Chapter Vol. 1 Ch. 21

Words : 1074 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Su Li returned to the courtyard with her maidservants, lost in thought. In her previous life, she hadn’t interacted much with Xia Wencai, though she had heard of his reputation for being lustful and addicted to gambling. Mo Hua noticed that her lady’s expression wasn’t great and quietly whispered to Si Qin, "What’s wrong with Miss?" Si Qin was about to reply when Su Li suddenly said, "Si Qin." "Miss?" Si Qin answered immediately. "You’re in charge of managing my clothes and accessories. Remember, during this period, make sure to guard them well and don’t let anyone tamper with them." Si Qin quickly replied, "Miss, don’t worry. You already warned me last time, and I’ve been vigilant ever since!" Su Li thought back. In her previous life, Xia Wencai hadn’t appeared because everything in her life had been under the control of that mother-daughter duo. By the time she came of age, they had arranged her marriage to a poor scholar. That unforgettable "hero saving the beauty" moment had most likely been orchestrated by them as well. Thinking of Zhao Huaian, Su Li clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, but she didn’t feel the pain. "Li’er, you don’t need to care about that scar. Am I, Zhao Huaian, someone who only values beauty? I admire your inner self." "Li’er, you’re intelligent and virtuous—far better than those noble ladies in the capital who only know how to compose poems and play games." "Li’er, I, Zhao Huaian, will never let you down in this lifetime." "Li’er, the Sixth Prince is extremely capable. If he becomes emperor, he’ll surely be a wise ruler. Can you persuade your father and the Duke of Wei to consider supporting him?" "Li’er, you’re pregnant. Let me bring your sister into the manor to accompany you." "Su Li, hand over the military token, and I’ll give you a quick death." "Why not take that military token and join your grandfather’s family in the afterlife?" Scenes from her previous life flashed before Su Li’s eyes, filling her with hatred toward those people. Jun Hui! Zhao Huaian! Su Yue! You all deserve to die!! Doing the math, Zhao Huaian should currently be heading to the capital in October for the imperial examinations, which was still over two months away. On the surface, Zhao Huaian appeared upright and unyielding, but in reality, he was a master of opportunism.@@@@ After arriving in the capital, it took him only a few months to seduce Su Yue and align himself with Jun Hui’s faction. In her previous life, after marrying him, Su Li had devoted herself to supporting him, eventually elevating him from a poor scholar to a powerful court official. Jun Hui’s faction had Zhao Huaian’s intellect, the Duke of Wei’s military power, and Xu Mubai’s wealth. Xu Mubai... Xu Mubai was Jun Hui’s financial backer. She only knew that Xu Mubai was of humble origins and had been rescued by Jun Hui by chance, after which he became completely loyal to him. Xu Mubai was a genius in business. In just a few years, he had become the wealthiest man in Tianqi, providing Jun Hui with a steady stream of financial resources in his struggle for the throne. Now, Su Li was merely the daughter of a Minister, far from being able to contend with a prince as scheming as Jun Hui. But she would slowly lay the groundwork, dismantling Jun Hui’s power bit by bit, pulling out his teeth and severing his limbs until he was rendered powerless! After cleansing their hands, the family sat down for an intimate dinner. Midway through the meal, Wang Xia entered and reported, "Master, Madam, there’s been an incident in the western courtyard!" Su Li helped her mother to the western courtyard, where lanterns lit up the area. As they stepped inside, they were greeted by the sound of frantic cries. "Concubine! Wake up! Concubine..." Su Yue had also arrived, assisted by her maid. She began crying the moment she stepped inside, wailing loudly. The scene was chaotic and pitiful. Supporting her mother, Su Li entered the room and immediately noticed the white silk hanging from the beam. Su Li raised an eyebrow. "A staged hanging?" Minister Su roared, "Quiet! Let the physician examine her!" The physician worked quickly. After some time, Concubine Xia took a shaky breath and regained consciousness. Pale and leaning weakly against the bed, she shed silent tears, her appearance delicate and pitiable. Minister Su frowned. "What’s this nonsense about?" Concubine Xia sobbed, "Rather than continue to endure your disdain, I’d rather hang myself and serve the Old Madam in the afterlife." Minister Su’s tone deepened. "Enough of this! Stop your nonsense. You’re confined to your quarters, and now you pull this stunt? What exactly are you trying to accomplish?" Concubine Xia replied tearfully, "Master, the household has been so unlucky lately, and you’ve grown tired of me. I humbly request to retire to Shuiyue Temple to pray for the Su family’s protection." Su Yue cried out, "Mother! You can’t leave me! Mother..." Lady Su’s tone turned icy. "You want to become a nun? Is that a threat?" If the news spread that Lady Su had forced a concubine into becoming a nun, her reputation would be ruined. Concubine Xia faltered before murmuring, "I wouldn’t dare. I simply thought the family’s recent misfortunes warranted some prayers to the Buddha." Minister Su interjected, "Enough. If you wish to pray for blessings, once you’ve recovered, you can visit Bailong Temple and offer incense." Concubine Xia said softly, "But... as a concubine, Bailong Temple won’t allow me to enter." Turning to his wife, Minister Su said, "Madam, given the household’s troubles, why not make the effort to bring Li’er and Yue’er as well?" Lady Su, though displeased, nodded. She had already planned to visit the temple—not because of misfortunes, but to give thanks for their recent good fortune. Su Li glanced at Concubine Xia. This dramatic display was clearly meant to achieve something. Though she didn’t yet know what, Su Li was certain that it was directed either at her or her mother. Better safe than sorry. [--------------------------------------------] Enjoyed the chapter? If you want early access to new chapters and to support the continuation of this story, consider subscribing to my Patreon. Your support means a lot and helps me bring more great content to you! Join me on Patreon: /flokixy

Chapter Vol. 1 Ch. 21

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