[Wuxia] April in the Human World (Complete) - 20

Chapter 78 Fate's Beginning and End:

Bi Ying's Side Story 1. Fate's Beginning and End

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Just for that one glance at the Festival of Good Fortune, all the men in the world paled in comparison. My heart and eyes were filled with that young man.

…

I loved his youthful mischief, his spirited horse and dashing clothes. That vibrant youth held an irresistible allure for my quiet nature; I loved his early success, already famous before the age of twenty; I loved his unparalleled beauty, dazzling to behold, wishing I could become part of him, to be by his side day and night.

At that time, I was too young and naive. I disregarded my family's reputation and my parents' objections, resolutely becoming his concubine. Afterwards, I was content, feeling that as a woman, being the woman of a man like him was worthwhile.

… Master

**

is a very charming man. Countless young ladies dream of him. I am considered one of the lucky ones, able to fulfill my dream of becoming his woman.

I remained lost in my dreams until that day…

That day, as my master and I were enjoying our time together, we

suddenly heard a thud outside the window. He glanced at the window with a complicated expression, then abandoned me, hurriedly dressed, and chased after it. I was astonished. In all the years I'd lived with him, I'd never seen him so panicked. I felt a pang of envy. Who was that person outside the window? To be able to capture his heart so deeply. If my master could treat me like that, I would die content. I

got up, dressed, and went to the window. There, I saw a hand warmer lying forlornly on the veranda.

I knew that hand warmer all too well; it belonged to Shu'er. Shu'er

, was that Shu'er standing here just now? My heart clenched, my body swayed unsteadily, my legs gave way, and I fell to the ground.

Shu'er and my master, how could it be, how could it be?

… After much probing, Shu'er finally let slip, admitting her relationship with my master. Seeing the dreamy look on Shu'er's face whenever she spoke of him, I knew that my child had already been captivated by him. In an instant, the world spun around me, I was in a panic, I didn't know what to do. She was my daughter, whom I had carried for ten months. Even if I resented her for being foolish, I couldn't blame her... How could such a clever child as Shu'er fall in love with her own father without any moral compass? Everything that happened could only be due to my master's deliberate seduction! If a man like my master wanted to truly seduce someone, who could escape? When I was young, I secretly read many miscellaneous books and knew that incestuous relationships between fathers and daughters, brothers and sisters, and sisters and brothers were common in the families of kings and generals throughout history. At that time, I thought these things were just made up by writers, but I never imagined they were all true. And it happened to my Shu'er. Because of Shu'er, I instantly felt resentment towards my master. Why, out of so many women in the world, did he have to taint my Shu'er? Even if he liked incestuous relationships, why did he choose my Shu'er? Wasn't Baili Yanran closer to him? Is it because Baili Yanran is the daughter of the principal wife that she is more precious and valuable than my Shu'er? I curled up, hugging my knees, and cried, cried and cried… Shu'er, my Shu'er, it's all my fault, all my fault! If I hadn't disobeyed my mother and insisted on becoming the master's concubine, Shu'er wouldn't be a concubine's daughter today, and wouldn't be in this situation. Waaah, it's all my fault, my fault. I was so angry and resentful, my chest felt heavy, and a sweet taste rose in my throat as I vomited blood. In those miscellaneous books, all the women who committed incest with their fathers, brothers, or nephews never had a good ending. Shu'er is my precious darling, I love her more than myself, how could I stand by and watch her suffer such a fate? So, I made Shu'er leave the master, stay far away from him… ** My Shu'er left, and the master began searching for her all over the world. I searched for over half a year, but still couldn't find my Shu'er. I was secretly pleased; my Shu'er was so clever, no matter how powerful you were, you couldn't find her. ... A mother worries about her child even when she's far away. I missed Shu'er, thinking of her constantly. Where was she now? Was she doing well? Was she eating well? I missed her, I longed for her, and I burned incense and prayed to Buddha every day, wishing only for my Shu'er to be well. But this peaceful period didn't last long. My master called me into his study. A man was already standing there. Turning his head, I recognized him as the man I had seen in the garden yesterday. My master said that man had fallen in love with me at first sight, and that he had already given me to him. Even though I hated him because of my daughter, how could the feelings in my heart be extinguished so easily? I still loved him. Hearing him say that he had given me away, my heart ached like it was being torn apart. My master, have you never loved me? Even just a little bit, just a little bit would have been enough for me... I've held my grandfather close to my heart for over ten years. Even a heart made of stone would have warmed by now, right? I truly don't understand what his heart is made of. Why, no matter how hard I try to warm it, can I never warm it? ** Lu Mingcong is a gentle man. Not only did he not mind my age, but he also made me his wife.** A month later, I began to rejoice in my new identity. —My family, whom I hadn't contacted for over ten years, came to visit. I finally saw my mother again. Tears welled in my eyes as I embraced her, weeping. I had thought I would never see her again. Only when you raise a child do you understand the love of your parents. At that moment, I truly understood my mother. She loved me just as she loved Shu'er—far more than she loved herself. At that moment, I sincerely thanked Lu Mingcong for marrying me. Because I was his legal wife, my family accepted me again… Looking back, I realized that for my grandfather, I had lost many precious things. If I could start my life over, I believe I would still fall in love with you, but I would never choose to be your concubine again. Love is love, and marriage is marriage. It's not worth sacrificing my entire life and my parents for someone I like. ** After becoming Lu Mingcong's wife, I often socialized with the ladies and wives, and life became more fulfilling, no longer as dull as before, when I could only sit quietly in the courtyard, watching the sunrise and sunset, waiting for my beloved to appear, unsure if he would ever come.** Days passed sweetly, until Shu'er appeared before me. My legs went weak; if it weren't for the maid supporting me, I fear I would have fallen to the ground. He had finally found Shu'er. Why, why couldn't he let Shu'er go! … ** Some things I avoid facing, not because I don't understand. With Lu Mingcong's current position, what kind of woman couldn't he have? Yet he chose me from you. And gave me the position of your principal wife. He said it was love at first sight.** Although I had met Lu Mingcong once in the garden, his gaze towards me was indifferent; there was no sign of love at first sight. I thought, Lu Mingcong marrying me was the master's intention. I'm not stupid; I naturally know that the master is doing this for Shu'er. A man of immense power, putting so much effort into a woman, must truly like her. But, is a man like the master ever faithful? In his youth, he was a notorious womanizer; what kind of woman hasn't he been with? Even among the most beautiful flowers, he passed through a sea of blossoms without ever getting attached. He likes her now because Shu'er is young and beautiful; what will happen when Shu'er grows old?

Thinking of those tragic women described in miscellaneous books, women who were seduced and abandoned by their fathers and brothers, and who fell into such a state of depravity, a chill ran down my spine. No! I absolutely cannot allow my Shu'er to suffer such an end.

Chapter 79 The Jade Pot's Radiance

I had only stayed at home for two days when my mother sent an invitation, inviting me to see the plum blossoms.

I was naturally delighted by my mother's invitation. I changed my clothes and had my maid, Cuizhu, style my hair into a neat bun. Then, I took a silver and gold-plated kingfisher feather butterfly hairpin and several kingfisher feather and white jade beaded plum blossom hairpins from my makeup box and handed them to her.

Cuizhu finished styling my hair and suggested with a smile, "Miss, how about adding a silk flower?"

I smiled and shook my head, saying, "No need, this is fine enough." Wearing too many things on my head would only make me look vulgar.

Then, I took two jade bracelets from my makeup box and put them on. Afterward, I stood up, picked up the hand warmer on the table, and led Cuizhu to my aunt's courtyard. After telling my aunt I was going to the Lu residence and sending a servant to inform them I would be there soon, I took two old women and four maids and went in a sedan chair.

Inside the sedan chair, I sat there, gazing at the sky. In ancient times, aristocratic women had to be accompanied by a large group of maids and servants when traveling without a man. Even though it was only a few steps, they had to take a sedan chair. For noblewomen to walk alone on the street was simply impossible in this era. Still relying on my hands? How could that be enjoyable? [Forum reputation guaranteed! High-grade silicone video, Fan Bingbing's lower body, realistically molded, highly realistic vulva shape, soft and delicate skin! Built-in large protrusions, close to the female physiological structure, providing a more realistic experience... Intense and irresistible! Click to enter]

I thought about how my father had taken my hand and walked directly there two days ago, and my heart couldn't contain its joy.

I have to admit, although a little shy, I was still very excited.

**

After getting out of the sedan chair in front of the Lu residence's hanging flower gate, I looked up and saw my mother already waiting there.

I smiled, wanting to call out "Mother," but with so many people around, I couldn't.

Mother nodded understandingly and took my hand, leading me to her courtyard. Once

inside, as before, she dismissed all the maids, leaving only me to speak with her.

Looking at Mother closely, I noticed a newfound joy in her eyes and brows. Perhaps Father was right; this arrangement was best for Mother.

"Shu'er, come here." Mother took my hand and led me into the inner room. She knelt beside the bed and pulled a book from under it.

Mother stood up and handed me the book, saying, "Shu'er, this book… take a look."

Hearing this, my heart skipped a beat. This book was…

I took the book, sat on the low couch by the window, and began to read.

The book was an unofficial history, recounting a brother-sister romance that occurred in the palace of a previous dynasty. The book's protagonists are an emperor and a princess. Having lived together since childhood, they gradually fell in love. Ignoring the objections of his court officials, the emperor resolutely married his own sister as empress. Later…

later, the princess gave birth to a son, a monster without eyes. The princess, believing it to be divine retribution, was terrified to death. The emperor, resentful that the monster child had killed the princess, actually… actually threw the living child into a tiger cage to be fed to the tigers…

My hand trembled, and the book fell to the ground.

I knew that children born from incest had a high probability of being deformed, but reading the story still pierced my heart.

My child…

my eyes welled up with tears. If I planned to be with my father, I would never have children in this life. Because… I couldn't bear the possibility that my child would be deformed.

My mother sat to my left, holding me tightly, gently patting my back, saying nothing, just quietly sitting with me.

After a long, long time, I moved my lips several times before finally uttering, "Mother."

My mother responded softly, gently stroking my head, and said, "Shu'er, I have two requests, and you must grant them."

I looked up at my mother, remaining silent. I would do my best to fulfill my mother's requests if they were within my capabilities. My only fear was that her requests were beyond my ability. For example, forgetting my feelings for my father. —Those feelings run deep; unless I am reincarnated, how can I forget them?

My mother smiled sadly, her eyes filled with sorrow: "First, don't love Master too deeply; second,... don't have Master's child. Shu'er, Shu'er, my Shu'er, you must believe what your mother says. The real Master is absolutely not what you think. Don't fall too deeply in love. Never!" She paused, her gaze unfocused, as if lost in some memory: "...When Master was young, he was mischievous. He and the current Emperor, who was still a prince at the time, rode horses and hunted, and he had no shortage of women and minor officials to play with... Although, after entering the cabinet and becoming Prime Minister, he subtly suppressed his youthful mischief, becoming increasingly sophisticated and the now-famous Baili Qingxiao. But Master is still the same Master... A man like Master is not someone who can be bound by love. I only fear that my Shu'er will be heartbroken in the future.

"

Hearing this, I was stunned.

...So it was all for me.

When my mother found out about my relationship with my father, I felt ashamed, embarrassed, and terrified. I was afraid my mother wouldn't be able to handle the shock and would change drastically; I was afraid her love for me would be gone; I was afraid she would no longer treat me as her daughter. Unexpectedly, my mother blamed everything on my father, believing that I fell in love with him because he seduced me. Her resentment and hatred were always directed solely at my father. In her heart, no matter what mistakes were made, it was never my fault; she only ever loved me deeply.

My mother hugged me tightly, her voice broken, "Shu'er, promise Mother, promise Mother..."

Tears streamed down my face as I nodded hastily, "Yes, yes, yes, Shu'er promises Mother, Shu'er promises."

My mother's voice was gentle, "Then tell Mother what you promised her?"

"Shu'er promised Mother... I won't... love Father too deeply, I won't have Father's child..." To tell my mother that I loved Father and wouldn't have children with him was such a huge hurt to my mother, who had always loved Father. My heart clenched painfully, a sharp pain like being cut by a razor. It wasn't wrong to be unable to control my emotions, but it was wrong to hurt someone because of love, especially someone who was my own family. I resented, I hated. I resented myself, and I hated myself. Why? There are so many people in the world to love, why did I have to fall in love with someone I was related to by blood?

...

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Back at Baili Mansion, I sat by the crystal window, lost in thought. The knot in my heart is blood ties, my child, and my mother. As for blood ties, due to a spiritual connection, although I call him "Father," I don't truly feel the affection a daughter has for her father. As for the child… I've decided to remain childless for Father's sake, and after using contraceptives for so long, I fear I can no longer conceive. As for Mother, she's now married to Lord Lu. Looking closely at her face today, I realized she's satisfied with her current situation, which is good; at least I can feel a little more at ease…

Father sat down beside me sometime during the night, pulled me into his arms, and kissed me passionately, his voice hoarse as he asked, "What are you thinking about?"

I wrapped my arms around Father's neck, looked up at him adoringly, smiled brightly, and said, "Thinking about Father!" I understood. Wearing a long face every day only tires my heart and hurts my feelings. Love is love, there's no way around it. I might as well open my heart and live with Father.

Father paused, startled by my smile. Xu'er smiled too: "Today is the Lantern Festival. Daddy will take you to see the lanterns tonight."

Remembering the scene two days ago when Daddy held my hand and walked down the street, my heart leaped with joy. I nodded with a smile, then said sweetly, "Thank you, Daddy."

Father touched my face and chuckled, saying, "Silly child."

Although I didn't understand what he meant by "silly child," seeing his happy expression, I grinned too. What did it mean anyway? As long as Father treated me well, that was enough.

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The shops on both sides of the street hung high with large red lanterns, casting a dim, warm glow on the bluestone pavement.

Father held my hand, and we walked slowly through the bustling crowd. One moment we'd look at the dragon playing with a pearl, pointing out things we liked and wanting Father to see them too; the next we'd grab his hand and run to guess the riddles on the revolving lanterns, winning a few lanterns to give to the children playing and running on the bluestone pavement.

The children looked up and smiled sweetly, "Thank you, sister."

I bent down, smiling as I patted their heads. Knowing I might never have children of my own, I felt an even stronger love for them. Perhaps this is just human nature—only when we can't have something do we begin to cherish it, to yearn for it.

Father watched this scene from the side, a faint smile playing on his lips. Seeing me straighten up, Father stepped forward, took my hand, and continued walking. He

strolled leisurely to a fragrant spot with plum blossoms. Under the plum trees, there was a guqin, several tables of writing implements, and several tables of tea, fruit, and snacks.

The people under the plum trees were refined gentlemen, and it was natural for them to recognize Father. Seeing him approach, they all bowed and greeted him. Father smiled faintly, said nothing, glanced at the exceptionally beautiful plum blossoms, then took my hand, walked forward, broke off a branch, and handed it to me. I smiled, took it, and said, "Thank you…Prime Minister." I couldn't call him Father when there were others around.

Father smiled, took my small hand that wasn't holding the plum blossom, and walked into the crowd, exchanging pleasantries with a gentle smile.

A breeze stirred, causing the hem of Father's robes to flutter slightly, his long, ink-black hair dancing and weaving in the air. My heart fluttered as I glanced sideways, my gaze lingering on him. Father, no matter the circumstances, always possessed an air of effortless elegance, a languid grace, like a white lotus in a pond.

...

In the crowd, Father looked at the guqin, then turned to gaze at me, smiling, "Shu'er, you've never seen me play the guqin before, have you?"

I nodded blankly.

Father chuckled softly, reached out to smooth my wind-blown bangs, released my hand, and walked through the crowd towards the guqin. I lowered my eyes, my face burning. How could Father make such an intimate gesture towards me in the crowd? Look, everyone's eyes were filled with curiosity.

Looking up again, I saw Father already gracefully seated on the brocade stool. He glanced at me, his eyes crinkling slightly before lowering them again. He tested a few notes with one hand before gently plucking the strings with both.

...

As the melodious music of the zither played, snowflakes began to fall gently from the sky.

Amidst the fluttering snowflakes, Father stood with his eyes lowered, his expression focused yet indifferent, as if the world and all things were oblivious to him. This Father seemed unfamiliar to me, yet it stirred my heart even more.

"Father..." I called softly in my heart.

Father seemed to hear my call, slowly raising his head, his radiant eyes piercing through the crowd to gaze fixed on me, a faint smile playing on

his lips. Such focus, such tenderness, as if of all the people in the world, he only saw me. My heart warmed, and I gazed at Father from afar, taking a plum blossom and gently rubbing it against my lips.

My mind was dull, as if it had gone blank.

My face grew increasingly hot, and I smiled sweetly. Father played the zither before everyone, playing for me. He sighed contentedly, his heart overflowing with sweetness.

...

After the piece ended, Father lazily rose, and amidst the enthusiastic praise of the crowd, he walked towards me. He took my hand, exchanged a few pleasantries with the crowd with a faint smile, and then left the throng.

Strolling to the dimly lit area, Father stopped, gently brushed the snow from my shoulder, and asked with a soft laugh, "Father played the zither especially for Shu'er. Are you happy, Shu'er?"

Hearing Father's words, my head began to spin again, my heart filled with a sweet warmth, as if I had eaten honey. A hidden joy welled up within me; how could Father, a man like him, have gone to such lengths for me, uttering so many sweet words?

I smiled broadly, nodding with delight.

Seeing this, Father smiled with satisfaction.

But then I remembered Mother's words: "Don't love Grandpa too deeply; he's not what you think he is."

Not what I think he is? Then what is Father really like?

Mother said Father was mischievous in his youth, and had no shortage of women and minor officials to play with.

No shortage of women and minor officials to play with…

"Father," I called out.

"Yes," Father responded softly.

I looked up at him and smiled, asking, "What was Father like when he was young?"

Father paused, then smiled and asked, "Why are you suddenly curious about Father's youth, Shu'er?"

I tilted my head, wiped my lips with the plum blossom in my hand, and smiled, "I just suddenly wanted to know."

Father smiled, his eyes bright and lively, "When Father was young, he loved to play and cause trouble. He and the current emperor, who was still a prince, did many outrageous things, fighting, breaking bones, and promoting actors..."

It turned out that Father was indeed, as I had guessed before, a complete playboy.

So, how many people did Father sleep with in his youth?

Thinking of this, my heart skipped a beat. The joy I felt just now was blown away by the cold wind, leaving only a heart full of melancholy.

Author's Note:

After reading the comments, yy无尽 said the title was wrong. Here, I would like to thank the readers who left me comments again, a kiss.

Even if the former prime minister retired, he can still be called prime minister. Lu Mingcong calling Baili Qing "Smiling Prime Minister" is a sign of respect.

Normally, people would laugh and say, "I'm not xxx anymore, just call me xxx."

But who is Baili Qingxiao? Although he himself says he doesn't care about fame, fortune, or power, can someone who doesn't care about fame, fortune, or power really do so well? He's famous throughout the world, even leaving his mark on history.

Chapter 080: The Heartbroken -

Side Story. The Heartbroken.

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One year later.

In the season of spring blossoms, Xiahou Xiao and Chang Kongyu arrived at Baili Qingxiao's secluded residence.

During their leisure time, Xiahou Xiao asked, "I heard you've fallen for a woman who looks like your daughter."

Baili Qingxiao smiled slightly, acknowledging it.

Xiahou Xiao was surprised, "So it's true. I'm curious what kind of stunning beauty could make you so disregard your reputation."

Although Chang Kongyu had lost two years of his memory, he had heard that Baili Qingxiao's daughter was his ex-wife. Although he felt awkward about Baili Qingxiao falling for a woman who resembled his daughter, he was mostly curious. Baili Qingxiao had always been a whimsical man, able to fall for any woman who resembled a daughter.

Baili Qingxiao smiled slightly, offering no reply. He thought to himself: If you knew this woman was the one you once loved so deeply, would you also show this same curious expression?

Xiahou Xiao asked again, "What exactly happened? I don't believe you could ever be so infatuated."

Baili Qingxiao's eyes flickered a few times, staring at the wine glass in his hand with a faint smile, and said, "I'm merely interested in a woman."

Xiahou Xiao shook his head and said, "As a man, it's understandable to like beautiful women, but ruining one's reputation for them is unacceptable. You should find a way to make this 'love legend' disappear from the public eye." Although Baili Qingxiao was reckless in his youth, his reputation had always been excellent; no one knew how he managed it. However, this incident has somewhat damaged his reputation.

Chang Kongyu also smiled and echoed, "It's not worth ruining your reputation for a woman."

Baili Qingxiao laughed again, "Since I did it, I won't regret it." Everyone is like this, even Xiahou Xiao and Chang Kongyu; they demand others do what they themselves cannot. Back then, Chang Kongyu almost lost his life for Shu'er, and Xiahou Xiao changed his personality for Shu'er, becoming indifferent to women. Since Shu'er left, he seems to be doing as usual, but his heart has changed, and he no longer has any interest in women. In other words, Xiahou Xiao is ill, an illness that prevents him from being passionate about women.

However, he wasn't like them. What they couldn't do, he was confident he could do, if he wanted to.

☆☆

During the few days Xiahou Xiao and Chang Kongyu were here, Baili Qingxiao told Shu'er not to go out. Shu'er nodded hastily, her hands and feet trembling with fear. She wasn't afraid of seeing Chang Kongyu, but seeing Xiahou Xiao—

she didn't even dare to think about it.

But Shu'er hadn't expected that after Xiahou Xiao and Chang Kongyu left, Baili Qingxiao would gradually become distant towards her. Before, even when he was busy, he would always come to her courtyard in the evenings, but now he only came every three to five days. Once, when she kissed him, she smelled a very pleasant fragrance; her intuition told her it was a woman's scent. From that moment on, her heart became uneasy.

Several more days passed, and Baili Qingxiao still hadn't come to her courtyard. Unable to bear her anxiety any longer, she went to look for him. The steward said he was in the study, so she rushed over.

Entering the study, she saw him standing behind his desk, pen in one hand and paper in the other, elegantly drawing something. Hearing her enter, he only asked, "What brings Shu'er to her father?" He didn't even lift his eyelids as he spoke. Seeing this, her eyes welled up with tears, her heart filled with grievances she didn't know how to express.

She lowered her eyes, said nothing, and turned to leave.

Baili Qing smiled, watching her departing figure, and frowned involuntarily. She was being petulant again.

Years ago, when he first got together with Shu'er, it was all about novelty. As a prime minister, he had seen all kinds of beauties, but he had never seen anyone like Shu'er. Plus, Shu'er was his own flesh and blood, making their intimacy even more stimulating. For the past year, they had been inseparable, and he couldn't bear to let his manhood remain inside her.

But after more than a year of intimacy, the novelty had worn off, and the excitement had faded. If she continued like this, he didn't know if he would eventually grow tired of her. He was a man, and he knew all too well the flaws in men: they yearn for what they don't have, but once they have it, they tire of it after only a few days.

How could such a clever child not see this?

He wouldn't feel burdened if he got tired of other women, but she was different; she was his daughter, and he couldn't treat her like that.

Baili Qing smiled and continued painting his landscape, but in his heart he thought: I must find a way to stop Shu'er from being so willful.

☆☆

A few days later, Shu'er's maid rushed in to report, "Miss, something terrible has happened! Master has brought back a young girl from outside..."

Shu'er was stunned and dumbfounded. She grabbed her skirt and ran out for her life, ignoring the old women's attempts to stop her. She ran to the courtyard where he had given the "young girl" his hand, smiling and talking. The "young girl" was only fifteen or sixteen years old, as tender as a scallion.

At that moment, Shu'er's world collapsed. She collapsed to the ground, wanting to cry out, but no sound came out. She felt as if she were dying of grief. Why was this happening? Didn't Father love her?

Baili Qingxiao treated her differently. Seeing her pale face, he quickly released the new bride's hand, strode over, and, ignoring the astonished looks of the maids and servants, carried her out of the courtyard.

Reaching Shu'er's courtyard, he entered her bedroom and gently placed her on the bed.

After a long period of suppressed emotions, Shu'er's tears began to fall uncontrollably, glistening like pearls from a broken string.

Shu'er was utterly desperate; her heart ached terribly. Gazing at Baili Qingxiao's elegant, lotus-like face, she felt a deep sorrow. A beautiful and virtuous woman is sought after by gentlemen; unattainable, she is longed for day and night. Since ancient times, the more difficult something is to obtain, the longer it is remembered. Things that are easy to learn, even if you don't forget them immediately, won't be remembered for long. I'm only in my twenties, and in Father's eyes, I'm already a thing of the past.

Shu'er slowly lifted her eyes, her long eyelashes like delicate butterfly wings on a flower, easily broken. "Father, what do you take me for?"

Baili Qing reached out and gently stroked her cheek, softly saying, "Father cherishes you like a treasure. No one can compare to you." Facing Shu'er, he was willing to use sweet words to coax her.

Shu'er mechanically repeated, "Treasure?"

Baili Qing smiled slightly, his brows furrowing. "Isn't it enough that Father holds you in his hands and cherishes you?"

Shu'er's eyes were filled with tears, she smiled bitterly, and murmured, "Being held in Father's hands... it sounds like happiness. But, the reality is not like that." Saying this, she got up and walked to the round table, picked up a piece of pastry from the plate, held it in her palm, squeezed it hard, opened her palm, and the pastry in her hand had turned into crumbs and powder. With a flick of her hand, the pastry powder fell to the ground. “I am like this pastry. When Father is happy, he holds it in his hands and plays with it. When he is unhappy, he only needs to squeeze it hard and I will crumble into a pile of pieces.”

Shu’er was terribly fragile, and Baili Qing’s heart twisted involuntarily. “Shu’er?” All the words he was prepared to say to Shu’er were stuck in his throat and could not be spoken.

Shu’er covered her face and sobbed, “If you can’t be loyal, why did you go to all the trouble to get me in the first place? Why?” As soon as she finished speaking, her tears fell even more fiercely.

In order to be with Father, she made Mother sad, made Brother sad, and now she made herself sad.

A year ago, she came back, and Mother told her, “Your Father is not what you think. Promise Mother that you will not love him too much.” Brother told her, “Shu’er, since you have chosen this path, then I will no longer be your brother. I will only consider you my sister Baili Shu is dead.”

Chapter 081 Fate is Like a Paper Kite (1)

Paper Kite Extra. My life is like a kite (1)

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When I was thirteen, my father was beheaded for embezzling 300,000 taels of silver from the imperial relief fund. My mother hanged herself in prison in despair. My brother and I were sold into slavery.

Because of my beauty, I was bought by a brothel madam at a high price. At that time, I was filled with despair. I thought: A young lady from an official family has fallen to such a state. It would be better to go with my father and mother. Just

as I was about to bite my tongue and commit suicide, a man appeared in front of me like a ghost. He pinched my chin, smiled with his peach blossom eyes, and turned to the madam and said, "I will pay ten times the price to sell this woman to me." With just one sentence, I regained my will to live. As long as I don't go to a brothel to be defiled, I am willing to live.

The brothel madam has seen countless people. She may have seen that buying me would only result in me becoming a corpse, or she may have seen that the man in front of her was not someone to be trifled with. So she hurriedly nodded and agreed.

☆☆

On the way, this man with captivating eyes told me his name was Mo Fei, and that he was out scouting a stunningly beautiful maid for his master.

I was stunned. If even a servant possessed such elegance and bearing, I wondered what kind of breathtaking beauty his master must have?

☆☆

The moment I first saw my master, I was stunned. I had never imagined that anyone in this world could have such a compassionate face, like a deity from the heavens. Just one glance brought immense peace to my heart, and all my sorrow vanished instantly.

Since I was now a servant, I could no longer use my former name. When my master was about to name me, I knelt down first, kowtowing and saying, "This servant wishes to name myself Paper Kite. Please grant my wish, Master."

My master gazed at me, a slight smile playing on her lips, and asked with interest, "Why do you want to name yourself such a name?" Her voice was soft and ethereal, like a celestial melody.

I knew that a good answer would be my chance to rise in rank. After all, there were many ranks of maids, and even as a servant, I only wanted to be the highest-ranking. So I carefully replied, "This servant's life is like a paper kite; only you, Master, who holds the string, can control me." With just this one sentence, I became one of the four great maids by my master's side.

☆☆

A slender waist, light as a feather, a gentle smile, a subtle fragrance wafting through the air. Those who serve by the master's side are all absolute beauties.

Because of their beauty, it's inevitable that they'll harbor inappropriate thoughts. But they all forget that they aren't the only beautiful women.

I grew up in a large family, so I naturally know that the more ambitious a maid is, the more likely she is to have a fragile fate. Therefore, I've always tried my best to restrain myself, not allowing myself to be overly ambitious or harbor inappropriate thoughts.

Because I don't compete, those maids who do often mock me behind my back for being foolish and lacking ambition.

I just smile. Who wouldn't like a man like the master? But one must also consider whether such a man is worthy of one's desires.

Time proved me right. Maids came and went by the master, but in the end, I was the only maid who stayed by his side the longest.

Everyone says I'm lucky to be so favored by the master, but only I know that it's because I've always been dutiful and never acted spoiled.

My

master isn't a man of strong desires. After his youthful, reckless years, I'm the only woman he's been intimate with. Gradually, I started to think that perhaps I could stay by his side forever. Although as a maid, if one's ambitions are too high, one might end up with a life as fragile as paper, I don't ask for much. I only want to accompany my master as a maid, nothing more. Surely this desire isn't presumptuous? Deep down, of course, I also think: if I'm lucky, perhaps one day my master will…

But how can things always go as planned? I never imagined that one day my master would fall for a woman named Xiao Shu…

Xiao Shu came to my master's side because Mo Fei wanted to marry her.

Mo Fei is my benefactor. Without him, I would have died long ago, never met my master, and never had the money to redeem my brother from slavery and establish a family business.

So initially, because of Mo Fei, my master only considered her as a potential partner, and I naturally treated her extremely well.

Later, for some reason, my master started acting increasingly strangely towards her. What was originally an assessment turned into an attempt to seduce her

into having sex. When this happened, I believed my master's words, thinking that he was merely testing whether Xiao Shu was qualified to be Mo Fei's wife, and had no real intention of having sex with her. Unfortunately, I was wrong this time. My master not only had sex with her, but did so in public.

At the time, I thought she was captivated by my master's charm, had abandoned Mo Fei, and looked down on me. I was furious, so I hinted to the maid to put croton seeds in her food.

I thought she would swallow this bitter pill, but unexpectedly, she complained to her master: "Master, someone poisoned my food, causing me to have diarrhea all afternoon. Please, Master, do justice for me."

I couldn't help but smile. I remembered a pampered woman who once complained to her master about being poisoned with chrysanthemum, causing her diarrhea. Her master didn't even look up and said, "If you can't even handle such a small matter, what use are you to me? Zhiyuan, call the old woman in and have her taken out and sold."

I felt a sense of satisfaction, but then I thought, looking at her seemingly intelligent face, she was actually quite foolish. Indeed, if she weren't foolish, why would she ignore Mo Fei, who liked her, and instead, with her lofty ambitions, climb into her master's bed? What else could she be but foolish?

But what happened next was not like what happened back then.

The master put down the book in his hand and said to her, "Get up and talk."

"Mmm," she responded softly, standing up shakily, her shoulders trembling, wiping away tears with the back of her hand like a child.

What a pretentious act! I turned my head away in disgust, a fire burning within me.

Then I heard the master say gently, "Come here."

My heart skipped a beat at those words. Why did the master want her to come over?

"Yes," she replied obediently.

"Sit down," the master said.

The master asked softly, "Why is your face so pale?"

She continued, "Master, I truly understand the saying 'A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime' today. In such a short time, I've gained your favor so much; so many people are envious… Master, I'm scared. This time they gave me laxatives; next time it might be poison. A person only has one life; I have to cherish it."

This little bitch, how can she betray me like this?! I turned around, unable to bear it any longer, only to see my mistress gently stroking her hair and softly saying, "Go and investigate. Whoever you find, get rid of them. Whoever you like, let them take their place."

Then, my mistress smiled, looked up at me, and said, "Zhiyuan, bring me the nameplate from the cabinet."

My body stiffened. The nameplate from the cabinet?! Even I, a maid who had served my mistress for many years, had never used that nameplate, yet my mistress was now going to give it to her?! I repeatedly moved my lips, wanting to "admonish" my mistress against giving her such power, but the words always caught in my throat. Although my mistress seemed good-natured, having seen so many maids suffer the consequences of disobeying her, I truly dared not speak up to "admonish" her. I could only mumble a "Yes," and walked to the cabinet to retrieve the token...

☆☆

Originally, I thought Xiao Shu's fate would be simple: if she was bad, the master would deal with her; if she was good, the master would agree to let Mo Fei marry her. I never imagined it would turn out this way. The master gave her the token, allowing her to quickly establish herself among the maids and servants, taking turns with me to care for the master. Gradually, rumors spread among the maids and servants that she was "the second best kite player."

Although I felt jealous and envious of the favored Xiao Shu, and would sometimes try to trip her up, I never actually harmed her, because I knew where the master's bottom line was.

☆☆

Time flew by, and winter arrived in the blink of an eye. At this time, the master treated Xiao Shu even more differently.

I remember once when we were out in a strong wind, the wind blew dust into Xiao Shu's eyes. The master smiled, pressed her head down, and gently blew on her eyes with slightly pouting, full lips. Seeing this, my heart ached as if pierced by needles, yet I was helpless.

One day, a maidservant reported to me, "Sister Paper Kite, Master Mo has been lingering in the woods for quite some time."

Normally, Mo Fei wouldn't enter the master's courtyard, but now he was wandering in the woods. Even a fool could guess what Mo Fei was up to. I was furious, cursing Mo Fei inwardly: "How pathetic! She doesn't want you anymore, why are you still clinging to her? With your status, how many women would want to throw themselves at you?"

Wait! A thought flashed through my mind: Was Mo Fei waiting for Xiao Shu to pass by in the woods?

My eyes lit up, and an idea came to me. I stepped into the house and smiled at my master, saying, "Master, you haven't left the house for several days. The weather is sunny today, would you like to go out for a walk?"

My master put down the book in his hand, raised his watery eyes and glanced at me, nodding slightly.

My heart skipped a beat. Why did my master look at me?

I felt a little uneasy, but I didn't have time to think about it. I suppressed my unease and pushed my master into the woods.

☆☆

Just as I pushed my master into the woods, I saw Mo Fei holding Xiao Shu and talking: "Xiao Shu, I've thought it through. Even if you have someone in your heart, it doesn't matter. I will wait for you. I believe that one day you will change your mind."

Chapter 082 Fate is Like a Paper Kite (2)

I couldn't help but feel secretly happy. It was worth it for me to suggest that my master come out, even though I was sweating. It was really the right thing to do.

While pleased, I remarked, "For such a proud man as Mo Fei to say such a thing, it seems he's truly enamored with Miss Xiao Shu."

She looked shocked when she saw me pushing my master forward. Mo Fei, seeing me push my master, immediately knelt on both knees, saying, "Your subordinate greets Your Majesty." Normally, Mo Fei and the others would kneel on one knee to greet their master, but now they were kneeling on both knees. It seemed Mo Fei wanted to beg for a favor from his master today.

My master said, "Get up."

Mo Fei didn't rise; instead, he kowtowed deeply to his master, his voice earnest, "Master, please bestow Xiao Shu upon your subordinate."

I smiled slightly; just as I expected.

My master has always valued Mo Fei, and now that Mo Fei has pleaded like this, my master should agree to give Xiao Shu to him, right?

My master suddenly smiled, and I thought he was about to agree, but instead, he asked Xiao Shu, "Mo Fei wants you. Are you willing?"

I frowned. Even a fool could tell this woman wouldn't agree. If she wanted to, she would have already. Why wait until now? Wasn't my master clearly unwilling to give this woman to Mo Fei?

My heart sank. My master didn't want to give this woman to Mo Fei, or rather, he was unwilling to give her to him.

Sure enough, the woman immediately knelt down and kowtowed heavily to my master, saying, "Reporting to my master, this servant is unwilling."

Then I heard my master say, "Mo Fei, you saw it yourself. It's not that I don't want to grant your wish, it's just that she herself is unwilling. There are plenty of women in the world; a woman who doesn't know what's good for her is better off without." He paused there, turned to me, and said, "Zhiyuan. Xiao Shu is yours to deal with."

Although I didn't understand why my master did this, I still respectfully replied, "Yes."

"Master!" Mo Fei looked up in shock. He must have thought that his master's questions about the woman were pointless, and that he would ultimately reward her to him.

His master leaned back elegantly in his wheelchair. "Mo Fei, you are my brother. Your affection shouldn't be disregarded by an ungrateful maid."

"Master... Xiao Shu is just too persistent. She didn't..."

Mo Fei was interrupted by a wave of his hand. "This matter ends here. Zhi Yuan, later instruct Yuan Qing to find several daughters from prominent families for Mo Fei to choose from."

"Master, Mo Fei only loves Xiao Shu in this life! Please grant my wish!" Mo Fei kowtowed repeatedly, like a madman.

"Love?" His master repeated the word softly.

"Yes. Please grant my wish!" Mo Fei said firmly.

The master's tone remained gentle, but I could detect anger beneath his calm: "To love a woman who won't love you is unwise. I fear that if you suffer later, I will be even less able to grant your wish. Guards, Xiao Shu attempted to seduce Steward Mo; such behavior is intolerable. Drag her out and have her beaten to death."

Mo Fei anxiously crawled forward two steps, his voice hoarse and strained, "Master, please don't!"

The master did not respond.

Mo Fei, by now, naturally understood the master's meaning. He lowered his head slightly, closed his eyes, and said in a hoarse and broken voice, "This subordinate mistook infatuation for love. Please, Master, spare Xiao Shu… Miss." He uttered the word "Miss" with particular difficulty.

Seeing this, I couldn't help but wonder, if Mo Fei hadn't said these words, would the master have really beaten Xiao Shu to death?

The master remained silent for a long time before finally speaking: "Zhiyuan, take Xiao Shu away."

"Yes," I quickly replied, instructing the two maids beside me to take her to the maids' quarters.

☆☆

“Master, what should we do with Xiao Shu?” Although Master said he would leave it to me, I'm not stupid. How could I not see the difference in Master's attitude towards her?

Master quietly looked at the snow falling outside the window and said, “Let her go shovel snow.”

I don't know if I was being too sensitive and misinterpreting things, but I actually heard a hint of resentment in Master's tone.

“Yes.” I didn't dare to be stunned for too long, so I quickly replied and went to carry out Master's order.

☆☆

Although she was just a maid, as Master's head maid, she was naturally pampered. In just a few days, she fell ill.

I reported her condition to Master, and I saw Master's back to me visibly tremble.

After a long while, I heard Master say, “Find a doctor to take a look, the best doctor. Don't let her become mentally impaired.”

“Yes.” I quickly replied and went out.

But Master was still worried. Late at night, when no one was around, he had his guards push him to see her several times. I leaned against the door frame, watching, and the disappointment in my heart grew heavier.

The

pampered girl, on the second day after recovering from her illness, was sent to shovel snow again at her master's behest.

The weather had been very cold these past few days, yet her master went out every day, always passing by the area where Xiao Shu was shoveling snow.

This behavior was so obvious; I'd be a fool not to guess. Her

master was waiting for Xiao Shu to submit to him. But whether Xiao Shu genuinely didn't see it or pretended not to, she didn't run to her master to beg for forgiveness.

So, her master got angry and summoned the cook, ordering her to put insects and flies in Xiao Shu's food, but contradictorily demanding that the insects and flies be thoroughly washed before adding them.

Even while eating food laced with insects and flies, Xiao Shu still didn't take the initiative to beg for forgiveness from her master.

At

this moment, my heart was shattered. If he didn't truly love her, why would his master be so petty with a mere servant, using all sorts of methods to disgust her? He had insects and flies put in her food, and fearing she would get a stomachache, he specifically ordered that it be washed several times before being put into her bowl.

But I just couldn't understand why his master did this. If he cared about her, he would simply stop her from shoveling snow. Why send her to shovel snow but then not want her to continue?

After thinking about it seriously, I realized that all of this was just his master being jealous. He wanted to teach Xiao Shu a lesson. Who told her to let Mo Fei hold her in his arms? And who told Mo Fei to be so deeply in love with her?

His master probably just wanted to punish Xiao Shu by making her shovel snow so that she would apologize to him, and then the matter would be over. But after Xiao Shu fell ill, she stubbornly endured it, remaining unmoved by all the difficulties.

Such a stubborn nature eventually forced her master to take drastic measures, ordering her clothes to be burned and forbidding the purchase of new clothes for her. One would think that having no clothes to wear, she would surely beg her master for help, but unfortunately, she preferred to borrow clothes from other maids rather than ask her master for help.

Of course, the maid who lent Xiao Shu the clothes later suffered a great misfortune. To make a better life for herself, she had to ask for the clothes back.

She was almost driven to desperation before she finally bowed her head to her master and, in the midst of a heavy snowfall, went to her master's house to beg for an audience. Only then did I truly admire her; she had such a strong backbone.

☆☆

Xiao Shu returned, and the master was happy. The master still doted on Xiao Shu.

I don't know why, but at this moment, I felt no jealousy towards Xiao Shu, only envy, a deep envy. People are really strange. When someone is close to you, you feel jealous; when they are far ahead of you, all you feel is envy. It turns out that not everyone "of lowly birth" can't "have lofty ambitions." Xiao Shu could; she was just a maid.

Sometimes I wonder if, if Xiao Shu hadn't appeared, would the master one day treat me the way he treated Xiao Shu? But it's just a thought. After all, I served the master for so many years before Xiao Shu; if I could have fallen for him, I would have done so long ago. Thinking this, I felt even more envious of Xiao Shu's good fortune.

☆☆

The snow that had been falling for so long finally stopped a little, and a faint blue peeked through the gray sky. Xiao Shu softly told her master that she wanted to go out of the manor to buy New Year's goods. Her master, who doted on her, naturally agreed.

But once Xiao Shu left the manor, she never returned.

On New Year's Eve, the sky began to snow heavily again, everything was submerged in a blanket of white. Her master sat quietly in his wheelchair, his eyes gazing at the snow outside the window, utterly still…

☆☆

Xiao Shu seemed to have vanished into thin air. Her master sent many people out to search, but they couldn't find her.

Another winter came, and snow fell from the gray sky. Her master and I watched the snow from the veranda.

"Zhiyuan. Was I too harsh, and that's why I scared her away?" her master asked softly.

I lowered my head and didn't speak. I knew her master didn't need my answer; he was just making excuses for Xiao Shu's departure.

The vast天地 (heaven and earth) are desolate, the fleeting beauty of nature fades away, and my mistress, silently gazing at the white snow, looks so lonely. My heart clenched heavily, a sharp pain shooting through me. Little Shu, oh Little Shu, where are you?

My mistress has already taken you to her heart, do you know that?

If you've truly been scared away by my mistress, then it means you're incredibly impatient. Just persevere, and my mistress will treat you very, very well…

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