Xiaofen, meticulously groomed herself. As she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes shimmered with a golden light, radiating strength and resilience. She transformed from a humble cleaner in a brothel to a graceful maid in a prestigious household, embracing a new identity. Motivated by an undying desire to avenge her family, Xiaofen knew that she needed to rise to power. With unwavering determination, she made a solemn vow to herself, promising to toil relentlessly and flourish in this daunting world. Although the path ahead seemed uncertain, she was resolute in her conviction. Approaching the bedside, her eyes softened as they lovingly beheld the peaceful face of Xiaotian, her younger sister. Above all else, Xiaofen yearned for a life of happiness and tranquility for herself and her sister. With gentle affection, she caressed her sister's cheek, her smile radiating warmth and love. Ensuring her sister was comfortable, she left the room. Bathed in the morning sunlight, her presence was imbued with a serene glow, reminiscent of a steady and soothing river. Acknowledging Lan Ren with a nod, he became her guide, leading the way.
As Xiaofen and Lan Ren strolled along the winding paths, they finally reached their destination - Tranquility Residence, as indicated by the placard. The atmosphere exuded a serene tranquility, casting a peaceful spell upon them. The traditional courtyard house featured a central courtyard enclosed by surrounding buildings, showcasing the essence of harmonious coexistence with nature. Each element, from the meticulously arranged rocks to the gracefully flowing water and delicate plants, contributed to the overall ambiance. Stepping inside, the residence boasted a collection of exquisite artwork, including calligraphy and paintings, symbolizing refined taste and cultural sophistication. As Xiaofen and Lan Ren walked towards the Marquis Chambers, the maids' eyes fixated on her, harboring a mixture of suspicion, contemplation, and even a touch of mockery and prejudice. Undeterred, they carried on and Lan Ren knocked on the door before leading Xiaofen inside. Bingwen, engrossed in his work on the official documents, emanated an air of composure and allure with his upright posture and furrowed brows, conveying his intense concentration. His enigmatic expression only added to his irresistible charm.
"Grind me some ink," Bingwen commanded without even sparing a glance at Xiaofen. Meanwhile, he instructed Lan Ren to retrieve the documents pertaining to the North East province. Xiaofen approached Bingwen's side, taking up the task of grinding the ink. Initially uncertain, she caught Bingwen's attention with her confused expression. Without hesitation, he patiently showed her the proper technique, and Xiaofen quickly grasped the skill on her first attempt. As Bingwen gracefully wrote onto the paper, his calligraphy exuded a simplicity that carried an undeniable elegance. Xiaofen, captivated by the sight, observed him with keen interest, her eyes filled with fascination. She carefully noted his moments of pause and the deliberate strokes of his brush, mentally envisioning the motion. Suddenly, Bingwen's question jolted her out of her trance-like state.
"Do you possess the ability to read and write?" he asked abruptly, awaiting her response. Feeling a sense of embarrassment, Xiaofen shook her head, indicating that she did not possess the ability to read and write. As if on cue, Lan Ren entered the room with the documents, after several hours of grinding ink and observing Bingwen's calligraphy. He instructed Xiaofen to fetch his lunch, Bingwen watched her exit the room. Lan Ren, with a tinge of worry in his voice, glanced at Bingwen and expressed his concern, saying,
"It will be difficult for her, won't it?"
As she entered the unfamiliar terrain, Xiaofen walked through the labyrinthine corridors until she finally stumbled upon the elusive kitchen. However, upon her arrival, she was met with disdainful glances from the maids, their eyes piercing through her very being. "She's a cursed creature, an unwanted burden," one of them whispered, her words dripping with venomous judgment.
Amidst the whispers and gossip, another voice chimed in,
"She has somehow enchanted Marquis Bingwen."
"She must be practicing black magic," the voice insinuated. Undeterred by the rumors, Xiaofen paid no attention and proceeded to the kitchen. As she entered, the head chef eyed her with suspicion.
"What do you want?!" She demanded. Xiaofen replied respectfully,
"The Marquis has requested his lunch."
The head chef pointed a finger at a random cook, assigning the task. Fang Hua's discontent was palpable as she grunted in displeasure. Then, a twisted thought surfaced, etching an evil grin across her face. Scheming carefully, she meticulously arranged an array of delectable foods and delicacies. When she approached Xiaofen, a saccharine smile adorned her face as she presented the tray.
"Here you are," she sweetly uttered. Xiaofen, beaming with gratitude, reached out to take the tray. Without warning, Fang Hua deliberately let it slip from her hand. The delicate wares crashed to the ground with a resounding clink, causing the food to spill and shatter.
Fang Hua's shock turned into a facade of innocence, as her eyes welled up with tears.
"I... I was only trying to give you the tray, but you couldn't hold it steady. I'm truly sorry, it was all my fault," she sobbed. Xiaofen, though seething with silent anger, saw through Fang Hua's charade—this was no mishap, but a deliberate act.
The assistant head chef, consumed by fury, unleashed a torrent of curses.
"You clumsy witch! Can't you see? Must you intentionally cause trouble?" she spat at Xiaofen, her words dripping with contempt. As the assistant chef approached Fang Hua, she reached out to comfort her, prompting Fang Hua to sob uncontrollably as she pleaded on Xiaofen's behalf. Meanwhile, Xiaofen watched with a seething expression, about to interject, "But I..." But before she could complete her sentence, a basin of chilly vegetable water was flung at her, engulfing her entire body and scattering dirty remnants in its wake.
"But what? Poor Fang Hua is pleading for you, and you still show no remorse," the assailant hissed.
"Next time, it won't be vegetable water; you'll be thrown out!" With those words, the assistant chef aided Fang Hua to her feet and escorted her out of the scene.
Despite the chill and grime on her skin, her heart blazed with fury and indignation. She made her way towards the cleaning equipment, her movements clumsy and sluggish, providing unintended comedic relief for the onlookers who erupted in laughter. Silent tears streamed down her face as she stooped to pick up the debris, but her vision was clouded with tears, in an unfortunate turn, she inadvertently cut her finger. The wound, though shallow, inflicted a painful sting. Xiaofen clenched her teeth, determined to endure the pain and continue her task. As Lan Ren observed from a distance with an enigmatic expression. Xiaofen swiftly completed her task and hurried to her quarters, aiming to avoid meeting Xiaotian in her vulnerable state.
Seeking solace in the bathroom, she unleashed a cascade of tears, grappling with the agony of rejection and the weight of stigma. Memories of her painful past flooded her mind, from the village, to the brothel, to the market, and now here. Questions loomed large—why was she so different? Why was she despised by everyone? Why was her dark skin a cause for disdain? Her tears flowed unchecked as she released her pent-up frustrations and enduring pain. Her moment of anguish was abruptly interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Sister Xiaofen, are you alright?" a small, fragile voice came from behind. Xiaotian stood there, a picture of concern etched across her face as she waited for a response. She had been happily playing in the courtyard when she caught sight of Xiaofen hurrying past—she didn't greet her, an unusual occurrence. Xiaotian couldn't ignore the disarray of Xiaofen's appearance and her grieving expression, prompting her to approach her sister in worry. As Xiaotian approached the door, a pained expression crossed her features at the sight of her elder sister's desolate state. Xiaofen turned, her tear-streaked eyes reflecting the undeniable weight of her inner turmoil. Witnessing Xiaotian's genuine concern, Xiaofen's guard crumbled, realizing that she could no longer conceal the agonizing burden she carried within. With a tremor in her voice, she confided,
"I... I feel so different, Xiaotian. I don't understand why people despise me because of my skin color." In that vulnerable moment, Xiaotian's eyes pooled with empathy as she enveloped her elder sister in a tender embrace, her small arms offering a sense of solace and reassurance that transcended their shared pain. Xiaotian, with her innocent and compassionate nature, gently held Xiaofen and whispered,
"Don't worry, sister. You are unique and beautiful just the way you are. People may be blinded by ignorance and prejudice, but we know the truth. Together, we'll face the world and show them the strength of our love and acceptance." Xiaofen's heart swelled with gratitude for her little sister's unwavering support, and in that moment, she felt a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. With renewed confidence, Xiaofen embraced her sister tightly before freshening up. As she changed into clean clothes, she reassured Xiaotian that she was feeling better. Determined not to let others' judgments affect her, Xiaofen made her way to the kitchen, undisturbed by their remarks and laughter. With skillful hands, she prepared a delightful spread of foods and delicacies. Carrying the tray, she walked purposefully towards the Marquis residence.
Lan Ren recounted the incident to Bingwen, providing every detail, while Bingwen listened attentively, his expression unreadable, his silence a veil that shrouded the depths of his thoughts.
Just as the conversation ended, Xiaofen entered the room, carefully balancing a tray of mouthwatering dishes in her hands. However, instead of a warm welcome, she was met with an unwavering glare from Bingwen, which stunned her.
"You're late," he uttered sternly. Confused, Xiaofen stammered,
"I'm sorry, but I..." Before she could finish her sentence, Bingwen's intense gaze demanded her attention. With an abrupt demand, he instructed her to assume a kung fu stance, an unexpected command that left Xiaofen momentarily bewildered. While she grappled with confusion, the intensity of Bingwen's unyielding gaze resonated with a resolute seriousness that brooked no room for doubt.
Fumbling at first, Xiaofen awkwardly adjusted her posture, trying her best to mimic the kung fu stance she was vaguely familiar with, her efforts were met with a measure of awkwardness. In a gesture of support, Lan Ren offered guidance before excusing himself from the room.
Time passed, and Bingwen finished his meal, his gaze fixed on Xiaofen, his discerning gaze lingering upon Xiaofen, supposing she was the one responsible for preparing his lunch. Despite her evident struggle, exhaustion, and delicate frame, she had been standing diligently in her position. As Bingwen returned to his work, the room grew dimmer but was slowly lighted as Lan Ren stepped in to light the candles before resuming his post outside. The ambient glow of burning incense sticks cast shifting shadows as the night stretched on, enveloping the space in a veiled shroud of tranquility. Glancing up from his book, he noticed that night had descended upon them.
Adjusting his posture, Bingwen glanced around and noticed Xiaofen still rigid in her stance. Approaching her, he spoke softly,
"Watch carefully." Her gaze shifted to him, her eyes attentively observing his every move. Each motion he made was deliberate and precise, resembling a graceful and meditative dance. These movements were designed to promote the flow of "Qi," the vital life energy, within the body, emphasizing the importance of harmony and balance. The purpose was to cultivate a sense of inner strength, centeredness, and calmness. With her eyes closed, Xiaofen took a moment to internalize the movements and sequences demonstrated by Bingwen. As she absorbed the essence of the art, she opened her eyes only to see Bingwen making his way towards his inner chambers.
"Come and draw me a bath," he called out to her. Xiaofen regained her balance and followed him. As they entered Bingwen's sleeping chamber, Xiaofen marveled at the exquisite decor and furnishings that surrounded them. The centerpiece of the room was a magnificent, elevated platform bed, adorned with intricate carvings and beautiful embellishments, exuding elegance and distinction. The luxurious bedding, made from the finest silk, velvet, or embroidered fabrics, added a touch of opulence to the regal atmosphere. The walls were adorned with stunning silk tapestries, showcasing intricately woven textiles and auspicious motifs, depicting scenes from nature and historical events that symbolized his wealth and prosperity.Bingwen's sleeping chamber also boasted a collection of finely crafted furniture, including ornate cabinets with intricate carvings and inlay work. The elegant chairs provided a comfortable space for guests, while a ceremonial table served as the place for attending to official matters. Screens, not only offering privacy, but also showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and artistry, were strategically placed throughout the room.
As Bingwen settled on his bed, he gestured towards the bathroom, guiding Xiaofen to the bathing area. Enclosed by ornate screens that ensured complete privacy, the space was adorned with luxurious materials like marble, jade, and intricately carved wood. The grand, elevated bathing platform, often made from exquisite materials such as marble, commanded attention as the centerpiece, accompanied by a collection of precious stone basins. Despite the opulence of the bathing area, Xiaofen was too weary to fully relish its magnificence. Nevertheless, she went through the motions of heating the water and adding fragrant oils, taking care to create a soothing and aromatic experience. As she gently stirred the water, the glow from the intricately designed oil lamps cast a warm light upon her, enhancing her serene image in the process.
In a drowsy state induced by the warmth of the water, Xiaofen was startled by Bingwen's entrance.
"Come," he uttered quietly as she struggled to regain her composure, prompting her to rise and approach him.
"Undress" Confusion flickered in her eyes as she tried to comprehend his request to which his eyes bore into hers. It was only when he slowly raised his arms that she realized what he meant. Silently, she began to undress him, removing layer after layer until he was left wearing only a thin robe and pants. As the ethereal moonlight seeped through the high ceiled windows, Xiaofen's gaze was drawn to Bingwen's chiseled chest and captivating physique, causing a delicate blush to grace her neck and earlobes. Bingwen's expression remained enigmatic, a mix of intrigue and mystery. Meanwhile, Xiaofen, trying to compose herself, clumsily folded a pile of clothes. As she gestured towards Bingwen, her footing betrayed her, sending her tumbling forward. As Xiaofen stumbled towards Bingwen, her stumble was halted by his swift reflexes, and her hands instinctively met, finding solace on his chest. In that moment, their eyes locked, Xiaofen's golden orbs sparkling in the moonlight, while Bingwen's deep beryl gaze mirrored her intensity. A whirlwind of emotions surged within him, overwhelming his thoughts. And just as he began to grasp the significance of these feelings, he noticed Xiaofen's head gently lowering onto his chest, her body surrendering to a state of unconsciousness, she fainted.
In a chilling twist of fate, a lifeless body drifted along the swift currents of the mainstream, coming to rest near the tranquil banks of the Xue River, a stone's throw away from the elegant Marquis Manor. Alert to their surroundings, the astute men of the manor noticed the motionless figure and quickly sprang into action, pulling it ashore with careful determination. As the body lay there, ominously cold and tinged with a bluish hue, its worn-out garments revealing a life once forgotten. Yet, the identity and circumstances surrounding this mysterious arrival remained shrouded in uncertainty.
A senior guard from the Marquis Manor stepped forward to investigate further. With bated breath, he gingerly pressed his fingers against the body's wrist, his heart skipping a beat as he detected a faint pulse—a fragile thread of life still clinging on. Energized by this sign of hope, the men rallied, their urgency intensifying. And in that moment, as they hurriedly prepared to act, Chia-hao's fingers stirred ever so slightly which went unnoticed.