2 Knowing Thyself

The light sect is six hundred kilometers away in the south. The General manor has the White elk horse, they can reach two hundred kilometers per hour in flat areas.But due to the mountainous road, it was a half day travel. They were already halfway back.

Arthur as leading the convoy ahead leaving Zhi Rui carriage in the middle.

Inside her carriage, Zhi Rui is calmly looking through the windows.

"Zhi Rui? what a beautiful name. Eighteen years old? so much potential." She thinks to herself.

Zhi Rui smiled and closed her eyes to see her inner self. Learning how from her new memories. Seeing a silver crystal-like stone between her eyebrows and another of the same color, but rougher between her breast.she felt relief.

"She only reached the very first step, forming a core to connect with the world. I have to undo nothing and can go on freely from here. But she knows too little about cultivation. She wanted to learn everything at light sect, pitiful girl. Reaching home I have to study thoroughly."

Zhi Rui smiled in pity as if the one who took the girl's future away wasn't herself.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a mirror, she didn't notice before.

She was too excited about coming back to life and didn't look around her. But now she wants to see herself in full. She stood in front of the mirror, reached for her dress and tore it all off in one pull.

Seeing the person on the mirror Zhi Rui couldn't help but laugh again, with such outstanding beauty. Did she dared to hide it? for the sake of virtue? What a sin.

Indeed, when one is young, one is also stupid.

"taller than most girls. At the height of the average healthy male. Long ebony hair making her emerald eye shine with vigor. A natural slightly red lips. Healthy white and smooth skin, plentiful breast a little more than most women have at this age. Heart-shaped bottom. If there was one defect it's the fact that she ate too little. And only vegetables, to avoid impurities making her thin. But you can see clearly how sinful this body will look as soon as you get more food in."

Without wearing anything, Zhi Rui walked back and seated on the carriage dangling one leg above the other.

I gave away my soul, for the mere chance to capture another person's conscience and take the body. Luckily the little girl wore the neckless one week after my death, and my mind was still strong. Though, still, if it were an elder or somebody strong-willed, I would've ceased to exist.

Zhi Rui suddenly started laughing, shaking all over in complete mockery

"HuhaHAHAHAHA! Stupid girl! You had every option to choose from, and you still chose slavery! Still chose to live as a chained mummy! But don't worry. Now I am Zhi Rui, and I will do whatever I please, and enjoy life in your stead!"

Eight years of being trained and used as a whore. Before they decided I'm brainwashed and beautiful enough to be used as a puppet.

Forty years chained in that tower doing their biddings.

The position of tower maiden and the bits of cultivation related information gave me hope. So I endured.

Just when I realized I was too old and decided to the most damage possible, they took me down.

Though she was gnashing her teeth, the world outside the window of the carriage gave her joy, and lust unabashed and insatiable lust, for everything that she never had, and everything that she can possibly obtain.

The desire to eat the best food and enjoy the most beautiful things.

She had nothing before, now she wants everything.

Calming down, Zhi Rui started to think of her situation. As someone who had studied and observed a lot of power struggle for forty years. She naturally can see more than a young girl. The youngest princess of the empire appearing out of nowhere and taking her place it's of course part of a bigger scheme.

She started with her dad.

Cheng Feng yuan the young general who come back victorious with big merits. His name is on everybody's mouths.

If he wants to raise his power, now is the best time. So he sent his daughter to the Light sect to be an elder's personal disciple. Making his position on the kingdom more strong.

"Not that" Zhi Rui mumbled and shook her head. Too simple, Too direct.

It's too easy, almost an act of common sense.

His target is in another place. He just came back with merits, he gained the right to request something from the emperor himself.

But the general didn't go to the palace and did not ask for anything. Only directly sending his daughter to light sect.

The emperor wouldn't want his general to have a position with a strong outsider. He rather sent his publicly most doted upon daughter to the enemy, than allow his general to have a leg outside the country's control. This way he's making the enemy think they have an advantage because of his daughter. and he's also forcing General Feng Yuan to seek power within the kingdom.

Zhu Rui looked out the windows while pondering.

Rather than foreseeing this move from the emperor, General probably just sent me there, if the emperor made his move then he would spread the news making justified to be daring with his request. And the emperor will have to grant it. If the emperor did not make his move, then he would get a daughter supported by the light sect, besides irritating the emperor a little he wouldn't lose either way.

But what daring request will ensure his power, and guarantee the emperor won't move against him in the future?

Zhi Rui was taping on her windowsill, suddenly she stopped, paralyzed remembering her image on the mirror, she smirked

As her father, he naturally saw his daughter's face.

It does not matter to whom he offers my hand to. As long they see one image of me, they'd accept. This together with his right to a request. He can marry me to the most favored prince and with the generalissimo's support, the prince will certainly receive the throne thus assuring the Cheng family's future.

Zhi Rui starting taping the windowsill and spoke in humor.

"hm, so daddy wants to use this beautiful chess piece, unfortunately, I don't see how that will benefit myself. If the prince is not a cut sleeve he's sure to demand immediate marriage which will cage me in the palace, getting outside only with permission and a few times a week. even if he doesn't demand marriage, an engagement would put me under the eyes of the Imperial family. The marriage has its perks but it would take all my time"

Over the window, she could see the sun setting and the southwest tribes. The convoy is reaching the capital.

"I need to get strong. I'll need the time and the resources of this kingdom, so I can leave here and roam freely. Once I become strong enough, it won't be too late for uprooting the light sect."

Since the emperor did his move, he will summon father soon, might even be tomorrow. No time to convince him without making him alarmed. I'll have to do it today.

"Young lady we reached the south gate, please be patient soon we'll be home," Arthur said from outside

By the time they entered the city, Zhi Rui already knew what to do.

Even though it is an extreme risk and will bring the ruthless general fury.

She was smiling like a child.