A Lifetime Ago

Steam disappeared into the air, leaving thin wisps of fragrant tea. An elegant, yet matured, hand held onto the jaded cup gingerly. Her nails were ruby red and sharp, and her aged arm held both gold bracelets and saggy skin. Her thin lips were a perfect rosy red, to compliment her nails, and her hair was immaculately styled into a bun with hanging gold ornaments. Yet, between her brows laid furrows like rolling hills, hinting at her unease.

The Empress Dowager sneered at the paper in her hands. The writings looked like moving snakes, giving her an unwanted headache. She was sure that someone had dugged a hole under her, and now she has to laid in it. The assassination was clearly not her doing, however only facts tell no lies, and the facts pointed at her. She took the expensive cup and threw it onto the floor. The shards of jade flew into the air and at the trembling maids.

Hu Feng has always been after her. Even when he was young, his eagle like eyes would search through her soul without an ounce of respect. He has always been ruthless, relentless, and domineering. Unlike his whore of a mother, who was weak and naive. As beautiful as she was stupid, Hu Feng's mother was the reason why he hated her so. However, vice versa, she also hated that son of a bitch. Despite her old age, she can still clearly remember her life from so long ago.

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The wind ran its finger through long, silky hair delicately, and the sun shone that much brighter around the graceful silhouette. The young maiden, who was dressed in a pastel lavender, was laughing joyously at the antics of her best friend. The friend in question was also a charming girl with an energetic personality. The two whispered into each other ears lovingly.

"Fan Fan, can you believe that we're almost ready for the coming of age ceremony," the beautiful girl sighed to her best friend.

Fan He smiled at her friend, "Ai Ai, don't look so sad! You're so pretty that millions of guys will line up at your door."

Da Ai giggled, "Then, what about you? There will be at least a trillion asking for the famous Ms. Fan He."

"Hmph, who cares about these small fries. I only want to marry the crown prince," Fan He said proudly.

The other girl beamed, "You'll be a great Empress for sure!"

Fan He looked at the silly girl and tackled her to the ground. The two laughed and wrestled as the sun slowly raise to its highest position. In the distant, the sound of a galloping horse slowed to a stand still, on top of the horse was a handsome and striking young man. His jawline was sharp, and his face striking. His eyes could not help but to follow the girl in purple. She was beautiful, and her laugh rang in his ears like a melody. After a short moment, he turned the horse and continued his hunt, leaving the girls in the meadow.

After a while, the pair of friends waved goodbye, and each walked away from their secret hideout. Da Ai walked leisurely through the forest on the edge of the city. She felt guilty that she had went off without a guard again, but she was more comfortable this way. Hopefully, her mother would be lenient and spared her the scolding. As her hand ran through the tall wild grass, her eyes shined with radiance as she scanned the area. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw a dark figure laying on the grass.

She looked back at the road, thinking it was best to mind her own business; however, the figure didn't seem like it was moving. More curious than concern, she decided that it was better to save a life than to ignore one. Walking slowly walking towards the figure, she grew more cautious about her surrounding. She peaked out from the tree to see the figure.

"Who's there," the figured suddenly asked. The voice was one that belonged to a man.

She quickly turned away to go back where she came from, but paused when she saw his injured leg. After debating for a while, she steeled her nerves and walked out from behind the tree. Her large doey eyes widened in disbelief. The man was absolutely drop dead gorgeous. Then she glanced again at his bleeding leg, and slowly made her way to him.

The man was surprised but delighted when he saw that it was the girl in purple.