Mistakes of the Past, Shen Meizhuang's New Life and Redemption

The icy waters of Taiye Lake pierced me to the bone, swallowing me like a ferocious demon. The cold water clamped around my limbs. Every struggle felt like a fight against invisible hands, only to leave more water rushing into my mouth and nose. Before my consciousness faded, the golden-threaded hibiscus flowers embroidered on An Lingrong's shoes burned into my vision like a sinister curse. A flower that should have symbolized beauty had become the death knell of my life. When I opened my eyes again, I was lying on the Xiangfei couch in the Chrysanthemum Hall. Dreamy blue smoke drifted lazily from the gilt incense burner, carrying the fragrance of pear-blossom incense. Sunlight streamed through