15 Chapter 15: Bring shame to the family

"...you will do what? Why would you ever volunteer for such suffering...?" Her widened teary eyes were met with Yingyue's determined gaze.

"That day I was there, I felt the pain like it was my own... The hate and disgust I felt for those people, it was my own... But also the love and comfort of a mother..."

"They were all feelings that I had embraced as my own, despite knowing that it wasn't me those feelings were directed towards. And for that, I will avenge you... I promise you that I will not let you down."

Uncontrollable emotions surged through young Yingyue's heart... It turned out that selfless humans did exist in the world after all...

"...thank you... Yingyue... Although I cannot do anything to repay you, the only thing that might help you in my world is the jade ring... Look for the spirit within the jade ring... I believe in you..."

At that moment, the ground split open, causing Yingyue another shock again. From there, rose brilliant pillars of light, weaving together an archway that no material on earth would ever be able to create.

Fixated on the gate, young Yingyue's eyes reflected the heavenly light, but looking at the bright orbs, it seemed as if it was coming from within her...

"It is time for me to cross the gates to the Temple of Heaven, Yingyue... My mother... please look after her for me."

Yingyue nodded. "I promise you... watch from the Temple of Heaven as I avenge you. One day, those evil people will grovel on their knees as I inflict on them, the pain that they inflicted upon you."

A sad smile spread across the young child's face, as Yingyue's vision began to blur...

She could hear a familiar soft voice calling out to her... "Young Miss... Young Miss... It's past noon already... Concubine Lu is calling you to wake up... It seems that your father sent some people to deliver things..."

Yingyue slowly peeked open one eye in her drowsy state and saw a blurry vision of Xiao Zhu pulling off her sheets gently.

She felt a dull ache in her temples, causing her to close her eyes tightly. Scenes began flooding her mind... or were they memories...?

All the past memories from young Yingyue's life filled her head... more and more, she felt the pain, the sorrow, and the rare happiness that was lived out in this household.

It was real this time... She was in this body for real, and this was going to be her life now.

However, she could only think of one thing - vengeance. She was back with the sole purpose of avenging young Yingyue.

As she became aware of her surroundings, Yingyue recalled what she just heard... Jiang Zhenfeng sent people to deliver some things over? Hmph, trying to regain favour after beating her to death? How shameless...

"Xiao Zhu, let's go see what father has sent over." Yingyue had a mischievous gleam in her eyes...

After dressing in her simple clothes, Yingyue joined Concubine Lu in the courtyard. Walking slowly, her eyes flitted over the servants, ignoring the trays in their hands.

She took a seat next to Concubine Lu, whose eyebrows were still drawn together in worry. Threading her fingers through those of the beautiful lady, the warmth brought some reassurance to Concubine Lu's heart.

Kneeling under the heat of the sun, sweat droplets filled the servants' foreheads, and they didn't bother to hide their impatience.

"3rd young miss, Master has sent you gifts to congratulate you on joining the Junior Academy of Arts soon. Master also said that tomorrow someone will come to make you some new clothes so that you don't bring shame to the family..."

Every word was said through gritted teeth and a pretence of respect... all except for that last comment, which discarded the respect altogether...

Several other servants brought up trays filled with hairpins and accessories, as well as materials and books. None were actually precious items, but they were simply designed to look as if they were expensive.

After briefly sweeping her eyes over the mostly worthless trays, Yingyue turned back and examined that servant's face carefully, memorising the appearance of the first person to challenge her... There was a clear sneer of contempt.

"Nanny, are you sure those words came from father...?" From where Yingyue was seated, she could easily scrutinise the expressions of the servants.

However, the smirk was still fixed on the older woman's face, obviously giving Concubine Lu and Yingyue no respect. "Of course, 3rd young miss. How could I dare say words that Master himself didn't say...?"

Of course, Yingyue could easily tell lies from truths, but she wouldn't put it past Jiang Zhenfeng to only make her clothes for that reason anyways.

"...Alright then. Make sure to convey my gratitude to my father... I have been feeling unwell recently, so I wouldn't want to spread my sickness to him..." If he thought that she was going to visit him and thank him in person, he was sorely wrong.

The older woman was obviously surprised at this statement but could say nothing in rebuttal. "I will convey those words to Master...then, allow me to excuse myself, Concubine Lu and 3rd young miss..."

"Wait."

Although the voice was obviously of a child, the authority was undeniable.

"I realised that our courtyard seems to be a little unkempt, and Nanny Mu is getting too old to tidy it properly. Since you're already here, why not help us tidy it?"

She was no longer smirking, but now showing a face full of unwillingness. "3rd young miss, I don't think-"

Yingyue interrupted. "If anyone ever visits, I would hate for our disorderly courtyard to bring shame to the family... don't you think?"

Yingyue had a seemingly kind and thoughtful smile on her face, but her eyes held no smile. The older woman felt fear clutching her heart as icicles formed down her spine.

She had never expected the young girl, who was usually easy to bully, to suddenly have such a significant change.

"Y-yes 3rd young miss. We will immediately clean up the courtyard now..."

Yingyue turned to Concubine Lu, her eyes filling with warmth. "Mother, let's go inside and rest..." She flicked her eyes dismissively towards the servants. "It seems to be quite stuffy out here today."

Concubine Lu blinked hesitantly for a moment, then relaxed. "Mmm, let's go..."

A smile spread beautifully across her face as she looked adoringly at her daughter... It looks like she finally grew up...