The dim candlelight, the sound of tearing fabric, an embrace both intimate and resistant—these ignited a spring scene within the monastery’s woodshed.
Su Wan’s consciousness drifted in and out, as if she had fallen into an absurd yet vivid dream.
In this dream, she willingly yielded to the forceful advances of a young master.
She could not see the face of the unfamiliar young master, only aware that under his fervent touch, she melted into a pool of bewildered water.
Three months later.
In a secluded side chamber, several crisp slaps rang out.
“Wan Niang! After all the love your grandmother has shown you, how could you be so careless with your chastity, engaging in illicit relations and even conceiving a child? If not for catching your maid secretly disposing of abortion medicine dregs, I would still be kept in the dark!”
Su Wan knelt on the floor, her cheeks red and swollen. Opposite her, seated on a cushion, was a silver-haired old woman—her grandmother.
Madam Su’s weathered face revealed a trace of despair. “You lost your mother at a young age. It was I, this old woman, who took pity on you and raised you by my side.
I taught you reading, needlework, flower arranging, and tea appreciation—all according to the standards of a legitimate daughter. I even arranged a good marriage for you.”
“Your dowry was prepared well in advance, waiting only for you to marry next spring. That Second Young Master Lu is such an outstanding young talent, willing to marry you as his principal wife despite your status as a concubine-born daughter.
But you… you shamelessly consorted with another man, and now you carry a bastard in your womb!”
At this, the Old Madam’s clouded eyes flashed with ferocity. “The wedding is less than two months away. What do you plan to do? This mess is beyond even my ability to clean up. If only you had told me earlier, things would not have come to this.”
Su Wan knelt on the ground, obediently kowtowing three times until her scalp broke, presenting a pitiful, fragile appearance.
“Grandmother, your granddaughter speaks from the heart. I had no knowledge of this pregnancy either. It was only a few days ago, when I suddenly craved sour foods and experienced morning sickness, that I realized I was with child.”
Her voice was plaintive and sorrowful, her words enough to move one to tears.
“Three months ago, my sister and I went to the monastery to pray for blessings. That very night, after drinking the water my sister handed me, I became dazed and confused.
I woke the next day in the monastery’s guest room, my hair disheveled, my clothes in disarray, with bruises and marks on my body.
But I thought they were merely scratches from mosquito bites and did not notice anything amiss.
It was only two days ago, as my belly gradually swelled, that I discussed it with my maid and realized I might have been defiled. That’s why I urgently sent Jin Tao to fetch saffron to take, only to be caught red-handed by Nanny Zhao from your quarters.”
Madam Su narrowed her eyes, her voice stern. “Are you implying that Lin Lin harmed you?”
Su Lin, the legitimate daughter of the Su household, was a year older than Su Wan and also dearly loved by their grandmother.
“Without evidence, you dare slander your own sister with empty words? Wan Niang, even now, you still wish to drag your sister down with you?”
Su Wan shook her head like a rattle drum.
“Grandmother, I am not lying. I was framed.”
The Old Madam sneered. “Even if you were framed, what does it matter now? You are with child, your chastity lost—this is an indisputable, ironclad fact.
You have disgraced womanly virtue and tarnished the Su family’s reputation. If not for the affection I hold from raising you, I would have long ordered you beaten to death with clubs.”Su Wan’s eyes were swollen from crying like walnuts. She lowered her gaze, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes, then looked up at her grandmother.
“Please send me to the countryside to recuperate in peace, Grandmother. I do not wish to tarnish the Su family’s reputation.”
“As for the marriage arrangement with Second Young Master Lu, it can only be called off.”
Grandmother sighed softly. She did have some affection for this granddaughter, but upon learning that Su Wan had engaged in an illicit affair and was now pregnant, she had been so furious that she smashed several bowls in a row.
First, she was angry that this granddaughter had dragged down the Su family’s reputation.
The Su family was a scholarly household. Su Father held a fifth-rank position as a judicial commissioner. Though his official rank was not high, his reputation was decent, and there was hope for further promotion.
Second, she regretted the lost marriage alliance with the Lu family.
The Lu family was of higher status than the Su family. Lu Father was a fifth-rank director in the Ministry of Personnel, but he served in the capital. For the Su family to have secured a match with the Lu family was undoubtedly a case of marrying above their station.
Third, she was angry that Su Wan had not taken care of herself.
Su Wan was exceptionally beautiful. The old madam had raised her with the thought of her being a valuable asset, hoping she could marry into a prestigious family like the Lu family to secure better opportunities for the Su family’s sons.
What a pity—now it was all ruined.
“Not many know about your pregnancy—only Nanny Zhao by my side, and your maids Jin Tao and Can Yan. Out of affection, I can secretly send you to the countryside to recuperate.”
“I will also cover up your situation for you. Set your mind at ease.”
“As for Second Young Master Lu, simply send him a letter saying you are unwell and cannot become the young madam of the Lu Mansion. Let Lin Lin take your place in this marriage.”
Upon hearing that her elder sister would replace her in marrying Second Young Master Lu, Su Wan wept again.
Clutching Madam Su’s knees, she gently rubbed her head against them, her voice choked but clear.
“It is Wan Niang’s unfilialness that has caused Grandmother distress. Wan Niang will obey Grandmother in everything.”
Seeing Su Wan so obedient, Madam Su felt a twinge of pity. Stroking her granddaughter’s soft black hair, she said softly, “It is not that Grandmother is heartless, but there is no other way. Grandmother must consider the entire Su family. When you go to the countryside, I will have your maids accompany you and prepare extra silver for you. Once the situation calms down, I will find an opportunity to bring you back.”
“By then, I will arrange another good marriage for you. With Wan Niang’s beauty and intelligence, there will be no shortage of suitors.”
As dusk approached, a carriage slowly departed from the side gate of the Su residence.
It carried only simple luggage.
Su Wan and her two maids, one named Jin Tao and the other Can Yan, huddled together in a corner of the carriage.
With the departure of this carriage, they left the Su residence where they had lived for so long.
“Miss,” Jin Tao took a warm egg from her sleeve, “your cheeks are swollen. Let me roll this egg over your face to reduce the swelling.”
Su Wan looked up at Jin Tao, took the egg from her, and glanced at Can Yan.
“You two have suffered by following me.”
Can Yan quickly waved her hands. “We don’t feel any hardship, Miss. It is you who have truly suffered. Miss, if only you had taken me with you to the temple that day. If I had been there, how could Eldest Young Lady’s wicked scheme have succeeded? Now she has gotten her wish and will marry Second Young Master Lu!”
“Eldest Young Lady plotted against her own sister and stole her husband—utterly shameless!”Su Wan smiled faintly. “If someone is determined to harm you, it’s impossible to guard against everything. Going to the countryside might actually be better.”
Jin Tao pouted. “The countryside is nothing like the Su Mansion. You’re a precious young lady, and I’m afraid you won’t be able to endure the hardships. It’s better to shamelessly stay by Old Madam’s side—at least she genuinely cares for you.”
Would Old Madam truly care for her?
Su Wan sneered inwardly.
She was no longer the original Su Wan. The original Su Wan had died after drinking saffron.
She was a top-tier star who had fought her way through the ruthless entertainment industry for years, only to be sent here by a car accident.
She had inexplicably transmigrated into the body of a girl named Su Wan, who shared her name but was utterly foolish.
Even after being wronged, she remained clueless, believing it was just an unspeakable dream. Her period had been absent for three months, yet she hadn’t noticed anything amiss. It wasn’t until her belly began to show that she realized the catastrophic mistake she had made.
As for Jin Tao and Can Yan, these two maids were loyal to her but lacked cunning.
The struggles among women in ancient households were always silent, bloodless battles. Just look at her sister, Su Lin, who quietly stole her husband without a word.
But it didn’t matter. There was plenty of time ahead. Su Wan never accepted losses.
The wealth and glory that rightfully belonged to her—she would reclaim it herself one day.