After the delicate and soft-spoken wife gave up, the aloof and powerful minister embraced her and sh

In August of the fourth year of the Chuping era, the osmanthus flowers in the Jing'an Marquis's residence bloomed profusely, as bright as stars, and their fragrance was rich.

But it couldn't mask the bitter, fishy smell of the medicine.

A young maidservant emerged from the bedroom carrying an empty bowl that reeked of medicine, her face filled with disgust.

"What bad luck! It's been so long, why is she still hanging on by a thread? Does she really think the Marquis will come back to see her? What a dream!"

"Hurry up and die, you've really delayed the Marquis and the Princess's wedding!"

Her voice wasn't too loud or too soft; it might be loud enough for the people inside the house to hear.

But it doesn't matter if I hear it, since I'm going to die anyway.

Just then, the maidservant peeked inside through the open window.

What came into view was a pair of fair wrists, draped over the edge of the bed, so white they were dazzling.

On the bed, Lady Wen Jiayue of the Marquis's mansion had a plain face, her hair was disheveled, and she was breathing rapidly.

Yuanshan's brows were tightly furrowed, her once clear almond eyes were tightly closed, and her naturally red lips were slightly parted, as if she were murmuring something.

Even so, her sleeping face was still breathtakingly beautiful, like a delicate flower that could not be plucked.

But the flower is about to wither; even the most beautiful person can't withstand the torment of illness these past few days.

The young maid couldn't help but recall the lady she had seen when she first entered the mansion—her hair was cloud-like and her face was beautiful, she was stunningly beautiful, and every smile and frown was captivating.

It hasn't been long, yet we've fallen to this state.

The little maid clicked her tongue in amazement as she walked away.

Today is Miss's third birthday banquet, and even the Princess has come in person. She must hurry up and join in the fun.

The footsteps faded into the distance, and the person on the bed opened their eyes.

Wen Jiayue had a pair of extremely bright almond-shaped eyes, but at this moment they were dull and bloodshot, making her look emaciated.

Hearing the maid's words, a smile appeared on her lips, but it only made her look more bitter.

She married Shen Fuhan when she was sixteen, and they have been married for four years and have a daughter.

The daughter of a minor official of the seventh rank was marrying the eldest son of a marquis's family; it was a stroke of good fortune for her.

Moreover, Shen Fuhan was exceptionally handsome and refined, and his official position rose steadily, earning him the emperor's favor.

Although he treats her politely but distantly, he gives her face in front of outsiders and shows her the respect that a husband and wife should have.

All of this has led Wen Jiayue to fall deeply in love with him.

Even though the old lady disliked her for not being able to bear a son, and her sister-in-law was unreasonable and domineering, she always endured it, remained humble and submissive, and never bothered Shen Fuhan because of these things. She wholeheartedly served as his virtuous wife.

She thought that he was just cold-hearted and polite to everyone, but he had feelings for her.

Moreover, the pleasure that occurred every three days couldn't be faked; she knew he enjoyed it very much.

Every time she was hurt by his indifference, Wen Jiayue thought that she was his wife and that she could warm his heart sooner or later.

So, day after day, year after year, she fulfilled her duties as a wife.

Only today do I realize how ridiculous I have been.

On the surface, the couple lived in perfect harmony, treating each other with utmost respect.

In private, Shen Fuhan secretly began a relationship with the Princess, becoming her intimate lover.

Lady Jing'an, once the envy of everyone, has become the biggest laughing stock in Chang'an.

Wen Jiayue fell ill and never recovered.

Everyone said she was sick because of anger, but only she knew that she was harmed by someone else.

This illness is incurable by medicine, and it is most likely the work of the eldest princess.

As for whether Shen Fuhan was involved... she didn't want to speculate.

Shen Fuhan is currently away on business and has been away from home for half a month.

She sent countless letters, but they all disappeared without a trace, like stones sinking into the sea.

After everyone knew about this, the eldest princess began to openly enter the inner quarters, behaving like the mistress of a marquis's mansion.

However, Wen Jiayue, the true lady of the Marquis's mansion, was ignored by everyone.

This is not surprising. The old lady has always looked down on her humble origins, but now that she has the most noble Princess Yongzhen of the Great Zhou as her granddaughter-in-law, she must be overjoyed.

Wen Jiayue couldn't help but cough a few times. She knew she was nearing the end of her life, perhaps tonight.

She could feel her strength slowly draining away, her limbs becoming heavier and heavier, and she felt increasingly sleepy.

Just when Wen Jiayue was about to give up, there was a sudden commotion outside.

She paused, looking hopefully towards the door. The person who entered was not Shen Fuhan, but Princess Li Zhilan.

Li Zhilan, dressed in a red ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), strolled slowly towards us, radiant and dazzling.

She glanced at Wen Jiayue, who was bedridden, and smiled contemptuously.

"I told you to hold on to your last breath and see me, and your sister administered the medicine just right. That's why I say the younger sister understands the older sister best."

Wen Jiayue was stunned when she heard this, and stared at her intently.

The main courtyard of the Marquis's mansion was filled with Shen Fuhan's people, who could not be easily bribed. She had guessed countless times who was loyal to the Eldest Princess.

Or perhaps Shen Fuhan gave the order himself.

To everyone's surprise, it was her stepsister, Wen Ruohuan!

Although she was his stepsister, the two sisters had a very good relationship since childhood and could talk about anything. Even after they got married, they did not become estranged, and Wen Ruohuan often came to stay at the Marquis's residence.

Unexpectedly, she let a wolf into her house and was betrayed by her own family!

The feeling of being betrayed is unbearable. Wen Jiayue struggled to breathe, her internal organs aching. She forced herself to speak through the pain and resentment.

"What benefits did you promise her?!"

"benefit?"

Li Zhilan laughed wildly, but her tone was nonchalant: "Once I marry Shen Fuhan, she will be my only concubine."

Wen Jiayue clenched her hands tightly.

She had no idea that her stepsister had designs on her brother-in-law.

But why doesn't Wen Ruohuan consider that the Princess has always been intolerant of any imperfections? Does she really think that the promise will come true?

But Wen Ruohuan believed it, truly believed it, even at the cost of her sister's life, just for this vague promise!

Wen Jiayue's chest heaved, and a pool of blood gushed out.

The air was thick with the smell of blood, and Li Zhilan covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief in disgust.

"Today is your daughter's birthday, and I still need to prepare for her birthday banquet, so I'll be leaving now."

When her daughter was mentioned, Wen Jiayue's eyes became unfocused, and she murmured, "Zhaozhao..."

She had long lost track of time; it turned out that today was Zhao Zhao's third birthday.

Wen Jiayue's consciousness became increasingly blurred. She desperately tried to regain her senses and grabbed Li Zhilan's skirt.

"I want to see Zhaozhao, I want to see her..."

Li Zhilan looked down at her, a dark glint flashing in his narrow phoenix eyes.

"Don't regret it after you see it."

Li Zhilan clapped his hands, and a maid carrying a child walked in.

She took it herself and dismissed the maid.

Wen Jiayue gazed longingly at Zhaozhao, then her gaze suddenly stopped.

Why is Zhao Zhao so well-behaved and quiet, not moving at all in Li Zhilan's arms?

Wen Jiayue was horrified and shouted sharply, "Put Zhaozhao down! What have you done to her!"

She dared not think too deeply about it, staring at Li Zhilan with eyes full of terror.

Li Zhilan was known throughout Chang'an for his ruthlessness and disregard for human life.

However, she had a younger brother who doted on her and became emperor, so no one could do anything to her, which only fueled her arrogance.

She didn't know where the strength came from, but Wen Jiayue sat up.

“What else could I do?” Li Zhilan said casually. “She cried whenever she saw me, so I had no choice but to quiet her down.”

As she spoke, she tossed Zhaozhao onto the bed as if she were just throwing an object at someone.

Wen Jiayue took it steadily and reached out her hand tremblingly.

Her lovely daughter, who had called her "Mother" just yesterday, was now cold to the touch, with two clear handprints on her pale face.

Wen Jiayue hugged her daughter tightly and cried out in anguish to the sky.

The sound of weeping brought tears to the eyes of all who heard it, and for a moment, hundreds of birds sang in unison, their cries as loud as a baby's.

Li Zhilan watched with great interest as she watched her pained expression.

"Don't worry, you will die a more miserable death than your daughter," Li Zhilan laughed. "When the time comes, remember to turn into a vengeful ghost and take my life."

She pinched Wen Jiayue's chin and said, word by word, "Don't go the wrong way. It's right here on the bed where you and Shen Fuhan made love."

Wen Jiayue stared intently at her, then suddenly burst into laughter.

"Do you know that Shen... Shen Fuhan, he..."

A sudden cough interrupted the indistinct words, and Li Zhilan couldn't help but lean closer.

"What did you say?"

"I said……"

Wen Jiayue stared at Li Zhilan's chest, getting closer and closer.

She gripped the hairpin hidden under the soft pillow and, with all her might, stabbed it into her heart.

If we're going to die, let's die together!

The hairpin was pulled out, and blood splattered, staining the bed red.

I could hear screams and crashes, which gradually became faint and unreal.

She saw many people rush in, but her consciousness grew increasingly blurred. She stared blankly at her daughter's pale face and looked out the window.

A breeze blew, and the osmanthus blossoms, in full bloom, fell to the ground, creating a golden carpet.

It is a wonderful time of year.

Wen Jiayue hugged her daughter tightly and closed her eyes.