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A few days passed, and Hong Hua’s injuries had healed considerably. Though scars still remained on her hands and feet, they were no longer as conspicuous. The scars on her face, if one didn’t look closely, were almost unnoticeable. She had also become more lively and cheerful, no longer hiding in the kitchen in fear like when she first arrived.
Seeing this, Wei Lan joked, “Hong Hua, your wounds are healing so quickly. Do you have a secret remedy?”
Hong Hua smiled and replied, “There’s no secret, really. It must be because Miss Wei’s medical skills are exceptional and the medicine is highly effective.”
As they spent more time together, Hong Hua finally opened her heart and revealed her past. It turned out she was not from an ordinary family but the daughter of a high-ranking official in the Ming Dynasty. Her father held the esteemed rank of third-grade official, and her family was well-respected in their region. She had lived a life of luxury since childhood and was deeply cherished.
However, fate is unpredictable, and disaster strikes without warning. When Hong Hua was fifteen, a sudden imperial decree shattered her once-blissful life.
Her father was caught in a political struggle within the imperial court and was falsely accused of treason. In that era of ruthless power struggles, being labeled a traitor was akin to a death sentence. The decree ordered the execution of all male family members over sixteen, while younger boys were exiled to the frontier. The women were sent to military camps, forced to become army prostitutes.
Her father, accused of treason, was subjected to the cruel punishment of lingchi (death by a thousand cuts)—his death was agonizing. Her mother, unable to bear the humiliation after witnessing the downfall of their family, chose to take her own life.
Amidst the catastrophe, the man Hong Hua loved tried desperately to save her. He pleaded with influential officials, sold all his possessions to bribe those in power, and wrote countless letters begging for clemency. Yet, the imperial court was indifferent, and his efforts were in vain.
Realizing he could not change the fate of Hong Hua’s family, he changed his approach—instead of saving her family, he focused on ensuring her survival. He found out that a noble family needed a female slave and arranged for Hong Hua to be sold as a servant instead of being forced into the military brothels. Though this meant she lost her freedom, it was the only way to protect her from a worse fate.
Life in the noble household was harsh. She endured exhausting labor, jealousy, and schemes from other servants. One day, she learned that her lover had been forced to marry another woman under immense family pressure. Heartbroken, she decided to leave the capital during a slave trade.
To prevent being violated, Hong Hua took extreme measures—she mutilated herself. She rolled over sharp stones, covering her skin in wounds. When her injuries began to heal, she would repeat the process, ensuring her face became so disfigured that no one would desire her. She knew that in that era, a woman’s beauty was both a blessing and a curse, and she chose to destroy her own beauty to protect her dignity and life.
From a pampered noblewoman, Hong Hua had transformed into a woman who had seen the darkest sides of human nature. She had experienced both warmth and cruelty, yet she had grown stronger.
She once thought her life would be nothing but endless suffering, until she met Wei Lan. Wei Lan was like a ray of sunshine, piercing through the darkness in her heart.
However, Hong Hua did not reveal too much about her family background, her father’s official position, or the exact reasons for their downfall. She only shared glimpses of her painful past.
After hearing her story, Wei Lan was both shocked by Hong Hua’s hardships and impressed by her resilience.
“Where is your home?” Wei Lan asked.
Hong Hua gave a bitter smile and shook her head. “Miss Wei, knowing too much will do you no good. What I don’t understand is… my father, knowing he was about to die, still shouted, ‘If the emperor orders a minister to die, the minister must obey.’ Was he right?”
Wei Lan thought for a moment before replying, “That is blind loyalty.”
As a modern woman, Wei Lan did not believe in the feudal concept of absolute loyalty. She told Hong Hua, “This belief in ‘absolute obedience’ ignores human dignity and the value of life. True loyalty should be to the nation and its people, not to a single ruler.”
For the first time, Hong Hua began to question the values she had been taught. Was the emperor always right? If he ordered someone to die, should they really comply? Her family had done nothing to deserve such a fate—they were merely victims of political schemes.
Wei Lan did not expect Hong Hua to change her views overnight. She gently embraced her and said, “Xiao Hua, let the past fade away. From now on, you must cherish your life.”
Tears welled up in Hong Hua’s eyes as she hugged Wei Lan tightly. The warmth and fragrance of Wei Lan’s embrace reminded her of her mother’s. Choking back her sobs, she nodded. “Okay.”
At the People’s Medical Clinic, the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air.
In the kitchen, Hong Hua was busy plating dishes, preparing her first meal to share with everyone. She felt a little nervous—until now, she had always eaten alone in the kitchen.
Wei Lan walked over, gently took her hand, and said warmly, “Xiao Hua, come on, everyone is waiting for you!”
At the table sat Liu Mingyi, Shunxing, and Jiu’an.
Wei Lan introduced Hong Hua to the group. “Everyone, this is our clinic’s new cook, Hong Hua! From now on, we are all family.”
Feeling shy, Hong Hua lowered her head but couldn’t hide her delicate features and bright eyes.
Liu Mingyi glanced at her and smirked, “No wonder Wei Lan likes your cooking so much.”
Wei Lan laughed. “Xiao Hua is amazing!”
Shunxing, ever gentle, assured her, “If you need anything, just let me know. I’ll be happy to help.”
Jiu’an, unable to speak, gestured excitedly, pointing at Hong Hua and then at his mouth, dramatically mimicking eating.
Wei Lan translated with a chuckle, “Jiu’an says your food is delicious, and he wants more!”
Touched, Hong Hua patted Jiu’an’s head and said, “Of course! As long as you like it, I’ll cook for you every day.”
Sitting at the table, Hong Hua felt something she hadn’t in a long time—belonging. She picked up a piece of red-braised pork and took a bite. The taste reminded her of her mother, bringing tears to her eyes.
Noticing her emotions, Wei Lan gently held her hand and whispered, “Xiao Hua, from now on, we’ll always be together.”
For the first time in a long time, Hong Hua no longer felt alone.
This meal was more than just food—it marked a new beginning in her life. She had finally found a home and a family.