Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
For the Journey Ahead
墨書 Inktalez
I had imagined many times what the future with Zhou Chuyan would be like, even going so far as to have a fierce argument with my father, wanting to feign illness to avoid participating in this palace Selection.
My father, an official in the Ministry of Rites, had taught me to be knowledgeable and well-mannered since childhood; he was quite the traditionalist. When he heard my rebellious thoughts, he slapped me hard.
But if he knew that I, who had always been the obedient daughter in the boudoir, was pregnant, he would surely go mad with rage, suspecting Zhou Chuyan and breaking his legs in a fit of anger.
For our future, I chose to quietly conceal this joyous news.
I waited for Zhou Chuyan to return victorious.
Zhou Chuyan was exceptionally talented; becoming the top scholar was not a problem for him. Once he achieved that status and married me, I believed my father would gladly agree. As my father aged, Zhou Chuyan would take his place as an official in the Ministry of Rites, and I would bear him a son and a daughter—what a harmonious life that would be.
"Miss, I just passed by the master's room and heard the young master... the young master..."
The maid Juxiang knelt before me, stammering. I feigned confusion while my heart was already bursting with joy.
A few days ago, Zhou Chuyan had successfully claimed the title of top scholar. Even the usually strict Grand Tutor praised his writing skills and quick wit. My father, as his teacher, must have been overjoyed, raising his head high in court.
At this moment, if Zhou Chuyan sought my father out, it could only be for one thing—proposing marriage.
"The young master is going to marry Princess Lin Qing! It's happening next month!"
After much stuttering, Juxiang finally managed to convey the message.
"What did you say?" I squinted my eyes, my voice rising. The confidence I had while waiting for Zhou Chuyan's proposal turned into disbelief and laughter.
" Princess Lin Qing is a talented woman of the nation; she admires the young master for his writings. They've been seen together frequently lately. I thought she was drawn to his talent and discussing literature, but who knew..." As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes.
Among everyone, only Juxiang knew about my relationship with Zhou Chuyan.
He was the disciple of my father, while I was a young lady confined to the inner chambers. Each time we met, it was thanks to Juxiang's secret arrangements.
Now, I truly wished I could strangle my former self.
No wonder.
No wonder he had been making excuses lately, claiming to be busy with various matters, not even showing his face.
No wonder that time when we were both drunk, and I was ready to surrender myself to Zhou Chuyan, he hesitated and insisted that it should wait until our wedding night, pushing me away.
What nonsense about the wedding night.
He must have wanted to embrace another beauty. A cold laugh echoed in my heart.
All the things that had puzzled me before finally began to make sense.
"Miss, Miss—"
I had never lost my composure like this before; all the so-called feudal morals and teachings were cast aside.
I stood in front of Zhou Chuyan, my hair disheveled, eyes red-rimmed, dressed in thin clothing, abandoning all decorum and grace, demanding an explanation from him.
Zhou Chuyan was about to get married, and I was the last one to know. How ironic that was.
"Zhou Chuyan, are you really going to marry the princess?"
He quietly raised his gaze to meet mine.
"Yes."
"Will you marry me?" I steeled myself, lowering my status like a fool. "If I were to be a concubine..." I absurdly hoped for a glimmer of possibility.
Silence lingered for a while.
Long enough for me to think that Zhou Chuyan was genuinely contemplating my words. I was gambling, betting on whether he loved me.
Yet, heaven never failed to disappoint me; it plunged me into despair.
"No."
He spoke calmly, his expression unchanged, a faint smile still playing at the corners of his mouth. "The princess is of noble birth; how could I take a concubine?"
What a ridiculous reason.
I found it hard to bear. In the end, he chose to tell me that he only wished to marry Lin Qing, not even willing to grant me the status of a concubine.
I asked him why.
His eyes flickered. "Lin Qing is more beautiful than you, more gentle and caring. She is my confidante. Most importantly, Lin Qing can give me everything I desire."
I silently devoted so much to him, only to realize that all of it was just my one-sided infatuation.
Now, he is going to marry Lin Qing. The wealth and glory he desires come easily to him.
It's simply because Lin Qing is beautiful, gentle, and caring. Most importantly, she is a princess, while I am merely the daughter of a minor official in the Ministry of Rites.
I cannot reach him!
With a fierce motion, I threw the jade bracelet that had been resting on my wrist at his feet. It shattered instantly upon hitting the ground, scattering fragments around him.
He once said this was a family heirloom passed down to him for his future wife. I had guarded it carefully, valuing it more than my own life.
Now, as the bracelet lay in pieces on the ground, I laughed maniacally.
“Zhou Chuyan, I wish you and Princess Lin Qing a lifetime of happiness! As for you and me, we are like this broken jade bracelet—our bond severed, nothing more than strangers from now on.” With that, I flicked my sleeve and proudly walked out of his room.
As I left, he stood there straight as an arrow, not bending down to pick up the shards, not even glancing at them.
Tang Wei, oh Tang Wei!
You truly believe that this bracelet is some treasured heirloom; perhaps it’s just a worthless trinket he picked up somewhere to amuse you.
And yet, you have been deceived, spinning in circles only to end up with nothing at your most joyful moment.
“Juxiang, get out! No one is allowed to enter.”
I pushed all the food on the table to the floor like a madwoman.
Those exquisite supplements were all meant to ensure that the child, whom Juxiang secretly bought outside, would be born healthy and smoothly.
At this moment, it seemed as if they were mocking my foolishness.
I had devoted myself to Zhou Chuyan, even carrying his child. Such humiliation was something I, Tang Wei, could not endure. I found a piece of white cloth and, trembling, wrapped it around my belly.
I pretended not to feel the small life I had once longed for so dearly. I pulled the cloth tighter and tighter, my eyes glimmering with determination and hatred.
“Zhou Chuyan! I hate you!” Tears streamed from the corners of my eyes due to the pain, and I couldn't help but cry out.
My voice startled Juxiang; fearing I might do something foolish, she hurriedly pushed the door open and came in.
Crimson blood slowly flowed down from between my legs.
My consciousness began to fade, and all I could hear was Juxiang's piercing scream.
In that moment, I suddenly regretted it.
That child was innocent.
Comment 0 Comment Count