Previous Life
At least I have a home now, don’t I?
Back then, Yu Shuwan was far too naive.
The compensation Su Jintang spoke of was nothing but doting affection for Yu Guiwan and utter disregard and disgust for her. As for Yu Jingzhou’s so-called compensation, it was merely treating Yu Guiwan like a treasure while casting her aside like trash.
And she, due to injuries left untreated for too long, developed a permanent foot ailment. She was branded by everyone in Jingcheng (Capital City) as an ungrateful wretch who bit the hand that fed her, and in the end, she was sent to hell by her own biological father.
What exactly had she done wrong?
Was it that she shouldn’t have returned to the Houfu (Marquis Estate)?
Clearly, she was their family. Clearly, she shared their blood. Clearly, she had done nothing wrong and had never harmed anyone!
So why?
Why did they blame her just because Yu Guiwan frowned?
They would only say: Yu Shuwan, why is your heart so twisted and malicious? Guiwan already lives so cautiously; how can you make her feel guilty again!
Yu Shuwan, do you really care so much about wealth and status?
If we had known it would be like this, we should never have given birth to you!
…
But it was she, Yu Shuwan, who lived cautiously.
It was she, Yu Shuwan, whose fourteen years of a privileged life had been stolen!
She hadn’t even exchanged more than a few words with Yu Guiwan, yet they would anxiously shield her as if she were some monstrous threat.
It was Yu Guiwan who had taken everything from her. What had she ever done wrong!
Her fingernails dug deeply into her palms. Yu Shuwan’s tears fell continuously onto her clothes, quickly soaking into the fabric.
“Xiao Wan!”
A figure hurriedly approached. Seeing that she was unharmed, Yu Fangyi finally let out a sigh of relief.
But there was also a hint of reproach in his tone. “Why did you leave without saying a word?”
“You say you’re my father. Where’s the proof?”
Yu Shuwan snapped back to reality, looking expressionlessly at the man before her.
Seeing the redness that hadn’t yet faded from Yu Shuwan’s eyes, Yu Fangyi felt a pang of pity. “You bear a forty percent resemblance to your mother. I couldn’t possibly mistake you.”
“Many people look alike. Why are you so sure it’s me?”
“There should be a crescent-shaped birthmark on your left ankle.”
Seeing that Yu Shuwan remained silent, Yu Fangyi sighed. “I didn’t get a chance to see it, but you’ll know whether what I’m saying is true or not.”
Yu Shuwan’s expression softened slightly, appearing convinced.
Yu Fangyi frowned. “Xiao Wan, is this the home you lived in with your foster mother?”
Yu Shuwan shook her head, a bitter smile on her face. “She abandoned me and left.”
Yu Fangyi felt a complex mix of emotions, but then he saw Yu Shuwan slowly lift her head, her eyes filled with longing. “Can we return to Jingcheng soon? I want to see my family.”
Yu Fangyi was still concerned about Yu Shuwan’s physical condition, but at this moment, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse. He nodded. “Alright, let’s go home.”
Yu Shuwan’s smile gradually widened.
Jingcheng, she was coming back. Those who had hurt her—she would settle accounts with them, one by one!
The carriage was parked just outside the village.
The village was small, and Yu Fangyi had specifically hired a carriage.
Setting out from Liu Jia Village, Yu Fangyi took Yu Shuwan all the way to the county seat before stopping.
“Your injuries need fresh dressings. I brought a physician along for the journey; it makes everything more convenient.”
Yu Shuwan naturally knew that Yu Fangyi had brought a physician who had once served in the palace as an Imperial Physician.
In her previous life, because of the injury to her foot, this so-called Imperial Physician had used all sorts of dubious medicines under the guise of treatment.
This was precisely what led to her condition becoming incurable later on.
Meeting an old friend so soon.
No rush, she would deal with them one by one, slowly and thoroughly.
Soon, a groggy middle-aged man carrying a medical box walked over. Seeing Yu Shuwan’s tattered clothes, a flicker of contempt crossed his eyes.
Doctor Fang felt that whenever he met Yu Shuwan’s gaze, a strange unease crept over him. But the thought of the box of gold he had received before setting out instantly bolstered his confidence.
He stroked his beard. “Please, Marquis, step aside for a moment.”
Yu Fangyi frowned. “This is my daughter. Why should I step aside?”
“Marquis, I must ask the young lady if she has any other discomforts. As a man, it would be somewhat inconvenient for you to remain.”
Hearing this, Yu Fangyi’s expression darkened. He grunted in acknowledgment and turned to leave.
Seeing the door close, Yu Shuwan watched as Doctor Fang sat down before her, his tone tinged with arrogance. “Have you washed your hands? Why does it look like there’s still mud on your wrist?”
But Yu Shuwan did not extend her hand. Instead, she smiled and asked, “You are Doctor Fang, correct?”
Doctor Fang frowned, growing impatient. “I’m here to examine you. Go wash up. Can’t you understand?”
He then sighed softly. “Truly a crude country bumpkin, nothing like the delicate young ladies raised in the Houfu.”
Yu Shuwan remained expressionless, pretending not to hear his words.
“My health is weak. I haven’t slept well lately, so sometimes I might even experience delusions.
But it’s fine. Usually, nothing happens unless I’m provoked. However, these injuries on my body will likely require some high-quality medicinal ointment.”
Doctor Fang glanced at her dismissively. “Even if you had it, would you know how to use it? It’s not like this is your first injury out here in the countryside.
Just bear with it. Why trouble this old man and the Marquis to fuss over you? Do you really think you’re some delicate young lady?”
Yu Shuwan looked at Doctor Fang calmly. “I’m really starting to get annoyed with you.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, in a flash, Yu Shuwan kicked out.
Caught off guard, Doctor Fang fell to the ground. Yu Shuwan seized the moment, yanked the sachet from his waist, and stuffed it into his mouth. She then raised her fists and began pummeling him.
Doctor Fang hadn’t expected this seemingly frail young woman to hit so hard. He scrambled frantically several times before finally pulling the sachet from his mouth and shouting in terror, “Marquis, save me!”
The young woman, who had been smiling and raising her fists moments before, suddenly tore her clothes into disarray. With frightened eyes, she huddled in the corner and began to sob pitifully.
Yu Fangyi must have been right outside the door, for he opened it immediately upon hearing the commotion. He saw Doctor Fang scrambling to his feet in panic.
Meanwhile, Yu Shuwan was curled up in the corner, clutching herself tightly. Her eyes, wet with tears, stared at him in terror as she spoke in a trembling voice.
“This Doctor Fang insulted me and hit me. If you don’t want to acknowledge me, I’ll leave. Why humiliate me like this?”
Doctor Fang’s face turned pale with anger. “Nonsense! It was you who attacked me! I—”
He then realized that he didn’t seem to feel any pain where Yu Shuwan had struck him, even though her blows had been excruciating moments ago!
Yu Shuwan smiled inwardly. Of course, she had used clever force—she wasn’t foolish. If she could use Yu Fangyi to deal with Doctor Fang, why cause trouble herself?
However, she genuinely only wanted to meet an old acquaintance first, but who knew this Doctor Fang remained as detestable as ever.