Counterfeit?
The candlelight illuminated the side of Lu Wanchen’s face, allowing Xiao Jin to clearly see the veins winding along her neck and the trembling earrings on the edge of her earlobes.
Only her eyes remained calm, devoid of any emotions.
Xiao Jin instantly realized that the Empress was intentionally provoking her, perhaps to expose her weaknesses or even to seek death. Regardless of the motive, Xiao Jin released her grip.
At that very moment, a palace maid hiding behind the curtain suddenly drew a dagger and lunged at Xiao Jin.
Her footsteps were swift, and the sound of the wind passing through was audible.
However, Xiao Jin made no attempt to dodge, merely reaching for the armrest of her wheelchair. She had an intuition that danger was approaching from behind.
Since the imperial decree was issued by her aunt Zhao Yang, Changle Palace should not pose a threat. Even if there was danger, it should be within manageable limits.
The palace maid’s footwork was incredibly elusive as she flew towards Xiao Jin, the blade in her hand poised to pierce Xiao Jin’s chest.
Swish!
A gust of wind swept by. Immediately afterward, a dull sound of an arrow piercing flesh was heard. The arrow flew with such speed and stealth that it pierced through the palace maid’s wrist, leaving behind a delicate bloodstain resembling a plum blossom.
The swift arrow caused the palace maid to groan in pain. Unable to hold onto the weapon in her hand due to the bleeding right wrist, she could only raise her left hand to catch it.
In the next moment, however, a second golden feather arrow pierced through her knee, causing her legs to give way as she fell to the ground, and the blade dropped to the floor as well. Now, the palace maid lay motionless on the ground, completely incapacitated.
Seeing that the crisis had been resolved, Xiao Jin turned her head to look. The palace doors were wide open, and a figure dressed in dark archer’s attire stood there. Their eyes were dark and piercing, radiating a sharp intelligence. The person slowly lowered the carved bow in their hand, along with the third arrow that had been nocked.
It was only today, without the presence of Tang Ling, that Xiao Jin finally saw Tang Yu’s face clearly.
Normally, since Tang Ling often overshadowed Tang Yu, Xiao Jin had only paid attention to Tang Ling’s brilliance and had not paid much attention to Tang Yu as an individual. But now, Tang Yu’s elegant demeanor and formidable martial arts skills were impossible to ignore.
As for why Tang Yu chose to intervene and save her at this moment, Xiao Jin was not surprised at all. Since Tang Ling was hiding in Yanyu Building, the only one authorized to act on her behalf would be her sister, Tang Yu.
Xiao Jin knew that Tang Yu hadn’t shot to kill the palace maid on the spot; she wanted to leave her alive for interrogation. However, Xiao Jin still asked, “With your accuracy, two arrows were enough. Why prepare a third one?”
“Your Highness, because there is one more person,” Tang Yu replied, pointing to the empress, who was sitting on the ground, dazed and watching the scene before her.
This arrogant statement undoubtedly angered the palace maid. She covered her blood-soaked wrist with her hand and coldly retorted, “Tang Yu, even if the Empress is confined to Changle Palace, she is still the Empress, the mother of Qi Country. She won’t tolerate a lackey like you running wild here.”
Tang Yu seemed unfazed by the maid’s insult. Not only did she not get angry, but after hearing her voice, she even glanced at her and said with certainty, “You don’t seem like someone from the palace.”
The maid looked disdainfully at Tang Yu and didn’t bother to respond.
Stepping forward, Tang Yu stared at her face for a moment, then glanced at the golden saber lying on the floor, and spoke with certainty, “Although you wear a human mask, I recognize you.”
“Oh,” the maid responded indifferently, “you recognize me. So what? There are many people in this world who know me as your aunt. Who do you think you are?”
Xiao Jin was instantly captivated by the maid’s demeanor. It was rare to see someone more deserving of a beating than herself.
Tang Yu, too, seemed inclined to teach the woman a lesson, but for some reason, she held back.
“You are skilled with a blade. I remember a few years ago, there was a somewhat renowned swordsman in the martial world who also dabbled in blade techniques. Unfortunately, they only learned halfway and never made it onto the Hero List,” Tang Yu remarked.
At these words, the maid scoffed, “What does the Hero List matter? It’s just a place for those seeking fame and fortune.”
Tang Yu lowered her gaze and looked at the maid. “You seem quite proud.”
“With such insolence and such ignorance, only that unruly girl who was raised under Senior Ye’s care, tarnishing the reputation of the Ye family, could possess such qualities. I suppose you are that, that person called Ye something—” Tang Yu’s memory wasn’t great; she could remember the first line of a poem but often forgot the rest, let alone someone’s name.
After furrowing her brows for a long time, she finally recalled, “Oh, I remember now. You’re Ye Feiyan, right?”
Upon hearing this person’s name, Xiao Jin couldn’t help but narrow her eyes.
Surname Ye, could it be the Ye family she was thinking of? That would mean it’s Xiao Shuang’s maternal family, and they have some connection with Ye Suyu and Ye Juege.
Moreover, the name sounded familiar.
In the original work, it seems that Ye Feiyan was once a subordinate of the male lead and was later given to Chu Shao, where she played a role under his command.
Ye Feiyan clearly despised Tang Yu and responded impatiently, “So what if I am? So what if I’m not?”
Tang Yu’s expression was serious, without a trace of pretense. “No matter what, I just feel that your blade is too dull. You haven’t learned even a bit of the essence of Senior Ye’s skills, and you need more practice.”
It seemed that Tang Yu understood that sincerity was a deadly technique.
Ye Feiyan nodded, responding seriously, “Compared to Vice Commander Tang, my blade is indeed too dull, not as quick as your hidden arrows.”
All along, Tang Yu didn’t like it when people addressed her by her official title.
Because it wasn’t the real one, but a vice.
This time, Tang Yu’s face completely lost its expression. “I am tasked with protecting Her Royal Highness the Prince Yan, and I have no concern for anything else. I only know that you inexplicably appeared here and laid hands on Prince Yan, so it’s only right for me to shoot an arrow and capture you alive or kill you.”
Ye Feiyan suddenly laughed, a laugh that made Xiao Jin instinctively feel that this person was about to say something difficult to understand.
Tang Yu furrowed her brows. “What’s so funny?”
“I’m laughing at your words,” Ye Feiyan looked at Tang Yu, “You said I inexplicably appeared here? Vice Commander Tang, you really know how to joke. Isn’t it possible that you intentionally used Prince Yan as bait to lure me out?”
Misunderstood as “bait,” Xiao Jin had nothing to say.
Based on her understanding of Xiao Shuang, she always felt that Ye Feiyan was probably overthinking things.
Tang Yu also retorted, “Ye Feiyan, you think quite highly of yourself. I was only tasked with guarding Prince Yan. I had no prior knowledge of your presence here.”
“I, too, am under orders to protect the Empress. Prince Yan had her hands around the Empress’s throat. Why couldn’t I take action?” Ye Feiyan countered.
Tang Yu coldly snorted, “Let’s put aside whose orders you are following. Just now, I clearly saw that your strike was aimed at Prince Yan ‘s chest.”
“Is that so? But didn’t Prince Yan have her hands around the Empress’s throat?” Ye Feiyan and Tang Yu refused to back down, their words flying faster than swords.
Xiao Jin decided to stay on the sidelines as a spectator, to see who would lose their temper first, Tang Yu’s sharp tongue or Ye Feiyan’s wrist.
As the conversation progressed, both of them grew angrier, hitting each other’s sore spots with force.
Tang Yu mocked, “Ye Feiyan, you say I’m a lackey, but aren’t you also a dog raised by the Crown Prince?”
“I really don’t know what favor the Crown Prince has done for you. Could it be that he is your biological parent, deserving of such loyalty? If Senior Ye could know from the other side, aware that you aren’t thinking about how to revive the Ye family’s swordsmanship, but instead meddling in court affairs, he would probably be so angry that he’d kick open his coffin.”
Ye Feiyan was furious but laughed in response, “Crown Prince has once saved my life. Everything I do is merely an effort to repay my benefactor. And you, Tang Yu, after practicing for so many years, you dare to take advantage of the situation and become a lackey for the tigers.”
“What nonsense, Tang of the Qi Country! Like Tang Ling, a traitor who seeks personal gain, you are also worthy of being a commander? And you, Tang Yu, are just an eagle hound working as a lackey for the tigers. If the Princess allows you to bite someone, you obediently stick out your tongue and go bite, truly well-behaved.”
Xiao Jin’s brow twitched. She felt that Ye Feiyan was being reckless with these words.
It was widely known that although Tang Yu’s methods were not as ruthless as her brother Tang Ling, since Tang Yu dared to kill even the National Teacher, he was not someone easy to provoke.
Tang Yu placed her hand on the sword at her waist, her voice squeezed out through gritted teeth, “Continue insulting.”
Ye Feiyan didn’t seem to fear Tang Yu’s threat and continued to curse, letting out all her frustration.
“Oh, Vice Commander Tang, I understand now… I understand why you haven’t killed me yet. It’s because you don’t mind being called the Princess’s lackey. That’s not what matters most to you in your life. What you care about is others saying you’re inferior to Tang Ling…”
“Tang Ling is just a person born to a savage, raised in a kiln since childhood. But later on, he became a commander. And you, with such a good background, are now lower than Tang Ling even in the position of a lackey. You can only do the tasks Tang Ling doesn’t want to do. If I had your status, I’d rather bash my head and die. At least I’d die in despair! Isn’t that right, Tang…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Ye Feiyan suddenly stopped talking. It was because a chilling long sword was suspended in front of her face, and between the sword blade and her forehead, a hand was placed.
That hand casually rested on the edge of the sword, restrained by identity, and Tang Yu didn’t dare to advance any further.
Tang Yu’s anger had not subsided, but after taking a deep breath, she slowly said, “Your Highness, this person is truly despicable. I must teach her a lesson today.”
Xiao Jin knew that Tang Yu was eager, but she still advised her not to rush.
“She is deliberately provoking you. If you act now, you’ll fall into her trap.”
Tang Yu gradually regained her senses and looked at Ye Feiyan with a cold snort, retracting her sword into its sheath.
Xiao Jin secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
If Ye Feiyan truly belonged to the legitimate branch of the Ye family, and Tang Yu impulsively killed her, it would undoubtedly lead to a big mess. Moreover, if Ye Feiyan died, who would Chu Shao use in the future?
However, it had to be said that Ye Feiyan’s tongue was truly venomous.
Fortunately, there were benefits to a sharp tongue as well. If it weren’t for Ye Feiyan’s words, Tang Yu wouldn’t have known that someone like Tang Ling, who appeared to be flourishing, had such a tumultuous background.
This way, Xiao Jin could also understand two things.
No wonder Tang Yu had black eyes, while Tang Ling had light amber eyes. It turned out that Tang Ling’s birth mother was a barbarian.
It was also understandable why the Tang family was willing to send Tang Ling as a spy to the Yao Country, doing such dangerous and bloodthirsty tasks.
For a prestigious family like the Tangs, if Tang Ling were the legitimate child and possessed outstanding talent, even if Xiao Shuang ordered Tang Ling to become a spy, she would probably have to plead and beg the Crown Princess to revoke the order.
Having understood these things, Xiao Jin regained her senses but found that Ye Feiyan was still attempting to provoke Tang Yu with her words, hoping to make Tang Yu hurry up and kill her.
As the blood on her wrist was nearly dried up, she continued to curse forcefully, “Tang Yu, if you have the ability, shoot me with a hidden arrow. If you don’t have the ability to kill me, what kind of thing are you…”
Xiao Jin rubbed her temples, intending to have Tang Yu find a piece of cloth to seal Ye Feiyan’s mouth. However, just as she was about to do so, the sound of weapons colliding suddenly came from outside the door, followed by a group of people entering the hall.
The person at the front wore black armor, with a cold and solemn expression, walking directly towards them.
Xiao Jin looked at the leader in black armor and inexplicably felt that the aura between his eyebrows was somewhat similar to Xiao Shuang’s, both sharp to the point of being almost unapproachable.
Tang Yu’s complexion changed slightly, taking a step back and bowing to the person, “Master Ye.”
Xiao Jin immediately understood the identity of the person.
After the Ye family was suppressed by Emperor Taizong, the old master of the Ye family retired and returned to his homeland. The responsibility of carrying on the family’s legacy fell on the eldest son of Ye Shuo, Ye Ji.
Considering the mentions of “Ye family swordsmanship” and “Master Ye” by Tang Yu earlier, wouldn’t Ye Feiyan be…
Ye Ji ignored Tang Yu, bypassed her, and walked towards Ye Feiyan, who was lying on the ground.
When he approached and saw the golden wrong knife on the ground and the blood hole in Ye Feiyan’s wrist, he couldn’t help but furrow his brows. “Feiyan, how did you end up here and get injured?”
Ye Feiyan skillfully avoided the previous question and looked towards Tang Yu, saying, “Uncle, you should ask her.”
Hearing this address, Xiao Jin finally understood where Ye Feiyan’s fearlessness came from. With the backing of both the Ye family and Ye Ji, she had every reason to be fearless. Thinking about it, Ye Feiyan was not only Ye Ji’s niece but also Xiao Shuang’s cousin, so it’s no wonder she dared to insult Tang Yu, who was only a vice commander.
Ye Feiyan was the orphan of Ye Ji’s younger brother and was currently injured. Naturally, Ye Ji’s expression turned ugly. He turned his head and asked Tang Yu, “Vice Commander Tang, did you shoot Feiyan in the wrist?”
Tang Yu remained silent for a while before answering, “Master Ye, this person appeared in Changle Palace with a sharp weapon, intending to assassinate Her Royal Highness, Prince Yan.”
Ye Ji looked at Ye Feiyan.
Facing Ye Ji’s gaze, Ye Feiyan began to defend herself, “Uncle, I was ordered by Her Highness the Crown Prince to guard Changle Palace and protect the safety of the Empress.”
Seemingly unfazed, she didn’t find it absurd that she, a member of the Ye family, was working for the Crown Prince. Ye Ji roughly guessed the cause and process of the matter, his expression inscrutable.
After a moment, the weapons fell to the ground, and Ye Ji turned around to bow to Xiao Jin. “Nephew has acted rudely and recklessly, causing Her Highness to be alarmed.”
Xiao Jin understood that Ye Ji was trying to give her a way out by apologizing on behalf of Ye Feiyan. Considering their relationship with Xiao Shuang, she responded casually, “It’s alright, Master Ye.”
“If Your Highness is unharmed, then everything is good.”
Ye Ji thought that Xiao Jin intended to let the matter rest and glanced at Tang Yu before intending to take Ye Feiyan with him.
As he was about to leave, he asked for permission from Xiao Jin, “Since there is no trouble in Changle Palace, I will take my niece and leave first.”
Tang Yu was caught off guard and realized that she couldn’t stop him because he held a higher position. Moreover, Ye Ji was the head of the Ye family and had a relationship with Xiao Shuang. Reluctantly, she had to clasp her fists and bow, respectfully seeing off Ye Ji and his group.
Unexpectedly, before she could raise her hand, she heard Xiao Jin’s voice.
“Wait.”
As soon as these words were spoken, Ye Ji turned back and looked at Xiao Jin, who was sitting in a wheelchair.
Xiao Jin raised her eyes and looked at Ye Ji. “Master Ye, although I am unharmed, it does not mean that I can tolerate the assassination attempt of your talented niece.”
Ye Ji observed Xiao Jin for a while and slowly asked, “How does Her Highness intend to deal with this?”
“The Prince Yan Mansion has a talented physician from the Jianghu, who can treat the injuries on her wrist.” Naturally, she was referring to Su Tan.
Ye Ji understood the meaning behind Xiao Jin’s intention to keep Ye Feiyan. He also knew that by placing Ye Feiyan under the custody of the Prince Yan’s residence instead of the prison, it was a lighter punishment.
But if she was thrown into the prison, he could still find a way to rescue Ye Feiyan. If she was kept in Prince Yan’s residence, there would be no room for negotiation.
Ye Ji looked at Ye Feiyan and said, “Since she claims to be stationed here on the orders of his Highness the Crown Prince, before she is detained in the Prince Yan’s residence, it seems appropriate to inform the Eastern Palace.”
This plan was executed perfectly, as mentioning the Crown Prince would involve the Eastern Palace in this matter.
Unexpectedly, as soon as the words fell, footsteps were heard outside the door, and a person walked briskly into the hall.
To their surprise, Tang Ling ordered the servant to bandage Ye Feiyan’s wound while also using a bandage to seal her mouth. At this moment, Ye Feiyan had no choice but to remain silent, attempting to fiercely stab Tang Ling with her dagger-like gaze.
Seeing that Tang Ling was still willing to send someone to bandage Ye Feiyan, Ye Ji finally understood Xiao Shuang’s stance.
Realizing that Ye Feiyan was probably not in immediate danger, Ye Ji glanced at Tang Ling and Tang Yu with a cold snort, leading his elite soldiers and leaving in a huff.
Once Ye Ji and his group left, the hall remained lively.
Tang Ling lowered her gaze and looked at Lu Wanchen, who was sitting on the ground in a daze. She understood that the situation had suddenly changed, and this assassination attempt on Prince Yan was probably not orchestrated by the Empress.
She then said to Tang Yu, “You take Ye Feiyan to the Prince of Yan’s residence. I will go to escort the Prince Yan first and join you later.”
Upon hearing these words, Xiao Jin couldn’t help but feel a twitch in her brow.
Tang Yu had just been provoked by Ye Feiyan’s words, and now Tang Ling was assigning her task to Tang Yu. It was likely to trigger a rebellious mentality in Tang Yu.
Indeed, Tang Yu looked at Tang Ling and asked calmly, “Brother, my martial arts skills surpass yours. Why shouldn’t I be the one to escort Prince Yan instead of you?”
Tang Ling seemed taken aback by Tang Yu’s question and was momentarily stunned.
By the time she regained her composure, Tang Yu was already leading Ye Feiyan away, gradually moving farther away.
Tang Ling met Xiao Jin’s gaze and bowed, saying, “I apologize for any inconvenience caused to Your Highness.”
“No need to worry.” Xiao Jin knew that after this incident, both Tang Ling and Tang Yu were probably feeling uncomfortable. So she changed the topic, “Since Princess Zhao Yang wants to see me, let’s go.”
It wasn’t until they walked out of the Changle Palace and found themselves alone that Xiao Jin looked at Tang Ling and asked, “Commander Tang, what exactly did Zhao Wanqing put in the box for the Empress?”
Xiao Jin’s question seemed somewhat inexplicable.
Because Tang Ling was just Tang Ling, not Lu Wanchen.
However, upon hearing this question, Tang Ling’s movement of pushing the wheelchair paused, and she replied, “Miss Zhao said that it contained an unfinished scroll and… a short sword.”
Xiao Jin looked at the withered peony in the corner and didn’t ask Tang Ling how she knew about Zhao Wanqing’s existence. She simply asked, “Why a short sword?”
“Presumably because the world of poetry and swordsmanship represents the freedom and joy that everyone desires.”
Xiao Jin remained silent.
When the remnants of the flowers in the corner were swept away by the wind, Xiao Jin spoke again, “Does Auntie know about this?”
Tang Ling smiled, “What Her Highness wants to ask is what Princess Zhao Yang knows.”
Indeed.
Xiao Jin realized that her question was somewhat redundant.
With Bai Zheng alone, it was impossible for her to have the audacity to save the daughter of a condemned criminal. With the power and prestige of Xiao Shuang at that time, it wouldn’t have been difficult for her to exterminate the entire Zhao family.
Therefore, the reason Zhao Wanqing was still alive was not because Bai Zheng had intervened, but because Xiao Shuang had silently allowed her to live.
Her arrival at Changle Palace was by Xiao Shuang’s decree. So the words the Empress said to her were actually what Xiao Shuang wanted to tell her.
Upon careful consideration, even the day when she saved Xiao Qing from the hands of the Crown Prince, it was pre-arranged by Xiao Shuang.
Tang Ling was sent to resolve the situation so she could find the hiding place of the secret letter from Prince Shen.
And the letter revealed the events of that year and the incriminating evidence of the Empress’s communication.
Since Xiao Shuang had so keenly noticed these things and deliberately left clues for her, the intentions behind it were naturally becoming apparent.
Xiao Jin thought to herself that even the Empress had already discovered the inappropriate aspects of it and felt that the original owner had died and she was just a counterfeit.
Having been raised under Xiao Shuang’s care since childhood and having spent so many years together, how could Xiao Shuang not have any understanding of the original owner?
So, in fact, Xiao Shuang had long been suspicious that she was not the original owner but someone else.
With this in mind, Xiao Jin closed her eyes.
Various scenes flashed before her, but she couldn’t see them clearly.
However, when she opened her eyes, she could say to Tang Ling, “So, you know Zhao Wanqing, and Princess Zhao Yang knows her too.”
“Bringing me here tonight was just to confirm Auntie’s suspicions.”
Tang Ling looked at Xiao Jin and smiled without saying a word.
At this point, there was nothing more for Xiao Jin to say. She simply said, “Let’s continue on to the Wenyue Palace.”
…
The sky over the Forbidden City had darkened completely.
A drizzle began to fall, and the palace attendants held umbrellas as they followed behind Xiao Jin and Tang Ling.
Although they had already left the palace built of yellow tiles and vermilion walls, Xiao Jin tightened the thin cloak around her body and still felt a bit cold.
The rain grew heavier, and the stone path became wet, splashing ink-like stains all around.
Xiao Jin stared at the path beneath her feet, clearly seeing the rounded curves of each cobblestone, just like the white jade pendant that swayed by the Empress’s ear.
“A counterfeit… You’re a counterfeit!”
Alright, Xiao Jin had to admit that she was indeed a fake.
However, she didn’t care about what the Empress said. What she cared about was what Xiao Shuang would think.
If it was confirmed that the original owner had died and she was just occupying the original owner’s body, Xiao Jin couldn’t imagine what Xiao Shuang would think and what she would do.
If it were someone else, they would certainly not fully believe the Empress’s words and would find numerous flaws in them.
For example, the wine Prince Yan drank was switched, or Prince Yan had anticipated it and only pretended to drink the poisoned wine.
But Xiao Jin knew very well that she had already done many things that didn’t match the original owner’s character. Someone as clever as Xiao Shuang would have undoubtedly noticed the clues long ago.
That’s why she intentionally issued a decree to let her know everything.
Xiao Jin’s feet were placed on the wheelchair. In the patter of raindrops, she lifted her head and looked at the curtain of water ahead, suddenly unsure of what to do.
It was like failing an important exam. When she was young, she stood outside the door, holding the test paper, wanting to knock, but her feet felt heavy, not knowing what expression to put on or how to enter.
Her friend stood by, comforting her, telling her not to be afraid. But her friend didn’t know that she wasn’t afraid of punishment, she was only afraid of disappointing those who loved her.
Thinking this way, Xiao Jin realized that it was useless to be afraid now. The original owner was thoroughly dead, and even if she tried to summon her spirit, it wouldn’t come back.
Xiao Shuang was destined to be disappointed; that was an inevitable future.
With this thought in mind, Xiao Jin didn’t even notice when Tang Ling had already slipped away. And when the wheelchair came to a stop, she lifted her head and saw an additional crimson figure in front of her.
It had been over half a year since Xiao Jin had entered here.
Over two hundred days, many fleeting days and nights, she had never personally observed and studied Princess Zhao Yang of the Qi Country so carefully and vividly.
One reason was the lack of opportunity, and the other was fear.
Xiao Shuang’s brows and eyes were sharp, even appearing fierce. Her actions were also difficult to fathom.
Now, illuminated by candlelight, Xiao Jin finally saw the traces left by time on Xiao Shuang’s face.
The only unchanged aspect was perhaps her pair of slightly lowered, long-lashed eyes, still indifferent and focused on the wooden hairpin lying in her palm.
Hearing the sound of wheels rolling and seeing the flickering candlelight, Xiao Shuang leaned against the bed and turned to look at Xiao Jin, her features clearly illuminated by the light. Their eyes met, and Xiao Jin didn’t avert her gaze.
Just like the first time they met on the platform, Xiao Jin silently watched Xiao Shuang without speaking. Xiao Shuang also remained silent.
After a while, Xiao Shuang smiled and placed the wooden hairpin she held on the nearby table. “You’ve come,” she said.
Xiao Jin nodded.
Xiao Shuang got up and walked to Xiao Jin’s side, reaching out to touch the dampness on her shoulder, furrowing her brow. “How did they handle the umbrella? How did they let the rain in?”
“It’s not a problem.”
Since entering Wenyue Palace until now, Xiao Jin spoke her first words, “Aunt, it was my own carelessness. It’s not their fault.”
Although Xiao Jin said there was nothing wrong, Xiao Shuang insisted that a palace maid bring new clothes for her to change into.
Judging from the fabric and style, they seemed to be the ones the original owner had worn before. They also brought a black ink cloak embroidered with white plum blossoms, which was placed over her shoulders and back, fitting perfectly.
Xiao Jin draped herself in the heavy cloak but didn’t feel any warmth.
Xiao Shuang, on the other hand, sat back on the bed and mentioned the events of tonight. “I heard there was an ambush by a small assassin in Changle Palace. Although their skills were mediocre, you are still restricted in your movements while sitting in a wheelchair. Did she harm you?”
“No,” Xiao Jin shook her head.
“That’s good.”
Xiao Shuang nodded, instructing a palace maid to bring hot tea and snacks. The maid carefully placed them on the table, and Xiao Jin looked at the bowl of water tofu in front of her but fell silent.
The water tofu was served in a delicate porcelain cup, a small and exquisite bowl, beautifully presented. It must have been carefully made by the palace’s imperial chef and was quite different from the tofu sold casually in the Yangjiao Alley.
Even so, it didn’t fit the atmosphere of Wenyue Palace. This bowl of tofu shouldn’t have appeared here, but after tonight’s events, even if it did appear, Xiao Jin wasn’t surprised.
Xiao Shuang picked up the water tofu and placed it in front of Xiao Jin. “I remember, when you were a child, someone took you out to eat this once, and afterward, you often sneaked out of the palace to find it.”
“Those days, you ate too much and couldn’t eat your palace meal when you returned. So, you made up an excuse of a stomachache and didn’t want to eat anything. The court physician even prepared bitter medicine right next to your mouth, but you still insisted you weren’t sick and refused to let Grand Physician Sun give you a shot.”
Understanding the fear children have of injections, Xiao Jin smiled along with Xiao Shuang.
Just as she moved the corners of her mouth, she realized that all of this had nothing to do with her. She knew it, and Xiao Shuang knew it too, but no one exposed it.
Xiao Jin didn’t have the mood to eat this late-night snack. After taking a few bites of the water tofu, she put down the spoon.
Frowning, Xiao Shuang asked, “Did the chef not make it tasty?”
“No,” Xiao Jin shook her head. “Aunt’s prepared snack is delicious, but I had dinner earlier, so I can’t eat anymore.”
Xiao Shuang propped her chin on her hand, a very casual posture. “You said this bowl of water tofu is delicious. If compared to the time you ate it with Chu Shao, which one is better?”
At this point, Xiao Jin wasn’t surprised at all. Xiao Shuang actually knew about that matter too.
Xiao Jin answered honestly, “Both are good, but the past one is better.”
“Why?”
Xiao Jin remembered the small colored lantern hanging between the snow lanterns and said softly, “Aunt, it’s because things were always better in the past, and eating in the alley is always more comfortable than eating in the palace.”
“Comfortable.” Xiao Shuang looked at Xiao Jin. “Throughout, the most words you’ve said to this palace are about wanting to live freely and comfortably.”
“You’ve been here for almost a year. Have you ever felt comfortable?”
The bronze furnace in the hall didn’t emit the scent of spring mountains, but Xiao Jin, sitting in a wheelchair, felt a dizzying sensation as if surrounded by clouds.
Along with her gaze, Xiao Shuang’s face began to blur.
Lu Wanchen’s deep voice drifted from Changle Palace to Wenyue Palace.
Counterfeit! You, the counterfeit!
While Xiao Jin’s rationality was still intact and she was about to steady her mind and say a few words that the original owner could say, Xiao Shuang reached out and touched her in front of her eyes.
Her fingers fell, caressing Xiao Jin’s cold hairpin and her soft, smooth ink-black hair.
The action was extremely gentle, as if comforting a young child.
Xiao Jin froze.
Xiao Shuang stroked Xiao Jin’s hair and said, “You’ve worked hard.”
Xiao Jin sat in the wheelchair, looking up at Xiao Shuang, intending to say something like not understanding what she was saying. But the person in front of her continued speaking.
“Sometimes, this palace thinks that you are indeed Jin’er, no different from her. But after spending time together, it’s still not quite the same. Jin’er is always more impulsive, with a more outgoing temperament, not as cautious and patient as you.”
“Jin’er doesn’t like wearing accessories. The white jade hairpin in your hand is the birthday gift I gave her in the past. I gave it to her, but she insisted on not wearing it. I don’t know where she threw it in some corner of the storeroom, covered in dust.”
“She doesn’t know Linchuan Xiansheng, nor can she compose such poetry. Putting a shelf of books in the study was merely for appearances.”
“Most importantly, Jin’er doesn’t know how to love. She only wants to be free, to run to places where I can’t see, where no one knows her. That’s why she left a letter in her room, saying she was leaving, leaving Qi Country forever and would never return. By the way, she told me to take care.”
Xiao Shuang’s voice was slow, and her words entered Xiao Jin’s ears.
“When I found the letter Jin’er left, the person responsible for executing the plan had already shot the arrow. After Jin’er woke up, my people told her everything.”
A person who wanted freedom, but had her leg disabled by an arrow.
The one who plotted against her was the person closest to her.
Xiao Jin looked at Xiao Shuang and moved her lips, but she didn’t speak because she seemed to understand why the original owner drank that cup of poison and decided to die.
Xiao Shuang moved her hand away from Xiao Jin’s hairpin. “I used to not believe in ghosts or karma. When I received news that Jin’er had contracted a fatal illness, I felt that I deserved it.”
“I went to Dali Temple and saw the Buddha statues enshrined there. They weren’t compassionate, always looking down on the world. I begged them to show mercy and not take away the only person left by my side. I have indulged this child for so many years, and if she dies, why should I continue to live?”
“Then, heaven truly showed mercy once. You came back. I went to Dali Temple to fulfill my vow, but suddenly everything seemed too beautiful, too unreal.”
“I saw you on the Wenyue Palace, sitting in a wheelchair with the jade hairpin on your finger. Ye Juege said you lost your memory, but I felt like you had become a different person.”
“It wasn’t until that day that I knew you were no longer you.”
After a long silence, Xiao Jin asked, “Which day?”
Xiao Shuang said, “The day you learned the truth from Bai Lidan, knowing that I was the person you hated to the bone, but you had no hatred in your eyes. You looked at me calmly, as if you were looking at any other person, but I am your aunt who has been with you for over 20 years.”
“I know that without love, there won’t be hatred. You have no feelings for me, don’t consider me your family, so you don’t hate me.”
So Xiao Jin understood.
From the first time she met Xiao Shuang, her reactions had already given away her involvement.
If it were the original owner, she wouldn’t have worn that jade hairpin. After learning about Xiao Shuang’s plan, she wouldn’t have spoken to Xiao Shuang so calmly and composedly.
But she actually didn’t like wearing the hairpin, and she wasn’t calm when questioning Xiao Shuang’s words.
However, after all, she wasn’t someone who had spent years with Xiao Shuang.
Xiao Jin couldn’t act hysterical like the original owner. At that moment, all she could say to Xiao Shuang was, “You don’t understand me.”
In reality, Xiao Shuang understood the original owner very well, but she still stuck to her own path.
Just as Xiao Jin now understood Xiao Shuang, but it wouldn’t change her own thoughts.
Xiao Jin realized once again that this wasn’t her hometown. Everyone here cared about the deceased Prince Yan, not her.
Except for Chu Shao.
Xiao Jin looked into Xiao Shuang’s eyes, sighed softly, and asked, “What is your intention in telling me all this, Aunt?”
Since entering this world, everything she had experienced was orchestrated by Xiao Shuang. Perhaps even capturing Bai Lidan was what Xiao Shuang wanted her to do, which was why she intentionally summoned him back to the capital.
Xiao Jin had accepted her disabled legs, accepted the assassination attempt, and accepted the celestial ceremony. But at this moment, she couldn’t accept Xiao Shuang’s words about her being heartless, without even a hint of hatred. She actually wanted to hate, but unfortunately, hatred was useless, just a passing thought that she suppressed.
So Xiao Jin couldn’t utter harsh words, couldn’t bring herself to speak the cruel truth: even if she died, the original owner couldn’t come back.
Upon hearing this question, Xiao Shuang suddenly smiled.
It was like that casual glance from the viewing platform, clear and distinct, without fog, snow, or frost. Her smile held a definite meaning.
Xiao Shuang said, “Jin’er, I just wanted to tell you that the former Twenty Years of this palace was dedicated to Third Princess Jin. She was the precious jade that this palace spent effort to polish, and I showered her with favor, giving her everything.”
“The following year, this palace also favored another different Jin’er, who made this palace very happy. I often saw my past self in her.”
Xiao Jin was stunned.
“At times, I wonder if I could have been like you back then. Because I was too afraid that things spoken aloud would disappear, so I simply didn’t explain or pursue them, and in this way, I would never lose them.”
Xiao Shuang’s words paused here, then she shook her head and said, “Forget it, let’s not talk about these things.”
“Jin’er, rise and come to me.”
Xiao Jin remained silent for a long time.
“Aunt, I might not drink that antidote.” It was only when she spoke that she realized her voice sounded difficult.
Xiao Shuang said, “If there’s someone you want to embrace, how could you willingly sit in a wheelchair?”
There was no one else in the Hall of Wenyue Palace.
Xiao Jin left her wheelchair and stood before Xiao Shuang.
There were faint lights around them, and in a trance, it felt like that day again, the woman in red dyeing adzuki beans under the lamp, taking out a silver hairpin and styling her hair, placing it between her locks.
Xiao Jin could no longer remember how Xiao Shuang looked at her back then. Because Xiao Shuang got up from the bed and extended her arms, embracing her.
Xiao Shuang’s robe was cold, but the embrace of Princess Zhao Yang was warm. Candle oil dripped from the side of the lamp, and she didn’t let go.
Xiao Shuang spoke, “Jin’er used to love climbing on the eaves, and I scolded her, telling her to come down immediately. She asked me what would happen if she jumped down and died. I promised her that I would catch her, and then she jumped.”
“I held her in my arms, and she was so light. It felt like this touch. She smiled at me and said that she would jump down from the rooftop in the future and that she wanted me to catch her.”
“I promised her, but afterward, I didn’t fulfill that promise.”
“Jin’er was my favorite child. She had just learned to reach out her hand and would touch the old scar on my wrist. At that time, I decided to protect her until my death.”
“But I haven’t died, and she has.”
Xiao Shuang released her embrace, looked up at Xiao Jin, and asked, “Jin’er, what do you think I should do?”
Xiao Jin looked into Xiao Shuang’s eyes, speechless.
After a long silence, Xiao Shuang turned around and sat back on the bed. “I’m tired. Jin’er, you can leave now.”
So Xiao Jin returned to her wheelchair.
Palace maids opened the door and entered the hall, respectfully pushing the wheelchair, escorting Prince Yan out of the palace.
As she left, Xiao Jin faintly heard Xiao Shuang ask, “Jin’er, what is your name?”
It was the second time someone had asked her this question, and she was no longer surprised.
“My surname is Xiao, Xiao Jin.”
After a long while, Xiao Shuang’s voice came from the other side of the hall.
“Good.”
The last words were, “Thank you, Jin’er.”
Xiao Jin didn’t know what Xiao Shuang was thanking her for, but she felt dizzy and lightheaded. As soon as she stepped out of the palace gates, she encountered the rain that hadn’t completely subsided. Watching the heavy rain, she started coughing, the intensity growing with each cough.
The palace maids were pale with fright, in a state of chaos, screaming to quickly call the imperial physician.
Xiao Jin wanted to tell them to stop shouting. She knew deep down that it was probably because her time on this earth was coming to an end, and her old ailment was resurfacing, causing her to die. Unfortunately, as she gripped the armrest, she coughed so violently that she bent over and fell from the wheelchair, landing in the rain.
The rainwater was cold, seemingly tinged with red and a hint of blood’s stench, most likely her own blood.
The palace maids were flustered, wanting to lift her up, but Xiao Jin waved them away. She had always kept the original owner’s secrets well protected, abiding by the rules.
It was only when her hand grasped a soft and white piece of clothing among many outstretched hands that Xiao Jin finally stopped struggling.
She knew she was safe now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Translator’s note: I see, Xiao Shuang already knows. Sigh… Yes, if she had been braver back then, maybe things would be different. But there are no “ifs”; the past is past, and now the present is the most important.
TO BE CONTINUE…
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