Zhao Jiao

Two years after Feng Zhaozhao’s death, she suddenly came back to life.

She became a concubine daughter of the Xu Mansion, named Jiao Jiao.

Jiao Jiao’s birth mother was Concubine Meng of the household—a woman born beautiful but meek and timid, tightly controlled by the mistress of the house. The mistress used a mix of coaxing and pressure to force her to agree to marry Jiao Jiao off as a secondary wife to a man nearing fifty. But Jiao Jiao was stubborn, refusing to comply and attempted to hang herself.

In the bitter midwinter, snow drifted thickly.

Feng Zhaozhao lay by the bed, frowning slightly as she listened to Concubine Meng’s tear-tinged rambling.

“Why are you so stubborn? It’s like you’re tearing my heart out...”

“It’s all my fault for being powerless, letting you and Jun’er suffer together. But what could I do...”

Feng Zhaozhao didn’t want to hear any more.

“Get out!”

Perhaps because hanging had damaged her throat, her voice was hoarse.

Concubine Meng froze, tears still clinging to her face.

“Jiao Jiao...”

“Don’t worry, I won’t seek death again. You don’t have to stay by me. Please leave.”

She refused to marry; there were always other ways—no need to die over it.

Concubine Meng bit her lip, trembling slightly. “My poor Jiao Jiao, it’s good you’ve come to your senses... The mistress said your dowry is more generous than the others’, and though you’re marrying into the family as a secondary wife, life won’t be too hard...”

Feng Zhaozhao responded pe