"Look, here is a failure who can't even win a little fight and was talking about winning," a group of people jeered. Their voices were cold and sharp.
I thought to myself: Who are they? Why are they talking about me? I felt weak, my strength fading away.
Suddenly, a mysterious man appeared. His presence felt ancient and powerful. "Because you lost," he said calmly. "But you still have time to take the win you've always wanted."
"But I'm dying," I replied, my voice a mere whisper. "I can't survive."
He countered, "Who told you that? You have everything in this life."
I stopped breathing. The world went dark, but I could still feel a touch. I could hear everything around me. He placed his hand on my forehead and whispered, "Aloriesis Revinte." I didn't know what it meant, but a surge of warmth rushed through me. Somehow, I felt myself breathing again.
Feeling alive, I opened my eyes. I wasn't in a dark alley or a battlefield. I saw many people around me looking very happy. One of them exclaimed, "Princess Li Meifeng is so beautiful! Look at her cute green eyes."
Another lady added, "You know that green eyes are super rare." Everyone smiled happily.
I tried to speak, but only a small sound came out. I was not capable of talking yet. I looked at my tiny, small hands and realized the truth: I had been reborn with all my past life memories. I'm reborn! I screamed inside my head.
A beautiful lady came over, her eyes full of love. "Let her rest a little, you silly people."
Everyone in the room knelt immediately. "As you say, Lady Jia-Li."
A little boy approached and asked, "Mother, can I see my little sister?"
Lady Jia-Li replied, "Of course." The little boy came to me, looking at me with wide, protective eyes. "I will always take care of you, my sister. I am your older brother, Li Da-Xia."
It felt so good. In my past life, I was all alone; having a family made me feel so glad. One of the maids said, "Lady Jia-Li, you should take a rest. I will take care of Princess Li Meifeng."
"Okay," Lady Jia-Li said. She kissed my forehead gently. "Take care of my little girl."
{Five Years Later}
[The Library]
Five years had passed. I spent most of my time in the Imperial Library, reading books about martial arts. I wanted to make sure that in this life, I would never be called a "failure" again.
I was focused on a difficult technique when a shadow fell over my book. "So, you're the third princess of Lu-Shen?"
I felt like I had heard this voice before—long ago, perhaps in that space between lives. I looked at him, confused. He wore black and gold robes that looked like the night sky. "Yes, I am the third princess of Lu-Shen, Princess Li Meifeng. Nice to meet you, but who are you?"
He replied, "I am the first prince of Tai-Sun. My name is Zhong Lian, but you can call me Ren." He bowed elegantly. "Nice to meet you."
"Oh," I replied. "So you're the first prince of Tai-Sun. I've heard a lot about you and your magical powers."
"Same here," he replied with a smirk. "I heard a lot about your martial arts and magical powers. When I got the chance to come to Lu-Shen, I wanted to meet you as soon as possible. And, as I heard, you really do have such beautiful green eyes."
I nodded politely. "It's my honor."
He stepped closer, his eyes locking onto mine. "Everyone is searching for you in the main hall."
"Why?" I asked..
The Rites of Union are about to begin."
[The Grand Hall of Emerald Splendor]
He didn't wait for an answer. He took my hand—his grip was firm and surprisingly warm—and led me through the towering jade pillars of the palace. My father, the Emperor, stood atop the dais.
"My little princess," Father beamed. "Today, we celebrate the bond between Lu-Shen and Tai-Sun!"
Zhong Lian didn't let go of my hand as the Emperor announced our engagement. My heart hammered against my ribs. Married? I've only just started this new life!
[The Engagement Ritual]
I was whisked away by maids to be dressed in the Ceremonial Phoenix Robes—heavy silk the color of spring jade, embroidered with gold thread. They painted my lips crimson and placed a delicate gold headpiece in my pink hair.
When I returned to the hall, the atmosphere had changed. This was the Napic, the presentation of betrothal gifts. Rows of Tai-Sun officials stood with chests of gold, rare medicinal herbs, and silk.
I sat on my smaller throne, feeling the weight of the crown. My older brother, Li Da-Xia, leaned in close. "Sister, you look like a bird trapped in a golden cage. If you don't want this, tell me. I'll challenge the Prince right here."
"I'm just tired, Brother," I lied, though my hands trembled.
Suddenly, a cold, elegant voice whispered from the shadows directly behind my throne. "Don't worry, General. I will take care of my fiancée."
I spun around, shocked. Zhong Lian was standing in the restricted space behind the Imperial dais—a feat of stealth that should have been impossible.
"Prince Zhong Lian," Da-Xia growled, his hand moving to the hilt of his sword. "I would introduce myself more politely if you weren't trying to steal my sister."
"Li Da-Xia, mind your manners," a calm, scholarly voice cuts through the tension. It was my second brother, Li Bowen, who had been away at the border academies.
"Brother Bowen!" Da-Xia's face brightened, and the two hugged.
Bowen then turned to me, his eyes soft. He reached out and patted my head, the familiar gesture grounding me. "How is my little sister? Your older brother is back."
I looked up at him, but in the corner of my eye, I saw Zhong Lian watching us. He wasn't looking at my brothers; he was staring at me with a look of intense curiosity, as if he could see the adult soul hiding behind my five-year-old eyes.