C1 Rebirth

In the winter of the 28th year of the Tianwu era, a plot by the Crown Prince Consort, Dugu Yan, to rebel against the Great Qi dynasty failed. She took her own life in the Heaven Obeying Hall. Her followers, the Thirteen Sects, were executed, and their bodies were displayed at the city gates, only to be stolen that night.

"Search! Dig three feet deep if you have to, but find that treacherous consort's lover!" The noise outside grew louder, but inside the room, it was eerily silent. Dugu Yan sat quietly before a bronze mirror, the familiar scarlet birthmark stinging her eyes.

After her death, she was reborn, her soul inhabiting the body of Feng Tiange, known as the ugliest woman in Great Qi.

Snap— The golden hairpin broke, its sharp edge piercing her palm, blood trickling down, yet Dugu Yan felt nothing. Thirteen bodies were left to rot, fifty-five families of humble scholars were executed, and over a hundred of her followers were beaten to death. Beiming Yuan, you owe me for all of this, and for Feng Tiange's life!

The world only knew Feng Tiange as the ugliest woman, but no one realized she was also my deputy, Silver Mask.

"You can't go in there! The young lady went to Puning Temple to pray and instructed that no one is to enter her room..." Outside, Crescent stood firmly at the door, but before she could finish, a maid from the second household slapped her hard. "Ugh! What young lady? She's just an ugly freak! Get out of the way!"

Seeing the slender figure of Crescent stubbornly blocking the door, Ningxiu's eyes turned cold, and she raised her hand sharply. Just then, the door swung open.

A piercing gaze shot through like an ice pick, forcing Ningxiu to lower her hand. The red birthmark covering half the face was so startling, it seemed like a demon from hell, causing Ningxiu to stumble back in fright.

"Miss? Miss, when did you return? They..." Crescent turned around, her voice timid yet filled with delight.

"I know," Feng Tiange replied, stepping out while wrapping a white silk cloth around her palm, pierced by a golden hairpin. She glanced at the woman behind Ningxiu.

From this moment on, she was Feng Tiange.

"Don't misunderstand, sister. This is the commander's order. The remnants of Dugu Yan are still at large, and the entire city is being searched. The South Suppressing Marquis Mansion is no exception, and neither is the Silk Garden."

Feng Xueyao, the eldest daughter of the second house of the South Suppressing Marquis Mansion, was known for her gentle and virtuous nature, as well as her stunning beauty. She was one of the few outstanding talents among the city's young women.

At this moment, Feng Xueyao was also contemplating. In the past, Feng Tiange would have been displeased but wouldn't dare to interfere in such matters. Today, however, something about her presence had changed.

"You dare defy the Crown Prince's orders?" The icy voice carried a chilling menace as Dugu Jin stepped forward, glaring at Feng Tiange with intense disdain.

What a Commander!

Years ago, she had vouched for Dugu Jin in front of Beiming Yuan, considering family ties. Without her support, how could he have achieved such glory today? And his sister, Dugu Rou, was rumored to be the future Crown Prince Consort.

Two ungrateful wolves she had raised!

"Defy you? What can you do about it?" Feng Tiange tied her white scarf, looking up with a hint of mockery.

Feng Xueyao thought she misheard. This ugly creature never dared to cause trouble, fearing her grandmother's and uncle's cold stares, the servants' ridicule, and most of all, embarrassing the old lady in the palace.

"Hah! What can I do? You all, go in and search every nook and cranny. If you find nothing, you'll answer to me!" Dugu Jin barked arrogantly, and immediately, a dozen guards with swords rushed forward.

Feng Tiange's eyes were calm as she pulled out a finely carved ivory token from her pocket. "The Empress Dowager's token. Let's see if it's useful."

"Concerning a corrupt concubine and traitors, no one's face needs saving. Search!" Dugu Jin's eyes were fierce as the guards surged forward.

'Bang—'

As the lead guard was sent flying backward, coughing up blood, a dozen others followed suit, collapsing to the ground in agony, curled up like shrimp. Tiange stood coldly at the doorway, shaking out her wrist.

The scene was too much for Xueyao, who clutched her chest, her eyes heavy with concern, her face a shade paler. How could that ugly thing know martial arts? Since when?

"Jin, if our elder sister disagrees, let's not search. That's the Empress Dowager's token..." Xueyao whispered, gently tugging on Jin's official robe.

"Is the Empress Dowager more important, or the stability of the nation? If Tiange is indeed the Silver Mask, not even the Empress Dowager can save her ugly head! Step back, Xueyao. As Commander, I will search her room today!" Jin protectively moved Xueyao aside, storming toward the door in anger.

Jin? Xueyao?

Tiange sneered. Jin was clearly engaged, yet here he was, acting all lovey-dovey.

Suddenly, a piercing punch ripped through the air, its speed causing the guards to gasp in shock!