Person of importance
The eerie sensation that had been haunting Han Aeng only intensified when she caught sight of her stalker's shadow.
Amidst the unkempt buildings, the air was heavy with a musty odour that only added to the oppressive atmosphere.
Ruyi's advice to remain within the courtyard as she went to fetch tea, echoed in her mind, constantly reminding her that she had brought this danger upon herself with her reckless curiosity.
Regret took over her being as she realised the gravity of her situation. Sure she wanted to avoid her new maid for a moment to herself, but venturing into this isolated section alone was purely idiotic - even by her own terms.
She closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath, cursing whatever moment of weakness had her follow the faint ominous footprints guiding her to this unknown darkness.
Carefully assessed her surroundings, her eyes darting from one shadowy corner to another before spotting plants adorning a stairway.
The clean wooden doors and swept front yard starkly contrasted the dilapidated surroundings, their presence a light of hope in the darkness.
Han Aeng rushed into the building without a second thought, her heart pounding with anticipation.
She slammed the door shut, hoping to create a barrier between herself and the lurking danger. Instinctively, she grabbed the nearest vase. Her fingers expertly clutched against it tightly.
"You dare!" The sudden shriek behind Han Aeng sent a jolt of shock through her body. She swiftly placed the vase down and turned to face the owner of the building—a girl no older than herself adorned with heavy ornaments that seemed to amplify her air of power.
"Walking into this Young Miss's room without her permission, you don't fear the consequence?" The young miss's servants wasted no time reprimanding Han Aeng, their words laced with disdain and hostility.
Of all people, a young Miss?! Really?
Han Aeng couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and curiosity. Her intuition had her follow those footprints which led her here, and now she had stumbled upon the young miss who seemed to hold some answers.
This overdressed Young Miss lived in such a rundown area, yet the objects inside the room, including the vase she had momentarily picked up, were expensive, indicating that the young miss had a certain standing.
Was her own identity even influential enough to challenge the status of this young miss who resided in such a neglected area? Probably not.
Uncertain of the exact extent of her own backing and influence, Han Aeng was cautious about how she should handle the situation.
She needed to tread carefully, undeniably aware that any misstep could only make her stay unpleasant - she truly would gain nothing from angering some nobel lady in the early days of her marriage.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't know someone was here. Then I will take my leave." Undeterred by the icy reception, Han Aeng maintained her composure, carefully choosing her words and actions. She knew that any misstep could worsen the situation, and she had no desire to further provoke the young miss's wrath.
"You dare! Servants, come drag her to be punished." The young miss's voice dripped with venom as she spoke, her words laced with thinly veiled contempt.
The servants, mirroring their mistress's hostility, closed in on Han Aeng, their expressions hardened and eyes filled with malice. In turn, Han Aeng's patience was wearing thin, her complexion growing darker.
At that moment, Ruyi burst into the room.
"You dares...lay...a hand on...Li Wangfei?" Ruyi's voice, though strained from her exertion, pierced through the room, momentarily stunning the servants in place.
Wearing the robes of the 7th Prince's court, Ruyi's authority brooked no questioning, causing the servants to exchange uneasy glances before retreating, leaving Han Aeng and the Young Miss alone.
The young lady's eyes flashed with disdain as the servants left the room. "So you're the girl from Jeontu?"
The girl?
Ha, judging by how the young miss speaks so casually to a princess consort, she must be of importance, possibly even under the care of a higher-ranked individual. Maybe this was a punishment of a sort.
The corner of Han Aeng's mouth curled into a wry smile.
"My name is Han Aeng. It is a pleasure to make your ladyships acquaintance. I do apologise for creating a scene; I'm still unfamiliar with the palace layout."
The atmosphere crackled with tension, and both parties locked in a silent battle.
Han Aeng could feel the hostility emanating from the girl's gaze. There was something cold and calculating in her eyes, a deep-seated disdain that pierced through Han Aeng's attempt to please her. Clearly, this young miss held a grudge against her, but they didn't even know eachother so what's there to feel bitter about?
Han Aeng knew better than to kick up a fuss without knowing who she was facing off against: how else would she have survived this long?
"If I have inconvenienced you, do accept my apology." Han Aeng's reserved disposition remained intact, betraying none of her growing impatience.
With a respectful bow, Han Aeng offered her apologies once again, hoping to diffuse the tension and avoid any further confrontation. However, the young miss's snarl remained firmly in place, indicating that her animosity would not be easily appeased.
"Whatever, leave."
She had expected this encounter to be uncomfortable, but this spoilt little miss held no respect for her.
Han Aeng saw the girl roll her eyes but shrugged off the cold attitude and headed out. She wasn't offended - okay, maybe a little- but power makes people forget common courtesy: a lesson she had long learned.
When she left the building, Ruyi was busy lecturing the servants. "You better learn to recognise people of importance when you see them."
A person of importance. How long will it take for me to be recognised as a person of importance here?