Chapter 001: Hidden Deadly Intentions

The entire Jiang residence was brightly lit. Feng Sanniang finished cooking the last pot of tofu before beginning to wash up and prepare to meet her husband.

He had said he wanted to give her a surprise tonight, to thank her for six years of unwavering companionship and support, as well as her silent, tireless dedication to their family. She truly deserved the title of Lady of the Jiang household.

Thinking back on the ten years they had endured together through hardship and study, braving storms and never abandoning each other, all for the hope that he might one day achieve fame and success—those bitter, exhausting yet joyful days had finally borne fruit. Feng Sanniang looked at her slightly aged reflection in the mirror and smiled sweetly with happiness. It had all been worth it.

“Madam, let me do your hair,” a delicate maid named Lvxiu said as she approached from behind, holding a wooden comb.

Feng Sanniang turned, snatched the comb from her hand, and smiled, “Lvxiu, I’ll do it myself tonight. You should go rest. Once I’m ready, I’ll meet the master of the house on my own.”

Lvxiu pouted, sighing softly, “Madam, you’re now the Lady of the Left Minister of Justice’s household. You shouldn’t be doing lowly tasks like making tofu anymore; it’s embarrassing for the master. He wouldn’t be pleased.”

A few days ago, Lvxiu recalled the master arriving at the servant quarters, only to see Madam rolling up her sleeves squeezing tofu juice. The master didn’t even step inside and left shaking his head.

Lvxiu wanted to mention this but feared it might upset the relationship between the master and Madam, so she kept silent.

Feng Sanniang paid no mind to Lvxiu’s words. As she combed her long hair, she smiled generously, “Who says it embarrasses the master? If it weren’t for me selling tofu to support the family, how could the master have become the top scholar three years ago? Don’t worry. The master isn’t that kind of man; he loves me very much.”

“But—”

“No buts. You go rest now.” Feng Sanniang waved the wooden comb at Lvxiu, dismissing her.

She never liked being waited on. Lvxiu had been forced on her by Jiang Mubai, who said that as a noble lady, she must have attendants. Feng Sanniang had reluctantly agreed.

Lvxiu had served Feng Sanniang for three years and knew her well. Seeing her resolute attitude, she sighed and retreated.

In the main hall of the East Garden, Jiang Mubai stood straight and dignified in a crescent-white robe, hands clasped behind his back. His handsome face, eyes like stars, gazed at the bright moon hanging in the sky. His demeanor was gentle and refined.

“Husband,” a voice suddenly called from behind.

Jiang Mubai turned to see his wife dressed in a crimson embroidered gown—radiant yet tasteful, truly befitting a noble lady.

“My lady, you have arrived,” he said calmly with a smile, his hands behind his back relaxing as he held a smooth white silk cloth, gently gripping it.

Feng Sanniang smiled and walked toward him, taking his hands in hers coquettishly. “You specially asked me to dress up tonight and even made me wear this ceremonial outfit you prepared last year. Are you planning some surprise for me?”

“You’ll see soon enough.”

Jiang Mubai stepped behind her and covered her eyes with the white silk cloth.

With her eyes blindfolded, Feng Sanniang smiled sweetly, “What surprise could it be? Why the blindfold and all this mystery?”

“Tonight marks the sixth anniversary of our marriage. You’ve done so much for me; I want to give you something special.” Jiang Mubai carefully guided her forward. “I’ve sent away all the servants. Tonight, it’s just you and me. Watch your step, my lady.”

“Hmm,” Feng Sanniang nodded solemnly, a blush tinting her cheeks.

Since Jiang Mubai had become the Left Minister of Justice two years ago, he was often away on official business, returning home less and less, leaving her alone in the empty house.

Though lonely, she understood his situation. He was no longer an ordinary man—he was rising above everyone else. The position of Minister of Justice was within reach. Now was not the time to be distracted by love and family matters.

All she could do was keep the household in order and care for his parents. When idle, she made tofu to pass the time.

The neighbors often teased her.

“Lady Jiang, you’re already the wife of the Left Minister, why are you still selling tofu? The money you make isn’t even enough to treat Master Jiang to a snack!”

“Yes! Now that you’re a noble lady, you should go out more often, meet other high-status ladies, play mahjong, listen to operas—live happily!”

She was a woman born of humble origins, unable to blend into the noble circles quickly. Time and money were precious to her; she paid little heed to others’ opinions.

“We’ve arrived.”

Jiang Mubai stopped and removed the blindfold.

A gentle breeze stirred the wisps of hair at Feng Sanniang’s forehead. She opened her bright eyes to see many glowing sky lanterns floating in midair, each inscribed with wishes: “May my wife have peace every year,” “Live a long life,” and other blessings.

The calligraphy on the lanterns was bold and flowing—Jiang Mubai’s own handwriting.

Moved, Feng Sanniang grasped his hand tightly. “Husband, is this the surprise you prepared? It’s so beautiful. I love it.”

Strangely, Jiang Mubai seemed startled by her touch, as if awakening from a nightmare. His expression was dazed as he smiled, “I’m glad you like it. I’ll do this for you every year.”

Seeing her husband unsettled, Feng Sanniang frowned with concern. “Husband, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Why do you look so startled?” She reached out to touch his forehead, worried he might have caught a cold.

Jiang Mubai quickly withdrew from her touch, placing his hands on her shoulders and seating her on the stone bench in the pavilion. “My lady, I’m fine. Maybe I’m just tired from the recent investigations—I feel like I could fall asleep standing. Here, I asked the kitchen to prepare some food and wine; you should eat and drink well tonight.”

He picked up the wine pot to pour her a drink, but his hand felt unbearably heavy, unable to lift it.

Feng Sanniang laughed, taking the pot from him. She poured herself a half cup, then filled his cup as well. “Let me do it. You look so exhausted you can’t even pour wine. Tonight, we’ll each have half a cup, then get some rest. We have to rise early for court tomorrow. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

Feng Sanniang drank her cup in one go. Jiang Mubai watched her hearty drinking, his hand hidden in his sleeve slowly clenching.

Seeing her husband untouched the wine, she asked in puzzlement, “Husband, why don’t you drink?”

Jiang Mubai straightened his back suddenly, his previously indecisive expression turning cold. “Sanniang, I have something to tell you.”

It was the first time he called her by that name, which unsettled her. A sharp pain struck her abdomen, and she pressed her hand over it, but paid it no mind, only furrowing her brow and nodding.

Seeing her discomfort, Jiang Mubai knew the time had come. He placed his hands flat on the stone table, eyes narrowing seriously. “Sanniang, you’ve suffered alongside me all these years. It is I, Jiang Mubai, who has wronged you.”