Golden Branches, Jade Slaughter

They said I was mad.

In my previous life, I gave everything for my family and got a cup of poisoned wine in return.

As I drowned, I finally saw the truth: the people I called family were all wolves.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back at fifteen, on the day that would decide my fate.

I was no longer a pawn for others to move as they pleased.

I turned and walked toward the most dangerous powerbroker in the capital, Wei Heng.

“Help me take control of my household, and I'll clear every obstacle in your way.” I offered him my pledge of loyalty.

He raised his languid gaze, sizing me up like an amusing plaything. “Very well. But remember, you are the sharpest blade in my service, and the prettiest bird in my cage.”

I smiled and agreed.

From then on, the turmoil of the inner household and the undercurrents at court were all my chessboard.

I trod over my enemies' corpses, taking back everything that belonged to me, one step at a time.

Until, at my coming-of-age ceremony, he pinned a phoenix hairpin, the symbol of a principal wife, in my hair before everyone.

The entire hall was stunned.

But he leaned close and whispered in my ear, his breath scorching: “Had your fun? It's time to come back to your cage.”

I pulled out the hairpin and tossed it at his feet. As everyone looked on in horror, I smiled sweetly.

“My lord, you forgot...”

“Even a little bird with fangs can kill its master.”