Chapter 1: Twin Sisters
Huizhou Prefecture, She County, was eerily quiet at night, the only sound being the occasional barking of dogs. Suddenly, the Song family residence was stormed by a group of officials.
The leader claimed that the medicinal materials sold by the Song family to the Northwest Army were substandard, causing deaths. He ordered a search of the premises and an investigation into the alleged crime.
Pandemonium erupted as the family scrambled to respond. "Water is leaking in the backyard!" "Put out the fire! The eldest and second ladies are still inside!" "Help!"
Amidst the chaos, an ordinary carriage emerged from the alley next to the Song residence, hurrying towards the city gate. Inside, Song Jin hugged her concubine Song Xiu, feeling dazed and uneasy.
Old Man Qin, the driver, instructed, "Girl, when we arrive at Qinjiagou, tell others you're from the next county and your parents are dead."
Song Jin nodded, still reeling from the events. According to the laws of the Great Xia Dynasty, the crime wouldn't affect the daughter of a married woman. Thus, Song Kuan arranged for his daughter to marry into the Qin family.
The Qin family had two eligible bachelors: Qin Mingsong, the youngest son, and Qin Chi, the eldest. Song Jin was betrothed to Qin Mingsong, while Song Xiu, only 14, was promised to Qin Chi.
After the disaster, the wealthy Song family was left in ruins. Song Jin reflected on her rebirth, realizing it came too late to save her family.
The carriage traveled over 80 miles from She County to Qinjiagou. Upon arrival, Song Jin and Song Xiu were given a simple but clean room.
Song Xiu was displeased, complaining, "I've never lived in such a bad place." Song Jin cautioned her to be grateful, considering their circumstances.
As Song Jin rested, she thought of her father and the mysterious Luban box he gave her. She opened it, finding silver ingots, notes, documents, and jewelry. A hidden compartment contained a letter and a copy of "Song's Pharmacopoeia."
The letter explained the family's troubles and warned Song Jin to protect the pharmacopoeia. It also mentioned a noble person in Beijing coveting the valuable book.
As Song Jin read the letter, she felt a deep sadness. Her happiest memories were of being protected by her father.
Just then, Song Xiu entered with a bowl of egg and brown sugar water. Song Jin ate, but soon lost consciousness, uttering, "Sister, you—"