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He Said Goodbye to His Cousin After Parting Ways with the Scumbag: Book 1
墨書 Inktalez
"By the Mandate of Heaven," the Emperor decreed: "The Shen has a daughter, Shen Wei, who is dignified and virtuous, with a gentle disposition. She is to be married to Prince Jing, Zhao Yan, on an auspicious day. Thus it is commanded."
The sharp voice exploded in my ears like a death warrant from a past life. I jolted awake, my gaze landing on the familiar bright yellow imperial edict and the face of the eunuch delivering the decree, whose smile was as thin as paper.
What was happening? Hadn’t I already been poisoned by that pair of treacherous lovers—my good husband, Prince Jing Zhao Yan, and my dear cousin, Shen Ling? Hadn’t they conspired to force me to drink poison and cast me into the cold palace, ultimately leading to my fiery demise? The bone-deep pain and the despair of being engulfed in flames felt as fresh as yesterday.
I instinctively touched my neck; it was smooth and unmarked, devoid of any cruel bruises. Looking at my hands, they were slender and fair, not withered as they had been before my death.
"Sister, congratulations!" a delicate voice chimed in, laced with feigned excitement.
I looked up, my heart tightening. It was Shen Ling. She wore a pink dress, her makeup exquisite, her eyes betraying an unmistakable mix of pride and jealousy as she affectionately linked her arm with mine. These were the same hands that had served me that cup of poison in my previous life.
Beside her stood Prince Jing Zhao Yan. Dressed in splendid robes, he was handsome and charming, his lips curled into a gentle smile, yet his gaze towards me was unfathomable. In my past life, I had been deceived by this facade into believing I had found a worthy partner, only to end up with ruin and despair.
I pulled my arm away from Shen Ling's grasp, my movements somewhat stiff.
"Thank you for delivering the decree," I said to the eunuch with a slight bow. My voice carried a youthful clarity but was underlined by an eerie calmness.
The eunuch regarded me meaningfully before folding the edict and exchanging some pleasantries before departing.
"Wei'er, congratulations," Zhao Yan stepped forward, his tone sweet as honey.
I stared at him as images flashed through my mind—his orders to break my father's legs and his accusations against the Shen Family of treason that led to my abandonment. A wave of nausea surged within me.
"Your Highness is too kind," I replied softly, lowering my gaze to avoid his piercing eyes.
Seeing this, Shen Ling quickly interjected with a bright smile: "Sister must be overwhelmed with joy! To marry someone like Prince Jing is indeed a blessing for our Shen Family!" Her eyes flickered towards Zhao Yan with an infatuated gleam.
A blessing? More like a death sentence for the Shen Family!
My father, Grand Scholar Shen, stood nearby with an expression of uncontainable joy and hopeful anticipation for the future. He believed his daughter had found a good match and that our family would rise even higher without realizing this was just the beginning of our downfall.
In my past life, my father suffered due to my misfortunes and died in despair. The vast wealth of the Shen Family was devoured by Zhao Yan and Shen Ling while I was trampled underfoot and humiliated.
No! This time around, I would not repeat that fate!
"Father," I turned to Scholar Shen, "I am feeling unwell and would like to return to my room to rest."
Scholar Shen was lost in his joy; though surprised by my request, he nodded: "Very well. Go ahead; let Qing Zhu take good care of you."
I bowed slightly and turned away without casting another glance at the pair.
"Sister..." Shen Ling's voice called after me, tinged with subtle confusion.
I did not look back.
Returning to my own chamber, Zhi Lan Courtyard, I dismissed all the servants, leaving only my personal maid, Qing Zhu.
Qing Zhu was someone I had brought from my hometown. In my past life, she had died tragically at the hands of Shen Ling while trying to protect me. The memory of her suffering pierced my heart once more.
“Qing Zhu,” I said, looking at her still youthful face, my voice trembling slightly. “Do you trust me?”
Qing Zhu paused for a moment before nodding firmly. “Miss, you saved my life. I will always trust you, no matter what.”
I took a deep breath to steady myself. Good, at least I was not alone.
I walked to the dressing table, and the copper mirror reflected a young and beautiful face, still carrying a hint of innocence. I had just turned sixteen that day, the day of my betrothal. There was still time for everything.
Zhao Yan, Shen Ling, the Liu family, and all those who had wronged, humiliated, and harmed me—especially the Shen family—just wait.
In this life, I, Shen Wei, have crawled back from hell. Everything that was taken from me will be repaid in full!
I picked up a hairpin from the table; its cold touch sharpened my gaze like a blade.
Qing Zhu stood quietly beside me, observing the sudden change in her mistress's demeanor. Though she felt puzzled, she asked nothing and simply stood by with her hands at her sides.
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