Chapter 21: The Daughter of a Concubine-Servant

Inside the Listening Rain Pavilion, Zhao Erqin sat surrounded by a group of half-siblings who had come to curry favor with her. As she listened to their sycophantic flattery, her mood was exceptionally buoyant; she felt as if wings were sprouting from her back, lifting her into a state of blissful ecstasy.

Suddenly, someone whispered, "I wonder if that one living in the derelict courtyard has finally kicked the bucket."

Zhao Erqin was reminded of Zhao Erdong’s existence, and her satisfaction reached its peak. She immediately gave the order and led her group of half-siblings toward the desolate courtyard. She wanted to see for herself exactly how hideous Zhao Erdong’s corpse looked. Heaven knew how long she had waited for this day.

Although it was spring, the snow was still melting, and the weather remained bitter. A cold wind blew, causing everyone to shiver. Zhao Erqin had achieved some success in her cultivation and was naturally impervious to the cold, but her poor siblings, eager to watch the spectacle, had insisted on leaving their warm rooms to venture into that snow-covered, dilapidated courtyard.

With a loud "bang," the rotting wooden door of the courtyard was kicked off its hinges by Zhao Erqin.

Inside, Zhao Erdong, who had been meditating, opened her eyes. A boundless killing intent erupted from her gaze as a cold sneer tugged at the corner of her lips. "Finally, you’ve arrived."

Baihe rushed in hurriedly. "Miss, the eldest miss is here, and she has brought a lot of people with her."

Zhao Erdong stood up slowly and smoothed her clothes. "Excellent. The more, the better."

As she spoke, Zhao Erqin and her entourage burst in. Seeing that Zhao Erdong and Baihe were not only alive but appeared remarkably healthy—their formerly sallow complexions now fair and tender, bringing out the delicate beauty of their features—the group froze.

"What? Are you and my siblings surprised to see that I am still alive?" Zhao Erdong asked with a radiant smile, watching as their mouths hung open wide enough to fit a whole duck egg.

Zhao Erqin’s expression darkened, murder flashing in her eyes. "Zhao Erdong, you see your elder sister and still refuse to pay your respects?" *You wretched girl, to think you actually survived. No matter; I will find any excuse to finish you off all the same.*

Zhao Erdong sneered, casting a sidelong glance at Zhao Erqin. "What a joke. I am the legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister’s residence and the granddaughter of the Duke of Yuan. Why would I ever bow to the daughter of a mere bed-chamber maid? Do you truly think you are worthy of such respect?"

Everyone present drew a sharp breath, holding it as they looked at Zhao Erqin. Everyone knew that the fact that Concubine Li had once been a bed-chamber maid was a history Zhao Erqin loathed to mention. It was the greatest stain on her life and the primary reason she hated Zhao Erdong so intensely. Despite her beauty and talent, she had not been born to a mother with a noble background, but to a woman who had once been a lowly servant.

Some things, once they have existed, can never be erased—never.

Zhao Erdong’s casual words had undoubtedly torn open the scar in Zhao Erqin’s heart, tearing it wide and deep.

The third miss, Zhao Erzhen, had just turned twelve. She was frequently bullied by Zhao Erqin, yet she had to curry favor with her in hopes that Zhao Erqin’s mother would secure her a good marriage in the future. Seeing Zhao Erqin’s humiliation, she felt a secret sense of glee, yet she was forced to speak up on her behalf. "Second Sister, are you unaware? Eldest Sister is now the legitimate eldest daughter of the Prime Minister’s residence. As her younger sister, you are obligated to pay your respects."

Zhao Erdong swept a calm glance over Zhao Erzhen. The girl’s eyes were filled with clear disdain for Zhao Erqin, yet she stubbornly spoke in her defense. To be so calculating at such a young age—she would likely be a formidable force to reckon with in the future.