Transmigrated as a villainous woman, she emptied the entire capital and went into exile while pregnant. - Chapter 2

Chapter 2: The Sister-in-Law Wants Her Dead to Avenge Her Mother

A sharp noise jolted Yun Zhaoxue awake.

She opened her eyes and looked toward the door.

Standing there was a young woman in a light blue dress. Her brows carried the proud sharpness unique to a general’s daughter, and her aura was fierce and unyielding. She was the fourth young lady of the Xiao family—Yun Zhaoxue’s sister-in-law, Xiao Xiuning.

Xiao Xiuning raised her sword, its tip pointing straight at Yun Zhaoxue on the bed. Her eyes were bloodshot with hatred.

“Yun Zhaoxue, you vicious woman! You killed my mother—today, I’ll kill you to repay her life!”

Thinking of her mother coughing blood on the sickbed, Xiao Xiuning completely lost control. She lunged forward, thrusting her sword.

Yun Zhaoxue rolled to the side and kicked Xiao Xiuning’s wrist.

With a sharp crack, the sword flew from her grasp.

In one smooth motion, Yun Zhaoxue caught it, reversed her grip, and pressed the blade against Xiao Xiuning’s neck. Blood immediately seeped out.

“You—!” Xiao Xiuning’s pupils shrank. “You actually know martial arts?!”

Yun Zhaoxue looked at her calmly.
“Why are you so desperate to kill me?”

Xiao Xiuning trembled with rage, gritting her teeth.
“You still have the face to ask? My mother treated you so well! You wanted household authority—she gave it to you. You asked for anything, and she never refused. Yet you dared to drink abortifacients and elope with another man, driving her into serious illness!”

Yun Zhaoxue’s eyes darkened.

“If I die,” she said coldly, “the entire Zhenbei Prince’s Mansion will be dragged down with me. Do you want your mother saved—or do you think she’s lived long enough?”

Xiao Xiuning froze.

The original owner’s mother had once been a princess, deeply favored by the emperor due to saving his life. Because of that debt of gratitude, the emperor had always been lenient toward Yun Zhaoxue—even when officials impeached her countless times.

“What… what do you want?” Xiao Xiuning asked hoarsely.
“What will it take for you to save my mother?”

Yun Zhaoxue withdrew the sword and sheathed it.

“Beg me.”

Xiao Xiuning’s eyes widened.
“You ruined my mother—why should I beg you?!”

“You just tried to kill me,” Yun Zhaoxue replied indifferently. “A life for a life. We’re even.”

Xiao Xiuning clenched her fists, furious yet helpless.

“Enough,” Yun Zhaoxue yawned. “Your mother’s illness can’t wait. If you won’t beg, leave. I’m going back to sleep.”

Suddenly—

Bang!

Xiao Xiuning dropped to her knees.

Her eyes burned with humiliation as she stared at Yun Zhaoxue.
“As long as you save my mother, I’ll do anything you ask. Is that enough?”

Yun Zhaoxue raised an eyebrow.
“Is this how you beg? That look makes it seem like you want to eat me alive.”

Enraged, Xiao Xiuning trembled—but at the thought of her fragile mother, she finally lowered her head and kowtowed.

“Third Sister-in-law… please. For my mother’s sake, go to the palace and summon the imperial physician.”

Yun Zhaoxue smiled faintly.

“Who said I’m going to the palace?”

Xiao Xiuning’s face stiffened.
“You—you’re playing with me?!”

Yun Zhaoxue stood up.
“Get up. I can save your mother.”

“You?” Xiao Xiuning scoffed. “You don’t know medicine!”

Yun Zhaoxue paused, then pointed to her flat abdomen.
“Look at this child. I didn’t drink the abortifacient yesterday. As long as your mother knows her grandson is still alive, her heart will calm—and her illness will ease.”

Princess Yang’s room was packed with crying family members.

She lay on the bed, pale and exhausted, giving what sounded like final instructions. The Xiao family knelt around her, sobbing.

“Mother… don’t leave us…”
“Grandmother… please hold on…”

When Yun Zhaoxue entered, everyone instinctively made way.

“Mother,” Yun Zhaoxue said softly, “I didn’t drink the medicine yesterday. The child is still here. You misunderstood.”

Princess Yang struggled to sit up, coughing violently.

“Is… is that true?”

Yun Zhaoxue nodded.
“Of course. Please don’t get excited—your health is more important.”

She took out a water pouch and gently brought it to Princess Yang’s lips.

“Wait!” Xiao Xiuning grabbed her hand. “What are you giving my mother?!”

Princess Yang frowned.
“Ning’er, don’t doubt her.”

Xiao Xiuning clenched her teeth.
“Mother, she poisoned you before—how can we trust her—mmph!”

Yun Zhaoxue pinched her chin and poured the water straight into her mouth.

“Since you suspect poison,” Yun Zhaoxue said coolly, “you can be the test subject.”

The spiritual spring water took effect instantly.

Princess Yang’s breathing eased, the pain in her chest fading away. Color slowly returned to her face.

She looked at Yun Zhaoxue with complicated emotions.
“Xue’er… why are you still here?”

Yun Zhaoxue lowered her eyes and spoke gently.
“Mother Consort has always treated me well. I couldn’t bear to leave.”

Princess Yang patted her hand.
“Good child… it is our family that has wronged you.”

Xiao Xiuning snorted inwardly.

Princess Yang suddenly noticed the wound on Xiao Xiuning’s neck.
“Ning’er, how did you get injured?”

Xiao Xiuning opened her mouth to reply…….