Chapter 13: What Noble Aura? Clearly, It’s Misfortune…

On the eighth day of the third month in the sixth year of Yuanshi, Liu Shunhua woke unusually early.

In her previous life, on this very day, right outside Zhiyun Studio, she had saved the Prime Minister’s elderly mother.

Saving the old madam had been the turning point that changed her destiny.

She was originally a free-spirited soul who cherished freedom above all and detested constraints.

Yet after marrying into the Prime Minister’s residence, she wasted three years there only to meet her end in a blazing fire. Even in death, she had never broken free.

Now reborn into this life with endless possibilities before her, she was determined to live according to her heart and would not marry into the Prime Minister’s household again.

However, she couldn’t stop worrying about the old madam.

When she first entered the Prime Minister’s residence, though Xuanhui deliberately cold-shouldered her, the old madam’s presence had made her life quite tolerable.

The old madam loved lively gatherings, particularly dance and music, and always invited Liu Shunhua when listening to performances, especially choosing newly composed pieces.

But Liu Shunhua knew the old madam, being over sixty, was prone to drowsiness and would often doze off halfway through the performances.

This was because she had heard rumors and was afraid Liu Shunhua would feel lonely, and even more concerned that the servants might look down on her.

The old madam’s elaborate efforts were simply to show everyone in the residence that Liu Shunhua was under her protection, and no one could bully her.

The old madam had shielded her at every turn, treating her like her own granddaughter. She couldn’t just stand by and watch anything happen to the old madam.

It was already the third month, with plants sprouting and ten miles of flowering willows lining both banks. The stone arch bridge was crowded with people, steam rose from the bun shops along the street, and hawkers’ cries rose and fell, painting a vivid scene of bustling human life.

Liu Shunhua stepped lightly on the stone-paved road.

Outside, the sky was high and clouds pale, boundless and free. She no longer had to be confined within high walls, shrunk in a small courtyard of the Prime Minister’s residence.

Fangcao looked at Liu Shunhua wearing her veil hat and couldn’t help asking, “Miss, if you’ve caught a chill, should we see a physician first?”

Liu Shunhua said, “No need, it’s fine.”

Fangcao asked again, “Miss, why are we walking when we have a carriage?”

Liu Shunhua lifted a corner of her veil hat, looking up at the sky – an endless stretch of azure, spreading like an unrolling painting.

She said, “I feel stifled. I want to walk.”

Fangcao tilted her head, thinking for a long time. In the entire Liu residence, it seemed no one dared to upset the young lady.

Before she could figure it out, Liu Shunhua had already walked ahead, and Fangcao quickly hurried after her.

As spring warmed, women who had been confined indoors all winter came out to buy new clothes, making Zhiyun Studio more crowded than usual.

Fangcao handed the pickup slip to the shopkeeper and waited aside, while Liu Shunhua stood at the entrance, gazing ahead.

At the end of the long street, a green-curtained seven-spice carriage approached slowly.

Early in the sixth year of Yuanshi, the Prime Minister’s mother, feeling homesick, insisted on returning to her hometown in Nanyang despite the arduous journey, and had been away for over two months. As her birthday fell in the middle of the month, she had to rush back to Chang’an.

Liu Shunhua quickly scanned her surroundings but didn’t see the mischievous child who had startled the horses in her previous life.

She was just feeling relieved that perhaps nothing would happen this time.

Suddenly, she spotted two children darting out from the crowd in the distance. One held a pellet drum, the other chased after him. The chasing child managed to snatch it, but the one in front refused to yield. During their struggle, the drum slipped loose and flew far away.

The carriage had been moving steadily when suddenly a pellet drum came flying toward it. The horses, already tired from the long journey, were startled and immediately reared up, neighing loudly.

The coachman relaxed slightly upon entering the city, but as he yawned, an accident occurred.

Panicked in an instant, he fumbled and dropped the reins. While bending to retrieve them, he was jolted off the carriage.

With no one controlling it, the horse began charging wildly through the streets, sending pedestrians scrambling in alarm.

Ignoring his bleeding arm, the coachman scrambled up from the ground and limped after the carriage.

But with his injured leg, he stood no chance of catching up.

As the carriage neared, Liu Shunhua didn’t hesitate for a moment she leaped onto the vehicle and seized the reins.

The horse, startled by her sudden presence, whinnied and bolted forward even more frantically.

Ahead lay an open square that, unfortunately, was occupied by a performing acrobatic troupe that day.

If the horse were allowed to charge into the crowd, countless people could be injured.

Liu Shunhua shouted repeatedly, “Make way! Make way!”

Amid the noisy crowd, her cries went unheard.

On the long street, the horse only picked up speed, showing no sign of stopping.

Someone in the crowd turned around, let out a terrified scream, and the spectators instantly scattered in all directions.

The already agitated horse grew frightened again, swaying violently from side to side to throw Liu Shunhua off.

Having only recently adapted to this body and with years since she last rode a horse, Liu Shunhua swayed unsteadily, nearly flung from the carriage.

Gritting her teeth, she wrapped the reins another turns around her hand.

The coarse rope rubbed incessantly against her palm, digging deep into her flesh.

Her fingers felt nearly crushed as a searing pain shot from her palm through her entire body.

She had to hold on she had to rein in the carriage.

If the carriage went out of control, even if the old mistress wasn’t thrown out, the jostling alone would be too much for her fragile health.

Her back rigid, beads of sweat rolled from her forehead, stinging her eyes.

Still, she clung tightly to the reins, not daring to loosen her grip even slightly.

After what felt like an eternity, exhaustion overwhelmed her, and she was on the verge of giving up.

Finally, the horse ceased its struggle and gradually came to a stop.

Only then did Liu Shunhua slowly release the reins, freeing one hand to gently stroke the horse’s back. Under her soothing touch, the animal gradually calmed.

She let out a long sigh of relief and jumped down from the carriage.

The coachman finally caught up, showering Liu Shunhua with profuse thanks.

Several attendants from behind the carriage soon arrived as well, gathering in a flurry around the vehicle.

A middle-aged woman at the forefront, her face pale with fright, asked in a trembling voice, “Madam, are you all, right?”

“I’m fine,” came a calm reply from inside the carriage.

Relieved by the steady tone, everyone relaxed, assured that the old mistress was unharmed.

The carriage curtain was slowly drawn aside as the old mistress leaned forward, her graying temples glinting softly in the sunlight.

At the sight of her, Liu Shunhua’s nose tingled, and tears began to stream uncontrollably down her cheeks.

Since entering the ministerial residence, Liu Shunhua had stayed by the old mistress’s side, accompanying her through her final days.

In the last half-month of her life, the old mistress had grown increasingly confused, rarely recognizing anyone.

Yet whenever Liu Shunhua visited, she would always murmur her name.

Even on her deathbed, she hadn’t forgotten to press Liu Shunhua’s favorite pastries into her hand.

The last vestiges of warmth in her frail, withered hands she had given them all to Liu Shunhua.

The old mistress scanned the crowd, her gaze settling on Liu Shunhua.

She wore a narrow-sleeved dress in pale green with flowing cloud patterns, carrying herself with graceful composure.

Though her face was obscured by the veil hat, the hazy silhouette added a unique charm to her demeanor.

Earlier, when the horse startled and the carriage curtain lifted, the elderly lady had vaguely glimpsed the driver wearing a veil hat.

Now, seeing her clearly, she knew it was the same person.

The elderly lady smiled and beckoned to Liu Shunhua, who quietly wiped her tears, clenched her hands, and stepped forward.

The elderly lady asked gently, “Young lady, was it you who stopped the horse earlier?”

Liu Shunhua nodded. “Yes.”

“Come a little closer.” Rubbing her leg, the elderly lady whispered, “You don’t know I was so frightened my legs went weak. With all these people around, I had to put on a brave face. But now, I can’t move at all.”

Liu Shunhua chuckled softly. The elderly lady truly hadn’t changed a bit.

Seeing her laugh, the elderly lady smiled as well.

She then asked, “Which family are you from? Your skills are remarkable.”

In her previous life, after saving the elderly lady, Liu Shunhua had recognized her noble bearing and sought to secure a new connection for the Liu family.

When asked about her identity, she had openly disclosed her background.

Later, when the Prime Minister’s residence sent gifts of gratitude, she had received them with grace and poise.

The messenger, eager to please the elderly lady, had lavishly praised her virtues upon returning, leaving a deep impression that led to the elderly lady speaking highly of her at the birthday banquet.

This time, however, Liu Shunhua only intended to save the elderly lady, avoiding any complications.

She bowed respectfully and said, “I come from a rural background. In my childhood, I lived with my maternal grandfather’s family, where I learned some horse-handling skills from my brothers. Today’s act was merely incidental, Madam. Please do not trouble yourself over it.”

The elderly lady, appreciating her relaxed and unpretentious demeanor, grew even fonder of her.

Seeing that Liu Shunhua seemed reluctant to reveal her family background and wore a veil hat to avoid recognition, the elderly lady felt a tinge of regret but refrained from pressing further.

With that thought, she removed a jade pendant from her waist and handed it to Liu Shunhua, patting her hand as she said, “Even so, it was a life-saving favor. Should you ever face difficulties, take this pendant to the Prime Minister’s residence, and someone will assist you.”

Liu Shunhua nodded, accepting the pendant and clasping it firmly in her palm.

“Grandmother.”

Liu Shunhua stiffened. That voice…

It was He Xuanhui.

She clearly remembered that in her previous life, she had not encountered He Xuanhui after saving the elderly lady.

He Xuanhui approached steadily, his tall, upright figure standing out in the crowd. Dressed in white robes that gleamed under the sunlight, the silver eight-pointed star patterns on his sleeves shimmered brilliantly.

He drew near, bowed to the elderly lady, and asked with concern, “Grandmother, are you all, right?”

The elderly lady smiled. “It’s you, Zhang’er. Why are you here? I’m fine, don’t worry.”

He Xuanhui replied dutifully, “Father entrusted me with some official matters, and I was discussing them with others. Ding Bao suddenly reported seeing your carriage, so I learned of your return today. I regret not sending someone ahead to escort you, causing you such a fright.”

The elderly lady waved her hand. “How could it be your fault? I didn’t want to trouble anyone, so I didn’t inform the residence in advance.”

Xuanhui said, “Grandmother, you’ve had a long journey and endured this shock I am truly concerned. I’ve already sent Ding Bao back to inform the residence and summoned the imperial physician. He should arrive shortly.”

The elderly lady pondered for a moment before saying, “Very well, let’s return to the estate. Since you have matters to attend to, there’s no need to accompany me further. Your duties take precedence.”

With that, the elderly lady turned to glance at Liu Shunhua, lingering for a long moment before finally turning away and gesturing to the attendants.

The carriage curtain slowly descended, and the carriage gradually disappeared into the distance amid the morning light.

With this parting, all past ties and worldly affairs scattered like dust in the wind she and the elderly lady were now utterly disconnected.

Even if they were to meet again, they would be nothing more than ordinary strangers.

Liu Shunhua lowered her gaze, suppressing the reluctance and regret in her heart, and slowly turned around.

“Young lady, please wait a moment.”

Liu Shunhua instinctively turned back, never expecting that He Xuanhui would take the initiative to address her.

Xuanhui approached Liu Shunhua and pointed to the hem of her dress, saying, “It seems you accidentally tore your gown while saving my grandmother earlier. The Floating Cloud Garden is just ahead. If you don’t mind, I would like to offer you a new dress as compensation.”

His features were refined, a faint smile playing on his lips, and his voice was as gentle as a breeze skimming spring water so tender it was almost intoxicating.

But Liu Shunhua was no longer the person she had been three years ago. She replied coldly, “Thank you, but no need.”

He Xuanhui was taken aback. Even through her veil, he could sense her aloofness.

Thinking he might have been too forward, he quickly explained, “Young lady, I mean no harm. I merely wish to express my gratitude.”

Liu Shunhua had no patience to engage with him and simply turned to walk toward the Floating Cloud Garden.

He Xuanhui, assuming she had accepted his suggestion, hurried to follow.

Before they reached the entrance, Fangcao emerged, holding a dress in her hands.

Spotting Liu Shunhua, she asked, “Miss, I heard commotion outside. What happened?”

Seeing that Fangcao had already retrieved the dress, Liu Shunhua replied, “It’s nothing. Let’s go.”

As she turned, she nearly collided with He Xuanhui, who had been following close behind, almost stumbling into his arms.

Xuanhui hastily reached out to steady her, his warm hand brushing against her arm. But Liu Shunhua recoiled as if touched by something vile, instinctively stepping back several paces.

Realizing his impropriety, Xuanhui repeatedly apologized, “Young lady, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were about to turn.”

Rubbing the spot where he had touched her, Liu Shunhua felt a wave of disgust and snapped angrily, “I said it’s unnecessary. Why are you still following? Fangcao, let’s go.”

Xuanhui quickened his pace to explain, “Young lady, it wasn’t intentional. When I saw you heading toward the Floating Cloud Garden, I thought”

Liu Shunhua halted and glared at him fiercely. “Stay away from me. Don’t follow me anymore.”

Scolded by her, He Xuanhui stood frozen like a chastened child, utterly bewildered.

For some reason, he felt that this young lady seemed to despise him intensely.

She made him feel as though he had done something wrong, yet he couldn’t recall what it might be.

He stood there in confusion, his heart feeling hollow and adrift.

This sensation was familiar with the same last time at the Floating Rosy Clouds.

Once they had put some distance between them, Fangcao glanced back at The Xuanhui and asked puzzledly, “Miss, who is that man? He carries an air of nobility and is exceptionally handsome, he doesn’t seem like a scoundrel.”

Liu Shunhua retorted angrily, “Nobility? More like misfortune. From now on, if we encounter him, stay as far away as possible.”

With that, she cast a sidelong glance at The Xuanhui, a cold smirk tugging at her lips.

He Xuanhui, may we never meet again in this lifetime.

Upon returning home, Liu Shunhua slumped into a chair, her gaze unconsciously drifting toward the bookcase in the outer room.

The cabinet was filled with all sorts of trinkets a small willow-woven baskets, a grass-made butterfly, and a bamboo dragonfly.

She rose and walked over, her gaze lingering on the bamboo dragonfly atop the bookcase.

Before her marriage, she had been passionate about various handicrafts, delighting in them tirelessly. Every little object in the cabinet was crafted by her own hands.

When she first married into the chancellor’s residence, she had still hoped to get along well with The Xuanhui. She once meticulously made a bamboo dragonfly, carefully carving a twin lotus on it, polishing the surface until smooth, and applying wax oil meticulously, hoping the twin lotus would endure.

Overflowing with joy, she presented it to The Xuanhui, but he merely glanced at it before tossing it aside carelessly.

Unexpectedly, the next day, the bamboo dragonfly appeared in He Rongxuan’s hands.

In front of her, He Rongxuan threw the bamboo dragonfly into the pond.

She sneered and warned her that such lowly things were unworthy of appearing in the Her family.

Liu Shunhua watched as the bamboo dragonfly drifted and drifted in the pond, farther away, her heart sinking bit by bit.

Recalling He Xuanhui’s face, Liu Shunhua felt even more disheartened.

With a casual toss, she let the bamboo dragonfly fall with a soft thud into the dark crevice of the bookcase…

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