THE HEIRESS OF TWO ERAS

Chapter 6 : The First Step

The first rays of dawn filtered through the paper windows, bathing the quiet chamber in a warm golden glow.

Gu Qingzhi slowly opened her eyes.

The moment she tried to turn onto her side, a sharp pain tore across her back.

"Hiss..."

She sucked in a breath and immediately lay still.

"...Seriously?"

She stared blankly at the ceiling.

"What kind of world have I landed in?"

Her lips twitched into a bitter smile.

"In all my twenty-one years of living, I've never received such a beating."

A soft gasp came from beside the bed.

"My Lady..."

Gu Qingzhi turned her head.

Chuhua stood frozen with a basin of warm water in her hands.

The young maid blinked several times before asking hesitantly,

"What did My Lady just say?"

Gu Qingzhi raised an eyebrow.

"Hm?"

"You... said twenty-one years."

Chuhua frowned in confusion.

"But My Lady is only eighteen."

Gu Qingzhi's expression stiffened.

'Great.'

'I've done it again.'

She forced a dry laugh.

"I must still be muddle-headed after yesterday."

Chuhua's worried expression softened.

"This servant was frightened."

She carefully placed the basin on the table before helping Gu Qingzhi sit upright.

"My Lady, please endure it for a moment."

As Chuhua gently cleaned the wounds on her back, Gu Qingzhi bit her lip to suppress a hiss of pain.

After a long silence, she finally asked,

"Has... this happened often?"

Chuhua lowered her eyes.

"The Principal Madam has punished My Lady before."

"Most times, it was only a few strokes of the cane or kneeling in the ancestral hall."

She paused.

"But yesterday..."

"This servant has never seen the Principal Madam so merciless."

Gu Qingzhi fell silent.

Fragments of unfamiliar memories drifted through her mind.

Fear.

Tears.

Humiliation.

The former Gu Qingzhi had endured all of this without anyone protecting her.

No wonder she became so timid...

Before Gu Qingzhi could speak again—

Knock.

Knock.

The door opened.

A maid entered and bowed perfunctorily.

"The Principal Madam instructed this servant to inform the Second Miss that once she awakens, she is to begin today's duties immediately."

Chuhua's eyes widened.

"My Lady is still injured."

The maid remained expressionless.

"Those are the Principal Madam's orders."

"But—"

"Should you continue to argue..."

Her gaze shifted toward the clean bandages wrapped around Gu Qingzhi's back.

"It would appear someone secretly treated the Second Miss's wounds."

Chuhua's face instantly paled.

"This servant merely..."

"The Principal Madam expressly ordered that the Second Miss reflect upon her mistakes."

"If I report this matter, Chuhua, do you know the punishment for disobeying The Principal Madam?"

Chuhua lowered her head, her fingers tightening around the hem of her sleeves.

She remained silent.

The maid let out a faint scoff.

"Your loyalty may well cost you your life."

"Enough."

Gu Qingzhi's calm voice cut through the room.

She slowly rose to her feet, ignoring the sharp pain that spread across her back.

"I shall go."

"My Lady..." Chuhua called anxiously

Gu Qingzhi gently squeezed Chuhua's hand.

"It's only work."

She lowered her voice.

"Do not worry."

"I'll be fine."

She paused before adding with a faint smile,

"And I won't let you suffer because of me."

...

The morning passed slowly.

Gu Qingzhi washed clothes until both palms burned.

She carried bucket after bucket of water across the courtyard.

She scrubbed stone floors while her injured back screamed in protest.

By noon, her sleeves were soaked, her breathing uneven, and her hands had turned red from rubbing rough fabric.

She looked down at her palms.

Meilin would have snatched these clothes from me the moment she saw me trying to wash them.

She was not accustomed to doing this kind of work, especially barefoot. The unfamiliar task was difficult, and the rough ground made it even more uncomfortable. She could only manage by carefully observing the other servants and following their movements.

A smile unconsciously appeared on her face.

Thank goodness... I never treated the servants badly.

Only now did she truly understand how difficult their work had always been.

Just then—

Grrrr...

Her stomach let out a loud protest.

Gu Qingzhi looked around.

"Don't tell me..."

"No one eats at midday?"

The servants nearby exchanged puzzled glances.

One of them whispered,

"What is... midday?"

Another shook her head.

"This servant does not know."

Gu Qingzhi covered her face.

Right... Wrong Era.

Before she could think any further, the same maid from earlier approached.

"The Principal Madam requests the Second Miss's presence."

Gu Qingzhi frowned.

"What kind of punishment is this?"

"You make people work the whole day without giving them anything to eat?"

The maid looked at her with faint surprise.

After a brief silence, she replied,

"Has Second Miss forgotten already?"

Gu Qingzhi blinked.

"Forgotten what?"

The Maid answered flatly.

"As punishment, the Principal Madam ordered that Second Miss is to receive but one meal each day."

"You may eat at dusk."

Gu Qingzhi stared at her in disbelief.

"One meal? Are you trying to punish me... or starve me to death?"

The maid looked at her without the slightest hint of sympathy.

"Those are the Principal Madam's orders."

Gu Qingzhi let out a long breath.

Wonderful.

At this rate, I'll starve to death before I ever discover why Heaven threw me into this place.

She dusted off her sleeves.

"Very well."

"Lead the way."

The maid walked ahead without uttering a single word.

Gu Qingzhi followed quietly behind, enduring the dull ache that spread across her back with every step.

The further they ventured into the inner residence, the more serene the surroundings became.

The lively sounds of the servants gradually faded, replaced by an almost oppressive silence.

After several turns along the winding stone paths, they stopped before an elegant courtyard.

Gu Qingzhi slowly lifted her gaze.

A plaque of polished jade-green wood hung above the entrance, its golden characters gleaming beneath the afternoon sun.

Jade Pavilion.

The residence was exquisitely built.

Delicate orchids bloomed beneath the corridors, while the fragrance of agarwood lingered in the air. Every brick, every carved beam, and every flowering shrub spoke of wealth, authority, and impeccable taste.

Gu Qingzhi quietly admired the scenery for a brief moment.

Jade Pavilion...

A beautiful name.

The pavilion is dignified...

But the person living within it is as cold as winter.

Her lips curved ever so slightly before the expression disappeared as quickly as it came.

The maid stopped outside the entrance.

"Wait here."

Without another word, she disappeared inside the pavilion.

Gu Qingzhi stood where she was.

She neither questioned the order nor showed the slightest impatience.

Making me wait?

Another way of reminding me who holds power in this household.

Fine...

The longer you underestimate me, the better.

Moments later, the sound of measured footsteps echoed from within.

An older woman emerged.

She wore a dark green robe, her silver-streaked hair neatly arranged beneath a jade hairpin. Though age had left faint traces upon her face, her posture remained perfectly upright, and her sharp eyes missed nothing.

The younger maids immediately lowered their heads.

"Greetings, Nanny Rong."

The older woman acknowledged them with a slight nod before turning her attention to Gu Qingzhi.

Her gaze was calm...

Yet piercing.

Gu Qingzhi's eyes flickered.

Rong Momo...

So she's still serving Su Yulan.

I remember her from the novel.

Su Yulan's most trusted attendant.

Many of the cruel orders carried out within this residence passed through her hands.

Nanny Rong's expression remained unreadable.

"The Principal Madam will see you now."

Gu Qingzhi inclined her head slightly.

She gathered her composure before stepping through the doors of Jade Pavilion.

The receiving chamber was spacious yet refined.

An incense burner carved in the shape of a crane released thin wisps of osmanthus into the air.

Every piece of furniture had been carefully arranged, elegant without appearing extravagant.

Gu Qingzhi's gaze swept across the room before settling on the woman seated at the head.

Su Yulan.

She wore a deep violet robe embroidered with golden peonies. A jade hairpin rested gracefully in her neatly arranged hair, while a porcelain teacup sat comfortably between her slender fingers.

The moment Gu Qingzhi entered, Su Yulan did not spare her a glance.

Instead, she calmly lifted the teacup to her lips.

The room fell into silence.

No one dared to speak.

Even the maids attending at either side remained motionless.

Gu Qingzhi stood quietly where she was.

One breath passed.

Then another.

The silence stretched on.

Leaving me standing again....

I suppose this is another way of reminding me of my place.

Very well.

I'll stand.

Let's see who grows tired first.

At length, Su Yulan gently set her teacup upon the table.

Only then did she raise her eyes.

Her gaze lingered briefly on Gu Qingzhi before she spoke in an even tone.

"It appears yesterday's punishment has done little to improve your conduct."

Gu Qingzhi lowered her eyes respectfully.

"I shall reflect upon my mistakes."

Reflect?

The only thing I reflected on was how close your punishment came to killing me.

Her face, however, betrayed nothing.

Su Yulan regarded her for a moment, as though weighing whether those words were sincere.

Finally, she spoke again.

"The palace will soon host a banquet."

"The garments commissioned from the Gu family's silk textile workshop have been completed."

She paused.

"You will go and retrieve them."

Gu Qingzhi lifted her head slightly, surprise flickering across her face.

"I?"

Su Yulan arched a brow.

"Do you find the task beneath you?"

Gu Qingzhi immediately lowered her gaze once more.

"I would not dare."

"Good."

Su Yulan took another unhurried sip of tea.

"Collect the garments and return without delay."

"And remember..."

Her voice became colder.

"You bear the Gu name."

“Do not bring shame upon this family by causing a scene outside.”

Gu Qingzhi's fingers tightened slightly within her sleeves.

Interesting...

Yesterday, I wasn't worth protecting.

Today, I'm suddenly expected to protect the family's reputation.

How convenient.

She concealed every trace of sarcasm and answered calmly,

"I understand."

Su Yulan gave the faintest nod.

"Nanny Rong."

"Yes, Principal Madam."

Nanny Rong stepped forward, carrying a finely carved wooden token engraved with the Gu family's crest.

She held it out to Gu Qingzhi.

"Present this at the Gu family's silk textile workshop. The steward will release the banquet garments."

Gu Qingzhi accepted it with both hands.

"l shall do so."

Su Yulan waved a hand dismissively.

"You may leave."

Without another word, Gu Qingzhi turned and walked toward the entrance.

Only after stepping beyond the doors of Jade Pavilion did she allow herself a slow, quiet breath.

One step at a time.

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over Tianjing, the imperial capital of the Long Dynasty, as Gu Qingzhi stepped out of the Gu residence.

...

She had barely taken a few steps when a familiar voice called after her.

"My Lady!"

Gu Qingzhi turned.

Chuhua hurried toward her, slightly out of breath. Reaching her side, she bowed respectfully.

"This servant sought the Principal Madam's permission to accompany My Lady."

Gu Qingzhi glanced at her in surprise.

"She agreed?"

Chuhua nodded.

"The banquet garments are many. Someone must carry them back."

Thank goodness she came. If she hadn’t, I would have been completely lost trying to find my way around here.

Gu Qingzhi smiled faintly.

"Then let's be on our way."

Together, they left the Gu residence.

The bustling streets of the capital unfolded before Gu Qingzhi's eyes.

Merchants called out to passing customers.

Children chased one another between the stalls, their laughter ringing through the air.

The aroma of steamed buns, roasted chestnuts and freshly brewed tea drifted through the crowded marketplace.

Carriages rolled steadily along the stone-paved road while elegantly dressed nobles passed by, attended by their servants.

Gu Qingzhi's eyes wandered from one sight to another.

So this is Tianjing the Capital of Long Dynasty........

It's even livelier than I imagined.

Her gaze stopped at a vendor balancing dozens of glossy red fruits upon bamboo sticks.

She pointed curiously.

"Chuhua, what's that?"

Chuhua followed her gaze.

"Tanghulu, My Lady. Candied hawthorn."

Gu Qingzhi's eyes brightened.

"So they really have Tanghulu..."

"My Lady?"

Gu Qingzhi immediately cleared her throat.

"I mean... it looks rather delicious."

Chuhua smiled.

"It is quite popular."

They continued walking.

A loud bell suddenly rang ahead.

Several pedestrians quickly stepped aside.

A richly decorated carriage rolled past, escorted by mounted guards.

Gu Qingzhi instinctively moved aside as well.

"Why did everyone make way so quickly?"

Chuhua answered without hesitation.

"It belongs to a government official. Commoners must yield the road whenever an official or a noble passes."

Gu Qingzhi nodded thoughtfully.

"I see."

Not far ahead, music filled the street.

A lavish bridal procession slowly made its way through the crowd.

The bride's crimson sedan chair was followed by servants carrying dowry chests.

Gu Qingzhi watched with interest.

"Someone's getting married?"

"Yes, My Lady."

"Whose wedding is it?"

Chuhua lowered her voice.

"I heard it is the eldest son of the Minister of Revenue."

Gu Qingzhi smiled.

"It must be his first marriage."

Chuhua blinked.

"No, My Lady."

"He already has a principal wife."

Gu Qingzhi looked at her, surprised.

"This is another marriage?"

Chuhua nodded.

"The principal wife approved it. Among noble families, such arrangements are not uncommon. If the family's circumstances permit, a man may marry another wife of equal standing, or he may take concubines."

Gu Qingzhi stared at the passing procession.

"...That certainly wouldn't go over well where I come fr—"

She stopped herself.

Chuhua tilted her head.

"My Lady?"

Gu Qingzhi forced a smile.

"I merely... find the customs of different households interesting."

Chuhua nodded without suspicion.

"As long as the family prospers, few question such matters."

The two continued through the lively streets, one quietly observing a world that was no longer just the pages of a novel...

...and the other unknowingly guiding a young woman who was seeing it with entirely new eyes.

Leaving the lively market behind, Gu Qingzhi and Chuhua continued toward the Gu Family Silk Textile Workshop.

The streets of Tianjing grew even busier.

Gu Qingzhi took in every sight with quiet fascination.

Though she had read about Tianjing in the novel, seeing it with her own eyes was an entirely different experience.

As they approached a busy intersection, Chuhua suddenly slowed her pace.

"My Lady."

"Hm?"

"The roads ahead are often crowded. Please remain close to this servant."

Gu Qingzhi nodded absentmindedly, her attention caught by a craftsman carving an intricate dragon from a block of wood.

"That workmanship is incredible..."

Before Chuhua could reply—

A frantic shout pierced the air.

"Move!"

"A horse! Get out of the way!"

The bustling street instantly erupted into chaos.

Merchants abandoned their stalls.

Pedestrians scattered in every direction.

A frightened horse, its reins trailing loosely behind it, charged wildly through the street.

Its panicked neigh echoed between the buildings as it barreled toward the crowd.

"My Lady!"

Chuhua reached instinctively for Gu Qingzhi.

But a fleeing passerby crashed into Chuhua, knocking her several steps away.

"Ah!"

"Chuhua!"

Gu Qingzhi turned just as the thunder of pounding hooves closed in.

Her heart lurched.

The horse was racing straight toward her.

For a single heartbeat...

The bustling street seemed to fall silent.

No way...

Is this really how it ends?

I get transported into an ancient world... survived yesterday beating.

I haven't even explored Tianjing properly.

I haven't lived this life...

I haven't uncovered the truth behind my arrival.

l haven't even had the chance to find the kind of love I've always dreamed of.....

And now I'm about to die beneath a horse?

The distance vanished in an instant.

Just as the horse was almost upon her—

A dark figure descended from above.

Strong arms caught her around the waist.

Before she could even cry out, she felt herself lifted effortlessly away from the road.

The world spun.

A gust of wind brushed against her face.

The next moment, her feet touched the ground safely at the side of the street.

Before she could regain her balance, the stranger released her.

His gaze swept over her for the briefest instant, only long enough to ensure she was unharmed.

Then he looked away.

It was nowhere near enough time to take in her features.

Gu Qingzhi quickly lifted her head.

But all she caught was the sharp outline of his profile beneath the shadow of his hood.

Before she could see his face clearly, he had already turned away.

"The streets of Tianjing are no place for carelessness."

Without waiting for a reply, he turned.

With a light step, he leapt effortlessly back onto his horse in one fluid motion.

The black horse surged forward.

His cloak fluttered behind him as he rode away through the crowd.

Gu Qingzhi blinked in disbelief.

"Excuse me?"

She frowned.

"I was the one nearly trampled, and I'm the careless one?"

The rider did not look back.

Within moments, he disappeared into the sea of people.

"How rude."

Gu Qingzhi clicked her tongue.

"Not even a chance to say thank you."

Then Chuhua runs over in panic.

"My Lady! Are you hurt?"

Gu Qingzhi dusted off her sleeves and shook her head.

"I'm fine."

Chuhua let out a relieved breath.

"You nearly frightened me to death."

Gu Qingzhi smiled faintly.

"It takes more than a frightened horse to send me to the afterlife."

"My Lady..."

Chuhua looked at her helplessly.

"You mustn't joke about such things."

Gu Qingzhi chuckled softly but said no more.

Chuhua carefully looked her over once more before remembering their errand.

"My Lady... we should continue. The Principal Madam instructed us not to delay."

Gu Qingzhi nodded.

"Let's go."

She couldn't help but glance once over her shoulder.

The mysterious rider had long disappeared into the bustling streets of Tianjing.

She gave a small shake of her head.

"What an odd man..."

With that, Mistress and maid disappeared into the crowd, their destination drawing ever closer.

Ahead stood the Gu Family Silk Textile Workshop...