In her idle thoughts Su Mei harshly despised herself for mistaking her lifesaver as an object of affection Feeling ashamed she ate breakfast quickly then with her maid and governess went toward the Chuīhua Gate
Before reaching the place she saw a young girl standing beneath the Lotus Pillar The wind brushed past and the girl’s crimson skirt fluttered lightly Even standing still she appeared graceful and delicate
This was her most pretentious stepsister Su Qin
Third Sister is here
Su Mei was about to look away Su Qin ran a few steps smiling to greet her
Her eyes moved back over again She smiled perfunctorily and said Let us not keep Elder Sister waiting We should set off
Then she boarded the carriage first
Su Qin had specially dressed up today Seeing herself ignored by Su Mei while her stepsister wore something so plain she felt even more disdain
Truly a spoiled young lady Innocent and clueless She had agreed so easily to let her accompany her to the Wei Duke’s Household without knowing how to dress properly
When she married she would probably never learn how to win a man’s favor
Thinking this Su Qin turned to the carriage behind her but after sitting down she could not hide her resentment
She was still madly jealous of Su Mei
Su Mei had the status of the Zhongyi Marquis’s legitimate daughter which allowed her to marry high Without that status Lin Henglǐ would certainly prefer her
She had first caught Lin Henglǐ’s attention Why could Su Mei benefit without effort
Today she would go to the Wei Duke’s Household and seize the chance to see Lin Henglǐ
Ever since seeing a man so handsome and noble none else would satisfy her Even if she had to endure she had confidence she could push Su Mei away
Excited Su Qin twisted the embroidered handkerchief in her hands
Zikui was applying eye medicine to her mistress trying to make her aware of the stepsister’s scheming
Elder Sister wears so little only two hairpins She might be mistaken for the Marquis’s legitimate daughter
Elder Sister has always been insecure careful not to make mistakes Dressing grander is not surprising Su Mei smiled listening to the sound of hooves feeling a little regretful that she would not see Lin Third Master today
Her casualness made Zikui feel frustrated Angrily she said Mistress I do not like speaking ill behind others But I have seen Elder Sister approach Young Grandson He may not notice but she followed him for a long time Today dressed like this it shows what is in her heart
Zikui Su Mei’s smile faded She turned her head A beam of light fell across her face
Zikui’s heart skipped a beat at her serious expression But the next moment she saw her eyes curve into a smile She said Then let us test her today
Mistress Mistress Zikui was stunned
She thought she would need more words to persuade her mistress Yet with just one sentence it seemed her mistress had understood
But How to test
Zikui felt nervous Mistress what are you planning
Just follow me and do as I say Su Mei tilted her head Although she could not see Lin Third Master she still looked forward to this trip to the Wei Duke’s Household
With each sister plotting the Wei Duke’s Household came gradually into view
The gatekeepers had been instructed When they saw a carriage with the Zhongyi Marquis’s emblem they respectfully welcomed it and opened the gates guiding the carriage into the residence
This was Su Mei’s first visit after the engagement To show respect for the future daughter in law Lin Henglǐ’s mother the Young Madam of the Wei Duke Household Li came personally to greet her at the Chuīhua Gate
Su Mei looked at the mother and son secretly mocking herself
In her previous life seeing this she had been surprised and touched But this attention was only part of the Wei Duke’s Household scheme
Touched yet composed she greeted Li subtly
Lin Henglǐ seemed especially pleased to see her His eyes lifted slightly The flirtatious peach blossom eyes appeared even more affectionate
Third Sister have you eaten Did the carriage tire you
Every word full of sentiment The young Lin Henglǐ appeared less deep and more cheerful than she remembered
But no matter his appearance Su Mei felt only disgust About to reply perfunctorily Su Qin who had just gotten off the carriage bowed to the mother and son Qin’er greets the Young Madam and Young Grandson
Her timing interrupted Su Mei
Seeing Su Qin’s bright face Lin Henglǐ’s expression stiffened Surprised at her appearance But he quickly smiled again calling her Su Elder Sister
The distant title seemed to sting Su Qin Her smile froze Tears shone in her eyes Looking at Lin Henglǐ she appeared pitiful
Su Mei glanced secretly disgusted Her hands prickled
Her eyes were dirty
They need not fret exchanging glances One a hypocrite One shameless Perfect match She would do a good deed letting them display their love to the fullest saving others from harm
Suppressing her discomfort Su Mei looked away Li did not notice another woman eyeing her son She led Su Mei to the back residence
Li held her hand evaluating this future daughter in law From her brows eyes and demeanor she looked more satisfied
A young lady should be refined gentle When she married taught to prioritize her husband she would become a proper dutiful mistress
Li patted her hand gently saying Mother you have seen her before Do not be nervous Do not be formal I have been thinking about you all morning Treat this place as your own home
Li’s mother referred to was the Madam of the Wei Duke’s Household Also Lin Third Master’s legitimate mother Of true noble status The most beloved princess of the previous emperor The Wei Duke’s Household rich and prestigious But outsiders did not know the filth within
Su Mei had seen through the Lin family She smiled faintly to Li without showing her thoughts
Li guided her along the gallery toward the main hall Familiar flowers and stones passed by After years in the residence she could not be unfamiliar
Seeing Princess Jiaxi Su Mei remained calm She intended to sever all ties with the Wei Duke’s Household They would be strangers Hence composed
After greetings everything proceeded as in her previous life
The Lin elders treated her warmly Called the troupe for entertainment Singing in the garden until lunch
Lin Henglǐ left after greeting her citing matters to avoid interaction She felt relieved free Su Qin grew anxious
She had dressed to impress and gain Lin Henglǐ’s attention But without him appearing her beauty meant nothing
Preoccupied Su Qin often looked around
Su Mei watched all The Lin elders spoke of moving to the waterside pavilion She knew it was the perfect moment
Before leaving she slipped a note to a maid whispering Please deliver this to Young Grandson
The maid from Li’s household usually ran errands Being entrusted by Su Mei both surprised and excited She had her own calculations
Su Mei as future wife of Young Grandson would be the Young Madam Favor here meant future service closer to the Young Madam not easier than standing before the Young Madam
The maid believed her nodded and sought a chance to deliver the note to Lin Henglǐ
Zikui was horrified seeing her mistress act Cold sweat on her hands She asked Mistress what is this note What will you do
Though engaged secret messages could appear frivolous if discovered
Su Mei waved her hand Eyes bright Just wait and see Even if she is exposed no one will believe her
Zikui still did not understand Su Mei approached Su Qin quietly speaking
Su Qin nodded repeatedly
Then Elder Sister will help me cover this Su Mei said smiling to Zikui She linked her hand with hers and called a maid to guide them to the official room
Zikui felt uneasy Looking back at Su Qin She saw the previously lone Su Qin now followed by a maid
Mistress where is Elder Sister going
Su Mei did not answer Reaching the official room she sent off the guiding maid and pulled Zikui down a narrow path Lets see if Su Qin’s intentions are true
Zikui felt uneasy Her foreboding proved correct before they reached the spot
Brother Li How could you forget me
Su Qin’s coquettish voice floated through dense branches
Zikui looked at Su Mei in horror Su Mei expressionless guided her through willows revealing the two tightly embracing
Seeing this Zikui clenched her teeth and ran
Shameless in broad daylight
The two were startled turning Su Mei stepped out
Among the willows Lin Henglǐ holding Su Qin gasped Then suddenly pushed her away
Su Qin fell tears blurred
Third Sister Lin Henglǐ called alarmed to Su Mei approaching
Su Mei stopped keeping distance Then calmly said Since Young Grandson has feelings for my stepsister Our engagement is over
Third Sister
Lin Henglǐ froze hand shaking Zikui also shocked None expected her to break the engagement
Su Mei waited for this moment Having caught them in the act and spoken she need not waste words
She gave Lin Henglǐ no chance Signaling Zikui she turned to leave
She would return home No need to meet anyone at the Lin Household
Determined to stay far away She had sent a letter to her father explaining the situation requesting the engagement be canceled
Though she had no evidence writing the letter her father cherished her He would believe her A letter to the frontier would take at least half a month Better to send it early
Capturing proof ensured a smoother ending to the engagement
Su Qin’s impatience helped She only claimed a meeting with Lin Henglǐ Su Qin went ahead allowing Su Mei to catch them
She did not fear Li’s maid testifying The note was written in Su Qin’s style Seeing them embrace she could claim the maid lied
In her previous life the maid had drugged her at Li’s instruction This was her revenge
Su Mei had prepared everything and turned to leave
But Lin Henglǐ would not let her leave
This engagement was long awaited by the elders Important to the Lin family
Recovering from the shock he chased her a few steps grabbing her arm
Su Mei saw his face looming She shivered and slapped him immediately
Slapping Lin Henglǐ was not new But this strike full force sounded crisp on flesh It was exhilarating
Lin Henglǐ did not expect the slap He staggered head tilted ears ringing face burning
He froze in disbelief
Su Mei stepped to leave again But a force pushed her forward
She fell backward Wind whistled the sky blue then sharp pain at the back of her head Darkness swallowed her vision
The accident was sudden Zikui was a step behind Su Mei already hit the ground Lin Henglǐ stunned at his own hands
Su Mei fell in the Wei Duke’s Household garden Servants saw her carried by the governess to the banquet room Blood behind her ears Eyes closed As if unconscious
Others saw Young Grandson and Su Qin follow anxiously Su Qin tugged his sleeve repeatedly Young Madam frowned striding angrily
Servants whispered Su Mei placed on bed with embroidered bedding Her pale weak face contrasted with the vibrant quilts
Zikui red eyed knelt loosening her hair cleaning the blood
Li worried paced urged to see if physician had arrived Occasionally glancing at the troublesome son and tearful Su Qin Wondering how to calm Su Mei and conceal facts from the Zhongyi Marquis
This engagement cannot be canceled
Atmosphere oppressive Fortunately physician arrived Quickly feeling pulse applying treatment Su Mei finally awoke
Zikui cried with joy calling Mistress Li hurried bending asking How do you feel Are you uncomfortable Tell me
Su Mei drowsy Hearing voices distant Blurred vision
She forced open eyes Shadows became clear
She saw the woman’s face
But Who is this She did not recognize Where was she
Su Mei blankly looked at Li
Li saw her silence Asked the physician Is she mute Does she need more treatment or medicine
Medicine
What medicine
Flashbacks filled Su Mei’s mind Someone holding her chin forcing medicine down her throat Bitter liquid choking her Breath caught A voice identical to this woman’s saying Take medicine and you will be better
Su Mei clenched her teeth Trembling Cold
No She cannot take it She is not sick She cannot drink medicine
Zikui noticed her trembling Cold sweat forehead Twisted a cloth to wipe
Before touching Su Mei she suddenly screamed Jumped from bed throwing everything at Li and Zikui
I do not know you I will not take medicine You old witch are poisoning me
Li caught a pillow to the face Eyes seeing stars