After finishing his words, Min-Sheng quietly took his leave. The air in the room felt heavy, thick with unspoken tension. All eyes turned toward Jia-Hai. He stood still, staring into the distance, lost in thought. Minutes passed as though time itself had slowed.
Finally, he looked around the room, his gaze sharp and unreadable, and without a word, he turned and left.
Mei-Lin and Shu-Hui, ever careful, guided Bon-Hwa to her chambers. The corridor echoed with their footsteps until they disappeared from sight, leaving only Ya-Ting, her mother Hai-Rang, and her sister behind.
Ya-Ting's voice trembled, barely audible. "Mother... do you think... she really doesn't remember anything, or is she just pretending?"
Jing-Yi's eyes glimmered with cold calculation. "No. She's not clever enough to pretend. What she doesn't remember... is real. That's fortunate... but we must be careful. Soon... we'll need to get rid of her. When the right moment comes, I'll tell you exactly what to do. Do you understand me? I said—do you understand?"
Both sisters nodded quickly, fear and anticipation mingling in their eyes. "Yes, Mother..."
Meanwhile, in her room, Bai-Xue sat silently, her mind racing.
One day ago...
Her eyes flicked to the spirit bracelet Ya-Ting wore—the very bracelet she had crafted herself. Because of it, she had been able to hear everything: every word, every secret, every plan. The bracelet, infused with her own spirit energy, allowed her to track its wearer and communicate with it remotely. That day, by sheer luck, Ya-Ting and her mother had been plotting while wearing it. Through that, Bai-Xue had learned everything.
A faint, knowing smile curved her lips. "So... that's what you've been planning. Interesting... very interesting. I think... it's time to take the first step."
She activated her summoning call, and soon, her brother Shin-Lu and Rinvi appeared before her.
Shin-Lu's brow furrowed with concern. "Sister... you called for us. What happened? Is it urgent?"
Rinvi's sharp eyes scanned her carefully. "Master... is everything all right?"
Bai-Xue nodded, her expression calm, almost serene. "Everything is fine, Rinvi. But there's something important I need to tell you both... about myself."
Shin-Lu and Rinvi exchanged glances. "About yourself?" Shin-Lu asked cautiously.
"Yes," Bai-Xue replied, taking a deep breath. "It's about my identity... I am Ning Huang-Ling's daughter. I am Bai-Xue."
Rinvi's eyes widened. "Master... you... you are Princess Bai-Xue?"
Shin-Lu's jaw tightened, his eyes blazing with surprise and curiosity. "But... we were told that Princess Bai-Xue couldn't cultivate... yet you... you're so strong. Of course... as the daughter of the nation's hero, you'd be exceptional. But why hide your identity? And... we heard you went missing."
Bai-Xue's voice became steady, resolute. "Yes... I went missing. But you don't know the whole story. Let me tell you everything."
She recounted every torment she had suffered: the cruelty of Ning family, the constant bullying, and the murderous plots of her half-sisters. She spared them the story of how she had been transported to another world, keeping some of her secrets hidden.
Rinvi's fists clenched tightly. "How could they... how could they attempt to kill a royal princess? How could they be so cruel?"
Shin-Lu's voice was low, dangerous, almost growling. "Bastards... who do they think they are? I'll kill every last one of them... I'll tear them apart myself. Sister... tell me... whose head shall I bring to you first?"
Bai-Xue shook her head gently. "No... brother. If it were that simple, I would have done it already. It's not about simple revenge. My mother's death... I don't believe it was due to illness. There's a secret behind it. I need your help to uncover the truth first."
Shin-Lu's expression softened, his loyalty unwavering. "Whatever you want, sister... I'll do it. Just tell me what you need."
Rinvi bowed deeply. "Master, you gave us life... whatever you command, we will obey."
Bai-Xue smiled, warmth and determination shining in her eyes. "Tomorrow... we begin a very big drama."
Back in the present, Bai-Xue sat in her room, contemplating her next move. Suddenly, the door burst open. A young maid stumbled inside, tears streaming down her face.
"Princess! Princess... you're alive! I knew you'd be safe... thank the heavens! Thank you for keeping my princess safe!"
Bai-Xue's expression softened as she remember her. She is the only loyal maid in this house... Jan-Mei-Hui. Her mother once served my mother, and now she serves me. She's the only one who truly cares.
Then her gaze fell on the maid's face. "Mei-Hui... what happened to your face?"
The maid trembled, shaking her head. "Princess... it doesn't matter. I'm just so relieved you're back. I was terrified... I went to everyone to ask about you, but they beat me and drove me away."
Bai-Xue's eyes narrowed, her voice firm yet gentle. "Tell me... what did they do to you?"
Mei-Hui spoke, voice breaking, fear and gratitude intermingled. "The Second Lady Hai-Rang's maids... they beat me when I asked for food. But don't worry, Princess. I'll hide food for you every day... just don't leave me like that again. You're the only one I have in this world."
Bai-Xue cupped her maid's face tenderly. "I will never leave you again... and those who wronged us... they will pay."
Mei-Hui stared at her in awe. How much my Lady has changed... she's no longer the fragile girl I knew.
With a gentle wave of her hand, Bai-Xue healed Mei-Hui's wounds. "Now rest. I've healed all your injuries. Tomorrow, I'll tell you everything. But for now... sleep."
Mei-Hui gasped in astonishment. "Princess... you... you have powers?"
Bai-Xue smiled, a spark of newfound strength in her eyes. "Yes... powers. I am no longer weak or useless. No one can bully us in this house... or in this world. Now rest. I will handle everything else."
As Bai-Xue prepared to sleep, she sensed movement at the door. A familiar, stern voice cut through the quiet.
"Who are you?"
Her grandfather stood there, his gaze sharp and unwavering, his figure framed in the doorway, eyes locked onto her.
Bai-Xue's heart skipped a beat. The real game... was about to begin.