C5 What Was a Sacrifice?

"Princess, you finally came. I've been waiting for five days." Hongxiang looked up and gave Yanwu a gentle smile, not bothering to stand.

"Five days? What nonsense are you talking about? Come on, let's go back." Yanwu felt a bit anxious, sensing something unusual, but she didn't want to dwell on it now. She just wanted to take Hongxiang back.

Wasn't Hongxiang perfectly fine here? Could Lvyu's words really be baseless?

"Don't worry, Princess. Let me explain," Hongxiang said, finishing her drink.

"Do you know something?" Yanwu couldn't help but connect Hongxiang's words to the earlier events. Hongxiang simply took another sip, smiling silently, which was as good as a confirmation.

"The day you didn't see me, Princess, I was actually captured by the Noble Consort's guards. They tied me up and took me to the rooftop, removed a tile, and made me watch as you were..." Hongxiang continued, "I watched as Princess Yuvyi killed you... and I was powerless to stop it." Her eyes showed guilt as she pressed her lips together, looking at Yanwu.

Wait... if that's true, then the water dripping from above wasn't rain... it was tears?

"This wasn't something you could have prevented. It's my own reckoning," Yanwu sighed softly.

"Later, I was killed by the Noble Consort's guards. At that time, the young princess was also taken by the Noble Consort... I went to the afterlife and met the King of the Underworld. He said I was loyal to my master but met an unjust end, so he promised me wealth and prosperity in my next life. But I refused," Hongxiang paused, her voice growing softer. "I told him I wanted nothing, only for you to live again. After much debate, he finally agreed."

"So, you sacrificed yourself for my rebirth?" Yanwu covered her mouth, shocked by the truth of the situation.

"You can't say it like that. I'm already someone who's supposed to be gone, so what does sacrifice mean to me?" Hongxiang smiled warmly. "Even if the powers that be let you return to the past, Princess, consider it the last thing I can do for you."

"Hongxiang... why go through this?"

"I only wish for your happiness, Princess. Even if it costs my life, I have no regrets." Hongxiang sighed deeply. "I didn't expect you to come so late. I only have one day left in this world, and before I go, I must make things clear to you..."

"Hongxiang... will you come back?"

Hongxiang chuckled softly, "I can't bear to leave you, Princess, so I'll return. But don't worry about me. I'm just trading my next life for wealth and prosperity. If I'm still kind-hearted in my next life, there will be plenty of opportunities for that. However... I may not be able to serve by your side again..."

"No matter, it's better if you don't have to suffer with me." Nan Yanwu smiled gently, though her heart was heavy with sorrow.

"How could serving you be suffering, Princess? Others would envy the chance."

"Before I go, there are a few things I must remind you of..." A shadow of concern passed through Hongxiang's eyes.

"When you return to the past, you must ensure your own happiness. The Noble Consort and Princess Yuvyi conspired together, leading to that incident. You were too devoted before, but now, after all this time, you should understand better. Listen to my advice, Princess: Xiao Zhen isn't worth your obsession. There will be someone worthy by your side. When you find them, cherish them."

Hongxiang held Nan Yanwu's hand tightly. "Without me, you must take good care of yourself... Lvyu is clever, but I fear she might be a spy for Nan Yuvyi, so don't trust her completely. Suxiang may be a bit slow, but she's efficient and loyal. With Suxiang around, I can rest easy."

"Hongxiang, I'm sorry for putting you through this." Nan Yanwu held Hongxiang's hand tightly, unwilling to let go. If she didn't release her grip, would Hongxiang be able to stay?