From the warmth in Aunt Yue's eyes, Yuanjiu could sense that the woman truly cared for her.
Yuanjiu quietly observed her and felt a strange warmth spread through her chest.
She couldn't help but wonder: What is this feeling? A little sour, a little warm… unfamiliar but not unpleasant.
Aunt Yue turned to Xue'er. "Hanxue, while the consort was alive, she treated us with all her heart. Now that she's gone, the princess is our new mistress. We can't afford to slack off."
So Xue'er's full name was Hanxue.
"Aunt Yue, don't worry. I will never forget how good Consort Li was to me. I'm not ungrateful. I will take the best care of the princess," Hanxue replied, her voice slightly choked with emotion.
Yuanjiu stopped paying attention to their conversation and instead settled into a comfortable position.
As she silently reviewed her past training techniques, she half-listened to Aunt Yue and Hanxue's idle chatter.
From their discussion, she gleaned a piece of information that left her especially stunned.
The world she now found herself in wasn't the ancient kingdom she had assumed, but an otherworldly realm called Qi Huan Realm.
In this place, people like her possessed extraordinary powers—what they referred to as magical abilities.
She was in a nation known as the Caohan Empire, and her father, Ouyang Qingcheng, was its reigning emperor.
It was said that not only was he immensely powerful in magic, but he was also acknowledged across the continent as the most handsome man alive.
Yuanjiu couldn't help but let out a derisive chuckle.
The most handsome man alive?
She had to admit, perhaps it was because she had already died once that everything seemed so insignificant now.
Compared to her aloofness in her previous life, her personality now carried a hint of cynicism.
She had little interest in anything and cared even less.
The topic that occupied most of their conversation, however, was none other than her mother, Consort Li.
Her real name was Feng Yue, the daughter of a city lord from a small southern town.
Feng Yue had met Ouyang Qingcheng ten years ago in the Forest of Magical Beasts and fallen for him at first sight and eventually following him back to the palace.
But Yuanjiu noticed something peculiar: if they had met ten years ago, why did they only have a child now?
She was certain there was a hidden story behind it.
Out of respect for Feng Yue, who had not only given her life but also passed her powers onto her, Yuanjiu resolved to uncover the truth once she had the strength to do so.
"Hanxue, carry Her Highness to the window. There's a breeze—it'll be cooler there," Aunt Yue interrupted her thoughts.
The July heat was indeed stifling.
Thankfully, the Cold Palace was surrounded by lush trees, providing some comfort and shade.
The coolness and serenity made Yuanjiu smile faintly once again.
Hanxue responded promptly, placing her on a soft couch by the window.
While fanning her with a paper fan, Hanxue began speaking cheerfully. "Your Highness, this guqin was your mother's favorite. Listen…"