Shen Estate – Private Ancestral Archive Room

The storm came as a whisper—low rumbles over the southern horizon, the wind breathing through the old wooden shutters of the Shen estate.

Shen Lianhua stood alone in the family archives, deep beneath the west wing, where dust clung to time and secrets waited to be unearthed.

She had come with a single purpose:

Find the proof he never thought she’d live long enough to see.

It took hours.

Scrolls of military requisitions. Ledgers of land holdings. Even old love letters between her parents.

But then—tucked inside a lacquered box wrapped in red thread—she found a sealed envelope.

Her name was written in ink she recognized too well.

Wei Xuanzhi’s hand.

Not “to my bride.” Not “to Lianhua.”

Just:

“Deliver this to General He immediately after the wedding.”

Her fingers shook, but she broke the seal.

The words inside sliced sharper than any blade.

General He,
The union with Lady Shen is secured. Once the wedding concludes, I will begin transferring her dowry lands under House Wei’s holdings. The girl is pliable—she’ll not resist once properly handled.
As for Zhou Mei, preparations for her official entry into the household will commence after winter. I’ll find a quiet way to remove the Shen girl before spring. Poison is preferred.

Make no mistake. This marriage is not sentimental—it’s strategic.

And temporary.

—Wei Xuanzhi

Lianhua couldn’t move for a long time.

Not because she was surprised.

But because the wound from her last life had finally found its scar.

Proof. Premeditation. Cold planning.

He hadn’t just betrayed her.
He had never loved her at all.

Not for a moment.

Later – Eastern Palace

The rain had started. Light at first, then steady.

Li Shenzhao found her standing by the window, holding the letter.

Her expression was calm, but her grip was tight.

“Is that what I think it is?” he asked.

She nodded, then handed it to him.

He read it in silence.

Then folded it slowly.

“This is enough to ruin him.”

“Good,” she said. “Because I’m done playing chess. I want him finished. Not exiled. Not shamed.”

“Finished.”

Shenzhao stepped forward and gently cupped her face.

“Then say the word, and I’ll make sure the sword lands where it should.”

She looked up at him, eyes hard but dry.

“No,” she whispered. “This time… I’ll be the one to strike.”