We traveled in hardship all the way, finally arriving at the Marquis's mansion. She let go of my hand and asked me to knock on the door myself.

After I took out the jade pendant, Xiao Run quickly appeared. The moment he saw me, his eyes turned red. He hugged me, tears of joy streaming down his face.

Just a month ago, he had received news of my death in a bandit attack.

Now seeing me alive, he was trembling with excitement, especially since the grown-up me bore a striking resemblance to my mother.

I leaned against him, unsure where to place my hands and feet. After a while, I followed his lead and slowly raised my hands to embrace him.

"Since An'er has returned safely, let's quickly return to the mansion," a gentle female voice came from behind Father.

I looked up and met Princess Zhaoping's smiling eyes. My heart couldn't help but beat faster, and my throat tightened.

Cuihua's words echoed in my mind. The more gentle Princess Zhaoping appeared, the more terrifying I found her.

I bit my tongue, forcing down my anger, allowing Xiao Run to lead me into the Marquis's mansion.

Following the etiquette taught by my mother-in-law, I paid my respects to the two of them. Xiao Run's eyes turned red, looking at me with a face full of contentment.

Princess Zhaoping took a sandalwood box handed by a maid and took out a white jade hairpin with gold inlay, inserting it into my hair bun.

A sharp pain shot through my scalp. I clenched my palms tightly, bowing respectfully.

The smile on Princess Zhaoping's face faded a bit, hinting at a forced smile.

I lowered my eyes, concealing the surging hatred underneath, respectfully retreating.

Back in the courtyard arranged by Xiao Run, I immediately removed the hairpin from my head and threw it on the table.

The sharp tip of the hairpin had traces of blood. I unraveled my hair and took the ointment handed by Cuiping to apply it to the wound on my head.

Cuihua's face darkened: "She did it on purpose."

I turned and pinched her pouting cheek, "Of course, I know. It's just that I've just returned to the mansion and haven't figured out the situation inside. It's not appropriate to confront her immediately."

"My father has been married to her for so many years, I don't know if he has other intentions." I put down the ointment, rubbing the box lid with a furrowed brow.

After a moment of shock, Cuihua shook her head repeatedly, "The master would never betray the mistress."

I smiled noncommittally, not believing her words.

If his feelings were genuine, why hadn't he sought revenge for my mother all these years, or even spared a glance at me?

"Let's go to sleep first." Seeing she still wanted to speak up for Xiao Run, I pretended to be sleepy, yawned, turned inward, and lay down on the bed.

Cuihua could only swallow her words silently.

After she left, I slowly opened my eyes, took out the dagger hidden in my sleeve.

The image of Grandma He lying in a pool of blood kept appearing before my eyes. I clenched the dagger tightly, filled with boundless hatred.

From the beginning, I had no intention of acknowledging my relatives. I came here for revenge.

Why should Princess Zhaoping, who killed someone, live so freely? Xiao Run knew she had sent someone to kill me. When my grandparents had an accident, he didn't act against Princess Zhaoping, claiming it was out of concern for me.

But a month ago, he had already received news of my death, yet Princess Zhaoping was still alive. He clearly coveted power and had no intention of seeking revenge!

I quietly climbed out of the window, avoiding the servants in the mansion, and headed towards the main courtyard.

However, as soon as I reached the main courtyard, my arm was suddenly grabbed, and I immediately swung my hand to stab.

My wrist was directly caught by the person, and the dagger in my hand was taken away.