"Mom, please don't laugh! It was really a nightmare..."
TanTan protests as her mother sits beside her on the sofa, laughing so hard that she can barely catch her breath.
"But you're not really his wife, right? There's no need to feel upset. I believe that if he knew who you really were, he might even fall for you, silly girl. Isn't he handsome?"
"No way! Yes, he's handsome, but he's really not my type. He's more like your type, Mom. Now that I think about it, he looks a lot like your favourite actor. What's his name again...? Ah... Lee Min Ho! That Korean actor, only younger."
"Lee Min Ho is not my type..."
"Don't lie, Mom. You've watched almost all of his dramas!"
"I'm not lying! I admire him because he reminds me of my first love. That's all!"
"Your first love? You've never told me about that! Who is he? Was he your elementary school classmate? Your junior high school classmate? Or maybe a high school oppa? Come on, Mom, tell me!"
"Silly girl! He's none other than your father!"
"Really? Wow! So Daddy was your first love, and you actually managed to marry him in the end? Wow, Mom, you're amazing!"
"Not only that, but I was also blessed with you, my dear TanTan. You're the precious gift I received from my first love."
"Aww... So romantic! I wish I could have a romantic love story like yours, Mom."
"Oh, you will, TanTan... I know you will find your own first love and live happily with him forever."
"Mom, you do realize, don't you? I'm already too late to experience first love. My only goals now are to get a good job and live happily with you forever."
TanTan warmly hugs her mother's shoulders. Her mother gently touches her nose, as she always does, and says,
"Silly girl, it's never too late for first love. One day, you'll have to leave me and find your own first love..."
"Nooo! I don't want to! I want to stay with you forever!" TanTan responds in a spoiled tone before closing her eyes.
At that moment, she wears the most peaceful smile.
But then...
She opens her eyes and suddenly realizes that she has been dreaming.
What she sees now is the ceiling of an antique bed.
"Good morning, XiaoJie."
TanTan slowly sits up on the bed. Rays of sunlight filter through the translucent paper windows. She then notices XiaoRue preparing a wooden basin filled with water.
Oh, no! I'm still in the past! So this really isn't a dream! I've actually been thrown into the past! I feel like crying right now... Ugh, my head feels so heavy...
TanTan gently massages her head to ease the uncomfortable feeling.
XiaoRue notices her movement and immediately becomes concerned.
"XiaoJie, are you feeling unwell?"
She quickly takes a cup of tea and serves it to TanTan.
How thoughtful this girl is!
TanTan takes the tea with a smile and drinks it. Then, just like yesterday, she returns the cup to XiaoRue and begins to say,
"Thank..."
However, seeing XiaoRue's uncomfortable expression, TanTan stops herself and simply smiles instead.
After that, she yawns widely, stretches both arms above her head, and gets out of bed. She continues stretching her body for a little while.
XiaoRue looks surprised.
XiaoJie is usually very particular about maintaining her manners as a young lady. Has this illness made her forget her proper etiquette as well?
She sighs.
"I want to brush my teeth. Where's the bathroom?" TanTan asks.
"Brush your teeth? But XiaoJie has already drunk her tea. Perhaps XiaoJie means that she wants to wash her face and hands? I've already prepared the water for you."
"The tea...? Do you mean you don't brush your teeth every morning? You just drink tea to clean your teeth?!"
TanTan finds the idea rather strange.
She looks at the teapot, wondering what kind of tea she drank earlier. She pours some into a cup again, but this time, she uses it to rinse her mouth. Afterward, she spits the tea outside the room, toward a nearby plant.
Seeing TanTan's actions, XiaoRue becomes increasingly nervous.
"XiaoJie, you're frightening XiaoRue right now... You're acting so strangely!"
TanTan then realizes that the customs of this era are very different from those of her own time.
Being a quick thinker, she starts connecting the dots. Based on what happened yesterday, she realizes that if she continues behaving strangely in XiaoRue's eyes, the girl will probably report everything to Madam Hua. Then, perhaps everyone, including Madam Hua, will start thinking that TanTan has gone crazy.
That would only cause more trouble and make Madam Hua sad.
TanTan doesn't want to upset the kind old lady who treated her so warmly yesterday, almost like her own grandmother.
"Ahh, XiaoRue... I'm fine. I'm really fine! It's just... I've been inside that coffin for so long that I feel like I need a little exercise. That's all! Now, where's the water? I want to wash my face and hands..."
XiaoRue still seems unconvinced, but she continues helping her young mistress freshen up.
TanTan tries to recall the customs she has seen in Chinese historical dramas. She knows that servants usually help their masters change clothes. So, although she feels rather uncomfortable being served like that, she allows XiaoRue to do her duty.
Afterward, she also lets XiaoRue comb her hair.
As TanTan sits in front of a bronze mirror, she notices that the reflection isn't very clear. Nevertheless, it is enough for her to realize that the face reflected in the mirror isn't her own.
Only then does she remember that she didn't really pay attention to her appearance yesterday.
So, this must be the real face of Hua MuTan.
As XiaoRue begins combing her hair, TanTan carefully observes the face in the mirror.
First, she realizes that Hua MuTan is much younger than her actual age. She looks around sixteen or seventeen years old.
But isn't she already married?
Once again, TanTan remembers that in ancient times, people usually married at a much younger age than in her own era.
Well, I guess that's acceptable for this era, but still... How could they marry someone so young?
Second, she notices that Hua MuTan is actually a very pretty girl.
She has big eyes with long eyelashes, an oval-shaped face, and a straight nose. Her complexion is smooth and flawless, without even a single pimple. Her skin is also fair, although rather pale, as if she has never been exposed to the sunlight.
Her figure is still developing, TanTan guesses.
But overall, Hua MuTan has the potential to become a famous idol if she were living in the modern era.
Not bad at all!
Somehow, TanTan feels proud of this pretty face.
But then, a feeling of sadness creeps into her heart because it isn't really her own face.
She misses her original appearance.
Will I ever be able to return to my real self?
"XiaoJie, it's done!"
TanTan is amazed by how skillfully XiaoRue has arranged her long hair.
She almost wants to say thank you again, but before she can do so, another servant enters the room to deliver a message.
"Young Lady, Madam Hua is expecting you in the main hall."
"Okay. Tell her I'll be there shortly."
XiaoRue's expression suddenly changes. TanTan notices the anxiety on her face.
"Is something wrong, XiaoRue?"
"No, it's nothing... Come, XiaoJie. Madam Hua is waiting for you."
TanTan senses that something is fishy, but she doesn't want to pressure XiaoRue. Perhaps she'll figure it out later.
Besides, XiaoRue is right. Meeting Madam Hua is the priority.
So, TanTan follows her to the main hall, the same place where the funeral was held yesterday.
However, all the funeral decorations have now been removed. The room is simply a spacious hall furnished with wooden furniture, ancient paintings, and various decorations.
What surprises TanTan is that Madam Hua isn't the only person waiting there.
She also sees Prince Li ZhouWei sitting on another side of the hall, accompanied by a young man who appears to be his bodyguard.
What is he doing here? Has he come to threaten me again?
TanTan feels annoyed just by seeing Prince Li's presence.
Beside Madam Hua sits another elderly woman. She looks like a rather elegant aunt, but the woman is staring at TanTan with an unfriendly expression.
TanTan wonders why.
"Where are your manners, MuTan? Why don't you properly greet your grandmother and your husband?"
TanTan dislikes the way this aunt speaks. From her expression, she can tell that this woman, whoever she is, clearly has some hostility toward Hua MuTan.
"It's alright, Gui Er. Tan Er hasn't fully recovered from her illness yet. Let's spare her this time, alright? Come here, Tan Er. Let Ama have a look at you."
"Mother, you're always spoiling her! Prince Li is here. How can we allow her to display such uneducated manners in front of him? It's... it's so embarrassing!"
Mother? So this woman really is Hua MuTan's aunt!
Without hesitation, TanTan walks toward Madam Hua.
She passes by Prince Li, who is busy drinking his tea and doesn't seem to care about her at all.
"Good morning... Ama... Aunty..."
TanTan gives a slight bow, trying to greet Madam Hua and the other woman politely.
"Very good, Tan Er. That's enough. How are you feeling today?"
Madam Hua smiles warmly at TanTan, while Aunt Gui continues to wear an unpleasant expression.
"I'm feeling fine. Thank you for your concern, Ama."
TanTan tries to respond carefully, her heart beating a little faster.
I didn't say anything wrong, did I? At least, I remember this is how they speak in historical dramas.
"I'm so glad to see you healthy again, my Tan Er... Isn't that right, Prince Li?"
"Yes, you're absolutely right, Madam Hua."
The prince smiles politely at Madam Hua.
So, he can smile after all! Not bad. He actually looks more handsome when he smiles.
Unfortunately, that smile quickly disappears when his eyes meet TanTan's.
He then turns his attention back to Madam Hua, speaking politely to her while completely ignoring TanTan, as if she doesn't even exist.
"It's fortunate that Hua MuTan survived the incident. As soon as I heard the news, I came here to check on her condition. Please forgive me for coming so suddenly yesterday and disturbing you, Madam Hua."
Checking on my condition, my ass! Didn't he come here to threaten me and practically promise to kill me yesterday?
TanTan feels sick listening to Prince Li so smoothly pretending to care about her.
However, she can only complain silently in her mind.
The situation is still unclear to her, and she doesn't want to cause any unnecessary trouble.
Besides, she is still confused about the purpose of this meeting.
"Yes, my Tan Er is indeed very fortunate... especially to have a husband like you, who cares about her so much."
No, he doesn't, Ama! He wants to kill me!
TanTan screams silently in her heart.
"Now, I can finally feel at ease letting her return to your residence and allowing you to continue taking care of her. Perhaps being with you will help her recover more quickly and regain her memories."
Madam Hua gently pats TanTan's hand.
What?! No way! Does this mean Prince Li has come to take me away? Surely he won't agree to this, right? Doesn't he hate Hua MuTan so much?
"Please rest assured, Madam Hua. I promise I will take good care of Hua MuTan."
What the hell?! What is he planning? Does he really intend to kill me once we get to his residence? Nooo...!
"Nooo, Ama! I don't want to leave you! Please let me stay here... I'm scared..."
TanTan tries to soften Madam Hua's heart.
Deep inside, however, she keeps repeating the same words.
I'm really scared of being killed, Ama...
"Don't be ridiculous, MuTan! You're a married woman now. You're supposed to follow your husband. Don't bring shame to the Hua Family!"
Aunt Gui scolds her.
TanTan can tell that this aunt is also eager to drive Hua MuTan out of the residence.
"Tan Er, your aunt is right. We must follow tradition. Prince Li has come all this way to take you home. Besides, don't worry. This man is your husband, whom you loved so much before. You once told me that being with him was the happiest time of your life. I believe this is the best way to help you recover your memories."
Did Hua MuTan really say that? What a love-blinded fool!
"But... but I don't know him... I really don't want to..."
"Stop it, MuTan! Do you want to upset your grandmother again?"
TanTan looks at Madam Hua.
The worry on the old woman's face is unmistakable.
TanTan carefully glances at Prince Li again. To her surprise, this time the prince is staring directly at her.
His gaze is cold and sharp, but for a brief moment, she also notices a hint of confusion in his eyes.
Then Prince Li speaks to her in a surprisingly gentle tone, almost as if he were talking to a little child.
"Come, MuTan... Don't worry your grandmother anymore. Let's go home."
TanTan considers the situation carefully.
If she continues insisting on staying, Madam Hua might begin to suspect that something is wrong with her. And as her aunt and the prince have pointed out, her refusal might only become another burden for the old woman.
However, if she follows the prince, she cannot guarantee her own safety.
Still, she understands how important family reputation and tradition are in this era, at least from all the historical dramas she has watched.
TanTan looks at Madam Hua again.
The old woman is already quite elderly, but her warmth reminds TanTan of her own mother.
For this kind grandmother, TanTan feels willing to do almost anything that might make her happy.
"If... if I return with this... this Prince Li, will that make you happy, Ama?"
"As long as you're happy, Tan Er... I'll be happy too."
"..."
TanTan also notices that her aunt is still looking at her with an unfriendly glare. It seems that she has no intention of giving up on driving TanTan away.
Well, hell... I'm really not in a good position right now. This Hua MuTan has caused so much trouble for this kind grandmother by marrying the wrong man. If I want to sort things out, I need to understand the situation first. And that means I have to enter the lion's den if necessary...
"Very well, Ama... I'll listen to what you say."
"Does that mean you're willing to follow Prince Li back to his residence?"
TanTan slowly nods.
"Aiyah, very good, Tan Er! I believe this is the best decision for your recovery. Just don't forget to visit Ama next year, alright?"
Madam Hua gently touches TanTan's face.
"Aiyah... I'll miss you so much, my Tan Er. Now, I give you my blessing. Go with your husband and live happily, just as you have always dreamed of."
"Tan Er will miss you too, Ama. And I'm truly grateful for your kindness. I promise I won't forget to visit you next year."
"Then, I think it's better for us to begin our journey, Madam Hua. That way, we can reach the Li Mansion sooner and allow MuTan to rest as quickly as possible."
Prince Li rises from his seat and gives a formal farewell gesture to Madam Hua and Aunt Gui.
"Yes, you're right, Prince Li. The sooner you begin your journey, the better. Prince Li, please take very good care of my beloved granddaughter, Tan Er."
"I will."
A few minutes later, Madam Hua, accompanied by Aunt Gui, escorts TanTan and Prince Li ZhouWei to the main gate of the Hua residence.
A luxurious, beautifully decorated horse-drawn carriage, spacious enough to accommodate four people, is already waiting for them.
"Then, I'll be going now, Ama."
TanTan gives Madam Hua one last farewell.
"Yes, Tan Er..."
The prince then helps TanTan climb into the carriage.
TanTan knows that he only does so because Madam Hua is watching.
When XiaoRue is about to climb in as well, Madam Hua suddenly stops her.
"XiaoRue, wait..."
She then turns toward Prince Li.
"Prince Li, Tan Er has only just recovered from her illness. If you would kindly grant this old woman one request, I hope you can accompany Tan Er inside the carriage and allow XiaoRue to sit at the front. I believe the two of you have a lot to talk about during the journey."
Prince Li has great respect for Madam Hua, so he suppresses his dislike and agrees to her request.
He climbs into the carriage, while XiaoRue takes a seat at the front beside the prince's bodyguard, who also serves as the carriage driver.
An intense, unspoken atmosphere settles between the two passengers inside the carriage.
Prince Li deliberately looks everywhere except at TanTan. He clearly wants to avoid any contact with her.
Meanwhile, TanTan remains on high alert, keeping her eyes on the prince in case he makes any sudden moves.
In her previous life, TanTan was never afraid of dealing with bad people. Having grown up with only her mother, she had also learned several forms of modern martial arts, including boxing, karate, and even shooting, so that she could protect both herself and her mother.
Although her current body isn't her original one, she assumes that as long as she retains her memories and knowledge from the future, she should still be able to defend herself reasonably well.
So far, however, nothing has happened.
TanTan becomes increasingly curious, and eventually gathers the courage to ask,
"Why?"
"..."
Prince Li finally turns his gaze toward her.
"Why did you come to pick me up? Don't you hate me? Why didn't you just let me stay with Madam Hua for at least a few months? That way, we wouldn't have to bother each other, right?"
"And give you another chance to hurt ShuangAi?"
"What?"
"Do you think I don't know about your evil plans, Hua MuTan?! I know you're pretending to be sick so you can secretly plan another scheme to hurt ShuangAi and discredit me in front of your grandmother and the King!"
Wow... Was Hua MuTan really capable of doing such terrible things?
"I won't do that!"
Obviously, I won't! I'm Lang TanTan, not Hua MuTan!
"Enough with your hypocritical act! I'm sick of it!"
His voice grows louder.
"There's no one else in this carriage. Why don't you try being honest for once in your life, huh?! Listen carefully. I only came to take you back because I need to keep an eye on you and prevent you from making another evil plan to hurt ShuangAi!"
Prince Li suddenly shouts an order for the carriage to stop.
Then he rises from his seat.
TanTan is confused.
Why does he need to stop the carriage?
"What are you doing?" she asks.
"We're already far enough from the Hua residence. There's no need to keep pretending anymore. I can't breathe properly when I'm stuck in here with you..."
He steps out of the carriage and orders XiaoRue to switch seats with him.
TanTan can sense just how deep the prince's resentment toward Hua MuTan runs.
It makes her even more curious.
Who exactly are you, Hua MuTan? And what on earth did you do to this man?
When XiaoRue enters the carriage, she expects to see her XiaoJie throwing a tantrum and crying as usual.
But to her surprise, TanTan is simply sitting there quietly, lost in deep thought.
There is no anger or sign of an outburst.
"XiaoJie, are you alright?"
"Huh? What?"
TanTan snaps out of her thoughts and looks at XiaoRue.
Suddenly, she remembers XiaoRue's strange reaction earlier.
So... XiaoRue already knew about this journey. That's why she was acting strangely before.
TanTan begins to feel even more fond of this girl.
XiaoRue has clearly been worrying about Hua MuTan ever since she woke up.
TanTan gives her a gentle smile.
"Yeah, I'm alright. Come, sit here and help me refresh my memories before we arrive. Tell me about everyone I'm going to meet there."
I'm still completely in the dark about this place. For now, I need to gather as much information as possible. Then, once I understand the situation better, I can decide what to do next.