Chapter 3: Reborn to Marry the Imperial Uncle

With hatred surging in her heart, Feng Sanniang felt her breathing grow heavy and her consciousness fade, as the encroaching darkness swallowed her whole.

She had expected never to wake again, but after an indeterminate amount of time, she suddenly felt herself cast high into the air. A brilliant, blinding light pierced through, forcing her eyes shut. Gradually, a chaotic clamor rose from all directions—the beating of drums and gongs, the popping of firecrackers, and the wailing of erhus. It was as lively as a wedding celebration. Yet, she could neither move nor open her eyes, and she drifted back into a deep, heavy slumber.

When she finally awoke, she was being shaken.

"My lady! My lady, please wake up! Please don't frighten Huan Tao like this!"

As Feng Sanniang opened her eyes, she saw a beautiful maid kneeling by the bed, weeping uncontrollably. Seeing her stir, the maid immediately choked back her sobs. "My lady! You've finally awakened! Thank goodness!"

Feng Sanniang’s head throbbed with dizziness. She looked at the unfamiliar maid, her mind wandering in a daze. *Was I not dead? Who is this young girl? Where am I?*

"Who are you? Where is this place?" she asked, rubbing her aching temples as she sat up.

The moment she spoke, she realized her voice was weak and frail, like that of a woman long bedridden; it was not her own voice at all. Stunned, Feng Sanniang grabbed her throat and sat bolt upright, clearing her throat forcefully.

Suddenly, a flood of unfamiliar memories rushed into her mind. Images flickered like a film played in reverse, overlapping and weaving themselves into her consciousness.

She had been reborn!

She had returned to life in the body of another. Her current identity was Gu Nanshu, the eldest legitimate daughter of the Grand Secretary, Gu Lianxu. Half a month ago, the Emperor had issued an imperial decree bestowing Gu Nanshu in marriage to Prince Beichen, Lu Heng. Lu Heng was the youngest and most prestigious Imperial Uncle of the Beiliang Dynasty. He wielded command over seven hundred thousand troops and was revered by all; even the Emperor addressed him as "Imperial Uncle." Such an honor was meant to bring glory and prestige to the Gu family.

Yet, Gu Nanshu had been unwilling to marry, as her heart belonged to another. She had attempted to flee the marriage repeatedly, only to be dragged back by Gu Lianxu each time. On the wedding day, Gu Lianxu had drugged her with muscle-relaxing powder. No wonder she felt weak and her voice was soft—it was the effect of the drug.

Feng Sanniang’s heart raced with excitement. It seemed that even the heavens could not bear to see her die in vain and had granted her a second chance. Was it meant for her to seek vengeance against Jiang Mubai?

However, she had been reborn two months after her death. Her own corpse must have long since rotted away. She wondered if it had been abandoned in the wilderness or if Jiang Mubai had given her a "grand burial." Regardless, she had been granted the gift of life, and she could finally make that pair of scoundrels pay!

"Heh..."

Feng Sanniang let out a cold, sharp laugh. It was a laugh of deep restraint, laced with sorrow, lingering resentment, and a hatred that had reached its zenith. As she laughed, her eyes grew sore and filled with tears. She steadied herself against the headboard, no longer suppressing her emotions, and let out a wild, unrestrained laugh.

"Hahahaha..."

*Jiang Mubai, you surely never imagined I would still be alive! The true Feng Sanniang was killed by you, but from this day forward, I shall live on as Princess Beichen—Gu Nanshu! I will live to take my revenge! I will ensure your reputation is ruined and you lose everything. I will watch with my own eyes as you and the Jiang family fall into disgrace, despised by all, until you meet a wretched end! You and Feng Yuxi, wait for my vengeance. I will make you both pay in blood!*

The maid, Huan Tao, was startled by her mistress's manic laughter. They were in the Prince’s residence, a place where walls had ears; she feared her mistress would invite gossip. She hurriedly dismissed the other servants and closed the chamber doors, then hurried to her mistress's side. Furrowing her brows, she pleaded softly, "My lady, Huan Tao knows your heart is heavy. If you wish to cry, then cry, but the Prince will be here soon for the wedding night. Please, do not lose your composure before him and offend him! If you do, the Gu family will suffer for it!"

*Indeed.* The heavens had finally granted her a chance at rebirth, and she must cherish this life. Prince Beichen was not like Jiang Mubai; he was an Imperial Uncle, second only to the Emperor, a man even the sovereign treated with deference. If he wanted someone dead, he need only wave his hand.

Gu Nanshu stopped laughing and wiped the tears from her face with her sleeve. Her movements were coarse and lacked grace—a stark contrast to the former Gu Nanshu. Huan Tao watched, stunned. Her mistress had always been the picture of a refined noblewoman, never so reckless or erratic. *Has she been so heartbroken that her nature has changed?*

"My lady, are... are you alright now?" Huan Tao asked cautiously.

Gu Nanshu quickly adjusted her mindset and steeled herself. She pushed herself up from the bed, smoothed her wedding robes, and looked at Huan Tao. "I am fine. What time is it?"

Seeing her mistress return to normal, Huan Tao let out a breath of relief. "My lady, it is already the Hour of the Bo. I shall fetch hot water for you to freshen up; the Prince will be here for the wedding night shortly."

At the mention of the wedding night, Gu Nanshu felt a deep sense of resistance. But things had reached this point; she had no choice and no retreat. She would have to grit her teeth and see it through. It was just another wedding, another wedding night—she would simply close her eyes and endure it. For the rest of her life, she had only one goal: revenge.

After freshening up, Gu Nanshu replaced her red bridal veil and sat properly on the edge of the bed, waiting for the arrival of Prince Beichen.

Before long, the chamber door creaked open. Prince Beichen, clad in brilliant red wedding robes, stepped into view. His sharp, angular features were as handsome as a sculpture, his eyes deep as the sea, and his skin flawless. With his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and tall, upright frame, his temperament was one of peerless elegance mixed with an enchanting allure that made one’s heart flutter at first sight.

Huan Tao was instantly infatuated, her face flushing as she couldn't help but think: *The world says Prince Beichen’s beauty is like a bloom in the golden age, brilliant and dazzling. Seeing him today, it is true—he is a hundred times better than that Young Master Feng my lady liked. To think she didn't want to marry him; she has struck gold!*

Lu Heng walked to the bed, cast a indifferent glance at the bride, and waved his sleeve. "You may all withdraw."

"As you command, Your Highness."

The guards and Huan Tao retreated, and the doors were closed once more. The room fell silent, leaving only Lu Heng and Gu Nanshu.

Gu Nanshu’s small, anxious hands rubbed against each other, her long fingernails digging deep into her palms. In truth, she did not want to have any connection with the Prince. To her, marriage was merely jumping from one cage into another, and the trauma of her past left her fearful.

Lu Heng’s sharp eyes caught the sight of her trembling hands. He glanced at the weighing rod on the tray, but instead of picking it up to lift the veil, he reached for the teapot and poured himself a cup of tea.

As he poured, he said coldly, "I heard that the eldest Miss Gu was unwilling to marry me, and that you were dragged back by Grand Secretary Gu after fleeing multiple times. Tell me, is marrying me truly so terrifying for you?"