FMEA Side Story 4

Side Story 4: Prison (Miaoyan Zhaorou).”

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Jiang Zhaorou never imagined that one day she would encounter the person who seemed unattainable to her. Many years later, when she had clearly become involved with Ji Miaoyan and had become a family with him, she still felt that the idea of the two of them meeting was like a dream. After all, that person was the highest-ranking young talent in the entire Shu Kingdom, the future heir of the esteemed Ji family that had served multiple dynasties, the nephew of Princess Chang, and the pillar of the Shu King’s future reliance for the nation. And she… was just a lowly-born illegitimate daughter.

That’s right, Jiang Zhaorou was an illegitimate child, and she was born to a most humble courtesan. Because of this, she had endured many scornful glances from the moment she was born.

Jiang Zhaorou’s mother was once the most renowned courtesan with a top-ranking establishment in Lingnan. Her skill with the qin (a traditional Chinese musical instrument) was unparalleled, and she had captivated all of Lingnan with a single tune. During her prime, numerous literati, scholars, and even officials had thrown away fortunes just to earn a smile from her. Many had even paid exorbitant sums to listen to her play, all thanks to her remarkable beauty and extraordinary qin-playing talent. This was what caught the eye of Jiang Zhaorou’s father, who was already a powerful figure in Lingnan at the time. He purchased her and brought her into his household as a concubine.

When Jiang Zhaorou’s mother was first welcomed into the Jiang residence, she enjoyed a period of great favor, which made the other concubines in the household envious. Unfortunately, beauty fades with time, and after giving birth to Jiang Zhaorou, who was a girl, and with three elder sisters ahead of her, her father quickly grew tired of her and turned his attention to other women.

Although Jiang Zhaorou’s mother had a courtesan background, she was once a young lady from a well-off family. Her circumstances took a turn for the worse due to a series of events that led her to the courtesan house. Additionally, her exceptional talent and beauty made her a source of income for the establishment, and she was adored by both the madam and the patrons. With a naturally proud disposition, she couldn’t tolerate such treatment.

However, she was just a concubine, and any favor she received was conditional. Helpless, Jiang Zhaorou’s mother began to attribute her misfortunes to Jiang Zhaorou, resenting her for not being a boy.

Jiang Zhaorou’s father had a legal wife, numerous concubines, and multiple children, but unfortunately, they were all girls. As the number of daughters grew, their value diminished, except for the two daughters of the legal wife, who received some attention. 

Jiang Zhaorou’s mother, with her self-assured demeanor and past as a courtesan, clashed with the main wife, who was known for her jealousy and cunning. Given an opportunity, the main wife and her allies took advantage of Jiang Zhaorou’s mother, leading to mistreatment of both mother and daughter.

Jiang Zhaorou endured all of this in silence. During that time, she faced insults and mockery from her step-siblings and the main wife, as well as verbal and physical abuse from her own mother. As a child, she grew accustomed to the taunts and pain, a situation that persisted until her dream-bound mother passed away, bringing no change to their circumstances.

During those days, she felt as though she existed in a dark, sunless abyss. Sleep brought darkness, and waking up didn’t guarantee light. She lived cautiously, fearing that one wrong step would drag her into the abyss from which there was no escape. However, what she couldn’t have anticipated was the silent arrival of a variable that would change her life.

When Jiang Zhaorou was fourteen, Jiang’s father, who had risen to a position in Lingnan’s textile industry, was accused and brought to the capital for trial. The charges included embezzlement, corruption, and taking lives. Officials were dispatched to investigate, and the evidence was d*mning. The entire Jiang family was implicated, leading to their downfall and execution.

As Jiang Zhaorou was led to the execution ground, she inexplicably felt a sense of relief. She gazed at the sun hanging high over the Gate, and the dazzling warmth made her feel unusually comfortable. Even though she stood at the brink of life and death, a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Her entire being seemed to exhale, finding solace in the welcoming sunlight.

As the executioner’s blade was about to descend, a soft, jade-like voice called out from nearby.

“Hold on.”

The raised executioner’s blade froze just centimeters above Jiang Zhaorou’s neck. She looked up in bewilderment and saw a young man standing not far away, his appearance even younger than her own. He was the one who had intervened and stopped the executioner.

The officials overseeing the execution were taken aback by this unexpected turn of events. They hurriedly approached the young man. “Young Master Ji, what is…”

“This girl, I want her,” the young man interrupted impatiently, his refined features and fair complexion indicating a life of luxury and privilege. He was clearly a well-loved young master.

The officials exchanged glances and hesitated, “This…”

Before they could finish speaking, the young man impatiently cut them off, his delicate brows slightly raised. “What’s the matter? Is it so difficult for a young master like me to have a servant girl?”

The officials’ expressions turned grim, and they hastily knelt before him. “Young Master Ji, please forgive us for our misunderstanding. If Young Master Ji wants someone, whether they are a dying criminal or a living person, no one would dare to object.”

With a cold snort, the young man dismissed the officials’ obsequiousness and stepped forward, stopping right in front of Jiang Zhaorou.

“From now on, you are mine.”

Jiang Zhaorou lifted her head, her gaze fixed on the young man who had reached out his hand to her. The dazzling sunlight cast a gentle halo around him. She felt as though something had taken hold of her, and slowly, she reached out to grasp the hand that was offered.

In that moment of contact, Jiang Zhaorou keenly sensed the warmth flowing from their intertwined hands. It was like a frozen soul had suddenly been embraced by an unfamiliar warmth, addictive with just one taste.

Later on, Jiang Zhaorou learned from others the true identity of the person who had brought the first glimmer of light into her darkness, the one who had changed her life. He was Ji Miaoyan, the grandson of General Ji, the sole heir of the Ji family, the future successor of the Ji family, the nephew of the current princess chang, and the young master of the Ji family—a distinguished figure in the court.

Jiang Zhaorou had initially thought that Ji Miaoyan’s interest in her was fleeting, that he would perhaps keep her as a lowly servant in his household and leave her to fend for herself in the backyard. However, she soon realized that Ji Miaoyan was determined to keep her by his side. He even taught her various skills like calligraphy and painting.

Although Ji Miaoyan often claimed he was worried she wouldn’t know anything and would embarrass him, she could see a hint of bashfulness and embarrassment in his eyes. She found his awkwardness endearing.

Days turned into nights, and Jiang Zhaorou thought they could continue like this indefinitely. She quietly stayed by his side, not expecting his attention but hoping that he might glance her way from time to time. However, luck does not favor anyone forever.

When Jiang Zhaorou was sixteen, just as Ji Miaoyan was about to turn sixteen as well, a major event occurred in the Ji family. Ji Miaoyan’s beloved grandfather, who had been the pillar of the Ji family, suddenly passed away.

In an instant, the atmosphere in the entire Ji family underwent a drastic change. As the most cherished grandson of the late general, Ji Miaoyan knelt before his grandfather’s casket for seven full days, eventually fainting and needing to be carried back to his room. When he woke up, he had shed his youthful innocence and transformed into a completely different person. The death of his grandfather forced him to mature rapidly.

Jiang Zhaorou watched him change, witnessed how the death of Ji Miaoyan’s grandfather forced him to bear responsibilities beyond his years, and observed how his eyes gradually became clouded by hatred under the deliberate influence of the Princess. He vowed to eliminate the Ye Country youth responsible for his grandfather’s death. Yet, she could do nothing but watch him endure pain, struggle, and grow distant from her.

Until…

“Do you mean that you hope someone can infiltrate Ye Country, observe their every move, and make it easier for us to take action?” The elevated Ji Miaoyan had grown remarkably in just half a year, shedding his youthful appearance and adopting a more mature demeanor, leaving Jiang Zhaorou, who was accustomed to silently observing him from behind, surprised.

“Yes, Young Master. Knowing the enemy enables victory in every battle. If we can anticipate Ye Country’s actions and gather information about the Ye Country youth responsible for your grandfather’s death, it would greatly benefit our future plans!” The strategist seated lower down the table spoke, giving Jiang Zhaorou a significant look.

A shiver ran down Jiang Zhaorou’s spine. She knew that these strategists had been carefully chosen by the late general to assist Ji Miaoyan. Moreover, she was well aware that these respected elders held a certain disdain for someone of her humble background, believing that she had employed some unseemly means to deceive Ji Miaoyan into letting her stay by his side. Their current scrutiny made her wonder if…

Ji Miaoyan evidently caught onto the implications of the strategist’s words. He didn’t immediately respond but redirected the conversation elsewhere. Jiang Zhaorou managed to escape the situation temporarily, but unfortunately, the matter did not end there.

Three days later, the very strategist who had proposed the idea appeared before her. She sensed his ill intentions but was unsure of the purpose behind his visit.

“Miss Jiang, you should understand that your background will only hinder Young Master’s promising future, and your presence will be a blemish on his reputation.”

His ruthless words and the hint of disgust in his eyes reminded her of the days she spent in the Jiang household, enduring similar insults and scrutiny on a daily basis. While the words didn’t shake her, they did rattle her. However, what followed caught her off guard.

“But if you voluntarily propose to Young Master that you are willing to act as a spy in Ye Country, gathering information for him, when Young Master’s vengeance is realized, you won’t only have his gratitude but will also become a great contributor to our Shu Kingdom. At that time, no one will question your status, and no one will dare look down on you or see you as a burden to Young Master.”

After listening to the strategist, Jiang Zhaorou’s heart wavered. Denied acceptance since birth, she longed for recognition from others. Moreover, the strategist had struck a chord by emphasizing Ji Miaoyan’s name—what she least wanted was to burden him. She realized that her younger self had been naive; how could anyone genuinely show goodwill without expecting something in return, especially someone who had harbored hostility not long ago?

Years later, when she learned that the person was a spy planted by the Princess by Ji Miaoyan’s side, she understood that she had been used. Unfortunately… it was too late.

Jiang Zhaorou, believing the strategist’s words, spent an entire night in hesitation. Eventually, she mustered the courage to approach Ji Miaoyan and volunteered to go to Ye Country as a spy.

Understandably, Ji Miaoyan was taken aback. He stared at the kneeling Jiang Zhaorou before him, his face expressionless, and asked, “Why?”

Jiang Zhaorou hesitated for a moment, then met his gaze directly and replied, “Young Master, I just want… everyone to respect me, and for no one to ever talk about me again.”

She only wished that one day she would be worthy of standing by his side, without being seen as a burden or tarnishing his reputation.

Ji Miaoyan remained silent. However, Jiang Zhaorou could perceive the complexity in his eyes, a depth she had never witnessed before. In that moment, she inexplicably found herself hoping for his refusal. Yet, she was disappointed.

After a moment of silence, Ji Miaoyan’s reply to her was, “If you want to go, then go.” With that, without giving Jiang Zhaorou any time to react, he waved his sleeve and left.

It was the first time Jiang Zhaorou had felt his anger so palpably. She collapsed to the ground, unable to suppress a twinge of regret rising within her heart. But once this path was chosen, there would be no turning back.

On the day Jiang Zhaorou left Shu Kingdom, Ji Miaoyan didn’t show up at all.

As she sat in the carriage, a distinct self-deprecation appeared on Jiang Zhaorou’s face. She thought that Ji Miaoyan must have come to see her as one of those who pursued vanity, using any means necessary for fame and wealth.

Jiang Zhaorou cast a final glance at the towering city walls behind her, and a faint ripple appeared in her eyes.

Perhaps Ji Miaoyan didn’t know that he had inadvertently constructed a cage of his own tenderness, thoroughly locking her inside it. She couldn’t escape, nor did she want to. Trapped in this cage, all she could do was wait helplessly for his occasional glances and give up everything for that simple backward glance.

Jiang Zhaorou smoothly arrived in Ye Kingdom and became a songstress at the southern border of Ye Kingdom. Immersed in the enticing allure of the Red-light District, she experienced the sensation of being bought and pursued by countless individuals. Strangely, memories of her mother, who had been buried in dust for years, suddenly surged in her mind.

That woman, who had scolded and beaten her since childhood, never cared for her, and had only carried the title of mother in name, had not left a profound mark in Jiang Zhaorou’s heart. The mother-daughter bond was too cold, almost making her forget the existence of that person, except for one thing.

That woman, unloved and humiliated by the main wife, had stayed by her side alone during her illness before dying. At that time, she had held Jiang Zhaorou’s hand and said, “Once you become a courtesan, offering yourself to honored guests, you will lose your purity forever. Zhaorou, remember this well, and in the future, avoid following in your mother’s footsteps. You must know, once you step into that kind of place, regardless of leaving with your innocence intact, you will inevitably be met with disdain from others.”

Back then, Jiang Zhaorou had sneered in secret. How could she possibly be like her brainless mother, sinking into the world of sensuality, drifting like a floating duckweed? However, who could have foreseen that years later, she would personally step into that devouring place, using the musical skills her mother had forced her to learn back then to sell herself with coquettish smiles? It was truly laughable. But she didn’t hold any resentment for this; she accepted it willingly, all for the sake of catching up to that person. Indeed, the word “love” was the most elusive thing in this world.

In the following years, Jiang Zhaorou lived day by day, entertaining clients, but no matter how difficult they were, she still maintained her bottom line, never fully giving herself away.

It might seem laughable in retrospect, but during that time, all she had wanted was to stand by that person’s side, even if only for a lifetime of watching his back, even if he would always leave her behind, even if he might never touch her in his entire life. She would guard this body for him, and for him alone, even if he remained oblivious.

Several years passed, and she hadn’t seen Ji Miaoyan even once. Oddly enough, despite the many years of separation, Jiang Zhaorou’s feelings for him hadn’t faded in the slightest. On the contrary, fearing forgetting, she had imprinted him even deeper in her heart.

Time passed second by second in the midst of hopeless waiting, and by the time Jiang Zhaorou received news from Ji Miaoyan, it had been five years.

At that time, Prince Rui colluded with individuals from the Xue Kingdom to plot a coup, and Jiang Zhaorou posed as a spy for the Xue Kingdom, exchanging information with Prince Rui. This sowed discord, leading to conflict between Ye Kingdom and the Xue Kingdom, benefiting the Shu Kingdom.

Everything went very smoothly, except for the unusual case of Xia Kingdom’s princess in the political marriage. After handling her as they always had and sending her back to the Shu Kingdom, they unexpectedly received news that Ji Miaoyan had personally arrived in Ye Kingdom and was planning to meet her in person soon.

In that moment, undeniable excitement filled Jiang Zhaorou’s heart. After several days of restless anticipation, she finally received a message from him, inviting her to a certain place to meet.

At that time, Jiang Zhaorou’s whole body was boiling with blood. She stared at the face she hadn’t seen in five years, well aware that she shouldn’t be so presumptuous, yet she couldn’t bring herself to look away.

Compared to five years ago, the young man seemed even more mature and full of spirit. However, precisely because of this, he appeared more distant. He was no longer the young boy who relied solely on General Ji’s reputation, but a young general who truly bore the future of the Ji family on his shoulders. She no longer addressed him as “young master” affectionately but respectfully and distantly as “Lord.” Five years of separation had created an insurmountable gap between them.

Jiang Zhaorou struggled to maintain clarity, keeping a calm facade as she recounted the details of the situation. Yet, she knew only too well that her heart, pounding excessively, had already given her away. However, Ji Miaoyan’s next words were like a sudden icy shower, dousing her to the core.

He said, “Zhaorou, you’ve worked hard all these years. After this matter is settled, I will explain it to the sovereign and arrange for you to return home. At that time, you will have wealth and status. You can have anything you want, and no one will dare to look down on you again.”

Jiang Zhaorou detected a hint of mockery in his words, and her heart couldn’t help but ache. Indeed… it seemed that in his eyes, she had become synonymous with vanity and was no longer someone he could trust. Ironically, this was the path she had chosen herself, so she couldn’t blame anyone else.

As expected, Prince Rui, who had a reputation but no substance, ultimately failed to cause any significant trouble for Ye Kingdom’s king and was easily dealt with.

Ji Miaoyan also learned that their plan had been exposed and wasn’t likely to succeed, so he prepared to return to the Shu Kingdom.

At that time, Jiang Zhaorou couldn’t fathom why she had impulsively abducted Xia Yuqing. Though it seemed to be because of the Emperor’s favor toward the woman and the royal blood in her belly, only Jiang Zhaorou knew that it was actually jealousy

She had overestimated her abilities. Less than a month after abducting Xia Yuqing, Jiang Zhaorou found herself running from a group of bandits, suffering losses and injuries, without the expected pursuit by Feng Tingye and his group.

During that time, Jiang Zhaorou couldn’t have anticipated that Ji Miaoyan, who should have been in Shu Kingdom, would appear before her again. Upon their first meeting, he slapped her to the ground.

“How did I advise you? The current situation is unstable, and we must not act rashly, provoking others. And what happened? You took my words as if they were nothing, acted recklessly as if success was guaranteed. Now not only did you fail to bring back the princess, you also raised the alarm. Everything we did before was in vain, all for nothing!”

From the time she had been following this man, he had never laid a hand on her, and this was… the first time he had struck her. At that moment, Jiang Zhaorou suddenly felt like crying. She had wanted so desperately to get closer to him, yet why did it feel like they were drifting farther apart?

Perhaps it was because being struck was so unexpected for Jiang Zhaorou, in her haste to leave the room, she didn’t notice the fleeting worry and guilt in his eyes as he turned away.

To make amends for her mistake, Jiang Zhaorou decided to follow Ji Miaoyan to the bandit camp. However, she didn’t expect Feng Tingye and his group to catch up so quickly. They joined forces with the formidable bandits, and most importantly, the official from Ye Kingdom who was rumored to have caused the death of the old general was also there.

Jiang Zhaorou didn’t witness the scene where Ji Miaoyan met that person. At that time, while everyone’s attention was drawn to the army Ji Miaoyan had brought, Jiang Zhaorou sneaked into the camp to recapture Xia Yuqing. Everything was going smoothly, but at a critical moment, Feng Tingye and the others arrived just in time.

She wasn’t a match for those people and barely managed to escape with her life. Walking along a rugged mountain path with her injuries, feeling blood slowly seeping from her waist, it was as if her life was slipping away from her fingertips, something she couldn’t hold onto.

As she stumbled and fell to the ground once again, Jiang Zhaorou’s face revealed a trace of self-ridicule. In the end… in the end, she had ended up like this. But she wasn’t willing, she wasn’t willing at all. Why did she yearn so much to catch one last glimpse of his face in these dire circumstances?

As Jiang Zhaorou’s consciousness gradually blurred due to the excessive blood loss, on the brink of complete darkness, she seemed to see a familiar figure running toward her. At the same time, a faint, slightly concerned voice echoed in her ears, saying, “Little Rou.”

Little Rou… that was the name he had called her by before. Unfortunately, he hadn’t addressed her like that in many years.

Could it be an illusion? Even if it was, to hear him call her that one last time before she died, even in an illusion, made her feel content. Thinking so, Jiang Zhaorou struggled to curve her lips into a smile before succumbing to the darkness.

Jiang Zhaorou hadn’t expected to wake up alive. When she regained consciousness, they were back in the Shu Kingdom, in the unfamiliar yet familiar mansion. She had been in a coma for a whole half month.

After waking up, not seeing Ji Miaoyan left Jiang Zhaorou with an indescribable sense of loss. However, under the circumstances of her severe injuries, surviving was already a stroke of luck. She shouldn’t have asked for more.

Later, Jiang Zhaorou learned from the conversations of those around her about the outcome of Ji Miaoyan’s encounter with the official from Ye Kingdom at the bandit camp. Originally, when Ji Miaoyan’s forces clashed with Ye Kingdom’s army, they didn’t necessarily have no chance of winning. However, the real twist was not in the disparity of strength between the two sides but in the sudden appearance of His Highness. Before that, His Highness had actually hidden within their caravan, eluding the search by the people from the Shu Kingdom who were looking for her. Ultimately, she had an inescapable responsibility in the cause and effect of the situation. It’s no wonder… it’s no wonder that he hadn’t come to see her even though she was severely injured; he must have been very angry.

Her role as a spy was exposed, and she couldn’t return to Ye Kingdom. After recovering from her injuries, she returned to Ji Miaoyan’s side. This was something she had yearned for, but now she realized it was the beginning of another kind of torment.

Although she stood closest to him, Jiang Zhaorou suddenly felt as if an impenetrable wall had risen between them, blocking all their understanding and trust, creating an insurmountable chasm between them.

Jiang Zhaorou suddenly felt a deep sense of irony. After going in circles for so many years, she had come full circle, only to watch helplessly as the distance between them grew wider.

She still stood behind him, just like in the past, staring at his back. However, she could no longer wait for the day when he would willingly open his heart to her.

Days passed with no progress, no advancement, until… another storm shattered the tranquility.

The Third Prince of the Shu Kingdom, the half-brother of the current emperor from a different mother. Jiang Zhaorou had always known this man harbored ambitions for the throne, but she never imagined that the Third Prince would be audacious enough to arrange for an assassination attempt right under the emperor’s nose. Even more shocking was the revelation of an unimaginably scandalous secret that this incident brought to light.

It turned out that… the true cause of the old general’s death was not the fault of Ye Kingdom’s official, but a carefully orchestrated scheme, a trap that ensnared them all, sacrifices and pawns in the game of another person’s deep-seated resentment.

Jiang Zhaorou would never forget the sight of the Third Prince, his hands covered in blood, gripping her ankle. He told her everything in a breathless voice and handed her the evidence he had hidden long before. She was profoundly shaken.

The true enemy had been among them all along, gripping their throats with claws while obscuring their vision with beguiling illusions, manipulating them for their own purposes.

At first, Jiang Zhaorou had only been suspicious. However, when she saw with her own eyes that the Princess, who could have helped Ji Miaoyan escape the aftermath of the assassination attempt, chose not to intervene, instead pleading on behalf of the despicable Xizeyan, and watched Ji Miaoyan’s demotion in silence, she was convinced that the Princess was merely using them. Understanding this, she was tempted to reveal everything to Ji Miaoyan. But she restrained herself from that impulse.

The Princess was the Third Prince’s own aunt; even if she were to go to Ji Miaoyan and reveal everything, would he believe her? They no longer had the candid relationship they once did. Even if she spoke, could he trust her?

The answer was a resounding no. He wouldn’t believe her, and her words might even trigger dangerous consequences. What she couldn’t bear the most was to be the cause of his danger, so she made the rational choice to remain silent.

But the matter didn’t end there; dangers didn’t just vanish when they were ignored. Jiang Zhaorou understood that her own power was too feeble to contend with the Princess. For now, her best option was to seek allies who could match her strength.

At the time, she never expected that the person who would eventually help her was someone she had once harmed, and that the child she had initially intended to use and almost hurt would be the one to extend a helping hand. Knowing the truth, Jiang Zhaorou couldn’t help but sigh, feeling how fate can be ironic.

However, at that moment, she had no choice. She couldn’t let Ji Miaoyan unknowingly fall into the trap set for him.

It turned out that her decision to cooperate with Xia Yuqing and the others was the only right thing she had done in years. Everything was proceeding as she hoped, but just one step away from success, the most unpredictable thing happened.

Jiang Zhaorou never imagined that the Princess would strike preemptively. To prevent Ji Miaoyan from tainting himself by getting involved, the Princess audaciously placed her own nephew under house arrest.

When Jiang Zhaorou received the news, her heart trembled. An indescribable fear gripped her. If the Princess could imprison her own family member for the sake of her ambition, what would stop her from eliminating Ji Miaoyan when she deemed him no longer useful? After all, she had shown no hesitation in poisoning her own uncle.

Thinking of this, Jiang Zhaorou couldn’t calm down. Acting quickly, she escaped from the Ji mansion before the guards could react, seeking the help of Xia Yuqing and the others. Though it might seem foolish, at that moment, they were her only hope.

When Feng Tingye and the others mentioned compensation, she unhesitatingly handed over the evidence the Third Prince had given her. In her eyes, nothing could compare to the importance of that man. Even if they were demanding her life, as long as they could ensure his safety, she would offer herself without hesitation.

As the Princess’ actions grew bolder, Jiang Zhaorou’s heart grew more restless. She knew that if the Princess gained more power, Ji Miaoyan would be unable to break free from her control. The only person who could reverse the situation and stop her was…

Jiang Zhaorou hesitated for a moment before firmly deciding to stand on Xia Yuqing and the others’ side. Thus, when she learned that Xia Yuqing and her group had audaciously stormed the prison of the Ministry of Justice, she quickly gathered the guards that Ji Miaoyan had specifically assigned to her when she left the Shu Kingdom’s capital.

Though there had been a considerable number of guards initially, many had been lost during their time in Ye Kingdom. Now, only a few remained. However, they were sufficient to detain Xizeyan and his group.

Clearly, Xia Yuqing and her companions hadn’t expected Jiang Zhaorou to appear at that moment. Their faces displayed obvious surprise. She wanted to move quickly, but was met with concerned inquiry.

“Your injuries haven’t fully healed, have they? Are you alright?”

Jiang Zhaorou was momentarily taken aback. After all, very few people had asked her such questions over the years – whether her injuries hurt, or if she could endure when faced with difficult situations. However, this surprise was short-lived, quickly replaced by a somewhat negative emotion. It was this aspect of the woman that infuriated her – someone who clearly knew nothing, understood nothing, yet managed to say things that shook people’s hearts. It was both laughable and repulsive, making Jiang Zhaorou wish she could tear apart that innocent face and destroy her innocence.

Yet, what Jiang Zhaorou didn’t anticipate was that Xia Yuqing’s next words would wipe the smile off her face completely.

“Why… why did you, who isn’t truly a bad person, do so many terrible things back then?”

Jiang Zhaorou shuddered, locking eyes with the woman whose gaze seemed to penetrate everything. For the first time, she realized that the woman she had always been envious of might not be as simple as she appeared. Perhaps she hid her insights deep within, waiting for the right moment to reveal them.

At that moment, Jiang Zhaorou didn’t know what came over her. She looked into those clear eyes, feeling that she had found someone she could confide in. Perhaps she also sensed that this time might not end so easily, that she might not emerge from this alive. Unconsciously, she began to speak her mind.

“Perhaps, it’s because I wanted to climb higher, to get closer to that person. Unfortunately… I seemed to have used the wrong methods in the end.”

In that instant, she finally recognized her own mistakes. She had tried to get closer to that person using methods she believed would work, aiming to support him. But in the end, she realized that the distance between them was growing uncontrollably, and even the silhouette she could once gaze at was gradually fading away.

The first time they met, he had drawn a boundary around her like a prison, and she had become trapped. Yet, he left without a second thought.

In life, no matter what one does, there is always a price to pay. Jiang Zhaorou understood this better than anyone else. So, when the previously defeated Xizeyan informed her about Ji Miaoyan and disrupted her composure, taking advantage of the distraction to stab herself with the hidden dagger in his boot, she knew that this was the price she had to pay for losing focus in a life-and-death struggle.

Summoning the last of her strength, she plunged her sword into Xizeyan’s chest. As she watched him gasp for breath in desperation, Jiang Zhaorou’s vision seemed to blur, and she unintentionally stumbled backward.

As she fell to the ground, countless memories flashed through Jiang Zhaorou’s mind – her days at the Jiang mansion, her time with that person at the Ji mansion, and her recent experiences. Ultimately, everything converged into the scene of their first meeting.

Backlit, he reached out a hand toward her and pulled her out of the depths of h*ll, granting her the greatest redemption in her life of despair.

If possible, she wanted to live on, to look at him a little longer. Even if she could only stand behind him and watch his back for the rest of her life, even if she could never earn his trust again, and even if she remained isolated from his defenses, she wanted to stay by his side, always… watching him. Unfortunately, everything seemed too late.

As Jiang Zhaorou slipped into unconsciousness, she faintly heard footsteps and two voices.

“I didn’t expect things to get this intense over here. But it seems they should be fine.”

“Someone seems to be breathing over there.”

“Huh? Despite such serious injuries, they’re still alive? They must be quite resilient.”

These voices… were they from those people who followed Feng Tingye? However, that didn’t matter now – Jiang Zhaorou had completely lost consciousness.

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