chapter 9

I am indeed bewitched.

If not for the experiences of my previous life, I could never have done what I do now.

Since childhood, I was disciplined to be proper and rule-abiding. Let alone taking the initiative to request the dissolution of an engagement-if it were before, with so many male guests in the front hall, I would never have appeared before them.

But following the rules does not guarantee a good outcome.

The Xie Clan has endured for a hundred years, knowing when to advance and when to retreat.

When the court needs us, we charge forward bravely.

When the court is stable, we retreat while ahead.

Absolute loyalty earns the absolute trust of every ruler.

My father, my brothers and uncles, have always adhered to our ancestral teachings.

So in my previous life, when Chu Heng showed the slightest sign, they did not hesitate-those who held power relinquished it, those who held office resigned.

Yet Chu Heng caught them completely off guard.

As it turns out, absolute loyalty to a fool is nothing but blind devotion.

“Miss, what did Your Highness the Crown Prince say?” Hong Yan cannot read.

While applying medicine to my knee, she leaned over, anxiously looking at the letter in my hand.

In the past, Chu Heng often corresponded with me, pouring out endless feelings.

This time, there were only four characters:

“Know when to stop.”

I tugged at the corner of my mouth and fed the letter to the candle flame.

“Miss!” Hong Yan grew anxious. “Miss, if His Highness is apologizing, maybe you should just yield…”

I interrupted her: “Besides the letter, did anything of mine arrive today?”

Hong Yan was startled. “Yes.”

She handed me a piece of White Jade from the jewelry box, her eyes suddenly lighting up:

“Today is your birthday, Miss. Could this also be from His Highness the Crown Prince…”

My eyes also lit up. I stood and reached for my cloak.

“Miss, what’s gotten into you these days? You’re going out so late? Wait for me…”

“Hong Yan, you stay here.”

I closed the door, turned, and stepped out.

The me of these past few days is certainly not the me of days before.

The rule-abiding Xie Shuyin of a few days ago had died earlier.

What remains is only the rebellious Xie Shuyin.