Chapter 1 Amnesia "Madam, you're too kind."
The tent was dimly lit, with a warm fragrance wafting through the air.
The high fever caused by the cold came in waves, affecting Wenmiao's senses. Her delicate body, which had always been susceptible to illness, was now tightly furrowed, and she was in great distress.
"water……"
Thirst tormented Wen Miao's nerves. She vaguely glimpsed a hideous demon mask approaching, and then a strong, powerful arm lifted her from the bed.
She was clearly feverish, but the owner of that arm was burning hotter than she was.
Tea moistened Wenmiao's lips, and soon, feeling weak all over, she was put back into the quilt. As the man's sleeve swayed, she smelled a particularly mellow sandalwood fragrance, like a cold spring breaking through rocks.
At the same time, a large hand descended and firmly grasped her ankle, which was rubbing against the outside of the blanket.
hot.
The texture was frighteningly rough and extremely aggressive.
In her dizziness, Wen Miao felt as if a giant python had wrapped around her ankle. The python tightened its grip inch by inch, and its fine, rough scales scraped against her skin, as if she had been drenched in a fine sweat.
She wanted to refuse, she wanted to struggle.
But that hand was as firm as an iron chain, its strength gentle, yet it gave Wen Miao no chance to resist.
There was even a faint, sticky, yet focused sense of greed.
It seemed to want to devour her completely.
The cold, raised bumps on the monster mask were pressing against her weak, limp calves, leaving small red marks.
"Got you?"
...
"don't want!"
Wen Miao woke up with a start and sat up abruptly. The thin blanket slipped down her shoulders, partially revealing a few strands of soft, warm spring light.
She subconsciously raised her hand and lifted the blanket covering her calves and ankles.
"Madam? Are you having a nightmare?"
A maid named Shi Cui cautiously inquired from outside the door.
Wanbi exchanged a glance with her, then asked, "Would you like us servants to come in and serve you?"
Several maids knew that this beautiful lady did not like servants to get close to her. Occasionally she would say something they could not understand, but she was unexpectedly gentle, warm, and approachable, and always had a kind of noble and unique quality that was not like that of people in this world.
During their years in the capital, Shi Cui and Wan Bi had met many high-ranking officials and nobles, but the lady they served was too gentle and kind. When she occasionally frowned and lowered her head, she revealed a Bodhisattva-like compassion, as if she could not bear to see the suffering of the world.
Wen Miao snapped out of her daze, her hazy gaze sweeping over the soft morning light outside the window, her voice slightly hoarse, "...Come in."
Before the words were even finished, the door was gently pushed open, and two maids entered one after the other. Shi Cui carried a basin full of warm water, while Wan Bi carried a tray with towels, tooth powder, and other toiletries.
Wen Miao turned to the side, and in the brief moment while the maid was tidying up, her gaze once again fell on her ankles.
Her fair skin was smooth, flawless, and clean.
In that dream, Wen Miao could always feel a large hand holding her tightly, and even breath falling on her, leaving a tooth mark on her protruding ankle bone.
gentle.
Yet he used his lips and teeth to grind and suck at her with all his might, as if he wanted to swallow her whole.
This made it impossible for her to tell whether it was a dream or something else.
"What would you like to wear today, Madam?"
Wen Miao took the wet wipe and gently wiped her face, clearing her mind of those distracting thoughts. Somewhat wearily, she said, "Today... I'm going to pay my respects..."
She paused, then said somewhat awkwardly, "My maternal grandfather?"
"yes."
Wanbi responded with a smile, "Madam has been recuperating at the estate in the suburbs for many days. Master Xie and Miss Xie miss you very much. They even sent someone to urge you yesterday. If Madam doesn't go back today, I'm afraid the manor will send someone again."
Shi Cui also said, "Master Xie dotes on his wife the most, and is afraid that you are not comfortable here."
Wen Miao rinsed her mouth with tea and said nonchalantly, "You can choose the clothes, preferably something lightweight."
Wanbi was skilled at matching clothes and jewelry. "It's early spring now, and the weather is still a bit chilly. Let me pick out a warm dress for you, Madam... This light blue one is perfect; it complements your complexion."
Shi Cui was skilled at combing hair, so she came over and looked at the beautiful woman in the bronze mirror, saying, "Then how about we give you a 'fallen horse' hairstyle, with a flower-wrapped comb and bright moon earrings?"
Wen Miao nodded in agreement, after all, she herself couldn't really say she knew anything about these things.
Thinking of this, Wen Miao couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.
She couldn't remember anything from the past.
A few days ago, after regaining consciousness, Wen Miao realized that she had lost her memory.
That feeling of dizziness and confusion only recently dissipated from her mind. The wound on her forehead has not yet fully healed, but fortunately, the medication was applied carefully, leaving only a thin layer of red. Once it fades, it will not affect her appearance. She only occasionally experiences a headache at the back of her head after thinking for a long time.
According to Shi Cui and Wan Bi, she was originally from Jinling, but her husband passed away a year ago. Overwhelmed with grief, she almost followed him in death. Just then, her maternal grandfather, Xie Jingxuan, who was a local official, was promoted and returned to the capital. He settled down at the foot of the imperial city and took Wen Miao away from that place of sorrow.
The head injury was caused by a fall she made a month ago when she went to the outskirts of Beijing to relax. It wasn't a big problem, but her memory was damaged and she couldn't handle any stimulation.
"Madam, your hair is done."
The sound of picking up the jade interrupted Wen Miao's thoughts.
She looked up, lightly dabbed lip rouge on her lips with her fingertip, adding a touch of vibrant color to her slightly frail and sickly face.
Behind them were two maids who had been watching Wen Miao every day, and they couldn't help but lose their composure for a moment.
The beautiful woman in the bronze mirror had a face like a lotus flower, and her skin was as smooth and lustrous as mutton fat jade. Her figure was slender yet full, more voluptuous than the delicate, willow-like figure popular in the capital. This made the silk ribbon tied around her waist appear even more slender, as if it could be grasped in one hand.
Wanbi stared at him, slightly mesmerized, but was glared at by Shicui, and quickly lowered her head, blushing.
The lady is simply...so beautiful.
Like a goddess from the heavens, no wonder...
Wanbi quickly stopped thinking and, with a focused mind, worked with Shicui to prepare the carriage and other necessities for their return to the capital.
Half an incense stick later, on the official road leading back to the capital from the suburban village.
The coachman drove the carriage, with guards from the Xie family surrounding it. Bronze bells were attached to the carriage shafts, and they jingled as the carriage moved.
Wen Miao leaned against the carriage. On the small wooden table were snacks and tea for her to eat. She didn't have much of an appetite. After taking a couple of bites, she picked up "The Record of Local Customs," which she had only read half of recently, and continued reading to help her understand the customs and traditions of the dynasty after her amnesia.
It is now the eleventh year of the Qian Yuan era of the Great Chu.
The emperor was in his prime, and imperial power had reached its peak. However, due to the adjustment of the imperial examination system and the structure of official positions over the past decade, the control of aristocratic families in the core power structure was weakened, and the dynasty was no longer as prosperous as it once was.
Her maternal grandfather's Xie family originated from the Xie clan of Huaiyang. Now, the family is desolate and alone. Only Xie Jingxuan's branch serves as an official in Jinling. The family is sparsely populated, with only her granddaughter Wen Miao and great-granddaughter Xie Mengjun remaining. There is no one to support the family.
The rise of new elites from humble backgrounds and the decline of established families.
The most chaotic disputes and conflicts between the old and new factions were resolved by Emperor Qian Yuan's swift and decisive actions, and now it can be described as a peaceful and prosperous era.
Without a doubt, the emperor on the throne was a wise and capable monarch with great talent and ambition since the founding of the Great Chu.
Just one point...
Emperor Qianyuan is over thirty years old, yet the position of Empress remains vacant to this day, with no concubines or consorts.
Emperors without harems were extremely rare, even in the dynasties Wen Miao remembered.
Wait... what dynasty is in her memory?
Wen Miao paused, a look of confusion flashing across her face. When she tried to investigate further, she felt as if a veil had been drawn over her head, and she couldn't see anything clearly.
Just as he was pondering this, the carriage suddenly stopped.
The bells jingled, ringing in the wind.
Wen Miao lifted a section of the carriage curtain, hiding her face as she peered out.
The people of the Great Chu were open-minded, but Wen Miao always felt it was better to be cautious.
She asked, "But what happened?"
Wanbi came to report: "Madam, the road ahead is under repair and the passage is narrow. Just then, another carriage was heading towards the outskirts."
Not far away, a four-horse carriage stood tall and elegant. From a distance, it appeared unassuming and unadorned, but the materials used for the frame were of the highest quality. Even though Wen Miao did not know much about it, he immediately sensed that the person inside the carriage was of noble status.
Thinking of the importance that feudal dynasties placed on hierarchy, Wen Miao had neither the will nor the ability to challenge the rules, so she said softly, "Let's wait and make way for them first."
Before they could pull over, the guards following the opposite carriage clasped their hands and said, "Please, esteemed guests, proceed first."
Immediately, strong and sturdy guards spurred the carriage aside swiftly and efficiently, as if they had been prepared in advance.
Wen Miao was taken aback, a strange feeling creeping into her heart.
If you're so courteous, why didn't you stop earlier? It's as if you were waiting specifically for this moment of "courtesy."
Wan Bi said hesitantly, "Madam..."
Wen Miao pressed her temples. "Then let's go."
The procession resumed, the bells jingling melodiously.
Two carriages, one taller and one shorter, passed each other.
Wen Miao whispered "thank you," but just then the carriage curtain was lifted by the wind, and when she looked up, she suddenly met a pair of deep, dark eyes.
The man replied, "You're too kind, Madam."
Despite the blurry light and shadows obscuring his features, Wen Miao could still make out the man's sharp, mountain-like jawline.
He must be a very imposing adult man.
As the two carriages drove further and further away, Wen Miao clutched her chest, her face slightly pale, her thick, long eyelashes trembling, and unconsciously biting her full lower lip.
The voice... was somewhat similar to the one she had heard in her dream.
The carriage arrived at noon.
No sooner had Wen Miao been helped down from the carriage by Shi Cui than Xie's family, who had been informed by a servant, rushed over.
Wanbi said naturally, "Madam, Master Xie has come out to greet you."
Wen Miao looked up and gazed over.
Beneath the ancient plaque, a sprightly old man walked out. Although his hair was gray, his steps were steady, and he had a kind face. He wore a gray-blue robe with wide sleeves and exuded a scholarly air. When he saw Wen Miao, his tone was natural and showed the loving kindness of an elder.
"Miaoniang, how have you been lately? Are you enjoying your time at the estate?"
The old man opposite me had a genuinely affectionate expression, and his questions were filled with care and tenderness, just like a kind old man who cared about his grandson.
Wen Miao was slightly taken aback, then said softly, "Everything is fine."
Xie Jingxuan: "It's good that you're alright... Taking a walk around the manor will ease my mind and put my grandfather's mind at ease. As for those things, what's past is past. Everything can start anew when we come to the capital."
The people of the Great Chu Kingdom were relatively open-minded and had fewer restrictions on women. Divorce and remarriage were common occurrences from the early days of the kingdom's founding. Therefore, Xie Jingxuan's statement about starting over was true.
Wen Miao nodded and exchanged a few pleasantries with the other party before noticing that there was a little girl following behind Xie Jingxuan.
She was about twelve or thirteen years old, with round cheeks, her hair styled in two flat buns, adorned with two velvet flowers. After making eye contact with Wen Miao, she generously revealed a sweet smile.
Xie Jingxuan stroked his beard, completely at ease, "Mengjun, it's been a few months, why are you acting so distant with your aunt again?"
Xie Mengjun, the great-granddaughter of Xie Gong, stepped forward and curtsied to Wen Miao. She was well-behaved and polite, and called out "Auntie" in a sweet voice. Then she took the initiative to approach and gently took Wen Miao's hand.
She looked up, her eyes clear and innocent. "Aunt, my great-grandfather and I miss you."
Wen Miao paused, then added in agreement, "...Me too."
An old man and a young boy, along with a group of servants surrounding them, welcomed Wen Miao inside.
There were few masters in the Xie family, only Xie Jingxuan and Xie Mengjun. The miscellaneous affairs were handled by the old steward, Uncle Fu, along with a few servants who were mainly present in public. Wen Miao saw them all along the way.
As she walked, Wen Miao couldn't help but tilt her head back and look at the four-cornered pavilion in another part of the mansion.
...She always felt a thick, silent gaze falling on her, but she couldn't find the source. Was it just paranoia after losing her memory?
Xie Jingxuan's heart skipped a beat when he noticed this scene.
He seemed to remember something, and stroked his beard as he spoke, drawing Wen Miao's attention back to him. "It's just in time for lunch. I've prepared all your favorite dishes today. Miao Niang, come quickly and have something to eat first."
Wen Miao withdrew her gaze, but did not see a tall shadow vaguely flash by the window of the four-cornered pavilion.
A note from the author:
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