Lu Hua experienced an all-encompassing chill, feeling as though she was sinking deep into a dark, cold pit. Abruptly, her eyes fluttered open, and she found herself completely immersed in water. Panic surged through her, prompting her to kick and push her arms, frantically striving to rise towards the water's surface and the precious breath of air awaiting her.
Just as she felt her strength ebbing away, a sturdy hand clasped hers and forcefully pulled her upwards. Breaking through the water, she inhaled deeply, the fresh air filling her lungs and bringing relief.
"Hah!" she gasped, her heart racing as she clung to the edge of the pond. Standing next to her was her rescuer, a man wearing women's clothing. His face showed a mix of relief and curiosity, leaving her to ponder, '...?'
Still processing the unusual situation, a young girl, barely older than herself, hurried over and asked with a trembling voice, "My lady! Are you alright?" Her concern was evident in her expression.
Surveying the surroundings, Lu Hua found herself in a place that felt both unfamiliar and ancient, with traditional buildings and people dressed in hanfu. Her mind struggled to piece together her memories, managing to recall only her name and the distant land she called home.
The girl continued, her words rushing out in a flurry. "My lady, I understand you are upset over the Second Prince, but that's no reason to harm yourself!"
Confusion clouded Lu Hua's expression, causing her to pull back slightly. "What are you talking about, girl? What prince?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.
The girl's eyes widened in shock, and she shared a worried look with the man in women's clothing. Suddenly, the man exclaimed dramatically, "Oh no! The princess has lost her senses!"
Raising an eyebrow, Lu Hua was surprised by the man's high-pitched voice. "What is happening? Where am I? Have you abducted me?" she demanded, her mind buzzing with unanswered questions.
The girl's tears streamed down her face, her body shaking with sobs. "Did the water affect her mind?!" she wailed. "We're in trouble if her mother finds out!"
Feeling increasingly anxious about the situation, Lu Hua decided to leave the distressed pair behind and explore the area. Moving away from them, she followed a winding path that led her through the traditional buildings and people adorned in elegant clothing. A sudden realization struck her – she was not in the year 3066 as she had expected.
"Have I been transported back in time?" she said out loud, the thought both confusing and fascinating.
Lost in her thoughts, Lu Hua suddenly stumbled over the hem of her wet robe, letting out a surprised shriek as she braced herself for a fall. Just before she hit the ground, a strong arm caught her, preventing her from tumbling.
Startled, Lu Hua opened her eyes to see a refined and aristocratic man standing before her, his presence commanding. She moved back with a shy smile, saying softly, "Thank you for helping me."
The man, dressed elegantly in gold, emitted an aura of wealth and assurance. He smiled charmingly and replied, "It is no trouble. One must protect a delicate face like yours, don't you think?" His eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement.
Lu Hua immediately noticed his flirtatious demeanor and felt unsure about his intentions. 'Why is he looking at me like that?' she wondered cautiously.
"Oh, you're all wet. Did you just finish bathing?" he teased playfully. "You must be new around here. Are you a servant?"
"A servant?" Lu Hua echoed, growing more perplexed by the moment.
"Yes. My mother mentioned sending some noble ladies to serve as attendants for my brother's wife. You must be one of them, given your beauty."
"I'm not-" Lu Hua started to protest, but the young man cut her off, saying, "Well, it was nice to meet you, lovely lady, but I must hurry to the emperor's palace. We'll have to chat another time."
After he excused himself, the young man left Lu Hua feeling even more puzzled. Her thoughts swirled with the implications of his words. Could it be possible that she had traveled back in time?
Shortly after, the girl and the man in feminine attire located her once more, their relief apparent as they guided her into a bedroom. Seated on the bed, a physician conducted a check-up while the girl briefed him, "The Princess attempted to drown herself, but luckily, Fuquan managed to rescue her."
Suddenly, the door swung open, and two women entered - a regal lady adorned in red attire and lavish jewelry, followed by an elegant individual dressed in purple. The attending servants and physician promptly bowed in reverence.
"What happened?" the woman in red, whom Lu Hua instinctively identified as the empress, inquired, her gaze sharp and authoritative.
The empress let out a sigh, rolling her eyes wearily. "Visiting the brothel once again. Typical behavior from the son of a whore. But fret not, cousin, he is merely paying a visit to his family."
Shen Yongjia, the woman in purple, sighed in response. "My stepdaughter is a Chun. Despite being a girl, she still carries the Chun's lineage in her blood. This conduct from the Second Prince is unacceptable."
The empress clenched her jaw. "I will have a discussion with the Second Prince and see what measures can be taken. Do not worry, cousin, I will reprimand him. If he continues to disregard our words, I will seek assistance from the emperor."
"Unnecessary," Shen Yongjia declared firmly. "The Second Prince has made his choice. If he does not wish to proceed with this marriage, there is little we can do. I had hoped for more from him." She turned to Lu Hua, fixing her with a determined look. "Pack your belongings, Lu Hua."
The empress's eyes widened in shock as she reached out to grasp Shen Yongjia's arm. "Wait, cousin! Are you suggesting a divorce?"
Shen Yongjia solemnly nodded in affirmation. "Yes."
Attempting to sway Shen Yongjia's decision, the empress voiced her concerns. "But a divorce involving a prince will bring dishonor to the royal family."
Shen Yongjia chuckled disdainfully. "Disgrace? What disgrace? The Second Prince has already brought enough shame upon the royal family. A divorce would not further tarnish his already tarnished reputation."
The empress pressed her lips together tightly, pondering the consequences. If Lu Hua were to divorce the Second Prince, it would not only tarnish the reputation of the royal family but also sever their ties with the wealthiest family. Given the precarious financial state of the royal family, Lu Hua's marital alliance had served as a crucial lifeline.
In a sudden moment of inspiration, the empress proposed a daring idea. "Cousin, if you are determined for Lu Hua to divorce the Second Prince, why not consider allowing her to marry my third son? He is currently unmarried, and I have begun to worry about his marriage prospects."
Shen Yongjia's eyes widened in surprise. "The Sixth Prince?"
The empress nodded enthusiastically. "Yes." She approached Lu Hua, gently taking her hand. "Lu Hua, my third son is only 18 years old, just a year older than you. He is handsome and tall. If you were to marry him, the two of you would surely have beautiful children."
Lu Hua furrowed her brow in confusion, taken aback by the audacity of the suggestion. "Ah?" she murmured softly, utterly perplexed by the unexpected proposal. 'What nonsense is this?' she wondered to herself.
Shen Yongjia gave a solemn nod. "If that is your decision, then I will consent. Lu Hua has endured multiple unsuccessful marriages, all due to Rong Xianzong's cruel rejection."
The empress smiled warmly at Lu Hua. "Lu Hua, if you agree to marry my son, I assure you a life of comfort and happiness."
Lu Hua's eyes widened in shock. "No! I do not wish to marry anyone! Who are you people?" she cried out, her heart pounding with fear.
Shen Yongjia and the empress exchanged surprised glances, caught off guard by Lu Hua's sudden outburst. The physician calmly interjected, noting the situation. "It appears that she has lost her memory due to the effects of the water. She cannot recall anything."
Shen Yongjia shook her head in disbelief. "How could water cause such a thing? This is unbelievable."
The physician tried to calm her. "Trust me, Lady Shen. It is a temporary effect. She will regain her memory."
"Let us give her some time to rest," the empress proposed, prompting everyone to leave the room, leaving Lu Hua to her thoughts.
Lu Hua slowly rose from the bed and approached the window, pushing it open. The sight before her took her breath away. The palace complex sprawled out in front of her, its grandeur and beauty unmatched. The imposing walls surrounded the compound, offering protection and a sense of awe.
Her eyes widened in awe, as the realization slowly dawned on her. She had indeed traveled back in time.
"What in the world," she murmured softly, barely able to believe the extraordinary sight unfolding before her.
Lu Hua stumbled back, her heart skipping a beat as a translucent screen appeared before her eyes, shimmering with an otherworldly glow. She blinked, trying to steady herself and make sense of the ethereal words that seemed to float in the air, suspended by some unseen force.
Hello Liu Lu Hua. We regret to inform you that you have failed your first mission. 300 points have been transferred to your system for your hard work. This is your second mission. If you fail this mission, you will no longer be our agent, and all your points will be deducted. You will be sent back, and your existence will be wiped out.
Lu Hua's brow furrowed in disbelief as she read the message, feeling a chill run down her spine at the gravity of its meaning. The idea of someone wanting to wipe her out seemed both absurd and terrifying. Who was behind this mysterious plan to control her fate, and what right did they think they had over her life?
A new prompt appeared at the bottom of the screen:
Do you want to use your points?
[Yes] [No]
Feeling a mix of fear and curiosity, Lu Hua hesitated briefly before selecting "Yes," eager to see what options were available. A new screen appeared, showing a list of items she could purchase. Her heart sank when she noticed that most of the choices were locked, leaving only two options:
Analyzing System - 150 points
Super Hearing - 300 points
"Goodness, why is it so expensive?" she muttered quietly, pondering the consequences of each option.
The idea of having super hearing was both tempting and daunting. The thought of hearing every sound, every whisper, felt more like a burden than a blessing, as it could overwhelm her senses. With a firm tap, she selected the Analyzing System, hoping it would be beneficial.
Analyzing System has been purchased for 150 points.
The screen vanished, leaving her momentarily blinded by a bright white light before her surroundings returned to normal. Lu Hua blinked, and suddenly, her vision became clearer, details coming into focus with remarkable sharpness. Her gaze fell upon a chair, and with just a glance, the system revealed its age and origin, seemingly unlocking the mysteries of time itself.
"What year is it?" she whispered, her curiosity stirred by this newfound ability.
Xuan Dynasty
Year 1050
A smile appeared on Lu Hua's face, as the new ability brought her a feeling of excitement and wonder. She felt empowered and was eager to see how this gift would help her in navigating this unfamiliar era. Several hours passed, and the maid and the effeminate young man from earlier returned to her room. They appeared attentive and concerned, with the girl carrying a tray containing a bowl of steaming soup. Her manner was gentle and caring.
"My lady, are you feeling better now?" she asked, her voice gentle and soothing.
Lu Hua's newly enhanced eyes quickly conducted an analysis of the girl before her.
Name: Li Beihe
Age: 15 years old
Height: 163 cm
Weight: 46 kg
"Li Beihe," Lu Hua said, her tone steady and composed.
Beihe's eyes widened in surprise, her heart racing in anticipation of a scolding. However, to her relief, Lu Hua only nodded, appearing strangely serene.
"Is that your name?" Lu Hua asked, her voice devoid of any hint of anger or blame.
"Y-yes?" Beihe stammered, momentarily forgetting about her lady's memory loss in her flustered state.
Lu Hua's gaze shifted to the handsome, yet effeminate young man, taking in the details of his appearance.
Name: Hong Fuquan
Age: 17 Years Old
Height: 176 cm
Weight: 58 kg
"And you are Hong Fuquan," Lu Hua observed, pointing at him with a newfound confidence.
Fuquan responded with a gentle smile, his voice dripping with melodramatic flair. "Lady Lu Hua has finally regained her memories? What wonderful news," he exclaimed, covering his mouth with delicate fingers, his dramatic gestures evident.
Lu Hua stifled a chuckle, finding Fuquan's flamboyant nature endearing. She pondered whether his vibrant personality was genuine or merely an act. The thought of having a friend with such a lively demeanor provided a sense of comfort in the midst of her confusion.
"Are you gay?" Lu Hua asked straightforwardly, her curiosity piqued. Beihe and Fuquan shared a glance, the latter raising an eyebrow in mild perplexity. "Ah? My name is not gay, my lady," he replied, his confusion evident.
Lu Hua couldn't help but roll her eyes, a smile playing at the corners of her lips as she shook her head. "Nevermind," she said, the tension of the moment fading as they shared a light-hearted moment.
---
In the midst of the chaos at the brothel, imperial guards burst in, disrupting the debauched revelry. The drunken Second Prince was roughly awakened, his companion pushed aside as he was forcefully taken back to the Imperial Palace. There, he lay in bed, dazed and confused, facing the wrathful gaze of the emperor.
"Why are you behaving in this manner?" the emperor demanded, his voice a thunderous growl that echoed through the chamber.
"What do you mean?" Xuan Dexiu replied, his tone insolent, a smirk twisting his lips.
The emperor's fists clenched in anger, his patience wearing thin. "You! You are starting to resemble your mother!" he bellowed, his voice filled with frustration.
"My mother loves money; I enjoy the company of courtesans," Xuan Dexiu retorted, his words brimming with defiance and disdain.
The Empress, standing by her husband's side, placed a calming hand on his arm, her voice gentle yet firm. "Prince, this marriage has brought prosperity to our family. You are 18 years old; you should grasp this," she reprimanded, her tone tinged with disappointment.
Dexiu stayed silent, his eyes defiantly fixed on the intricately decorated ceiling. His father's words seemed to have no impact on him, as if they were mere background noise. The emperor's anger reached its peak, his voice escalating into a shout. "You are a prince, for Heaven's sake! Behave like one!" he exclaimed, the reverberating sound of his words showcasing his fury. "You should be dedicating yourself to study and learning the duties of a prince, not wasting your time with courtesans!"
The Empress stepped in once more, her voice a soothing salve to her husband's anger. "Your majesty, please, calm yourself." Her words appeared to have an effect, as the emperor took a deep breath, although his expression remained stern and uncompromising.
The emperor issued a warning, with a tone that indicated finality and a father's sorrow, "If you don't mend your ways, I will strip you of your title and bestow it upon your twin brother!"
"Let him have it. What difference does it make to me?" Dexiu replied casually, demonstrating his complete lack of concern as he sprawled lazily on his bed.
Witnessing this exchange, the servants exchanged uneasy glances amongst themselves, the tension in the air thickening, which bore silent testimony to the unfolding family drama.
"What sort of man have you become? You are a prince, the son of an emperor. I am ashamed to call you my own. I regret to have fathered a son like you!" the emperor exclaimed, his voice breaking with a mix of emotions, the weight of his words a palpable burden in the room.
"Be quiet, old man!" Dexiu retorted sharply, his words cutting like a knife through the air, aiming straight at his father's heart, causing the room to sink into a stunned silence.
Elsewhere, two young maids conversed in hushed tones, their voices tinged with intrigue and scandal.
"The Second Prince actually told the emperor to be quiet yesterday. He must be so brave. If it had been his grandfather, he would likely have been executed," the first maid whispered in a mix of admiration and disbelief.
The second maid gasped, her hand covering her mouth as her eyes widened in shock. "He's incredibly brave. If I were in his shoes, I would have simply kept silent," she responded, her tone a blend of incredulity and a hint of fear.
"The Second Prince was raised his mother, the late Second Empress. I heard she was once a worker in a brothel and somehow caught the emperor's attention. She quickly rose through the ranks upon entering the palace," the first maid divulged, her tone filled with scandalous excitement, reveling in the allure of gossip.
"Well, if the emperor was smitten with a woman from a brothel, then what sets him apart from the second prince?" the second maid pondered, her voice tinged with doubt, a challenge to the purity of royal lineage.
"Nothing, really. They're all part of the royal family; what more can we expect?" the first maid responded matter-of-factly, her words a stark reflection of the ruthless world of royalty they were entwined in.
"Anyway, I heard a rumor that the Second Prince's wife is unattractive. That's why he didn't bother visiting her in the bridal chamber," the second maid whispered to her companion, the allure of gossip threading through her words like a poison.
Unbeknownst to the maids, Li Beihe was concealed behind a pillar, her cheeks flushed with anger upon overhearing their conversation. With a steely gaze directed at the unaware maids, she swiftly retreated to her lady's chambers, determined to relay the hurtful words she had just heard. The sting of their gossip fueled her resolve, propelling her into action.
