The sun hangs high in the sky, it was another beautiful day.Xuanwen was jogging around the residence with her hair up in a bun, dressed in simple clothing.
Soon, she was stretching her hands preparing to shoot a bow and arrow. Before waking up in this body, Xuanwen was an athlete, she specialized in archery.
"Ahh I miss the olden days", Xuanwen says as the bow hits the tree right in the center.
Xuanwen still remembers competing with her friends, but unfortunately it was shortened. After winning the gold medal, she was accused of cheating.Xuanwen had to return the gold,but later investigation revealed she was innocent.Xuanwen did not return to the competitions afterward, she realized that although she loves archery, it might not be the place for her.Since then Xuanwen returned to her hometown and took over her grandfather's martial art teaching center.After, her grandfather passed away,her parents,who don't really act like parents forced her to move back to the city to discuss about her grandfather's inheritance.They felt it was unfair that Xuanwen inherited everything.Xuanwen went back to settle the inheritance conflict,however the new building that she moved into shorten her goal.
Xuanwen grips the handle of her bow tightly.Her grandfather was her only family left, her parents probably didn't even budge a tear when she died.
As the arrow began to cramp the trees, Aunt Yin's voice was heard calling Xuanwen.
"Xuanwen, where have you been? Don't tell me you were in the back forest again", Aunt Yin complained.
Hualing walks toward them with a piece of meat in her hand,"Xuanwen was probably shooting arrows again, am I right?".
Aunt Yin notices the food in Hualing's hand," Didn't I tell you not to mess with the food, you really have no manners", aunt Yin complained.
Hualing hides behind Xuanwen's back," I was hungry and plus it's only a piece of meat, it won't do much harm".
Aunt Yin, angry, chases after Hualing.
After breakfast, Xuanwen and Hualing prepare to go to Guizhou.
"Xuanwen, must you really do this?", Aunt Yin complains.
Xuanwen gets the basket of vegetables ready," Of course, if we don't go into Guizhou, we won't make much.Nankou is too small. Plus Guizhou is only a couple miles away, a piece of cake".
"Just thinking about it makes me angry, how can the Lord cut off your allowance to this much", Aunt Yin complains.
Xuanwen smiles,"Aunt Yin, it's fine. We can survive without their help".
Soon the two left for Guizhou on a carriage.
–Guizhou–
Xuanwen looks out the carriage, the city was bustling like usual. It has now been a month and a half since she came to Nankou.
Now that she thinks about it, Yan Ying and her brother must've arrived at the capital by now. It has been a couple of days already.
Xuanwen sighs,"I wish this moment stays like this forever".
Hualing jolted awake from her sleep,rubbing her eyes,"That's a scary wish,Xuanwen.Not only did they cut your allowance, they are basically trying to erase you from the family tree! I just can't understand it! How can a mother do this to her own daughter?! Don't you want revenge?Don't you want to make them pay?", she said angrily.
Xuanwen chuckles," I'd rather be free from them. Or do you want to be bullied again?"
Hualing shakes her head.
As they arrived at the restaurant, the owner,Yao Qing came to greet them.
"Miss Lin,you're here early", Ma Qing smiles as she helps carry the baskets of vegetables.
Xuanwen jumps down from the carriage and helps them carry the basket to the back of the restaurant.
"Look at these, so fresh,I'm sure the customers will be pleased," Yao Huan, Yao Qing's son said as he looked at Hualing with admiring eyes.
Yao Qing smacks her son's head," Get back to work, what are you doing huh?".
Xuanwen teases Hualing," Seems like Yao Huan likes you (whispers) like a lot".
Hualing puts the basket of vegetables down," Xuanwen, don't tease me, he's not my type" she pouted.
Xuanwen also set down her basket," Really, then what type of guy do you like? Ahhh it must be the tall,handsome, and muscular type right? Like the one with beautiful white hair, a ceo! With white hair?".
Hualing walks back to the carriage to carry more baskets,"What are you talking about?White hair? I like young guys, not old man".
Xuanwen chuckles.
Xuanwen's eyes wandered the marketplace, her thoughts lost in the hum of bartering voices and the aroma of freshly baked buns. Just then, she noticed a small figure lingering behind one of the nearby alleys, watching her intently,more precise–the food stall behind her. A young boy, no older than seven or eight, with clothes tattered and worn, eyes wide with hunger and suspicion.
She crouched down to his level and softened her voice. "Hello there, little one. Are you hungry?" she asked, holding out her hand. The boy looked at her, his expression a mix of longing and fear. He trembled slightly, inching backward as if ready to flee.
Xuanwen, surprised but calm, reached into her pocket. She held out a warm bun, letting the scent drift toward him. "It's okay. Here, take it."
The boy hesitated, staring at the food with wide eyes, then took a tentative step forward. Just as his small hand reached for the bun, Hualing's voice rang out, calling Xuanwen's name. Distracted, she glanced over her shoulder. In that split second, the boy snatched the bun from her hand and darted down a nearby alley, vanishing into the maze of narrow streets.
"What's wrong, Xuanwen?" Hualing asked, approaching her with a look of concern.
Xuanwen stared at the spot where the boy had just been, her gaze falling on a small smear of blood on the cobblestone. "There was a child just…here a couple seconds ago," she murmured. She turned to Hualing, determination flashing in her eyes. "I need to check something. I'll be back soon."
Without waiting for a response, Xuanwen slipped away, following the faint trail of blood droplets through the winding alleys. The path led her to the slums—a place where the buildings sagged under the weight of neglect and the stench of decay hung heavy in the air. Beggars huddled in clusters, watching her warily as she passed.
Finally, she spotted the boy crouched in a shadowy corner, clutching the half-eaten bun. She stepped forward, her voice gentle. "Hi there."
Startled, the boy jumped up, eyes wide with fear. He tried to run, but Xuanwen caught his arm, holding him firmly but gently. "Let me go!" he cried, thrashing weakly.
"Shh, it's alright. I just want to make sure you're okay," she said, noticing his thin frame and the faint bruises on his arms. His frantic resistance told her he was too weak to struggle long.
"You're lying! You'll hurt me!" he shouted, tears brimming in his eyes. Around them, the other beggars looked on, murmuring among themselves, their eyes wary and judgmental.
Xuanwen reached into her satchel and pulled out a small bundle of food. "Look," she said, holding it out in front of him. "I only want to help. Here's some more food. I promise, I'm not here to harm you."
But before he could respond, the boy's body went limp, and he fainted in her arms. The whispers of the onlookers grew louder. Xuanwen forced a nervous laugh, addressing the gathering crowd. "It's a misunderstanding," she assured them, casting a worried glance at the boy.
---
**Huajing Department**
A woman in simple, worn clothing hovered near the entrance of the Huajing Department, her eyes darting nervously. Weimin, on his way to his office, noticed her immediately. He'd seen her here a few times before, lingering at the doors, her face pale and gaunt.
"What is it, Weimin?" Huian asked, following his gaze.
He didn't answer immediately. His instincts told him something wasn't right. He approached the woman, placing a firm yet gentle hand on her shoulder. "Ma'am, is everything alright? Can I help you?"
The woman gasped and turned to flee, but her expression softened. Pain and fear swirled in her eyes. Trembling, she looked at Weimin, her voice barely a whisper. "Please sir… you have to help me. My son… my son was murdered."
---
**Inside Weimin's Office**
"Ms. Song, you said your son was murdered?" Weimin asked gently, gesturing for her to sit. She took a shaky breath, glancing around the room before meeting his eyes.
"Can I trust you?" she asked, her voice quivering.
Huian stepped forward, her gaze steady. "You can trust us, Ms. Song. We promise to bring justice for your son."
The woman nodded, clutching her hands tightly. "My son… he was a prison guard here. He was overseeing that maid—the one who tried to poison Old Mistress Xiao. A few days after that incident, he became restless, like he was hiding something. He… he told me someone was going to kill him, that he felt like he was being watched. Then, one day, he was found dead. They said it was suicide… that he hanged himself. But I know my son! He would never do that! He loved life too much…" Tears spilled down her cheeks.
Weimin's expression hardened. "You said this started after the incident at the Xiao mansion? With the maid?"
Ms. Song nodded, her hands shaking. "Yes. The night before he died, he mentioned that Miss Xiao Rong—the young mistress—visited the maid."
"Miss Xiao Rong?" Weimin asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.
Ms. Song nodded. "He said she wanted to say goodbye to the maid. They were close, and even though she was disappointed, she wanted a moment alone with her."
Weimin exchanged a glance with Huian, whose expression was a mix of confusion and disbelief.
Xiao Rong? The Xiao Rong she knew would never harm anyone. She shook her head. "I've known Xiao Rong for years. She wouldn't… she wouldn't do something like this. Maybe she was just there to visit her, out of love or regret."
Weimin sighed, a solemn look in his eyes. "People are complicated, Huian. Sometimes, we don't know them as well as we think."
He was right. Before Huian regressed in time, the Xiao family had been implicated in the rebellion. Old Mistress Xiao's death by poison had cast a shadow of suspicion on the entire household against the imperial family. But this was different, the old mistress Xiao was still alive.There was no bad blood. Huian couldn't reconcile the image of Xiao Rong with a murder plot.
Weimin stood, his expression resolute. "Whether we believe she's capable or not, we need to find out the truth with our own eyes." With that, he turned and strode from the room.
**Zheng Zhusheng's Residence**
In the dimly lit room, the only sound was the quiet scratching of a brush on parchment. Zhusheng, deep in his calligraphy, paused as his attendant, Sun Bai, approached.
"Everything has been taken care of, Your Highness," Sun Bai reported, his voice steady.
Zhusheng's hand lingered over the paper. "They arrived safely?" he asked, the calm in his tone laced with chills.
"Yes, Your Highness. They've entered the palace by now," Sun Bai confirmed, bowing slightly. "The failure was mine. I should have handled it better."
Zhusheng resumed his work, his brush moving with practiced grace. "And still no indication of who interfered?"
Sun Bai's jaw tightened as he admitted, "No, Your Highness. The figure masked his identity well, and his martial skills were… formidable. I shouldn't have left them, even briefly."
A faint sigh escaped Zhusheng as he placed his brush aside, fixing Sun Bai with a contemplative look. "So you believe."
Before Sun Bai could respond, Fan Ye, Zhusheng's other subordinate, stepped forward, his eyes emotionless. "Your Highness, please allow me to take on the next task."
Sun Bai's face hardened as he shot Fan Ye a sidelong glare. The unspoken tension between them was palpable, yet Zhusheng, seemingly unaffected, held up the paper he had been working on, studying the delicate strokes before standing.
"Consider this a respite, Sun Bai. Go to Guizhou and keep an eye on Fenfang. I fear she won't be able to control her desire"
Sun Bai bit back a protest, bowing with reluctant acceptance as Zhusheng turned to leave.
---
In the grandeur of the **Main Imperial Hall**, a hush fell over the assembled officials as Yan Ying, her composure unwavering, entered and bowed low.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," she intoned, her voice dignified.
The emperor's eyes softened as he motioned for her to rise. "How was your journey, Yan Ying? I trust your father fares well?"
Her expression barely flickered as she recalled the ambush on her way back, but her voice betrayed nothing. "Thank you for asking, Your Majesty. The journey went smoothly, and my father is well. He sends his regards."
The emperor chuckled, a nostalgic glint in his eyes. "Your father remains as stubborn as ever. I've tried to persuade him to return, but he never heeds my advice."
Yan Ying managed a faint smile. "He greatly appreciates your concern, Your Majesty."
The emperor sighed. "You are so much like him." He cast a sidelong glance, his voice softening. "Ever since your mother's passing, your father has been a changed man. He works himself to exhaustion."
Yan Ying's gaze lowered, her silence acknowledging a wound still fresh. Her father, Marquise Yan Linyi, had devoted his life to the empire after her mother, Madame Peng Yulan, died from the plague she had tried to alleviate among the commoners. Despite her husband's protests, she had disregarded her own safety to help those in need—a decision that cost her life. Yan Linyi had never forgiven himself.
Sensing Yan Ying's discomfort, the emperor cleared his throat and straightened, his demeanor once more the image of imperial authority. "But enough. Let us proceed to more urgent matters."
An attendant handed a stack of documents to the emperor, who scanned them briefly before his expression twisted in rage. "Tax evasion—and in the military supply chain?! Outrageous!"
The officials hastily lowered their heads. "Please, Your Majesty, remain calm."
His fiery gaze fixed on Yan Ying. "Yan Ying, are you absolutely certain of these accusations?!"
Yan Ying stepped forward. "Yes, Your Majesty. My father and I gathered evidence meticulously, fearing that if we alerted anyone, the perpetrator would go into hiding. That is why I kept my journey secret." She hesitated, measuring her words carefully. "But I assure you, we have been thorough."
The emperor clenched his fists, struggling to contain his anger. "This—this treason!"
At that moment, Crown Prince Jianyu stepped forward, his voice calm yet resolute. "Father, please allow me to handle this matter. I vow to see justice done."
The emperor's gaze softened as he looked upon his son. "Very well, Jianyu. I leave this to you."
As the officials filed out of the hall, Zhusheng observed quietly, his eyes gleaming with intrigue.
---
Back in **Jianyu's Residence**, Jianyu studied Yan Ying thoughtfully as Yifan, her young charge, played innocently in the courtyard.
"You should have heeded my advice, Yan Ying," Jianyu said, his tone both reproachful and protective.
Yan Ying, unperturbed, smiled. "Had we taken greater precautions, we would have aroused even more suspicion, Your Highness. Besides, the assassins weren't only after me—they took Yifan. If the evidence was their true target, they would have simply destroyed it."
Jianyu nodded, impressed by her insight. "I'll have some of my men watch over your estate for added security."
Yan Ying inclined her head gratefully, acknowledging the Crown Prince's concern. "Thank you, Your Highness."
He continued, his voice dropping to a murmur, "Although we've disclosed the fact that we have evidence, it seems our opponents are not going to fall into the trap. We must tread carefully, for I suspect this conspiracy reaches further than we yet know."
Yan Ying's eyes sparkled with determination. "I owe you my deepest gratitude. My father's reputation could have been irreparably tarnished. If there is anything more I can do to assist, you need only ask."
Jianyu's expression softened. "Commander Yan is a man of honor—and my former mentor. I swear I'll see this through."
Yan Ying rose, bowing. "Then I shall take my leave, Your Highness."
As she walked away, Jianyu couldn't shake the weight of his worry. This mission, this treacherous journey, was supposed to be handed to Luo Hanxuan, a trusted aide and close friend. Originally stationed in the north under Jianyu's command, Luo Hanxuan had been gathering intelligence to expose the truths hidden in the shadows. But when Yan Ying uncovered hints of tax evasion, she joined the investigation and eventually took over Luo's task of returning to the capital with their findings.
The evidence they collected was valuable, though painfully sparse—insufficient to implicate anyone directly. Yan Ying's return was a carefully guarded secret, concealed in whispered rumors, a lure intended to draw the perpetrator out. Hanxuan's role was to keep a watchful eye, alert to any unusual activity near the border—an official missing, a sudden illness. Yet, the trap remained unsprung; their adversary was elusive, perhaps shielded by a force even greater than they'd anticipated. Jianyu felt certain that a powerful hand guided this conspiracy from behind the scenes.
---
Meanwhile, at **Xiao Rong's Mansion**, Xiao Rong rushed eagerly toward her friend. "Huian! I heard you came to see me!"
Huian smiled, concealing the unease in her heart. Xiao Rong appeared so innocent—could she truly have been involved in her grandmother's poisoning?
"That's right," Huian replied. "I came to deliver some tea for the Old Mistress, but I also needed to ask you a few questions."
Xiao Rong's smile faded, her brows knitting in confusion. "Questions? About what?"
As they took their seats, Huian leaned forward, her voice soft but firm. "Rong'er, did you visit the maid the night she died?"
Xiao Rong's hands folded tightly in her lap, her gaze dropping. "The truth is… yes, I did."
"Why didn't you tell me? Don't you realize you could be accused of complicity?" Huian's voice was laced with worry.
Xiao Rong sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I didn't mean to keep it a secret… I felt I had no choice."
Huian's voice softened. "Why did you visit her, then?"
After a moment's hesitation, Xiao Rong replied, "It was a request. The maid, Wan'er, was a beggar I helped not long ago, along with her younger sister. When Wan'er was imprisoned, her sister pleaded with me, saying Wan'er was innocent. I don't believe she'd harm my grandmother… but I was also angry. I only went to deliver a letter. Afterward, I told my father, but he advised silence. And then… Wan'er—-she was found dead."
Huian felt a chill at her friend's words. "But Rong'er, that's exactly the kind of detail that could be misconstrued."
Xiao Rong's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I know. I just… didn't know what else to do. My father insisted I stay silent, but here I am, telling you everything." She paused, her voice trembling. "I swear, I never harmed Wan'er. Huian, you have to find justice for her. Even if she was accused of poisoning, it just—it wasn't right. She didn't deserve this."
As Huian left, she felt torn. She wanted to believe Xiao Rong, yet doubt lingered. Outside, Weimin, who had been eavesdropping, asked quietly, "Do you really trust everything she'd said?"
Huian hesitated. "I do. She has no reason to harm her grandmother… she's the Xiao family's only heir afterall…" Her voice trailed off, haunted by uncertainty.
**Guizhou**
The air was crisp and lively at the heart of the autumn festival, lanterns swaying gently in the evening breeze, casting warm, flickering light over the bustling streets. Xuanwen strolled with purpose, glancing around at the festive decorations that lined the path, blending with the scent of roasted chestnuts and sweetened rice cakes. She had already sent the boy and Hualing back to the residence—she had some business to attend to here, and it couldn't wait.
Rumors fluttered like leaves on the wind: Jialing Restaurant, known far and wide for its fine wines and delicate noodles, was celebrating its 50th anniversary. And as part of the celebrations, there would be a grand prize of 10,000 silver for the winner of a pitch-pot game. Xuanwen was unfamiliar with the rules, but familiarity didn't matter. What mattered was that she knew exactly who would win.
A pair of familiar names had surfaced: Zhou Luli and her brother, Zhou Shucai—two of the many supporting characters in the novel. This was the moment when Su Zian, the eldest son of the Su household, met Zhou Luli. Su Zian was a troubled character, one who leaned more toward the shadows of the tale. He was fated to become an antagonist, bound to his fate even after Huian, his sister and the main character, would later go back in time to change things. In the novel, he would fall in love with Zhou Luli, though only he would feel the depths of that love. She, in turn, would remain loyal to the male lead's side, one of the "good ones," as the novel cast her.
It was a bittersweet tale, woven with regret, and Xuanwen couldn't help but feel for the two. Sighing, she settled herself into a secluded corner on the restaurant's second floor, finding a spot that gave her an excellent view of both the stage and the crowd below.
Soon, the crowd parted, and two figures stood out—Zhou Luli and her brother, Zhou Shucai, both dressed in the distinctive attire of the Ashan'an clan. Their tribal clan was neutral, its bonds with the Dongzhou empire amicable but distant. Luli scanned her surroundings, her eyes bright with curiosity, a soft smile curving on her lips. She looked nothing like the way the novel had described her.
"A cutie," Xuanwen murmured to herself, tilting her head. "The novel did her no justice—she looks so…innocent and naive."
A low murmur of excitement spread through the crowd as the restaurant owner stepped up to announce the game. The man was rotund and beaming, his voice ringing loud and clear over the gathering.
"Welcome, welcome, everyone!" he announced, bowing deeply. "Today, we celebrate fifty prosperous years of Jialing Restaurant. And as a token of our gratitude, I present to you our pitch-pot game! Three rounds, and the one who wins will walk away with a prize of 10,000 silver!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd, patrons clapping and shouting their support for their chosen contestants. Candidates took their places, lining up on the stage. From her corner, Xuanwen's eyes darted to Luli, who stood patiently at the far right side of the stage, shoulders squared yet relaxed.
She observed as patrons began placing their bets. It didn't take long for her to notice a troubling pattern—the crowd's interest lay heavily with the male candidates, leaving Luli with only one supporter: her brother, Zhou Shucai. Xuanwen's lip curled in annoyance. "Fools," she muttered. "All because she's a girl?"
With a quick gesture, she beckoned over a server, slipping her bet discreetly in support of Luli. She settled back with a satisfied grin. Now, the game was about to begin.
The first throw commenced, and both players scored their initial ten points. As the second round went on, one contestant missed his throw, and grumbles of disappointment rose from the audience. But Luli remained calm, barely blinking as her arrow found its mark. By the fourth arrow, however, tension filled the room. Luli's arrow landed cleanly in the pot, securing her spot for the next round.
Xuanwen felt a sense of satisfaction watching the scene unfold. Round two began, and this time, Luli was paired against Jiang Tu, a classmate of Su Zian. Dressed in scholarly blue robes, Jiang Tu stepped up with a smirk on his lips, though his hands gave away his nerves. Xuanwen's eyes narrowed, watching every twitch of his fingers, each furtive glance he cast across the crowd.
The game began, and each scored their first throw. On the second, Jiang Tu's arrow veered wide, drawing a murmur of disapproval from the crowd. He glanced nervously at Luli, who missed her third throw as well. Was she trying to give him a chance? Or perhaps she was just toying with him.
Jiang Tu's face reddened. Losing to a girl would be humiliating. He looked to his left, casting a subtle signal to someone hidden in the crowd. Xuanwen's gaze sharpened, catching the furtive motion. "A scholar, cheating in a game?" she scoffed softly. "Undeserving of even that flimsy title."
For the final throw, Luli turned to Jiang Tu and raised her bow. "Shall we throw together, young master?" Her voice was calm, her eyes glinting with subtle challenge.
He nodded, hiding his trembling hand with a forced smile. Together, they raised their arrows. The crowd hushed, breaths collectively held.
Just as the arrows flew, a pebble shot through the air, aimed to knock Luli's arrow off course. But as quickly as it appeared, a second pebble intercepted it, and Luli's arrow landed with a clean thunk in the pot. Jiang Tu's, meanwhile, wobbled midair before being deflected by yet another pebble and fell short.
The crowd exploded into applause, oblivious to the hidden duel that had just taken place. Xuanwen smiled in satisfaction, her silent interference ensuring that her bet had been well-placed. She knew Jiang Tu had been ready to play dirty, but she couldn't let him walk away with the victory. Not when her silver was on the line.
Across the way, Su Zian watched as well, a smirk tugging at his lips. He chuckled to himself, amused by his classmate's failed schemes, then turned his gaze across the restaurant, squinting as if he'd noticed something, but he didn't dwell on it long.
Xuanwen pushed herself up from her corner, making her way toward the stairs. She couldn't shake a strange sense of déjà vu, as though she'd been part of this moment before. But there was no time to dwell on it. Her winnings awaited.
And so, with the heavy pouch of her half-won silver tucked securely under her cloak, Xuanwen returned to the residence. Curiously, Zhou Shucai hadn't even taken his share of the silver. Perhaps it was a stroke of luck, she mused, savoring the small victory all the way home.