17th year of Jiayou.

The biting cold wind swept through the end of the corridor, causing the white lamps and mourning banners to sway on the floor, the window frames following suit with a loud noise.

Shen Hua, dressed in white mourning clothes, knelt before the altar.

A sharp voice echoed in her ears.

"Your daddy was cruel, gone just like that. Shen Hua, behave yourself in front of me, and you'll have something to eat."

The stepmother, Shen Xue-shi, stood aloof beside her with a covert smirk, feigning a few shrill cries, without a trace of grief for her departed husband.

When Shen Wei was alive, she pretended to be the benevolent mother every day to appear virtuous, yet Shen Hua never warmed up to her. Nor could she receive a single word of praise from Shen Wei.

Now she had the control of the household, becoming the head of the family. This was indeed a great fortune.

Shen Hua's eyes flickered, yet she continued burning the paper money, watching it unblinkingly as the flames consumed it, turning it into ashes.

Receiving no response, Shen Xue-shi became irritated, jabbing fiercely at Shen Hua's frail spine with a fingertip.

"Did you not hear me speaking to you? Are you deaf?"

Shen Hua's frail body almost collapsed to the ground. Cold sweat beaded on her forehead. Her lips, pale, were tightly pressed.

Seeing this, Shen Xue-shi felt a delightful satisfaction rising from her chest.

"Just a sickly child kept alive with the best medicine, yet your daddy treated you like a treasure."

Now, wasn't she at her mercy?

Shen Hua struggled to stand, looking directly into Shen Xue-shi's eyes. A faint, serene, and cold smile graced her pale lips.

"Since the second madam entered the door, never once did she earn a bit of daddy's affection, nor has she borne any children to this day, naturally harboring resentment."

This was Shen Xue-shi's sore spot!

"You!"

"Daddy left in such haste. It's just a pity that our main family has no male heirs. I heard that the second madam plans to adopt the son from the second house?"

Her tone was calm, without a hint of fluctuation. Her pitch-black eyes seemed to conceal a sorrow that others couldn't comprehend.

Shen Xue-shi was startled, her hair standing on end from being stared at by this girl who hadn't even come of age.

Shen Hua understood Shen Xue-shi's scheme all too well.

After Shen Wei's departure, Shen Xue-shi, as a married woman, needed a son to secure her position.

But she couldn't understand why the choice was the son from the second house, Shen Qu, who was older than her by a year.

Shen Xue-shi cast a sidelong glance at her, growing increasingly impatient: "If not adopted, who's going to carry out your daddy's funeral rites? Could it be that the main family will become extinct with no descendants?"

Shen Hua took out a scented handkerchief from her sleeve, with the pattern of Yulan flowers sewn on it. Indeed, it was a design she would have liked three years ago.

She was stunned for a few seconds before finally wiping the cold sweat from her forehead. Her thin lips parted slightly, and she uttered three words with a firm resolve.

"I forbid it."

Truly, the world had turned upside down.

"What did you say?"

Shen Xue-shi was so furious her eyes rolled back.

"This is set by the Shen clan elders and me! The second house has agreed, yet you presume to interfere here?"

"What a shame that your daddy cherished you so, but he never expected you to be so ungrateful!"

"Shen Hua, you're already promised to someone. In a few years, you'll be a wife of the He Family. What of the Shen Family? What's it to you?"

Shen Hua felt exhausted both physically and mentally, yet she patiently listened as the other raised her voice in rebuke.

Her attitude was genuinely strange. Yet, upon hearing about the He Family, a flicker of disdain and repulsion swept through her eyes.

Despite her sickly demeanor, her spine was straight and unwavering.

"After grandma passed away, the second uncle married the State Judge Mansion's daughter. Determined against father's advice, he insisted on dividing the family, fearing us of the main house would benefit from his fortune."

Thereafter, Shen Wei proved capable, relying on his business acumen to amass wealth through embroidery trades, becoming the richest merchant in Fengzhou.

"But what about the second uncle? Without any official title, he prided himself on being morally superior, looking down upon merchants and despising father for reeking of money. Yet, for years, whenever in need of silver, he sought father out, never repaying. Such despicable rogue, who knows what schemes he conjures!"

Now Shen Qu, aged fifteen, had reached an age of understanding. Should he enter our household, it's uncertain when the main family's estate might fall into the second house's hands.

Shen Hua sincerely added, "If we can't find a boy of suitable age and memory within closer branches, it doesn't matter — even if he's outside the fifth degree of kinship, he would still bear the same bloodline, anyone would be more suitable than Shen Qu."

She hoped Shen Xue-shi would change her mind. Since the matter wasn't finalized and the family genealogy not altered, it wasn't too late.

After all, despite their differences, on this matter, the women of the main house and Shen Xue-shi should be in concord.

Shen Xue-shi paused, uncertain if from guilt or reluctant to take an extra step.

Then, nameless fury flared up.

"Are you teaching me how to do things?"

"I merely wish the stepmother would think thrice."

Shen Hua watched her quietly. Yet, even if she wanted to accuse her of harm, being an unmarried girl not yet of age, she truly lacked power and influence.

Sure enough, Shen Xue-shi swept her hand mightily: "I reckon the young lady is ill-confused, suppress her for me."

Shen Wei was not yet laid to rest, yet Shen Xue-shi couldn't wait to bring over all her natal family's people.

The Xue Family nephew, with his bloated face, repeatedly endeavored to ingratiate himself with Shen Hua, revealing his intentions.

The servants in the mansion, seeing the shift in power, immediately changed their demeanor, following Shen Xue-shi's commands and swaying with the wind.

Clearly, the entire Shen Family was about to become the Xue Family!

At her command, four or five old women moved toward Shen Hua, unceremoniously lifting the once most esteemed young lady.

Shen Hua's health was too frail to struggle, and she could only be dragged along. Soon, she was thrown out of the mourning hall.

"Young lady!"

The maid Yicui, anxious and unable to enter the hall, cried out in alarm, hurriedly rushing forward to help her.

Yicui's face flushed with anger, and seeing the marks on Shen Hua's wrist, she was ready to curse those heavy-handed old women straight to their graves.

Shen Hua leaned weakly on Yicui's shoulder: "Let's go back first."

Her head ached as if it would explode.

Her thoughts were like a tangled web, binding her mercilessly.

Scenes flashed before her eyes, one by one, depicting second uncle Shen He Wen's smugness, Shen Qu's ambitious plotting, and the cold indifference of He Family's Eldest Young Master He Chu, to whom she was betrothed.

Then there was her being sent by Shen He Wen to serve the State Judge father-in-law, leading to her coughing up blood and dying in agony.

But she had returned to three years ago. None of this had happened yet but seemed doomed to repeat.

Yicui helped Shen Hua back to her courtyard and attended to her resting on the couch.

Through the hanging drapes, Shen Hua's thin figure was barely discernible within the bed. On the couch, Shen Hua looked as if a touch would shatter her, and her situation seemed to be growing increasingly perilous.

With a blurred gaze, she remembered vividly Yicui's tragic end in her past life.

Yicui, attempting to protect her, was violated by the Prefect Zhu Zheng.

Yet at that time, Yicui was about to be married.

Shen Hua propped herself up, her throat dry and itchy, causing her to cough softly.

Noticing, Yicui immediately fetched a cup of warm water.

Shen Hua sipped a bit of the water, drawing in some warmth, then tucked the quilt tightly around herself, looking around with a somber expression, not seeing any of the other servants in the courtyard.

Yicui, noticing Shen Hua's movements, was furious, stamping her feet in frustration.

"Those fair-weather grasses have all rushed to the second madam's courtyard to fawn over her."

Evening approached, and dusk began to settle.

Outside, snow had started to fall at some unknown time, gently drifting down in a rustle. After a night, a thick layer had gathered on the branches, bending them down in strange arcs under its weight.

Shen Hua leaned against the couch, eyes lowered in deep thought.

In her heart, however, she was as anxious as if it were burning.

"My lady, why not go and plead with the clan elders? He is the most fair and has always looked after you over the years. Surely, he could offer some guidance." Yicui lifted the curtain, bringing in the medicine from the kitchen.

The dark, thick concoction looked bitter at a glance.

Shen Hua tugged at the corner of her mouth, with a hint of irony.

Fair?

But the clan elders and Shen He Wen had long been colluding.

The matter of adoption couldn't have happened without their instigation.

As for care.

In her past life, when she was imprisoned, Shen He Wen held the lifeline of the main household and turned his focus onto her. Shen Xue-shi did not come to her rescue. Desperately, she sought the help of the clan elders.

The clan elders only turned around and handed her back to Shen He Wen. With the same kind demeanor as always, they spoke words that pierced the heart.

—Yangyang, listen to your second uncle. He and your father are brothers. How could he possibly harm you?

—Shen Qu treats you as his sister. You are a daughter of the Shen Family, and the engagement is long broken. Moreover, you are bedridden, your days are numbered. It's better to comply and sacrifice a bit for your uncle and cousin. That way, you could still hold some value.

—Listen to the clan elder, don't cause trouble. If it comes to that, no one's face will look good. It's best for a family to remain harmonious.

Calling her by her childhood name, the posture of an affectionate elder, yet the words were as venomous as can be.

Shen Hua drank the medicinal concoction in a few gulps. She did not take the sweet candy Yicui had prepared. The medicine didn't actually improve her condition, but it was better than nothing.

Seeing Shen Hua's spiritless demeanor, Yicui tried to say something comforting.

"Once the mourning period is over, and you enter the He Family, Young Master He will protect you. With him around, you won't suffer any grievances."

Yicui thought these words might console Shen Hua a bit.

However,

Shen Hua only gave a low laugh, tinged with ridicule but assured.

"He Chu will come tomorrow to break the engagement."

Yicui's eyes widened suddenly.

"No... that's impossible. Young Master He hurriedly came to offer condolences upon receiving the mourning notice yesterday, constantly mentioning you."

"The marriage between the two families was set long ago, how can he break his promise and become unfaithful?"

Condolences?

He was merely using it as an excuse to probe the Shen family's situation.

That seemingly considerate and attentive He Chu was but a hypocrite.

The He Family agreed to the engagement only for fortune. With the main household's fall, the He Family was anxious to withdraw hurriedly, even turning to curry favor with the second household.

Afraid that if they delayed a moment, she, Shen Hua, would sap the He Family's blood.

Whom could she turn to?

Even if she reported it to the government, she would still be at fault.

Shen Wei would soon be laid to rest.

Obstructing the establishment of heirs was not only unfilial but rebellious. A grave crime indeed.

In her current state, she lacked the power to topple the second household. This was an undeniable fact.

——

Shengjing

Inside the Marquis Yangling Mansion

The room was already lit like daylight.

Faint wisps of incense smoke wafted, elegant yet subtle, permeating through the incense burner, filling the room.

Cui Yun sat upright, his expression cold, flipping through a book with the demeanor of a noble son in every gesture.

Suddenly, he flicked his fingers and looked towards the window frame.

Then, a slight sound came, and someone broke in through the window.

He wasn't a bit panicked, calmly retracting his gaze.

Cui Yun set his book down without the slightest intent to welcome.

"A rare guest."

The man's voice was as cold as ice and snow, matching his appearance perfectly.

Were his temperament not so frosty, the girls of Shengjing would likely be even more enthralled.

Xie Xun raised an eyebrow and stepped forward, not showing a hint of awkwardness for breaking in.

There was no actual friendship between Cui Yun and Xie Xun.

Yet Xie Xun had come with an urgent request.

"Young Master Cui."

"I need you to receive someone for me, Shen Hua, daughter of Shen Wei of the Shen Family's Embroidery Workshop in Fengzhou."

Xie Xun was to lead troops against bandits immediately after receiving the imperial decree, leaving no room for delay, so he spoke straightforwardly.

He clasped his hands and gave a courteous bow to Cui Yun.

Yet his tone was suffused with indescribable nostalgia.

"Her elder brother passed away early, but we were friends. I hope you can settle her well, and upon my return, I will surely repay the favor."

Xie Xun thought he would have to spend great effort in persuasion.

However, after scrutinizing him for a few seconds, Cui Yun simply replied.

"Alright."

A prepared long speech by Xie Xun:...

Cui Yun's brows slightly knitted: "But..."

"Why do you seek me out instead of your close friend, Heir of Prince Gong?"

Xie Xun paused briefly.

With no good humor, he replied: "That Ji Huo is famous for being a libertine, unable to move at the sight of a pretty woman. Shen Hua is in poor health, what if she gets frightened? My return date is uncertain, how could I be at ease?"

Xie Xun glanced at Cui Yun. Since he was asking for help, he decided to praise him a bit.

"But Young Master Cui, you're different. In all of Shengjing, everyone knows your heart is as cool and aloof as the moon shining through a clear night, unmoved by women."

"The noble sons all say that even if a goddess stood before you unclad, you would not be stirred."

"You're the most suitable person to handle this."

This didn't come off as praise; rather, it sounded like an insult regarding a man's capabilities.

Yet Cui Yun's expression remained unchanged.

After Xie Xun left, Ji Qing, who had been waiting outside, entered respectfully.

"Master, should we investigate the background of the Shen Family girl?"

"No need."

Although Xie Xun had been abroad for many years, being from Duke Fu's Mansion, how could he not have the connections to address matters?

What was he apprehensive of?

Upon closer scrutiny, Xie Xun's words earlier were full of inconsistencies.

Nevertheless, Xie Xun had calculated correctly; there was no one else in Shengjing with tighter lips than Cui Yun.

Cui Yun was not at all interested in Xie Xun's secrets, nor did he have any desire to pry.

Ji Qing: "The road to Fengzhou is long. Master, if you remain in Shengjing, I can go to fetch her."

"No."

Cui Yun resumed his reading, fingers gently turning a page as his eyes settled on the densely packed scripture, his voice unwavering: "I will go personally."

He never engages in unprofitable dealings. Just exerting a bit of effort this time could ensure he's owed a favor by Xie Xun, the son of the Duke Fu.

That's enough.

The night was deep.

Cui Yun stood up, having made some calculations in his mind.

He stepped out of the courtyard, the night was silent, with Ji Qing holding a lamp for illumination.

"Cousin," a gentle female voice came from not far away.

"I have made some sweet soup, sent at Old Lady Feng's command."

The person respectfully curtsied, bashful and timid.

Cui Yun furrowed his brows.

There were too many cousin girls seeking refuge at the Cui Mansion. Having never paid much attention, he couldn't distinguish who this person was right away.

Nevertheless, the manners of a noble son prevented him from rebuking bluntly. Yet his words, devoid of warmth, dismantled her and doused the young lady's burning affection completely.

"I am at the study, no one dares disturb my tranquility. It's late, cousin, please take care."

Have You Written Your Will Today?

C2 - 2: It's Late at Night, Cousin, Please Behave Yourself

0.34

Early the next morning.

At 1:30 AM, the sound of the night watch's clappers echoed from the street. The sky had not fully brightened, while inside and outside the Shen Residence, lights were ablaze, making it bright as day.

Today was Shen Wei's burial; the adoption ceremony could not be too extravagant, but necessary rituals must not be lacking.

In the ancestral hall dedicated to the Shen Family ancestors, there were the memorial tablets of Shen Hua's biological mother, Ms. Shen Chun, and her deceased elder brother, Shen Zhi.

Following the customs of Fengzhou, with the Shen Clan Leader as a witness, Shen Qu kowtowed to the ancestors and offered incense to Ms. Shen Chun and Shen Zhi. After doing all this, he served tea to Mrs. Xue and established some agreements.

Shen He Wen stood to the side, hiding his overwhelming joy, pretending to be sorrowful and melancholic, repeatedly instructing Shen Qu.

"Now that you are the heir of the main family, you must be filial to your mama. The rise and fall of the responsibility is on you alone; you must not neglect and let down the clan elders' intentions. You must also allow your daddy to be laid to rest in peace."

Shen Qu bowed and respectfully said, "Yes, Second Uncle."

Shen Hua heard this address and smirked coldly.

But just then, the clan elder led Shen Qu to her front. His tone remained as amiable as ever.

"Yangyang, Ah Qu was originally your elder brother, and now he is adopted under your mama's name, does your heart feel joyful?"

Shen Hua coldly said, "I detest it extremely."

Clan Elder Shen:?

Shen Hua indifferently said, "Given my current state, seeing him every day, I fear I won't live long. It's said the clan elders care for me, but this time, I haven't seen a hint of it."

The clan elder didn't expect Shen Hua to be so resistant.

Also, Shen Hua was in poor health, constantly on medication, already indulged by Shen Wei, treating her abusively.

The daughter's calm and steady voice made everyone present look displeased.

"The several sons of the second uncle's family are difficult to see even during festivals; I assume they're all talented enough to become top scorers or even Wenquxing. Such figures, I truly wonder why they are now stooping to rush to be my brother."

"Indeed, the main family has nothing much but lots of silver. The second family lacks nothing but silver."

"Some people might appear noble and upright in the past, but inside they've long been rotten through."

The clan elder's face sank, scolding, "Shut up! What are you talking about?"

Shen Hua paused, feigning ignorance, looking at him.

"I didn't say it was you. Why are you in such a hurry, clan elder?"

Currently, she was at others' mercy, without strong backing, alone and couldn't do anything about these demons and monsters, but not knowing what tomorrow holds, she might as well seek a quick end now.

After all, she was indeed spoiled.

She certainly had a knack for disgusting people.

The clan elder was furious to death:???

Mrs. Xue raised her hand, adjusting the white silk flower in her hair.

"Clan elder, you don't know, Yangyang's temper has been growing; she even talked back to me, her mama, yesterday. I really can't manage her anymore."

Shen He Wen stood to the side, smiling silently, with suppressed coldness in his eyes.

Yet, Shen Qu hurriedly stepped forward to mediate. His voice was gentle and right.

"Daddy just left; Yangyang is naturally feeling upset in her heart, which is why she's been sharp. In the future, the responsibility for her guidance falls on me. Please, clan elder and mama, rest assured."

As he spoke, he looked warmly at Shen Hua.

"This is a meeting gift from me as the legitimate elder brother. If it's not to your liking due to the urgency, I'll prepare something better for Yangyang next time."

Shen Hua stood aloof, expressionlessly watching this group of beasts in human attire. She really wanted to rip off Shen Qu's mask to see what was inside.

Everyone was watching Shen Hua closely, fearing she might do something extreme.

Shen Hua knew what was inside the box.

It was an Eastern pearl as large as a fist.

Pearls of this size had extremely low output, with reportedly fewer than ten of top quality produced annually.

Shen Qu indeed spared no expense.

The dark light in her eyes flickered; she smiled meaningfully, accepted it, and said nothing more.

It was truly unusual, but everyone present breathed a sigh of relief. The proceeding acknowledgment went smoothly afterward.

The sky was gradually getting brighter.

Friends and family who came for the funeral were arriving one after another.

Shen Qu was in the limelight, busy with the funeral arrangements and hosting visitors, earning everyone's praises for his filial piety.

In contrast, Shen Hua, who was panting every few steps she took, had everyone shaking their heads.

The mourning music played together, heartrending and mournful.

Mrs. Xue cried continuously in front of everyone. She threw herself onto the coffin, her insincere lament only to gain a good reputation: "Master, how shall I live now that you are gone?"

Shen Hua's eyes were red. She held back the urge to cry but could not endure Mrs. Xue's hypocrisy. Her voice, stripped of sobs, carried a cold hardness.

"The stepmother is so deeply affectionate that if she truly can't bear the separation, she might as well accompany daddy. As her daughter, I would surely ask the government to establish a memorial archway for her chastity."

Mrs. Xue choked, almost losing her breath.

But just at that moment, the He Family's people arrived.

He Chu wore plain clothes; his appearance could barely be called delicate. Not long ago, he became a Scholar; although not at the top, for his age, he was considered promising. By his side, Mrs. He kept her words and smiles reserved, with a hint of sharpness in her brow bones.

After all, as the mother of a Scholar, wherever she went, she was flattered, considering herself noble. She had long been dissatisfied with this marriage, let alone now.

Seeing Shen Hua's eloquent manner, she felt even more displeased.

"Aunt He."

Shen Qu quickly stepped forward and respectfully performed the junior's salute, not forgetting to call Shen Hua over.

"Yangyang, come over and pay your respects."

Evidently, he was quite adjusted to this new status.

Shen Hua chuckled.

Though Shen Qu was ignored, he showed no trace of embarrassment, only apologizing, "My little sister was rude, I hope Aunt He doesn't mind."

Mrs. He glanced around, realizing even if she offended the main family thoroughly, she could maintain good relations with the second branch: "Since the Shen family elders are present, it's good to have a witness. I've come specifically to annul the engagement."

A single sentence caused a thousand ripples.

The crowd hadn't even digested the words when Mrs. He walked a few steps closer to Shen Hua, with a distinct air of superiority.

"Miss Shen, don't blame the He Family for being tactless. Forgive me for being blunt; my son's future is limitless, and those of his age have all married; we can't wait for you to finish your three-year mourning period."

She glanced at Shen Hua.

"You're such a sickly person, unable to bear children, naturally the He Family can't be dragged down by you."

Her son, Chu, was currently highly sought after, with many eager to marry into the He family, anyone of whom was better than Shen Hua.

But given Shen Hua's cunning nature, she probably wouldn't be willing to let go of such a good match.

Mrs. He feared she wouldn't agree, causing a huge commotion and leaving the He Family disgraced.

But in the next moment!

Shen Hua cried!

The girl wept pitifully.

She was already frail, and now seemed as if she couldn't bear the blow, her body swayed as if about to collapse.

Would someone like Shen Hua cry?

Mrs. He felt an inexplicable chill down her back. Sensing a scheme.

Then she heard Shen Hua feign grievance and say.

"I understand."

"Who in Fengzhou City doesn't know you're notoriously mercenary, Madam?"

Mrs. He:??? Huh?