The Daqin Dynasty, Beijing, the Prime Minister's Mansion.
Ever since Princess Chaoyang married Liu Xiuyi, within a few decades, what was initially a humbled family became the number one noble family in Beijing.
Today, the front door of the Prime Minister's Mansion is wide open. Standing at the entrance were two majestic stone lions, presenting an awe-inspiring spectacle. Emblazoned on a powerful plaque hung above is the name "Prime Minister's Mansion," personally inscribed by the current Emperor, brimming with an air of imposing dignity.
The Prime Minister's Mansion was arrayed in red silk, filled with a festive ambience everywhere.
Today is precisely the fifteenth birthday and the coming-of-age ceremony of Liu Xiuyi's beloved daughter, Liu Xuanshuang. Scholars and military officials alike came forward to congratulate, creating a tremendously lively scene.
Outside the mansion, a woman draped in mourning attire stood not far off, observing with a gaze filled with disdain.
A maidservant, dressed in green by her side, nervously asked, "Young Miss, does our master reside here?"
"Master?! He is nothing more than a hypocrite who is greedy for vanity, and abandons his wife and daughter!" Liu Ruyi's lips curled into a hint of a mocking smile, her tone frostily indifferent.
"Go, act as planned."
"Yes."
Xue'er took a deep breath and headed forward. In no time, she was chatting ardently with the guard at the entrance, slipping into the mansion.
However, Liu Ruyi's thoughts were brought back to the past by the ostentatious grandeur of the Prime Minister's Mansion—
She was originally the Holy Woman of Miao borders, but due to an accident, she inadvertently ignited her demonic nature, which led to her untimely demise. When she opened her eyes again, she had entered another world.
As soon as she arrived, she had to confront the death of this body's biological mother instantly.
Although she had seen many farewells of life and death, her biological mother's intense resentment and despair at her deathbed were deeply etched into her heart.
The words uttered by her biological mother before her death weighed heavily on her like a boulder, making it difficult for her to breathe.
Liu Ruyi's pale face showed a firm resolve; no matter what, she had to fulfill her mother's last wish, so that she could rest in peace in the netherworld.
The main hall of Xiangfu.
The old lady, dressed in a bright red auspicious robe, was seated at a higher location and accepting flattery from everyone while wearing a beaming smile.
She couldn't help but feel gratified at every moment for her past decision to drive out that woman who was not presentable in public and made her son marry Princess Chaoyang, the emperor's younger sister.
From then on, Liu Xiuyi climbed rapidly to a high position, and the Liu family became the most influential and powerful family in Jinhua.
Liu Xiuyi, dressed in a brocade robe, was toasting with his colleagues.
Princess Chaoyang was surrounded by a group of noblewomen, beaming with joy and full of pride.
Her husband was an important minister trusted by the emperor, her son stood out among young nobles, and her daughter, with her unparalleled beauty, was the most beautiful woman in Jinghua, sought after by princes and royal grandsons.
Her life was so perfect and blissful.
Guests flocked in like a tide, with ceaseless flattering speech filling the air.
"Lord Xiang is the pillar of our great Qin dynasty. We're indeed fortunate!"
"Princess Chaoyang is dignified and virtuous. She's a wise helpmate."
"The eldest son has both literary and military talents; his future achievements will not fall short of his father's."
"The young miss is like a celestial being, demonstrating the demeanor of our present Empress' maternal majesty with every movement..."
Master Xiang and Princess Chaoyang, who were receiving flattering words, responded casually from time to time.
The guests were having a pleasant conversation; the atmosphere was harmonious, exuding a sense of peace.
Just then, a piercing and harsh voice suddenly came from outside the main hall, "Master Xiang! I want to see Master Xiang!"
Everyone froze in surprise. A cold glint, reminiscent of drawn swords, flashed in Princess Chaoyang's eyes and then quickly receded. She asked sternly, "Who is it shouting outside?" Such disrespect! After this banquet is over, she'll surely get punished!
Princess Chaoyang gave her maid a glance, to which the maid responded in a low voice, "This old servant understands."
People were curious. Who would dare to make such a commotion at such a critical occasion?
"Master Xiang, do you remember Bai Muwan from the Water City in Jiangnan?"
Another shout echoed, and everyone's eyes were cast towards Liu Xiuyi.
