Chapter 3, Thinking of the Past

The information provided to me by the maid Yun'er is indeed limited, and I racked my brains to piece together the historical records concerning the Shen family.

Whether it is to flatter the powerful or to seek self-preservation, outsiders naturally cannot know. Not long after, after Xue Fei was released, he was placed by Li Yu in this manor located in the outskirts of Chang'an, which can be considered a hidden retreat for a beloved. The day before yesterday, Princess Cui sent someone to summon Xue Fei to the Wang residence for questioning. When the person returned, he was covered in external injuries and on the verge of death. After several rounds of treatment, he finally managed to save his life

Yun'er informed me that it is now the first year of the Tianbao era of the Great Tang Dynasty. I, Shen Xuefei, am 18 years old, residing in the Jinglian Garden, a manor located in the outskirts of Chang'an belonging to the Prince of Guangping.

All conditioned phenomena are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow, like dew or lightning; one should view them in this way. What is meant to come will come, and what is meant to go will go. I simply maintain a calm mindset.

However, I am truly unfamiliar with the grand and illustrious Tang Dynasty

Although Li Yu and Li Shi later became emperors of the Tang Dynasty, the fate of the Shen family was extremely tragic. At the outbreak of the An-Shi Rebellion, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang fled in haste with Yang Guifei and several princes and grandsons, including Li Yu and Li Shi. However, Shen and the concubines of the princes and grandsons were left behind and unable to escape, captured by the rebel army, and were plundered from the western capital of Chang'an to the eastern capital of Luoyang, after which they disappeared.

I feel quite helpless in my heart. If I could choose to travel through time, I would prefer the Qing Dynasty. I immerse myself in Qing Dynasty time-travel novels every day, and I am thoroughly familiar with historical events and personal relationships.

I only remember that she was selected as a palace maid in the late Kaiyuan period and was granted to Prince Li Yu of Guangping, and she gave birth to his eldest son, Li Shi

"What is it?" I tossed down the last handful of fish food and turned my head back.

Upon closer inspection of this Quiet Lotus Garden, it is exquisitely elegant. At this moment, it is late autumn, and the pond still holds remnants of lotus and withered leaves, evoking a sense of desolation. Gazing at my reflection in the water, my brows resemble distant mountains, my eyes are like ginkgo leaves, my lips are naturally red, and my complexion is fair and delicate, ethereal and otherworldly. Then, looking at my slender figure wrapped in layers of embroidered silk, while beautiful, it contradicts the societal aesthetic standards of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, which favors plumpness, opulence, fullness, and roundness. Alas, I cannot be considered a beauty; how am I to navigate in this world?

Yun'er wanted to say something, but in the end, said nothing at all. She turned around and left after giving a gift.

Regardless of the dynasty, life must go on. I made up my mind to stand up, shook off the embroidered handkerchief I had been resting on, and resolutely walked towards the room

In turbulent times, what fate awaits a weak woman

From Yun'er's description, I understand that although Shen Xuefei is a descendant of a prominent family in Wuxing, her family has long since fallen into decline. After entering the palace, she was unexpectedly favored by Prince Li Yu of Guangping, who initially intended to establish her as the princess consort. However, unforeseen complications arose, and matters that rise swiftly to success are seldom smooth sailing.

Without needing to look back, I already know it is Yun'er. This Yun'er, at the age of twenty, has a well-proportioned figure. Although her appearance cannot be described as stunning, she is quite pleasant to the eye, especially her large eyes, which are as clear and captivating as if they were adorned with a doctor's degree. She is the only one who knows that I cannot remember anything, and over the past few days, I have developed a certain dependence on her.

Yun'er seemed taken aback

Shen Xuefei, for reasons unknown, offended the noble consort and was demoted to serve as a maid in the Yeting, thus she did not appear at the selection ceremony for the consort. Ultimately, Li Yu still took the younger daughter of Lady Cui, the sister of the noble consort, as his primary consort.

Oh, I secretly sighed, thinking that if I had arrived in ancient times and became a prince's concubine, I would no longer have to worry about money. It seems that I truly cannot be helped; I am destined to lead a life of hard work and toil no matter the time.

"Miss, it has been two months since the Wang residence sent the monthly allowance after Princess Cui entered the mansion." Yun'er found it somewhat difficult to speak. I knew she was kind and intelligent; she understood that telling me would only add to my worries, and I might not have any solutions.

Miss

Sitting by the pond, watching the faintly visible red crucian carp, my thoughts are unsettled

I see that there are still some pieces of jewelry in the makeup box, so I will pawn them first, leaving enough for two months of daily expenses, and then I will come back to you. I never expected that my first financial decision would actually start with pawning.

I wonder if the true Xue Fei may have perished due to her frail body, or perhaps she has traveled to the modern era? I really cannot comprehend. Meanwhile, Li Yu, who bears a striking resemblance to Peng Yan, seems to have evaporated from the world, having not shown up for several days. Could this be the predestined connection between Peng Yan and me? If so, I would be quite content to forget my way back.

More than ten years ago, the television drama "The Legend of Pearl" brought me countless tears. The fate of Shen Pearl in the drama, along with her separation from Li Yu, left me in a prolonged state of depression. Even now, I can clearly recall the theme song of this drama, "Pure as jade, how can one withstand the onslaught of rumors?" This line casually brushes over the helplessness and experiences of a weak woman amidst the chaos of war. What exactly did she endure during this time? And why have I come here to become her? How could I possibly fulfill her life?

I smiled faintly and said, "It's nothing, go ahead."

It turns out that I am the talented woman Shen Zhenzhu from Wuxing, who possesses both grace and beauty, with bright eyes and a radiant demeanor, favored and cherished. Shen Zhenzhu is a character from a Taiwanese television drama, while historically, the woman who left the central palace vacant for Emperor Daizong Li Yu was named Shen Xuefei. I have unexpectedly become her.