Chapter 3: Hou Fu

So many enthusiastic old readers have come, and I am really happy in my heart. Thanks for the evaluation ticket from "渡花影", thanks for the sachet from "红兔09", thanks for the fan from "爱猫乐园", thanks for the amulet from "红月苍狼", give me a hug one by one (づ￣3￣)づ╭?～ Don't forget to collect what you like~O(∩_∩)O~ Welcome all book friends to leave enthusiastic comments, and provide more suggestions and feedback~

－－－－－－－－－

"We have arrived at the Marquis of Weinin's residence. Please, madam, young master, and young miss, alight from the carriage," said the voice of Mrs. He from outside the carriage.

Xu Zhen alighted first, then helped Zou Shi and Xu Jinyu down from the carriage.

The vermilion main gate of the Marquis of Weinin's residence was tightly closed, and the inscription on the gate was ancient and vigorous, with the characters faded after enduring wind and rain.

This plaque was personally bestowed by the Emperor of Dayan, and it had been hanging for over a hundred years. The Marquis of Weinin's residence had been expanded three times, with the enclosing wall getting longer and more courtyards being added. Only this plaque remained unchanged, witnessing the prosperity of the Marquis of Weinin's residence.

Xu Jinyu raised her eyes, quickly skimming over the four characters "Marquis of Weinin's Residence" on the plaque, a hint of a cold smile appeared at the corner of her lips, then quickly disappeared.

More than ten years later, the entire Marquis of Weinin's residence was beheaded. This plaque, which had hung for over a hundred years, was also taken down and split into two pieces with a single stroke. The prestigious Marquis of Weinin's residence, which had been passed down for a hundred years, was thus dispersed and vanished into thin air...

Xu Jinyu lowered her eyelids and obediently followed Zou Shi into the Marquis's residence.

Zou Shi came from a scholarly family and had lived in Lin'an with her husband, Xu Han, for many years, so she had some knowledge. At this moment, seeing the grandeur of the Marquis of Weinin's residence, she couldn't help but be amazed.

Mrs. He led the way, introducing the layout of the Marquis's residence attentively, "This is the outer residence, and after passing the hanging flower gate, it is the inner residence. The lady resides in the Tinglan Courtyard, the eldest son and his wife reside in the Qianyun Pavilion..."

Upon hearing the words "eldest son," Xu Jinyu's expression remained unchanged, but her lowered eyes grew cold, and her right hand, hidden in her sleeve, clenched tightly.

Mrs. He led everyone into the Tinglan Courtyard.

A young maid, dressed in indigo, came out to announce their arrival. She smiled and bowed, "I am Hanyu, and I greet madam, young master, and young miss. The lady is waiting in the hall. Please follow me inside."

Hanyu was about sixteen or seventeen years old, with fair skin, almond-shaped eyes, and a smiling expression.

Zou Shi nodded with a smile, but she didn't feel quite right in her heart.

Having traveled a long way to seek refuge with her younger sister, but this sister, who had been the Marquis's wife for over ten years and whom she hadn't seen in so long, was acting a bit too aloof. She didn't even bother to come out to greet them, only sending a maid to welcome them...

Well, she had brought her son and daughter to seek refuge, and in the future, she would have to rely on Zou Shi's support. She couldn't be too particular about this.

Zou Shi gathered her spirits and led her children into the main hall of the Tinglan Courtyard.

A gorgeously dressed woman rose with a smile.

With a pointed melon seed face, curved willow eyebrows, eyes like water, and cherry lips, every feature of her was beautiful. What was even more captivating was the myriad of charm she exuded in her every move.

Clearly nearing thirty, she looked as if she were only twenty.

This woman was none other than the Marquis's wife, Zou Shi.

Even though she had been mentally prepared, at the moment she saw Zou Shi, Xu Jinyu couldn't help but tremble slightly. A surge of hatred rose in her heart.

As beautiful as a celestial, but as venomous as a scorpion!

If it weren't for Zou Shi, she wouldn't have met such a fate in her previous life.

Even though she had avenged herself in the end, the dead could not be brought back to life. Xu Zhen and Zou Shi had already slept forever in the early summer, and they would never return to her side. She had died before the age of thirty, lying in a dilapidated and dimly lit room, waiting for death, feeling that there was nothing left to live for because she had avenged herself.

If she could start over in this life, she would never make the same mistakes again. She would never let go of this malicious woman before her.

...

"Elder sister," Zou Shi walked up with a beaming smile, warmly holding Zou Shi's hand, "It's been fifteen years since you went to Lin'an with your husband and haven't returned to the capital. It's been fifteen years since we, sisters, have seen each other."

Zou Shi's warmth slightly eased Zou Shi's previous gloomy mood, and she sighed with a smile, "Yes, it's been fifteen years."

When she married and left in her prime, Zou Shi was just an unloved illegitimate daughter in the Zou family. The year she left for Lin'an with her husband, Zou Shi married the Marquis of Weinin as his concubine. Now, Zou Shi was the second-rank noble wife with a patent, while she, the legitimate elder sister, was just a widow of a fourth-rank official.

The vicissitudes of life made one couldn't help but sigh.

Zou Shi glanced at Zou Shi, feeling even more emotional.

After her husband's death, she had aged rapidly, always carrying a few traces of sorrow and loneliness between her brows. At the age of thirty-four, she looked like a woman in her forties. In contrast, Zou Shi was like a flower blooming in fertile soil, beautiful and charming, exuding the charm of a mature woman.

The two sisters were only four years apart, but at this moment, they formed a strong contrast.

Any woman cared about her appearance. Despite Zou Shi's calm mindset, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy and self-pity.

Zou Shi's eyes fell on Xu Zhen, "This must be Zhen'er!"

Xu Zhen stepped forward, bowing and saluting, "Nephew Xu Zhen pays his respects to Aunt."

Zou Shi looked Xu Zhen over and praised with a smile, "Zhen'er resembles his father, with clear and refined features, courteous and talented."

Han Xian, a man of extraordinary talent and handsome appearance, was once chosen as the top scholar, enjoying unparalleled glory. As the daughter of the Zou family, Miss Zou married Han Xian, creating a widely praised love story. Han Zheng, with looks and temperament surpassing his father, also left a favorable impression on people.

Miss Zou looked at the demure girl and asked, "Is this Jinniang?"

Xianyu pursed her lips and softly called her aunt.

The gentle and soothing tone of her voice was as pleasant as the flowing stream, leaving Miss Zou in awe as she gazed at Xianyu. The fourteen-year-old girl was exceptionally beautiful, with a gentle and serene demeanor, resembling a rare and precious jade. Her clear, bright eyes were like a pool of clear water, captivating anyone who looked into them.

Unable to contain her admiration, Miss Zou praised, "Jinniang, you are truly beautiful. Even though I consider Yuer to be quite outstanding, compared to you, she falls short by far."

Ji Yu, Miss Zou's daughter, was thirteen years old.

Xianyu modestly lowered her head and replied, "Aunt, you flatter me." Her simmering resentment and anger gradually settled within her.

Miss Zou, astute and sharp, had to be on guard and maintain her composure. She couldn't afford to show any weaknesses.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Miss Zou suggested, "You must be tired from the journey. You can rest and settle in at Yin Yan Pavilion. I will host a welcoming banquet for you tonight." She then instructed Hanyu, "Go to Qing Zhi Garden and inform the third miss to come to Ting Lan Courtyard tonight."

Hanyu respectfully complied and cautiously asked, "Should we also inform the residents of Chen Xiang Pavilion and Qian Yun Residence?"

Miss Zou's smile seemed to falter for a moment before she calmly replied, "Send a message to Chen Xiang Pavilion. The Marquess's consort is currently recuperating and should not be disturbed. Let's not involve her in tonight's banquet."

...

The late Marquess of Weinings's first wife, Madam Chen, bore two daughters and a son.

The eldest daughter, Ji Huan, married into the Marquess of Zhenxi's residence, while the second daughter, Ji Wen, was already engaged and would be married this year. The eldest son, Ji Ze, was granted the title of heir early on and married the eldest daughter of the prestigious Gu family.

After entering the family, Miss Zou only gave birth to her daughter, Ji Yu, and had no sons.

The Marquess of Weinings had been stationed at the border with the Western Army for several years and had not returned to the capital. The heir, Ji Ze, mostly stayed in the military camp. With only a few female relatives in the vast Marquess's residence, Miss Zou, as the stepmother, had a delicate relationship with the Marquess's consort, Gu. As for Ji Wen, as a soon-to-be-married young lady, she didn't need to show any grievances.

Miss Zou quickly made up her mind after organizing the information about the Marquess's residence.

Upon arriving at Yin Yan Pavilion, Li Mama led the maidservants to settle the luggage, while Miss Zou took Xianyu's hand and whispered, "Jinniang, although your aunt is the mistress of the Marquess's residence, she is still a stepmother, and her relationship with the Marquess's consort, Gu, may not be appropriate. Also, the second Miss Ji, being the daughter of the late Marquess's first wife, may not be very close to your aunt. We must wholeheartedly support your aunt in our words and actions in the Marquess's residence. Remember to be close to your cousin, Yu..."

Xianyu listened absentmindedly, nodding or murmuring from time to time, but her heart was filled with a bitter and cold laughter.

The relationship between Miss Zou and Gu was more than just inappropriate. There were dirty secrets entangled in it, and speaking of them would only sully her mouth and Miss Zou's ears.

Soon, Gu would be critically ill and pass away.

After Gu's death and Ji Wen's marriage, the Marquess's residence would become entirely under the control of Miss Zou.

Miss Zou was ruthless and cunning, adept at acting, and her facade was flawless. In her previous life, when she first entered the Marquess's residence, she was naive, gentle, and kind, and was deceived by Miss Zou without realizing it. She naively believed that Miss Zou had her best interests at heart and was grateful to her. It wasn't until years later, after experiencing bitter hardships, that she finally saw through Miss Zou's true nature.

But by then, it was too late.

She was confined to the estate, and Xu Zheng was ensnared because of her.

After that, Xu Zheng was beheaded, and Miss Zou took her own life.

To protect her, Chunxia was willing to die for her. She wanted to take Chunxia with her, but Chunxia refused, tearfully saying, "I am just a lowly servant, and dying for Miss today is worth it. Please, Miss, live well and keep the things Young Master gave you hidden. Find the right time to avenge Young Master and Madam."

With tears streaming down her face, she gritted her teeth and escaped from the estate.

Behind her, the flames lit up the sky.

At that moment, the kind, weak Xianyu died completely. Seeking revenge and hatred became the driving force for her to survive.

The heavens took pity on her and granted her a new life.

In this life, she could make amends for the mistakes of her previous life. She wouldn't spare anyone who had once hurt or betrayed her!

...