The city buzzed with whispers. The disgrace of Second Aunt and Hua Mei had barely settled when another piece of news rippled through the noble circles:
A new family had returned to the capital — the Xu clan, long absent due to political exile. Their young heir, Xu Han, was renowned as the "Gentleman of Jade": cultured, steady, and said to be unmatched in both poetry and martial skills.
At the governor's banquet, Hua Lian first met him.
Xu Han's gaze lingered on her not with lust, but with rare respect. "Miss Hua, your archery at the Spring Exhibition was most impressive. Few ladies possess such composure."
Hua Lian bowed politely, her tone serene. "You flatter me, Young Master Xu."
Yet in her mind, a spark stirred. In my past life, he never once crossed my path. His reappearance… perhaps Heaven is correcting more than just my fate.
From across the hall, Zhao Rui's jaw clenched. He watched as Xu Han spoke with Hua Lian, their conversation light and natural. The way Xu Han's eyes softened when Hua Lian smiled made Zhao Rui's blood boil.
That useless girl… How dare she stand so confidently, while I—!
And then, like poison poured into his ears, a nobleman whispered nearby:
"Did you hear? There are talks that the Xu heir may seek Miss Hua's hand. A union of talent and virtue indeed."
Zhao Rui's wine cup shattered in his grip.
Back at the Hua residence, murmurs reached the Patriarch himself.
"Xu Han has expressed interest in Hua Lian," an elder announced with delight. "After all the disgrace Second Madam caused, what a blessing for our house to rise even higher!"
Second Aunt and Hua Mei, now living in a rundown courtyard, heard the news too. Hua Mei bit her lip until it bled, hatred twisting her face.
"She stole everything from me… and now even a husband like Xu Han? No… I won't allow it."
That night, as moonlight brushed her window, Hua Lian sat in quiet thought.
Xu Han was steady, different from Zhao Rui's arrogant vanity. But she would not rush into marriage — not when her revenge was incomplete. Still, she thought, a faint smile playing at her lips:
If my new life forces Zhao Rui to watch me shine beside a man greater than he could ever dream to be… then perhaps that is Heaven's sweetest punishment.