Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 2 Rebirth of a Young Girl

Su Jinxiu was miraculously reborn, returning to her youthful years of thirteen or fourteen. When she slowly opened her eyes and found herself in her familiar boudoir, her heart was filled with mixed emotions.

Recalling her tragic past life, the pain of being slandered and betrayed surged into her heart. She bit her lip tightly and secretly vowed: In this life, I will never repeat the same mistakes, and I will make those who hurt me pay a terrible price!

At this moment, Su Jinxiu, though still physically immature, revealed a determination and resolve far beyond her years. She began to calmly analyze her past life, pondering how to lay a solid foundation for her future path of revenge in this tender age.

First, she needs to change her image within the family. In her past life, she was too naive and kind, making her easily manipulated. In this life, she must learn to be shrewd and diplomatic, winning the favor and support of everyone in the family.

Therefore, during her daily morning greetings, Su Jinxiu treated her elders with respect and courtesy, speaking and acting appropriately, which earned her their admiration. She no longer acted willfully or unruly towards her siblings, but instead displayed tolerance and generosity, gradually winning their affection.

In her studies, Su Jinxiu was even more diligent and hardworking. In her previous life, she had some talent in poetry and prose, but neglected to improve her skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. In this life, she rose early and went to bed late every day, practicing her music, copying calligraphy and paintings, and studying chess. Her efforts amazed her teachers, who praised her as a talented young lady of the Marquis's mansion.

However, this is just the beginning.

One day, the Marquis's residence held a flower-viewing banquet. Su Jinxiu dressed meticulously, wearing a light blue silk dress, resembling a pure and elegant lotus flower. At the banquet, she skillfully conversed with the guests, her words appropriate and her demeanor graceful, attracting many admiring glances.

Just then, Su Yue appeared. In her past life, it was this half-sister who colluded with Gu Yu, pushing her into the abyss. Seeing how outstanding Su Jinxiu was, Su Yue was filled with jealousy.

"Sister, you look absolutely radiant today. I'm ashamed of myself compared to you," Su Yue said with a forced smile.

Su Jinxiu smiled slightly, but her eyes were devoid of warmth: "You flatter me, little sister. You are not bad either."

Su Yue was taken aback, sensing that Su Jinxiu was quite different from before.

Halfway through the flower-viewing banquet, someone suddenly suggested composing poems on the theme of flowers. Su Yue was the first to recite one, winning applause from everyone. She looked smugly at Su Jinxiu, wanting to see her make a fool of herself.

Su Jinxiu remained calm and composed, gently parting her lips: "Flowers bloom beautifully, reflecting the spring light; butterflies dance and bees fly, busy gathering nectar. Let us not waste our youth and sigh in vain, but instead, let us cherish lofty ambitions and compose a magnificent chapter."

The poem astonished everyone present. They praised Su Jinxiu's exceptional talent, while Su Yue's expression instantly turned ugly.

After the banquet, Su Yue harbored resentment and decided to plot with Gu Yu again.

Su Jinxiu also noticed Su Yue's subtle movements. She sneered inwardly: In this life, I will not let your schemes succeed again.

Soon after, the Marquis's mansion received an invitation from the imperial palace, inviting their young lady to attend the princess's birthday banquet. This was a great honor for the Marquis's mansion and a wonderful opportunity to showcase the elegance and talent of their daughter.

Su Yue thought this was a good opportunity for her to show off, but little did she know that Su Jinxiu had already made preparations.

Su Jinxiu knew this was an opportunity to shine before the powerful figures in the palace, and also a crucial part of her revenge plan. She carefully selected her clothes and jewelry, preparing to dazzle at the banquet.

However, just before setting off, Su Jinxiu's clothes were suddenly slashed, and her jewelry disappeared. She knew in her heart that this must be Su Yue's trick. But she did not panic; instead, she quickly had her maid fetch spare clothes and some simple jewelry.

When Su Jinxiu appeared in the palace, although her attire was not as glamorous as Su Yue's, her calm and confident demeanor was impossible to ignore.

At the banquet, the princess invited the young ladies to showcase their talents. Su Yue was the first to perform a dance, which won some applause. When it was Su Jinxiu's turn, she played a piece on the guzheng. The melodious music seemed to tell of her past life's suffering and her determination in this life. Everyone was moved by her music, and even the princess praised her highly.

Seeing this, Su Yue felt even more jealous and resentful. She deliberately spoke ill of Su Jinxiu in front of the princess, trying to ruin her image.

But Su Jinxiu's dignified and composed response made the princess like her even more.

After the banquet, Su Jinxiu's reputation spread throughout the palace, and Su Yue's jealousy reached its peak.

Back at the Marquis's residence, Su Jinxiu knew that the real contest had only just begun.