Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

【Tianchen Dynasty】

【Gu Family Palace】

【spring】

"This... I've been reborn?"

Gu Jinyan slowly opened his eyes, and everything before him was both hazy and familiar, like a dream.

As her consciousness gradually returned, she saw the warm colors of the room and the delicate embroidery patterns on the walls.

Sunlight streamed through the windowpanes, casting dappled patterns on the floor just like in my memory, carrying a familiar feeling.

This is the ancient royal mansion, where I spent countless youthful years, and also where I ended my short life in my previous existence.

Gu Jinyan stared in shock at her slightly immature fingers; the smooth skin and untouched hands clearly belonged to her when she was fifteen.

Waves of memories from her past life surged in like a tide, overwhelming her.

The sinister schemes of the half-sister Quran, the bitterness of that cup of deadly poisoned tea, and the excruciating pain and despair before her death.

Heaven has granted me a second chance, allowing me to return to those years before I was tainted by betrayal.

My heart is filled with turmoil at this moment. Fate has given me a path to rebirth in an instant when I was completely unprepared.

Looking down at the translucent jade pendant in his palm, his gaze deepened.

What's frightening is that this jade pendant, which had always been her talisman in her previous life, failed to protect her.

The warmth flowing through my palm carries a subtle power.

Perhaps it will become her opportunity for revenge, or it may become a powerful tool to protect her new life.

Gu Jinyan gently stroked the jade pendant, slowly closed his eyes, and felt the warm current spreading from his palm throughout his body.

His fingertips tightened slightly, and he silently vowed in his heart: This time, he would never let the tragedy repeat itself.

Those schemes and betrayals that were once hidden in the darkness will be revealed one by one, all conspiracies will be destroyed, and fate will be rewritten at all costs.

"Squeak, squeak, squeak—" Outside the window, birds chirped on the branches. Gu Jinyan slightly curled the corners of his mouth, but his eyes shone brightly.

Now that my mind is made up, I am determined to repay those who have inflicted pain upon me a hundredfold!

"Miss, are you awake?"

The door was quietly pushed open, and the young maid Hongyin gently entered the room.

Seeing Gu Jinyan's complicated expression and slightly pale face, he couldn't help but show concern.

"Miss, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Hongyin blinked, her eyes full of concern.

After calming down, Gu Jinyan tried to appear more composed.

"I'm fine," she said softly, trying to suppress the turmoil in her heart.

However, her gaze inadvertently swept over her reflection in the mirror—her youthful face.

Eyes untouched by hardship seem to hold the heavy burdens of past lives, suddenly distant, like a dream, yet undeniably real.

“But Miss, you look a little weak. Aren’t you really going to see the old lady?” Hongyin asked doubtfully, tentatively leaning closer.

Seeing the maid's concerned expression, Gu Jinyan simply smiled faintly, raised his head, and looked out the window at the lush flowers and trees in the courtyard.

Yes, I am no longer that innocent and naive fifteen-year-old girl.

Now, I possess the memories of my past life and the opportunities of this one.

Faced with Hongyin's concern, she gently shook her head.

"No need, I'm really fine. Hongyin, the weather is nice today, let's go for a walk in the garden."

"Phew—" Hongyin breathed a sigh of relief, her smile returning, and hurriedly suggested, "Miss is right, the peach blossoms are in full bloom outside, it would be good to take a walk and relax."

The two stepped out of the room, where the sunlight gently shone on the bluestone floor.

Peach blossoms are in full bloom in the courtyard, their petals drifting in the wind, drawing pale pink arcs in the air.

Standing under the flowering trees, Gu Jinyan gazed at the scene before him, feeling both joy and感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex emotion encompassing both joy and reflection).

“Miss, look, the peach blossoms in the garden are all in bloom! They’re so beautiful,” Hongyin said happily, her eyes revealing a pure innocence, as if she had never experienced any gloom.

Gu Jinyan nodded slightly, feeling a warmth in his heart.

In her past life, she was so unguarded and trusted everyone around her, only to be betrayed ruthlessly by her closest half-sister.

His heart gradually cooled, the smile on his face disappeared, and in its place was a firm determination.

Now, I must seize this opportunity of rebirth to see through everyone's true colors and no longer allow myself to fall into a passive position.

Just as she was lost in thought, she heard footsteps in the distance.

Looking up, she saw her uncle, Gu Shichang, walking slowly towards her, followed by two servants.

When Gu Shichang saw Gu Jinyan, his face immediately lit up with a smile.

He cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Yan'er, you look great today. The peach blossoms in the garden are in full bloom, it's the perfect time to enjoy them."

Gu Jinyan smiled slightly and politely returned the greeting, but his eyes held a hint of inquiry.

Her memories from her past life told her that this uncle was no benevolent person. On the surface, he was very caring towards her, but in secret, he was eyeing her with covetousness and longing to seize her father's power.

Now, she will no longer be deceived by these warm illusions.

"Thank you for your concern, Uncle," Gu Jinyan replied calmly, his tone carrying a hint of coldness that was barely perceptible.

With a flicker of her eyes, she asked casually, "How has Father been lately? He's been so busy, I haven't seen him in a while, and I've been missing him."

It's strange that this girl is in the mood to ask about her father today; she usually doesn't care much about him.

Although he had doubts, he did not show them on his face.

Gu Shichang quickly recovered and said with a smile, "Your father is doing well, but he has indeed been very busy lately and is unable to attend to the affairs of the Prince's Mansion."

"Yan'er, if you have time, please visit your father more often and give him my regards."

"Thank you for the reminder, Uncle. I will keep it in mind." Gu Jinyan smiled gently, but his expression was calm and his eyes were thoughtful.

The uncle's words, though seemingly ordinary, actually revealed his covetousness for power.

She hadn't realized it in her past life, but now that she's been reborn and returned to this moment, she has already seen through his ambition.

After a few pleasantries, Gu Shichang took his leave, and Gu Jinyan watched his figure disappear into the depths of the courtyard.

She stood under the peach tree, slightly raising her head to watch the petals drifting in the wind, while a fire seemed to burn in her heart.

There were undercurrents swirling within the mansion. She was no longer the naive and ignorant girl she once was, but a woman reborn with hatred and determination.

"Hongyin, let's go." She withdrew her gaze, the coldness in her eyes still lingering, but a faint smile appeared on her lips.