The next few days wasn't easy for Guan Fei. At night she was continuously harassed by nightmares of her past and present lives. The scene of Guan Feng's tragic ending replayed so many times that she finally lost the count. So how much A-Lin brought her soothing teas before going to bed, she still ended up waking up with an exhausted spirit and languid eyes.
At day time she was banned from leaving her room. As her existence was a secret, she was only allowed to associate with her personal maid A-Lin. A-Lin worried a lot about this because she knew Guan Feng was someone who loved roaming and playing with his friends. But it wasn't a big deal for Guan Fei who used to led a life of a snail. In fact she was happy about this rice worm life. But after four consecutive days of same routine, she couldn't resist complaining a bit.
''I can't even go out to breathe some fresh air. I'm like a prisoner in a jail.''
''Yes you are!''
She suddenly received an unexpected reply. Guan Fei turned her eyes in bewilderment to see a women in her thirties standing at the doorway giggling to a silk handkerchief.
''Milady'' A-Lin put aside the duster in her hand and bowed the woman.
Although this women was not a character of her original work, she recognized this lavishly dressed women as Xu Baozhai, the second wife of marquess Guan, thanks to the memories of Guan Feng that haunted her overnight. She simply nodded remembering that Guan Feng didn't has any good attitude about his step mother.
''Feng'er, I was kidding .How could the young master Guan be a prisoner?'' Xu Baozhai giggled again sitting beside Guan Fei and patting her back. Guan Fei stiffened from the pat. She hated it when someone touched her without her permission. But she gave the lady a tiny smile.
''Feng'er, by the way, how have you been these days? Forgive this ungrateful aunt, I didn't have time to come and see you as I was so worried these days about sister Fen. You know, your mother's health became deteriorated again. Poor woman!'' She stopped her cluck a bit to wipe a fake tear.
''However, I became very happy when I heard husband's decision. Why feifei, my Feng'er is also very beautiful. If she is suited to be a concubine, you certainly are. Look, how wonderful the fate! From the beginning I had that idea to present a proposal about you to the first prince. Now you are going.... '' Guan Fei who was feeling nauseated by Xu Baozhai's absurd words became suddenly startled.
''What? A proposal of me to the first prince? ''She repeated with widened eyes.
''Indeed, the first prince. Any problem dear?'' Xu Baozhai continued enthusiastically. '' His mother grand consort Xu is my distant aunt. So I know very well about him. Although the prince has...er...that little disability, he is much more outstanding than his younger brother....''
When second mistress of Guan departed after half an hour of chattering continuously, both Guan Fei and A-Lin were almost feeling dizzy. But Guan Fei could detect the venomous nature hidden behind Xu Baozhai's sickeningly sweet smile and her determination to sweep the first young master Guan, Guan Feng out of the path of her son, second young master Guan, little 'Guan Chaoxiang'.
''Toxic vixen!'' Guan fei gritted teeth. She had clearly understood the influence Xu Baozhai held both in Guan mansion and marquess Guan's decisions.
''Young master, please calm down. These walls have ears'' A-Lin warned in a timid voice.
''A-Lin'' Guan Fei signaled the maid to come close. ''Tomorrow, prepare me some commoner clothes. Women's clothes.''
''young master'' A-Lin covered her mouth with her palm in shock. ''Are you going to sneak out of the mansion?'' She whispered back.
''Yes'' Guan Fei nodded to the quick witted girl. She knew that if she didn't hurry now, soon a cup of poison will be placed in her hand.