Chapter 4

I didn’t know whether Lihua liked Wei Zhao.

But I knew she liked taking anything that belonged to me.

Yan Changxi, and now Wei Zhao.

She enjoyed his adoration because he was my husband.

If she could take what was mine, that proved I was her inferior in every way.

In spring, she invited my husband and me on an outing.

Just the three of us, enjoying the hills and streams outside the city.

In truth, I was only their cover. The whole time, they laughed and teased each other like newlyweds.

Partway through, Lihua twisted her ankle while playing in the water and begged Wei Zhao to carry her back to the city to find a physician.

But of the three horses we’d brought, she’d “accidentally” let two escape.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Wei Zhao lifted her onto the remaining horse and rode away.

He never gave a thought to what might happen to me.

Once they were far away, I went on enjoying the scenery. Near sunset, I whistled, and a fine horse galloped toward me across the open ground.

Stroking its glossy mane, I reflected that Lihua wasn’t very clever.

Perhaps she didn’t remember that she’d used this little trick before.

When I was fifteen, she’d likewise invited Yan Changxi and me on an outing.

Using the same method, she’d released two horses, claimed a stomachache, and begged him to take her home first.

He’d lifted her into his arms, told me he’d come back later, and left with her.

It was the depths of winter. I was left alone among the ice and snow, without a horse and unable to find my way.

Yan Changxi never came back. Nor did some destined hero descend from heaven to save me.

I fainted in the snow. A kind woman gathering herbs rescued me and took me to my grandfather.

He thanked her profusely and gave her a large sum.

I’d told her what happened on the way. After much hesitation, she finally said:

“Miss, cut your losses while you can.”

I remembered my mother’s words, yet felt no heartbreak at all.

Yes. Why should I grieve over a man who didn’t love me?

If Yan Changxi could abandon me, I should abandon him too.

The same principle applied.

Wei Zhao was so bewitched by Lihua that he disregarded even the obligations between husband and wife.

I shouldn’t expect anything from him either.

That night, I didn’t go home. I secretly stayed at an inn in the city.

After a wonderful night’s sleep, I returned the following afternoon in ragged clothes, with disheveled hair and a dirty face.

Wei Zhao had only just returned as well. Seeing my miserable state, he apologized guiltily.

I turned my back and did nothing but weep.

Patiently, he said, “There was a reason for yesterday. Lihua hurt her ankle and was in unbearable pain. I had no choice but to leave you first. You’re her elder sister. Surely you understand my good intentions?”

I still said nothing, only cried.

He sighed again. “Even while injured, Lihua was thinking of you. She told me to come back and check. Her poor ankle was black and blue. I wonder if she’s put medicine on it properly.”

I answered him.

“Wei Zhao, I am your wife. Lihua is your wife’s younger sister. You abandoned me without a thought and lavished attention on her instead. Remember, she is a married woman.”

Perhaps that last sentence touched a sore spot. He flew into a rage.

“Wen Lishu, listen to yourself!”

“My feelings for Lihua are purely brotherly. I have no improper intentions.”

“But you make it sound filthy and shameful. What are you trying to do?”

“A merchant’s daughter, unfit for decent society. Your very blood is base.”

With that, he slammed the door and left.

I sneered.

My mother was lowly, yet Wen Lihua’s mother had been a singing girl. How much nobler was she?

Apparently, high and low birth depended on the person.

That night, I miscarried.

My mother-in-law was helped into the room. Seeing the blood between my legs, she burst into loud lamentations.

A maid knelt on the floor. “It was the walk back to the city yesterday, the cold and fright at night, and exhaustion. Old Madam, the physician says the pregnancy was healthy before this. It was very likely a boy.”

My mother-in-law was shocked. “Walked back? What happened?”

The maid haltingly explained. My mother-in-law was furious enough to go straight to the Yan household and demand answers from Lihua.

“Who does Wen Lihua think she is, harming my grandson?”

“I’ll ask her husband’s family how they raised such a shameless creature, with no respect for a married woman’s duties.”

“Clinging to her brother-in-law and causing her own sister to miscarry! She’s a loose woman and a curse on any household!”