’t quite able to guess yet whether Su Jing Fei knew of their connection to her… At this time, she had to gauge the young woman’s reactions with caution. “Fei’er is kind and has definitely grown into a beautiful young woman,” Liu shi regarded with a gentle smile. “To even be as thoughtful as to personally bring ingredients to cook us dinner! One can only wish that my Rong’er was as half as thoughtful.”

Su Mei Rong looked at her mother with shock at hearing such praise, but the expression quickly faded and was replaced with a fake smile. Su Jing Fei smiled in response to Liu shi’s words and still, the older woman could not read the emotions hidden behind that mask of politeness. “Mother is being too kind,” She replied with a courteous bow. “Chennu is only able to show such filial piety after being away for so long and missing grandmother. Chennu only hopes everyone will be able to enjoy the dinner as a family.”

“En, that is good. Fei’er must be tired. You should rest in your courtyard before dinner.” Su Lao Furen said with a nod of her head. She looked to Su Xuan Mo expectantly. He understand his mother’s gaze and immediately dismissed everyone from the gathering hall to reconvene at dinnertime.

Su Jing Fei went to her old courtyard and noticed that the place had been cleaned and prepared for her return. Moving inside, she glanced at the familiar interior of her room, the place she had once called home a long time ago. Flashes of memories filled Su Jing Fei’s mind as she took in its comforting familiarity.

“Da xiaojie, please rest! This lowly one will instruct the cooks to prepare the food for dinner,” spoke Mu Tan with a determined expression. “This one hopes xiaojie can rest a bit from the long journey.” The yatou was certainly sharp since she had discerned the weariness that seemed to overcome Su Jing Fei after finally meeting with her family once again. It was a lot less confrontational than she had imagined… Of course, there was still dinner yet. With a small grateful smile, Su Jing Fei thanked Mu Tan who left quickly. Yize then helped her xiaojie prepare for a small bit of rest before dinner time. After a few hours, when the darkness of night began creeping into the corners of the sky, it was finally time for dinner.