Volume One, Chapter Eight: On the Brink of Death, the Truth Unveiled

In her previous life, Xu Zhiyi was kept in the dark, only learning the truth from Qin Huisheng on her deathbed.

Madam Lin, so cunning and calculating, had prepared a substantial dowry, enabling Xu Zhiyi to marry into the Ding’an Marquis’s household with honor.

From the very beginning, Madam Lin had set her sights on the shops and farmland left by Xu Zhiyi’s late mother.

Xu Huaian guarded them closely, so Madam Lin had to find another way.

The dowry accompanied Xu Zhiyi into the Marquis’s mansion, and no matter how reluctant Xu Huaian was, he could no longer intervene.

Since the death of the old Marquis Qin, the Ding’an Marquis’s household had been steadily declining.

Though Qin Huisheng was personally appointed by the emperor as a top scholar, it was only a nominal position, and his meager salary was nowhere near enough to cover the household’s deficits.

After several discussions with his mother, he eventually decided to focus on Xu Zhiyi.

Though she was out of favor, her dowry was enviable.

It was said she was weak-willed; if he married her in, wouldn’t she be completely at their mercy?

Qin Huisheng thought Xu Zhiyi unworthy of him, but to maintain the Marquis’s household’s prestige, he ultimately compromised.

Xu Huaian also had his own calculations.

He was merely a seventh-rank official; in the capital full of nobles, anyone could trample on him.

If he wanted to climb higher, his two daughters were his best bargaining chips to attach himself to power.

Coincidentally, the Ding’an Marquis’s household sent someone to propose marriage at this time.

The two parties quickly reached an agreement!

The schemes were shrewd, yet nobody considered Xu Zhiyi’s fate.

By rights, a woman’s dowry was her personal property, but the Marquis’s household shamelessly moved everything into the public storeroom.

At the time, Qin Huisheng’s mother said, “Zhiyi, now that you are married into the Marquis’s household, we are one family. We need not distinguish between yours and mine; it will keep the harmony. Don’t you agree?”

Xu Zhiyi did not consent to this reasoning but dared not argue.

Her silent acquiescence marked the beginning of her tragedy.

The deed to the shops and farmland was secretly swapped by Madam Lin the day before her wedding.

Fearing Xu Huaian would notice, Madam Lin waited three months before changing the owner’s name on the deeds to Xu Yunwan.

Reborn into this life, she would no longer be easily schemed against — though the cost was too high.

Her child hadn’t even opened its eyes to the world.

Her nails dug into her flesh as hatred surged within her.

Xiao Yuer brought in water to help her wash, and Xu Zhiyi restrained all her emotions.

“Is everything settled?”

Xiao Yuer gently wiped her cheek with a warm cloth.

“Miss, rest assured, it’s done. But… have you really decided? If this fails, the consequences will be dire.”

Hearing this, Xu Zhiyi gave a faint smile.

“If I don’t try, the only path left is death. Better to take a gamble — there might still be a chance.”

The Crown Prince intended to take Xu Yunwan as a secondary consort. Firstly, she was a concubine’s daughter; secondly, Xu Huaian was a mere lowly seventh-rank official.

This arrangement wouldn’t threaten the main wife’s position and would reassure the Chancellor, who devoted himself to aiding the Crown Prince.

The emperor was still young; if the Crown Prince’s consort’s family were too powerful, suspicion would arise about the Crown Prince’s intentions.

It just so happened that Xu Zhiyi needed the Crown Prince’s backing.

“But Miss, from what you say, the Crown Prince will never favor you. You’re still young; how will you endure the coming days?”

Since ancient times, a woman’s fate was arranged by her family.

Married into her husband’s home, and upon his death, devoted to her children.

Yet, she could never live for herself.

“Today’s matters are uncertain; first, I must take this step well. The rest can wait.”

Even if it means venturing into a den of dragons and tigers, she must try.

She had died once; this life, she would live for herself.

“Enough of that grim face,” Xu Zhiyi waved her hand. “I’m not worried. Whatever comes, I’ll face it as it comes.”

“It’s late. You should rest too; I’m sleepy.”

Though she said this, she was uncertain inside.

Tossing and turning, she did not fall into a deep sleep until the faint light of dawn.

In her dream, a raging fire blazed, heavy beams fell, striking her head, and blood blurred her vision.

Until the end, Xu Zhiyi’s hands clutched her swollen belly protectively.

“Miss, wake up. The master has sent someone with your wedding clothes.”

Xu Zhiyi sat up sharply, sweat beading her forehead, her eyes vacant and distant.

“Xiao Yuer, he… he’s dead…”

Her voice hoarse, tinged with sorrow.

“Miss, did you have a nightmare? Who is dead?”

Xiao Yuer gently took a cloth and wiped the sweat from her brow.

Her moon-white inner robe was soaked through, and her cheeks were wet—whether from sweat or tears, no one could tell.

“Prepare hot water. I want to bathe.”

“But, those people are waiting outside. Don’t you want to see them first?”

Xu Zhiyi rubbed her temples, feeling as if countless blades tore through her heart, blood pouring forth.

“You only need to check if it’s suitable. The wedding clothes from the tailor—what choice is there?”

She wasn’t truly going to marry Qin Huisheng.

Xiao Yuer nodded. “True. They all look much the same. I’ll pick one to fit your size, so the master’s household won’t suspect.”

“Good.”

The water was a bit hot; Xu Zhiyi’s skin reddened, but she refused Xiao Yuer’s offer to add cooler water.

“You may leave now. I want to be alone for a while.”

The water scalded, but it was nothing compared to the blaze of that night. She needed to remember this feeling clearly.

After a quarter-hour, Xiao Yuer’s voice came softly.

“Miss, are you done? Brother Wang Dazhuang’s men have sent a message…”

Xu Zhiyi opened her eyes sharply, heart pounding.

“They’re really here?”

“Yes, they’re in the main hall now. The master is with them. Do you want to prepare?”

Xiao Yuer had wanted her to reconsider.

After all, their target was the Crown Prince himself!

If discovered, Xu Zhiyi’s death would be nothing, but her eldest daughter’s life would be in danger.

“At the first quarter of the afternoon hour!”

She would gamble once. If she lost, she would die again.

Seeing her resolute expression, Xiao Yuer bit her lip.

“Very well, Miss. I won’t let you down!”

As for why Xu Zhiyi was so sure the Crown Prince would arrive at that exact hour and enter that specific chamber…

Xiao Yuer had asked once.

Xu Zhiyi had said, “Your young mistress did some finger calculations… but the secret of heaven cannot be revealed!”

Xiao Yuer was left puzzled, as if told and not told.

It was nearly the last quarter before noon.

The arrow was on the bowstring; they had little time left.

Xiao Yuer made her final decision.

At worst, she would risk her life, braving flames and blades, to stand by her mistress!

From the crane-beaked copper incense burner rose delicate wisps of fragrant smoke, calming the mind.

Xiao Yuer took an antidote in advance, and as instructed by Xu Zhiyi, hid quietly in the wardrobe.

Wang Dazhuang had arranged a few trusted men, waiting for Xiao Yuer’s signal to spread the news.

The bigger the commotion, the better!

Compared to life, reputation and face were of little consequence.