Chapter 13 Broken Engagement
I never learned what Wang Shaoheng did or said after he left.
The Langya Wang family soon came to break the engagement.
Xie Chengzong flew into a rage, called me malicious, and confined me to my courtyard.
Later, Xie Yunting rushed home just to lecture me, looking heartbroken as he claimed a young girl could be so scheming.
What schemes?
I was only trying to survive this ridiculous plot.
If Mother hadn’t told me to never fight back, did he think his precious Rongrong would have everything so easy?
Her affair with Xie Chengzong alone could drown her in scorn.
I listened to Xie Yunting’s complaints—how hard Shen Wanrong’s life was, how I should yield and care for her.
What she lost—was that my debt?
What she did now—was I forcing her?
I had yielded enough.
Did they expect me to grovel like the rest of them?
He saw my impatience.
Finally he snapped.
“You’re hopeless. Xie Yaohua, you disappoint me.”
He stormed out, sleeves flapping.
Xiaoxiang Courtyard became a forgotten corner, and I became invisible in the mansion, silently ignored by everyone.
I spent my coming-of-age ceremony alone.
I welcomed the new year alone.
I started to miss Mother.
Spring turned to winter, winter to spring.
When Xie Yunting passed the imperial examination and took top honors, the whole mansion celebrated.
I was finally allowed out of Xiaoxiang Courtyard.
And I heard the news that changed everything.
The emperor was old. The Long Princess had begun to rule.
To gather talent, she broke old rules and issued a decree: the Women's Examination, open to all women in the land.
Those who passed could serve as officials.
The top three would be appointed on the spot.
The storybook never mentioned this.
It was the “variable” Mother spoke of.
My chance had come.