C4 Even If It Was a Lifetime away She Still Couldn't Let It Go

As soon as Lo Qiuli stepped off the carriage, she noticed the varied expressions on the faces of Lo Zhan and the others, and her heart tightened. Even after all this time, their gazes still unsettled her. It was laughable how she once tried to comfort herself with the excuse that they were simply unfamiliar with her. Looking back now, that thought seemed truly ridiculous.

"Qiuli greets Father, greets Mother," she said, her face betraying nothing of the amusement she felt inside. She executed her courtesies flawlessly, leaving no room for criticism, ensuring they wouldn't have a chance to make things difficult for her.

Recalling the mocking stares from people on the street when she returned to the manor years ago, Qiuli still felt a pang of sorrow. Who would have thought that the daughter of a prestigious family could be reduced to such a lowly state?

Her humble demeanor surprised Lo Zhan, whose eyes held a mix of disdain and unexpected curiosity. If it weren't for the Fifth Prince's interest in her, and the emperor's decree for a marriage with a daughter from the manor, he might not have even remembered he had such a daughter. Fortunately, the decree didn't specify which daughter, so marrying off this unattractive one wouldn't be considered deceitful, merely a slight against the Fifth Prince.

This daughter, whom he had completely overlooked and never bothered to have trained in etiquette, was now presenting herself in a way that caught him off guard. "Since you're back, come inside," Lo Zhan nodded, turning to enter the manor, leaving the others to curiously observe the unattractive young lady who had never been seen at the manor before.

"You're Qiuli, right? Father mentioned you before, but we never had the chance to meet. Now that you're back, we sisters can finally reunite," Lo Qiushui said, wrinkling her nose at the sight of the dark mark on Qiuli's forehead. Though she felt disgusted, she remembered her mother's recent words and suppressed her revulsion. She stepped forward, took Qiuli's hand, and walked alongside her into the manor.

Lo Qiulan watched everyone treat Lo Qiuli with such friendliness, feeling a strong sense of dissatisfaction. She had been in the household for years and had never received such warm treatment. Yet here was Lo Qiuli, a girl from a lowly background, being treated with respect.

With these thoughts, Qiulan discreetly extended her foot to trip Qiuli, hoping to cause a scene. However, instead of Qiuli stumbling, Qiulan found herself with a sharp pain as her foot was stepped on.

“Ouch!” she exclaimed, pulling her foot back and looking up at Qiuli, ready to cause trouble. But Qiuli’s lips curled into a faint, cool smile. Upon closer inspection, Qiuli had already resumed her humble and polite demeanor. If Qiulan hadn’t seen it herself, she might have thought she imagined it.

“Qiulan, what happened?” Concubine Fong turned to her daughter, concerned after hearing her pained cry.

“Just tripped on a small stone, nothing serious.” Qiulan couldn’t accuse Qiuli in front of everyone, though her words dripped with sarcasm.

Qiuli heard the remark but didn’t respond, though her eyes glinted with a deeper coldness. In the past, such tricks had made her a laughingstock in the household. She wouldn’t let that happen again, but she knew she had little power and could only avoid making a fool of herself.

Inside the main hall, Lo Zhan was already seated at the head of the table, still in his formal attire. His every move exuded the authority and confidence of a head of the family, and his solemn expression commanded respect.

Lo Qiuli knelt in the hall, her head bowed in silence. Memories of the past flooded her mind. She had knelt like this before, unable to meet Lo Zhan’s imposing gaze, her body trembling as she agreed to all his demands.

"Her features are delicate, but unfortunately, there's a dark mark on her forehead that mars her beauty. So, you'll marry in your sister's place," Lo Zhan's voice remained unfamiliar and cold, yet Lo Qiuli couldn't help but feel a laugh bubbling up inside her.

"As you wish, Father!" Lo Qiuli kept her head bowed, finding her own words strange. It was the same response as before, but her mindset had shifted. Her fate was not something Lo Zhan could control.

"It's best that you agree. I won't need to resort to any measures. Before the wedding, you'll prepare at the Orchid Fragrance Garden. I'll have a nanny teach you the proper etiquette to avoid embarrassment," Lo Zhan said, losing interest in further conversation with her. He stood up and left, his robe sleeves brushing the air.

In his eyes, Lo Qiuli was a disgrace to the family. If not for circumstances, he wouldn't have considered bringing her back. Such an unattractive girl was destined to be left to her own devices.

"Nanny, take her to the Orchid Fragrance Garden. From now on, you'll handle all her affairs," the lady of the house instructed clearly, implying she didn't want to see Lo Qiuli unless necessary. She was to remain in the garden, out of sight.

"Yes," the nanny replied, bowing before leading Lo Qiuli to an abandoned part of the estate. Once meant for servants, it had been left vacant after renovations. Despite its neglect, it was far better than the old mountain home.

"Miss," Limo called hesitantly, her eyes filled with sorrow. She had thought the Prime Minister brought Lo Qiuli back out of guilt, but it seemed she was just a tool to him.

Given the situation, they might have been better off returning to the mountains. Life there was tough but free, unlike now, where they had to constantly watch their step.

"Limo, I mentioned before we came that this wouldn't be a walk in the park. Do you regret it?" Lo Qiuli held Limo's hand, her stern gaze softening as she noticed the worry in Limo's eyes. In this world, if anyone still cared about her, it was Limo.

"I have no regrets!" Though her voice was soft, the determination in it made Lo Qiuli's fingertips tremble. With Limo willing to follow her through thick and thin, how could she ever abandon her? In this life, she was determined to protect Limo completely.

"In that case, let's tidy up this place. From now on, this will be our home." Lo Qiuli's eyes were gentle, her tone calm, as if she were discussing something as ordinary as the weather. Yet to others, her words carried a different weight.

"Ha, Qiuli, you're mistaken. How could the Prime Minister's residence ever be home to someone like you? Do you even know your place?" Lo Qiushui's words were sharp and cutting. In the past, they would have left Lo Qiuli deeply wounded, but now, they couldn't touch her at all.

"You're right, sister. I'll remember your advice and won't overstep again!" Lo Qiuli, pulling back Limo who was ready to defend her, responded with a bright smile, accepting all of Lo Qiushui's sarcasm.