C9 He Was the Recipient

Xiangxue shrugged innocently, taking a step forward with a smile. "Oh, come on, sis, I'm just checking up on you. I heard that pond you fell into wasn't exactly clean. You didn't swallow any water, did you?"

Yunjin was even more annoyed. Growing up, it was always her picking on Xiangxue, never the other way around. When did Xiangxue get the nerve to mock her?

Just as she was about to get angry, she noticed the jade pendant at Xiangxue's waist. The white jade was so pure and translucent, it was impossible not to like it at first glance.

Yunjin's eyes lit up, and she immediately turned to Summer, who was standing nearby. "Summer, hold her down! Grab that pendant for me!"

Xiangxue's expression changed. Oh boy, things were getting physical now?

She narrowed her eyes, smiled, and took a step back, suddenly looking past Yunjin. "Concubine Lau?"

Yunjin was startled and quickly turned around. Even Summer, beside her, lowered her head. "Concubine Lau—"

Seeing how convinced they were, Xiangxue smirked and quickly ran to the side.

When Yunjin turned back and realized her mother wasn’t there, her face fell as she caught on. "Darn it, Xiangxue tricked me!"

"Miss," Summer said, equally frustrated, "she's too much! She's just been spoiled by the attention from your father and Concubine Lau lately, and now she's bold enough to mock and deceive you!"

Upon hearing the words, Hua Yunjin swiftly delivered a slap. "Why aren't you chasing her yet?! Today, I'm going to make sure she regrets it!" With that, Hua Yunjin hurried off with Xia Lian to find Hua Xiangxue.

Hua Xiangxue, contemplating her situation, realized that returning to the Snow Reflection Pavilion might lead to an ambush by Hua Yunjin. No, she couldn't go back. But if not there, where should she go? Perhaps the most dangerous place was the safest. She was unwell and needed to find a place or someone who could protect her. Yes, Hua Gongfeng or Lau Yuemei!

Determined, Hua Xiangxue headed straight for the front courtyard. She figured if Hua Gongfeng and Mrs. Lau weren't there, they must be at the Moon Orchid Pavilion. However, as she reached the courtyard, she saw Hua Gongfeng speaking with someone.

Quickly, Hua Xiangxue made her move. "Boo hoo hoo—" she cried as she walked, her steps unsteady, appearing frail.

"Who goes there?" a low voice inquired.

Hua Gongfeng's expression froze. He quickly bowed, "Your Grace, I—" Turning around, he was initially pleased to see Hua Xiangxue, but her current state alarmed him. He immediately signaled to the person beside him.

Unfortunately, it was already too late. Hua Xiangxue had quickly walked over and stumbled into a seat in front of Hua Gongfeng.

That's right—she sat, not kneeled. For a woman who had traveled to this era, kneeling was something she hadn't gotten used to yet.

“Dad, you have to stand up for your daughter!” Hua Xiangxue cried as she sat there, clinging to Hua Gongfeng's leg.

Ever since Hua Xiangxue had attempted to take her own life by running into a wall, Hua Gongfeng hadn't visited her, only hearing that her temper had changed quite a bit. He thought it was just her feeling unbalanced, which made her a bit irritable and erratic, so he didn't pay much attention to it.

But now, seeing Hua Xiangxue, Hua Gongfeng was shocked by her behavior, his face turning shades of blue and red.

“Xiangxue, what are you doing! Get up!” Hua Gongfeng urged, trying to keep his emotions in check.

Hua Xiangxue cried her heart out, completely disregarding her image. Her performance was worthy of a lifetime achievement award at the Oscars.

Seeing her cry like this, Hua Gongfeng's face turned green. Suppressing his anger and urgency, he said, “What are you standing around for? Take the young lady back!”

As soon as Hua Gongfeng finished speaking, someone stepped forward to pull Hua Xiangxue away, but just then, a hand slowly reached out to stop them.

"Step back."

Just two simple words, spoken softly, not even as loud as Hua Gongfeng's voice, and yet completely drowned out by Xiangxue's sobs. But as soon as those words were spoken, the people who had been moving forward immediately stepped back.

Xiangxue had keen ears. She stopped crying and looked up, finally noticing the person beside Hua Gongfeng. Sitting on the ground, the first thing she saw was a plain, elegant robe. The man was tall and slender, and from her low vantage point, his features seemed strikingly handsome. He was taller than Hua Gongfeng, and his jawline was quite appealing.

Seeing Xiangxue stop crying, Hua Gongfeng clasped his hands and addressed Jing Yeli, "Duke Li, this is my daughter."

Duke Li—

Xiangxue's mind raced, quickly recalling the days when she first arrived in this world. The frequency of Duke Li's appearances was notably high. The original Xiangxue had been sent to Duke Li's mansion, only to be rejected, which led to her disgrace and eventual demise.

In other words, the man before her was the recipient she—or rather, the original Xiangxue—was supposed to be sent to?!