In the Spring Banquet, the second sister flirted with the current imperial consort, enraging the princess.
Fearing revenge from the princess, the second sister took poison and committed suicide after returning home.
When the princess came looking, she was already in the coffin.
The princess, full of anger, had nowhere to vent.
My mother pushed me, making the princess notice me, who resembled my sister closely.
Immediately, I was taken back to the princess’s mansion.
In just a few months in the princess’s mansion, I was tortured beyond recognition.
Finally, when the princess calmed down, I was carried back home.
Unexpectedly, the day after I returned, I heard the cheerful laughter of my second sister at home.
“Mother is so clever, using the fake – death medicine to help me escape! I wouldn’t live if I became as hideous as my sister.”
“Of course, how could my daughter suffer! When the princess dies, your good days will come!”
After hearing this conversation, I was furious and wanted to report these two to the princess’s mansion.
But before I could act, I was tied up by my mother and given to an old widower as a concubine.
The old widower was a pervert, and I was tortured to death on the wedding night.
Surprisingly, when I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day my sister pretended to commit suicide.
1
“Miss, please go and see Miss Second quickly! Miss Second has taken poison and committed suicide!”
Nanny Zhou beside my mother rushed to me in a hurry.
Hearing the familiar words, unlike in my previous life, I didn’t immediately go with her to see my second sister.
Instead, I went back to my room and gave some instructions before following her unhurriedly.
Obviously, Nanny Zhou was dissatisfied with my performance.
She mumbled to herself.
I followed behind the old woman, pretending not to hear her words.
As soon as I arrived at the door of my second sister’s room, I saw my mother being supported by two maids, crying hysterically.
“Damn it! Yan’er had poison in her hand, and none of you around her noticed? You’re really damned!”
Several maids of my second sister were kneeling on the ground, trembling.
Especially her personal maid, Yinhuan, whose face had lost all color at this time.
In my previous life, perhaps Yinhuan knew too much.
On the day my second sister died, my mother disposed of Yinhuan.
Before Yinhuan was disposed of, she cried out loudly, “Madam, you clearly knew about the affair between Miss Second and the imperial consort. It was you who told me not to say anything, so I didn’t! As for the medicine Miss took…”
That was when I found out that my second sister had already been having an affair with the imperial consort.
Before Yinhuan could finish speaking, she was strangled to death by Nanny Zhou.
I was very shocked when I saw Yinhuan’s death.
I didn’t dare to stay longer and left in a hurry.
When I came out again, my second sister had already been put into the coffin.
Shortly after, the princess came to the house to demand an explanation.
And I was pushed out by my mother and became the scapegoat for my second sister!
This time, I couldn’t let Yinhuan die like this.
2
My mother looked at Yinhuan with eyes full of hatred.
“Yinhuan! As Yan’er’s personal maid, you failed to protect her. Now that your master is gone, how do you have the face to live!”
“Madam, I don’t know anything! Really, I don’t know anything!”
“Nanny Zhou, don’t you move…”
Before my mother could finish speaking, she suddenly looked at the inner room with a panicked expression.
“What are you doing, Lin Yun’er!”
Following the direction my mother was looking at, everyone’s eyes focused on me.
At this time, I didn’t watch my mother’s performance as in my previous life.
Instead, I walked into the inner room and sat down on Lin Yan’er’s “body”.
She was lying on the bed, pale – faced, but I could see the powder particles congealed on her face!
Hehe! Painting her face so white is so fake!
I clenched my fists and raised them high.
I started pounding on Lin Yan’er’s body crazily.
“Good heavens! Are you crazy!”
My mother no longer had the mind to deal with Yinhuan.
She quickly ran to my side.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her about to grab me fiercely.
But at this critical moment, I suddenly stopped.
“Ah!”
I covered my chest and let out a painful scream.
This sudden scream stunned my mother, who was about to lash out.
While she was in a daze, I turned around.
My face was already covered with tears!
“Mother, I don’t believe it! I don’t believe it! How could my kind – hearted second sister die!”
“Second sister, wake up, get up quickly!”
As I said this, I was about to pound on my second sister again.
I looked like a person who had gone mad because of the loss of a loved one.
Perhaps I acted too vividly, and my mother was stunned by my momentum.
She actually let me punch my second sister in the left eye in front of her.
With this punch, I used all my strength.
My second sister’s eye socket swelled up at a visible speed.
In the dim light, I saw my second sister’s face twitch slightly.
A tear fell from the corner of her eye, and the powder melted with the water, leaving a tear mark.
But she still didn’t move.
Hehe, I didn’t realize my good sister was so tough!
3
Just as I was about to punch my second sister in the right eye.
My mother, who had come to her senses, grabbed me.
“You dead girl, you hurt my Yan’er!”
Obviously, my mother also saw the tear in my second sister’s eye.
But I didn’t expose her. There were all her people in the room now.
It was useless to say more. It would be more interesting when things got lively later.
I sobbed and wiped the tears from my face.
“Mother, don’t worry. Now that Yan’er sister is gone, I will take good care of you in the future. To reassure you, I’ve already asked them to come over.”
My mother’s brows immediately knitted together.
“Who did you ask to come?”
Yan’er was just faking her death. After this crisis passed, she would come back to live a good life.
My mother just wanted to hold a simple funeral and be done with it.
But she never thought of involving outsiders.
“Uncles, aunts, and my aunt.”
“What? Who told you to invite them?”
Before my mother could finish speaking, someone outside answered.
“Third sister – in – law, you’re getting bolder. Yan’er is the flesh and blood of our Lin family. Now that such a big thing has happened, you still want to hide it?”
The speaker was the eldest mistress of the Lin family, my aunt.
My mother was my father’s second wife, and the way she took the position was not honorable.
My aunt hated her very much.
After getting married, my mother and father moved out of the Lin family mansion.
Later, my father died of illness. The Lin family asked us to move back, but because my mother was afraid of my aunt, we had been procrastinating.
“Eldest, eldest sister – in – law…”
4
As soon as she saw my aunt, my mother’s arrogance immediately diminished.
My aunt gave my mother an annoyed look.
She led a group of relatives in grandly.
“Where is Yan’er’s body?”
My mother became visibly more flustered.
Before marrying my uncle, my aunt had always followed her father in the military.
Her knowledge was far beyond that of an ordinary boudoir woman.
It would be difficult for Lin Yan’er’s fake death to deceive my aunt.
This was why I invited my aunt here.
As my aunt spoke, she walked towards my mother and me.
My mother quickly spread her arms to stop everyone.
“Yan’er was a quiet – natured person during her lifetime. Now that she’s gone, everyone, please don’t disturb her.”
“Moreover, Yan’er died of taking poison. Her intestines and stomach were rotted, and her appearance is really terrifying!”
Hearing this, the female relatives stopped in their tracks.
They weren’t very close to Lin Yan’er on weekdays. They came here just to watch the excitement.
If they were scared by the terrifying face of the dead, it wouldn’t be worth it.
Seeing that everyone no longer moved forward, my mother secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
But how could I let her have her way?
I quickly popped out from behind my mother and sobbed.
“Mother, how can you say that about second sister? Second sister looks good.”
“Besides, aunt has been on the battlefield. What kind of dead bodies haven’t she seen on the battlefield? How could she be scared by second sister’s appearance?”
“Although we’ve moved out, we’re still called people of the Lin family outside.
“Aunt is the mistress of the Lin family. She should at least take a last look at second sister! Otherwise, how will she explain it to grandmother when she goes back?”
My aunt, who had stopped walking, immediately walked forward again after hearing my words.
She usually looked down on my mother.
She didn’t like my mother’s children either.
But since she was here, if she didn’t even see Lin Yan’er for the last time, it would be hard to explain to grandmother when she went back.
“Third sister – in – law, step aside.”
“Eldest sister – in – law, it’s better not to…”
My mother was so anxious that she broke out in a cold sweat.
I felt very happy in my heart!
Is this all it takes to make you sweat?
My mother looked back at Lin Yan’er, and finally her eyes fell on me.
She gave me a fierce glare.
“When elders are talking, do you have a place to speak! You’re such a despicable wretch!”
I shrank my neck in fear, my eyes immediately filled with tears. I stood back behind my mother, lowered my head, and said nothing.
I only glanced at my aunt from time to time.
My eyes were full of timidity, just like a bullied person.
My aunt’s face immediately darkened.
“Sister – in – law, do you usually talk to Lin Yin’s child like this? Anyway, Lin Yin is your cousin.”
5
The Lin Yin my aunt mentioned was my mother’s childhood name.
She didn’t mention my father or the Lin family, only my mother.
My mother’s face turned pale immediately.
“Eldest sister – in – law, I’m just too sad, so I speak without thinking. Please don’t blame me! Besides, everyone knows that I love my children the most.”
She really loved them, but only the ones she gave birth to.
My aunt ignored my mother and walked straight towards Lin Yan’er on the low couch.
Seeing that she couldn’t stop her, my mother had to follow quickly behind.
Just as she was about to reach Lin Yan’er’s “body”, my mother rushed forward and threw herself on Lin Yan’er before my aunt.
Then, her sad cries echoed throughout the room.
“My Yan’er, your aunt is here to see you! My poor child! Wuwuwu! You left so early, how can mother live! Wuwuwu! Look how concerned your aunt is about you. Remember your aunt’s face well. When you go to the other side, send her more dreams!”
My mother’s large body blocked Lin Yan’er.
At this time, all my aunt could see was a pair of feet.
Originally, my aunt thought that after my mother finished crying, she would go up and take a couple of looks to fulfill the etiquette.
But she didn’t expect that my mother was crying and babbling, telling a newly – dead person to remember her face and come to her!
My aunt felt extremely unlucky but couldn’t say anything.
So, regardless of etiquette, she pretended to wipe the corners of her eyes and then turned and left.
Throughout the whole process, I was beside them.
Seeing the look on my mother’s face when my aunt turned and left, as if she had finally gotten away with it.
I sneered in my heart.
Did she think that passing my aunt’s test was the end?
Mother, this is just the beginning!
6
My aunt and the others talked for a while longer and then wanted to go to the main hall.
My mother saw that I was standing still and had no intention of leaving.
Her brows furrowed even deeper.
“What are you still doing here? Hurry up and go entertain your aunt and the others!”
I pretended to be sad and said, “Mother, I want to accompany my sister for a while longer.”
There were no outsiders around at this time.
I had been going against her all the time, and she had no patience with me anymore. She didn’t even bother to pretend.
“No need. You go out quickly! I’m annoyed just looking at you.”
I dragged my feet and walked out reluctantly, muttering to myself.
I looked back from time to time.
However, every time I looked back, I could see Nanny Zhou putting her ear close to my mother’s mouth.
As soon as they saw me, they immediately separated.
I quickly turned around and continued walking, but then I turned around again after taking one step.
The two of them had to separate again.
I walked and turned again.
They had to separate again.
I walked a ten – meter – long road for about the time it takes to burn an incense stick.
Seeing that I was about to reach the door, I looked back again.
My mother finally couldn’t take it anymore.
“Lin Yun’er, what on earth do you want?”
I blinked my eyes innocently.
“I just miss my sister in my heart…”
“Madam, the people delivering the coffin are here!”
I secretly glanced in the direction where the person came from.
I saw my maid, Tong’er, standing behind a rockery, secretly waving at me.
Immediately, I no longer hesitated and quickly left my second sister’s courtyard.
But faintly, I heard the voices of my mother and Nanny Zhou behind me.
“What’s wrong with that girl?”
“Who cares! The person Manager Li found has come. Madam, you can rest assured.”
7
As Tong’er and I were walking towards the door of our courtyard.
We saw a group of people carrying a coffin walking slowly by, followed by an old man.
I passed by the old man.
But when I looked at the old man, my heart skipped a beat.
Wasn’t this the old widower my mother forced me to marry in my previous life?
So he was the one who delivered the coffin and did the funeral affairs!
Seeing the person who had killed me in my previous life, I became completely stiff.
The old man felt my gaze on him and also looked up at me.
As a servant in short clothes, when looking at the young lady of the master’s family, he showed no hesitation, as if I would be his prey sooner or later.
He even asked with interest.
“Hehe! Is this the eldest miss? So beautiful!”
Hearing that sticky voice, I almost couldn’t help but rush up and strangle the old thing.
Tong’er was a little angry when she saw this.
“How dare you! Who is the eldest miss? How can you comment on her!”
The old man quickly lowered his head and returned to the humble appearance when he first walked over.
But the corner of his mouth that he couldn’t suppress was clearly visible to me.
I always thought that in my previous life, it was because I was disabled in the princess’s mansion that my mother married me to such a person.
I didn’t expect that my mother had arranged this man for me from the beginning!
Yes, it wouldn’t be difficult for my sister to fake her death and use me to bribe an old man who did funeral affairs.
It seemed that I had underestimated the viciousness of that mother – daughter pair.
And I had a new plan.
8
After returning to the room, I sent Tong’er out to listen to the movements in the mansion.
After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, it suddenly became lively outside.
Not long after, Tong’er rushed back.
“Miss, Yinhuan is missing!”
Yes, I had already arranged for Yinhuan’s mother to come and pick her up. Everything I had done before was just to delay time to save Yinhuan.
I picked up the tea cup and took a sip. “What about my dear mother?”
“The madam is furious! She and Nanny Zhou are leading people to search the whole mansion.”
My mother, although not very smart, always liked to cut the grass and remove the roots.
Yinhuan’s escape really threw her into a panic.
And I was waiting for the mansion to be in chaos so that my mother and the people around her would have no energy to pay attention to me for the time being.
Tong’er and I quickly changed our clothes, put on veiled hats, and ran out through the back door.
To make my second sister die happily, I had to add more fuel to the fire!
I ran all the way and soon arrived at the Imperial College.
At this time, it was just the time when the Imperial College dismissed.
Many young talents were coming out of the gate of the Imperial College.
In our dynasty, the folk customs were open, and it was not considered a shameful thing for a woman to take the initiative to pursue a man she liked.
But most women would wear veiled hats because of shyness.
At this time, I was standing among those women, not conspicuous at all.
The men coming out of the Imperial College naturally knew that there were women waiting for them at the gate.
They all walked with a handsome and elegant demeanor on purpose.
Some even recited two poems on purpose, causing the women to scream.
Not long after, some bold women went forward to throw flowers and fruits onto the carts of the men they fancied.
I also rushed forward with those women who were throwing things. But my target wasn’t those show – off men. Instead, I walked up to a young gentleman with his head down and shyly threw a bouquet of flowers at him. Then I ran away, and behind me came the catcalls of the men.
“A Rong, not bad! You’ve got a girl who fancies you!”
A Rong, Zhang Rong, was the younger half – brother of the current imperial consort. I believed he would definitely give the letter hidden in the flowers to the person I wanted to reach.
9
The Imperial College wasn’t far from the mansion where we lived. I rushed back home as fast as I could. After changing clothes with Tong’er, my mother and Nanny Zhou happened to come to search my place. The reason they searched so slowly was mainly because my aunt and the others were still in the mansion. My aunt always thought my mother was incompetent. If my aunt knew that a maid had run away, she would surely lecture her. So, even though my mother was anxious, she could only secretly tell the gatekeepers to watch the people coming in and out, and then search the mansion quietly by herself.
My mother and those servants came in, but naturally, they found nothing. However, before leaving, she left a set of clothes for me.
“Later, when you pay tribute to your sister, wear this. Yan’er said in her suicide note that this is her favorite dress, and she hopes you can wear it to send her off.”
I pretended to wipe away non – existent tears and respectfully accepted it. After seeing my mother off, Tong’er unfolded the dress. As expected, it was the same as in my previous life. It was the phoenix – passing – peony dress that Lin Yan’er wore when she went to the Spring Banquet.
Those two really went to great lengths to harm me. If I only had a five – point resemblance to Lin Yan’er originally, wearing this phoenix – passing – peony dress would make me eight – point similar to Lin Yan’er at the Spring Banquet. That’s why, in my previous life, when the princess saw me, she was furious. She said that I was heartless and cruel for wearing such a bright dress at my sister’s funeral. As a daughter of the imperial court, she had the responsibility to teach the children of officials with bad morals. And I was taken away by her just like that.
Before leaving, I cried out that it was my mother who asked me to wear it, and it was my sister’s last wish mentioned in the suicide note. But unexpectedly, my mother denied it on the spot.
“Your Highness, the child passed away suddenly. There was no suicide note. My eldest daughter must be confused. She thought that there would be many noble people at her sister’s funeral, and she wanted to show off her talent and beauty, so she dressed like this. Please don’t blame her. After all, which girl doesn’t want to find a good husband’s family!”
“Good! Good! Good! So this is how you educate your daughters. It seems that I must help you rectify the family tradition ! “
The princess was already extremely angry, and my mother’s words were like adding fuel to the fire. The princess flew into a rage, and I no longer had a chance to explain. I was directly taken to the princess’s mansion. What awaited me was three months of inhumane torture. My back was whipped to pieces, my legs were broken by the stick punishment, and poison directly deprived me of my fertility.
10
After my mother left, I didn’t idle around. After all, the princess would come soon. Seeing that old man, a new plan emerged in my mind. I could take revenge on my second sister and mother without using Yinhuan, but it would be a bit risky.
Looking at the dress in Tong’er’s hand, I smiled and said, “Help me put it on.”
Tong’er, however, frowned with a bit of melancholy.
“Miss, this dress was worn by Miss Second. I don’t feel at ease with you wearing it to keep vigil for her.”
In my previous life, Tong’er had said the same thing. But at that time, I was still foolishly thinking about sisterly affection. I thought that since my second sister had passed away, I should fulfill her last wish no matter what. Now, thinking about myself at that time, I was really stupid.
Of course, this time, I chose to wear this dress not for sisterly affection, but to send her off faster.
“Don’t worry. There will be a big commotion in this house soon, and no one will care what I wear.”
After changing clothes, I went straight to the mourning hall of my second sister. At this time, the coffin had been placed in the middle. White flowers and white cloth had also been arranged. The servants around were all sent by my mother to look for Yinhuan. In the mourning hall, only the old man was left there, tidying up the sacrificial offerings.
In my previous life, when I got married, I always heard others call him Old Zhangtou. I knew almost nothing about him except that. Seeing his skinny fingers when he was busy, those painful memories flooded into my mind like a tide. I really wanted to turn around and run away, but thinking of my plan, I gritted my teeth and stopped. I couldn’t back down.
I raised my feet and walked towards the mourning hall. As soon as Old Zhangtou, who was busy, saw me, his eyes lit up.
“Oh, the eldest miss is here!”
Then, seeing that there was no one around me, he became bolder in his words.
“This dress is really beautiful. With your figure, you’re even more charming than the top courtesan in the brothel!”
Brothel! This old thing was really disgusting! But for the next things to go smoothly, I had to suppress my nausea.
I smiled at Old Zhangtou and said, “Really? Hehe! You have a good eye, sir. I also think it looks good.”
I lowered my voice and deliberately put on a shy look.
“Actually… I wore it on purpose for you to see. Sir, do you like it?”
After saying that, I deliberately gave him a sweet smile that could kill someone. Old Zhangtou was stunned. He was like a dumb goose, just nodding stupidly.
“I like it! I like it so much! Oh my god! What your mother said is so right. You’re the most suitable to be taken home as a wife!”
I continued to giggle at him. The old thing had already dropped the sacrificial offerings in his hands and was approaching me step by step. As he got closer, a familiar sour and stinky smell came over.
“Beauty, your mother has promised to betroth you to me. Why don’t we have some fun first?”
I twisted my waist and gave a coquettish smile.
“Okay, sir. To make us enjoy ourselves, look what I’ve brought!”
When the old thing pounced on me, I turned around and dodged, but I took off a water bag from my waist. I playfully shook it at him.
“Authentic monkey – brewed wine!”
Old Zhangtou’s eyes widened.
“Wow! I can’t believe a young lady in the boudoir like you has such a good thing!”
I covered my mouth and giggled.
“I bought it at a high price from a passing merchant. At that time, I thought I would leave it for my future husband to drink. When I saw you today, sir, I was so happy that I brought it here.”
“So, you like me, young lady?”
I put on a shy look again.
“Sir, you’re imposing, with a handsome face. You’re clearly an outstanding person. Not just me, which girl wouldn’t like you?”
“Hahaha!”
The old thing was elated by my words. I took the opportunity to pour him a cup of wine and fed it to his mouth.
“Sir, have a sip.”
Old Zhangtou didn’t drink but looked at me with a smiling face. That look…
Oh no!
The next moment, my wrist was suddenly grabbed by him with great force.
11
“You little slut! I’ve been around in the world for most of my life. With your little tricks, you still dare to show off in front of me! Hehe! You’ve got some guts!”
In the world?
Damn it! I was so focused on revenge that I really didn’t know much about this person. I underestimated him. In my panic, the old man’s other hand had already started pulling my clothes. His disgusting face also came closer.
Damn it!
It was all my fault for being careless! I should have thought that in my previous life, this person dared to kill me even though he knew I was the eldest miss of the Lin family. How could I think that I could control him with just a little trick?
For a moment, unwillingness, anger, and fear filled me. Just as I was anxious, there was a loud “bang” above my head. Then, Old Zhangtou collapsed and fell beside me.
Without the old man’s stinky face in the way, I saw Tong’er standing there with a stick in her hand, her eyes a bit dull.
“Tong’er!”
Fortunately, whenever I was going to do something, I would leave a note for Tong’er. Since I was reborn, I no longer did things as naively as in my previous life. I always tried my best to be well – prepared. But this time was still extremely risky. What if Tong’er arrived late or didn’t notice? The consequences would be disastrous!
Tong’er heard my call and burst into tears. She threw the stick in her hand far away.
“Miss, I, I killed someone!”
I quickly pushed the old thing away and covered her mouth.
“Don’t cry! He’s not dead! We still have big things to do. We can’t attract people here!”
She nodded vigorously. I let go of my hand, and her little face was all wrinkled with fear.
This girl was always like this, always obeying my words. In two lifetimes, she had never questioned me. But thinking that in her previous life, she ended up being sold by my mother, my heart ached as if being grabbed.
12
I didn’t dare to delay any longer. I turned around and kicked the old man over. He was still unconscious. I picked up the water bag and pried open the old thing’s mouth and poured the wine in. I didn’t stop until I saw a blush appear on the old man’s face. During this process, he was about to wake up once, and Tong’er hit him with the stick again.
After dealing with this, I went to the middle of the room. Lin Yan’er’s coffin was enshrined there. I walked to the coffin, leaned over, and looked in. Lin Yan’er had been tidied up and was lying there peacefully. Her face was rosy, no worse than that of a living person.
Anyway, it was right. She was originally alive. It was just that the fake – death medicine made her pulse extremely weak, making people think she was dead. Looking at that beautiful face.
I first raised my hand and slapped her two hard slaps.
The night before my mother tied me up and married me to Old Zhangtou in my previous life, she came to see me. As soon as she saw me, she slapped me twice.
“You such a bitch, it’s good enough that someone wants you. You’re still not willing? You really deserve a beating!”
My mother was giggling beside her at that time.
“Oh, be gentle. What if you make her ugly and she gets returned tomorrow? If you don’t like her, here, use this to stab her!”
“Mother, you’re so thoughtful!”
Lin Yan’er happily took a half – inch – long steel needle from my mother and stabbed it all into my skin. The bone – piercing pain made me unforgettable in two lifetimes.
Hateful! I didn’t have a needle with me now, so I could only stab her hard with a hairpin. Lin Yan’er’s eyes began to roll around. It seemed that she had regained consciousness. But the effect of the fake – death medicine made her unable to open her eyes.
Just right!
Let my good sister experience the feeling of watching others kill her step by step but being unable to resist!
I whispered in her ear, “Second sister, big sister is here to feed you some wine! Soon, you can be intimate with Old Zhangtou that mom found for you.”
Lin Yan’er’s eyes rolled even more frequently. I sneered and poured all the remaining wine of Old Zhangtou into my sister’s mouth.
“Good sister, drink slowly. This is what big sister bought at a high price. Don’t waste it.”
The thing mixed in the wine was bought from the brothel behind the Imperial College. I had also drunk it in my previous life. My second sister personally fed it to me before I was tied onto the bridal sedan. At that time, I really didn’t expect that I would have the opportunity to give it back to her to drink!
My second sister, who had been fed a bellyful of wine , began to tremble slightly. Could it be that the stimulation was too great and the fake – death medicine was diluted?
Even better!
After I finished dealing with this, Tong’er had already dragged Old Zhangtou over.
13
It took a lot of effort for us to stuff Old Zhangtou into the coffin too. Because of our commotion, both of them showed signs of waking up. But I no longer cared when they would wake up. Tong’er and I worked together to completely close the half – closed coffin lid.
Actually, I wanted to nail the coffin shut, but I heard the voices of my mother and others in the distance. Tong’er and I didn’t dare to stay any longer and quickly slipped out through the side door. We sneaked around and turned onto another path.
Just as we, the master and the servant, stood still, Nanny Zhou rushed over in a hurry.
“Oh, eldest miss, why are you here? The princess has come, and madam asks you to go and meet her.”
As she spoke, Nanny Zhou kept looking at the clothes I was wearing. After confirming that it was the phoenix – passing – peony dress of my second sister, the old woman’s eyes were filled with uncontrollable excitement.
Tong’er and I followed Nanny Zhou and returned to the front yard from another road. At this time, everyone in the room was bowing to the princess. I quickly stood at the back and bowed too. Nanny Zhou bent down and rushed to my mother’s side in a hurry.
After bowing, I secretly looked at the princess. The imperial consort wasn’t here? It seemed that the letter I sent had been delivered. My plan was about to succeed!
14
After everyone greeted the princess, the princess went to the main seat in the main room and sat down. After the princess sat down, she didn’t ask everyone to sit, so everyone could only stand and wait for the princess to speak.
The princess looked around at everyone with disdain.
“I’m idle and walking around. I didn’t expect to encounter a funeral in your mansion. Whose is it?”
My aunt bowed and replied, “It’s the second daughter of my third brother.”
The princess sneered.
“Oh? Is it that Lin Yan’er? How did she die? I saw her chatting happily with the imperial consort yesterday. She was very healthy.”
My aunt only knew that Lin Yan’er seemed to have offended the princess at the Spring Banquet. She didn’t know the details. When the princess suddenly came, she felt something was wrong. Now, hearing these words, she understood everything!
She was almost furious! Although the Lin family couldn’t compare with the royal family, it was still a noble family of the literati. How could they raise such a daughter? She didn’t know how to answer for a moment.
The princess didn’t care about her but turned her eyes to my mother.
“Lin Shi, you tell me how your daughter died.”
My mother quickly knelt down.
“Your Highness, my second daughter has a narrow mind. She just had a few words with my eldest daughter and then took poison because she couldn’t think it through.”
After my mother said this, she knelt and looked back into the crowd.
Hehe! She was going to drag me in.
“Which one is your eldest daughter?”
The room was as quiet as a cicada in winter. The people kneeling around me consciously moved away from me a little. This made the princess notice me in the crowd at a glance.
Just one look, and the anger on her face increased a bit.
“Is this Lin Yan’er’s sister?”
Hearing the princess call me, I quickly crawled forward to reply.
“Yes, it’s me.”
“The daughters of the Lin family are really interesting! At her sister’s funeral, the sister is dressed so brightly. It really opens my eyes.”
Just like in my previous life, before I could answer, my mother cried and rushed to answer.
“Your Highness, please see clearly. My eldest daughter has always been cold – faced and heartless. Her sister died because of her, but she’s not sad at all. Instead, she deliberately dressed like this. She’s really vicious! I can’t control this child anymore. Please make a decision, Your Highness.”
The princess already disliked me. Hearing what my mother said, she immediately threw the cup.
“What a vicious woman! I can’t believe there’s such a snake – hearted person among the official ladies in the capital! Since the Lin family can’t control her, it’s better to hand her over to me.”
My aunt heard the princess’s words, raised her head to speak, but was pulled back by the sister – in – law beside her.
It really wasn’t worth having a conflict with the princess for my sake.
“Come here! Take her away!”
Several burly women were about to come to my side.
Unlike in my previous life, I didn’t plead for mercy, struggle, or beg bitterly. Instead, I calmly bowed to the princess. Then I bowed in the direction of my mother.
My mother rolled her eyes and accepted my bow.
“You bad girl, don’t think that pretending to be submissive and bowing can make the princess spare you, a bad person.”
Then she turned to the princess with a smile.
“Your Highness, you can discipline my daughter as you like. As long as you’re satisfied, anything is fine.”
The princess snorted disdainfully.
Just as the women were about to grab me, I suddenly shouted.
“Your Highness, for the sake of justice in the world, I want to expose my family’s evil deeds.”
15
Everyone in the room was stunned. Especially my mother. Her mouth opened and closed several times before she could make a sound.
“Usually, you can’t even speak clearly, yet you dare to show off in front of the princess! Shut up!”
But I didn’t even give my mother a glance.
“Your Highness, the reason I’m dressed brightly is that no one in my family has died.”
As soon as my voice fell, my mother jumped up from the spot.
“Nonsense! You little wretch, how dare you lie in front of the princess!”
As she spoke, she lunged at me, trying to grab me. However, before she could even touch the corner of my clothes, a woman brought by the princess slapped her to the ground.
“How dare you speak foul language in front of the princess!”
The princess also stood up, her expression rather thought – provoking.
“What do you mean?”
“What I mean, Your Highness, is that Lin Yan’er isn’t dead.”
Just then, someone outside suddenly shouted.
“Good heavens! A corpse has come back to life!”
“A corpse has come back to life!”
“Miss Second has come back to life!”
The room erupted into chaos. The people brought by the princess immediately surrounded the princess to protect her. But the princess pushed them aside.
“What are you panicking about? I’m of royal blood. Which evil spirit would dare to approach me? Let’s go. I want to see what kind of tricks the Lin family is up to!”
During the days when I was brutally tortured by the princess, I became very familiar with her arrogant and domineering manner. With the favor of the royal family, she was bold and unconstrained, without any taboos.
If my second sister hadn’t faked her death and had fallen into the princess’s hands, she would probably have ended up in a more miserable state than me. At least I managed to leave the princess’s mansion alive.
After saying that, the princess strode towards the main room. I quickly followed, not giving the people of the Lin family a chance to talk to me.
16
As soon as we reached the main room, everyone immediately saw the coffin shaking up and down. Before anyone could react, my mother rushed forward like crazy and hugged the coffin with both hands.
“What are you doing, Lin Shi!”
Hearing the princess’s words, my mother turned around. She pressed her back tightly against the coffin, as if with her meager strength, she could stop the coffin from shaking. Little did she know that she was shaking along with the coffin.
The posture and rhythm were… well, any married woman could feel a bit familiar.
“Your Highness, the servants saw it right. It’s a corpse coming back to life! You’re of noble birth. You mustn’t be harmed by such a thing. Everyone, leave first. I’ll stay behind.”
Before anyone else could respond, Nanny Zhou’s wailing filled the air.
“Madam, for the princess, for the royal family, and for the Lin family, you’re truly dedicated! Facing this evil spirit, not only do you not run away, but you also risk your life. Your Highness, all noble people, please never forget our madam’s heroic deeds!”
Nanny Zhou sobbed pitifully. My mother gave the old servant an approving look. The master and servant understood each other and performed even more vigorously.
But I didn’t have time to watch them. I walked out of the room. A woman with a red mole on her ear was waiting for me on the side. She held a huge torch in her hand. I quietly took it from her, and she bowed to me.
“Thank you for saving Yinhuan.”
I nodded and smiled at her, then rushed into the room with the torch.
My mother and Nanny Zhou were still acting vigorously.
“Forget it, Third Sister – in – law. Let’s all go out.”
“No, I must protect you all. You go first. I’ll deal with this myself. It’s not in vain that we’re mother and daughter!”
My aunt and several women of the Lin family were clearly touched.
Just then, I walked right up to the coffin with the torch.
“Mother, don’t be afraid. Let me protect you!”
Seeing the torch, my mother let out a terrified scream.
“What are you doing?”
Without saying a word, I threw the torch onto the coffin. The coffin was covered with newly – applied wax oil. As soon as it met the fire, it burst into flames with a “whoosh”.
Seeing the coffin burning brightly, I turned to my mother and said, “Mother, what you said just now really touched me. You want to be loyal to the royal family and filial to the Lin family. As your daughter, how could I let you be in danger? Since Second Sister’s corpse has come back to life, let me handle it.”
“You, you, you!”
My mother pointed at me three times but couldn’t say a word.
The coffin was burning more and more vigorously. My mother no longer cared about anything else and shouted for someone to put out the fire.
17
The maids came to put out the fire. My mother, in a hurry, joined them.
I said casually, “Mother, there’s a corpse coming back to life inside! You must be careful…”
At this moment, my mother’s hair was in a mess, her eyes blood – red, and she had completely lost her usual dignity.
“To hell with your corpse coming back to life! My Yan’er…”
She still refused to tell the truth. I turned to the crowd and smiled.
“Since it’s an evil spirit, why can’t we let it be burned by the fire? Mother is so anxious. I’m afraid what’s burning inside is a living person, right?”
“You little wretch!”
Hearing my words, my mother threw the wooden basin in her hand and lunged at me again, as if she was ready to risk her life.
Fortunately, the princess was quick. She told the servants beside her to hold my mother back.
Although the princess was overbearing, she was also smart. She knew there was something fishy when she saw the coffin shaking, but she didn’t show it and just watched everyone’s performance.
And I wasn’t afraid of being deceived by my mother. If the princess still didn’t believe me, it wouldn’t be a problem to have Yinhuan appear and act.
I had made full preparations. No matter what the situation was, it wouldn’t be disadvantageous to me.
My mother was making a big scene, but it soon quieted down because the fire on the coffin was finally extinguished.
The coffin was opened, and the scene inside left everyone stunned. Then came the screams of the female relatives and the collective action of covering their eyes.
There, my second sister, who should have been lying dead, was entangled naked with an old man. The two were extremely engrossed. Even though their bodies were smoking from the fire, they were still inseparable.
“Scoundrels!” The princess exclaimed.
But immediately, a hysterical roar came from the crowd behind the princess.
“You whore! You deceived me!”
Then, a man in short clothes rushed out of the crowd. He grabbed Old Zhangtou and started beating him up.
The people present recognized the man’s face, and the scene immediately descended into chaos. The two people in the coffin were pulled out naked, and everyone started whispering.
“Isn’t this the imperial consort? Why is he dressed like this?”
“Good heavens, this is the first time I’ve seen a woman naked in public, doing such a thing…”
“Why is the imperial consort so angry? Does he have a secret with this woman?”
My mother looked at the chaotic scene and collapsed to the ground, her eyes rolled back, and she fainted.
The princess gave me a deep look.
“I believe what you said.”
18
Recently, a strange thing happened in the capital.
It was said that a few days ago, the princess took the imperial consort to visit the Lin family. The imperial consort choked to death while eating tangyuan at the Lin family. The second young lady of the Lin family also choked to death, and the mistress of the Lin family was driven mad by choking.
In the already – declining third branch of the Lin family, the only one who could take charge was the eldest young lady, Lin Yun’er, who lived a secluded life.
The eldest young lady was deeply grieved by the loss of her relatives. To avenge her mother and second sister, she sent Old Zhangtou, who made tangyuan in the mansion, to the palace to become a eunuch. But unexpectedly, Old Zhangtou was pulled to death during the castration.
The people in the capital were full of sighs, and many mansions removed tangyuan from their menu.
This matter caused a stir for a while. But there was another version. It was said that the second young lady of the Lin family liked both old and young men. Besides the imperial consort, Old Zhangtou, who made tangyuan, was also her guest in bed. The three of them were caught by the princess while having fun.
There were all kinds of rumors, and for a while, the storytellers in the teahouses were kept busy.
However, in reality, three months after the imperial consort’s death, his younger half – brother became the new imperial consort of the princess’s mansion and also the new head of the former imperial consort’s family.
People then started sighing that even a concubine – born son could have a future if he followed the right person.
I listened to Tong’er’s vivid description, smiled, and fed a tangyuan to my mother’s mouth. The tangyuan was big and hot, and the filling inside was as hot as lava. Ordinary people wouldn’t dare to swallow it directly.
Unfortunately, I’m not an ordinary person. I fed the tangyuan to my mother with a loving face, watching her unable to move, her face flushed red from the heat, and moaning in pain. I just patted her.
“Mother, you have to eat. Second sister is still in the princess’s mansion. You have to live to see her when she comes out.”
“Second sister will surely have good fortune after surviving this great disaster. Don’t worry, the princess won’t make things difficult for her.”
Seeing another scalding tangyuan approaching, my mother rolled her eyes and pretended to faint.
I put down the soup bowl indifferently, tucked the corner of the quilt for her, and looked out the window. The branches were lush and green outside. My new life had arrived.
– The End –
