Chapter 3: The Rise of Huang Nian

"Young Miss, are you in there?" Ye Xiwu's anxious voice echoed through the run-down courtyard as she pushed open the creaking door. Inside, she found Huang Nian sitting calmly on her bed, engrossed in a book, a serene expression on her face.

"Young Miss, how is your wound? I hope you're feeling better." Ye Xiwu's eyes brimmed with tears as she continued, her voice trembling with emotion. "If only you could cultivate, the other young misses wouldn't dare to bully you. But I'm so helpless—I can't protect you against them." Hot tears finally spilled down her cheeks as she clenched her fists in frustration.

Huang Nian looked up, her expression gentle. "Ye Xiwu, don't blame yourself. It's all in the past now.

"Ye Xiwu blinked, confused by the sudden calm in her mistress's voice. "Young Miss, what do you mean by 'it's all in the past'? You are the illegitimate daughter of the Huang family, and Master has never favored you. Whenever Huang Ning bullies you, he always takes her side. And to make matters worse, Huang Ning even stole your fiancé—the Crown Prince! Instead of reprimanding her, Master blamed you, saying you weren't worthy of him," Ye Xiwu cried, her voice filled with bitter anger.

Huang Nian's gaze hardened as a cold smirk tugged at her lips. "Ye Xiwu, stop crying. From today onwards, no one dares to bully either you or me.

"The sudden shift in Huang Nian's demeanor made Ye Xiwu's eyes widen in surprise. "Young Miss, you… you look so much more beautiful today," she stammered in awe, noticing an inexplicable aura of confidence radiating from her.

"Thank you, Xiwu. I want to go for a walk," Huang Nian replied calmly, rising from her bed and striding toward the door. Her posture was graceful yet commanding.

"Young Miss, wait for me!" Ye Xiwu called out, quickly running after her.

As they passed by the garden, Huang Nian spotted two familiar figures admiring the flowers. Huang Ning, draped in luxurious silk, stood beside the Crown Prince, Di Chen. The pair exchanged light-hearted laughter, but Huang Nian didn't even spare them a glance as she walked by.

"Sister Nian, are you also out for a walk?" Huang Ning's sweet voice called out as she ran over, a smile plastered on her face. But her eyes glinted with malice.

Huang Nian stopped, her gaze icy. "It's none of your concern whether I'm out for a walk or not," she replied coolly, her words dripping with disdain.

Di Chen's expression darkened as he stepped forward, blocking her path. "How dare you speak to Ning'er like that! You should be grateful she even bothers to acknowledge trash like you. You're not even worthy to lift her pinky toe," he sneered.

Huang Nian's eyes locked onto his, her cold gaze so piercing it sent a chill down his spine. "If you're done, get out of my way," she said flatly, her voice carrying an undeniable authority.

For a brief moment, Di Chen felt an unexplainable fear grip his heart. When had Huang Nian developed such a terrifying aura? Shaken, he unconsciously moved aside, allowing her to pass.

As Huang Nian walked away, Huang Ning's expression twisted into one of grievance. She bit her lip and let tears well up in her eyes. "Brother Chen, I'm sorry. It's my fault for upsetting Sister Nian. I shouldn't have spoken to her when it's none of my concern," she whimpered.

Di Chen's anger flared as he gently wiped away her tears. "Stop crying, Ning'er. That trash isn't worth your tears.

"Just then, Huang Tian, Huang Nian's twin sister, approached the garden. She noticed Huang Ning's tearful expression and immediately frowned. "What happened, Ning'er?"

"It was Huang Nian," Di Chen answered, his voice laced with disdain. "She dared to bully Ning'er just now.

"A fiery rage ignited in Huang Tian's eyes. "Where is that worthless trash? I'll show her what I'm capable of today!" she growled.

"I think she headed to the riverside," Di Chen offered.

"Sister Tian, you don't have to confront Sister Nian. After all, I was the one who asked her something I shouldn't have," Huang Ning said, fighting back her tears, playing the part of the victim perfectly.

"Ning'er, you're too kind for your own good. Huang Nian is nothing but a disgrace. This time, I'll deal with her myself," Huang Tian spat, storming off toward the riverside.

Riverside

Huang Nian stood by the water's edge, taking in the soothing sounds of chirping birds and the gentle ripples of fish swimming by. Her calm was shattered when Huang Tian stormed over and delivered a fierce slap across her face.

Huang Ning, who had followed behind, curled her lips into a devilish smirk, pleased with herself. However, she quickly masked her expression and ran forward. "Sister Tian, let's not cause trouble for Sister Nian," she said softly, biting her lip and shaking her head as if urging restraint.

Just as they turned to leave, Huang Nian's voice cut through the air like a blade. "Wait, you forgot something." Huang Tian turned back just in time to meet a sharp, resounding slap across her face that left her reeling.

The force of Huang Nian's strike stunned Huang Tian, and she stumbled back, her cheek burning with humiliation. For a moment, silence reigned, broken only by the rustling leaves. Huang Nian stood tall, her gaze unwavering and fierce.

"Don't ever raise your hand against me again," Huang Nian warned coldly, her voice as sharp as the wind that whipped through the trees.

Shocked and furious, Huang Tian could only glare in disbelief. When had Huang Nian, once the timid and powerless girl, become so formidable?