Brocade Begonia - Chapter 3

Chapter 3

“I know about the Soul-Calming Pearl. If I want freedom, it can only be a life for a life. I went to Huguo Temple specifically to request this Talisman. As long as you nod your head, I will give my life to you.”

Thunder rumbled, illuminating Meng Jin’s deathly pale face.

Unlike the vibrant girl from six months ago, her breath was now as thin as a thread. She collapsed beneath my peach tree, her strength utterly spent.

“I didn’t forget you. I just couldn’t get out. I don’t have the roasted chicken… don’t blame me.”

“Look at me… even at the brink of death, I’m still thinking of you.”

She only sought death, and any place would have sufficed.

Yet, it was thirty li from the capital to this place.

She had trudged through the mud for an entire night to get here.

“Who drove you to this? The Meng Family?”

She gave a resolute smile, her face a blur of rain and tears.

In the next instant, a sharp dagger slashed across her wrist.

“It’s the world. It’s because I am dull and cowardly, inferior to others. This is my fate.”

Fresh blood surged out, staining the damp Talisman she had tucked into her robes, which began to emit a golden light.

“Come here… come and hold me. You are the only one who has ever protected me.”

“Oh, you don’t have arms. Then I will hold you.”

No matter how much I wanted to save her, it was all in vain.

“I want to die, and you want to live. Let’s trade, I beg of you.”

When a person is determined to die, no one can save them.

She tore the wound deeper. Her bright red blood was washed down by the rain, spreading until my entire skeleton was stained with the scent of iron.

“Life has already been so hard; don’t let me die with my eyes open in regret. At least, if you live, there will still be someone to remember me, won’t there?”

Her three souls and six spirits slowly drifted out, growing fainter until only a single breath kept her tethered.

I drew close to her.

“What is your wish? I will help you. I will help you with everything.”

She smiled and hugged me tightly.

She buried her face deep into my chest.

“You must live well. I will be reborn into a good family in my next life. We… both win.”

A win?

Unless everyone else is dragged down to be buried with her, this is nothing but a wrongful death!

That night, a True Miss whom no one cared about died in the Marquis Mansion, but a Ghost Rakshasa was resurrected in the mass grave.

The peach tree withered and died overnight as I carried Meng Jin’s body down the mountain.

I know nothing of the next life, but in this life, I will have blood for blood.

Before returning to the capital, I made a trip to Huguo Temple.

There lived an Empress Dowager who had spent her life as a vegetarian, praying for her son’s blessings.

She used to dislike me. When she once forced me to kneel as punishment, I lost my eight-month-old child.

But now, after I told her the truth about her son’s death, she was desperate to board my treacherous ship. She would join me in stirring up the storms to fight our way back into Zijing City.

With our agreement reached, I returned to the Marquis Mansion just in time for the day of the Marquis Mansion’s daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony.

Amidst the joyous atmosphere of the hall, everyone surrounded the Fake Daughter, Meng Xueru. Rare treasures and jewelry were piled before her as if they cost nothing.

Everyone congratulated her on growing up, reminding her to be cautious in word and deed so as not to hinder her own future.

Amidst the flowers and finery, it was a picture of life’s greatest triumphs.

Only, no one remembered that today was also Meng Jin’s birthday.

The Marquise pulled the charming Fake Daughter into her arms. Over a dozen large boxes were stacked neatly before her.

“These are items from your grandmother’s dowry. I only received them after I gave birth to your elder brother. I won’t give them to anyone else, only to my Ru’er.”

Meng Xueru pouted and threw herself into the Marquise’s arms, wearing an innocent yet sly smile.

“I knew Mother loved me most. Ru’er loves Mother so, so much.”

Meng Yunting, the Heir of the Marquis Mansion, stepped forward with a gentle expression to present his treasure.

“I don’t have Mother’s family heirlooms, but this imperial gift of five-colored agate is something I personally requested from the Third Prince. Its significance is naturally quite different.”

The Third Prince?

Ranked third-it was definitely him.

Heh, what an unexpected surprise.

The Marquis, sitting in the seat of honor, stroked his beard proudly.

“Your father’s gift isn’t bad either. I shamelessly petitioned His Majesty. Once your coming-of-age ceremony is over, he will issue an early decree for your marriage to the Third Prince, so that the apple of my eye may have her heart’s desire.”

Meng Xueru’s eyes lit up instantly.

Yet she didn’t forget to stomp her foot at the Marquis.

“Father, you’re embarrassing me! To say such things in public… I’m not talking to you anymore.”

The crowd burst into laughter, their words coated in honeyed sweetness.

Only within my body remained the hidden wounds of Meng Jin that throbbed at the slightest touch.

When the cold wind blew, it chilled me to the bone, making me shudder involuntarily.

“So you actually know how to be shy? I thought you were used to being shameless.”

“Brother is a big bully! Mother, look at him!”

“Fine, fine, Mother will scold him right now. Yunting, do not bully your sister. Your punishment is to take her shopping tomorrow, and you will pay for everything.”

Meng Yunting wailed in mock misery.

“Mother, you’re making things difficult for me. You know that my entire private stash has been spent on this little glutton.”

Meng Xueru stuck out her tongue and made a face.

“Serves you right! Bleh!”

“Then what about me?”

Amidst the raucous laughter, I walked out, shattering the festive mood.

“What should be given to me?”