unedited

One and half months later, the capital city comes into their sight. Everyone finally relaxes their muscles. After the Death Valley incident, Alder had changed the route and it takes them an extra half month to reach here. Alder is a merchant, dealing with multiple businesses and had numerous connections around every corner of the empire. It was not very difficult for him to make his own arrangements in the little time.

However, it was a good thing that Siya had already prepared sufficient medicines for everyone; plus, her secret spiritual water is a lifelong stock. So, it did not take much time for everyone to get back their spirit.

"Siya, we are going to enter the capital soon," Finn pulls the curtain of Siya's carriage and gets in. Seeing Siya busied herself in a book, a sign escapes from his mouth, "How long you will read that book? You should enjoy the weather outside, it is so different from the scorching heat of the border town, but here you had buried your head in this book." Her sister is getting more and more sensible but his heart is filled with a sharp pain as if needles are stabbing at it. He always hopes his younger sister stays the same innocent and naive as before. She is only fourteen years old, she should be pampered and live her life recklessly without any care. After all, he and his father are still standing behind her to support and protect her. But now he feels his little sister who used to hide behind his back is grown up.

Siya closes the book and looks at her elder brother who has a deep frown on his face. She cannot help but laugh. His brother hates books. It is expected the merchants are unruly and repulsive from any literary work. That's why it is very rare to have any civil officer from a merchant background. When her uncle, Kith, successfully passed the imperial examination, it was an unbelievable sight but no one knows the underhand means that he used to get that position. She too got to know about it later from Ryder.

She places the book on the small table attached to the wall of the carriage. "Have you received any news from Taren?"

"Ah," Finn lightly scratches the back of his neck. He feels ashamed in front of his little sister. He has been learning the tricks of business from his father for a long time but still, he cannot compare himself to Siya. Her eyesight and her way to do business have left him speechless. "The shops are doing very well. We are also receiving many customers from other cities as well. Taren had already arranged everything required before setting to the capital."

Siya nods. "Ask the management in the border city not to hurry in the work. Things that are hard to get have great worth in people's minds."

"Alright. What is your plan in the capital?"

"There is nothing for the time begins," Siya speaks slowly and pours tea in a teacup for him. She never tell him that she had already set up her own power here. "Everyone is already tired of the journey. Let us ease our mind first." 

Δ◊Δ

"Grandmother is strict but kind at heart. When you meet, do not be naughty and she will surely like you. Your aunt is amiable while her children are of your age. You will not feel bored but remember not to be too wilful," Cyra's voice plays in Siya's mind as they enter the city gate.

Siya too thought the same before but it is hard to guess the human heart.

She mildly smiles when the carriage slowly crosses the streets. Ginni loves lively, so she flips the curtain of the window to enjoy the scenery of the long and generous street. Siya takes a look outside from the gap. Compared to the hot weather at the border cities, the capital is bathing in the cold and soothing autumn breeze. The streets of the capital are full of hustle and bustle, vendors sell all kinds of seasonal items and people are filled in the entire area like a swarm of bees. The shops in the street mostly have historical books, antique paintings and calligraphy sets on the display. The scholars of the capital often visit this place. The scene reminds her of the past. It was like this when she came here in her last life. Same enthusiasm, same vigor and same people but she has changed now. Unlike last time, her return here does not ripple any extra feeling in her heart. Her eyes are devoid of any emotion like a millennium-old frozen lake. Her aura of chillness nearly scared Ginni.

Ginni does not know what has happened to her mistress, but for sure, she has changed a lot. Her Young Lady does not smile the same anymore, even if she smiles it never reaches her eyes. She has served for so long that she can guess it without delay but she cannot say more. She is a servant and only wishes to see her mistress happy. "Young Lady, do you want anything to eat? I will ask Master to buy some pastries for you."

"No need." Siya does not have any appetite. The closer they get to the main house, the more she feels remorse and hatred fill her heart. She is going to see those faces again who caused her family to turn into ashes.

Not far from the main residence, without anyone's notice, the guards sent by Oliver part their ways with Siya. She does not deny it. They had already done more than enough for her. She decides to personally thank visit the Marquis house to thank him, in the future. Even if she does not have anything to do with him in her past or present life, she at least can establish a good relationship with him. Maybe he can turn out useful. In this life, she has to make preparation to protect herself before going after the people who harmed her.

Finally standing before the manor's main entrance, the board of 'Finance Minister's Residence' sparkle in the broad daylight. The words make Siya feel ridiculed. This manor also belongs to her father but there is no mention. The second house has monopolized everything as its own. More importantly, the family lives in the most prosperous and bustling street in the capital.

Since Alder has already sent a messenger to the main house, the gatekeeper opened the door for the carriage.

"The people here are so busy that they do not have time to greet their elders at the door," Siya speaks softly as she glances at the housekeeper who is hurrying towards them.

The housekeeper looks uncertain and awkward at Siya's work. He is instructed by the madam to delay a little and bring two servants with him to help the injured people but where is anyone injured?

"Oh, elder brother," Siya talks again with a pleasant smile as she turns to face Finn, "this little girl does not know much about the ritual of receiving a family member at the gate but is there any rule to welcome them with a stretcher and medical kit? Or the housekeeper expected us to meet some unexpected event on our way to the capital?"

Alder's brows knit in hard lines. He too does not like this behavior of the second house. It seems like he has to do some deep conversation with his brother.

The housekeeper does not flinch. He is used to seeing people putting upfronts. He patiently responds, "The words of the second young miss are too severe. This is the servant's fault who does not know the rules. The servant is present for the punishment." His posture is straight and just as he continuous, "The third young master has met with an accident. These things are for him." He turns to the servants and snaps, "What are you waiting for? Hurry up."

The servants blank for a moment before gesturing their heads. The housekeeper smiles back at them. "It is getting windy outside. Would the first master, first madam, first young master, and second young miss follow this servant to the main hall? The old Lady is waiting there."

Siya mentally rolls her eyes at him. A dog never bites the hand that feeds it. She remembers after she married Ryder, this housekeeper exhorted all the valuable things from her family.

The housekeeper leads them towards the main hall. When Siya steps into the threshold, she quietly looks around. Everything is exactly same as it was in the past. The same trees, the same courtyard and the same dark-hearted people resemble wolf in sheep's clothing. The manor is spacious and luxurious with verandas, pavilions and gardens with executive and delicate flowers. The pavement is made of the most expensive marbles and sandstones. Every step on the pavements causes a cooling and soothing sensation under the feet, even the embroidered shoes cannot stop the feeling.

After passing by two open corridors, a small pond blooming with autumn lilies and a garden full of greenery, they finally reach the main hall. A servant girl opens the curtains of the hall with a smile. However, it does not reach her eyes.

Alder and Cyra have neutral expressions. Finn walks beside Siya with a composed face while Siya's face remains expressionless. Looking around the flourishing environment, Finn realised what Siya had said back then was true. The people in the capital really lived their life in a rich and affluent way.

Siya condenses her eyes as soon as she enters the main hall. Sitting at the first seat is a refined and elegant old lady dressed in luxurious clothes and ornaments. Her hair has turned white and is neatly tied in a bun. Her eyes are sharp and experienced still cannot hide her arrogance. She is the old Lady of the house. However, her status in the family is apparently the most stable one.

In her last life, the old Lady had played a crucial role in pushing her towards the third prince while showering her with pampering and gifts which ultimately causes a rift between Siya and her parents. At that time, Siya really thought that the old Lady treats Tara and her, the same but in the end, she was so wrong.

Sitting next to the old Lady is a woman in her forties with fair skin, black hair and a charming face with a friendly and harmless smile. The jewelry on her body matches her calm temper and gives a sense of comfortableness. However, only Siya knows the dark heart of this woman. She is her second aunt, Raina. She is best at using honey tongue and the opponent does not even know when he died. In her past life, Siya too was very close to her second aunt and her second aunt pampered her more than Tara.

Standing beside Raina is the eldest daughter of the house, Tara, fifteen years old. She truly justifies her name. With delicate hands, perfectly curved brows, a clever yet pretty smile and beautiful eyes, she is like a distant star in the sky that is desired by many. The water-blue silk gown fits her body very well, displaying her delicate curves. A golden hairpin tied her long hair, hands are covered with jade bracelets matching with the small yet elegant necklace around her neck. When she looks towards Alder and Cyra, her eyes show sadness and remorse as if she was so sad from the separation and sufferings of the first house. She looks so pitiful that it aches people's heart and countless people run to shelter her from the roughness of life. She is truly a fairy in the mortal world. Everyone in the manor treats her with respect and courtesy. In the previous life, Siya treated Tara more than a sister but in return, she lost her husband and family.

Raina is the daughter-in-law of the house and main wife of Kith while Tara is the daughter of the third generation. Tara is older than Siya and ranks the first daughter of the house, most people address her as the First Miss.

Everyone pays respect to the old Lady. However, Finn and Siya deliberately not mentioned Raina, making the hall fall in silence. The population in the second household is not too large. It is not very hard to find the absence of Kith and Simon. Although, old man Haiz used to be an imperial businessman but never get the respect that is given to the civil workers.

Watching the questioning eyes, Raina explains, "Today, Master has important work at the court. So he was called early while Simon is gone to the academy. I am afraid that elder brother will have to wait until the evening to see them."

Kith is busy in court matters while his son Simon is preparing for the imperial examination? Siya knew better, both the father and son are trying their best in bootlicking the third prince.

"Second sister-in-law is too polite," Alder smiles. "It has been many years since we saw each other. Is the house treating you well?"

Dressed in high-quality silk and sparkling jewelry, the Raina and Tara look refined and elegant. However, their faces make Siya hard to control her hatred for them. This mother-daughter pair not only ruined her family but also forged documents and provided fake evidence that her father and brother save a fortune, not because of good in doing business but because they hide taxes. She desperately pleaded and cried in front of Ryder and these people but they all laughed at her at that time.

"I thank elder brother for the concern. I did not know that my elder brother and sister-in-law is arriving today. So I was unable to prepare the courtyard in advance but I had already told the servants to clean the Spring Courtyard," Raina smiles mildly and her words are graceful. However, no one knows how mad she is from inside to see all of them well and spirited. She had spent a lot of gold coins to kill them on the way back here. She looks at Siya and Finn with a happy smile, "Siya and Finn can live in Breeze and Fallen courtyard."

"Second aunt," Siya interrupts and smiles at her, "why would mother and father live in the Spring Courtyard when they have their own courtyard. I remember father often used to tell me the stories of his childhood."

Star Courtyard is at the best location of the manor. Since, Alder was the only son of the main wife, old man Haiz gave him the best. However, now these greedy people are eyeing that place.

Raina's smile stiffens. "This . . ."

Even the old Lady's face becomes distorted with disgust. But in the presence of Alder, she remains tolerant and hides it.

"Siya!" Crya slowly rebukes her daughter. They just arrived at the main house today; it will not look good if Siya be this stubborn. "Second sister-in-law there is no need."

"No, mother," Finn speaks. "I am also interested to know the reason why father and you cannot stay in that place? I am sure the second aunt will not petty for such a small thing."

Tara lightly covers her mouth while giving a sad and pitiful look. If Siya does not know Tara better, she would too feel heartache for her older sister. "What my second sister said is right. I know that first uncle and first aunt had spent so many beautiful memories in that courtyard but over the years the courtyard turned old and worn. Last year it was destroyed in rain. Brother, himself, renovated it with his own savings and now lives there."

"Oh," Siya plays innocent. She will let these people snatch her father's courtyard just like that. Dream on! "How can aunt let the second brother do this? That courtyard belongs to my father if people get to know that second brother snatched his elder's place in the house, wouldn't he be disgraced?"

She remembers in the last life, her parents agreed with the arrangements and lived in Spring Courtyard but that place is at a deserted corner of the manor. Father was already on the death bed and her mother focused all her attention to take care of her injured husband which made their presence in any matter of the manor negligible. Slowly everyone in the manor forgets their existence.

It is a talk between women and children so Alder does not say anything. He never cared about materialistic things but if her daughter wants something then he will help her to achieve it.

Why does the second brother need to use his personal money to renovate? Every month father sends the maximum share of the profit to the main house and these people cannot even take care of his place? Finn thinks of her younger sister and his gaze softens a bit. He gives Tara a restrained smile. He cannot say what but from the moment he had seen Tara, his heart feels burdened and itchy. "Our family was and is a part of this manor. We had shifted to the border city for the sake of business; it was not that we had separated from the family. Now we had returned, our things should naturally be handed over to us."

When the people around him heard this, the surroundings became silent.

The old Lady smiles slowly. "What Finn said is right, our family is united and lived together. Even if in the past years, there are changes in the manor, it cannot change the position of the first son." She looks at Raina and continues, "You personally go and clean the Star Courtyard. The first house will shift there." She then glances at the two children of the first house with a sore heart. She does not like the first house but the family business is under Alder's hand so she cannot make him angry. "Your second uncle and I were thinking about both of you that's why we decided to call you back to the capital. Here you will get many opportunities to secure your future."

"Yes," Siya nods and her face is stoic. How can she not know the old Lady's heart? She is giving her father a face but indirectly slapping him by pointing the uncultured children of his. There is no need to tear off faces on the first day. These people still have to cry tears of blood.  "Grandmother is the most loving and righteous person," she sneers. If wouldn't be you, why would her father have to leave his own house and live far away?

Stepmother is a stepmother after all!

Today she has taken a courtyard back in the future she will take their life. She came here to take her revenge. She will take everything slowly and make these people cry tears of blood as she did in her past life.

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