In the capital, few women could inspire envy and admiration like Wen Shiyi.
Her husband was a top scholar, and when he proposed, he swore a solemn oath: “One life, one pair, unwavering devotion.”
Such words made countless young ladies in the capital sigh with envy, convinced that Wen Shiyi was exceptionally fortunate.
But if admiration was the measure, none could surpass the Marchioness of Annan.
She carried herself uniquely—free-spirited, unrestrained, never caring about the gaze of others—and lived life on her own terms.
Before marrying, the Marchion of Annan was a notorious rake.
He spent his days drifting between brothels, sleeping amidst flowers, utterly lost in the pleasures of youth. Among the capital’s idle sons, he was famed for his charm and indulgence.
But once the Marchioness married him, everything changed.
She was fierce and audacious, showing no mercy to her reckless husband, delivering beatings three days out of every nine.
The Marchion could only groan in complaint, powerless against her.
Over the years, her “discipline” transformed him entirely. His rakish habits vanished, replaced by strict obedience. The once-flamboyant man became a devoted husband—a spectacle that amused everyone in the capital.
One day, the Marchioness had just left the Linlang Pavilion and intended to stroll to Yunshang Tower.
A maid helped her into her carriage, when a young woman approached.
As the carriage passed, she casually handed a letter to one of the following maids.
“Madam…”
The maid clutched the letter, her face unsure.
The Marchioness paused, glancing at the girl who was already gone from sight.
She returned her attention to the carriage, composed, and opened the letter.
Upon reading it, her gentle expression hardened instantly.
Her face twisted with rage, eyes flashing murderous intent.
“Outrageous!”
She shouted, gripping the letter so tightly her knuckles whitened, crumpling it in her fist.
Gritting her teeth, she took a few steadying breaths to calm herself.
“Where is my husband?”
The maid, recognizing her fury, guessed the Marchion had done something outrageous again.
“Fusheng said earlier, the Marchion went to have tea with the Marquis of Yongning.”
“Tea? I’d like to see this. Who exactly is he having tea with?”
The Marchioness slammed her hand onto the small table in the carriage and commanded:
“To South Osmanthus Alley!”
Coincidentally, when the carriage arrived at the alley, Fusheng was standing at a residence’s gate.
The Marchioness stepped down, and Fusheng shrank in fear.
“Ma…Madam!”
He stammered, instinctively stepping back.
The Marchioness’s gaze fell upon the front door, lips curling into a cold smile:
“This is the place?”
“Xizhi, Xiye, smash the door for your Madam!”
She wanted to see which wretched woman dared seduce her husband. She also wanted to see if Wang Fugui, the Marchion, had the audacity to secretly support a concubine.
Wang Fugui was the Marchion’s name.
“Yes, Madam!”
The two maids, Xizhi and Xiye, moved swiftly to the gate.
This task was familiar—handling a seductress who dared flirt with the Marchion was easy.
A few slaps, and the problem was solved.
Fusheng’s heart sank, eyes darting nervously, but he dared not intervene.
If the door was smashed by mistake, it would be disastrous. The Marchion’s poor rear had already suffered enough.
With a swift kick, Xizhi and Xiye forced the door open.
Inside, Chu Rou’er and Sui Jiaojiao were trying on the jewelry recently gifted by Sui Jingxing.
Hearing the commotion, they ordered a maid:
“What’s happening? Go see!”
The maid obeyed, only to be kicked aside and scream:
“Ah! Who are you? How dare you intrude into a private residence?”
Chu Rou’er frowned, displeased:
“Fools!”
She rushed out and saw Xizhi and Xiye, faces cold:
“Who are you? How dare you enter this residence?”
Xizhi and Xiye exchanged glances and nodded.
This coquettish woman was clearly the Marchion’s concubine.
They were about to act when Sui Jiaojiao emerged from the room:
“Mother, who are they?”
Xizhi and Xiye froze. The Marchion had such a grown child with a concubine?
How furious would the Madam be if she knew?
Sui Jiaojiao glared at them, shouting:
“Who are you? Do you not know whose residence this is? When my father comes, you’ll be sent to the authorities!”
Sui Lingyun, studying in the study, dropped his book upon hearing the commotion, determined to protect his mother and sister.
“Mother, what’s happening?”
Xizhi and Xiye, now furious, were ready to strike.
The Marchion had children with a concubine? Was he planning to divide his inheritance?
It was outrageous!
Both maids were skilled in combat. Before Chu Rou’er could react, Xizhi grabbed her, Xiye seized Sui Jiaojiao and Sui Lingyun, and they were swiftly dragged outside.
“Madam, here are the concubine and her children,” they reported, dumping Chu Rou’er and her children at the Marchioness’s feet.
The Marchioness looked down, face turning green.
She raised her hand and slapped Chu Rou’er hard:
“Wretch! How dare you steal my man? You must be courting death!”
“Mother!”
Sui Jiaojiao and Sui Lingyun lunged forward, glaring:
“Who are you to hit people at will?”
Seeing the children, the Marchioness’s eyes burned with irritation.
She had been vigilant day and night, yet these two bastards had grown so quickly.
“Xizhi, Xiye, hit them hard!”
The crowd had gathered, pointing and whispering.
“This is the legitimate wife punishing the concubine—it’s thrilling to watch!”
“Oh! That concubine’s child is quite alluring. If I were rich, I’d raise her too.”
“Indeed! And that daughter is delicate and charming.”
“Strip them! Strip their clothes!”
Among the onlookers, some lecherous men began jeering.
The Marchioness glanced at them coldly:
“Xizhi, Xiye, strip them. A courtesan from a brothel would know best how to please men.”