In a dimly lit room, a little girl with delicate features sat by the window, wearing a gloomy expression as she lost herself in thoughts. Xiaotian gazed at a distant fixture, her mind filled with echoes of laughter and joy from the past, reminiscing about the warmth of her father's embraces and her mother's sweet smile and kind eyes. She couldn't help but think about her sister Xiaofen's care and affection. It felt like yesterday when they were a happy family, yet today everything and everyone she knew and loved was gone, except for sister Xiaofen.
The image of her father's gruesome murder played vividly in Xiaotian's mind. "Xiaoling! Flee with the children," Xiaowen shouted in panic. The sounds of battle and burning filled the air. Seeking shelter, the family huddled together in a dilapidated hut, their faces covered in smoke and dirt. Xiaoling shook her head vigorously, tears streaming down her cheeks, as Xiaotian and Xiaofen clung tightly to their father, unwilling to let go.
Tears streaming down his face, Xiaowen embraced his family before bravely departing to defend their village, despite their cries and worries. Xiaotian watched in horror through a hole as her father charged towards the enemy, managing to wound two soldiers before being fatally struck in the heart by a spear. The situation took an even darker turn for her mother, as the army killed her parents, took Xiaofen and enslaved them. Every day brought maltreatment, witnessing the brutal punishment of disobedience or hesitation, excessive labor, and starvation
A woman forcefully grabbed Xiaotian, while guards restrained Xiaofen. Tears welled up in Xiaotian's eyes as the woman examined her like an object. "Hmm, I will take her," Madam Liling smiled. Determined to stay with her sister, Xiaotian broke free and rushed to Xiaofen's side. Madam Liling glanced at Xiaofen, taking note of her dirty and disheveled appearance, yet captivated by her eyes. "I will take both," she declared. "One hundred and fifty ounces of gold."
Despite her fascination with the opulent interior and the alluring courtesans, Xiaofen had no desire to end up like them. She entered cautiously, feeling a mix of trepidation and compassion as she laid eyes on the forlorn figure before her. With a gentle sigh, she took a step forward, slowly closing the distance between them.
""Xiaotian, I brought you some steamed buns," Xiaofen said, raising them up for her sister to see, the sweet aroma filling the room. However, Xiaotian remained motionless, her gaze fixed on some distant memory. Xiaofen's heart ached, realizing the extent of her sister's trauma. Determination welled up within her, vowing to seek revenge on those responsible for their suffering.
""Xiaotian..." Xiaofen hesitated, her disdain for Marquis Wen purchasing them was evident in her tone, but she held it back. "We're leaving."
Suddenly, Xiaotian spun around, her eyes filled with joy and excitement. "Really?!" she exclaimed. Xiaofen smiled, her own heart brimming with happiness. "Hooray!" Xiaotian exclaimed, jumping around in pure excitement.
"Wait, let's eat your buns first," Xiaofen giggled, handing over the steamed buns. Xiaotian happily devoured them, then eagerly assisted Xiaofen in packing-up. Hand in hand, they descended the stairs, their bond palpable.
Bingwen watched in astonishment, discovering that Xiaofen had a younger sister with fair features—a testament to their interracial family.
"No! Xiaotian stays," Madam Liling exclaimed, pulling her sister away from Xiaofen. Xiaotian cried out, as she was separated from Xiaofen, her dreams of freedom and happiness crushed.
"Then I'll stay with my sister," Xiaofen declared firmly, standing her ground in front of Bingwen.
"I'll buy both sisters," Bingwen announced, his indifference clear.
"Three hundred ounces of gold for the little one."
The crowd was stunned into silence.
"Deal," Bingwen replied casually.
"She had her servants carry the chest of gold after ascertaining the quantity. She gestured to her maids to release Xiaotian. The latter rushed to her sister's arms. The former nestled the latter, the latter tightly gripped her close, not willing to let go, after soothing Xiaotian for a moment, she paced out of the main hall.
A tall subordinate with sharp features, dressed in a blue robe, stepped forward and opened a chest, revealing a dazzling display of gold. Five hundred ounces of gold! The amount was substantial and would take a week or two, along with considerable effort, for even an influential family to generate. Yet, the marquis possessed such wealth and was willing to part with it without hesitation, showcasing his generosity.
Liling's eyes gleamed with avarice as she gestured to her maids to release Xiaotian. The young girl, both frightened and shocked, skipped over to her sister's side. Xiaofen tenderly held her sister in her arms, soothing her before leading her out of the room.
With a murderous glare, Liuying watched Xiaofen's figure retreat. Why did she get to have everything she desired? Freedom, attention from everyone, and unparalleled beauty.
Bingwen caught a glimpse of Xiaofen and followed behind her. As they stepped out, Xiaofen's gaze drifted over the bustling street. She was lost in thought, pondering where they would find a place to stay.
"No appreciation for a kind gesture,"
" Thank you." Xiaofen muttered sarcastically, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Xiaotian looked up at the stranger in front of her, his features radiating warmth and affection.
"Come," he offered, extending his hand. Xiaotian willingly descended from Xiaofen's arms and walked over to him, placing her small hand in his. His smile and demeanor reassured her.
They walked towards the waiting carriage, Xiaofen filled with despair.
"You little traitor," she muttered under her breath. They climbed into the carriage, but Xiaofen remained frozen, unwilling to move.