2 Now that I’ve got the second chance…I won’t be the villainess who loses again!

Yoknapha internally complimented Bai Yu and her mother...

The plan was to put the guqin in Bai Hua's carriage, then Bai Yu would pretend to be hurt while playing it so that she could accuse Bai Hua of ordering her maid to apply the poison on the strings. Bai Yu's maid, meanwhile, was told to plant the poison case on Bai Hua's maid. She even chose the poison that could be found from that maid's home region in order to make it more believable.

Going as far as to poison herself...this beauty does have some guts.

It's a shame that this series' heroine was a better schemer and much more intelligent than the real villainess. In the story, Bai Hua would make Bai Yu pay for every evil deed she had ever done to her.

Bai Yu being exposed by Bai Hua right now was also according to the script.

In the series, Bai Yu would then be punished by Empress Dowager for the crime of deceiving the royalty. The whole city would call her an envious woman and a liar. Her position as 'Meihua Lady', or 'Lady of the Plum Blossom' which hinged on popularity, would then be taken away. And there were still many more scenarios of the protagonist getting back at the villainess as per the tradition of transmigrated novels. This kind of novel got so popular that it received a television series adaptation, which she ended up playing in.

That was the fate of the old Bai Yu as dictated in the story. But for this new Bai Yu, no matter right now or in the future...if everything was truly fate, then she would overcome that fate as the transmigrated villainess!

As the new Bai Yu, she would never let her life end up like in the series!

"Lies!" It was Yue Mei's voice that first pierced the silence after Bai Hua's words. She could not bear to see this lowly child born from a concubine ruined her plan and her daughter's reputation.

"In order to prove my claim, may I ask for Your Majesty's permission to let the royal doctor compare the traces of poison in my sister's fingers to the ones on the guqin strings?" Bai Hua let go of Bai Yu's hand before turning to the Empress Dowager, all without sparing a single gaze toward Yue Mei. Her indifference made Yue Mei tremble with hatred for the woman.

Bai Yu took her mother's hand and squeezed it once, slowly shaking her head with a slight smile in an attempt to soothe her.

"If what you said is true, your sister will be punished for the crime of deceiving the royalty. But if it is not, then you yourself will face the punishment, Miss Bai," Taizi said to Bai Hua while looking slyly at her, seemingly satisfied to see an intelligent woman.

"Answering Taizi, I am sure." Bai Hua lowered her head to escape the leering eyes. Her voice remained firm.

Seeing Bai Hua's insistence, Empress Dowager Wei nodded as permission. Another royal doctor, along with the one who was called earlier, approached Bai Yu to test the poison on her fingers. However, Yue Mei did not let go of her grip on her daughter's hands. Beads of sweat on the Furen's forehead clearly reflected her unease.

Yet Bai Yu was still calm. She remembered how this scene took so many takes because it was shot during the first snow of the year, how she had to sit, shivering in the cold, and wait until the director was satisfied. As she repeatedly recited the lines, she also thought about the plot, and that was how she realized that Bai Yu's plan had one flaw. The flaw that the protagonist did not mention but used it to her advantage.

"Third sister..." Bai Yu deliberately used a gentle tone filled with sadness while calling her half-sister, who stood in front of her, confident, no different from the day they shot this scene in the cold.

Her dark eyes were brimming with unshed tears that were ready to fall at any moment. The villainess gazed at the heroine with disappointment, before changing it to a worried look when she saw her sister's white hands, folded over each other in the manner of a noble lady.

"...Jiejie* understands that you are anxious and wish to end this situation quickly..." Bai Yu emphasized with a loud voice. "...Whether it is you who ordered the maid, or me who poisoned myself as you said, at least..."

The guests within the banquet followed Bai Yu's line of sight. Small red dots started appearing on Bai Hua's fingertips in front of them all.

"...At least jiejie wants you to take care of your wound first."

As soon as her words ceased, red droplets of blood dripped onto the floor. The surprised Bai Hua hurriedly looked at her hands with widened eyes and found that her fingers were full of small, shallow cuts caused by the guqin strings.

Oh, Bai Hua...You're smart for figuring out my plan, but you're still one step too late.

"That's blood!"

"Is it from when she plucked the strings?"

"So there really is poison on the guqin."

"Miss Bai Yu was poisoned by her!"

Amidst the surprise when the truth was exposed, the two female leads of the scene quietly exchanged a look. Bai Yu raised the corner of her mouth in a victorious smile to Bai Hua.

"Miss Bai, do you have any more excuses?" Empress Dowager Wei asked the figure that stood in silence. It seemed that she really could not do anything to save herself this time.

To tell you the truth...you almost did it, Bai Hua. But instead of testing for poison on my hands, why don't you search for the poison I am carrying? if I could apply the poison to my own hand, then it would be possible to also put it on the guqin during the commotion!

Although that handkerchief was starting to dry, there was enough poison on it to cause cuts on Bai Hua's hand. And even though Bai Hua had to touch the strings twice, even though it took longer to take effect, it was still a win!

"Soldiers! Apprehend her!"

Bai Yu hid a smile as she watched Bai Hua being taken away.

Now that I've got the second chance...I won't be the villainess who loses again!

------------------------

The new Bai Yu knew that her actions would undoubtedly create a ripple effect on the story. But who cares? It's just a television series based on a popular novel, not a real historical record.

"Your Majesty, Miss Bai asks for an audience with you," the royal servant of Empress Dowager Wei's palace loudly notified her master when saw Bai Yu approaching. She came according to the Empress Dowager's order after receiving the antidote and treatment for the cuts.

"Let her in." The door opened as soon as the voice of authority within the inner court ordered. Bai Yu was a little tense at the thought of meeting the Empress Dowager one-on-one in such a personal setting.

The slender figure slowly stepped inside. Her pace was not fast nor slow, and her face was not lifted nor lowered. Her back straightened, befitting the image of a noble lady. Her hands were clasped in front of her stomach, all ten fingers wrapped in a soft white cloth. Bai Yu knew the manners of this time due to her experience of acting in the series. Even though not every action was according to a textbook, at least they were good enough to not arouse suspicion.

"Blessings to the Empress Dowager. May you live and reign for a thousand years, thousand years, thousands of thousand years." Bai Yu curtsied and paid respect according to tradition.

"No need for such formalities." Empress Dowager Wei waved her hand with a smile. Her gesture suggested great favor toward Bai Yu.

The Empress Dowager was from the Wei family, yet she was partial toward a girl from the Bai family. This could only mean that...Empress Dowager Wei planned to have Bai Yu married into the Ouyang royal family.

"Come here, let aijia* take a look at your wound." Empress Dowager Wei patted the space next to her on the phoenix throne.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Bai Yu replied with a sweet smile. She moved forward while lightly lowering her head as a greeting to Lin mama, the senior royal servant of Empress Dowager Wei, before sitting down beside the senior.

"Your Majesty, the royal doctor took care of my wound very well. It will take no longer than two weeks to be completely healed."

"Good. Very Good." Soft hands with wrinkles that showed the effect of time took hold of Bai Yu's hands, lightly patting them. "...Aijia will send the royal doctor to look at your hands often. We need to make sure there will be no scars left."

"You are most gracious, Your Majesty." She bowed her head again with a delighted smile. Mu, the royal doctor who treated her, was one of the top doctors within the institute. Coupled with the fact that this world had 'magic', Bai Yu did not have any worry about scars which were considered a severe defect for women in this time.

"Your Majesty, Qin Wang requested an audience." Before Bai Yu could open her mouth again to say the request she had been longing to make, the royal maid interrupted.

"Quick, let Ming-er come in." Empress Dowager Wei said with a wide smile. She even turned to Bai Yu, her hands continued patting Bai Yu's with the obvious glee.

Please be careful of my wound, Your Majesty!

"Blessings to grandmother." A man wearing a court official attire embroidered with the pattern of a black Qilin stopped in front of her.

This man wearing black...he was the one who made her heart raced at the banquet.

"Oh, dear grandson, rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Blessings to Qin Wang." Bai Yu stood up to curtsy to the man who held a higher position than hers. Even though she was already tired of how the people here greeted each other back and forth, this was the reality of the world of aristocracy filled with noble ranks and hierarchy that she could not escape until she died, or return to her own world.

"Mm." The man only made an obscure sound of acknowledgment before turning to Empress Dowager Wei who was his own grandmother. Bai Yu discreetly scowled. Her heart did not react to him this time. She did not care about his callous attitude.

"Is there anything grandmother wishes of me? This grandson is always ready to fulfill your order."

"Ming-er, I only want to ask a small favor of you," Empress Dowager Wei spoke to him with familiarity. Her eyes fully reflected fondness.

So this Qin Wang is the favorite grandson, huh?

"Yu-er here has just been treated with an antidote. She lost a lot of blood but still insisted on keeping me company. I already told Bai Furen to go back, so I'd like you to accompany her back to the Bai mansion."

Qin Wang who was suddenly entrusted with an escort mission briefly glanced at Bai Yu before retracting his gaze. His voice was calm when he replied. There was no indication of willingness or pleasure within it. "I understood."

He's obviously not willing...

Is this body not a beauty? Why wouldn't he be honored to escort her home!

"Then..."

"Empress Dowager!" Before she could be sent off on a platter to the poker face Qin Wang, Bai Yu suddenly kneeled before the Empress Dowager. Her knees hit the floor with a loud thump. Pain shot up through her legs and thighs, but Bai Yu endured in order to make her intended request.

"I have something would like to ask from you, Your Majesty." With those words, she bowed down until her head touched the floor while asking for pity from the Empress Dowager, which she promptly received when the Empress Dowager Wei came to help her sit up.

"Alright, tell me."

Bai Yu did not hesitate to add beguiling charms to her words, already forgetting about a man who was staring at her intently.

"Yu-er would like to ask for Your Majesty's permission to let third sister...I mean... Bai Hua's punishment be handled within the Bai family." She lifted her eyes to look at the woman in front of her. Empress Dowager slowly shook her head and sighed.

"Yu-er, you are too kind..." Gentle hands touched her cheeks. "...That girl hurt you, accused you, and you still try to protect her?"

"What happened today is my fault that I could not teach and discipline her properly. Your Majesty, please have mercy for Hua-er."

"Fine, fine. Aijia will release her and let the Bai family handle the matter."

"You are most gracious, Your Majesty. May you live and reign for a thousand years, thousand years, thousands of thousand years." Bai Yu faked a big smile to show her gladness. Her repeated blessing made Empress Dowager laughed with affection.

I was indeed the reason why you were punished in the first place. But since this new Bai Yu had no grudge against Bai Hua, this is the most I can do to help.

"Alright. Now rise, and return already, child. Before it gets dark."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Giddiness made her careless. Bai Yu hurried to stand up but, not realizing that her legs had fallen asleep because of the kneeling position, lost her balance and staggered backward.

Her back hit a wide, firm chest. Then a hand came to hold her waist, preventing her from falling.

This kind of newbie-level villainess' trick...what a disgrace to the pride of an international villainess!

"Shit!" Surprise and panic made her exclaim in her own world's word. Her slender arms hugged the muscular arm as an anchor. A silence followed after her strange exclamation.

"Thank...Thank you so much, Wangye." She hastily pushed herself and immediately curtsied to thank him. Internally, she wanted to slap her own face for slipping out language from her mother tongue. Even worse, it was a curse word!

"Ha ha ha, you have broadened aijia's view!" Another laugh sounded, to Bai Yu's embarrassment. Empress Dowager must have known that what she exclaimed was never heard of within the imperial palace.

"Your Majesty, I beg your leave." Even if it might seem rude, she still made a quick curtsey before walking away in a hurry. Her face turned even hotter when she heard a low laugh from the tall figure that she passed.

Arghhh! Shit!

------------------------

"It's snowing. Wear this." A deep voice called from behind her, then followed by the warmth that covers her shoulders.

One of the royal servants must have prepared this for him to give to her. Bai Yu quietly thanked him as she adjusted the white fur cloak, the same color as the falling snow.

Since Empress Dowager Wei gave an order for Qin Wang to escort her home, coupled with the fact that she herself also did not know how to go back, Bai Yu had to stand and watch the snow while waiting for him no matter how much she was embarrassed by what just happened.

But it was also good that things turned out like this...If she did not accidentally curse out loud and make a fool of herself, then she would have to act shy. Because she just had an opportunity of an intimate moment between her and the man that the original body loved.

In the high-budget Chinese TV series 'This Life, the villainess will win against all odds', Bai Yu who was the villainess had a one-sided love for Qin Wang or 'Ouyang Mingxian'. Both of them were childhood friends, and at one point the young Ouyang Mingxian even asked to marry her in front of his father the Emperor and Bai Han, her father. Even though it was not made an official arrangement, both Yue Mei and Bai Yu believed that she would surely become Qin Wangfei*.

About this...she must admit that it truly was a one-sided insistence on Bai Yu and her mother's part.

During all those times Bai Yu was expecting to become Ouyang Mingxian's first wife, she did not receive any special treatment or interest from him, though he also was not entirely cold. Compared to other ladies in the capital, it could be said that she was the one closest to Qin Wang. And especially when Empress Dowager was also trying to tie their knots, Bai Yu became even more obsessed, not sparing even one bit of thought for disappointment.

But when the new Bai Hua transmigrated here, things started to change. When the brilliant female lead and the cold male lead met, they went through twists and turns in the story. All the while Bai Yu used various schemes to force them apart, not relenting until she, herself, died.

But! That was the original script!

Now that Yoknapha had transmigrated into Bai Yu's body, she would not let the story end that way again! Of course, this new Bai Yu did not have any romantic feeling for Qin Wang like the original body, but because right now she did not have a plan to change the fate yet, so there was no need to act differently. Good thing she did not have to act shy when they were accidentally close to each other in Empress Dowager's palace.

"Miss Bai." A big hand was offered to help her get on the horse carriage. Bai Yu put her hand in his, feeling the rough skin and calluses from gripping swords. She compressed her lips, lowered her head, and faked a moderately shy reaction before stepping onto the elegant carriage. It was decorated with a phoenix emblem, the sign represented two women with the highest authority within the imperial palace.

"Thank you, Your Highness." The way Ouyang Mingxian called her clearly reflected a certain distance between them. Even he acted like he cared, all of his actions were based on manners and courtesy. From the look in his eyes, the sound of his voice, it was clear that the marriage proposal had long been forgotten. But the old Bai Yu still lied to herself that his acts originated from a romantic feeling.

Sigh...

So foolish and obstinate.

Two ke passed. The atmosphere within the carriage was calm. Bai Yu admired the innovation of the people during this time. No matter how loud the outside was, no sound could penetrate through the luxurious interior. In the same way, any sound made within the carriage would not leak outside. Furthermore, there was also a small warming stove emitting warmth beside her as well.

Bai Yu looked down at her ten fingers that were neatly tied with a white cloth. She kept staring at it until she could possibly count all the threads that were used to weave this bandage. It was not that she was trying to make an observation or anything, it was just that she did not know where to look.

The male lead was silent. So the villainess was also silent.

After looking and staring until she felt bored, there was still no sign of reaching the Bai mansion. She could not look outside because of the curtain fully obscuring any chance of having a view. Even if she wanted to start a conversation, she still could not because the high and mighty Wangye had been closing his eyes while sitting very still from the moment they got on the carriage.

I understand that you are forced to do this. I understand that a male lead would never be friendly with a villainess...But at least he shouldn't be this indifferent toward the number one beauty!

Qin Wang in the TV series was always warm and caring toward the female lead while keeping formality when he was with the villainess. Although that Qin Wang was a little distant, he still did not have an oppressing aura like this!

If Empress Dowager did not say his name, Bai Yu whose memory had not fully come back would not have known that this was the male lead. This man in front of her did not show any trace of gentleness that he had when he was with the heroine. Instead, he looked...evil!

The tall figure was in black attire with long black hair let down to the middle of his back, half of it was tied up and held by a black jade hairpin. Those dark colors were contrasted with the white fur cloak sprinkled with snow.

This man had such a great facial feature! A wide forehead would mean that he had a bright future ahead of climbing to a high status. Sharp single-eyelid eyes resembling a dragon, paired with eyebrows that were like sword's edge made him look wild and commandeering. He had a straight, high bridge nose, a well-defined jaw, and lips that were pressed to a thin line which all added to his unfriendliness. What a beautiful but evil face.

Well, truly, his face is 'beautiful' true, but the aura he's emitting...

"Is there anything on benwang's face?"

You asked...

Of course, it's the word 'Villain'!!!

"Nothing, Your Highness." That kind of thing could only be said internally, no one would be stupid enough to voice it out loud.

Bai Yu did not know how she normally acted around Ouyang Mingxian. Her memories regarding this had yet to come back to her, so now she only acted according to her knowledge from the series. In the end, she chose to continue counting the threads in her bandage, until the silent trip finally came to an end.

Bai Yu put her hand on Ouyang Mingxian's again when she got down from the carriage. The sky was already dark so there was no one in front of the mansion, otherwise, the news that the esteemed Qin Wang sat in the same carriage as Bai's family first miss would probably spread and make her reputation become even more closely associated with his than before. Something that Bai Yu did not wish for at all.

"Thank you, Wangye for accompanying me home." She curtsied, the same way as other maids who had been waiting for her in front of the mansion did.

"It's fine," Ouyang Mingxian said coolly. But before she could bow to send him off, Bai Yu was stopped because her white handkerchief was suddenly handed to her.

Ouyang Mingxian stepped closer. He took her wrist, turned it palm up before putting that familiar handkerchief on her hand.

Bai Yu was frozen still.

The tall figure bent down to whisper into her ear, "Miss Bai has really broadened benwang's view today."

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*Jiejie: Older sister (can both be used to address self (by the older sister) or used to call someone an older sister as well)

*Wangye: An honorific used as a pronoun to call a prince

*Wangfei: A title for the official first wife of a Wang, for example, Qin Wang's wife would be called Qin Wanfei

*Aijia: A first-person honorific used by Queen Dowager to call herself. It means "This miserable one" (because she is a widowed woman)

*Benwang: A first-person honorific used by a Wang to call himself. It means "Me, who is a prince"