C2 An Old Friend Met

Her sole reason for living, her unwavering resolve, was the hope that one day she would witness the downfall of the Heaven Moon Country at the hands of Yue Jingfeng, and see Feng Chang'an become a queen of a fallen nation, everything reduced to ruins.

"Biying... help me up..."

Feng Changge looked around, seeing everything just as she remembered. Now that she had been given a second chance at life, she was determined to make those who wronged her suffer a thousandfold.

"Miss, what's wrong with you today?"

"It's nothing. What time is it now? What year?"

Biying, who had helped Feng Changge to her feet, paused to think before answering, "It's the eighth year of the Qing calendar, just past noon. Are you feeling better today, Miss?"

The eighth year of the Qing calendar, five years ago, when she was still at the Phoenix Duke Mansion, before she met Yue Jingfeng. The beginning of all the tangled fates, when her innocence led her step by step into Yue Jingfeng's trap.

As Biying poured tea, she said, "Yesterday, you weren't feeling well, and today you slept in. I thought you wanted to rest more, so I waited outside. When I heard a noise, I came in and found you on the floor. It scared me."

Feng Changge sipped her tea and said, "Don't speak of today's events to anyone. We don't need any gossip."

"Understood. Oh, by the way, a servant just brought a message. The Second Miss will be back in less than half an hour, and she wants you to join her to welcome her."

Setting down her teacup, Feng Changge's eyes darkened as unpleasant memories surfaced. Feng Chang'an had been the apple of Feng Yanting's eye, always the most charming of all the daughters. She and her mother, who had schemed their way into the family, were truly adept.

Whenever there were banquets or hunting parties where family could be brought along, Feng Yanting's first choice was always Feng Chang'an.

"I'm too tired today. I won't go. You can tell them."

Feng Changge wrapped herself in a shawl and returned to her bed. She touched her cold feet, which had gone numb from not wearing shoes or socks for just a short while. December's chill was biting, and although there was a fire in the room and a warming pan under the covers, she still felt the cold. The December weather was nothing compared to the bone-chilling cold of the days spent in the secluded palace.

Biying left the room to relay a message to the servant, while Feng Changge lay quietly on the bed. The room was dim, as December rarely saw much sunlight, and the gloomy atmosphere made it easier to fall asleep. How long had it been since she last had a peaceful sleep? Finally, she could...

"Oh, my dear sister is still asleep?"

"Second Miss, Second Miss, the eldest hasn't woken up yet. Please wait a bit longer!" Biying stood in front of Feng Chang'an.

"Move aside!" Feng Chang'an sneered, casually pushing Biying aside as she walked further in.

Suddenly, Feng Changge opened her eyes. She could never sleep well as long as Feng Chang'an was around.

Feng Chang'an pulled back the curtain of the bed, letting a cold breeze mix with the warmth inside. Feng Changge could smell the dust in the air. She wondered which gentleman had invited Feng Chang'an for a ride today.

"Sister, I heard from the servant that you're not feeling well." Feng Chang'an stepped closer, but Feng Changge remained silent, ignoring her sister's feigned concern.

Seeing Feng Changge's silence, Feng Chang'an angrily yanked the curtain aside and demanded, "I'm talking to you!"

Feng Changge suddenly looked up, staring intently at Feng Chang'an. She spoke slowly and deliberately, "You know I'm unwell, yet you disturb me. From the moment you entered, your actions have been disrespectful to your elder sister. Acting like this, what are you hoping to gain from me? Respect? You seem quite bold!"

"You!" Feng Chang'an was left speechless, but she was always strong-willed and wouldn't easily show weakness to Feng Changge. With a dismissive smile, she said, "I know you're feeling wronged, sister. If you ask me nicely, maybe next time I'll feel generous enough to take you along. How about that?"

Feng Changge's lazy voice drifted from the bed, "Take me along? Where to? To watch those young men hunt and play? I don't have the same cheerful disposition as you, sister. Besides, I can't compete with you when it comes to charming everyone around."

"Feng Changge, don't push it today!"

"Would you kindly tell me who’s pushing it today?" Feng Changge's gaze met Feng Chang'an's directly. Suddenly, Feng Chang'an lost her edge, her earlier sharpness gone. She was afraid, afraid of Feng Changge's eyes, which were filled with desolation and fierce determination, burning with an endless fire of hatred.

"Today, I won't stoop to your level." With that, Feng Chang'an turned and headed for the door.

Feng Changge added, "Watch your step on the way out. The path in my courtyard isn't as smooth as the gentlemen's back home."

Feng Chang'an, who had already lifted the curtain to leave, turned back in a fury and kicked the charcoal brazier on the floor, sending hot coals scattering with a loud crash.