Back in the deserted courtyard, other than the burning fire, there were also stacks of white paper money and joss paper readied for a funeral procession. It seemed like her family was planning to make a grand show to the public as those heartless people parade her through the crowd while throwing white paper money for nothing more than a pretense of mourning.

Well…now you can mourn the loss of one of your servants in lieu of the eldest daughter to maintain the household’s reputation in public. See how thoughtful I am?

Although her body-build is different from mine, her height is close enough. None of you pay much attention to the original Huang Baihe anyway, only focusing on bullying and torturing. Such small differences, who would know? Especially, after I burn her body…

Baihe dumped the body inside the coffin without an ounce of care, allowing the raging fire to melt the dead skin and flesh. Although this way of cremating the deceased was not as effective compared to modern day technology, at least the face and body would still be burned beyond recognition, leaving behind probably only ashes and bones.

Throughout this whole process, Xiao Bao was still rooted to her original spot, even after Baihe returned from her little trip.

“Come, let’s go. We can’t stay here unless you’re planning to burn along with this place when those people return. Even if your name ‘Xiao Bao’ means small bun, I doubt you’ll taste that good burnt.”

Baihe’s cold voice startled Xiao Bao, but it had managed to restore the translucent sheen in her eyes. She followed behind Baihe docilely — too shocked to speak while many thoughts circulated through her mind. By the time the movements ahead of her stopped, Xiao Bao noticed they have arrived at the forest, not too far away from the Huang’s household.

A heavy object was thrown her way — it was her tattered money pouch —only now, it was completely filled with coins.

“Take those silver and gold coins to purchase some beginner cultivation books for me. Then, return to this forest once you’re done. Avoid any of the Huang’s household people.”

Xiao bao wanted to ask her Miss many questions, but the look in Baihe’s eyes made her swallowed those words back down her throat. She watched the disappearing back of Baihe, before resolutely turning around to complete the task given to her.

***

A group of people assembled in the destroyed courtyard of the Huang’s general household, the same courtyard where the coffin was located.

“Reporting to Prince Zhao, there is indeed a corpse inside the coffin. Only…”

“Only what? Speak! Benwang doesn’t have all day!” Prince Zhao retorted.

Huang Gui suppressed the urge to wipe the cold sweat off his forehead. Benwang was the formal illeism used by princes of the imperial kingdom and right now, Prince Zhao was addressing himself in such a way to put the pressure of his authority on Huang Gui.

That unfilial daughter of his! Even in death she still gives him trouble!

“Replying to your highness… the body inside have been burned by the spiritual fire leaving behind only ashes and fragments of bones. There are also remnants of the accessories, money notes, coins, silver and gold ingot left behind by the guests.”

Prince Zhao creased his brows slightly, his thin lips became even flatter as his eyes narrowed to slits. Everyone held their breath as they wait for his verdict. Even the normally spoiled Fei Fei didn’t utter a word, leaning weakly against her head maid Lin for support. Her pretty face was still white and pale from yesterday’s incident.

As if reaching a decision, Prince Zhao personally went forth and inspected the coffin. It was exactly as Haung Gui described.

Could it be…Huang Baihe was really dead? Last night, that was…was that really a ghost? Humph! Want to exact revenge against Benwang? Preposterous! Who gave her such courage!

Prince Zhao knew better than anyone, since he was the one who killed Huang Baihe. There was simply no way for her to be alive; otherwise, that would have been a huge slap to his face. He clenched his fists tightly, remembering the humiliation from yesterday. He was the precious son of the Feng Empire’s King! For him to kowtow to such a lowly woman, if news of this were to spread, where would he put his face?

Thinking till here, with a cold voice, he said, “If any words of yesterday’s incident get leaked, I’ll have all of your heads!”

In fact, he wasn’t the only one feeling this way. No one would want what happened last night to spread as they all had partaken in the embarrassment. Plus, everyone presented was part of Prince Zhao’s faction. Even so, hearing how their head could roll so easily still gave them a fright.

He flung his sleeves angrily, preparing to leave. Fei Fei was disappointed at how Prince Zhao neglected her ever since he arrived, but she didn’t have the courage to stop him from leaving. She knew he was dissatisfied with her performance yesterday and was still angry at her over how she had behaved.

Who knew he’d stop midway. A surge of hope sprung in her heart, only to be quickly doused away by his next words.

“Get some monks from the temple to come here and perform an elaborate exorcism. I want her evil spirit expelled and her soul to completely disappear!”

Fei Fei felt heartbroken as she watched the man she loved left her home without sparing her a glance. Her legs grew weak and her willow body swayed. Luckily, maid Lin was there beside her and quickly supported her before she fell.

“Second Miss, didn’t you hear what Prince Zhao just said? The temple monks will be coming to eradicate her evil spirit and destroy her wretched soul! Huang Baihe shouldn’t even dream of entering the underworld for a next life!”

Hearing those words, they were like soft, peaceful musical notes playing from a flute. Her mood immediately perked up and Fei Fei regained her spirits.

That’s right Huang Baihe! So what if you’re the legitimate eldest daughter of the Huang’s general household? I’m the one who is pampered! I’m the one who is alive! So what if I have stolen your fiancé? I’m the one he loves! Together, we plotted against your death, even father had agreed! After those temple monks come, your evil soul can no longer haunt any of us! Too bad, you won’t be here to see me become his princess.

Her delirious eyes locked on the charred coffin. An uncontrollable laughter burst forth. In the end, I win!

“What are you still dawdling here for? Bring Second Miss back to her room!” Huang Gui shouted at maid Lin.

Fei Fei happily complied, returning to her own ostentatious courtyard and lavishly furnished living quarter. She couldn’t wait for those temple monks to come, even wishing she could directly go bring them here right this instant. Soon, there would be no one standing in her way!

All the maids and servants were frightened by the bout of laughter coming from the Second Miss’ room. No one dared to go inside. All of them pretended to be busy with their tasks. Had she gone mad?

As another round of wild laughter came from Fei Fei’s room, the maids and servants all came to an agreement in their hearts. Their Second Miss had finally lost it! Only…will their future be better or worse because of this development?