Chapter 1 - ARTTEDSBGT Chapter 1

It was late in the evening when a green carriage drove into the long street and stopped in front of a mansion. Two gatekeepers were idly chatting, but upon hearing the commotion, they leaned out to take a look. One of them quickly exclaimed, Theyve arrived!

Where? The other one stood up eagerly, bending down to peek outside the gate. Hey, its Old Liu coming back.

The driver got down from the carriage and called out, and then an old maid stepped out of the carriage followed by a young girl. The girl held her bundle tightly and anxiously surveyed her surroundings. Everything here was extremely unfamiliar to herthe tall mansion gate, the gilded plaque, and the fierce stone lions at the entrance, all making Li Zhizhi feel extremely nervous.

Miss, please go inside. The master and mistress must be waiting for you, the old maid urged. Li Zhizhi silently nodded and followed her into the grand mansion. The house was indeed very large, exquisitely beautiful everywhere, with vermilion columns, carved stone railings, and even the floor tiles were adorned with patterns. Her coa.r.s.e cloth shoes felt out of place on them, and Li Zhizhi felt like she didnt belong.

There were many servants in the mansion, and their gazes were curious and appraising as they looked at her. It made her uncomfortable, so Li Zhizhi lowered her head, avoiding their prying eyes, and followed behind the old maid into a hall.

The old maid instructed her to wait there and hurriedly left. No one offered Li Zhizhi a seat, but she looked at the carved red chair that was so clean it seemed to s.h.i.+ne, reflecting shadows. After hesitating for a moment, she decided to sit down, still clutching her bundle of clothes.

People pa.s.sed by the entrance of the hall from time to time, sneaking glances inside, their looks filled with curiosity and appraisal. They thought they were being discreet, but their actions were quite obvious.

Li Zhizhi grew weary of it all. She stood up and moved to a corner where those people couldnt see her unless they entered the room.

She didnt know how much time had pa.s.sed, but the sky had turned dark from dusk. There was the sound of footsteps outside, along with hushed voices. Soon, someone entered the hall, leading the way was a middle-aged man dressed in official attire. When he saw Li Zhizhi, he paused for a moment, took off his hat, and handed it to the person behind him, saying, Has she arrived?

Yes, she arrived this afternoon, replied the person.

Li Zhizhi immediately understood that this middle-aged man was likely her biological father. She stood up, silently gazing at him with mixed emotions.

She didnt know how to address him. What if she called him the wrong name?

The middle-aged man didnt notice her uneasiness. He simply asked the person, Did you inform the mistress?

The person hurriedly replied, w.a.n.g Pozi went to inform her, but at that time, the mistress was taking care of Miss Ziteng in the Purple Wisteria Courtyard and couldnt come.

Li Cen nodded and beckoned to Li Zhizhi. Child, come here and let your father have a look at you.

Li Zhizhi suddenly felt a sense of relief. She hadnt guessed wrong; this was indeed her father. She walked up to him, feeling that he was tall, refined, and kind, creating a somewhat familiar atmosphere.

Li Cen also examined her, nodding and saying, She resembles her mother when she was young.

The person flatteringly added, Indeed, she is a rare beauty.

Li Zhizhi lowered her head, feeling shy and embarra.s.sed by their scrutiny. She didnt want to be the focus of everyones attention.

Just as Li Zhizhi was hesitating whether to let go of her burdens, a servant rushed over and whispered a few words to Li Cen. His expression changed slightly, and he turned to Li Zhizhi, saying, Lets go see your sister later. Her condition is not good right now; she needs rest.

Li Zhizhis heart tightened. She didnt know the exact situation of her sister, but seeing her fathers expression, she knew it might not be good.

Li Cen gave a few more instructions to the servant before saying to Li Zhizhi, Lets visit her later. Shes not doing well right now and needs some quiet rest.

Li Cen took Li Zhizhi to Ziteng Garden. Although the courtyard was not big, it was meticulously maintained. It was late spring, and the purple wisteria climbed up the small building, blooming with cl.u.s.ters of light purple flowers, ready to bloom. It curiously observed the newcomers. There was a plaque in the wisteria bushes at the entrance, with three beautifully written characters that Li Zhizhi didnt recognize.

She quickly averted her gaze, lowered her head, and followed behind Li Cen. They pa.s.sed through the wisteria pergola and before entering the house, they heard the weeping voice of a young girl from inside, whimpering, Mother, am I going to die? Im in so much pain

Immediately, a woman choked up and said, Silly child, why are you saying such silly things? If something happens to you, how can your mother go on living?

The young girl sobbed, saying, Its my filial piety thats lacking. Father and Mother have raised me for so many years, and I cant repay your kindness. I regret it so much It seems like its my destiny to s.n.a.t.c.h someone elses place, even the heavens cant bear to watch

Nonsense!

A young mans slightly angry voice interrupted, Who told you these absurd things? What s.n.a.t.c.hing someone elses place? Youre my only sister. Dont say such things anymore. Take your medicine properly, and you will get better soon!

The woman also hurriedly said, Which maidservants have been whispering in your ear? Mother will punish them severely. You were raised by your mother, no matter what happens, you are Mothers obedient daughter.

The sobbing of the young girl softened, and she moved by their words, said, Mother and brothers kindness, in the next life, I will be a cow or a horse to repay

It was truly a scene of maternal love and filial piety, deep sibling affection. Li Zhizhis eyes flickered with a hint of sarcasm. She suddenly felt it was uninteresting. If the emotions were so profound, why did the Li family go through the trouble of bringing her all the way from Suixiang?

She heard Li Cen coughing, and Li Zhizhi snapped back to reality. At the same time, the people inside also noticed their arrival. The weak voice of the young girl said, Is Father here?

Li Cen entered the room, and Li Zhizhi followed him around the folding screen, immediately spotting the carved and embroidered bedspread on the carved bed. There was a circle of people around the bed, like stars surrounding the moon. Li Xingzhi, whom she had seen before, was also there, along with a dignified and beautiful woman holding the delicate hand of the girl on the bed, wiping away tears incessantly. This person must be Lady Li, her birth mother.

The young girl tried to sit up, but Lady Li quickly pressed her down and said, Youre still ill, dont move around. Lie down quickly.

Li Cen walked forward and asked with concern, How is she? Has there been any improvement?

The young girl coughed lightly and hurriedly said, Much better, thank you cough, thank you, Father, for your concern.

Lady Li scolded, She was just in pain a moment ago. Dont try to act strong.

The girl was placed on a soft brocade quilt. She was beautiful, but her face was pale, bearing a trace of illness. She looked like a delicate white flower that couldnt withstand the wind, making people worry that it would break at the slightest touch.

Li Xingzhi noticed Li Zhizhi standing nearby and said to Li Cen, Father, why did you bring her along too?

For a moment, everyones gaze fell on Li Zhizhi. Some looked surprised, while others were curious, making her the center of attention. Li Cen didnt mind and said, I came to see Waner and thought it would be a good opportunity to introduce her to everyone.

Li Suwan looked over and blinked her long eyelashes. Her voice was weak as she asked, Is this sister? I-Im Li Suwan. May I know your name, sister?

Li Zhizhi remained silent, not answering.

Feeling a bit unsure, Li Suwans voice became softer, and she nervously asked, Sister, why?

Before she could finish, Li Zhizhi finally spoke calmly, If youre asking about my name from before, I was called Li Zhizhi. We are the same age, so theres no need to call me sister.

Her voice was placid, lacking any emotion, and with a hint of impoliteness due to her rural accent. Li Xingzhi immediately reprimanded, Why are you speaking like this to Wanyue?

Li Suwans face grew paler, and she quickly tugged at Li Xingzhis sleeve, forcing a smile, Its alright, brother. Sister Zhizhi and I are still getting to know each other. Please dont be upset. By the way

She seemed to remember something and started coughing. Li Madam quickly comforted her, Good child, dont say so much. Lie down now.

Li Suwan shook her head and waited for her breath to steady before smiling at Li Zhizhi and explaining, This Purple Wisteria Residence was originally prepared for you by mother. It was just a coincidence that I ended up occupying it for so many years. Now that youve returned, its only right to return it to its rightful owner. cough Ive already had the servants pack up everything, and I can move out today.

Suwan! Li Xingzhi interjected with a frown. Dont say such foolish things. There are so many courtyards in the mansion; we can have another one arranged for her. You dont need to move out.

Thats right, Li Madam also advised, holding her hand. Besides, you are still unwell, my dear.

Li Suwan shook her head, But this is sisters courtyard. Ive lived here for so many years; I cant stay here any longer

Then you can continue to live here, Li Xingzhis tone was firm. Listen to your brother; n.o.body will force you to move out.

As he spoke, he glanced at Li Zhizhi, his gaze carrying a hint of displeasure. Li Suwan hesitated for a moment and said, Then, Ill move out after I get better

As she said this, she looked at Li Zhizhi with an apologetic expression and spoke in a low voice, Sister, Im really sorry. Ill move out as soon as I recover. Please dont blame Wanyue.

Li Zhizhi couldnt figure out what was going on. She hadnt said a word, yet she was suddenly branded with a big label. What courtyard, what moving out with such a large place, couldnt they find a room for her to stay?

Due to her confusion, she didnt respond immediately, which was perceived by others as unwillingness. Li Suwan seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, as if rea.s.sured, and Li Zhizhi couldnt help but feel puzzled.

Zhizhi is quite sensible, Li Cen smiled and said to Li Madam, With one more child now, our mansion will be livelier.

Li Madam kept her eyes down and gave a perfunctory smile.

Li Zhizhi suddenly realized that since she entered the room, her birth mother had never looked at her directly, let alone spoken to her. It was as if she were invisible to her birth mother and brother. They seemed to dislike her.

Li Zhizhi was arranged to stay in another courtyard called Shuyue Pavilion. If she stayed there a little longer, she would come to understand that it was the most remote part of the entire Li Mansion, close to the corner gate, with a bustling street nearby. Numerous shops lined the street, and vendors and hawkers could be heard shouting their wares from morning till night, creating quite a noisy environment.

Following w.a.n.g Pozi, Li Zhizhi entered the room illuminated by the light of an oil lamp on the table. w.a.n.g Pozi advised, Youve had a tiring journey. Miss, rest early.

Li Zhizhi remembered something and stopped her, saying, Granny, my bundle

When Li Cen took her to Ziteng Garden, she had been instructed to hand her bundle to a servant. Inside were her spare clothes, but the servant did not return the bundle to her.

w.a.n.g Pozi hurriedly replied, Ill fetch it for you, Miss.

She went outside and returned shortly, holding Li Zhizhis bundle in her hands. Li Zhizhi felt relieved and took it. For the first time, she wore a somewhat smiling expression and said lightly, Thank you, Granny.

She indeed resembled Madam Li; she was very beautiful, unlike Li Suwan, who appeared delicate. She reminded people of wild peach blossoms in the mountains, pure, elegant and spirited. When she smiled, she exuded a unique and pa.s.sionate beauty.

w.a.n.g Pozi softened her heart. Having been in the mansion for a long time, she could see Li Zhizhis predicament clearly. After all, w.a.n.g Pozi was the one who personally went to bring her back. She couldnt bear it and advised, Miss, youve just returned to the mansion, and youre not familiar with the Master and Madam yet. Its normal. With more time, things will get better. As for Miss Waner, dont compete with her or worry about her. After all, you are the legitimate Miss of the Li family, with blood ties. She wont surpa.s.s you in the end.

Li Zhizhi was momentarily stunned, clutching her bundle, and replied, I I understand.

Her pretense of not feeling disappointed was fake, but she hadnt expected to be easily seen through. This made Li Zhizhi feel a bit embarra.s.sed and ashamed, but at the same time, she was somewhat grateful for the advice from w.a.n.g Pozi.

After w.a.n.g Pozi left, Li Zhizhi stood in place for a while before preparing to rest. She opened the bundle and was surprised.

She had neatly arranged her clothes before, but now they were all in disarray, covered in dust. It seemed as if someone had taken them and thrown them on the ground, and some of the clothes had even been cut with scissors, leaving only a few pieces spared.

How could this have happened?

It was already late at night, and the sounds of unknown insects could be heard outside. Everyone else had fallen asleep, and Li Zhizhi suddenly realized that she was isolated and helpless in this unfamiliar place.

She stood there for a moment before quietly blowing out the candle and then feeling her way onto the bed. It was not until midnight that sleep finally overtook her.

A self-introduction: The female protagonist in this story has the scent of a white lotus, but she is not a selfless and virtuous person. She only lives for herself in this lifetime, so please dont hold her to high moral standards. Also, please note that the background is fictional (emphasis added). Gender roles are not as strict, girls can attend school, and women can have conversations with men without being condemned or ruining their reputation.