THE JOURNEY OF REVENGE

CHAPTER ONE THE ZHANG PERISHED Zhang Jingyao, a talented and exceptional eighteen-year-old noblewoman from the esteemed Zhang household, was the pride of her family, both within and beyond their illustrious walls. From a young age, she demonstrated remarkable prowess in martial arts and strategic warfare, often accompanying her father, the revered General Zhang Cao, Commander of Great Huangzhou, to the battlefield. Together, they forged an unbreakable bond and achieved countless victories, earning the admiration of their peers and the people of Great Huangzhou. General Zhang Cao, a man in his forties with a youthful appearance, was a towering figure, known for his chiseled features, unwavering courage, and leadership. His wife, Zhang Mei (formerly Li Mei), was a remarkable woman of unmatched intelligence and fearlessness. A shrewd businesswoman with vast knowledge, she was respected for her astute insights and eloquence. However, fate had other plans. Tragedy struck when General Zhang Cao fell in battle, and his daughter, Zhang Jingyao, was brought back, her world shattered. The family was subsequently ensnared in a web of deceit and false accusations, with charges of treason looming over them like a specter. The penalty for such a crime was severe, unforgivable, and merciless. In a single, fateful night, the Zhang household was torn apart, their properties confiscated and divided among those who had long coveted them. The only exception was Mei Enterprises, a business venture founded by Zhang Mei, which remained untouched. No one knew why Mei Enterprises remained untouched by the schemers, despite their relentless efforts to gain control. Even the schemers themselves struggled to infiltrate the business, no matter how hard they tried. Two years have passed since General Zhang Cao's demise, and Huangzhou has been plagued by frequent battles between two or three countries over territorial disputes and natural resources. In stark contrast to the General's era, when he would skillfully mediate conflicts and prevent wars, the region is now marred by rampant corruption, lawlessness, and fear. During General Zhang Cao's time, the law was applied equally to all, regardless of social status. He was a just and capable leader who ensured that no one was above the law. Many wealthy families resented him for holding their children accountable for their actions, and some even considered him an enemy. However, the people knew that justice was served, and the region was at peace. Now, the law seems to have been abandoned, and the wealthy are exploiting their power while the commoners live in constant fear. Bandits roam the land, operating with impunity, even daring to strike during the day without anyone daring to confront them. The people cry out for help, begging the rulers to take action, but it seems the rulers are the ones breaking the law, turning a deaf ear to the pleas of their subjects. This is especially true in TiandiGou and Yinguo, the most corrupt countries in Huang Zhou, which seem to have been waiting for General Zhang Cao's death to unleash their true nature. Ironically, these two countries are also the most prominent ones in the region. CHAPTER TWO GUANG TOWN In Jinguo country, the system of government is unique in that any royal bloodline is entitled to the throne, regardless of birth order or gender. This means that a princess can potentially become the Empress if she possesses the necessary capabilities and strength. As a result, the royal family members are often embroiled in ruthless power struggles, eliminating one another to emerge as the strongest. In stark contrast to the intrigue of the royal court, Guang Town is a humble and impoverished settlement with a population of only three hundred residents. As one of the smallest and weakest towns in Jinguo, Guang Town is frequently targeted by bandits and wealthy families from the capital, who take advantage of its vulnerability. To protect themselves, the townspeople have formed a local force, with each family contributing a male member to defend their homes. Guang Town is just one of one hundred and twenty-five cities and towns that make up Jinguo country. Its lowly status and poverty make it a breeding ground for commoners, and its people are often marginalized and exploited. Despite this, the residents of Guang Town strive to survive and protect their homes, forming a tight-knit community in the face of adversity. Zhang Jingyao lived in Guang Town, a remote and humble settlement that offered her the anonymity she craved. Two years ago, she had narrowly escaped death and chosen Guang Town for its lack of attention and security, allowing her to lay low. The town's small size and peripheral location made it the perfect refuge for someone like her. To blend in, Zhang Jingyao had adopted a masculine persona, a tactic she often employed when infiltrating enemy territory or gathering intelligence. For two years, she kept a low profile, avoiding interactions with the townspeople. No one bothered to ask about her past, as Guang Town was a melting pot of individuals from various countries, many of whom were fleeing their own pursuers. As a native of TiandiGou country, Zhang Jingyao had been forced to flee her homeland. The memories of her past still lingered, and the pain of her experiences remained fresh. However, she had sworn to return to TiandiGou when she was stronger, determined to become a powerful figure in the Huang Zhou continent. Guang Town had provided her with a safe haven to recover from her physical and emotional wounds. Now, after two years of recuperation, Zhang Jingyao felt it was time to take action and start working towards her goals. Xiao Fan, once known as Zhang Jingyao, stepped out of her door, exuding confidence and charm as a handsome young man. As she walked down the bustling street, her neighbors couldn't help but notice her. The girls gushed over her, while the boys shot her envious glances. One chubby young man, who worked at the local blacksmith workshop with his father, scowled at her. "Must he always be so flashy?" he muttered. "A nobody wants to be somebody with just empty beauty." The young man, named Ah Feng, had a particular dislike for Xiao Fan. He had been interested in a girl who seemed to have fallen for Xiao Fan's charming face instead. Ah Feng often criticized Xiao Fan, saying, "A handsome face with no real skill. What are you?" But Xiao Fan usually ignored him and walked away. As Xiao Fan was leaving, Ah Feng's words echoed once more. However, before he could say anything else, a beautiful girl in a blue hanfu dress and bridal hairstyle suddenly appeared before Xiao Fan. Liu Yinuo, the girl, stopped right in front of him, her eyes locked on his face. Xiao Fan halted, his hands behind his back, his expression unreadable. His crystal-clear eyes seemed cold as ice. Liu Yinuo let out a sheepish smile, seemingly unfazed by Xiao Fan's aloof demeanor. "W-what can I do for you, Miss Liu?" Xiao Fan asked emotionlessly. Liu Yinuo smile only grew wider as she took out a small red box from her sleeve. "I...I came to give you this," she stammered, holding out the box. Xiao Fan glanced at it briefly before looking away, his expression still unreadable. Zhang Jingyao eyes blazed with frustration as she gritted her teeth. 'What kind of trouble is this?' she thought to herself. 'If you only knew I'm a girl, just like you, I'd love to see your reaction.' She sighed inwardly, trying to compose herself. Meanwhile, Ah Feng, the chubby young man, watched her with a scowl, his grip on the hammer tightening. His eyes seemed to burn with anger, as if he could kill her with a single glance. Just as he was about to explode, a gruff voice behind him barked, 'Hey! Are you focused? What are you staring at?' Startled, Ah Feng threw the hammer to the ground and stormed into the inner room of the shop, cursing under his breath. 'Damn Xiao Fan, I'll kill you!' The old man standing behind him shook his head, 'This kid... Ah Feng, come out here. You haven't finished your work.' As the old man picked up the hammer, he felt a piercing gaze on him. He looked up to see Liu Yinuo's furious face. 'What's wrong?' he asked, frowning. Liu Yinuo was seething with anger as Xiao Fan brushed past her. She stamped her foot in frustration, 'Oh, Ah Feng, just you wait and see.' She shot a deadly look at the old man before turning and leaving. Xiao Fan's rejection had clearly enraged Liu Yinuo, and Ah Feng's taunts towards Xiao Fan had only added fuel to the fire. Ah Feng had been pursuing Liu yinuo for a long time, but she had never given him the time of day. Now, she resented him even more for his role in Xiao Fan's rejection.