Chapter 2
I had indeed given up a great deal for Xie Shi’an.
When I completed my mission back then, I could have returned to an age of freedom and equality, taken the immense fortune waiting for me, and enjoyed the rest of my life.
“You have no idea how precious the things I gave up for you are, so I must be the only woman you ever have.” Eyes red after refusing the system’s offer, I delivered the warning fiercely.
At the time, Xie Shi’an’s entire heart belonged to me. Hearing this, he hurriedly wrapped me in his arms and promised that we would be one couple for one lifetime.
Looking back, only people who had never felt the pressure of power or had wealth dazzle their eyes could have spoken such naive words.
I had been a fool too. I had actually believed him.
Xie Shi’an was not a man of bad character. Even now, he was doing his utmost to honor his promise.
But I knew resentment and weariness had begun to grow inside him.
Looking at the late-night meal before me, reheated several times already, I asked my maid, “Is my lord still dealing with official business?”
“My lord is still discussing matters with someone in his study,” she replied. “He said he would sleep there tonight and asked that Madam not wait for him.”
Xie Shi’an had a weak stomach. He ate little at meals and soon grew hungry again, so I always remembered to prepare something for him before bed.
I rose, made him a fresh bowl of sweet fermented-rice dumplings, and carried it to the study myself.
I had barely entered the courtyard when I heard a faint voice reciting poetry inside.
“Who first saw the moon beside the river? In what year did the river moon first shine upon man?”
I could not tell whether the voice belonged to a man or a woman.
I asked the attendant at the door, “Who is inside?”
“The third young master of Marquis Anping’s Lin family.”
The Marquis of Anping’s household was newly elevated in the capital. Formerly stationed in the southwest, the family had moved here only after a military victory earned the marquis his title. I vaguely recalled that he had just two sons and one daughter.
I approached the door, concealed myself in the shadows, and peered through the crack.
Xie Shi’an was cupping his hands to the visitor. “That line of yours is truly inspired, Brother Yuzhi. I concede defeat.”
The so-called Third Young Master Lin had red lips, white teeth, fair skin, and delicate features. The piercings in her ears caught my eye at once.
“Fine lines are born of nature and come by chance to gifted hands.” Third Young Master Lin nodded with lofty pride.
I sneered. Whether the fine line had been born of nature, I could not say. But “stolen by nimble hands” would have suited the second half far better.
So she was another transmigrated woman.
“It’s getting late. I’ll take my leave. I look forward to seeing what you can do at tomorrow’s hunt outside the capital, Brother Shi’an!” Lin Third rose to go.
“Then until tomorrow,” Xie Shi’an said tenderly, his eyes shining like stars.