Chapter 36

Chapter 36

The carriage rattled toward the Capital City.

I leaned against Yuan Heng’s side, closing my eyes as if to nap.

Today was supposed to be the day he killed me for my skin. Everything had been prepared, yet it was abruptly cancelled… Something must have gone wrong.

I guessed that the unexpected complication involved either the woman he loved or the doctor performing the Face-Changing Technique.

Meng Huaiqing…

My fists clenched involuntarily.

At that moment, Yuan Heng’s playful voice drifted from above. “Qing Qiu, you seem very concerned about Second Brother.”

I replied softly, “You grew up together and are as close as can be. Caring for him is my way of pleasing you.”

Yuan Heng chuckled and pulled me tighter. “A fine answer. However, don’t do it again.”

As he spoke, Yuan Heng pushed the carriage window open a crack, allowing the wind and snow to swirl inside instantly.

He looked toward the direction of Chang’an, though I couldn’t tell what he was looking at.

“You are the Marquess’s Wife, while he…”

Yuan Heng sneered. “Years ago, he was nothing but a little beggar. To think he would see the day where he becomes a high-ranking official, wielding such power.”

Shivering from the cold wind, I opened my eyes and said, “He only shines because of your light. It seems you don’t like him very much.”

Yuan Heng closed the window and stroked my arm. “You’re wrong about that. I like Second Brother very much.”

He seemed to recall something. “Second Brother has saved and assisted me numerous times. He once did me a great favor, and I promised I would give him everything a man desires most.”

Curious, I asked, “What favor?”

Yuan Heng didn’t answer. He simply let go of me.

I knew it couldn’t have been anything good, and since I couldn’t press him, I changed the subject. “Then what is it that a man desires most?”

Yuan Heng’s lips curled into a smirk as his fingertip traced my cheek. “Beautiful women, fine wine, and a meteoric rise to power.”

I smiled and asked, “Has he obtained them all?”

The smile on Yuan Heng’s face deepened, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over my chest. “What do you think?”

A wave of revulsion washed over me. This was Yuan Heng.

Beneath that handsome, noble exterior was a soul so wicked it was almost demonic. He wrapped poison in tender endearments, feeding it to you bite by bite, only to mock your stupidity from his high horse.

“I guess… he hasn’t.”

Intrigued, Yuan Heng asked, “How so?”

I spat out, “Look at that grim, sour face of his. He looks like he’s out to collect a debt from everyone. Only a man who has nothing looks like that.”

Yuan Heng burst into laughter. “Yes, yes, yes! You’re absolutely right!”

He ruffled my hair and held me close, closing his eyes for a comfortable nap.

Upon returning to the Capital City, Yuan Heng mentioned he had business at the palace and told me not to wait up, urging me to rest early.

The midwinter night was piercing and cold.

After washing and changing, I sat at my desk to transcribe the Diamond Sutra to calm my mind.

My mother passed away when I was six. To this day, she has suffered twelve long years of torment in the underworld!

How could I ever be at peace?

The fact that Yuan Heng didn’t move against me today didn’t mean he was letting me go. The blade hanging over my head was still there.

I remembered the bet between the Black and White Ghost Officers: if I could survive and firmly secure my position as the Marquess’s Wife, they would allow my mother to be reincarnated.

So, how was I to break this deadlock?

Perhaps because my mind was troubled, my handwriting was crooked and misshapen.

I picked up the ruined paper and lit it with a candle. The flame was small, but it burned hot.

Killing Yuan Heng was the only solution.

But there were two problems:

First, Yuan Heng had a blade named Cheng Wei.

My fifth rebirth was actually the closest I ever came to a successful escape, but even then, I was seen through by that man.

Meng Huaiqing and I had four eyes between us, yet neither of us noticed we were being secretly watched for days.

That man was terrifying.

Second, how to kill him?

I certainly couldn’t use a blade openly; I couldn’t afford to go down with him.

What a nuisance.

Suddenly, a name flashed through my mind-Song Yan.

Just then, Hongyu entered carrying a bowl of bird’s nest porridge.

She performed her salutations unhurriedly, even offering a smile and words of concern. “It’s hard on the eyes to work at night. Why don’t you finish transcribing tomorrow, Madam?”

I glanced up and saw she was alone. “Where is Cuinong? I haven’t seen her since we returned to the manor today.”

Hongyu set down the porridge and came over to tidy the paper ash. She chuckled, covering her mouth. “It’s her time of the month, and she caught a bit of a chill. She’s curled up in her blankets crying from the pain. I went to see her earlier, but I knocked for ages and she wouldn’t open the door. I reckon she’s fallen asleep.”

I instructed Hongyu, “Find a doctor for her tomorrow. Once she’s feeling better, tell her to come see me.”