Chapter 2

Lu Hua experienced an all-encompassing chill, feeling as though she was sinking deep into a dark, cold pit. Abruptly, her eyes fluttered open, and she found herself completely immersed in water. Panic surged through her, prompting her to kick and push her arms, frantically striving to rise towards the water's surface and the precious breath of air awaiting her.

Just as she felt her strength ebbing away, a sturdy hand clasped hers and forcefully pulled her upwards. Breaking through the water, she inhaled deeply, the fresh air filling her lungs and bringing relief.

"Hah!" she gasped, her heart racing as she clung to the edge of the pond. Standing next to her was her rescuer, a man wearing women's clothing. His face showed a mix of relief and curiosity, leaving her to ponder, '...?'

Still processing the unusual situation, a young girl, barely older than herself, hurried over and asked with a trembling voice, "My lady! Are you alright?" Her concern was evident in her expression.

Surveying the surroundings, Lu Hua found herself in a place that felt both unfamiliar and ancient, with traditional buildings and people dressed in hanfu. Her mind struggled to piece together her memories, managing to recall only her name and the distant land she called home.

The girl continued, her words rushing out in a flurry. "My lady, I understand you are upset over the Second Prince, but that's no reason to harm yourself!"

Confusion clouded Lu Hua's expression, causing her to pull back slightly. "What are you talking about, girl? What prince?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.

The girl's eyes widened in shock, and she shared a worried look with the man in women's clothing. Suddenly, the man exclaimed dramatically, "Oh no! The princess has lost her senses!"

Raising an eyebrow, Lu Hua was surprised by the man's high-pitched voice. "What is happening? Where am I? Have you abducted me?" she demanded, her mind buzzing with unanswered questions.

The girl's tears streamed down her face, her body shaking with sobs. "Did the water affect her mind?!" she wailed. "We're in trouble if her mother finds out!"

Feeling increasingly anxious about the situation, Lu Hua decided to leave the distressed pair behind and explore the area. Moving away from them, she followed a winding path that led her through the traditional buildings and people adorned in elegant clothing. A sudden realization struck her – she was not in the year 3066 as she had expected.

"Have I been transported back in time?" she said out loud, the thought both confusing and fascinating.

Lost in her thoughts, Lu Hua suddenly stumbled over the hem of her wet robe, letting out a surprised shriek as she braced herself for a fall. Just before she hit the ground, a strong arm caught her, preventing her from tumbling.

Startled, Lu Hua opened her eyes to see a refined and aristocratic man standing before her, his presence commanding. She moved back with a shy smile, saying softly, "Thank you for helping me."

The man, dressed elegantly in gold, emitted an aura of wealth and assurance. He smiled charmingly and replied, "It is no trouble. One must protect a delicate face like yours, don't you think?" His eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement.

Lu Hua immediately noticed his flirtatious demeanor and felt unsure about his intentions. 'Why is he looking at me like that?' she wondered cautiously.

"Oh, you're all wet. Did you just finish bathing?" he teased playfully. "You must be new around here. Are you a servant?"

"A servant?" Lu Hua echoed, growing more perplexed by the moment.

"Yes. My mother mentioned sending some noble ladies to serve as attendants for my brother's wife. You must be one of them, given your beauty."

"I'm not-" Lu Hua started to protest, but the young man cut her off, saying, "Well, it was nice to meet you, lovely lady, but I must hurry to the emperor's palace. We'll have to chat another time."

After he excused himself, the young man left Lu Hua feeling even more puzzled. Her thoughts swirled with the implications of his words. Could it be possible that she had traveled back in time?

Shortly after, the girl and the man in feminine attire located her once more, their relief apparent as they guided her into a bedroom. Seated on the bed, a physician conducted a check-up while the girl briefed him, "The Princess attempted to drown herself, but luckily, Fuquan managed to rescue her."

Suddenly, the door swung open, and two women entered - a regal lady adorned in red attire and lavish jewelry, followed by an elegant individual dressed in purple. The attending servants and physician promptly bowed in reverence.

"What happened?" the woman in red, whom Lu Hua instinctively identified as the empress, inquired, her gaze sharp and authoritative.

The empress let out a sigh, rolling her eyes wearily. "Visiting the brothel once again. Typical behavior from the son of a whore. But fret not, cousin, he is merely paying a visit to his family."

Shen Yongjia, the woman in purple, sighed in response. "My stepdaughter is a Chun. Despite being a girl, she still carries the Chun's lineage in her blood. This conduct from the Second Prince is unacceptable."

The empress clenched her jaw. "I will have a discussion with the Second Prince and see what measures can be taken. Do not worry, cousin, I will reprimand him. If he continues to disregard our words, I will seek assistance from the emperor."

"Unnecessary," Shen Yongjia declared firmly. "The Second Prince has made his choice. If he does not wish to proceed with this marriage, there is little we can do. I had hoped for more from him." She turned to Lu Hua, fixing her with a determined look. "Pack your belongings, Lu Hua."

The empress's eyes widened in shock as she reached out to grasp Shen Yongjia's arm. "Wait, cousin! Are you suggesting a divorce?"

Shen Yongjia solemnly nodded in affirmation. "Yes."

Attempting to sway Shen Yongjia's decision, the empress voiced her concerns. "But a divorce involving a prince will bring dishonor to the royal family."

Shen Yongjia chuckled disdainfully. "Disgrace? What disgrace? The Second Prince has already brought enough shame upon the royal family. A divorce would not further tarnish his already tarnished reputation."

The empress pressed her lips together tightly, pondering the consequences. If Lu Hua were to divorce the Second Prince, it would not only tarnish the reputation of the royal family but also sever their ties with the wealthiest family. Given the precarious financial state of the royal family, Lu Hua's marital alliance had served as a crucial lifeline.

In a sudden moment of inspiration, the empress proposed a daring idea. "Cousin, if you are determined for Lu Hua to divorce the Second Prince, why not consider allowing her to marry my third son? He is currently unmarried, and I have begun to worry about his marriage prospects."

Shen Yongjia's eyes widened in surprise. "The Sixth Prince?"

The empress nodded enthusiastically. "Yes." She approached Lu Hua, gently taking her hand. "Lu Hua, my third son is only 18 years old, just a year older than you. He is handsome and tall. If you were to marry him, the two of you would surely have beautiful children."

Lu Hua furrowed her brow in confusion, taken aback by the audacity of the suggestion. "Ah?" she murmured softly, utterly perplexed by the unexpected proposal. 'What nonsense is this?' she wondered to herself.

Shen Yongjia gave a solemn nod. "If that is your decision, then I will consent. Lu Hua has endured multiple unsuccessful marriages, all due to Rong Xianzong's cruel rejection."

The empress smiled warmly at Lu Hua. "Lu Hua, if you agree to marry my son, I assure you a life of comfort and happiness."

Lu Hua's eyes widened in shock. "No! I do not wish to marry anyone! Who are you people?" she cried out, her heart pounding with fear.

Shen Yongjia and the empress exchanged surprised glances, caught off guard by Lu Hua's sudden outburst. The physician calmly interjected, noting the situation. "It appears that she has lost her memory due to the effects of the water. She cannot recall anything."

Shen Yongjia shook her head in disbelief. "How could water cause such a thing? This is unbelievable."

The physician tried to calm her. "Trust me, Lady Shen. It is a temporary effect. She will regain her memory."

"Let us give her some time to rest," the empress proposed, prompting everyone to leave the room, leaving Lu Hua to her thoughts.

Lu Hua slowly rose from the bed and approached the window, pushing it open. The sight before her took her breath away. The palace complex sprawled out in front of her, its grandeur and beauty unmatched. The imposing walls surrounded the compound, offering protection and a sense of awe.

Her eyes widened in awe, as the realization slowly dawned on her. She had indeed traveled back in time.

"What in the world," she murmured softly, barely able to believe the extraordinary sight unfolding before her.