Chapter 2: She Truly Wanted to Live

She knelt before her eldest sister’s tombstone, her trembling fingers reaching out.

When her warm fingertips touched the cold stone, tears could no longer be held back and poured down.

Gently tracing the name carved on the tombstone that belonged to her eldest sister, she whispered:

“Eldest Sister, I’m sorry!”

“Jingjing… truly has no other choice!”

In this world, no one could protect her like her eldest sister had. From now on, she could only rely on herself to stay safe…

Jiang Jin remained before her eldest sister’s tombstone for a long time. Only when a light drizzle began to fall from the sky did she wipe away her tears and look toward a certain direction.

“Miss.” Furong hurried over with an umbrella, about to urge her to take shelter from the rain.

Suddenly, two men in blue robes approached with anxious expressions. One of them glanced at the tombstone and raised his hand to ask, “May I ask what relation you have to Yong’an Hou Shizi Furen?”

Jiang Jin’s brows furrowed slightly, as if displeased.

Yet her fingers, hidden in her sleeves, dug tightly into her palms.

Furong watched the two men warily, shielding Jiang Jin behind her. “Who are you? Sneaking around like this—clearly up to no good!”

The two exchanged a glance, and after a moment of silent communication, the other stepped forward to apologize. “We were rude just now, offending you, Miss. I apologize.”

“It’s just that the situation is urgent, and we must clarify matters.”

As he spoke, he took a token from his waist.

“We are officials under Ning Wang, sent by Zhangshi to find someone.”

Jiang Jin’s brows relaxed, as if she believed his words.

She replied softly, “I am the third daughter in my family. My father is Bingbu Shangshu Jiang Xun.”

“So it’s Miss Jiang.”

Upon learning Jiang Jin’s identity, the two men couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

They exchanged another glance and said to Jiang Jin, “Miss Jiang, the rain is getting heavier. It might be dangerous to descend the mountain in a short time. His Highness has a Bieyuan not far from here. Would you be willing to accompany us there to rest for a while?”

Hearing this, Jiang Jin’s hand suddenly relaxed.

Was this… a success?

She lowered her gaze and remained silent for a moment.

Seeing her hesitation, the two men felt anxious but dared not urge her.

After all, they had searched for so long and had only encountered Miss Jiang on this mountain.

If they scared her away, His Highness would… likely be in trouble!

“Then I’ll trouble the two officials to lead the way.” Jiang Jin nodded and agreed.

Even after boarding the carriage, Jiang Jin still felt as if she were floating.

She hadn’t expected the scene from her dream to unfold so vividly in reality.

Though there were slight deviations, both the people and the location matched.

After the carriage started moving, Furong gently tugged at Jiang Jin’s sleeve and asked hesitantly, “Miss, is it really safe for us to follow them like this?”

Jiang Jin shook her head. “It’s fine. The token they showed wasn’t fake. Besides, at the foot of the imperial city, they wouldn’t dare impersonate Ning Wang’s people.”

Hearing this, Furong finally relaxed.

However, her relief didn’t last long. After entering the Bieyuan, she unconsciously tensed up again.

The official who escorted them in bowed deeply to Jiang Jin. “Miss Jiang, Zhangshi has some words he wishes to discuss with you privately. Would it be convenient for you to accompany me now?”

Jiang Jin furrowed her brows. “Logically, since we are resting here, we should pay our respects to the Zhangshi. However, the heavy rain earlier soaked the hem of my skirt. Could you wait a moment, sir, and allow me to change my clothes before accompanying you?”

“It’s no trouble, Miss Jiang. It’s just that the Zhangshi is urgently pressing the matter, and I cannot easily…”

Hearing this, Jiang Jin felt her suspicions confirmed once more.

The rumors from her past life… might actually be true!

She stood up. “In that case, please lead the way, sir.”

With that, she turned back and gently patted Furong’s hand, comforting her with a look.

Furong nodded, but her heart remained suspended, not daring to relax.

Jiang Jin was soon escorted to a room. Before long, the man who claimed to be the Zhangshi of the Ning Wang’s estate came to find her.

“Third Miss,” he greeted Jiang Jin, then produced a seal from his sleeve.

Jiang Jin looked at the seal, understanding that he wanted to prove his identity to her.

In truth, there was no need for this. If anything, she was the one who should not be trusted.

Jiang Jin lowered her gaze and was about to ask something when the Zhangshi spoke first: “I know Third Miss must be full of questions right now, but the situation is urgent, and I must be brief.”

“My lord is currently in the next room!”

Jiang Jin’s pupils dilated, and she abruptly looked up at the Zhangshi.

The Zhangshi nodded and sighed deeply. “I invited Third Miss here because my lord has been plotted against by treacherous individuals and has been poisoned. He urgently needs your help to detoxify the poison!”

“If you are willing, Third Miss, we will do everything in our power to fulfill any request you make!”

Jiang Jin clenched her palms tightly, her pupils trembling slightly—partly from shock, partly from excitement.

She spoke slowly, “Really… any request at all?”

The Zhangshi nodded solemnly. “As long as I can accomplish it, I would even risk my life to help you achieve it!”

These words struck Jiang Jin’s heart like a heavy hammer.

To the Zhangshi, Ning Wang was merely a master he had long served.

Yet, to save him, the Zhangshi was willing to risk his life without hesitation.

At this moment, Jiang Jin suddenly felt a pang of envy for Ning Wang.

Her own parents were her closest and most trusted kin, yet if she were in trouble, they would hardly stand by, let alone go to such lengths as the Zhangshi.

Could it be that… they had a hand in that great fire as well?

“Third Miss… have you… considered it?” Seeing Jiang Jin’s despondent expression, the Zhangshi’s tone grew even more cautious.

Jiang Jin looked at him and nodded gently. “Please lead the way.”

Hearing this, the worry instantly vanished from the Zhangshi’s face.

He hurriedly stood up to guide Jiang Jin, leading her to the adjacent room.

As soon as they reached the door, they heard the sound of objects being smashed inside.

“Get out!”

“Do not bring anyone in!”

“This prince does not need it!”

The Zhangshi anxiously called out from outside, “Your Highness, please do not be stubborn. The one who poisoned you is malicious. If you delay detoxifying, in the future—you may face difficulties with heirs!”

Hearing this, Jiang Jin’s pupils widened abruptly.

It was all true!

The rumors, the dreams… they were all true!

Ning Wang Xie Chengzhi had been poisoned. If he could not find a woman to detoxify him tonight, by tomorrow, he would be rendered impotent forever.

A prince incapable of fathering heirs would permanently lose any chance of contending for the Jiuwu Zhizun Zhi Wei.

Her actions here were not only helping herself but also aiding Ning Wang.

Even if he later discovered her ulterior motives, with the Zhangshi and others present, he likely would not take her life!

And she could also take this opportunity to break free from the Yong’an Marquis Mansion, avoiding a repeat of her past life’s tragedy.

For a woman, reputation is important.

But for Jiang Jin, who had already died once, reputation—could not compare to her life!

She truly wanted to live!

Thinking this, Jiang Jin took a deep breath, placed her hand on the door, and pushed with all her strength.