Green Tea Mass Production: My Revenge in the Duke's Mansion

The Duke's heir asked to marry my legitimate sister, yet brought his delicate cousin to his side. The cousin raised her chin high, "My cousin doesn't like you." I laughed, "Not liking me now doesn't mean he won't like me later. Am I not as beautiful as you? Or can I not pretend as well as you?" Turning around, I dragged the heir into the water with me, stealing my sister's marriage. Green tea behavior? I can mass-produce that. Later, everyone in the Duke's mansion died, and I became famous throughout the capital as the devoted lover. My husband, on his deathbed, grasped my hand, his face filled with unwillingness: "Do you truly... truly never liked me at all?"

1

When the Duke's heir and I fell into the water together, I was still tightly clutching his robes as we were pulled out, dripping wet. His face turned iron-gray as he violently yanked his clothes from my grasp. I stumbled and "happened" to fall against him. Yang Shijun's face grew even darker. "I'm sorry, I just lost my balance." I hurriedly apologized, but it was too late.

The Princess's banquet had gathered nearly half of the noble families in the capital. Under everyone's watchful eyes, we were compromised.

"Tingxue, are you injured?" My sister pushed through the crowd, quickly using her cloak to cover my body. "It's nothing, thankfully Young Master Yang saved me, otherwise... I'm afraid I would never have seen Big Sister again." My eyes reddened, tears streaming down my face. My sister's heart ached for me as she looked at Yang Shijun with gratitude: "Thank you, Young Master Yang, for saving me!" Yang Shijun held his frustration, glaring fiercely at me. He had grievances, but he couldn't voice them. No matter, I would speak for him.

"The Young Master had to hold me to save me. "Although I've lost my purity, the engagement between Big Sister and the Young Master must not be affected because of me. "Otherwise... otherwise I can only die."

I shed tears on the spot as Yang Shijun's mother's face turned alternately green and white.

2

Yang Shijun, unable to contain himself, spoke out: "You! It was clearly you who dragged me down!" "What? Could it be that Young Master Yang never intended to save me at all? "How could you be someone who would watch someone die without helping?" Before he could finish, I appeared greatly shocked.

He subconsciously looked around at the crowd gathering near us. "No, that's not what I meant." I breathed a sigh of relief, my face flushing red as I muttered to myself: "I knew Young Master Yang wouldn't ignore me."

At this moment, mocking voices came from the crowd. "Did the Young Master do this intentionally?" I appeared shy and embarrassed, "So that's why this happened out of nowhere..." "Nonsense!" Yang Shijun shouted, brushing his sleeve.

Yang Shijun's mother spoke calmly at this moment. "Second Miss, speak properly. "Shijun is your sister's fiancé. Right and wrong, importance and triviality—you must understand this."

I lowered my head, sniffing: "Madam is right, this is all my fault. "How could Young Master Yang be at fault? Big Sister is even more innocent. "The railings in the Princess's mansion are excellent; I fell down for no reason. I deserve it for not being careful."

Yang Shijun's mother was left speechless, her fingers trembling slightly as she pointed at me. "Hmph! Even the railings in my palace are innocent, so why must you torment this young girl, Madam Yang?" The Princess smiled as she mediated, then turned her gaze to me: "Heavens, look how frightened this poor girl is."

With the Princess's words, the matter was settled.

Father's intention was that the engagement would continue, but the one marrying would be me instead. The Yang family disagreed and brought Yang Shijun to our home again.

I laughed and asked my maid Xiangzhi. "Did they bring Young Master Yang's cousin?" "No." This time, they were finally being more sensible.

3

"What exactly are you trying to do?" My sister entered from outside, her eyes full of suspicion as they fell on me.

I knelt on the ground: "I've fallen for Young Master Yang. But this is my wrongdoing against Big Sister. If Big Sister doesn't agree, I can only die to apologize."

She froze, staring at me for a long moment. "If you truly liked him, you should have told me earlier. Why must you..."

I shook my head, "Big Sister doesn't understand. I was born of humble status, the Yang family would look down on me."

Pity flashed in her eyes as she sighed heavily. "I have already discussed this with Father. If the engagement remains, it must be you who marries him."

"Thank you, Big Sister." I followed her hand, crawling a few steps to reach her side. Resting my face on my sister's knee, the familiar scent was pleasing.

In my previous life, my sister, so dignified and proper, died with her body exposed, covered in bruises.

"This... sister rarely leaves her room, I thought... I thought she enjoyed quiet solitude, but I never imagined she would play around like this."

Fang Yunyi, the Yang family's cousin, was already a favored concubine in the Duke's mansion at that time. She cried pitifully, red-eyed, confirming the news of my sister's adultery. The crowd covered their noses and mouths, their faces full of disgust. "How could a proper consort commit such immoral acts?" "Morals are declining these days! Such a licentious woman deserves to be executed by a thousand cuts." "..."

Therefore, I wanted to venture into that den of wolves.

4

The news about Yang Shijun and me spread everywhere. "Young Master Yang originally had his eye on the Lin family's concubine-born daughter, but Madam Yang prevented it, so he resorted to such shameless tactics." "I also heard that the concubine-born daughter is easier to control; he did it all for that cousin in his mansion." "I heard the two of them have deep feelings and have long been secretly pledged to each other." "..."

The rumors didn't originate from me, but I helped fan the flames.

When the Yang family came to our home, Father had someone read all the outside rumors to them. Yang Shijun's mother maintained a dark face, nearly fainting from anger. Yang Shijun spoke even more indiscriminately: "Yunyi has already humbled herself to become a concubine—can't the Lin family's lady show even this much tolerance?"

"Shut up!" As soon as the words fell, Yang Shijun's mother slapped him across the face. Afterward, she apologized to Father. Then immediately agreed to the marriage substitution.

I listened to everything from outside the door and shook my head. Such scandalous matters, they wanted to shout to the whole world. And this time, Fang Yunyi was dragged into the vortex—she couldn't escape even if she wanted to.

I wasn't surprised when she came to me on her own initiative.

5

"My cousin doesn't like you." She got straight to the point, unlike the timid way she followed behind Yang Shijun that day. Ever since she and Yang Shijun's mother came to my home to propose marriage, I knew she was no good person.

"Oh? Then who does he like? "You?"

Fang Yunyi slightly raised her chin, striking the proper pose. "We grew up together, childhood sweethearts. "Miss Lin, if you're sensible, recognize reality sooner."

I laughed lightly, making her face unhappy. "Childhood sweethearts, yet he can't marry you as his legitimate wife. "Inseparable since childhood, yet he risked his reputation to save me?"

"You're talking nonsense! My cousin said you threw yourself at him, you licentious woman, worthy of contempt!"

Fang Yunyi's face flushed red. My pitying expression made anger flash across her face. "What kind of look is that?" "I pity you. Do you actually believe men's words? "When men say no, they mean yes. When they say not, they mean yes. Don't you understand? "I thought we were the same kind of person—you should understand."

Her expression remained blank for a long time, her eyes red with anger.

I leisurely rose, caressing the hairpin sent from the Duke's mansion yesterday. "Miss Fang, if you want to enter this household, you need my consent. "Young Master Yang may like you for a while, but can he like you for a lifetime? "What do you think of me? "Am I not as beautiful as you? Or can I not pretend as well as you?"

6

Fang Yunyi had just left crying after I angered her, and Yang Shijun came to confront me.

He barged in front of me: "What did you say to Yunyi? Why is she so upset?"

I looked surprised, "Why is she so upset? How would I know? "The Young Master should ask her himself."

"You..." Yang Shijun was frustrated and immediately snorted. "I'm warning you, even if I marry you, only she will be in my heart. "You woman have a black heart."

My eyes reddened as I bit my lip, looking at the crowd nearby. "I'm sorry to make everyone laugh." After forcing out those words, I stubbornly looked at Yang Shijun. "Young Master, if you only have Miss Fang in your heart, you should marry her properly, respect and honor her. "Don't make things difficult for a weak woman like me. "I think what Miss Fang wants most is your legitimate wife's position."

Yang Shijun's face darkened. I wiped the corner of my eye and sighed.

Half a month ago, I had run two horses to death on the road and still couldn't make it in time. By the time I returned, the marriage between the two families was already settled. I watched helplessly as the marriage invitation was put away by my elders; by the time I spoke up to break it, it was too late. If Yang Shijun had any courage, he could have caused a scene to break off the engagement—that would suit my purposes perfectly.

7

But he disappointed me. The marriage proceeded as planned.

On our wedding night, Yang Shijun poured the nuptial wine on the ground. "You know, I never wanted this marriage. "I'd like to see who you can find in this bridal chamber to laugh at me."

I looked concerned, "Has someone in the Duke's mansion passed away? Making you dwell on it even on our wedding night."

"What do you mean by that?"

I sighed, full of sympathy. "I thought you were offering respects to some starving ghost, afraid she wouldn't have wine to drink in the underworld."

Yang Shijun's face turned both pale and green, his eyes staring at me as if they could shoot fire. I forced a smile and turned to sit before the bronze mirror to remove my makeup.

Behind me came Yang Shijun's cold snort. "I will never touch you."

I turned and studied him carefully. The handsome young man famous throughout the capital looked even more striking when dressed up. His expression changed, "You... what do you want to do?"

"Husband, how can you say such things? On our wedding night, if you won't touch me, who will?"

As I spoke, I rose shyly. Before I could touch his clothes, Yang Shijun had already jumped back several steps. His face flushed red, his speech becoming impaired. "You! How can there be such a shameless woman like you in this world! Truly..."

"Young Master, Miss Fang's head ailment has flared up, you see..." The voice outside the door made Yang Shijun pause. I looked at him with amusement.

8

Yang Shijun indeed left me behind. I went to bed early, certain that Fang Yunyi wouldn't let him return.

Early the next morning, when I went to serve tea to my mother-in-law, I was stopped outside by the head maid. "Madam is feeling chest pain today. She will only feel better after drinking tea made with the Hundred Flower Dew collected at the fourth watch. "Originally, Miss Fang always prepared this, but she is a guest after all. Please have the young mistress gather some."

I quickly covered my mouth, "What! Miss Fang is just a guest?" Then I looked troubled: "But... my husband stayed in Miss Fang's room last night! "Don't tell me they are cohabiting without a matchmaker?"

"You! Get in here!" My mother-in-law couldn't listen anymore and quickly spoke.

I glanced at the maids and servants sweeping the courtyard, unable to stop the corners of my mouth from rising.

"Kneel!" As soon as I entered, my mother-in-law shouted. I fell to my knees with a thud, enduring without a word.

"Now that you're married, remember your duty, practice the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, don't make people laugh. "Kneel here today. You couldn't even keep your husband on your wedding night—think carefully about where you went wrong!"

Fang Yunyi couldn't suppress the smile on her lips. "Sister, your tactics are endless, but in the Duke's mansion, you must retract your claws. "Don't end up trapped in your own schemes."

I looked terrified, kowtowing several times loudly. "Mother-in-law, your daughter-in-law knows she was wrong. "Husband, your concubine knows she was wrong. "Miss Fang, this is all my fault. I shouldn't have married Husband. I should have let Husband marry Miss Fang."

"What kind of talk is this!" My mother-in-law was so angry her face turned green. Seeing there was already blood on the ground, I reached up and touched my forehead. That was enough.

9

Before they could react, I suddenly stood up and ran outside. "I'm so useless—what's the point of living like this? "I might as well die!"

"Quick! What are you standing around for? Stop her!" Behind me, my mother-in-law's terrified voice came.

Being new here, I "accidentally" ran to the front courtyard. The Duke of Yang was having tea with honored guests, and when he saw me, his face turned black. "What's going on here?"

I knelt on the ground in fear, trembling: "I... I'm too useless. "On my first night here, I was rejected by my husband. "My husband would rather stay with a status-less cousin than consummate our marriage on our wedding night. "Mother-in-law was right to blame me, right to punish me—I'm too useless. "..."

"Quick, drag her back!" Not far away, Yang Shijun brought people chasing after him. But as soon as he caught up, he was met with the Duke of Yang's slap across the face. "Unfilial son!"

Yang Shijun froze in place, unable to react in time. The Duke of Yang bowed to the honored guest in the main seat. "I apologize to Your Highness for the laughter. It is my failure in teaching my son properly!"

The other party only raised an eyebrow and stood up to leave. "It's fine. Although court affairs are busy, the inner courtyard should also be well-ordered. "It won't look good if jokes are made."

By the time my mother-in-law rushed over hurriedly, the honored guest had already left. My knees went weak as I knelt before her again. "Daughter-in-law knows she was wrong. Please don't be angry, Mother."

My mother-in-law turned pale, subconsciously looking at the Duke of Yang. "Look at the good things you've done. If you can't manage the inner household, we'll find someone else who can." The Duke of Yang left with a flick of his sleeve.

Under the glares from Yang Shijun and my mother-in-law that seemed to want to eat me alive, I just kept crying pitifully.

10

What happened on the Young Master's wedding day quickly spread throughout the capital. "They really don't take the Lin family seriously." "That cousin has no parental upbringing—how could she do such a disgraceful thing." "Don't say that. Perhaps the bride is truly too ugly to look at?" "..."

I appeared leisurely, my eyes red. "Am I really that ugly?"

The gossiping men stared, all shaking their heads. "No, not ugly at all."

I smiled, then quickly frowned again. "It's fine. Although they cohabited without a matchmaker on my wedding night, they probably couldn't help themselves."

After speaking, I took Xiangzhi to a nearby pharmacy. I picked up medicine for treating melancholy.

Now, everyone in the capital knew I was weak and helpless, sickened by the situation. Fang Yunyi's reputation was completely ruined. Even Yang Shijun, who loved her so desperately, publicly claimed they only had a brother-sister relationship. He declared angrily: "The talk of cohabitation is pure nonsense."

The favor Fang Yunyi relied on disappeared overnight.

That night, she burst into my room, both eyes swollen like walnuts.

11

"Lin Tingxue! What calculations!" I calmly held my teacup and took a sip. "I can't compare to you and Husband, so deeply in love, your feelings stronger than gold. "I truly envy you greatly. "I wish the whole world knew there could be such devoted lovers in this world."

Fang Yunyi's face grew worse and worse as she said viciously: "So what if they know? "You're part of the Duke's mansion now—you'll rot here for life. "Without your husband's favor, without your mother-in-law's support, your act might work once or twice, but you can't keep performing forever."

She spoke through gritted teeth, but I applauded. "Well said, but how do you know I only have this one move?"

"What else do you want to do?" Her gaze was wary as I smiled like a spring breeze.

12

Soon it was time for the return visit.

In the carriage, Yang Shijun stared at me for a long time. "Lin Tingxue, you don't like me, so why did you insist on marrying me?"

I raised an eyebrow, "If I didn't marry you, did you want to marry my pure and undefiled sister?"

"You... so that's how it is. What a vicious heart."

I lowered my head to smooth my clothes, smiling cheerfully: "Young Master, do you know the saying that evil will be punished by evil?" Wolves should run with tigers and leopards. There's no reason to let my sister, a phoenix, fall into their chicken coop.

"Who is evil? Watch your words!" "Whoever responds is evil." "..."

Yang Shijun raised his hand in anger, and I quickly offered my face. He hesitated, then turned his hand. He lightly slapped himself on the face. "Hmph, trying to ruin my reputation again? This Young Master won't fall for it today."

Seeing his despicable appearance, I really couldn't help but laugh. But Yang Shijun suddenly stared straight at me. "You look quite gentle when you smile."

I quickly suppressed my smile. "No, I can't compare to Miss Fang's gentle and charming family beauty." "Must you always be such a killjoy?" "Young Master is joking. I'm just moved by your love."

Yang Shijun's mouth twitched in anger, and he remained silent for a long time. When we arrived at the Lin residence, he fell to his knees with a thud. Copying me?

13

"Mother-in-law, your son-in-law has suffered so much. The outside rumors aren't true. It was my wife who..."

He was about to complain, but found my family all cold and indifferent. Without anyone playing along, the show naturally couldn't go on.

Yang Shijun stood awkwardly frozen until I whispered in his ear: "Husband, your cultivation is too shallow—don't make a fool of yourself. "Although the outside rumors are exaggerated, which part isn't true? "Didn't you stay with Fang Yunyi on your wedding night? Wasn't I troubled by my mother-in-law the next day?"

He turned his stiff head to look at me, seemingly only now realizing my predicament in the Duke's mansion. If this happened to an ordinary woman, she would have long been furious to the point of vomiting blood. Fortunately, I'm not one to suffer losses.

For the rest of the time, Yang Shijun wisely made himself invisible. I happily went to find my sister.

"You knew about the Duke's mansion situation all along and deliberately stole Yang Shijun!" My sister was angry, her face stern.

I quickly moved closer, clinging to her repeatedly. She couldn't bear to scold me further and only sighed. "Recently, someone named Chen Huaili has come from Yangzhou. Do you know him?"

My body stiffened. My sister immediately understood. "Find a chance to divorce Yang Shijun. There will always be a way."

I held her hand, shaking my head firmly. "Although I didn't sincerely marry Yang Shijun, I sincerely parted with Chen Huaili."

"Why?" "I don't like him anymore. It's like a beloved object that suddenly becomes unappealing." I made up an excuse. Resting my head on my sister's shoulder, I thought of my previous life.

Although I lived to eighty years old with children and grandchildren, I wasn't happy.

14

In my previous life, when I first married Chen Huaili, we were also deeply in love. But soon, everything changed.

He was away on official business for half a year, and I gave birth to our eldest son. But when he returned, he brought back a woman. "Look, doesn't she resemble your sister somewhat?"

Chen Huaili's eyes when looking at her were full of appreciation and joy. But how could such a woman compare to my sister? Fortunately, that woman died not long after. She died in rumors about her and other men, killed by the jealous wife of one of those men.

Chen Huaili blamed me: "Why didn't you protect her at all? "I brought her back specifically to make you happy."

At that time, I was still bedridden, my body not yet recovered. Beside me was a sleeping infant, an innocent face sleeping so sweetly. I quietly looked at Chen Huaili: "My sister isn't some random person—no one can replace her. "Besides, you've never met my sister. How can you be sure this woman resembles her? "Or is 'resembling my sister' just an excuse you made to keep her?"

Chen Huaili was furious and gave me the cold shoulder for a long time. Until another woman entered the courtyard. This time, he was quite frank: "I want to bring her into the household. Have people prepare Clear Stream Courtyard for her to live in. "Tingxue, it's been five years. You should be content."

He had clearly promised a lifetime of devotion. But if Chen Huaili had only broken his promise, I wouldn't have hated him so much.

15

"Big Sister, men are unreliable. "I only want to stay with Big Sister, accompany Big Sister, for a long, long time. "Don't you go back on your word."

My sister was stunned for a moment, then quickly held my face. "Are you hurt in the Duke's mansion?" "No, they're not worth my sadness."

As I left my sister, Chen Huaili blocked my path. His face was full of sorrow and resentment, his eyes bloodshot. "What did I do wrong? Is this so-called change of heart Yang Shijun? "Tingxue, you've never even met him—where could this love come from? "You schemed to marry him—do you know what people are saying about you outside?"

I raised an eyebrow, "At least for now, my reputation is better than Yang Shijun's." "But that's the Duke's mansion—you're alone there. How will you escape?"

Glancing at the hand Chen Huaili had on my arm, I looked coldly at him. "Why should I escape?" Since I married into the Duke's mansion, I naturally will stay in the Duke's mansion for life.

"What are you doing?" The sudden voice made both me and Chen Huaili look over.

Yang Shijun rushed over with a dark face, dragging me behind him. "Lin Tingxue, who is this person?"

Before I could speak, Chen Huaili answered on his own. "I am Tingxue's fiancé."

16

Yang Shijun's whole body trembled. Meeting his surprised gaze, I added: "Already broken off. Former fiancé."

Yang Shijun frowned, "You... what exactly are you trying to do?" I smiled innocently and gently, taking a step toward him. "I said I like you, that I fell in love at first sight, but you don't believe me."

He quickly stepped back, glanced at Chen Huaili, his expression complicated.

On the carriage ride back, Yang Shijun kept looking at me. He hesitated to speak the entire way, only opening his mouth after the carriage stopped. "If you can tolerate Yunyi, I can also treat you well."

I raised an eyebrow, smiling with my eyes curved. "How do you know it's me who can't tolerate her, not her who can't tolerate me?" "Yunyi isn't that kind of person." "Then am I?"

My eyes reddened, tears coming at will. Yang Shijun was stunned for a long time, his expression becoming hesitant.

After returning, he avoided me for more than half a month. At the same time, Fang Yunyi couldn't see him either, so she came to me. "What other tricks do you have? Use them all. "Go outside and listen—has anyone in the capital still been talking about the Duke's mansion?" Her eyes and brows carried arrogance.

I glanced at her casually, "Can't hide your pregnancy much longer, can you?"

Her face suddenly turned pale.

17

In my previous life, this was when she relied on the child in her womb to be taken as a concubine. Not long after, she used the child to make my sister despised by Yang Shijun.

[I didn't harm her child, but no one believed me. [Young Master had finally made up his mind to live well with me, and I ruined it. [But it's fine. The truth will come out eventually.]

That was the eighth year of my marriage to Chen Huaili. I found my sister's letter in his study—he had hidden it and never let me know.

Chen Huaili explained guiltily: "At that time, your heart and eyes were full of your sister. If you had seen it, you would have left me. "Besides, what would you have done if you went back? That's the Duke's mansion—they won't let you act recklessly."

"Cousin, she wants to harm me!" The exclamation pulled me from my previous life memories.

I saw Fang Yunyi fall to the ground, looking at Yang Shijun with tear-filled eyes. Yang Shijun's gaze toward me carried reluctance. "I know you did all this to get my attention. "But as a legitimate wife, you should have the most basic tolerance."

Me: ? So during all this time he avoided me, he had actually reached such a conclusion. Quite good.

"Husband's lesson is well-taken. I naturally have tolerance." Not only do I have it, but it's vast.

I voluntarily suggested that Yang Shijun take concubines. My mother-in-law was greatly shocked, then showed vigilance. "Are you trying to ruin my son's reputation again?"

"Mother, what are you saying? What man doesn't have three wives and four concubines?" "Then why did you..."

I glanced at the pale-faced Fang Yunyi beside her, smiling with genuine sincerity.

18

"Of course, it's for the Duke's mansion's sake. "It would also be good to bring cousin in together, to avoid being too conspicuous."

My mother-in-law's face was full of suspicion, stopping just short of directly asking me: Are you really this kind-hearted? "Your daughter-in-law considered many things poorly before and spoke without thinking, damaging the mansion's reputation. "Your daughter-in-law knows she was wrong and hopes Mother will forgive me."

Seeing my sincere attitude, my mother-in-law seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. But Fang Yunyi looked displeased.

When we were alone, she chased after me and grabbed me. "Is this your new trick? "Even with those other women, my cousin won't ignore me."

I patted the back of her hand, then suddenly用力 pulled it off me. "Be good, I don't like others touching me. "Besides, at this point, I'm your benefactor. "Without me, when you could no longer hide your pregnancy, you might not have been able to enter the mansion. "By then, if I spread the news, would your dear aunt choose Yang Shijun's future, or keep you in the inner courtyard?"

A vicious look flashed in Fang Yunyi's eyes. She suddenly threw herself toward a nearby pond. But I was faster, tightly gripping her wrist.

19

I violently pulled her close. Not far away, when Yang Shijun arrived, he could only see us seemingly embracing.

I whispered in Fang Yunyi's ear: "Want to jump into the water? Play the victim? "Unfortunately, that's a trick I used up long ago. "But you should protect this child well. After all, people with black hearts don't deserve to be mothers."

After speaking, Yang Shijun also arrived. I released my hand, looking terrified. "I was also doing this for my sister's good. Having more people enter the mansion also provides cover for her. "Besides, Husband is a proper Young Master. In the future, he will inevitably have three wives and four concubines and be surrounded by children and grandchildren. "You should be more open-minded and show more tolerance."

Fang Yunyi's complaint reached her lips, but I spoke first. "Cousin, she..."

Yang Shijun seemed very satisfied with my approach and cut Fang Yunyi off. "Didn't you say you wanted to live peacefully with Tingxue?" "I... it's not like that, I..." "It's fine, I don't blame my sister."

Before she could finish, I forgave her. But Fang Yunyi was so angry her nostrils flared, glaring at me sinisterly. Then she took Yang Shijun's arm: "Cousin, I... I've had a poor appetite recently. Perhaps I'm with child."

She lowered her head, looking shy and bashful, but her mouth was full of pride. Her provocative gaze swept over me as she said softly: "Sister just found out and pinched me so hard. "I'm afraid she doesn't like this child. Cousin..."

20

But compared to joy, Yang Shijun showed more worry. Now, his and Fang Yunyi's affair was known throughout the capital. The Duke's mansion naturally denied it publicly, but then Fang Yunyi turned up pregnant. Wasn't that slapping their own face?

Fang Yunyi realized Yang Shijun's emotions and turned pale before finishing. I kindly spoke up: "This matter needs careful consideration. Don't make it public. "After entering the mansion, we can adjust the child's due date later. Then we can just say it was premature. "I believe outsiders won't investigate deeply."

Yang Shijun's eyes lit up. I only looked gentle. He awkwardly turned away, nodding in deep agreement. "Tingxue makes sense. For now, leave it to you to arrange."

In Fang Yunyi's broken gaze, I smiled and nodded. "Your concubine will naturally do her best. Husband, rest assured."

After speaking, I looked meaningfully at Fang Yunyi. Using a voice only we could hear, I said: "Cousin's good days should be savored slowly."

21

I found women of good family background for Yang Shijun. Including Fang Yunyi, there were three concubines in total.

I handled everything personally, so outsiders only said I was virtuous and gentle. My reputation improved. Even Yang Shijun and my mother-in-law couldn't find any fault.

Only Fang Yunyi suffered in silence, guarding her pregnancy but unable to make it public.

After the three concubines had all served tea, I let it be known: "I've had poor health since childhood. I hope the sisters will work hard to produce heirs for the mansion."

The three women's expressions were all quite colorful. Fang Yunyi's venomous gaze never left me for a moment.

After everyone left, she finally spoke: "If the legitimate wife remains childless for a long time, the Young Master can divorce her. Then you'll be a discarded wife no one wants."

I smiled, completely unafraid. "Before that, the child in your womb needs to be born before you're qualified to sit at the table."

"What do you mean by that? You really do want to harm me!"

I raised an eyebrow without speaking, just maintaining an evil expression on my face. Fang Yunyi ran out with a pale face in terror.

Not long after, Xiangzhi came to report: "Concubine Fang changed all the food, clothing, and supplies in her courtyard after returning, and sold off several maids and servants. "She said someone wants to harm her and begged the Young Master to uphold justice for her."

"Is that so? Let it be known to investigate thoroughly."

Naturally, Fang Yunyi didn't find what she wanted. Yang Shijun instead felt increasingly guilty toward me. But his way of expressing guilt was actually wanting to consummate our marriage.

22

I was so frightened I quickly claimed illness and sent Concubine Zhang to his door. She was beautiful, her every movement gentle and graceful. With just one look, I knew Yang Shijun was attracted.

As they left together, Xiangzhi couldn't help but speak: "If you don't consummate the marriage, how will you get pregnant? Don't you really plan to have children?"

"I will get pregnant, naturally, but I have other plans."

In my previous life, I had a daughter with Chen Huaili. She was lively and lovely, with sparkling eyes. But when she was five, she became gravely ill and quickly withered away.

Chen Huaili was in a gentle retreat at that time and carelessly hired an unskilled doctor. The wrong medicine delayed her treatment, and she ultimately died. But I trusted him too much. He cried until he fainted several times before our daughter's coffin, and I thought only that her fate was cruel.

Until he was on his deathbed, grasping my hand. "Our Yuan'er, I failed her. "This matter is my lifelong regret, but fortunately we still have Xuan'er. "He's a good child, it's just..."

His eyes were full of guilt, but I felt cold all over.

In this life, if I must have a child, I want my Yuan'er to come back.

23

"Are you really going to do this? "Tingxue, this is too bold."

My sister had Chen Huaili knocked unconscious and brought to me, her face full of worry. I looked at the man on the ground, memories of my previous life flashing through my mind like a revolving lantern.

One lifetime as husband and wife, neither of us was satisfied. At death, he still blamed me.

"If there's a next life, let's just forget it. "In this life, except for Yuan'er, I have no regrets."

I grasped his hand, my face full of gentleness. "I do have regrets. Actually, except for Xuan'er, the remaining children aren't my husband's."

His eyes widened in shock, "How is that possible?" "Ever since I learned you intercepted my sister's letter to me, I didn't want you to have an easy time. "You know, I hold grudges tightly. You've long been unable to father children. "The concubines in the courtyard were instructed by me to find others to bear children. Since we need to have children anyway, does it matter whose they are?"

"You venomous woman!" He pointed at me, his eyes nearly popping out.

I casually wiped my hands with a handkerchief. "Actually, you could have lived. "But since you keep saying you're sorry for Yuan'er, you should taste her suffering."

"You! You!" Chen Huaili never got out another word before he died.

Later, I led the concubines and children of the household, living a prosperous life. My greatest regrets were failing to save my sister from the fire and failing to protect my beloved Yuan'er.

24

I fed medicine to Chen Huaili and took him by force. Afterward, I sent him back and stuffed a maid into his bed. "The young master drank too much wine and committed such a ridiculous act. The Lin family cannot tolerate you. "Leave."

At this time, Chen Huaili hadn't yet climbed to my family's status and was sent away by my sister on some pretext. He found me in a daze. But before he could even get close, he was beaten by servants who mistook him for a thief.

I lifted the carriage curtain and saw the confusion and anger in his eyes. "Lin Tingxue!"

I smiled and instructed the driver to leave.

As soon as I stepped into the mansion, someone came to report. "Concubine Fang has lost her child."

"What?" I looked surprised as I hurried to her place, looking sorrowful.

The thick smell of blood filled the room. Fang Yunyi's heart-wrenching cries stopped abruptly when I arrived. "It's you! It must be you!" She glared at me, wishing she could tear me apart.

Yang Shijun frowned, "Everything that needed to be investigated has been checked. This has nothing to do with her." "Never mind. My sister just miscarried. If blaming me helps her feel better, then let her blame me. "But you should also take care of your health. You can have children again in the future."

I had Xiangzhi deliver supplements. But Fang Yunyi clung tightly to Yang Shijun's clothes, trembling all over. I'm not some flood or beast—I don't know what she's afraid of.

25

Not long after, Concubine Zhang was found to be pregnant. Yang Shijun quickly recovered from the grief of losing one child. Even my mother-in-law sent many supplements over. "Take good care of her. Don't let anything go wrong."

Only Fang Yunyi remained trapped in the grief of losing her child, unable to escape for a long time. Yang Shijun finally grew tired of her.

"The Young Master hasn't been to Concubine Fang's place for half a month. "I heard she's bleeding continuously and not recovering. Her mood is extremely poor. "Even the maids who attend her have various wounds, all from being beaten by her. "Everyone says she lost her mind from the shock of losing her child."

Xiangzhi relayed the mansion's news to me as I blew on my tea: "Send more supplements over. Make it a big production."

Fang Yunyi didn't want my things and smashed them all. Yang Shijun sent more things to me: "I've wronged you. I never imagined she had such a personality."

He seemed to have forgotten his solemn vows of love with Fang Yunyi. And forgotten how I had schemed against him. Oh no, he remembered. He attributed everything to my infatuation with him.

"I understand now. Tingxue loves me desperately. "Otherwise, she wouldn't do such things. Mother, let the past be the past. "She's just not clever enough—her methods of getting my attention were clumsy."

That day, I overheard his conversation with my mother-in-law. That very day, my mother-in-law gave me the ancestral jade bracelet. I'm familiar with this bracelet—it's not something good.

26

My sister had also mentioned this item in her letter in my previous life. [Mother-in-law heard somewhere that human blood can nourish jade, so she had someone take a bowl of my blood daily to soak the bracelet. [Forty-nine days, with twenty left. [Tingxue, why haven't you written back to Big Sister? Don't you want to hear these things? [Big Sister was wrong. I always advised you to be magnanimous and composed, not to cause trouble. Now I realize how stupid I was. [Big Sister only regrets not resisting earlier. But yesterday I already refused her. [Yet today she cried in front of outsiders, complaining that I'm unfilial and treat her poorly.]

After my sister died in my previous life, people in the capital shook their heads when mentioning her. "The Lin family's eldest daughter is nothing special. I heard she was always shrewish—it's normal for her to do such things." "Indeed, the Lin family still has the nerve to seek justice—truly shameless!"

My mother fainted from anger and remained bedridden thereafter. My father lost his spirit and simply retired to his hometown, handing over all the Lin family's connections and resources to Chen Huaili.

Now holding the jade bracelet, I could almost smell the bloodstains within. It made my blood surge, as if I wanted to eat human flesh and drink human blood.

"Tingxue? What's wrong?" Yang Shijun's voice brought me back to reality. "Nothing, I just think this bracelet is very nice." "You must keep it safe. This is my Yang family's ancestral treasure."

I hid the coldness in my eyes and nodded. But my mind was on other things. So annoying. In my previous life, I conceived Yuan'er after just one time with Chen Huaili—why is there still no movement this time? Could it be that Yuan'er is too disappointed and doesn't want to choose me as her mother?

I want to try again. But now Yang Shijun's eyes were burning with desire.

27

He leaned close, and I quickly pushed him away. "What? Are you unwell again?" His face turned cold.

I quickly said, "How could that be? It's just..." Before I could finish, tears had already filled my eyes. "I married the Young Master, but we didn't drink the nuptial wine, and on our wedding night, the Young Master left me behind. "Now whenever I get close to the Young Master, I feel... I feel very wronged."

"I'll compensate you. Wedding night, right? I'll arrange it now." Before I could respond, he turned and ran.

"Young Miss..." Xiangzhi looked worried.

I wiped the hand he had touched. "It's almost time to act. Notify Concubine Zhang."

28

Three days later, Yang Shijun mysteriously led me to a room. Dragon and phoenix candles, nuptial wine, peanuts and red dates... Everything was complete, even more elaborate than on our wedding day.

The candlelight reflected on his still handsome face, his gentle gaze illuminated by the fragmented light. "Madam, look—is there anything you're not satisfied with?"

I blushed shyly, "I'm satisfied with everything. Husband has been thoughtful."

Yang Shijun leaned closer, his lips about to touch my face, when a sudden scream came from the courtyard. I stepped back in fright.

I saw Fang Yunyi rush over, her hair disheveled. Her face was vicious like a female ghost.

"Why? Didn't you say you didn't love her? "Cousin, why won't you come see me? Didn't you say you had business and wouldn't return to the mansion tonight? "Have you forgotten me? Forgotten our child?"

She stared at Yang Shijun obsessively, frightening him so that he stepped back. "Yunyi, don't be impulsive." "Impulsive? You've been lying to me lately, haven't you? You don't love me anymore, do you?"

Yang Shijun was about to shake his head. I quickly stepped to his side, taking his arm. "The Young Master stopped loving you long ago. "He said you looked foul-smelling and disgusting when you were bleeding below. "What man doesn't have three wives and four concubines? Yet you insisted he stay with you constantly—where is there such a thing? "How dare you mention your child? If you hadn't been so anxious and worried all the time, how could the child have miscarried?"

Mentioning the child made Fang Yunyi's focus suddenly snap to me. She gave a strange smile and then charged at me. "Husband, I'm scared!" I quickly hid behind Yang Shijun, pushing him forward as I did so.

29

The hairpin stabbed into Yang Shijun's chest. He froze, unable to believe it. Fang Yunyi's hands were covered in blood, frightening her as she stepped back. "How? I didn't mean to." She muttered to herself, shaking her head in terror.

I screamed out, quickly attracting everyone. "Mother!" I fell to my knees with a thud, weeping tears before everyone. "Concubine Fang has gone mad. Unhappy that the Young Master favors other women, her love turned to hate. "She... she wanted to kill my husband."

My mother-in-law clutched her chest, heartbrokenly ordering someone to fetch a doctor. Fang Yunyi didn't even have a chance to defend herself before being taken away.

Yang Shijun had injured his lungs and was kept alive by expensive medicine. Fang Yunyi was never sent to the authorities. Only because I said, "Even if we send her, it would only be the death penalty, and it would become widely known. "It's better to keep her confined in the mansion. Then we can punish her however we want."

My mother-in-law hated her to the bone and agreed without hesitation.

I went to see Fang Yunyi myself. By now, she had realized: "This was all you, wasn't it? "You and I have no grievances, so why did you harm me?"

30

"How can you say we have no grievances? "On my wedding day, you schemed to take my husband away, making me a laughingstock. "You incited my mother-in-law to punish me and tried to squeeze me out. "You wanted to kill me; you just lacked the ability. "Besides, grievances from our previous life also count as grievances."

"But this wasn't all my fault. The Young Master he..." She suddenly stopped, looking at me in disbelief. "You even my cousin... someone help!" She suddenly shouted frantically. "I want to see my aunt! I want to see my cousin! Someone..."

Unfortunately, she could shout herself hoarse and no one would hear. I grabbed her arm and violently threw her to the ground. As she looked at me in terror, I leaned close to her ear.

31

"Actually, Concubine Zhang is also here for revenge. "Do you remember? Three years ago, just because the Young Master glanced at a peasant girl, "you schemed to have her marry a notorious widower, causing her to be beaten to death. "Concubine Zhang is that peasant girl's older sister. If the Young Master was attracted to the older sister, how could he not like the younger one?"

Fang Yunyi's face turned pale as she shook her head frantically, "No, impossible." "Everything Concubine Zhang said to you recently was at my instruction. "And your child—it was actually from the sachet the Young Master carried. "You were so focused on watching me, how would you know that Concubine Zhang put something in the sachet she gave the Young Master?"

Fang Yunyi suddenly pushed me away. "You vicious woman!" She stared at me, wishing she could chop me into pieces.

I looked on unmoved: "Vicious woman? I've been quite merciful to you. At least I'm not as base as you."

I had someone lock the door. If I were following an eye for an eye, I should find some foul men to violate her. I only want her despair and her life—that is already merciful.

32

That evening, news came that Fang Yunyi had been beaten to death. She tried to escape to my mother-in-law's courtyard to report. Unfortunately, she was mistaken for a thief and beaten to death with clubs. Only because I had someone tell my mother-in-law in advance: "Concubine Fang has gone mad! "She says the Madam wants to swallow the Fang family property and looks down on her status, deceiving her into becoming a concubine. "She's shouting that she wants to kill the Madam."

Therefore, when she appeared furtively, before she could speak, she died.

Fang Yunyi died at the third watch. Officials arrived at the fourth watch. The Duke's mansion was brightly lit. Fang Yunyi's relatives, who knows from where, wanted to accuse the Duke's mansion of murder.

The Court of Judicial Review had to take the case, so they came to the mansion. They only meant to ask some questions, but happened to encounter the mansion's people moving a corpse. Now, the Court of Judicial Review was also in a difficult position.

My mother-in-law was taken away, her legs trembling. Seeing that the Duke of Yang was still angry and refused to help her, I couldn't bear it and stepped forward to comfort her: "Mother, rest assured. What place is the Duke's mansion? They wouldn't dare do anything to you. "Mother should just play her part properly."

Hearing my words, she quickly nodded. And so... Everyone in court and in the provinces now knew that the Duke's wife openly admitted to killing someone in court. "So what if I killed her? She harmed my son—she should die ten thousand times."

The Court of Judicial Review brought the confession to the Duke of Yang. The Duke of Yang, who had been running around trying to find a way out for his wife, suddenly lost his spirit. He simply waved his hand, "Handle it impartially."

He withdrew all his efforts, watching helplessly as his wife was convicted.

This wonderful news, I naturally had to tell Yang Shijun. Of course, there was even better news that he should know. I just didn't know if he could bear it.

33

"What did you say?" Yang Shijun went from grief to shock, then from shock to boundless anger. "Say it again? Who is the bastard in your womb?"

I rested my hand on my stomach, smiling gently and considerately. "Of course it's Husband's. Who else could it be?"

"We clearly haven't consummated our marriage!" "I say it's Husband's, so it's Husband's." My face turned cold as his grew paler and paler.

"Lin Tingxue... you, this was all related to you, wasn't it? "Why?"

So annoying! Why does everyone keep asking why. "Of course I want to take over the Duke's mansion, to be a high-born widow." "Don't even think about it! My father is still alive, and I'm still living!"

I kindly reminded him: "Such a big commotion in the inner courtyard—does the Duke of Yang know? Your father is busy. "As for you, you're alive today, but who knows about tomorrow?"

"You! Murdering your own husband!" "This isn't my first time anyway."

I thoughtfully tucked in his covers for him. I found him trembling all over, covered in sweat. "So stupid. When I do things, I leave no traces. How could I kill you now?"

Yang Shijun wanted to inform the Duke of Yang, but his messengers were all intercepted by my people. Besides, all this trouble started because of him—the Duke of Yang was completely disappointed in this son. Add to that my announcement of pregnancy at this time, and the doctor's flattery: "It looks like it will be a young master." Thus, I received even more importance.

34

Yang Shijun was tenacious. The person who should have died in half a month managed to drag it out for a full month. Before death, he held my hand. "Tingxue, do you truly... truly not like me at all?"

I coldly brushed his hand away: "How could I like someone who harmed my sister?"

The light in his eyes gradually dimmed until his hands fell powerless. "Blame yourself for being so foolish. Why did you have to like green tea women? Which of them are easy to deal with?" I muttered, then turned away with tears streaming down my face. The chili powder Xiangzhi found was too potent!

At Yang Shijun's funeral, I cried until I fainted several times. The world praised me for my deep love for the Young Master. "Young Master Yang was foolish. With such a beautiful and considerate wife, he insisted on mingling with that vile woman!" "If I had such a wife, I would definitely treat her well." "Indeed, how many women in this world could forgive a husband who abandoned them on their wedding night?" "Not just abandoning her on the wedding night, but the next day also colluding with others to give her a hard time." "..."

I became famous as the devoted lover, and the Duke of Yang also looked at me with new respect. His health was failing, and more matters fell to me. Which also meant I had more power.

Just as I was riding high, I unexpectedly encountered Chen Huaili.

35

"I've remembered everything! "Lin Tingxue, you knew about our previous lives all along, didn't you? "Who is the child in your womb? You venomous woman—is there anything you wouldn't do? "If you don't tell the truth, I will definitely report you to the Duke."

He was disheveled, his eyes bright with certainty. I looked coldly at him. "What right do you have to threaten me now?"

He froze, seeming only then to understand his situation. "This beggar's eyes are too filthy. Someone, gouge them out!"

Chen Huaili turned to escape. But before he took many steps, he was pinned to the ground. A heart-wrenching sound came, and when I looked again, only two lines of bloody tears remained.

"Lin Tingxue, why do you hate me so much? "Just because I hid your sister's letter? "But I was doing it for your own good. You're just a concubine-born daughter—what right do you have to interfere in their affairs?"

I ignored him, having people hang several strings of copper coins on him. Then they threw him into the ruined temple outside the city where beggars gathered.

"Young Miss, don't go look. The way he died is too horrible." "Hmm, let's go back."

I stroked my stomach as I walked back. Chen Huaili was wrong. In the Lin family, my sister and I had equal status. And this was all the grace given to me by my sister and mother. Even, they loved me like a real mother and sister, and gave me freedom. Otherwise, what right did the Chen Huaili of my previous life have to inherit my father's connections and resources?

36

Half a year later, I gave birth to a daughter and named her Yuan'er. The Duke of Yang, though unhappy, could only accept it since it was already done.

My sister came to see me, her face blushing. "I'm... getting married. I came to tell you." "How wonderful. Both my sister and I are very happy."

But her eyes were red as she hugged me tightly. "Big Sister, I'm truly happy. If your husband mistreats you in the future, come find me anytime."

I've experienced married life and children—it's just so-so. But my sister wants to experience it, and I bless her.

(End)