Reborn to Reclaim My Life

On my son's first birthday, Lin Haonan's life-saver threatened to kill herself unless she was allowed to marry into the Lin family.

Lin Haonan unhesitatingly handed the decision to me: "You are the mistress of this house, you decide."

Caught off guard by the revelation of their affair, I said we would discuss it after the birthday celebration.

But Su Niannian jumped into the river upon hearing the news.

From that moment, the Vice General Lin who had led troops to eradicate Jiangcheng's most notorious bandit gang died.

What remained was only the Lin family head who called me "cold-blooded killer" and imprisoned me in the ancestral hall for life.

He fed me only scraps and leftovers, beat me thirty strokes with the disciplinary ruler daily, and forbade anyone from speaking to me.

He forced me to bear him two more daughters and a son, yet never let me see them even once before I died.

Meanwhile, he enjoyed his grandchildren's company and a peaceful, prosperous old age.

When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to that birthday banquet.

Lin Haonan, this time I shall grant your wish.

1

"Zhaohua, you are the mistress. I entrust this decision entirely to you."

Hearing these words that had destroyed my entire life, I finally confirmed I had truly been reborn.

Before me stood Lin Haonan in his black silk robe, his image overlapping with the man who had coldly beaten me in my previous life.

My heart raced violently, and I nearly fell.

This scene was identical to my previous life.

Su Niannian sent someone with her message: she would kill herself if not given a position.

Lin Haonan had given me full face before the clan elders and guests, letting me make the final decision.

But the instant he heard of Su Niannian's suicide, his eyes suddenly flared with cruelty.

He dragged me into the Lin ancestral hall, imprisoning me for life to atone for Su Niannian's death.

He personally beat my face with the disciplinary ruler every day.

After beating me half to death, he would grab my hair and violate me repeatedly.

"If you had agreed sooner that day, Niannian might not have died!"

He thrust into me viciously, "Shen Zhaohua, you are the sinner. Even suffering all the world's hardships wouldn't be enough to atone for her crime!"

In that lightless hell, I drifted between unconsciousness and waking.

With my broken body, I bore him two more daughters and a son.

But before I could even hear their cries, they were taken away.

At death's door, I begged him to let me see my children one last time.

But Lin Haonan laughed with tears:

"You have the face to see them? But I can tell you, all your daughters bear the surname Su!"

"It's such a pity that Niannian cannot see your downfall!"

Now let me see what fate awaits you all.

Seeing me stumble, Lin Haonan quickly caught me.

I pushed him away and said calmly, "Fine, I agree."

Lin Haonan froze, his face lighting with surprise: "Zhaohua, you... you agree?"

"Mm, hurry and check on her, don't let anything happen to Miss Su."

Lin Haonan was deeply moved: "My Zhaohua is always the most generous. But if I leave now, what about the ceremony to add our son to the family records..."

I sneered inwardly.

How thoughtful of him to remember that my son was the Lin family's third-generation direct heir.

Today, the clan elders would witness the grand ceremony to officially enter him into the family registry.

"I will handle everything. Just return quickly," I said considerately.

"Good! I'll be right back." Lin Haonan was already eager to leave, "Rest assured, even if Niannian enters the family, she will only be a concubine. The Lin family mistress will always be you!"

Before he finished speaking, he was already gone.

I assumed my role as mistress and announced to the guests:

"Haonan has urgent matters to attend to. Everyone, please eat and drink well."

For this most important clan ceremony, as family head and the child's birth father, Lin Haonan had actually left midway for a woman.

The clan elders' faces darkened, the guests were embarrassed, but I remained composed.

After all, only with Lin Haonan gone could I do what I needed to do.

2

As the time for the ceremony drew near, the elders' expressions grew increasingly grim.

I only gazed greedily at my child's small face.

In my previous life, today was the last time I ever saw him.

"Haonan, what's the meaning of this!" One elder could wait no longer, "He still hasn't returned. This is completely improper!"

Some immediately came to comfort me: "Zhaohua, Haonan must have been delayed by something. Please don't be angry."

The guests whispered among themselves: "After all, Lady Lin is a wealthy merchant's daughter. To leave her and her child here alone, Vice General Lin actually went through with it."

I only held my child and stood quietly in the corner: "A life-saving debt is as heavy as a mountain. Haonan... has his difficulties too."

Seeing my forbearing appearance, everyone felt some sympathy.

At the last moment before the ceremony, Lin Haonan finally returned.

Before the elders could even finish sighing in relief, they all changed expressions upon seeing who followed behind him.

Su Niannian carefully clung to Lin Haonan, looking timid and pitifully endearing.

"Zhaohua, Niannian said she cannot live without me... I let her sit at the ordinary guest table. It shouldn't be a problem, right?"

"Shut up!" The elder was so angry his beard trembled, "Haonan, there must be limits to your nonsense!"

"What occasion is today? Do you want the entire city to watch our Lin family become a laughingstock!"

Su Niannian's face turned deathly pale, but she still shielded Lin Haonan: "Don't blame Brother Nan!"

The elder nearly struck her nose with his cane: "What are you? How dare you speak with me?!"

But Lin Haonan pulled her into his arms, his body faintly exuding the same fierceness he showed when leading troops.

He turned to ask me: "Zhaohua, you know Niannian is timidest. Let her join the banquet, alright?"

Everyone looked at me, and the air fell silent for a moment.

Lin Haonan going to find Su Niannian today and brazenly bringing her here clearly showed he didn't take me, the mistress, seriously.

I pretended to force down my sadness and turned away, and indeed saw several people show expressions of indignation.

I spoke: "The hour approaches. Miss Su, please take your seat."

Lin Haonan showed a satisfied smile and personally helped Su Niannian to her seat with tender affection.

I watched coldly for a moment, then bowed to the elders.

The eldest Third Clan Elder tremblingly raised a camphor wood box:

"Open the box, enter the name!"

"Before our ancestors, today the third-generation family head Lin Haonan and Shen Clan's firstborn son shall be entered into the family registry."

"He shall inherit the next family head position and all of the Shen family's properties. Heaven and earth as witnesses—"

A sharp female voice interrupted the elder:

"He is not the firstborn!"

3

"Who is so rude? This is the Lin family's naming ceremony!"

"It's her again, that wild woman Vice General Lin brought back!"

Su Niannian's small, frail figure stood defiantly, appearing pitiable.

But her words struck like thunder.

"Brother Nan and I already have a son, already six years old!"

I swayed in shock, instinctively hugging my son tighter.

In my previous life, the moment Su Niannian's death arrived, I was imprisoned.

For the remaining decades, I saw no one except Lin Haonan and heard no news from the outside world.

I never knew they had a son too!

And five years older than my child!

Amidst hundreds of astonished gazes, someone led a six-year-old boy through the door.

When I saw his facial features, my heart felt as if pierced by a venomous thorn.

Too similar—clearly Lin Haonan's offspring.

"Father, Mother!"

The hall erupted in an uproar!

My mind buzzed as I stared at Lin Haonan.

A trace of panic appeared on Lin Haonan's face as he softly asked the Su Niannian beside him:

"Why did you bring the child?"

Su Niannian ignored him, taking the child's hand and declaring loudly: "This is my son Lin Jizong. He is Brother Nan's true firstborn!"

"The Lin family has always prioritized the eldest son in choosing family heads. So my son should be the next family head!"

Jizong... what a good name.

A sweetness filled my throat. I bit my lower lip bloody to keep from vomiting blood.

"Niannian!" Lin Haonan frowned, "You're being absurd!"

Lin Jizong knelt with a thud: "It was I who insisted on coming. Mother is unwell. Please don't blame her!"

The displeasure on Lin Haonan's face was quickly covered by concern as he helped him up:

"Did you hurt your knees? Of course I know. Why did you kneel so hard?"

I coldly watched the heartwarming family scene before me.

I thought of how he had led troops to rescue me from bandits—only three years ago.

Three years ago, I was abducted by bandits while purchasing supplies.

Before being thrown into the dungeon, I vaguely heard the bandits discussing extorting my father, demanding he give his entire fortune.

I don't know how long I was held in that dungeon, only that it hurt, I was hungry, and very cold.

All around was absolute darkness, and the stench was overwhelming.

Slowly, I fell into despair.

That fortune was my father's life's work—it truly wasn't worth it for me.

I felt life slipping away, my senses failing one by one...

When light leaked in, I thought it was an illusion.

I tried to open my eyes to look, but a pair of hands grasped my wrists.

"Don't open your eyes. You'll go blind."

Those hands helped me put on a blindfold.

I smelled the thick scent of blood in the air and heard the fierce sounds of fighting outside.

But I felt completely at ease.

"Don't be afraid. I'll take you home," he said.

After removing the blindfold, Lin Haonan's smile was like warm spring sunshine, striking my heart.

News of my abduction by bandits had already spread throughout the city. My reputation was ruined, and my father died from worry and grief.

Fortunately, I had him.

He helped handle my father's funeral affairs and intimidated those who would gossip.

A year later, I brought all of the Shen family's wealth and married into the Lin family.

But now I knew—he had already been with Su Niannian then, and they even had a child!

My eyes caught the many-children-many-blessings pattern on my jacket, and violent nausea rose in my throat.

I could bear it no longer and spat out a large mouthful of blood!

4

"Zhaohua!"

Everyone rushed toward me. Lin Haonan's expression changed drastically as he abandoned Su Niannian and her son to catch me.

I desperately pushed him away, ignoring the blood on my lips:

"Lin Haonan, do you think so too?!"

Lin Haonan instinctively flinched.

"But Niannian has a point. Jizong is my firstborn after all."

"You already agreed to give Niannian a position. She saved my life, and I've wronged her all these years."

Ridiculous!

Su Niannian saved him, not me!

Why should I pay the price for his gratitude?!

Smack!

A cane struck Lin Haonan's mouth, which quickly swelled.

"Scoundrel! I've tolerated you out of respect for your position as family head, but you've gone too far!"

The Third Clan Elder said angrily, "Leaving aside that Zhaohua is your properly married wife, the Lin family only survived disaster because of the Shen family's wealth. You should know gratitude!"

"Blinded by lust, how did our Lin family produce such a disgrace! Don't think that because you lead troops I can't touch you. No matter how powerful you are, you're still a Lin family descendant!"

The guests also began to condemn them both.

"The Lin family wants to recognize an illegitimate son with no status as the firstborn heir. It's laughable!"

"Back then, Vice General Lin's furious charge for a beauty might have just been for the Shen family's wealth."

"Lady Lin has it so hard, and her child is still so young..."

But Lin Jizong couldn't contain his anger:

"Who are you people? How dare you speak of my father like that!"

"I'm not illegitimate. Both my parents are right here!"

Su Niannian quickly covered his mouth, tears streaming down:

"Brother Nan, it's my fault for getting you criticized. But Jizong has always looked up to you, saying he wants to lead troops and fight in battle like his father when he grows up. I... I just wanted my child to stand openly by his father's side..."

Before she could finish, she broke into loud sobs.

I watched her and happened to catch the rapid flash of calculation in her eyes.

I feared seeking recognition for her son was false—the true goal was coveting my Shen family wealth.

Fortunately, Father had made preparations—the family wealth was still in my hands.

Lin Haonan's expression changed again and again, but he still opened his arms, letting Lin Jizong fly into them.

"Third Clan Elder, you also said that I am now the family head."

He assumed the sharp manner he used in battle.

When he looked at me, his gaze touched the blood on the ground and he restrained some of his imposing manner:

"Zhaohua, you are the mistress. You should be the most reasonable."

He stared firmly at me, certain I would obey him.

Hearing this, I laughed, my heart turning to ice.

"No matter how useless I am, I wouldn't hand over Shen family wealth to dress up a vixen and bastard!"

Lin Jizong's neck turned red with anger:

"Who are you calling a vixen! And who's a bastard!"

"You're the one who enchanted my father, making him unable to accompany my mother. You're the vixen!"

Before I could react, he rushed over like lightning and kicked the tall incense burner beside me.

The burning incense ashes swayed dangerously, about to fall on my child's face!

In emergency, I used my back to block it and angrily kicked Lin Jizong to the ground.

"Jizong!" Su Niannian screamed as she ran over.

Lin Haonan's face burned with anger: "You're a mother too. How could you attack a child!"

I sneered: "If he had hurt my child, a kick would be the least of it."

"Shen Zhaohua, you've gone too far!"

Lin Haonan's expression turned vicious as he lifted his robe, drew his gun, and fired at the ceiling:

To the horrified crowd, he said: "Let's see who dares defy me today!"

But a voice like a great bell rang from the entrance:

"Let's see who dares to covet Shen family wealth today!"

5

A dignified figure gradually appeared, and everyone stood up straight in surprise.

"My god, it's General Jiang! Why is he here!"

"The General and the Lin family are old family friends. Now Lady Lin is isolated and helpless. I'm afraid she's in trouble..."

"This is outrageous. The world is truly unfair to women!"

The Third Clan Elder patted my shoulder and whispered: "Zhaohua, the Lin family will not wrong you."

I didn't answer, watching Lin Haonan surreptitiously hide Su Niannian and her son behind him.

Panic flashed in his eyes, along with something else... fear?

I almost wanted to laugh aloud!

I had always thought Lin Haonan didn't know Su Niannian's identity, treating her only as a life-saver.

And because of this, I never imagined Lin Haonan would develop feelings for her.

Though he said he would support her for life, always inquiring about her well-being.

Even when returning from battle, he would take a day to visit her.

But he had known all along that Su Niannian was someone else's servant girl, bound by a contract!

To actually brazenly carry on with her, and even have children!

I wasted my affection, thinking he would bring warmth to my remaining years, and married him without hesitation.

I was truly blind—blind in heart!

Lin Haonan awkwardly saluted militarily: "General... why have you come?"

Jiang Jingchuan didn't even spare him a glance, walking directly toward me with imposing presence.

"It's over, over. The General is really going to make things difficult for Lady Lin."

Everyone nervously watched him. The Third Clan Elder had already tightened his grip on his cane.

But they saw Jiang Jingchuan stand at attention before me and salute: "Miss Shen, I trust you've been well."

Seeing the bloodstains on my lips, his face darkened, "I arrived too late and let you suffer wrongs!"

Everyone fell silent as if frozen. You could hear a pin drop in the hall.

But everyone noticed he called me "Miss Shen," not "Lady Lin."

I glanced at Lin Haonan, whose face was like paper, and Su Niannian trembling behind him.

I said lightly: "General, you've come at the perfect time."

"If she hadn't insisted on causing trouble at my son's birthday banquet and coveted my Shen family wealth, I wouldn't have troubled you to make this trip."

The General's sharp gaze pinned on Su Niannian, his voice cold as a knife blade:

"It is Jiang who should thank Miss Shen for letting me capture a criminal who has escaped from the Jiang family for years!"

The word "criminal" struck heavily. Su Niannian trembled even more violently.

Cold sweat poured down her face, but she still shot a venomous glance at me.

Lin Haonan said through gritted teeth: "Zhaohua, Niannian saved my life at least. Why must you go so far!"

But his words caused not a ripple.

Everyone looked at Su Niannian with "she deserves it" eyes.

Only Lin Jizong cared about Su Niannian, asking in panic: "Mother, what's wrong!"

He looked at Jiang Jingchuan, his eyes burning with fire:

"You big villain! Helping this bitch harm me and my mother!"

He then pulled a wooden gun from his chest, "Villain, I'll execute you!"

Everyone was speechless with fright.

This was General Jiang, who had recovered northern Jiangsu and achieved great military victories!

But Jiang Jingchuan stood unmoving.

Only two soldiers expressionlessly forced Lin Jizong to the ground.

Before Lin Haonan and Su Niannian could react, a military rod struck Lin Jizong's buttocks.

He howled in pain: "It hurts! Father, save me!"

Su Niannian cried as she crawled over to shield him:

"Shen Zhaohua, you're too cruel! Come at me if you dare, don't hit my child!"

Lin Haonan's eyes also reddened:

"Jizong is only six years old. What on earth are you doing!"

As if I hadn't heard, I lowered my head to gently touch my son's small face.

Jiang Jingchuan looked down upon the three huddled on the ground:

"When the parent doesn't teach, it's the father's fault. You can't even teach your own son properly, yet you dare raise your voice to Miss Shen?"

"Shout again, and I'll let all three of you taste the true power of the military rod!"

6

Lin Haonan instantly fell silent.

He subconsciously released the mother and son.

Hah!

So the protective attitude Lin Haonan showed them was all reserved for me.

Before Jiang Jingchuan, he didn't dare make a sound.

After the soldiers finished beating Lin Jizong, they dragged the frightened Su Niannian before Jiang Jingchuan.

Jiang Jingchuan stood like a great mountain, his presence overwhelming.

Su Niannian could no longer support herself and collapsed to her knees.

Everyone wore confused expressions.

What connection did this woman have with the General? Why was she so afraid of him?

Lin Jizong shouted from the ground: "Big villain, stop bullying my mother! Father, save Mother!"

Lin Haonan's gaze darted around, remaining completely silent.

"Su Niannian."

Suddenly named by Jiang Jingchuan, the color rapidly drained from Su Niannian's face.

Her whole body swayed unsteadily.

Jiang Jingchuan's face was cold as ice:

"At thirteen, your father sold you into my family as a maid. Later, my mother saw you were relatively obedient and promoted you to be my chambermaid."

"You had the nerve. Thinking I wouldn't return from war, you stole my mother's most beloved bracelet, set a fire in the kitchen, and escaped in the confusion."

Jiang Jingchuan sneered, but it sent chills through everyone present,

"Did you know that fire killed the wet nurse who loved me most? That bracelet was my maternal grandmother's only keepsake."

His words left everyone afraid to even breathe.

But he continued, suddenly grinning at Lin Haonan:

"Our families have been friends for generations. If I had known Brother Haonan liked someone else's chambermaid, I would have gifted her to you."

The contempt was unmistakable.

But Lin Haonan only clenched his fists, unable to utter a single syllable.

Everyone gasped!

So Lin Haonan knew all along, and still slept with her, even bringing her back to the main family home before his wife!

"To think she was an escaped chambermaid from another family—what a disgusting pair!"

"The Jiang family treated her so well yet suffered this—what an ungrateful wretch!"

Hearing the whispers, Su Niannian nearly fainted. She gritted her teeth and retorted:

"That was so long ago. The General is now powerful and can say whatever he wants!"

She shot me a venomous glance, "Besides, heroes can never resist beauties!"

Trying to shift blame onto me—she was clever.

Jiang Jingchuan acted as if he had heard the funniest joke:

"You mean I, for Miss Shen's sake, would frame you at the cost of the entire Jiang family and my reputation?"

"Slander and false accusation! Someone, military law!"

The soldiers forced Su Niannian to the ground.

The next moment, the sound of clubs striking flesh and Su Niannian's screams rang out simultaneously.

This time the force was clearly different from when they beat Lin Jizong—blood instantly soaked through her clothes.

Beside them, Lin Haonan, who had moments ago been willing to shoot for Su Niannian, trembled.

But after hesitating again and again, he still didn't go to her.

A pang of satisfaction shot through me, quickly followed by bitterness.

In my previous life, my remaining years were actually destroyed by such a cold-hearted and fickle man!

Thinking about it, how could "unworthy" possibly cover it?

Lin Jizong wailed, trying to shield his mother from the military rods. Mother and son were a pathetic sight.

Jiang Jingchuan's voice pressed down heavily again:

"Su Niannian, do you plead guilty?!"

"Never!" Su Niannian bit her lower lip until it bled, "I was an unmarried maid. After being with Brother Nan, I devoted myself entirely to him..."

"Continue beating."

The screams didn't stop.

Lin Haonan only kept his head down, eyes tightly shut.

As if this way, he couldn't hear the mother and son's screams.

Some couldn't bear it:

"After all, he's still a child who understands filial piety. Isn't the General going too far?"

"Yes, she has a point. This was over a decade ago, and she was just a chambermaid. It's not impossible she could reform."

7

"Then I shall give you clarity."

Jiang Jingchuan waved his hand, and soldiers immediately presented two documents.

"This is the sales contract and identification document, with official seal, signature, and fingerprint all present. Anyone who wishes to examine them may do so."

On both documents, Su Niannian's name, native place, and date of birth were clearly written.

The evidence was ironclad!

Added to Jiang Jingchuan's status, no one dared to question.

"I must also thank Miss Shen for telling me of this wretch's whereabouts," Jiang Jingchuan nodded to me, "My mother remembered that bracelet until her dying day."

I returned the courtesy: "I also saw this chambermaid once from afar when I went with my father to make deliveries to the Jiang family years ago."

"I never expected to see her again as Lin Haonan's life-saver. Though strange, I didn't investigate deeply—after all, life is already difficult enough for women in this world."

"A life-saving debt deserves support."

Jiang Jingchuan added coldly: "Who would have thought they already had an affair, had such an old child, and even coveted the Shen family's wealth!"

"Su Niannian, not just today—as long as I live, forget about coveting even a penny of Shen family wealth!"

Hearing these words, Su Niannian's face turned completely deathly gray.

Jiang Jingchuan didn't look at her again but slightly raised his chin. The soldier holding the military rod moved beside Lin Haonan.

"Lin Haonan, do you have anything to say?"

Lin Jizong crawled over, crying as he tugged Lin Haonan's robe: "Father, Mother is about to be beaten to death!"

"Don't say I didn't give you a chance. As long as you swear before everyone that you will never covet Shen family wealth again and hand over your military authority, I'll give you this chambermaid."

Lin Haonan looked at the battered and dying Su Niannian, the pleading Lin Jizong.

The veins on his forehead bulged as he blinked rapidly—

Then he cleanly slid to his knees.

"It was Su Niannian who threatened me with the life-saving debt. I lost my mind!"

His tears flowed at the right moment, "Zhaohua, I told you, the Lin family mistress will always be you!"

"I love you. You are my only wife, and our children are my only children!"

Su Niannian and Lin Jizong looked at him in disbelief.

I was so disgusted I almost vomited: "Lin Haonan, you are truly shameful and truly disgusting!"

"Do you love me, or do you love the Shen family wealth? You know perfectly well in your heart!"

But Lin Haonan seemed to have abandoned everything, kneeling forward trying to grab my jacket: "Zhaohua, believe me!"

"I was young and impulsive then. It was merely momentary pleasure with her. You are the one I want to spend my life with!"

I stepped back. This person was filthier than dog shit.

His expression twisted for a moment, his nose turning red: "Zhaohua..."

Jiang Jingchuan's eyes were full of mockery: "Is this the character of the third-generation Lin family head?"

"It's my fault!"

Su Niannian suddenly shouted, "I forced Brother Nan to be with me, forced him to have children with me!"

8

Everyone looked at her again.

I was wondering why she confessed so readily when Su Niannian suddenly went mad.

"But Jizong is Brother Nan's firstborn. That's a fact!"

Her bloodshot eyes fixed on me: "Shen Zhaohua, this is all your fault. I'll kill you, I must kill you!"

The child in my arms suddenly burst into loud cries.

I quickly lowered my head to soothe him but heard Jiang Jingchuan shout sharply: "Be careful!"

Looking up abruptly, I saw a figure charging into view.

He held a gleaming dagger, rushing straight toward my child and me!

My pupils contracted as I instinctively shielded my child first.

But a figure darted over, blocking me before him.

Bang!

The gunshot's echo lingered as everyone covered their ears.

I watched in horror the body on the ground—shot in the back of the head yet still twitching—and felt deep fear.

It was the servant who had earlier delivered messages for Su Niannian!

Jiang Jingchuan's gun still smoked as he cursed: "Snake-hearted!"

Su Niannian screamed desperately:

"Brother Nan, how could you do this!"

"With them dead, I become your wife, Jizong becomes the legitimate eldest son, and can rightfully inherit the family head position and Shen family wealth!"

At this point, she finally tore off her pitiful mask.

Revealing her greedy, ugly true face.

Lin Haonan didn't even look at her: "It was only momentary confusion during healing from injuries when we were together day and night."

"I never thought of spending my life with you. Why else would I not give you a position for six years?"

Su Niannian stared blankly at him.

"To tell you the truth, after learning your identity, every time we were intimate I felt disgusted! You're just a plaything—did you really think you could become mistress of the Lin family?"

He looked deeply at me: "Only after being with Zhaohua did I learn what grace and dignity mean."

Su Niannian shook her head in confusion: "Then what about Jizong? You gave him that name..."

"That was just a name. You're overthinking it."

As if the man who had moments ago been willing to shoot for them was someone else entirely.

I looked at this man.

The way he looked at me now was no different from the first time I removed my blindfold three years ago.

At that time, I thought he was light.

Now I only felt that his gaze on me was like a snail's slimy body crawling over me—disgusting!

I looked at Su Niannian again.

There were no mirrors in my previous life. I wonder if in the end, I also looked half-human, half-ghost like this.

In this life, she finally paid the price for her greed and venom.

Seeing I didn't react, Lin Haonan put on an even more loving appearance:

"Zhaohua, do you no longer believe in my love for you? Back then, I married you amid the city's gossip!"

Before I could speak, someone sneered:

"Wasn't your marriage to the young lady because of this agreement!"

9

Seeing the newcomer, my tears burst forth!

"Uncle Rong, you've finally come!"

Uncle Rong was the Shen family steward.

After my father's death, he had always helped me manage the Shen family.

But due to propriety, I rarely saw him after marrying into the Lin family.

He held up an agreement high:

"When the young lady was abducted, the Master fell ill from worry and offered rewards everywhere, seeking someone to rescue her."

"Everyone was afraid to act when they heard it was Jiangcheng's most notorious bandit gang. Only this Vice General Lin said he was willing. But he proposed a condition."

Uncle Rong said loudly, "It was that the Master sign an agreement with him: if the young lady was safe, he would agree to a marriage alliance between our families, and he would inherit all the Shen family wealth!"

"If the Lin family wasn't in severe financial trouble, would you, the noble and precious Lin family head, have been willing to go to war?"

Uncle Rong shook his head, "Not everyone has General Jiang's patriotic spirit."

"The young lady was deeply in love with Vice General Lin after they returned. I couldn't bear to break her heart. Fortunately, the Master long ago saw he was not a good man and instructed me to watch over the young lady—to guard against today!"

Everyone was horrified, their gazes toward Lin Haonan taking on complicated meanings.

I gripped my clothes tightly, my heart feeling as if it were being torn apart.

Today I had only wanted Uncle Rong to come support me. I never expected to learn such a truth!

Father, Father!

Thank goodness my daughter was reborn—otherwise how could I face your painstaking efforts!

Everyone else was also angered by this.

"This is nothing but burning the bridge after crossing it!"

"He's humiliated the Lin family completely, and he calls himself the family head!"

Uncle Rong pointed at Su Niannian: "Vice General Lin, you knew this woman was the Jiang family's chambermaid. Do you know how she survived in the years after escaping the Jiang family?"

Lin Haonan's expression tightened!

Su Niannian screamed: "Don't say it! I've already lost everything..."

"She stood on the streets of the outer city for a year!" Uncle Rong said without restraint, tearing away Su Niannian's last shred of dignity.

"No, I didn't. Brother Nan, you must believe me!"

Lin Haonan snapped out of it and frantically rushed over, snatching the military rod and striking Su Niannian viciously.

"Whore! I tolerated your impure body because you saved me, but you're filthier than I imagined! Die, die!"

Lin Jizong hugged his ankle: "Father, why are you beating Mother..."

But was kicked away by him.

"You get lost too! Bastard child of a whore! You don't deserve to be named Lin, and you're forbidden from calling me Father again!"

I watched this scene.

I suddenly remembered my previous life—this was how he tortured me too.

A lunatic who shifted all blame onto others.

Lin Jizong lay on the ground for a long time before getting up, painfully holding his stomach, his expression both frightened and bewildered.

Su Niannian said hatefully: "Lin Haonan, how could you treat us like this..."

She looked around frantically and desperately crawled to Jiang Jingchuan's feet: "General, I was wrong!"

"I beg you to take me back. I'll serve you well as a cow or horse. Just give me and my child a mouthful of food!"

She tidied her face, smeared with blood, revealing what she thought was a charming smile: "Didn't you always like me to wash your feet?"

"I'll wash them for you every night. I'll even lick them clean for you!"

After speaking, regardless of Jiang Jingchuan's reaction, she stuck out her tongue to lick his military boots.

Seeing this, Lin Jizong also crawled over in pain: "Please accept me. I'll do anything!"

Innocently trying to lick too.

"This is truly shameless!"

"Even I feel disgusted for General Jiang. His boots must be unclean now!"

Jiang Jingchuan agilely stepped back and said coldly:

"Last time you cost my family a life, letting my mother die with regrets. Give this blessing to the Lin family."

"Our Lin family doesn't want them either!"

The Third Clan Elder seemed to have aged ten years, but his words still carried weight: "Lin Haonan's virtue doesn't match his position. We elders have discussed and unanimously decided to expel him from the Lin family!"

"You don't deserve to be named Lin, and you don't deserve to be called human!"

Lin Haonan shouted in panic: "Third Clan Elder, you..."

"Lin Haonan, today I wish to formally divorce you."

I interrupted him, speaking word by word.

10

His jaw dropped, unable to close.

"Zhaohua, how... how could you not want me? You clearly said becoming Lin family mistress was your deepest wish!"

Yes, I had said that before marriage.

But that was because my heart was full of love for my husband.

Without love, what Lin family, what mistress—I saw them as dirt.

I didn't explain further, only smiled faintly:

"Consider it a matter of a past life."

Lin Haonan's eyes filled with loss: "You had already decided."

"That's why you agreed to let me find this bitch, so you could send for the General and Uncle Rong. Is that it!"

"Yes." I answered frankly.

Uncle Rong stood straight beside me, handing over the prepared divorce papers.

"I won't sign!" He gazed greedily at me and our child, "Without my signature, you will forever be my wife, Lin Haonan's!"

I laughed aloud.

"Fine. After all, I married Lin Haonan of the Lin family, but he's no longer in the Lin family registry."

"I will never see you again, and I won't let our child see you either."

I tore the many-children-many-blessings pattern from my skirt, "In these turbulent times, many never meet again in life or death. If you want to guard a torn marriage contract, so be it."

Lin Haonan panicked, his features becoming distorted.

"Zhaohua, don't be like this! I... I still have my military position. In these chaotic times, I can protect you..."

Jiang Jingchuan cleared his throat: "Pardon my interruption, but before I came, I received orders. Your military position has been revoked."

"How is this possible!" Lin Haonan collapsed, "I only made a mistake any man would make. I did nothing wrong!"

" Including accepting bribes!"

Jiang Jingchuan's face darkened, "Don't think you were so secretive that no one knew!"

Lin Haonan's eyes shifted as he realized: "When you gave me the choice earlier, you were... tricking me?"

"No matter what I chose, the result would be the same!"

Jiang Jingchuan sneered: "You're not completely stupid after all."

"Those above most hate corruption and bribery. Lin Haonan, you're completely finished!"

Hearing this, Lin Haonan laughed toward the heavens.

Laughing, he began to wail, appearing no longer sane.

He began to bite like a mad dog:

"Jiang Jingchuan, be honest! Have you long had designs on Shen Zhaohua!"

"Otherwise, why would you, a great General with countless matters to attend, specifically come to my Lin family to stand up for her!"

"You keep calling her Miss Shen instead of Lady Lin. If not for coveting a married woman, what is it! You're no good person either!"

Though Lin Haonan was completely defeated today, these words expressed what everyone present was thinking.

Su Niannian was deeply sinful, but family scandals shouldn't be publicized. Jiang Jingchuan could have handled it secretly without such fanfare.

He had unnecessarily invited suspicion of interfering in others' family matters.

Anyone could see he was doing it for me.

Facing Lin Haonan's madness and the suspicious gazes of the entire city, Jiang Jingchuan and I showed no trace of fear.

"Rather than saying I came today for Miss Shen, it would be more accurate to say I came for the late Mr. Shen."

Unexpectedly hearing him mention my father, everyone was stunned.

Only Uncle Rong's eyes showed some relief.

"When I first joined the army, I almost died on the battlefield. The bullet deflected slightly. My comrades carried me back, and I was unconscious for three days. The doctor said I would never wake up if I didn't soon."

Jiang Jingchuan looked toward the distant doorway, "I was fortunate. The troops then received a shipment of medical supplies."

"After recovering, I made inquiries and learned it was Mr. Shen's patriotic act. From that day, I vowed to do everything in my power to protect the Shen family."

Everyone looked at me with respectful eyes.

Jiang Jingchuan looked at Lin Haonan as if he were trash:

"Those with dirty hearts see dirt in everything."

"How could scum like you be worthy of the Shen family's daughter!"

11

Stepping out of the Lin family, the sky was blue, the sun was warm.

Bang bang bang—

Dozens of guns fired toward the sky simultaneously.

The gunshots like thunder cracked through the sky, their echoes lingering and resonating passionately.

"Miss Shen, congratulations on your rebirth."

I smiled from my heart and gently looked at my son being held by Uncle Rong:

"Thank you!"

With today's events, the entire city now knew that Jiang Jingchuan was the Shen family's backing.

I was safe and secure.

Uncle Rong and I spent some time carefully reviewing the Shen family's industries and finally decided to inherit my father's legacy.

We would focus our future efforts on supporting the military.

Every day I was busy counting, arranging strategic materials and the most urgently needed medicines, sending them to the front lines.

In my leisure time, I would be in the courtyard, helping my son ride a wooden horse like a war horse.

Listening to the milk-voiced cries of "Giddyup—"

Then laughing heartily with Uncle Rong.

Oh, I gave him a new name.

Now, he is Shen Zhenbang.

I believe he will one day grow into a young man with grand ambitions in his chest, rejuvenating the nation.

As for Lin Haonan, his reputation was completely ruined.

After being expelled from the Lin family, no one would even hire him for hard labor.

Confined to the city by Jiang Jingchuan, he could only sink to begging on the streets.

He thought he could survive by abandoning all dignity, but instead of receiving food, he got a vicious beating.

Those who beat him cursed viciously.

Still unsatisfied, they poured a large bucket of filthy water over him.

Having no choice, the once-prominent Vice General Lin could only fight dogs for scraps of food.

Su Niannian and Lin Jizong fared no better.

They did escape, but with war everywhere, where could a widow and orphan flee?

This time, there would be no descending soldier to rescue her.

To allow her to trade her body for money and status.

On Zhenbang's second birthday, I simultaneously received news of their three deaths.

It was said Su Niannian could no longer bear life and, pitying her son, went to seek revenge against Lin Haonan.

She picked up a piece of broken porcelain and stabbed it toward Lin Haonan's heart.

Though Lin Haonan was extremely weak, he was still a man. In his death throes, he pulled out the porcelain piece and counter-stabbed it into Su Niannian's abdomen.

Immediately after, Lin Jizong arrived and without hesitation used the porcelain to slash Lin Haonan's throat.

Finally, he despairingly took his own life.

The three died in a corner. When discovered, their bodies had already begun to rot.

"The person who handled the bodies said they found a piece of torn paper in his embrace. It appeared to be a marriage contract."

I remained silent for only a moment before shaking the rattle again.

Zhenbang giggled.

I too broke into a smile.

Yes, all my days hereafter would be spent smiling.

As for the past, it was but a wisp of cloud and smoke—what did it have to do with me?

---

Author: Xi Mei Jingyan