The next morning, just as Quan Heng woke up, Ziyun came running in, full of excitement, and pounced beside her bed.
“Miss! I have huge news! Want to hear it?”
Quan Heng rubbed her eyes and asked lazily, “What is it? What’s got you so happy?”
Ziyun leaned close and whispered, “Last night, Third House’s Miss Quan Xiang was bitten by venomous snakes in the ancestral hall! They were rescuing her all night—she’s only just woken up. Talk about karma!”
Quan Heng was stunned. “Huh? But the ancestral hall is pretty open, and there’s no greenery around. How could snakes appear there?”
Ziyun couldn’t hide her smirk. “Exactly! But the people from Third House had their servants search all around and couldn’t find any evidence it was done on purpose. So Fourth Miss can only admit it was her bad luck!”
Quan Heng was no saint. Yesterday, Quan Xiang had suddenly targeted her, and though she was pressured into forgiving her, she had felt aggrieved.
Now that retribution had arrived, she didn’t feel even a bit of sympathy.
Ziyun was glad to finally see Quan Heng smile and grinned along foolishly.
“Anyway, Fourth Miss won’t be leaving her room for the next two months. She won’t have time to nitpick you anymore.”
Just then, there was a knock at the courtyard gate.
Ziyun looked outside and saw Zijing had already opened the door. A group of people stood outside, each carrying exquisite boxes.
As soon as the door opened, they streamed in and set the boxes down in the courtyard.
Seeing this, Quan Heng quickly washed up and came out.
When she arrived, Meixiang Momo stepped forward respectfully and bowed. “Eldest Miss, these items were personally ordered by the Marquis and Madam to be delivered to your courtyard. Please accept them.”
Quan Heng looked over at the pile—it was all fine silks, rare treasures, and plenty of jewelry and cosmetics, a dazzling display.
She had never seen such a scene in her life.
Just a few months ago, she and Ah Zheng had been struggling for food and clothing in Baixue Manor. Now at the marquis household, she could throw away one of these treasures a day and still have enough left for ages.
“If you find anything missing, let me know and I’ll have someone bring it right away.”
Quan Heng stepped forward, touching each item in turn, amazed by the quality.
Any one of these treasures could feed an ordinary family for a lifetime.
“There’s nothing missing. Having all of this already feels like a dream.”
Seeing the sparkle in Quan Heng’s eyes, clearly pleased, Meixiang also smiled with relief.
“Eldest Miss, you may not know, but though you were missing all these years, the Marquis and Madam still prepared birthday gifts for you every year. These are what they saved up over time. Each one represents their longing for you.”
Meixiang looked away from the treasures and glanced around the courtyard before speaking emotionally, “Even this courtyard was prepared from the day you were born. During the years you were gone, it was cleaned daily without fail.”
Hearing this, Quan Heng suddenly felt tears rising.
So all these years, she had never been truly alone. She wasn’t a child no one wanted—she had always been remembered.
“As for Young Master Shen, you don’t need to worry. Since he grew up with you, the Marquis and Madam won’t treat him poorly. He’ll have everything he needs.”
Quan Heng wiped her tears and spoke sincerely, “Thank you, Meixiang Momo.”
Just then, someone else entered the courtyard. Quan Heng looked up and saw Zhao Qingrong. Unable to hold back, she ran into her arms, hugging her tightly and crying.
“Mother, thank you. Thank you for never forgetting me all these years.”
Zhao Qingrong felt a pang in her heart.
These treasures, while precious, had always been familiar to Ah Ye and Rui’er since childhood. Heng’er should have grown up like them, surrounded by luxury, but instead she had suffered so many years.
Thinking this made her heart ache even more.
“Heng’er, we’re family. There’s no need for thanks. These things were always meant to be yours. If anyone should be thankful, it’s me—I’m thankful you were willing to come back, to be my daughter again.”
Quan Heng roughly wiped her tears and nodded firmly. “Mm!”
Zhao Qingrong held her hand and led her to a small table nearby, pulling her into a seat. “There’s one more thing. Now that you’re back, your father and I want to throw a banquet in three days, to let the whole capital see our daughter. What do you think?”
Hearing this, Quan Heng was touched but also nervous. She was afraid of making mistakes and embarrassing the family.
Zhao Qingrong noticed her hesitation and said gently, “Don’t be afraid, Heng’er. You just need to attend. You’re our precious daughter—no one would dare disrespect you. If you’re worried about etiquette, the teaching Momo I hired will arrive this afternoon. Practice for three days, and you’ll be fine.”
Hearing this, Quan Heng finally felt reassured. She nodded happily. “Alright! I’ll follow everything Mother says!”
***
In the days that followed, Quan Heng began learning from her etiquette Momo. She practiced all the required manners diligently, and even the Momo couldn’t help but marvel at her natural talent.
During this time, her father, mother, and elder brother had all come to see her. Even her youngest brother, Quan Kai, had been brought by her big brother for a visit.
Only Quan Rui hadn’t come.
According to Zijing, Quan Rui had locked herself in her courtyard and cried these past few days. No matter how the Marquis or Marchioness tried to console her, it was of no use.
To this, Quan Heng had only one response: “Just let her be.”
That girl was clearly spoiled by their parents. For more than a decade, as the only young lady of the Marquis household, she was used to having everything she wanted — even if she asked for the moon, there would be people scrambling to find a way to get it for her.
Now with Quan Heng suddenly appearing and disrupting everything, it was natural she would feel upset.
But this sort of matter—unless she could come to terms with it herself—no amount of persuasion would help.
In a blink, the three days passed, and the day of the banquet finally arrived.
The Yongning Marquis Residence was a household of great prestige in the capital. Both the Marquis and his eldest son were renowned generals on the battlefield, and the Marchioness held the title of a County Princess. Compared to some noble families that had nothing but empty titles and no real power, their status was far more solid.
Everyone in the capital knew they had been searching for their lost daughter for over a decade. Now that they were holding a banquet to introduce Quan Heng, all those who wished to associate with the Marquis family came without hesitation.
On this day, aside from Zijing, the Marchioness even sent two maids from her own courtyard to help dress Quan Heng. The result was a young lady as radiant and ethereal as a goddess descending from heaven.
Looking at her dazzling and beautiful face, Zhao Qingrong was momentarily dazed.
Heng’er looked just like she did in her youth—except that compared to her, there was a hint of resilience in her eyes and brows.
Clearly, she had endured many hardships from a young age that shaped her into who she was now.
Zhao Qingrong couldn’t help but reach out and touch her daughter’s face. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “Come, Heng’er. Let Mother take you out.”
As they walked, everyone they passed couldn’t help but praise Quan Heng, saying she looked just like the County Princess in her younger days, lavishing her with compliments as if she were peerless under heaven.
Though a bit embarrassed, Quan Heng still smiled shyly at everyone to show her respect.
Finally, they arrived at the garden where the banquet was being held. Zhao Qingrong held her hand and introduced her to everyone.
As soon as she finished, everyone turned their attention toward Quan Heng, showering her with praise.
Watching this scene, Quan Rui sat stiffly in her seat, so aggrieved she was on the verge of tears.
Sitting next to her was her cousin Zhao Yue, the daughter of her maternal uncle. She was rather delicate in appearance and lavishly dressed. At this moment, she held Quan Rui’s hand and gently comforted her: “Sister Rui, don’t be afraid. I grew up with you all these years—I have no ties to that Quan Heng. No matter what happens, I will always stand by your side.”
Hearing this, Quan Rui wiped her tears and gripped Zhao Yue’s hand tightly, choking out, “These days, all Father and Mother see is Sister Heng, as if they’ve forgotten about me. Thankfully, I still have you, Yue’er. Otherwise, I’d truly be all alone.”
Seeing her cry made Zhao Yue’s heart ache even more. She patted her back repeatedly in comfort.
Just then, Zhao Qingrong finished introducing Quan Heng and brought her to sit beside Quan Rui.
Soon after, dancers and musicians took the stage, and the garden filled with lively performances.
As Quan Heng settled in her seat, she suddenly heard a disdainful snort from nearby.
Looking up, she saw a young woman sitting beside Quan Rui, staring at her with a face full of displeasure and contempt.
Quan Rui, on the other hand, sat there looking pitiful, not even giving her a glance.
Clearly, the other girl had been venting to her best friend, and now the two of them were ganging up to isolate her.
Quan Heng was inwardly speechless and chose to ignore them both.
She had just returned to the Marquis residence and hadn’t even figured out most of the interpersonal relationships yet. She didn’t care about Quan Rui, let alone her little clique.
But now, people around them began to whisper and gossip upon noticing the tense atmosphere.
“Ever since Miss Quan Heng returned, Miss Quan Rui has clearly lost favor. Just look at the vibe between the two—there’s bound to be conflict in the future.”
“Exactly. Today, everyone saw how much the Marquis and Marchioness doted on Miss Heng. Miss Rui must be feeling uncomfortable. But really, when siblings don’t get along, the root usually lies with the parents… wouldn’t you agree?”
Hearing this, Quan Heng’s brow twitched.
If they kept gossiping like this, even her parents would be dragged into it.
Her parents had treated her so well—she couldn’t bear to see them slandered because of this.
Even if she truly didn’t like Quan Rui in her heart, with so many people watching, she had to at least put on the appearance of sisterly harmony.
With that thought, Quan Heng picked up a plate of pastries from the table and smiled as she offered it. “Second Sister, I haven’t visited your courtyard these days. I’ve been busy learning etiquette with the Momo. Please don’t take it to heart.”
Quan Rui stared in surprise and accepted the plate.
She had expected Quan Heng, being so favored, would act arrogant. She hadn’t thought she’d take the initiative to speak to her.
Even so, she still couldn’t fully let go of her resentment.
After accepting the plate, she looked at the pastries in front of her.
These same desserts had been served at every banquet over the years. This white jade cake in particular had always tasted the same—overly sweet and cloying. She found it disgusting.
Perhaps she could use this chance to get back at Quan Heng. With so many eyes watching, Quan Heng wouldn’t dare refuse the treat and would have to eat it. Even if it tasted awful, she couldn’t spit it out.
Thinking this, Quan Rui’s mood lifted. She passed the white jade cake to Quan Heng and said sweetly, “Thank you, Sister. This is my favorite since childhood. You should try some too.”
Out of consideration for her parents, Quan Heng decided to give face and took a small bite. Though she found it unpleasant, it wasn’t entirely unpalatable.
But after swallowing it, she suddenly felt short of breath. Her throat began to itch and burn.
She reached up to scratch her neck, but the discomfort wouldn’t ease.
Her vision darkened—and then she collapsed.
In the final moment before she lost consciousness, she heard the panicked screams of Ziyun and Qin Momo, and saw Ah Zheng’s anxious and worried face.
“Ah Heng! What’s wrong?! Don’t scare me—”
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