Chapter 18 – Heavenly Harmony Rebirth Pill

“Princess! I was beginning to fear you weren’t going to show up!”

Moments after slipping from her bedroom, Yun Jingfei spotted a shadow lurking by the trees. She watched, senses taut, and only when the voice called her name did she allow herself the smallest measure of relief.

However, before she waddled over there, she made a slight detour toward the kitchen, grabbing a knife on the way, which she promptly hid in her clothes.

Fortunately, her two-layered nightgown shielded her from the night’s chill, and the shawl draped over her shoulders—all crafted by Qin Yun at her request—offered extra comfort.

She refused to sleep in nothing but her undergarments, especially with a man so near.

Qin Yun had obliged, and in one afternoon, had sewn one with fabric found within his black box, similar to the dress he had gifted her. She had marveled at the speed and dexterity he displayed.

“Mei? Is that you?”

Standing at the tree line, beyond the boundary’s edge, was a woman dressed entirely in black, her face covered, revealing only her eyes, like an assassin in the night. However, Yun Jingfei could recognize that voice anywhere.

“Yes, my lady. I have come bearing news, as well as instructions.”

“Instructions?” Yun Jingfei parroted.

So Qin Yun’s prediction had come true, after all. Yun Jingfei’s expression couldn’t help but harden. Not only had they sold her to the Qin Clan like a piece of meat, but now they required something of her?

She wanted nothing more than to turn away without a word, leaving this old servant of hers destitute.

Indeed, this woman, old enough to be her mother, had in fact been her mother’s servant since before Yun Jingfei had even been born.

After her mother’s death, Mei stayed loyally by her side through every hardship, parting from her only when Yun Jingfei departed for the Soaring Phoenix Sect.

When her lady was sent to the Qin Clan, Mei followed without hesitation, the embodiment of unwavering devotion.

Yet Yun Jingfei saw through the facade.

Her recent helplessness had stripped away illusions, revealing the truth about those around her. Even Mei, her lifelong companion, was no exception.

“What more does the palace want from me?” Yun Jingfei asked, her voice cold. “Is my freedom not enough for them?”

“My lady…” Mei said, her voice dripping with sadness. “The palace only wants what’s best for you.”

Luckily, the barrier’s haze hid Yun Jingfei’s clenched jaw and the crescent marks her nails left in her palm. Only sheer will kept her from drawing blood.

“What’s best for me? Tell me, is this what is supposed to be best for me?”

Unbeknownst to her, Yun Jingfei’s tone was growing in intensity. Fearful of being overheard, the maid’s gaze darted all around before taking a few steps forward, her head just inches from the shimmering boundary as she hissed, “I beg you to be quiet, princess. No one is supposed to interfere with this custom. I could be hanged for reaching out to you.”

“Then hang,” Yun Jingfei said, matter-of-factly. “At this point, I couldn’t care less what happens to any of you.”

Yet the maid let her harshness wash over her, unfazed.

“I know you don’t mean that,” she said. “The palace is still concerned about you. Your uncle, his highness, even joined the delegation to ensure you would be treated fairly. You shouldn’t turn your back on him.”

“My uncle?” Yun Jingfei asked, her fury subsiding slightly at the mention of that man. “Is he the one behind your presence here?”

“Indeed,” the maid replied, Yun Jingfei noticing a shift in her tone, something akin to ego. She seemed rather pleased with herself as the maid added, “He wants you to know that this union was performed against his will. He tried to negotiate with your father, but the Emperor was insistent that this was to be done. However, he managed to find you a way out.”

“A way out? What are you trying to imply?”

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“His Majesty, the Emperor, is willing to annul this union, but on only one condition: That your contributions to the palace exceed the benefits of this union.”

Yun Jingfei’s eyes narrowed.

“And how, pray tell, should I go about doing just that?” She asked, enunciating every word, putting emphasis on every syllable.

“There’s an object, one even the Qin Clan wasn’t able to get their hands on,” the maid began, her voice growing so quiet that Yun Jingfei had to take a few steps toward the boundary to be able to hear clearly. “Should you retrieve it, His Highness swore to do everything in his power for you to return to the palace.”

“An attractive offer, but I will have to decline,” Yun Jingfei said firmly.

The maid faltered, confusion flickering across her face even through the misty barrier, but she quickly regained her composure.

“Might I ask why?” she asked.

“What would be the point of returning to the palace, when the same thing will just happen again?” Yun Jingfei said dryly. “The Emperor isn’t one to let go of a pawn he can make use of. He is sure to just sell me off to the next highest bidder—not that I think many are in the market to buy me in my current state.”

“My lady… I never imagined you’d grow so bitter,” the maid murmured, shaking her head. For once, Yun Jingfei sensed sincerity, which only stoked her anger.

Now, even the servants dared to pity her.

“Please believe me, His Highness, the Grand Duke, has pledged to fight on your behalf, even to go against his brother if the need arises. He only asks that you prove your worth to the palace.”

“Worth!” Yun Jingfei spat. “It’s all about worth, isn’t it? Seeing people as chess pieces, as always. Yun Mingzhen is no better. Look at him playing the sympathetic uncle. Hypocrite.”

When Yun Jingfei mentioned Yun Mingzhen’s name, she could see the maid visibly wince. For one single instant, the air shifted, becoming much heavier. It loomed, bringing a shiver to her back, but her hardened gaze didn’t leave the maid.