Chapter 3

After getting dressed, Zhao Qingzhi stepped out of her room. Her two elder brothers, Zhao Ningbo and Zhao Ninglang, turned to look at her. Their younger sister wore a pale green ruqun, its skirt embroidered with scattered pear blossoms as white and pure as snow. The sash tied around her slender waist accentuated her graceful, willow-like figure. Her eyes held a softness that was difficult to describe, and because she had only just awakened, she possessed a touch of delicate frailty reminiscent of the sickly beauty Xi Shi. From a distance, she exuded a refreshing, understated elegance.

Seeing her like this, Zhao Ninglang remarked, “My little sister is such a wonderful girl, yet that Song Ziyou still broke off the engagement. He must be blind! Serves him right for not having the good fortune to marry my sister.”

Zhao Ningbo nudged his second brother with his elbow. “Don’t mention Song Ziyou in front of Little Sister anymore. She needs time to recover from this heartbreak.”

As they spoke, Zhao Qingzhi approached, supported by Mengqing and her eldest sister-in-law, Madam Tang.

“Little Sister, are you well enough to go?” Zhao Ningbo asked.

Zhao Qingzhi nodded slightly. “Eldest Brother, I’m fine. Let’s go.” With that, the group headed toward Yisong Hall. As men who were not permitted to enter the women’s inner quarters, Zhao Ningbo and Zhao Ninglang remained at the second gate to await a summons.

Someone lifted the curtain at the entrance to Yisong Hall. Matron Yang stood in the doorway, looking down her nose at Zhao Qingzhi. “Miss Qingzhi, the Old Madam has summoned you. Come in.” She then turned away, muttering, “Her engagement has already been broken off, yet she’s still putting on the airs of a young lady. She ought to take a good look at her own standing.”

Zhao Qingzhi had just stepped onto the stairs when she heard those words. She stopped and glanced at Matron Yang’s retreating back.

Madam Tang gritted her teeth in anger and comforted her. “Little Sister, don’t listen to that old servant’s malicious gossip. There’s no point upsetting yourself and harming your health over it.”

Hearing this, Zhao Qingzhi slowly turned toward her and smiled. “Eldest Sister-in-law, I’m fine.”

In her previous life, after becoming Princess Consort Jing, all she had wished for was for her father and brothers to remain safe in their official careers and for her mother, sisters-in-law, and other family members to live in peace. She had never pursued those in the Zhao household who had bullied her in the past. Moreover, after her engagement was broken off, she had spent her days wallowing in self-pity and had paid little attention even when the servants spoke disrespectfully to her. But now she had come to understand something. If a person lived too meekly, they would not only be unable to protect themselves but would also be powerless to protect their family.

Madam Tang supported Zhao Qingzhi as they walked inside. Upon entering the main hall, they saw Madam Xu kneeling beside the Old Madam’s feet. The First Madam, Madam Sun, sat in the first seat on the left, while Zhao Ziyou stood beside the Old Madam, saying something to her.

Seeing Zhao Ziyou again, Zhao Qingzhi instinctively recalled that hideously contorted face. She clenched her hands tightly inside her sleeves, struggling to restrain herself and suppress the grief and indignation surging through her heart. Slowly, she curtsied. “Qingzhi pays her respects to Grandmother.”

“Your granddaughter-in-law pays her respects to the Old Madam.”

Seated in the place of honor, the white-haired Old Madam was calmly drinking tea. Hearing their greetings, she merely raised her eyelids, glanced at them, and lowered her head to sip her tea again without saying a word.

The Old Madam was extremely thin, with prominent cheekbones and sunken cheeks. She looked like a stern, severe woman.

Zhao Qingzhi maintained her curtsy, her lips pressed together as she stared at the floor. In her previous life, she had never expected the Old Madam to punish her mother right after she awakened, so she had remained in her room to recuperate. Now that she had come here herself, she had no idea how events would unfold.

Zhao Ziyou glanced at Zhao Qingzhi and said, “Grandmother, Third Sister has only just awakened from her coma and is still weak. Please let her straighten up.”

Zhao Qingzhi raised her eyes toward Zhao Ziyou. She had heard this kind of intervention countless times while living in the Zhao household in her previous life, and back then, such words had sounded like heavenly music to her ears. In her former eyes, her eldest cousin had been an outstanding woman, blessed not only with a gentle, melodious voice but also with an exceptionally kind heart, almost like a fairy descended from heaven. Now that she had seen through her true nature, however, Zhao Qingzhi found her nothing but hypocritical and repulsive.

Hearing this, the Old Madam set down her teacup, took Zhao Ziyou’s hand, and smiled. “My good granddaughter is always so considerate of others. But you don’t know how many schemes and hidden intentions people may be harboring in their hearts. Never mind, never mind. Since my own granddaughter is pleading on her behalf, I’ll allow it.”

“Thank you, Grandmother.” Zhao Ziyou smiled happily. She was tall and slender, with narrow shoulders and a delicate waist. Her skirt swayed gently as she turned and walked gracefully toward Zhao Qingzhi, extending a hand to help her up. “Little Sister, hurry and straighten up. You haven’t fully recovered yet. Sit down, and we can talk.”

Zhao Qingzhi remained in her curtsy, avoiding Zhao Ziyou’s outstretched hand as she smiled. “Thank you, Eldest Cousin. However, my mother is still kneeling, so I wouldn’t dare rise.”

No sooner had she spoken than a teacup came crashing down from the seat of honor. The Old Madam glared fiercely at Zhao Qingzhi. “You ungrateful girl! Your eldest cousin pleaded on your behalf, yet you refuse to appreciate her kindness?”

Madam Tang pressed her lips together, suppressing her [bailiantales.com]dissatisfaction. When would their branch of the family ever be able to rise above this treatment?

Zhao Qingzhi was already struggling to remain standing, but she forced herself to smile. “Grandmother, your granddaughter will remember Eldest Cousin’s kindness. However, I am also my mother’s daughter. How could a daughter sit while her mother remains kneeling? Our Zhao family has always been a family that values proper etiquette, with filial piety taking precedence above all else. Surely Grandmother can understand my filial devotion.”

The Old Madam was momentarily stunned. She looked Zhao Qingzhi up and down. This girl had always been quiet and reserved, rarely saying much. How had she suddenly become so sharp-tongued today?

Hearing this, Zhao Ziyou’s mind began racing. If the children of the second branch hadn’t come, there would have been enough time to teach Madam Xu a lesson before Grandfather returned. But now that they were all here, even a slight delay would mean Grandfather would be home. If the matter escalated, no one in the household would have a peaceful night.

After considering this, Zhao Ziyou looked toward the Old Madam. Seeing that her grandmother also seemed inclined to relent, she said, “Grandmother, Third Sister’s filial devotion is truly commendable. Ziyou begs Grandmother to let Auntie rise. Ziyou implores Grandmother to show mercy.”

Zhao Qingzhi glanced at Zhao Ziyou’s back. This woman certainly knew how to read people’s hearts. She had offered the Old Madam a perfectly timed way to back down without losing face. The corners of Zhao Qingzhi’s lips lifted slightly. Seizing the opportunity, she gathered her skirt and knelt. “I beg Grandmother to show mercy.”

Madam Tang was quick-witted and immediately knelt beside her.

The Old Madam had already been left with little room to argue after hearing Zhao Qingzhi’s words. She also knew that the two young masters were waiting outside, so allowing Madam Xu to rise was inevitable. She had simply needed a way to preserve her dignity. Now that her own beloved granddaughter had taken the lead in kneeling and pleading with her, she felt thoroughly satisfied.

“Very well. For Ziyou’s sake, Madam Xu, you may rise.”

“Thank you, Mother.” Madam Xu supported herself against the edge of the couch and slowly stood up.

“The rest of you may rise as well.” Without so much as glancing at Zhao Qingzhi, the Old Madam looked toward Matron Yang and signaled for her to put away the instruments of family punishment.

Matron Yang glared resentfully at Zhao Qingzhi but had no choice but to put them away.

Just then, the door curtain was lifted, and a maid entered. ​unauthorized copy​“Old Madam, the Duke and the Second Master have returned.”

The Old Madam’s eyebrows twitched slightly. She turned to Madam Xu and said, “Take your daughter and daughter-in-law back. Tomorrow morning, bring that girl Zhi’er here. I have something to discuss with you.”

Madam Xu’s heart sank. She had no idea what the Old Madam was plotting this time, but she had no choice but to agree. After curtsying, she withdrew with her daughter and daughter-in-law.

Madam Xu didn’t know what awaited them, but Zhao Qingzhi did. In her previous life, on the day after she awakened, she had been summoned to Yisong Hall. Her supposedly loving grandmother, her dear aunt, and a whole group of people from the Sun family had all gathered to pressure her into marrying Sun Youneng. Just when she had been driven to despair, an imperial decree granting her marriage had arrived. But to her former self, it had merely meant falling from one abyss into another.

At the thought of that marriage decree, Zhao Qingzhi’s heart began beating faster. Tomorrow. Once the Empress Dowager’s decree was issued tomorrow, she and Jiang Jingqiao would be connected once more. Thinking about it now, she actually felt a little impatient. They would meet again in this new lifetime, though she wondered how her princely lady was faring at this very moment.

At the moon gate, Madam Sun called out to Madam Xu, who was about to leave. Remembering the forced marriage planned for tomorrow, a hint of anticipation at the coming spectacle appeared in her eyes. She smiled. “Sister-in-law, see you tomorrow.”

“Auntie, Third Sister, take one of these lanterns. It’s dark now, so be careful on your way back.” As Zhao Ziyou spoke, she placed the lantern she was holding into Zhao Qingzhi’s hand.

The instant their fingers touched, Zhao Qingzhi’s hand jerked back sharply. It was as though her body instinctively rejected any contact with Zhao Ziyou. She quickly composed herself, smiled, and reached out to accept the lantern. “Thank you, Eldest Cousin.”

Zhao Ziyou smiled. “We’re sisters. There’s no need to thank me. Hurry and help Auntie back.” With that, she turned slightly and walked away.

“Ziyou is nothing like her mother. She’s such a kindhearted, good girl,” Madam Xu remarked with heartfelt admiration.

Hearing this, Zhao Qingzhi’s gaze darkened. She watched Zhao Ziyou’s retreating figure with a grave expression. She didn’t know why, but whenever she saw Zhao Ziyou, she couldn’t help wondering what the woman had done after her death. She found herself desperately hoping that Zhao Ziyou hadn’t harmed her loved ones afterward.

“We should hurry back too,” Madam Xu said, taking her daughter and daughter-in-law by the hands.

“All right, Mother,” Zhao Qingzhi replied softly. She turned to look back at Yisong Hall. Her standing in the Zhao family was low, so she couldn’t confront them directly. Their encounter just now had been nothing more than a tentative exchange. But tomorrow… she would not kneel helplessly on the ground, weeping and begging as she had in her previous life.

The First Madam, Madam Sun, returned to her room with her daughter. After sitting down, she said, “Ziyou, hurry back to your room. Tomorrow morning, come with Mother to Yisong Hall to watch a good show.”

Hearing this, Zhao Ziyou gently sat down beside her mother. “Mother, what’s going to happen?”

Madam Sun smiled. “I’ve already persuaded your grandmother to betroth Zhao Qingzhi to your cousin Sun Youneng. As long as the second branch’s precious daughter is in the Sun family’s hands, your second uncle and aunt will have no choice but to do as we say. Once we control Zhao Qingzhi’s very life and death, no one in the Zhao family will be able to compete with your father anymore.”

Zhao Ziyou raised an eyebrow. “Given what my cousin is like, I doubt Second Uncle will agree to this marriage.”

“With your grandmother involved, there’s nothing that can’t be arranged.”

Zhao Ziyou smiled at those words, then sighed sorrowfully. “I do feel sorry for Third Sister, though. Still, once she becomes my cousin-in-law, I’ll be sure to share any nice things I receive with her.”

After returning, Zhao Qingzhi met with her father, Zhao Dongxi, and her third elder brother, Zhao Ningxuan. She then returned to her room, removed her makeup and accessories, and prepared to rest. Madam Xu remained by her daughter’s side, unwilling to leave.

Holding her daughter’s hand, Madam Xu said, “Go to sleep. Mother will leave once you’ve fallen asleep.”

Zhao Qingzhi’s eyes reddened slightly. In truth, she wanted to throw herself into her mother’s arms and tell her that Zhao Ziyou had strangled her to death in her previous life and destroyed her family. But when the words reached her lips, she couldn’t bring herself to speak them. Even she had been terrified and bewildered by what had happened. If she actually told her mother, wouldn’t her mother think that some spirit or evil presence had possessed her?

Zhao Qingzhi slowly closed her eyes. After a long while, she heard her mother softly call her name, followed by the sound of her leaving.

The instant the door closed, Zhao Qingzhi opened her eyes. She truly didn’t dare fall asleep, terrified that she might never wake up again.

Zhao Qingzhi forced herself to stay awake until the fourth watch of the night, when she finally drifted off unauthorized copy without realizing it. Perhaps because she had been thinking so much about the Empress Dowager’s marriage decree that would arrive tomorrow, she found herself, in her hazy sleep, dreaming of that very day in her previous life.