- 1 day ago
- #shortdrama
Watch the full series of A Reborn Beauty in the Eastern Court — 40 episodes HD.Binge the complete drama in one video.Subscribe for more short dramas every day!
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00My sister and I vie for the title of the crown princess.
00:02On the day we enter the palace, mother spikes my peach compote with sweet wine.
00:07So, when I appear before the king, my cheeks are flushed, and my speech is slow and unsteady.
00:11The king frowns slightly.
00:13This lady has a fine appearance, but her manners are frivolous.
00:16She is unfit to be the crown prince's match.
00:18My sister, Leah Vale, is praised as graceful and dignified with the bearing of the future queen.
00:22I beg father to intervene for me.
00:24You're incompetent, so you have no one to blame but yourself.
00:26Leah may be adopted, but she knows how to carry herself.
00:29The Vale's will naturally do everything to support her.
00:32Half a month later, a royal decree is issued.
00:34Leah is named secondary consort to the crown prince.
00:37As for me, because of my disgraceful behavior at court, I am married off to be the new wife
00:41of the prince of Hume, whose first three wives had died.
00:44The night before my wedding, I cry and ask mother why she ruined me.
00:47She simply says, life has always been easy for you.
00:50Leah has had a hard life.
00:51You shouldn't have tried to compete with her.
00:53After I marry into Hume, the prince proves cruel and violent.
00:56He whips me at the slightest whim.
00:57Within three years, I end up just like his first three wives, hastily buried in an unmarked grave.
01:03In my final moments, I hear the maid's whisper.
01:05The crown prince has ascended the throne, and Lady Leah is pregnant.
01:08She's being named the noble consort.
01:10The veils are basking in absolute glory.
01:12When I open my eyes again, I am back on the day of the crown princess selection.
01:16Mother holds a bowl of peach compote and smiles warmly at me.
01:18Gemma, have some peach compote.
01:20It'll bring color to your cheeks, so you'll look your best for the king.
01:23I stare at her fixedly, at slender, tapered brows, feline eyes, a small mole on her right
01:29cheek when she smiles.
01:30I inherited her eyes but not the mole.
01:32Leah did.
01:32When I was little, I naively asked, why does Leah look more like mother than I do?
01:36Isn't she adopted?
01:37Mother's face immediately fell.
01:39Silly child, people grow to look like those who raised them.
01:42Leah isn't my blood, but she's more of a daughter to me than anyone.
01:45Then, she slapped me and forbade me from ever mentioning adoption again.
01:48It would only hurt Leah's feelings.
01:49I suppress the surge of memories, take the bowl of peach compote, and turn to Leah sitting
01:54nearby.
01:54Leah, before we enter the palace, let me offer a toast with this peach compote instead of
01:59wine.
01:59May the two of us, whoever is chosen, support each other and bring honor to our family.
02:04Leah is momentarily startled, and a flicker of panic flashes in her eyes.
02:07She knows perfectly well what was added to the compote.
02:10You're too kind, Gemma, but I've eaten breakfast.
02:13If I drink more, I may feel bloated and embarrass myself before the king.
02:17I let out a soft laugh and raise my voice.
02:19What's wrong, Leah?
02:20You're always telling me to eat more, saying a fuller figure suits a woman.
02:23Why can't you even take a sip now?
02:25The air in the room freezes to a still.
02:27Father frowns.
02:28Just as he is about to speak, Mother cries out, and her hand accidentally brushes the
02:32edge of the table.
02:33The bowl in my hand shatters against the floor.
02:35Shards fly everywhere, and the compote spills across the tiles.
02:38Gemma, Mother glares at me in reproach and helplessly says, you're about to enter the
02:41palace, yet you're still so clumsy.
02:43If you stain Leah's clothes, and she misses the auspicious hour, what will she do?
02:47She fretfully pulls Leah close and carefully checks her over.
02:50Leah wears a pale blue silk gown today.
02:52Though it looks simple, it shimmers faintly as she moves.
02:55That glow is only possible with ice silk from Westfield.
02:57Her headpiece is made of pearls and kingfisher feathers, which makes her skin look like snow.
03:01She looks ethereal and pure.
03:03Those are the most valuable jewels in Mother's possession, recrafted by a hired royal craftsman.
03:07In contrast, I am dressed in garnish yellow and bright green with heavy gold and ruby
03:11hairpins stuck in my hair.
03:12Mother handpicked them and claimed, you have fair skin, so you'll look best in vibrant colors.
03:16She even applied my thick, gaudy makeup herself.
03:19It is way too flashy, like an opera performer on stage.
03:22In my past life, I entered the palace wearing this very look.
03:25Standing among the refined noble ladies, I stuck out like a ridiculous joke.
03:29I heard Gemma is Duville's greatest beauty.
03:31Is that it?
03:31Shush.
03:32She's beautiful, but her mother always dresses her in ugly clothes and calls it vintage style.
03:36I used to think they were just jealous that Mother did everything for me.
03:39In truth, everyone knew Mother was ruining me.
03:41The carriage is ready at the gates.
03:43Leah and I bid our parents farewell.
03:44Father's gaze lingers briefly on my gaudy attire.
03:47He frowns slightly before calmly saying, the palace is full of rules.
03:50Watch your words and actions.
03:52He hands me a basket of food.
03:53Your mother woke up early to make this herself, but you refused to even take a sip.
03:57You're truly willful.
03:58Take it with you and make sure you finish it.
04:00He turns to Leah and gently reminds her.
04:02Leah, always be careful.
04:03We've made all the necessary arrangements.
04:05Leah is the daughter of Father's old friend.
04:07Her parents died young, and she joined our family when she was six years old.
04:11They entered her name into the family records as the eldest legitimate daughter of the Vales.
04:15Father pities her loneliness, and Mother treats her like her own.
04:18As for me, the biological daughter, I seem more like an extra.
04:21I used to think Mother neglected me because Father pressured her.
04:23But in my past life, as I lay dying on a broken bed in a side courtyard, my maid, Edna
04:28York,
04:28returned to the Vales to visit and accidentally overheard Mother and Father talking.
04:32Edna accidentally overheard Mother and Father talking.
04:35Mother was weeping non-stop.
04:36Don't worry, my lord.
04:38Leah is a noble consort, and now, she's carrying a child.
04:41Her future is limitless.
04:42Mary can rest in peace, knowing her daughter is well.
04:45But for Gemma, she lets out a cold laugh.
04:47Well, the prince of Hume may have a bad temper, but she shall be the rightful crown princess.
04:51If she behaves herself, she may live a decent life.
04:55This is simply her fate.
04:57Leah is indeed the daughter of an old family friend.
04:59That old family friend is Mother's older sister.
05:01Back then, Father deeply loved her before they got engaged.
05:04But she was framed at a garden banquet and ended up in a scandalous tryst with a stable hand.
05:09After her name was ruined, Grandfather had Mother, the younger sister,
05:13marry Father in her place to save the family honor.
05:15My poor Aunt Mary was sent away to a country estate,
05:18where she gave birth to the stable hand's daughter, Leah.
05:20A few years later, she died of depression.
05:23Still longing for his lost love, Father brought Leah home.
05:26Mother's love for Leah is never an act.
05:28She is her biological niece and the only blood relative Aunt Mary had left.
05:31In my past life, as I listened to those words, my heart turned cold.
05:35I coughed up my last mouthful of blood and stared at the tattered curtains above my bed
05:39swearing that if there were a next life, I would make them pay in blood.
05:42Now that I am back, I am done with these so-called family members.
05:46I will make them wish for death, only to be denied an escape.
05:48The carriage rocks as it heads toward the palace.
05:50Besides me, a matron from the palace, Poppy Ash, sits in the carriage.
05:54She is said to be the queen's most trusted confidant.
05:57I take a deep breath, remove the heavy gold hairpins and jewels from my hair,
06:01and take out a handkerchief.
06:02After dipping it in clear water from my flask,
06:04I slowly wipe away the thick layers of makeup on my face.
06:07A flicker of surprise crosses Poppy's eyes.
06:10I push the jewels toward her and say,
06:12These jewels may be gaudy, but they're true gold and silver.
06:14They're worth a fortune.
06:15You've had a long journey, Miss Ash.
06:17These trinkets are only a burden to me now.
06:19If you don't mind, please accept them as a small token of my gratitude.
06:23Poppy witnessed the entire scene at the veils.
06:25She says nothing and looks at me in silence.
06:27After taking the jewels and gold,
06:29she weighs them in her hand and tucks them into her sleeve.
06:32You're too kind, Miss Gemma.
06:35She pauses for a moment, then adds as if in passing,
06:37If I may be so bold, the handkerchief in your sleeve,
06:40embroidered with orchids, has a unique stitching.
06:42Is it from the Grant Embroidery School in Janesbury?
06:45My heart jolts.
06:46My grandmother left me the handkerchief.
06:48She came from a family of embroiderers in Janesbury,
06:50and her skills were unrivaled in Jewville.
06:52By the time I was old enough to remember her,
06:54she was already gravely ill.
06:56She only had time to embroider a few handkerchiefs and make several small garments for me.
07:01Grandmother only had time to embroider a few handkerchiefs and make several small garments for me.
07:06Grandmother said,
07:07Gemma, I don't have much to leave you.
07:09Keep these embroidered pieces safe, and if you ever fall on hard times,
07:13selling them may get you through.
07:15After she passed, Mother took most of her belongings and claimed she would keep them safe for me.
07:19Only these handkerchiefs remained because I always kept them on me.
07:22In my past life, when I suffered in the Prince of Hume's estate,
07:25I thought of selling the handkerchiefs to pay for a doctor.
07:28But the Prince was a tyrant.
07:29He stripped away even that last bit of hope and tossed the handkerchiefs into the brazier.
07:34When Poppy suddenly brings it up, I suppress my suspicions and softly answer,
07:37You have sharp eyes, Miss Ash.
07:39This is indeed grant embroidery inherited from my grandma.
07:42Poppy nods and says nothing more.
07:44Instead, she closes her eyes to rest.
07:46I make a mental note of the grant embroidery.
07:48The Queen seems to love it.
07:50In my past life, after Leah was selected,
07:52she sought out a master of grant embroidery and presented the Queen with a Phoenix embroidered painting.
07:56She earned great praise.
07:58The carriage stops at the palace gates.
07:59We switch to sedan chairs and head for Ivory Palace.
08:02Along the way, Leah sits perfectly upright and maintains her elegant posture.
08:06I sit quietly, while my mind races with calculations.
08:08The selection is not decided in a single day.
08:11The first round considers family background and appearance,
08:14while the second tests talent and virtue.
08:16The final choice is made by the Queen and the Crown Prince.
08:19In my past life, I was eliminated in the first round for improper conduct in the court.
08:24Meanwhile, Leah advanced through every stage and was ultimately betrothed to the Crown Prince.
08:28In this life, I will take her path and step by step, turn it into my ascent to power.
08:37The first round is held in the main hall of Ivory Palace.
08:40Over 30 noble ladies stand in three rows to be evaluated by the Queen and several high-ranking consorts.
08:45Leah stands ahead of me with a tall, upright posture, like a graceful swan.
08:48When her turn comes, she elegantly curtsies, and her voice rings out clear and melodious.
08:53I am Leah Vale, your humble subject.
08:55Greetings to Her Majesty, and to all the honored consorts.
08:58The Queen nods slightly.
08:59Raise your head.
09:00Leah slowly lifts her head.
09:02Her gaze is respectful without appearing fawning.
09:04Hmm.
09:05She has dignified features and a proper bearing.
09:07Smiling, the Queen turns to a consort beside her, Cleo Ross.
09:10Is she the daughter of the Veils?
09:12Cleo replies with a smile.
09:14Indeed, she excels in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
09:17She's truly talented.
09:18The Queen nods.
09:19Very well.
09:20Keep her name.
09:21Leah thanks the Queen and steps back.
09:23As she passes me, the corner of her lips curls into a faint smile.
09:26When it is my turn, I steadily step forward and curtsy accordingly.
09:30I am Gemma Vale, your humble subject.
09:32Greetings to Your Majesty and to all the honored consorts.
09:34Raise your head.
09:35When I raise my head, my gaze is calm and steady.
09:38She studies me for a moment before her brows smooth over.
09:41Though her makeup is rather plain, her natural beauty stands out.
09:44Like a luminous, fine pearl.
09:46She reminds me of an acquaintance from my younger days.
09:49Like a luminous, fine pearl.
09:50She reminds me of an acquaintance from my younger days.
09:53The Queen adds, you are also a daughter of the Veils.
09:55Which daughter are you?
09:56I'm the second daughter, Your Majesty.
09:58My older sister is Leah Vale.
10:00You're two sisters, but one is adorned in jewels while the other is overly plain.
10:04Do your parents favor only one child and only bother to dress her well?
10:07Even the five fingers of a hand are not all the same length.
10:10The same goes for a parent's love.
10:12My older sister is graceful and gifted, so not only do our parents favor her, but I,
10:16As the younger sister, I'm even willing to give her all the finest things.
10:20I might seem like I am praising Leah, but in truth, it is criticism.
10:24I am subtly implying that she is domineering and unkind to me, the younger sister.
10:28Retain her name, the Queen announces.
10:30I feel a surge of relief for passing the first round.
10:32Contestants who pass the first selection are required to stay in Ivory Palace for a month.
10:37We are to study palace etiquette before the second selection.
10:40Leah and I are assigned to different rooms, but we share the same courtyard.
10:43Once we are settled in, she comes to me on her own initiative.
10:46Gemma, why did you say those things?
10:48In front of the Queen today?
10:50Her tone is gentle, but her eyes carry reproach.
10:53As sisters, we were both selected, so we should support each other.
10:57Won't what you said make others misunderstand that I'm too domineering at home?
11:01You've misunderstood, Leah.
11:03I was just telling the truth.
11:04You're gifted and refined, so I do feel inferior to you.
11:07She stares at me for a long beat and suddenly smiles.
11:11You've certainly grown up, haven't you?
11:13Very well.
11:13In this palace, we will need to work as one from now on.
11:18Of course, Leah.
11:19The moment she leaves, I close the door and let out a cold sneer.
11:22That evening, Poppy arrives to deliver the palace rulebooks.
11:25I take the chance to hand her a small silk pouch.
11:27Thank you for your hard work, Miss Ash.
11:29This is a small token of my appreciation.
11:32She feels the weight of the pouch, which is filled with gold coins.
11:35You're too kind, Miss Gemma.
11:36If I may offer a word of advice, the second round is approaching, and talent displays will be crucial.
11:42The Queen loves Grant embroidery technique the most, and enjoys music.
11:47His Highness the Crown Prince prefers chess and archery.
11:51Thank you for the advice, Miss Ash.
11:53And one more thing, Poppy lowers her voice and continues.
11:56Your sister, Leah Vale, has often visited Lady Cleo's palace these days for tea.
12:00Miss Gemma, you must tread carefully.
12:03Miss Gemma, you must tread carefully.
12:05Alarm bells ring in my mind.
12:07Cleo is the Second Prince's mother, while the Crown Prince and the Second Prince are openly at odds.
12:11It seems like Leah has established a secret line to Cleo.
12:14After seeing Poppy out, I carefully recall memories of my past life.
12:17It was true that shortly after Leah was chosen as the Crown Prince's consort,
12:21Cleo's maternal family rose in rank, and the Second Prince's power surged significantly.
12:26The Prince of Hume, who beat me to death, belonged to the Second Prince's faction.
12:29So, from the very beginning, the Veils were playing both sides, seeking favor with the Crown Prince while refusing to
12:35offend the Second Prince.
12:36It was a brilliantly calculated scheme.
12:38Ten days before the Second Selection, a talent rehearsal is hosted at Ivory Palace.
12:42The noble ladies showcase their best skills.
12:45It is a dizzying display of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, dance, and embroidery.
12:49Leah performs a classical music piece.
12:51Her technique is flawless, and its mood is profound and distant.
12:54She earns thunderous applause from everyone present.
12:57When it is my turn, I choose embroidery.
12:59On a plain white silk handkerchief, I use the Grant Embroidery technique to stitch a cluster of orchids.
13:04The stitches are microscopic, while the colors are elegant and muted.
13:08But the master stroke is the dewdrop on the orchid leaf,
13:11where I use a special silk that catches the light and gives it a shimmering, liquid realism.
13:15The silk catches the light and gives it a shimmering, liquid realism.
13:19The supervising matron examines it and repeatedly nods.
13:22This Grant Embroidery technique can only be mastered with at least 10 years of practice.
13:25You're so young, Miss Gemma, so it's remarkable that you have such skill.
13:30Just then, the queen arrives for an inspection.
13:33She walks up to my station and picks up the handkerchief to examine it closely.
13:37A look of genuine admiration flashes in her eyes.
13:39Exquisite needlework.
13:41The dewdrop is the luminous stitch that was thought to be lost to history.
13:44You have a keen eye, your majesty.
13:46My grandmother taught me this method.
13:48But I am clumsy and have only mastered the basics.
13:50And who was your grandmother?
13:51She was of the Grant family of Janesbury.
13:54Her name was Alora Grant.
13:55Surprise flickers in the queen's eyes.
13:57So you are an heiress of the great master Grant.
13:59In my younger days, she guided my embroidery as well.
14:02But what a pity it's all in the past now.
14:05But what a pity it's all in the past now.
14:07The queen sets the handkerchief down and warmly says,
14:10Prepare well.
14:10I look forward to your performance in the second round.
14:13Thank you, your majesty.
14:15After the queen leaves, Leah's expression noticeably darkens.
14:18That night, she comes to me.
14:20Since when did you learn the Grant embroidery technique?
14:22I never knew.
14:24Grandmother taught me when she was still alive.
14:26Over the years, I've been practicing for fun to pass the time.
14:29I keep my tone casual.
14:31Back then, Leah was still staying at the country estate.
14:33You truly hide your talents well, Gemma.
14:36She smiles, though the smile never reaches her eyes.
14:39But here in Ivory Palace, standing out too much isn't necessarily a good thing.
14:43You must remember.
14:45That envy is a shadow that follows success.
14:47I'll bear that in mind, I obediently reply, though deep down, I sneer.
14:52She is already losing her cool, but the best is yet to come.
14:55She is already losing her cool, but the best is yet to come.
14:58Three days before the second selection, an incident occurs at Ivory Palace.
15:02Cleo gifts each of the noble ladies a palace flower as a gesture of encouragement.
15:06I receive a begonia silk flower.
15:07It is delicately crafted and beautiful.
15:09But, Leah's peony silk flower vanishes into thin air.
15:12At the same time, an identical peony flower is discovered at the bottom of my vanity case.
15:17Her eyes immediately well up with tears as she sobs to the investigating matron.
15:21I don't understand why it'd be here.
15:23If you liked the flower so much, Gemma, all you had to do was ask.
15:27Why would you go to such lengths?
15:29At once, all eyes turn to me.
15:31Stealing a gift from the palace is a grave offense.
15:33At best, one is expelled from the palace.
15:35At worst, it brings ruin to the entire family.
15:37In my past life, Leah framed me for stealing her emerald bracelet with the same tactic back home.
15:42Thus, I had to kneel in the mausoleum for three days.
15:45Now, she is recycling her old trick with practiced ease.
15:48Now, Leah is recycling her old trick with practiced ease.
15:51I calmly look at the silk flower and suddenly ask,
15:53Leah, may I have a closer look at your flower?
15:56Leah briefly hesitates before she hands it over.
15:58I take it, carefully examine it, and suddenly smile.
16:01Leah, this flower here is not the one Lady Cleo gifted.
16:05What nonsense are you talking about?
16:07She panics.
16:08They're clearly identical.
16:10Only in shape, I say, holding the flower up to the light.
16:14The flowers gifted by Lady Cleo have threads infused with gold along the edges of the petals.
16:18In the sun, they cast a subtle, shimmering golden glow.
16:21But this flower does not.
16:23Leah indeed hid the true silk flower among my belongings,
16:25but I was framed by her so many times that I know her pathetic little schemes by heart.
16:29At home, mother and father are so biased that no matter how obvious her lies are,
16:34they always side with her.
16:35But this is the palace, where no one is willing to play along with her little drama.
16:39This is the palace, where no one is willing to play along with her little drama.
16:43The others crowd around for a look, and it is true.
16:46Leah's expression changes drastically.
16:47I add, furthermore, every palace flower from Lady Cleo has a tiny letter C embroidered into
16:52the stamen, but this doesn't.
16:54Why did you claim it was yours without even looking at it, Leah?
16:57Could it be that only you're worthy of peony flowers?
17:00The investigating matron takes the flower, inspects it, and gravely says,
17:03Indeed, it does not.
17:05How could this be?
17:08Someone must be framing me, and trying to drive a wedge between us sisters.
17:12Please investigate the truth, ma'am.
17:14The matron's gaze turns cold.
17:15I've heard you've been spoiled since you were a child.
17:18Taking all your sister's clothes and jewelry at home and now behaving just as arrogantly
17:22in the palace.
17:23You lost something, and instead of taking responsibility, you tried to blame it on someone else.
17:28Such refinement and grace indeed.
17:30I shall report this matter truthfully to her majesty.
17:33Her words carry immense weight.
17:35Leah's face turns completely pale.
17:37That night, she bursts into my room, and traces of her usual gentle persona are gone.
17:42Gemma, you did it on purpose.
17:43Leah bursts into my room, and traces of her usual gentle persona are gone.
17:47Gemma, you did it on purpose.
17:49I continue embroidering my handkerchief at an unhurried pace without even looking up.
17:53What do you mean, Leah?
17:55I don't understand.
17:56You knew all along I'd use that trick.
17:58So you placed that fake flower in advance, didn't you?
18:01Leah grits her teeth in fury.
18:03Since when did you start plotting against me?
18:06I set down my needle and thread before looking up to meet her gaze.
18:09What a strange thing to say.
18:10I never took your belongings, and my silk flower is right where it should be.
18:14How could I possibly be plotting against you?
18:16She stares at me with murderous intensity, then suddenly lets out a sharp laugh.
18:21Very well.
18:21It seems I've underestimated you.
18:23But Gemma, do you really think this means you've won?
18:26Don't forget whose side mother and father are on.
18:29All the Vale family's resources will belong to me.
18:33You're nothing but an outcast, so what do you have to compete with me?
18:36You're nothing but an outcast, so what do you have to compete with me?
18:40I'm not competing, I say calmly.
18:42I'm just taking back what's mine.
18:44What's yours?
18:45She scoffs.
18:47What in this world is yours?
18:49Father's love.
18:50Mother's care.
18:51All the Vale family's resources.
18:53Gemma, wake up.
18:55Her words sting my heart, but my expression remains calm.
18:58It's late.
18:58Please leave.
18:59On the day of the second selection, the sky is brilliantly clear.
19:02After multiple layers of screening, only ten noble ladies remain out of the original thirty.
19:07The queen sits on her throne, with the crown prince seated at her side.
19:10This is my first time seeing the crown prince, Mark Vane.
19:13Dressed in an apricotangent yellow dragon robe, he is handsome and carries an air of gentle refinement.
19:18But his eyes are distant, as if he has little interest in choosing a consort.
19:22When the talent displays start, Lear plays a piece named Phoenix Seeks Its May.
19:26The notes are delicate and melodic, overflowing with a longing, romantic sentiment.
19:30Lear plays a piece named Phoenix Seeks Its May.
19:33The notes are delicate and melodic, overflowing with a longing, romantic sentiment.
19:37Mark listens to the piece and nods slightly, though he does not seem visibly moved.
19:41When it is my turn, I present an embroidery piece.
19:44It is not a handkerchief, but a small embroidered painting depicting a scene from The Midnight Mask of Lord Hale.
19:49The figures look lifelike, and their robes seemingly flutter in the breeze.
19:53Even the glasses and dishes on the table are discernible.
19:55The true brilliance lay in the double-sided embroidery technique I used.
19:59One side shows the lively dinner scene, while the reverse reveals a lone fisherman on a cold river.
20:04With one vibrant and the other showing solitude, it offers a stark contrast.
20:08When the queen notices, she is genuinely astonished.
20:10This is the double-sided embroidery skill even Master Grant never perfected in her time.
20:15To think that at such a young age, you possess such mastery.
20:18Mark looks over.
20:19His gaze lingers on the embroidered painting before he suddenly says.
20:22The two sides convey completely different moods.
20:24Why did you choose this theme, Miss Gemma?
20:27I lower my eyes and reply.
20:28To answer your highness, I believe life is like embroidery.
20:31We show one side to the world, while the other is kept for ourselves.
20:35A grand feast eventually ends, but solitude is constant.
20:38To perceive solitude within the bustle, that is true clarity.
20:41Life is like embroidery.
20:42We show one side to the world, while the other is kept for ourselves.
20:46A grand feast eventually ends, but solitude is constant.
20:49To perceive solitude within the bustle, that is true clarity.
20:52A flicker of surprise flashes in Mark's eyes.
20:54He gives me a long, meaningful look.
20:56True clarity.
20:57He softly repeats and turns to the queen.
20:59Mother, I find this young lady quite remarkable.
21:01The queen smiles and nods.
21:02When the results for the second round are announced, both Leah and I advance to the final round.
21:07Three other noble ladies remain, namely daughters of the Northern Marquis, the Minister of Rights, and a prince.
21:13Back at Ivory Palace, Leah's expression is grim.
21:15On the night before the final selection, a fire breaks out at Ivory Palace.
21:19The flames start near my room.
21:21Amid the rolling smoke, I wake up coughing and rush out of my room in panic.
21:24In the chaos, someone shoves me from behind.
21:27I stumble forward and is about to fall into the flames when an arm suddenly grabs my waist and yanks
21:31me back.
21:31Just as I am about to fall into the flames, an arm suddenly grabs my waist and yanks me back.
21:36I look up and meet a pair of cool eyes.
21:38It is the crown prince, Mark.
21:39He is dressed in casual robes, as if he just happened to be passing by.
21:43Your highness.
21:44I am still shaken.
21:45Careful.
21:46He lets go and calmly says, a fire in the palace is no ordinary matter.
21:50Go to a safe place and wait.
21:52Thank you for saving my life, your highness.
21:55He nods and turns to direct the palace personnel to put out the fire.
21:58As I retreat to the side, my heart turns cold.
22:00The shove from behind is clearly from someone trying to kill me.
22:03Who else can it be other than Leah?
22:04The fire is quickly brought under control.
22:07Upon investigation, the cause is determined to be an overturned oil lamp.
22:10But the oil lamp near my room wasn't lit last night.
22:13The queen is furious and orders a thorough investigation.
22:16At last, a young, insignificant footman takes the blame, claiming negligence and accidentally knocking it over.
22:22But I know that is far from the truth.
22:24After being embarrassed time and again, Leah must hate me with a passion.
22:27After being embarrassed time and again, Leah must hate me with a passion.
22:31The next day, the final selection is postponed by three days.
22:34I am temporarily moved to a different courtyard.
22:36That night, Poppy pays me a secret visit.
22:39Miss Gemma, I've managed to uncover something.
22:41She lowers her voice and whispers.
22:43The young footman who took the blame has a gravely ill mother.
22:45Days earlier, you received plenty of silver for treatment.
22:48Word is, it was given by a merchant by the name of Vale.
22:51Vale?
22:52It seems like mother and father are busy cleaning up Leah's mess.
22:55I immediately understand.
22:57Three days later, the final selection is held at Regal Palace.
23:00The queen unmarks it at the head of the hall, while the five remaining noble ladies stand in a row.
23:05When the queen asks the final questions on virtue, conduct, speech, and royal household governance, Leah answers flawlessly, quoting classics
23:12and historical texts with the effortless grace of a true intellectual.
23:15When it is my turn, the queen asks, if you are to be named the crown princess, how will you
23:20assist the heir to the throne?
23:21I ponder briefly on the answer, then reply, I believe that in assisting the heir, the first duty is not
23:26to help.
23:27As soon as the words leave my lips, the entire hall falls into a stunned silence.
23:32I believe that in assisting the heir, the first duty is not to help.
23:35As soon as the words leave my lips, the entire hall falls into a stunned silence.
23:39Even Mark, who keeps his eyes lowered, raises his head.
23:42Oh, what do you mean? The queen asks in interest.
23:45The heir to the throne is the future of the nation.
23:48He has wise teachers and loyal ministers for assistance.
23:51If the crown princess recklessly interferes, it will do more harm than good.
23:55I believe, the duty of the crown princess is to maintain harmony within the palace, nurture heirs, and create a
24:00stable foundation so the crown prince has no worries at home.
24:03As for court affairs, they are not the place for a woman of the palace to meddle.
24:07The queen's eyes shine with approval.
24:08You're clear-headed.
24:09Mark also nods slightly.
24:11In the end, the queen and Mark retreat to a chamber to deliberate, while the five of us wait outside.
24:15That was quite a unique argument you made, Gemma.
24:19Though I wonder if his highness will want a wife who refuses to assist him.
24:23Whether he does or not is for his highness alone to decide.
24:26I calmly reply, why do you even bother, Leah?
24:28Leah lets out a cold huff and turns her face away.
24:31I calmly reply, why do you even bother, Leah?
24:34Leah lets out a cold huff and turns her face away.
24:36Half an hour later, the results are announced.
24:38When a minister proclaims the decree, his loud voice echoes through regal palace.
24:42Cecily Gray, daughter of the Northern Marquis, for her dignified and virtuous demeanor, is appointed crown princess.
24:48Gemma Vale, daughter of the vales and minister of rights, for her gentle and quick-witted nature, is conferred the
24:54title of secondary consul.
24:56Leah Vale, daughter of the vales, is appointed lady-in-waiting.
24:59Lady-in-waiting is the lowest rank of concubine within the eastern palace, barely above a maid.
25:03Leah's face turns deathly pale.
25:05She sways and looks as if she might collapse on the spot.
25:08As for me, I feel little emotion.
25:10A secondary consort is enough.
25:12In this life, I seek neither love nor supreme status.
25:15All I seek is a high enough starting point to reclaim every debt from my past life, one by one.
25:19I hear that Cleo personally advocated for this outcome.
25:22She argued that Leah's famed reputation would suffer if she was dismissed from the palace and that keeping her in
25:27the eastern palace would preserve the veil's dignity.
25:29Cleo advocated for this outcome.
25:31She argued that Leah's famed reputation would suffer if she was dismissed from the palace and that keeping her in
25:36the eastern palace would preserve the veil's dignity.
25:39Some dignity indeed.
25:40My dear father and mother are likely celebrating in joy at home right now.
25:44They believe that as long as Leah enters the eastern palace, her talent and the veil family's bribes will likely
25:49lead to her rise again.
25:50They have no idea that in the eastern palace, a single misstep means eternal ruin.
25:54The grand wedding is set for three months later.
25:56While a crown prince's marriage to his crown princess involves elaborate rituals, the entry rights for a secondary consort and
26:02a lady in waiting are far simpler.
26:04I am assigned to Pine's Yard in the eastern palace.
26:07The courtyard is small but elegant and tranquil.
26:09There is an old plum tree in the yard that is just beginning to bud in the mid-winter cold.
26:14On my first day in the eastern palace, I pay my respects to the crown princess, Cecily.
26:18As the only daughter of the northern Marquis, she comes from a long line of generals.
26:23She is tall and has a natural, commanding air in her brow that sets her apart from a typical noble
26:27lady.
26:28I curtsy before her in a formal greeting.
26:30I, Lady Gemma, humbly offer my greetings to your highness, crown princess Cecily.
26:34Cecily comes from a long line of generals.
26:36She is tall and has a natural, commanding air in her brow that sets her apart from a typical noble
26:41lady.
26:41I curtsy before her in a formal greeting.
26:44I, Lady Gemma, humbly offer my greetings to your highness, crown princess Cecily.
26:47You may rise. Cecily's voice is clear and bright, tinged with a hint of a smile.
26:52I've heard your embroidery is miraculous, Lady Gemma. Now that I see you today,
26:56you are indeed as elegant and clever as they say. Your Highness flatters me. There's no need
27:00for such stiff formalities. She steps forward to help me up. The Eastern Palace has few residents.
27:06From now on, let us treat each other as sisters. I'm two years older, so you may call me Cecily
27:11if you wish. My heart warms slightly, though I still remain cautious and mindful of my place.
27:16Etiquette must not be neglected, Your Highness. As you wish. But do come and visit often. I get
27:22bored and lonely here by myself. Her gaze falls on my thin clothing, and she frowns. Why are you
27:26dressed so lightly? Your hands and feet are like ice. Have the maids been neglecting their duties?
27:31I have a naturally cold constitution, Your Highness. I've grown used to it. Have the maids
27:36been neglecting their duties? I have a naturally cold constitution, Your Highness. I've grown used
27:41to it. That won't do. Cecily turns and orders a maid. Bring my silver fox cloak and put it on
27:47Lady
27:47Gemma. Also, have the kitchen send her a daily bowl of ginger tea. Your Highness, this is too precious.
27:53If I give it to you, you take it. She will not take no for an answer, so she drapes
27:58the cloak over
27:58my shoulders. Your body is your own, so you must cherish it. As a child, I ruined my knees from
28:03the
28:04cold at the border. Now, they ache whenever it's cloudy or rains. It's too late to regret now.
28:08Her concern is genuine and natural without any pretense. The next day, I pay respects to the
28:13Queen. When she sees me wearing Cecily's cloak, the smile in her eyes deepens. Cecily has always
28:18been warm-hearted. Knowing you two can get along well sets my mind at ease. I present the forehead
28:23warmer I prepared. It is made of premium black velvet lined with soft cotton. Its edge is embroidered
28:27with cloud patterns using grant embroidery. A small piece of emerald is set at the center.
28:31I heard your Majesty suffers from winter headaches. I made this forehead warmer and placed calming
28:36herbs inside. The emerald helps soothe the mind and calm the spirit. I hope it may ease
28:41your discomfort. A small piece of emerald is set at the center. I heard your Majesty suffers
28:45from winter headaches. I made this forehead warmer and placed calming herbs inside. The
28:49emerald helps soothe the mind and calm the spirit. I hope it may ease your discomfort.
28:54When the Queen accepts the forehead warmer, it is warm and soft to the touch. She closely examines
28:59the craftsmanship and praises, such clever design. It's truly thoughtful of you to go to such trouble.
29:04I just wish to show my devotion, I reply. Good child. She pulls me down to sit beside her and
29:10asks if I am adjusting well to life in the Eastern Palace, before sharing dietary recipes for my cold
29:14constitution. A woman's vitality is her foundation. You're still young, so you must take care of
29:20yourself. I make a mental note, while my heart both aches and feels warm. Mother has never shown
29:25me such care. Now, the Queen and Cecily feel like a gift from fate and true female mentors to me.
29:30Life in the Eastern Palace settles into a peaceful rhythm. Every day, I pay my respects to Cecily.
29:35At times, I am summoned to the Queen's Palace for a chat. Most of my time, however, is spent in
29:40Pines Yard, focusing on my embroidery. I make hand mufflers and knee warmers for the Queen. For
29:44Cecily, I embroider riding gloves and wrist guards. Though she is married into the Eastern Palace,
29:49she still keeps up her habits of riding horses and visits the suburban polo grounds once or twice a
29:55month. Cecily still keeps up her habits of riding horses and visits the suburban polo grounds once
30:00or twice a month. When Cecily receives the gloves, her eyes light up. Gemma, how did you know I needed
30:05these? The ones the palace embroiderers make never get the right fit. They always get in the way.
30:10She immediately tries them on. The size is perfect, which allows her fingers to move with total
30:15flexibility. The edge is embroidered with her favorite honeysuckle pattern. This is wonderful.
30:20She takes my hands in hers and beams with joy. Gemma, you're truly my kindred spirit.
30:24A few days later, she comes to me at Pines Yard with a palace maid behind her carrying a set
30:29of
30:29clothes. Try this. She unfolds it to reveal a moon white man's long robes. The fabric is exquisite,
30:35and the cut is elegantly simple. I am utterly stunned. I've noticed you're always cooped up
30:39indoors, and your face is getting paler by the day, she says with a smile. Sometimes, I dress up as
30:44a man
30:45to slip out for a walk. It's far freer that way. I had a set made for you, too. Next
30:49time, we brothers
30:50shall go riding together. I cannot refuse her. Under her persistent urging, I change into the
30:55male attire. She sackles me twice, laughs, and claps her hand in delight. What a handsome young
31:00gentleman. Perhaps a little too delicate, but that's fine. You look just like a scholar from
31:04Duville. She gives my waist a playful pinch and clicks her tongue. This waist of yours is far too
31:10thin. Gemma, you must learn boxing from me to build up your strength. You must learn boxing from me to
31:15build up your strength. Having said that, Cecily strikes a pose in the yard and starts teaching me
31:21martial arts. I have never practiced martial arts before, so my movements are clumsy, and my footing
31:26is unsteady. During a turning motion, I lose my balance and fall straight backward. Careful! Cecily
31:31reacts with lightning speed. With one swift stride, she wraps her arm firmly around my waist and pulls me
31:36back to safety. Still shake him, I lean against her, and catch the crisp scent of soap remixed with the
31:41faint, fresh smell of sunlight. She helps me stand straight, though her arms linger on my waist for a
31:46fleeting second. She laughs. You're really slender, but it's a good thing I caught you, or you, my handsome
31:52little brother, would have gotten hurt. My face flushes slightly. I truly enjoy being with Cecily.
31:57She is free-spirited and bright, like the winter sun, melting the cold built up in my heart over two
32:02lifetimes. I try my best to repay her kindness. Knowing her old knee injury worsens in the
32:06cold. I use the finest cotton and fur to carefully sew her a pair of knee guards. I even treat
32:11the
32:11inner lining with medicinal herbs to promote blood circulation and ease bruising. When she receives
32:16them, her eyes redden slightly. She pulls me in for a hug. Besides my mother, no one has ever
32:21remembered my old injury with such thoughtfulness, Gemma. Thank you. Besides my mother, no one has ever
32:26remembered my old injury with such thoughtfulness, Gemma. Thank you. As for the crown prince, Mark,
32:31I rarely see him. He is consumed by court affairs, and on the rare occasions he visits the inner
32:36palace. He usually dines in Cecily's main courtyard. Toward me, a secondary consort, he is polite and
32:41distant, as if his earlier quite remarkable comment in regal palace was just a casual remark. I prefer
32:46it this way since I hold no romantic hopes for him. Memories of my past life has long left me
32:51cold
32:51to the idea of husband and wife. I am living a comfortable life. I have the queen and Cecily who
32:56care for me and the quiet piece of pine's yard. Still, I have not forgotten the venomous snake lurking in
33:01the eastern palace. Ever since Leah entered the palace as a lady-in-waiting, she's been lying low.
33:05She lives in the most remote Dew Pavilion. Her rank is so low that she does not even have the
33:09right to
33:10pay respects to Cecily unless summoned. But I know she will never stay quiet for long. Sure enough,
33:14my informant in Dew Pavilion sends word. Over the past months, Leah has been spending money from the
33:19veils to secretly bribe a footman responsible for sweeping the courtyard and a maid working in the
33:23laundry. Even Cleo sends her private gifts. She is gathering strength and waiting for her moment,
33:28while I am waiting for her to make a move. I instruct my maid to mix men clothes among palace
33:33garments
33:33and send it to the laundry for washing. Make sure that the maid Leah bribed sees the men's clothes.
33:38At the same time, you must act panicked and flustered, grab the clothes, and immediately run
33:42off. Just drop a pouch. Leah is waiting for her chance, isn't she? I will personally give her one.
33:47Early spring arrives with a palace banquet. Royal relatives, court officials, and their families
33:52gather at Harmonia Pavilion. I share a table with Cecily. As a lady-in-waiting, Leah's seat is far in
33:57the
33:57back and barely visible. Halfway through the feast, music fills the hall, and dancers perform.
34:02The king, who feels unwell, departs early. After a short while, the queen gets ready to leave.
34:07Suddenly, Leah stands up, walks to the center of the hall, and curtses. I, Lady Leah, has a matter
34:13of grave importance to report to your majesty. And your highnesses, silence falls over the hall.
34:18The queen frowns and says, speak. Leah lifts her head and points at me. Her voice is trembling yet clear.
34:24I wish to denounce Lady Gemma of hiding men's clothing. This is an act of depravity,
34:29that threatens to stain the royal bloodline. As soon as her words leave her lips, an uproar
34:33breaks out in the hall. Countless eyes lock on me. Cecily's expression darkens, and her grip
34:38tightens on her wine glass. Mark sets down his utensils, as his calm, unreadable gaze sweeps over
34:43Leah and me. The queen's voice turns cold. Leah, do you understand the gravity of falsely accusing
34:48a secondary consort? I have proof. Leah holds her head down further. I personally saw a man's pouch
34:55in Lady Gemma's possession. It has a modern design and can't possibly belong to anyone in the palace.
35:01The man's pouch in Lady Gemma's possession, has a modern design and can't possibly belong to anyone
35:06in the palace. I have seen similar fabric and pattern on a guard during a shift change.
35:11Leah pulls the pouch from her pocket. It is made of a brown leather base, embroidered with the shape
35:16of a pyramid. Most palace pouches follow strict patterns of clouds, characters, dragon motifs,
35:21and so on. The pouch clearly does not belong to the palace. Leah speaks with absolute certainty,
35:26as if it is the truth. For a time, whispers break out through the hall. Lady Gemma always seems quiet
35:31and demure. Who knew she could be so bold? No wonder the crown prince rarely visits her. If this is
35:35true,
35:36this is a massive scandal. I set down my teacup, rise to my feet, and walk to the center of
35:41the hall.
35:41Standing alongside Leah, I remain perfectly composed. Your majesty, your highness, your
35:46highness the crown princess, I begin in a steady voice. The pouch Leah mentioned did come from my
35:50quarters. Another wave of low gasps erupts from the crown. A flash of joy crosses Leah's eyes,
35:55but I continue, but it was not secretly kept. It was a piece of fabric the crown princess gave
36:01me a month ago. Her highness instructed me to replicate the style and embroider a new pouch for
36:05the crown prince. It was a surprise for his highness's upcoming birthday. Her highness may
36:09testify for me. Embroidering a new pouch for the crown prince was meant as a surprise for his
36:14highness's upcoming birthday. Her highness may testify for me. All eyes turn to Cecily. She slowly
36:20rises from her seat and steps to my side. After she curtsies to the queen and mark, she says in
36:24a
36:24clear voice, your majesty, your highness, it is true. The fabric is a new textile my family got from
36:30Westfield. I believed his highness would like it, so I asked Lady Gemma's help to embroider a pouch.
36:35As it was meant to be a surprise for his highness, I did not make the matter public. I never
36:40imagined
36:41Leah would misunderstand and cause such a scene today. She turns to Leah, her eyes shooting
36:46daggers. Leah, since you saw the pouch, why did you not bring your concerns to Lady Gemma or me?
36:51Instead, you chose to recklessly accuse her at a palace banquet, before the royal relatives and
36:56court officials. And ruin her reputation. Was this truly an innocent misunderstanding?
37:00Or a deliberate attempt to frame her and ruin her reputation? Was this truly an innocent
37:05misunderstanding or a deliberate attempt to frame her? I, I acted out of concern for the honor of
37:10the royal family. Concern for our honor. How noble, I take over the conversation in an unusually calm
37:17voice yet edged with cold scrutiny. There is, however, one more thing I do not understand. The
37:22eastern palace guards serve in shifts strictly in the outer palace. Except for her highness the crown
37:26princess, who may at designated hours inspect palace guards at the rose gates or relay urgent
37:31messages. Ordinary palace consorts are never permitted to set foot in the outer court. Let
37:35alone encounter guards during a shift change. If I may ask, Leah, when, where, and for what reason
37:41did you manage to see? Guards changing duty outside the eastern palace, and approach closely enough to
37:46clearly see the pouch patterns at his waist. Leah begins to tremble violently. Her lips quiver, but not a
37:51single word comes out. Instinctively, she turns her pleading gaze toward Cleo and the second prince,
37:56Romeo Yates. Instinctively, Leah turns her pleading gaze toward Cleo and the second prince,
38:01Romeo Yates. Cleo sits upright in her seat. Her expression is composed and dignified, but her
38:06knuckles are pale from gripping her handkerchief. Romeo keeps his eyes lowered and toys with his wine
38:11glass, as if he were just a mere spectator. He clearly does not spare a thought for their secret
38:15affair. I, cold sweat beads on Leah's forehead. Maybe I remembered incorrectly. Perhaps I just
38:22caught a distant glimpse on the palace path. The palace path. I softly interrupt and maintain a
38:27gentle tone. Which guard was it? What was his name? Which unit did he belong to? Which area does he
38:32patrol? If you could clearly see the pouch's pattern, you could not have been too far away. Surely you
38:37remember some identifying details about the man, or perhaps, was there anyone else present who could
38:42testify on your behalf? Or perhaps was there anyone else present who could testify on your behalf?
38:47Each question is like a sharp blade driven straight into the flaws in Leah's story. She cannot possibly
38:51remember the guard's name or details. She cannot tell the truth that she glimpsed the guard's figure
38:56in a moment of panic during her secret meeting with Romeo. To admit, the truth will mean instant and
39:01total ruin. I, she stammers, her face turning from pale to sickly gray as her entire body begins to
39:07shake. When Cleo notices, she immediately smiles and speaks up, trying to diffuse the tension. Oh,
39:12look at this child. It must be the excitement of the banquet. She's clearly had too much to drink,
39:16so she's drunk and speaking nonsense. She turns to the queen and adds, please forgive her,
39:21your majesty. She's young and simply can't hold her liquor. Drunk? A faint smile curves my lips as
39:27I look toward Cleo. My eyes are clear and bright. With all due respect, Lady Cleo, I assisted the crown
39:32princess in organizing this banquet. Knowing Leah has a low tolerance for alcohol, I specifically ordered
39:37that she be served peach compote instead of wine. Can one, truly get drunk on peach compote?
39:41Knowing Leah has a low tolerance for alcohol, I specifically ordered that she be served peach
39:46compote instead of wine. Can one, truly get drunk on peach compote? Cleo's smile freezes on her face.
39:51Father, who has been silent all along, can no longer sit still. He abruptly stands up and rushes to the
39:56center of the hall to bow. My daughter, Leah, has been kind since she was a child. She won't even
40:01harm
40:01an aunt. Today must simply be a mistake, where she must stick and saw something else for the pouch.
40:06She meant no harm. She was just too worried about her younger sister, and spoke up for fear that
40:12Gemma might take a wrong turn and ruin the royal reputation. Mother rushes forward and curtses
40:17beside him with tears streaming down her face. Your majesty, please look into it. Leah has always
40:22been a sensible, thoughtful child. This must be a misunderstanding. Gemma, she's your biological
40:27sister, so why must you pressure her so relentlessly and drive her to ruin? Their voices are filled with
40:31blood-soaked grief. Every word a pointed finger aimed at me. In my past life, I experienced countless
40:37similar scenes. And every single time, I was the one who backed down and admitted fault, accepting
40:42humiliation and punishments that were never mine. Every single time, I was the one who backed down
40:47and admitted fault, accepting humiliation and punishments that were never mine. I look at mothers
40:51and fathers anxious, heartbroken faces, but I feel nothing, not even a ripple of emotion. I simply keep
40:57my eyes on the queen and Mark, seated at the head of the hall. The queen narrows her eyes and
41:01exchanges
41:02a look with Mark. He sets down his wine glass, his voice is calm and even, yet it carries immense
41:07weight. Leah, I will ask you once more. Where were you, and whom did you see wearing this pouch? If
41:13you
41:13cannot answer, you are guilty of framing a secondary consort, disrupting a palace banquet, and breaching
41:18palace security. If you can explain, he pauses, and his gaze sweeps almost imperceptibly toward
41:23Romeo, you must answer very clearly. I, I don't know. I don't know anything. I think I must have
41:29made a mistake. Yes, I just have been mistaken. It seems you cannot answer clearly, Mark flatly
41:34intercepts. His tone is devoid of anger or war. Mother, this concerns palace security and a
41:39consort's reputation. It is no trivial affair. Leah's testimony is a mess of contradictions and
41:43doubt. Send her to the palace disciplinary court for interrogation. All palace personnel involved
41:48should also be strictly investigated. Mother, this concerns palace security and a consort's
41:53reputation. It is no trivial affair. Leah's testimony is a mess of contradictions and doubt.
41:58Send her to the palace disciplinary court for interrogation. All palace personnel involved
42:02should also be strictly investigated. The queen nods. The queen, in all her royal majesty,
42:07gives the order, approved. Guards, take Leah away and place her under strict supervision.
42:12Alaric, Camille, until this matter is clarified, you are expected to watch your words and conduct.
42:17Two formidable palace matrons step forward and haul Leah to her feet.
42:22Mother, save me, Lady Cleo. Her cries turn shrill and desperate as she struggles. Her usual refined
42:28elegance is completely shattered. The banquet ends in a tense, bitter atmosphere. I rise with
42:32Cecily and leave the hall. As I pass my parents, father lowers his voice and forces words out through
42:37clenched teeth, ingrate. Just you wait. Mother fixes me with an icy stare and silently mouths two words,
42:43Evil monster. Mother fixes me with an icy stare and silently mouths two words, Evil monster. I act as if
42:49I do not hear a word, keeping my back straight and my steps steady as I walk out of Harmonia
42:53Pavilion.
42:53The next day, Cecily has her men send gifts to calm my nerves and reveals the queen ordered a full
42:58investigation into the banquet. That afternoon, I claim to be sick and quietly rest. By evening,
43:04father slides a secret letter through the crack of my door. In the letter, he rebukes me for forcing
43:09Leah into peril and demands I plead to Cecily and the queen at once. Or else,
43:13he threatens to cut off my provision in the palace. Gripping the letter, I remember my past life,
43:18where I lay dying at Prince of Hume's estate, and the veil's indifference to my pleas for help.
43:22I hold the letter to a flickering candle flame until it turns to ash. In this life,
43:27I have repaid the debt of my upbringing with my past death. Now, enmity is all that remains.
43:31The dungeon of the palace disciplinary court is dark and damp. In barely a few days,
43:36Leah has grown gaunt and haggard, and her fingers are covered in marks of torture. When she sees me,
43:41she starts shrieking curses. I have come to show you a path to survival. I calmly say through the
43:46bars. When she scoffs and refuses to believe me, I hand her a forged letter in father's handwriting.
43:51The letter states that. I have come to show you a path to survival. I calmly say through the bars.
43:58When Leah scoffs and refuses to believe me, I hand her a forged letter in father's handwriting.
44:02The letter states that to protect themselves, the veils have decided to abandon Leah and silence her.
44:07Leah's hands shake as she reads the letter. Then, she angrily snaps.
44:11You're lying. Mother and father will never do this. And the calming tea Lady Cleo gave you,
44:16was that a lie, too? I slowly ask. You'd be a corpse by now if the crown princess's men didn't
44:21swap it in secret. If mother and father could sacrifice me, they could naturally sacrifice you,
44:26too. As for Lady Cleo and the second prince, they will not leave you alive either to protect
44:31themselves. In this world, who still cares if you're alive or dead? Leah collapses in despair as
44:36the letter flutters to the floor. She hugs her knees and begins weeping bitterly. Finally,
44:41she lifts her tear-streaked face. Her eyes are filled with a desperate, reckless madness.
44:45What do you want to know? I'll tell you everything, as long as I can live.
44:49The second prince and Lady Cleo's schemes, your informants planted in the Eastern Palace,
44:54and who your allies in the court are. I see the struggle in her eyes as I frankly admit that
44:58I
44:58cannot guarantee her survival. The second prince and Lady Cleo's schemes, your informants planted in
45:04the Eastern Palace, and who your allies in the court are. I see the struggle in Leah's eyes as
45:09I frankly admit that I cannot guarantee her survival. But if Leah hands over sufficient
45:13leverage, she may exchange it for lifelong imprisonment. It is better than dying in prison
45:17or death by torture. Pushed to the brink of desperation, she finally yields. Besides the people
45:23you know in the Eastern Palace, there's Lady Cleo's early informant in the tea room. I recorded the list
45:28of court allies and their contact methods in a ledger. She names several allies, among them,
45:34the Prince of Hume. The ledger is hidden in the Eastern Palace library on the top row of the third
45:38bookshelf in the seventh column. It is in a hollowed copy of a historical text. Gemma, I admit defeat.
45:45Leah's gaze is complicated as she says, Lady Cleo and the second prince will never let you off.
45:50If mother and father learn you forced me, they will, soon enough. If mother and father learn you
45:55forced me, they will, soon enough. I turn and leave without looking back at Leah. The ledger is
46:01successfully recovered. It contains a meticulous record of Romeo's bribes and spies in the palace.
46:06After the Prince of Hume's name, his oath of allegiance and huge contributions are attached.
46:10Cecily immediately takes me to meet Mark. After reading it, Mark stays silent for a long time
46:15before asking, how shall we handle it? Cecily suggests to secretly interrogate the palace
46:20personnel and present evidence to the king. Mark looks at me. This started because of you.
46:24What do you think? I look down and say. My parents' names are on the list, so I dare not
46:29presume to speak. I only ask that your highness act according to the law and show no leniency
46:34on my account. Act according to the law. Mark gives me a deep look and tucks the ledger away.
46:38I understand. From then on, palace personnel quietly disappear from the Eastern Palace.
46:43From then on, palace personnel quietly disappear from the Eastern Palace.
46:47From then on, a storm breaks out in the Eastern Palace. The Prince of Hume is the first to be
46:51executed. With irrefutable proof of secretly forging weapons and collusion with frontier
46:56generals, he is sentenced to death by slow slicing. His family is exiled. When the news arrives,
47:01I am embroidering a screen, with hands as steady as always. He tormented me to death in my past life,
47:06and in this life, I sent him to the execution ground. Next comes the veils.
47:10Father is found guilty of selling official positions, colluding with a prince, and leaking
47:14examination topics. Mother sold favors and took bribes with her influence. With irrefutable evidence,
47:19the Vale residence is raided, while father and mother are thrown into prison. The queen holds my
47:24hand, sighs, and comforts me with gentle words. Resting against her knee, I murmur, I just can't
47:29understand how Blood King can be so cold and heartless. When mother is dragged away, she screams
47:34curses. Father just keeps muttering, wretched daughters, both of you. For her testimony,
47:39Leah is spared death, but she is stripped of her title and sent to a convent to live out her
47:43days as a
47:44nun. Cleo is cast into the tower, while Romeo is confined to reflect on his mistakes,
47:48stripped of his guards and officials. The turmoil gradually subsides. Cleo is cast into the tower,
47:53while Romeo is confined to reflect on his mistakes, stripped of his guards and officials.
47:58The turmoil gradually subsides. In fall, Cleo invites me for a ride. She looks heroic and
48:02magnificent, dressed in her riding gear. I wear the men's clothes she gave me with a cloak over my
48:07shoulders, looking like a frail young scholar. While we are riding, she suddenly asks,
48:12Do you feel better now? I look up at the clouds in the vast sky. I wouldn't say better,
48:16I just did what had to be done. Now that the revenge is taken, it's time to move on.
48:21She reins in her horse and turns to look at me with bright, clear eyes. Gemma, I know you have
48:26no feelings for his highness, but in the eastern palace, a child may give you greater security.
48:31His highness has noticed you more than you think. She laughs and continues, he often stares at your
48:37embroidered painting and gets lost in thought. As for the forehead warmer you made for her majesty,
48:42he once asked about the stitching. He is a complicated man of deep thoughts,
48:45but he does not have a heart of stone. I lower my head and say nothing. Do not rush,
48:50just let things take their natural course. Cecily pats my hand. No matter what you choose,
48:55I'll always be by your side. In this palace, you sisters will support one another and walk forward
48:59together. Sisters. The word feels warm coming from her lips. I look up and give her a genuine,
49:05bright smile. Sure.
Comments