Three ex-husbands and a marriage

Back home again

I jolted awake, my heart pounding in my chest. The pain in my chest was a sharp reminder of Jiang Meng's anguish, still haunting me. The Divine Lotus Goddess was a vile creature, picking on her ward instead of confronting her own husband. Her face reminded me of my heartless grandparents from my past life, who showed no love to their own family and only cared about their profits.

As we approached the city gates, our carriage slowly made its way through the long line of backed up carriages and groups of people. The ancient Chinese carriages were a testament to the strict class distinctions of the time. Our carriage, with its crude joinery and minimal furnishings, was a simple representation of the lower class. The nobility's carriages, adorned with fine details and soft furnishings, were easily recognizable with their purple and gold threads and the carved emblem of their house.

I peered outside and saw the guards meticulously checking each carriage and cargo before allowing entry. The stern expressions on their faces and their constant glances towards the top of the city gates hinted that something was amiss. Xiao Shi suggested we stretch our legs while we waited, but I knew Mother Bai's condition was delicate and might draw unwanted attention.

"Mother, would you like to go outside?" I asked gently.

Mother Bai's eyes showed that she was torned between anxiety and desire for fresh air but I could see the light faded as she made her decision.

"You can go ahead, my face is currently unfit to be shown," she said.

I nodded and patted her hand, hoping to comfort and put her at ease, "Mother, I will not take too long and before we know it, we will be safe."

"I hope so, my dear, I just want you to be safe," she said with a sad smile.

My heart ached but there was nothing I can do at this moment, so I followed Xiao Shi outside. As we stepped out, I noticed that there were more people and carriages than usual, and it seemed that something was going on in the city. The commander was probably up there, hidden behind the stone wall and inspecting the travelers for any signs of trouble.

My heart pounded because of my guilty conscience even though logically I know that this has nothing to do with me but the number of dead bodies under my sword is undeniable. Despite the heaviness in my heart, I couldn't help but marvel at the ancient Chinese carriages and the distinct class hierarchy they represented. These carriages are like modern day cars, the more flash and beautiful, the more wealthy and powerful its owners are. In my original self, I was a poor university student and relied exclusively on public transport.

My stiff muscles protested as I stretched and pulled my thoughts back to the current reality. I focused on stretching and massaging my shoulders, desperate to relieve the tension that had been building up from sitting in the cramped carriage for so long. I tried to clear my mind, but the heaviness in the air made it hard to breathe. Xiao Shi followed me, flailing her arms wildly in her own attempt to shake off the suffocating atmosphere.

We had only taken a few steps away from the carriage when a piercing scream tore through the air. My heart raced as I saw a group of extravagantly dressed people recoil away from a man who had suddenly fallen to the ground, convulsing violently.

My medical training kicked in as I rushed to the man's side, pushing past the shocked onlookers who were quickly gathering around. "Please, give him some space," I pleaded with them.