Anning’s pov

I stared at the ceiling of my room, one hand slapped over my eyes as I let out a small smile.

Nine months.

It felt impossible that so much time had gone by. When Wanqing first left, I had chosen to believe it would only be for a few days.

A short trip, maybe some business she had to go to in place of her father or maybe she just left to cool down after our fight.

I had even prepared a half hearted apology in my head for when she returned. But days turned into weeks, and weeks blurred into months.

Now here we were.

At first, I thought I was going to die. Every corner of the residence reminded me of her.

The infirmary we had argued in last time before she had gotten whipped and the glare she would have given me if I walked without lowering my gaze.

I had devoted myself to work just to get her out of my head. Scrubbing floors till my hand bled, carrying pails of water till my muscle ached.

I freaking even learnt how to smile at the people who had referred to me as a freaking slut.

Even when they called me the villain made or the silver haired troublemaker who drove the young miss away, all behind my back though.

But strangely, the harder I worked, the more respect I earned. Even Lanzhin had patted me on the back and gave me a small smile like she really approved.

Who would have expected things to turn out like this. My lips curled into a bitter smile at the thought.

The same girl who once pointed a sword at someone was now the most reliable maid in the Gu household.

It wasn’t exactly satisfying to me. It was just something I had to do. If I wanted this skin of mine off, it would come off.

A-mei had been beside me through everything. I joined her to do those face masks, late night chatter and there had even been a time we snuck into the kitchen to steal food.

We became friends because I allowed it... mostly, she just learned to tolerate my presence. With her, I laughed again.

I stopped counting the days since Wanqing laughed. I wiped my head of the memory of our last night together, the way she kissed me or even the dumb nickname she gave me.

Or at least, that was what I told myself.

When I decided to move on, I did it quickly. The heart was a stubborn organ, but mine had learned to obey me when I wanted.

Today was finally my day off!

I had finally earned real permission to leave the residence, along with actual coins for my salary.

I stood up from the bed, changed into a comfortable dress, threw a simple grey cloak over it and pulled the hood up.

I didn’t need to draw attention, especially when I wasn’t here.

The plan was to stroll through the markets, buy a few things, along with some sweets. Now, my life truly no longer revolved around Gu Wanqing.

I stepped out of the maid quarters and into the main hallways. The maids that had once avoided my eyes now greeted me with small bows.

"Good morning, Anning." One called out.

Another passed me a small smile, pointing at my dress. "Grey really suits you, Ann. You look even prettier today!"

Yes, the changes surprised even me.

But I returned the smile, even though it was just a slight curve of my lips and it was actually genuine.

’Prettier’

Months ago they would have referred to me as a slut or I was nothing but trouble.

It was kind of amusing how consistent effort could rewrite people’s opinions about oneself.

I continued walking, my head held up high. I nodded every once in a while. Pride was the only thing I could feel in my chest and it made me feel giddy.

This was now my space. It wasn’t perfect, but I had control now.

I had just stepped out of the main residence when the sound of hooves and wheels caught my attention.

A grand carriage rolled in through the gates, elegant and utterly imposing. The dark wood gleamed under the sunlight, the gold engraved at the sides caught every ray.

The phoenixes carving’s on the body of the carriage and the small ornamental crows adorned the roofs like tiny jewelry.

The imperial carriage.

Just perfect.

I had planned to escape before they arrived. You might be wondering who exactly I was speaking about, well... Wanqing was arriving back today and I didn’t want to see her.

I increased my pace, wanting to reach the gates quickly but my feet slowed down as I walked past the carriage.

From the corner of my eyes, I watched a knight jump down and then pulled the carriage door open.

I bit on my lower lip, feeling a bit conflicted. I should just leave, I didn’t care about her anymore.

Heck, I didn’t even want to see her.

But another voice in my head whispered to me; Just take one peek. She might look different now, maybe a new hairstyle? Or she might even be pregnant?

Even though I hated that voice and the thought of her being pregnant, I still stopped walking.

I pretended to adjust my cloak as I watched Xiao Qingyue step out first. The imperial princess looked different?

Her skin was slightly tanned and she had a fitted armor on, instead of her usual luxurious robes. She moved with confidence, her eyes moving around the courtyard like she was looking for someone.

Then someone else stepped out of the carriage, right after her.

The person had silky black hair that was pulled into half a bun and a few strands of hair that framed a face I knew all too well.

The same jawline, the same elegant posture, now clad in armor that hugged her entire form.

Gu Wanqing.