Chapter 4: Failed to Redeem Myself

On the way back to the Chancellor's Manor, Liu Qian'er remained dejected the whole time. That old woman had infuriated her—committing heinous acts while thinking herself glorious.

Han Yu led Liu Qian'er in silence. This was the first time she had seen Liu Qian'er act like this; never before had she seen her disregard everything to help someone. She found it very surprising.

Inside the Chancellor's Manor. It was cold and cheerless, utterly devoid of vitality. The manservants, maids, and guards all had vacant gazes, completely listless.

Liu Qian'er let out a faint sigh.

She couldn't shake the feeling that this Chancellor's Manor was gloomy, giving her the sensation of having entered hell, making her scalp tingle.

"Han Yu, where do we go to find the Chancellor?"

"The Chancellor?" Han Yu scratched her head in confusion.

"Oh, no, I mean where do we go to find my father." Liu Qian'er smiled faintly, pretending to be calm.

"Oh, you scared me. I thought Your Ladyship had forgotten who the Chancellor even was to you." Han Yu laughed foolishly. "Han Yu will take Your Ladyship to dress up first; you can't go see the Chancellor looking like this!"

Only then did Liu Qian'er remember she was still wearing men's clothing. She smiled embarrassedly. "Hehe, right. I forgot!"

Han Yu led Liu Qian'er to a room and quickly helped her change into proper attire.

In the main hall, Liu Qian'er stood with her back to the door.

"Qian'er, why aren't you staying properly in the palace? What are you doing back home?" A man's deep, cold voice came from the doorway.

Hearing this voice, this tone, Liu Qian'er's heart sank halfway. Just how unwelcome was the previous Liu Qian'er?

"Can't I come back to take a look at you?" Liu Qian'er didn't turn around, speaking with a smile.

"Father is fine. You should return to the palace!" The cold voice rang out again.

Liu Qian'er smiled coldly, her tone tinged with anger. "Just how unwelcome am I in this Chancellor's Manor? I can't even make a trip home?"

"Qian'er, you are now the Emperor's consort. Naturally, you cannot run home casually."

"Casually? One trip home is 'casually'? I've been married into the palace for over a month. Has anyone come to see me? Has anyone cared whether I live or die? Do any of you have me, Liu Qian'er, in your hearts?" Liu Qian'er was beside herself with anger. Are there truly such heartless people in the world? Is a married daughter really like spilled water?

At that moment, another cold voice sounded.

"Yo, yo, yo, I wondered who it was. Yelling so loudly—turns out it's Second Sister returned. Second Sister's temper has grown quite a bit; you actually dare speak to Father like this."

The fire in Liu Qian'er's heart flared up. She spun around angrily, her brows knitting together. She pointed at the woman who had just spoken and roared, "Shut up! When does this Palace need you to teach me a lesson? No matter what, this Palace is the current Emperor's consort. Who are you yelling at?"

Han Yu stood dumbly by Liu Qian'er's side, watching her. She felt both happy and worried. Happy that Liu Qian'er had finally transformed; worried that the Chancellor and Third Miss had provoked Liu Qian'er. "Your Ladyship, calm down." Han Yu pulled Liu Qian'er down to sit.

The Chancellor stared at Liu Qian'er in shock. He couldn't believe this was his second daughter. Could marrying the Emperor have completely transformed her? He simply couldn't believe the always timid second daughter had become a different person. "Fan Rou, why aren't you apologizing to Second Sister at once!" The Chancellor said with a difficult expression.

The moment Liu Fan Rou's gaze met Liu Qian'er's, she was frightened into taking a step back, nearly falling. She stammered, "Y-you... are you my Second Sister?"

"What, you hope this Palace isn't?" Liu Qian'er didn't look directly at Liu Fan Rou but picked up a cup of tea from the table and took a light sip.

"Second Sister used to be very ugly; everyone knew that. But you...?" Liu Fan Rou kept staring at Liu Qian'er.

"Is that so? Was this Palace that ugly before?" Liu Qian'er stood up angrily, walked up to Liu Fan Rou, lifted her chin, and smiled. "Look closely. This Palace is Liu Qian'er, the real Liu Qian'er. If you are disrespectful to this Palace again, don't blame this Palace for being rude."

Seeing this, the Chancellor stepped forward hurriedly. "Qian'er, don't frighten your sister."

"Don't frighten my sister? Yes! Liu Qian'er has never been in your heart. She's just an ugly girl who's been bullied since childhood!" Liu Qian'er thought of the previous Liu Qian'er again. How had she lived here? Not a single person cared for her or worried about her. How painful it must have been?

"Qian'er, how could that be? Father has always liked you very much." The Chancellor smiled awkwardly.

Liu Qian'er smiled bitterly. "There's no need for acting, Father. I understand these things. Nothing more needs to be said! Prepare five thousand taels for me. I'll return to the palace tomorrow and won't disturb you any longer."

"Five thousand taels? What do you need so much silver for? Where would Father get that on short notice?" The Chancellor was stunned.

Liu Qian'er laughed loudly, turned, and walked away. At the door, she called out loudly, "Father, five thousand taels is a trifle to you. Just treat it as a loan from me. Qian'er will definitely repay it in the future. Thank you."

With that, Liu Qian'er flicked her sleeves and left.

Left behind were the bewildered Chancellor and the astonished Liu Fan Rou staring at each other.

"Father, how did Second Sister completely change into a different person?" Liu Fan Rou tugged hard on the Chancellor's sleeve.

The Chancellor sighed softly. "Fan Rou, Father doesn't understand what's going on either. The current Qian'er is no longer the timid Qian'er of the past. In the future, watch your words when speaking to Qian'er. Who knows what she might do now."

Liu Fan Rou nodded tactfully. Today, Liu Qian'er had indeed given her a massive comeuppance.

Liu Qian'er lay on the bed. Only today, returning to the Chancellor's Manor, did she truly experience the suffering the original Liu Qian'er had endured, the life she had led.

"Liu Qian'er, rest assured. I won't let you suffer a shred of grievance, not a shred of harm. I'll make you live well!" Liu Qian'er pulled the quilt over her head and shouted loudly.

Han Yu entered carrying pastries and heard Liu Qian'er shouting. She set the pastries down and rushed to the bedside, pulling back the quilt. "Your Ladyship, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Seeing Han Yu's anxious look, Liu Qian'er burst into laughter, pinching Han Yu's face. "Han Yu, you're absolutely adorable. I'm fine. Thank you for caring so much."

"Your Ladyship, you were really imposing today. Han Yu was scared by you." Han Yu handed a piece of pastry to Liu Qian'er.

"Really? Han Yu, was I very quiet before? Or often bullied by them?" Liu Qian'er took the pastry and took a bite.

Han Yu nodded. "Your Ladyship was often bullied by Third Miss and Fourth Miss. And the Chancellor never spoke a word for you; he was very cold to you. But today, Your Ladyship vented all the anger you've endured. Han Yu is extremely happy!"

Liu Qian'er held Han Yu's hand and said word by word, "Han Yu, rest assured. In the future, I won't let anyone bully you. Nor will I let anyone hurt me!"

Han Yu nodded vigorously, slowly leaning against Liu Qian'er and closing her eyes.

Silvery moonlight spilled on the ground. Everywhere came the mournful chirping of crickets. The fragrance of night permeated the air, weaving a soft net that covered all things. Every blade of grass, every tree, was no longer as starkly real as in daytime. They all held vague, illusory colors, each hiding its fine details, each guarding its secrets, giving one a dreamlike, illusory feeling.

Early the next morning, Liu Qian'er and Han Yu changed into men's attire early on. They collected five thousand taels from the Chancellor's accounting office and left in a hurry.

Drunken Fragrance Tower (Zui Xiang Lou).

Laughter and merriment rose everywhere; song and dance flourished.

Liu Qian'er stood in a corner, searching everywhere for the procuress from yesterday. Suddenly, a scene caught her eye.

Xia Ye sat beside a man, pouring cup after cup of wine into her mouth.

Liu Qian'er walked over in a few strides and pulled Xia away forcefully.

A flash of surprise flickered in Xia Ye's eyes, then she lowered her voice. "Young Master, you really came?"

Liu Qian'er didn't answer. She walked straight up to the man and shouted, "You scoundrel, you rogue, making Miss Xia drink so much. Don't you know she's just a little girl?"

The man raised his head slightly.

Liu Qian'er froze. The man before her—dark bangs faintly reflecting a sheen, sunlight faintly outlining the clear, angular contours of his profile, a sword as tall as he was exuding an innate domineering air, deep eyes reflecting a hint of coldness. The wind stirred his hair, severed by the sword, drifting over his long fingers.

"This is my business. It has nothing to do with you! Please don't look at me with those dull eyes!" The man glanced at Liu Qian'er and spoke coldly.

Liu Qian'er averted her gaze and shouted at him, "You... you're unreasonable!"

The man stared coldly at Liu Qian'er and roared, "Who knows who is unreasonable? Let go of my woman."

A chill crept into Liu Qian'er's heart. "Your woman? Miss Xia is just a little girl. Besides, besides... she isn't yours. She's mine." Liu Qian'er held Xia Ye's hand and continued, "I'm here to redeem Miss Xia. So I'm taking her away!"

"She belongs to me, Leng Zhehan. No one is to touch her!" Leng Zhehan slammed the table and stood up, glaring at Liu Qian'er.

Liu Qian'er retreated two steps and shouted, "What are you being fierce for? I'm not afraid of you. Today I'm redeeming Miss Xia. What can you do about it?" She was determined to save Xia Ye today.

Leng Zhehan sneered disdainfully, walked up to Liu Qian'er, and watched her coldly. "This place doesn't run on your say-so."

As Leng Zhehan pressed closer, Liu Qian'er couldn't help but retreat another step. Her eyes scanned Leng Zhehan, sizing him up. The cold aura emanating from him was unendurable; her body trembled slightly. Her heart hung suspended in mid-air.

"Are you afraid of me?" Leng Zhehan took another step forward. The man before him was truly laughable—scared to this extent, not even as good as a weak woman. "Are you a man? Scared like this." Leng Zhehan's lips curled slightly, his face full of contempt.

Liu Qian'er clenched her fists hard, lifted her head, and gritted her teeth. "Afraid of you? A joke! Even if I'm not a man, it's none of your business!"

"Your tongue is sharp. However, I won't let you take Xia Ye away!" Leng Zhehan yanked Xia Ye, who was standing beside Liu Qian'er, over to him.

Xia Ye stumbled forward from the violent pull, crashing heavily to the ground. In an instant, tears slid uncontrollably down her cheeks.

Seeing this, Liu Qian'er rushed forward to help Xia Ye up, her face full of pity. "Miss Xia, are you alright?"

Xia Ye shook her head aggrievedly.

Having said that, Liu Qian'er turned around, pointed at Leng Zhehan, and roared, "You bully Miss Xia like this. Are you even a man?"

She had seen all sorts of people, but never such a cold-blooded, ruthless one.

"Oh, so this Young Master really showed up? Young Master Leng is a good man. You shouldn't slander others here."

Liu Qian'er looked toward the source of the voice. The middle-aged woman from yesterday was walking toward her step by step.

"Judging by your look, you're the procuress of Drunken Fragrance Tower. I'm here to redeem Miss Xia." Liu Qian'er stared coldly at the procuress, slammed the silver onto the table hatefully. "Here is five thousand taels. Count it. I'm taking Miss Xia away!"

The procuress stared foolishly at the silver on the table. She never expected Liu Qian'er could actually scrape together five thousand taels. "Th-then... take Xia Ye! Although there's five thousand taels, I've lost my headliner, Xia Ye." The procuress took the silver, her eyes shining with greed as she stared at it.

"Then thank you, Procuress." Liu Qian'er smiled coldly.

"Stop. Who said you could take her?" Leng Zhehan blocked Liu Qian'er's path, his face cold. "Procuress, I'll pay ten thousand taels to buy Xia Ye!" Leng Zhehan enunciated each word.

The procuress perked up, instantly tossing aside the silver in her hand, laughing slyly. "Haha, looks like our Xia Ye is quite the hot commodity. Since Young Master Leng is willing to bid ten thousand taels, Xia Ye shall naturally go with you!"

Leng Zhehan nodded to the ever-silent Hao Yu beside him. "Hao Yu, give the procuress a ten-thousand-tael banknote."

Hao Yu replied respectfully, "Yes, Young Master!" He then produced a banknote from his sleeve and handed it to the procuress.

"Procuress, you promised me yesterday. You said if I had five thousand taels, I could redeem Miss Xia." Liu Qian'er stopped, standing to the side, glaring fiercely at Leng Zhehan. Then she shifted her gaze to the procuress and smiled faintly.

"My apologies, Young Master. Xia Ye is worth that price. I can't help it." The procuress didn't even glance at Liu Qian'er.

"You!" Liu Qian'er glared at the procuress, stomping her foot hard. She walked up to Leng Zhehan, putting on a fawning smile. "This Young Master, please spare Miss Xia! She's still an underage girl."

"Impossible! Hao Yu, let's go." Leng Zhehan didn't turn around. He picked up the sword on the table and walked away.

"Yes, Young Master!" Hao Yu walked to Xia Ye's side, grabbed her hand roughly, and dragged her out.

Xia Ye was yanked hard by Hao Yu. Frightened, she slowly let go of Liu Qian'er's hand and began to sob softly. Xia Ye obediently followed Hao Yu to the door, turned around, and smiled at Liu Qian'er. "Young Master, thank you. Xia Ye doesn't blame you!"

"Leng Zhehan, you'll die a terrible death!" Liu Qian'er shouted at the retreating Leng Zhehan.

She just watched Xia Ye being taken away by Leng Zhehan. Her heart was filled with guilt. In the end, she still hadn't been able to help Xia Ye; perhaps she had only brought more suffering upon her. She slowly crouched down, tears welling up and dripping onto the ground.

"What are you crying for? You're not a woman. Is it necessary? That Young Master Leng is just a bit cold and domineering; he's actually a very good person. He's a regular at Drunken Fragrance Tower. Usually, he just has girls accompany him for drinks. He never touches them. Xia Ye following him is good fortune for her." The procuress looked at Liu Qian'er with a beaming smile.

"Shut up. It's all your fault!" Liu Qian'er stood up, wiping her tears. She pushed Han Yu outward forcefully. "Han Yu, let's go. Let's leave this ghost place!"

The procuress ignored Liu Qian'er, folded the banknote neatly, tucked it into her pocket, picked up a cup of tea from the table, and sipped it slowly. Her face was full of satisfaction. She had made a killing today.