Heart's Journey

After an incense stick, Yu Lianhua heard movement and knew Ziling had finished washing and grooming.

She did not turn around, remaining seated before the jade table as she drank Spirit Wine.

Soon, Ziling walked up to Yu Lianhua and respectfully curtsied. "Young lady, this servant girl is leaving."

Only then did Yu Lianhua focus her gaze on Ziling, and a flicker of surprise surfaced in her beautiful eyes.

Ziling was exceptionally lovely at that moment, too beautiful to seem like a maidservant. She could almost rival Yu Lianhua herself in radiance.

Yu Lianhua studied Ziling's eyes again and saw that she was relatively calm. Clearly, she had already accepted her fate.

"Forget it. You do not need to attend to Martial Uncle Jiang for now," Yu Lianhua sighed. "I only spoke harshly in a fit of anger."

Ziling showed no delight. She might not have to go for now, but eventually she would have to. Kneeling on the floor, she said, "This servant girl belongs to the young lady in life and will be the young lady's ghost in death. This servant girl is willing to share the young lady's burdens."

"I know your loyalty," Yu Lianhua said. "Get up."

Ziling did not rise, but insisted, "This servant girl begs the young lady to give her a chance to share your burdens."

Yu Lianhua hesitated briefly. "Since you insist, then go."

"Thank you, young lady," Ziling said, rising to her feet. After backing away three steps, she turned and left the cave abode.

After leaving the cave abode, Ziling discovered that night had already fallen and the mountain wind howled fiercely.

While washing and grooming, she had suddenly understood Yu Lianhua's actions.

Just as she herself had been forced, Yu Lianhua was very likely forced as well—forced by Wang