Chapter 3: Clarification of the Truth

I almost forgot to ask you—what is your name

At the command, there were already those who acted accordingly. A moment later, someone gently lifted the veil of fishnet, and beneath the shimmering pearls, a graceful figure stood at the lower end, bowing in acknowledgment

The color has deeply set in, and it has spread out in all directions; even the finest embroidery cannot conceal the entire fabric... Please forgive this servant for her inability.

A voice, still tinged with youthful innocence, rang out. Shu Zhen barely managed to stop coughing, turned to the person beside her, and, with a pained smile while clutching her chest and gasping for breath, said: "Have you already forgotten me, Hong'er?"

How dare you, you little wretch, cry?! You have ruined my fine brocade, presenting yourself in this manner for whom?!

The woman replied in a low voice, her tone somewhat hoarse, but soon after, she pressed her hand to her chest and began to cough deeply.

Upon hearing this, the woman’s gaze flickered, and as she lifted her head, her smile carried a hint of an elusive meaning

Her contemplation was abruptly interrupted by a sudden remark

Shu Zhen pulled the little girl and walked forward step by step, the snow reaching above her knees, the cold seeping in, causing her to cough again

Upon hearing this, Yan Ji smiled, and the rouge on her fingers shimmered with brilliance. "Very well, if you sisters can truly salvage the situation, I shall spare you this time..."

Yan Ji listened, half believing and half doubting, "You wouldn't be trying to deceive this palace, would you?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Ji raised her eyebrows and looked at the emaciated and grotesque figure below the steps, yet she found herself lacking even the interest to scold him

Madam Yan, please do not be angry... Although this attire is challenging, it is not without solutions.

If there is any falsehood, madam, it is not too late to punish my two sisters for their grave offenses

A hoarse voice echoed, resonating with the empty and oppressive silence filled with incense throughout the hall

Yan Ji was momentarily taken aback; upon looking, she found that the tattooed woman had already raised her head and was staring directly at her

She sighed, her eyes gazing into the boundless and vast sky.

I cannot confidently say it is good, I only have a slight understanding of it

Hong Ling was both surprised and delighted, tears of disbelief streaming down her face as she tightly embraced her longed-for sister, "Sister, it really is you!"

My name is Shu Zhen

The implication was clear, and the woman readily agreed, pulling her sister to leave, but was called back by Yan Ji.

Yan Ji saw that she was coughing painfully and felt somewhat guilty, so she softened her tone and continued, "You should take a look at this cloud brocade..."

She raised her hand, and in the palm was that fragrant nut.

This unexpected turn of events led her to continue: "Previously, I was indeed powerless on my own, but now that my sister is here, she has learned the method of unraveling silk. After it is unraveled and cleaned separately, any deficiencies will be supplemented by me through embroidery, ensuring that it will be seamless."

In Shu Zhen's eyes, an indescribable sorrow flickered, quietly holding a smile as she gently stroked Hong Ling's head, "Hong Er, my sister has changed her name now, it is Shu Zhen... Do you remember that?"

Ke Ni, you still do not wish for me to develop a desire for death, which is why you sent my sister to my side, so that I may live well...

How is it possible ... ... ? !

She turned her head and saw the little maid from before, kneeling silently by the side, weeping quietly. Unable to contain the surge of anger rising in her throat, her voice became sharp and piercing.

That's all, that's all

Are you really my sister

She was taken aback, silently scolding herself for her wild thoughts, and then frowned as she said, "You just said you were powerless!"

Amidst the white snow, a winding path has long been cleared by the palace maids, becoming increasingly rugged and difficult to traverse as one ventures into the more remote areas

Shu Zhen embraced her gently, tenderly stroking her hair, with a gaze filled with profound and inscrutable emotions of both sorrow and joy

Yan Ji raised her eyes to take a look, but could not help but let out a soft sigh, her heart trembling slightly

The woman was dressed in a simple garment, with long hair cascading down in a bun. The right side of her face was obscured by her dark hair, making it difficult to see clearly, while the left side revealed skin whiter than snow, yet marred by dense and continuous dark tattoos, giving her a fearsome and terrifying appearance

Indeed, it has been ten years

Relying solely on myself, of course, is not sufficient—I require her assistance

At this moment, Yan Ji came to her senses and coldly scrutinized her, "Are you saying this in an attempt to save this little girl?!"

Unfinished words, yet imbued with a chilling intent to kill, the bright red of the carmine reflects upon her snow-white fingers, as if proclaiming the end of this insignificant life.

Suddenly interrupted by someone, Yan Ji should have been furious, yet for some reason, she found herself at a loss for words, feeling as if she were ensnared by that gaze.

The voice of Shu Zhen is soft and gentle, gradually fading into the wind with the footsteps of the two individuals

Ke Ni, ten years ago you came to my side, serving me, accompanying me, never leaving nor abandoning me, until the very end of my desperate journey... Now, could it be that you, in some mysterious way, have guided me to meet your biological sister!

The healthy women had already stepped forward, pulling the person down with great effort. Outside, someone was preparing the court's punishment, and the sound of cracking preparations began to echo. The crowd's expressions changed dramatically, yet no one dared to intervene

Drag her out for me

Hong Ling seemed to understand yet not fully, and she nodded, "But a sister is still a sister, isn't she..."

Amidst the cries, the young maid was forcibly dragged across the ground. As she passed by the tattooed woman, she lowered her head and averted her gaze, as if she were a statue made of clay or wood

That gaze was quietly profound, shimmering like the waves; a mere touch could send a tingling sensation throughout the entire body.

Yan Ji let out a cold snort, still feeling quite vexed in her heart—just a few days later, it would be the birthday of Lord Wen, and this outfit was just about to come in handy...

The young maid was dragged along, her clothes in disarray, and her sweat towel and waistband scattered all over the ground. Overcome with grief, she collapsed to the ground, and from her torn collar emerged a small, exquisitely carved nutmeg button.

Really, sister

In that moment, the tattooed woman gave her a strange illusion... so eerily noble, surpassing even the previous encounter with King Xie...

It has been ten years

Hearing this, Yan Ji frowned and dismissively said, "It is inevitable for the convicted slaves of the court to have tattoos and marks on their faces. What is with all this nonsense—hurry up and bring the person to me."

Could it really be ... ... ? !

The slender jade-like fingers extended, the sharp tip almost piercing into the other person's eye

... ...

The north wind howls, snowflakes swirl, under the fading light of the sky, a gentle afterglow illuminates the tightly embraced "two sisters," as if in the realm of the ethereal, the comforting and light laughter of those spirited souls is felt.

The sound of the rustling fabric arose, and a maid had already brought a stool to lay out the dyed garments flat.

The object leaped, entering the gaze of the tattooed woman, and in her eyes, which were as still as dead water, a sudden surge of tumultuous waves arose

The woman's finger pointed out, unexpectedly designating the small maid who was being dragged on the ground in a pitiful state

I dare not deceive you, my lady... I truly think so.

Yan Ji was also taken aback. She composed herself and glanced again with some disdain, saying: "I have heard that your embroidery skills are quite good, is that true?"

Facing the astonished gaze of Yan Ji, she coughed and said with a bitter smile: "I just recognized from this object that this is my younger sister who was separated from me during my childhood."

She was already so excited that she was at a loss for words, "That year, the Northern Di people invaded, and it coincided with the chaos of the Eight Provinces... Aunt and the others said they sold you to a gentleman in the capital, yet I never expected we would meet again!"

You are right

The woman looked closely, extending her hand to caress; the light from outside the window illuminated her fair wrist, making her appear almost translucent all over.

She extended her hand—her palm was marred with numerous scars—and with some effort, she retrieved an object from her bosom—it was, unexpectedly, another identical fragrant nut button.