Chapter 2: Rebirth
"How is the young miss doing?" Tang Li entered carrying a copper basin filled with freshly cooled water. She saw Yue Lin sitting on a small stool by the bed, secretly wiping away tears, and her heart clenched in panic. "No physician came by again?"
Yue Lin shook her head through her tears, gazing sorrowfully at the girl lying on the bed. The girl's delicate face was flushed crimson, her breath shallow and labored—it seemed like every breath was a struggle.
"Miss... the young miss is probably not going to make it!" Yue Lin choked out, barely able to speak. "Madam refuses to send anyone again!"
Tang Li was seething. They had already been turned away countless times. No matter how much the second madam despised an illegitimate daughter, she shouldn’t just stand by and watch her die! The young miss had always treated them like sisters—how could they just watch her perish?
"I'm going to find the second madam!" Tang Li slammed the basin down, water splashing everywhere. Gritting her teeth, she spat, "If she still refuses to send a proper doctor, I’ll risk my life and expose how a legitimate wife mistreats a concubine-born daughter. Let’s see how her sons will ever secure marriage proposals!"
Yue Lin jumped up and pulled her back in panic. "You just care about venting! Did you forget what everyone in our room has already done? If the madam finds another excuse to punish you, who’s going to brew medicine and change Miss’s cloths?"
Tang Li’s anger was doused like fire with cold water. Indeed, their repeated pleas for medicine had annoyed the second madam. She used the excuse of being short-staffed to reassign all the maids and matrons from their room.
Thinking about the medicine again made both girls despair. When the miss had fallen ill, the madam summoned a mediocre doctor who merely called it a slight fever. But she hadn’t improved. When they begged again, they were scolded for meddling.
Now, the miss had been unconscious for two days straight.
Tang Li and Yue Lin were only about fifteen or sixteen, and being sold into the marquis household was the biggest event of their lives. Faced with such a life-or-death situation, they were at a complete loss. And the miss’s nursemaid had returned to her countryside home—no help there. At the height of their grief, both girls began to cry.
…Who’s crying?
Tang Wan felt like her eyelids were heavy, her mind dazed and spinning. She vaguely heard an argument, then sobbing. Hadn’t she swallowed poison? How could she still be conscious?
Could it be… she hadn’t died?
At that thought, a strange strength surged through her, and she abruptly opened her eyes. What she saw was a small room with modest furnishings—used bed drapes, two plain plum vases by the window, a few antiques on a shelf. One glance told her: this was neither the luxurious palace she had lived in as a noble consort nor the cold palace she had last inhabited.
"G-Girl!" Yue Lin had just been about to place a fresh cloth on her forehead when she saw the girl on the bed open her eyes.
They were stunned with joy.
"Merciful Buddha!" the usually spirited Tang Li cried out. She rushed to the bed, elated. "Heavens have mercy—you’re finally awake!"
Girl?
Tang Wan was baffled. A suspicion slowly formed in her mind—had she transmigrated again?
"What’s wrong, miss?" Yue Lin noticed Tang Wan’s confusion. Her gaze was blank, like she didn’t recognize them at all.
Even Tang Li noticed the oddity. The earlier joy was quickly replaced by growing unease—had the fever scrambled their young miss’s mind?
Tang Wan didn’t reply. The headache was overwhelming, and she couldn’t bring herself to respond. Her entire body ached with fatigue.
She tried moving slightly, and the pain and exhaustion that flooded her confirmed one thing: she was very much alive.
Only then did she dare to believe—she had been reborn again.
Could heaven have heard her final prayer before dying?
"Miss, don’t scare us!" Tang Li panicked when Tang Wan closed her eyes again. "Miss! Wake up!"
Their shouting made the headache worse. Tang Wan wanted to tell them to be quiet—but she realized she didn’t know their names.
This time, she hadn’t inherited the original owner’s memories.
Her heart sank.
"Who am I? Who are you?" Her question was direct, but since the original owner had been feverish for days, the girls thought she was simply delirious.
The quick-tongued Tang Li immediately blurted everything out like pouring beans from a bamboo tube.
Despite the pain, Tang Wan committed every word to memory.
She now inhabited the body of Ming Wei, the seventh concubine-born daughter of the second branch of the Chengping Marquis household. Her two maids were Tang Li and Yue Lin. The second madam, cruel and petty, had ignored Ming Wei’s illness, sent away their staff, and nearly watched her die untreated.
Wait—Chengping Marquis?
In her previous life, Tang Wan had been of the highest status. She had barely interacted with anyone outside the elite clans. She only had a vague impression of a marquis surnamed Ming. Could this be the same one?
A shiver ran through her.
She struggled upright with all her strength. Her face was paler than the towel beside her.
"What’s the current reign year?"
"Year 37 of Zhaoping!" the girls answered in unison, startled by her intensity.
Zhaoping… It was still the same era. That man was still alive. Tang Wan’s heart filled with mixed emotions—so overwhelmed, she didn’t even register that 36 years had passed since her death.
An odd silence fell over the room. The girls grew uneasy. Was their young miss really still feverish—did she not even recognize herself?
"Where has everyone gone off to!" a sharp voice suddenly broke the silence outside. "Madam’s far too lenient! You think you can do as you please? Just wait till I report this and get your hides flayed!"
Tang Li and Yue Lin turned pale with dread.
Tang Wan frowned. Even a concubine-born daughter was still a legitimate young miss. Who would dare speak so rudely?
Then the curtain was flung open, and an older woman entered. Her face was mean and sharp. Though she wore servant garb, the two heavy gold hairpins on her head marked her as a trusted confidante.
"Mama Li," Tang Li and Yue Lin curtsied reluctantly.
This Mama Li looked at the supposedly dying Ming Wei, now sitting upright, and clicked her tongue in displeasure. She didn’t even bother to bow. Her tone was mocking: "Oh, what a relief—you’ve recovered, miss. I suppose Tang Li and Yue Lin were just being dramatic, crying about your condition." Then she glared viciously at the two girls. "Just wait till I tear your lying mouths apart!"
Tang Wan was stunned.
In her past life, as a high-born daughter, she was always adored and respected. No one ever dared act disrespectful—let alone a servant!
But she wasn’t the naive girl of her first two lives anymore. A glance at the cowering Tang Li and Yue Lin, and the smug Mama Li, told her everything she needed to know.
"Thank you for your concern, Mama." She gestured for her maids to help her lean back. "I’ve been ill and they’re still young. If they offended you, I’ll discipline them myself."
Her tone was weak yet respectful—leaving Mama Li no excuse to cause trouble.
"You’re so understanding, miss." Mama Li’s eyes gleamed with disappointment. She clearly had hoped for a reason to scold them more.
Then her expression shifted. "By the way, the embroidery you owe the madam is overdue. She sent me to collect it."
Tang Wan was speechless. What kind of madam sends someone to collect embroidery from a sick, bedridden girl?
Tang Li couldn’t bear it anymore. "Miss has been unconscious for two days—how could she possibly do needlework!"
Mama Li’s eyes lit up—finally, something to punish them for.
"How dare you interrupt!" Tang Wan cut in sharply. "She only spoke out of worry for me. If punishment is due, I’ll handle it."
Though weak, her voice carried authority. All three were momentarily stunned.
Tang Li backed away with red eyes. Mama Li muttered a few more complaints, but Tang Wan didn’t respond.
Satisfied with her supposed victory, Mama Li said, "You’d best get to work. The madam will be pleased if you understand her expectations." Then she left without even a bow.
Moon Lin trembled in anger. She turned to speak, but Tang Wan gently sighed, "Call Tang Li back inside."
"Miss?" Moon Lin was puzzled, but obeyed.
Soon, Tang Li returned with a hurt expression.
"Do you know why I sent you out?" Tang Wan asked gently.
Tang Li nodded, then shook her head. Moon Lin, however, suddenly understood.
"Silly girl," Tang Wan smiled faintly. "You were standing up for me, and I thank you. But that old woman would’ve latched on and punished you. I couldn’t let that happen."
Tang Li blushed in embarrassment. "Miss… I was foolish—"
Tang Wan shook her head. "I don’t blame you. Just remember—fighting back with words isn’t always the right way. Protecting yourself is more important."
Both maids nodded in thought.
In her last life, she had been proud and arrogant—and ended up dying in the Cold Palace. Her father and brothers were exiled. She didn’t even know if they were still alive. Her eyes welled with tears at the memory.
"Miss, please don’t cry!" Tang Li panicked. "I’ll never speak out like that again!"
Realizing her slip, Tang Wan smiled and waved it off.
This time, she would protect herself—and protect those around her.
She had been reborn. No matter how hard life might be, no matter if it would be taken away again—she would live well.
Tang Wan had died in the Cold Palace 36 years ago.
From this day forward, she was Ming Wei, the seventh concubine-born daughter of the Chengping Marquis household.
Yue Lin shook her head through her tears, gazing sorrowfully at the girl lying on the bed. The girl's delicate face was flushed crimson, her breath shallow and labored—it seemed like every breath was a struggle.
"Miss... the young miss is probably not going to make it!" Yue Lin choked out, barely able to speak. "Madam refuses to send anyone again!"
Tang Li was seething. They had already been turned away countless times. No matter how much the second madam despised an illegitimate daughter, she shouldn’t just stand by and watch her die! The young miss had always treated them like sisters—how could they just watch her perish?
"I'm going to find the second madam!" Tang Li slammed the basin down, water splashing everywhere. Gritting her teeth, she spat, "If she still refuses to send a proper doctor, I’ll risk my life and expose how a legitimate wife mistreats a concubine-born daughter. Let’s see how her sons will ever secure marriage proposals!"
Yue Lin jumped up and pulled her back in panic. "You just care about venting! Did you forget what everyone in our room has already done? If the madam finds another excuse to punish you, who’s going to brew medicine and change Miss’s cloths?"
Tang Li’s anger was doused like fire with cold water. Indeed, their repeated pleas for medicine had annoyed the second madam. She used the excuse of being short-staffed to reassign all the maids and matrons from their room.
Thinking about the medicine again made both girls despair. When the miss had fallen ill, the madam summoned a mediocre doctor who merely called it a slight fever. But she hadn’t improved. When they begged again, they were scolded for meddling.
Now, the miss had been unconscious for two days straight.
Tang Li and Yue Lin were only about fifteen or sixteen, and being sold into the marquis household was the biggest event of their lives. Faced with such a life-or-death situation, they were at a complete loss. And the miss’s nursemaid had returned to her countryside home—no help there. At the height of their grief, both girls began to cry.
…Who’s crying?
Tang Wan felt like her eyelids were heavy, her mind dazed and spinning. She vaguely heard an argument, then sobbing. Hadn’t she swallowed poison? How could she still be conscious?
Could it be… she hadn’t died?
At that thought, a strange strength surged through her, and she abruptly opened her eyes. What she saw was a small room with modest furnishings—used bed drapes, two plain plum vases by the window, a few antiques on a shelf. One glance told her: this was neither the luxurious palace she had lived in as a noble consort nor the cold palace she had last inhabited.
"G-Girl!" Yue Lin had just been about to place a fresh cloth on her forehead when she saw the girl on the bed open her eyes.
They were stunned with joy.
"Merciful Buddha!" the usually spirited Tang Li cried out. She rushed to the bed, elated. "Heavens have mercy—you’re finally awake!"
Girl?
Tang Wan was baffled. A suspicion slowly formed in her mind—had she transmigrated again?
"What’s wrong, miss?" Yue Lin noticed Tang Wan’s confusion. Her gaze was blank, like she didn’t recognize them at all.
Even Tang Li noticed the oddity. The earlier joy was quickly replaced by growing unease—had the fever scrambled their young miss’s mind?
Tang Wan didn’t reply. The headache was overwhelming, and she couldn’t bring herself to respond. Her entire body ached with fatigue.
She tried moving slightly, and the pain and exhaustion that flooded her confirmed one thing: she was very much alive.
Only then did she dare to believe—she had been reborn again.
Could heaven have heard her final prayer before dying?
"Miss, don’t scare us!" Tang Li panicked when Tang Wan closed her eyes again. "Miss! Wake up!"
Their shouting made the headache worse. Tang Wan wanted to tell them to be quiet—but she realized she didn’t know their names.
This time, she hadn’t inherited the original owner’s memories.
Her heart sank.
"Who am I? Who are you?" Her question was direct, but since the original owner had been feverish for days, the girls thought she was simply delirious.
The quick-tongued Tang Li immediately blurted everything out like pouring beans from a bamboo tube.
Despite the pain, Tang Wan committed every word to memory.
She now inhabited the body of Ming Wei, the seventh concubine-born daughter of the second branch of the Chengping Marquis household. Her two maids were Tang Li and Yue Lin. The second madam, cruel and petty, had ignored Ming Wei’s illness, sent away their staff, and nearly watched her die untreated.
Wait—Chengping Marquis?
In her previous life, Tang Wan had been of the highest status. She had barely interacted with anyone outside the elite clans. She only had a vague impression of a marquis surnamed Ming. Could this be the same one?
A shiver ran through her.
She struggled upright with all her strength. Her face was paler than the towel beside her.
"What’s the current reign year?"
"Year 37 of Zhaoping!" the girls answered in unison, startled by her intensity.
Zhaoping… It was still the same era. That man was still alive. Tang Wan’s heart filled with mixed emotions—so overwhelmed, she didn’t even register that 36 years had passed since her death.
An odd silence fell over the room. The girls grew uneasy. Was their young miss really still feverish—did she not even recognize herself?
"Where has everyone gone off to!" a sharp voice suddenly broke the silence outside. "Madam’s far too lenient! You think you can do as you please? Just wait till I report this and get your hides flayed!"
Tang Li and Yue Lin turned pale with dread.
Tang Wan frowned. Even a concubine-born daughter was still a legitimate young miss. Who would dare speak so rudely?
Then the curtain was flung open, and an older woman entered. Her face was mean and sharp. Though she wore servant garb, the two heavy gold hairpins on her head marked her as a trusted confidante.
"Mama Li," Tang Li and Yue Lin curtsied reluctantly.
This Mama Li looked at the supposedly dying Ming Wei, now sitting upright, and clicked her tongue in displeasure. She didn’t even bother to bow. Her tone was mocking: "Oh, what a relief—you’ve recovered, miss. I suppose Tang Li and Yue Lin were just being dramatic, crying about your condition." Then she glared viciously at the two girls. "Just wait till I tear your lying mouths apart!"
Tang Wan was stunned.
In her past life, as a high-born daughter, she was always adored and respected. No one ever dared act disrespectful—let alone a servant!
But she wasn’t the naive girl of her first two lives anymore. A glance at the cowering Tang Li and Yue Lin, and the smug Mama Li, told her everything she needed to know.
"Thank you for your concern, Mama." She gestured for her maids to help her lean back. "I’ve been ill and they’re still young. If they offended you, I’ll discipline them myself."
Her tone was weak yet respectful—leaving Mama Li no excuse to cause trouble.
"You’re so understanding, miss." Mama Li’s eyes gleamed with disappointment. She clearly had hoped for a reason to scold them more.
Then her expression shifted. "By the way, the embroidery you owe the madam is overdue. She sent me to collect it."
Tang Wan was speechless. What kind of madam sends someone to collect embroidery from a sick, bedridden girl?
Tang Li couldn’t bear it anymore. "Miss has been unconscious for two days—how could she possibly do needlework!"
Mama Li’s eyes lit up—finally, something to punish them for.
"How dare you interrupt!" Tang Wan cut in sharply. "She only spoke out of worry for me. If punishment is due, I’ll handle it."
Though weak, her voice carried authority. All three were momentarily stunned.
Tang Li backed away with red eyes. Mama Li muttered a few more complaints, but Tang Wan didn’t respond.
Satisfied with her supposed victory, Mama Li said, "You’d best get to work. The madam will be pleased if you understand her expectations." Then she left without even a bow.
Moon Lin trembled in anger. She turned to speak, but Tang Wan gently sighed, "Call Tang Li back inside."
"Miss?" Moon Lin was puzzled, but obeyed.
Soon, Tang Li returned with a hurt expression.
"Do you know why I sent you out?" Tang Wan asked gently.
Tang Li nodded, then shook her head. Moon Lin, however, suddenly understood.
"Silly girl," Tang Wan smiled faintly. "You were standing up for me, and I thank you. But that old woman would’ve latched on and punished you. I couldn’t let that happen."
Tang Li blushed in embarrassment. "Miss… I was foolish—"
Tang Wan shook her head. "I don’t blame you. Just remember—fighting back with words isn’t always the right way. Protecting yourself is more important."
Both maids nodded in thought.
In her last life, she had been proud and arrogant—and ended up dying in the Cold Palace. Her father and brothers were exiled. She didn’t even know if they were still alive. Her eyes welled with tears at the memory.
"Miss, please don’t cry!" Tang Li panicked. "I’ll never speak out like that again!"
Realizing her slip, Tang Wan smiled and waved it off.
This time, she would protect herself—and protect those around her.
She had been reborn. No matter how hard life might be, no matter if it would be taken away again—she would live well.
Tang Wan had died in the Cold Palace 36 years ago.
From this day forward, she was Ming Wei, the seventh concubine-born daughter of the Chengping Marquis household.
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