C3 Rebirth

"Yanwu... sister, I didn't mean to... sister... sister..." Nan Yanwu sobbed uncontrollably.

"Oh, what a convenient excuse, 'I didn't mean to.' Do you think saying that makes it okay to disregard life and justice? You caused our father's death, and Ruyan's too. Nan Yanwu, how could you be so heartless? How could you bring yourself to do it?"

Nan Yuvyi took a deep breath, her usual gentle demeanor replaced by unmasked hatred and a thirst for vengeance. "We are sisters, and I know the agony that comes with dying from poisoned wine. I can't bear to see you suffer, sister. So let me—personally send you on your way."

A flash of steel glinted from Nan Yuvyi's sleeve. Before Nan Yanwu could struggle or cry out, a small dagger pierced her heart. The pain was excruciating, and she collapsed onto the bed, a trickle of crimson blood escaping her lips.

Nan Yuvyi carefully wiped the blood from her hands with the handkerchief Nan Yanwu had been clutching. Noticing the embroidered mandarin ducks on it, she let out a derisive laugh and tossed it disdainfully beside Nan Yanwu before turning to leave.

The bright sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating Nan Yanwu's eyes, which remained open. Her expression showed no fear or disbelief, only relief, with a hint of a smile.

Beside her, the handkerchief discarded by Nan Yuvyi lay with its vivid embroidery of mandarin ducks, stained with drying blood.

When Nan Yanwu opened her eyes again, she found herself in a vaguely familiar place. Her head was spinning, her thoughts muddled, and she couldn't quite remember where she was, though it all seemed so familiar. She rubbed her head, feeling a bit frustrated.

"Yanwu?" A familiar voice rang clearly in her ears. She froze, quickly lifting her eyes to the person seated before her. The moment she recognized the face, she was stunned, tears uncontrollably streaming down.

"Dad..." Nan Yanwu felt a bitter lump in her throat, unable to utter a sound.

"Yanwu, I've given all the instructions I needed to. There's one more thing you should know," Nan Ying said, pressing his lips together.

"Dad... please, go on." Nan Yanwu took a deep breath, forcing a smile to face Nan Ying. How long had it been since she last used that word? So long that she had almost forgotten.

Nan Ying sensed something was off with Nan Yanwu but chose not to mention it. "In two days, Crown Prince Xiao Zhen from Great Qi will visit Xiliang. Are you prepared?"

"Prepared... for what?" Hearing that name from Nan Ying's mouth, Nan Yanwu's smile froze. Her breathing grew heavier and more rapid, a foreboding feeling rising in her heart. She instinctively clenched the handkerchief in her hand.

"Yanwu, you're not young anymore. What I mean is, I'm arranging for you to be betrothed to Xiao Zhen..." Nan Ying said quietly, his usually calm gaze now as deep as a still pond, making it impossible for her to read.

"Betrothed to Xiao Zhen?" Nan Yanwu repeated, furrowing her brow, not quite understanding.

Nan Yanwu had no idea what was happening now. She even vaguely felt the pain where Nan Yuvyi had stabbed her with a dagger.

In her memory, there was indeed a time before Xiao Zhen's visit to Xiliang when Nan Ying had a secret conversation with her, hinting at arranging a marriage between her and Xiao Zhen.

So, does this mean... she had gone back in time? But... she was sure she had died. Could it be a dream? Yet, how could a dream feel so real?

"What's the matter? You don't agree?" Nan Ying frowned, clearly displeased with Nan Yanwu's hesitant attitude.

"Yanwu... Yanwu is still young... Maybe it's best not to consider marriage for now..." Nan Yanwu's heart raced as she stumbled over her words, scrambling for an excuse to deflect Nan Ying's question.