Chapter 001: Fragrance

That day was Xue Fangfei's nightmare

At the corner of the eastern city, there stands a brand new residence, with a plaque hung very high. In the center, the four characters "Zhuangyuan Jidi" are inscribed in golden letters—this is the residence and the imperial plaque bestowed by Emperor Hongxiao to the newly appointed Zhuangyuan, symbolizing the utmost honor. If a scholar were to obtain such a plaque, it would be a moment to weep with joy and pay tribute to their ancestors.

Xue Fangfei could not help but let out a cold laugh

Xue Fangfei is not foolish at all; Xue Huaiyuan has taught her to be very clever. Ever since she fell ill, and after she realized that she was under house arrest, with every move being monitored, she began to connect the dots regarding various matters, including the cause of Xue Zhao's death, and sensed that something was amiss

Xue Fangfei was in a state of great turmoil, while Xue Huaiyuan was indifferent to fame and fortune, serving as the county magistrate of Tongxiang with integrity throughout his life. He was clearly a good person, so how could he have met such a tragic end, with a white-haired person mourning a black-haired one, and even dying from anger? Xue Fangfei could hardly bear to imagine how Xue Huaiyuan would feel upon learning of this matter

In the human realm of April, the fragrance has faded away

Shen Yuyong is her husband

She exclaimed: "Shameless! Shameless!"

Xue Fangfei calmly set down the bowl, watching as the newcomers entered the room. Two sturdy maidservants closed the door, and the chatter of the outside maids and servants had vanished without a trace. Only the intermittent sound of cicadas could be heard in the still air, creating a sense of restlessness as if something was about to happen

Xue Fangfei's voice carried endless sarcasm as she said: "Stealing someone's spouse, causing the original partner's death, killing a wife and harming the offspring, the 'good intentions' of a princess, Fangfei has experienced it all"

Princess Yongning stood three feet away, coldly watching her struggle like a fish on the verge of death, and mocked, "Remember, even if you possess unparalleled beauty and unmatched talent, you are ultimately just the daughter of a minor official. This palace can crush you—just as easily as crushing an ant!"

Princess Yongning spoke for a long time, seemingly impatient, and casually placed the pot of begonia on the table, signaling the two maidservants to come forward

Every day, a bowl of medicine; she had long sensed that something was amiss, so she poured all the medicine into the flowerpot. They wanted her to "die of illness," thereby conveniently allowing Princess Yongning to marry in, but she refused to comply. Xue Huaiyuan had told her since childhood that one must not cut off one's own path to survival until the very last moment. Moreover, why should she? Why should she, who had been schemed against by this pair of adulterers, be forced to take her own life? She absolutely would not! Why should she, who had been schemed against by this pair of adulterers, be forced to take her own life? She absolutely would not!

Before Shen Yuyong became the top scholar, he was merely a poor scholar. Shen Yuyong's family resided in Yanjing, while his grandmother, Old Lady Cao, lived in Xiangyang. Four years ago, Old Lady Cao passed away, and Shen Yuyong and his mother returned to Xiangyang to mourn, where he had the opportunity to meet Xue Fangfei

Xue Fangfei realized something and exclaimed, "What do you want to do?"

Xue Fangfei recalled the day of the incident, the day when Madam Shen hosted a banquet for guests, and Princess Yongning was also among the crowd. In her memories, she could even remember the hint of a proud smile at the corner of Princess Yongning's lips

As I raised my eyes, I caught sight of a familiar figure outside the window, which I could vaguely discern was the person beside me on the pillow

Upon hearing this dreadful news, she dared not convey the message back to Tongxiang. She mustered her strength to see Xue Zhao for the last time, took care of his funeral arrangements, and then fell ill. For the following three months, a full three months, Shen Yurong did not come to see her even once

The door creaked open with a sound.

"How dare you? How dare you!" A surge of anger welled up in Xue Fangfei's heart, but before she could make a move, the two maidservants had already stepped forward to subdue her

She lay on her sickbed, lost in her thoughts, wondering if Shen Yurong had developed a barrier in her heart and was unwilling to see her, or if she was deliberately treating her coldly to vent her anger. However, the longer she lay there, coupled with the fragmented snippets of conversation from the servants, she began to understand some things; the truth was always more unbearable.

The old woman still wanted to speak, and another maid said: "In fact, the lady is quite pitiful. She is so beautiful, talented, and has a gentle temperament. Who would have known she would encounter such a situation..."

"Little hoof, speaking ill of the master behind his back," warned the older woman, "be careful, the master will skin you alive"

Xue Fangfei raised her head, and what came into view was the corner of a garment woven with gold.

"Shen Lang is soft-hearted," Princess Yongning said nonchalantly as she sat down on the chair, looking at her. "I am not a heartless person either. Originally, I wanted to help you, but who would have thought you would refuse to reconcile?" She glanced at the medicine bowl on the table and sighed, saying, "What is the need for this?"

"You don't seem surprised at all," Princess Yongning said in wonder. "Could it be that Lord Shen has already informed you?"

Although the voices of the three women were lowered, the summer afternoon was too quiet, and since they were not far apart, every word was clearly transmitted to the ears of the people inside the house

The maid rushed over, a snow-white silk ribbon tightening around her neck. The ribbon was as smooth as a beautiful woman's skin, a tribute sent to the palace every year by the Zhao family of Songjiang, worth a fortune. As Xue Fangfei struggled, she thought that even a weapon for murder and arson could be so precious.

Such a daughter, raised like a precious jewel in the palm of one's hand, caused Xue Huaiyuan great concern regarding her marriage. Although the wealthy and noble live in luxury, they are often bound by circumstances beyond their control. Xue Huaiyuan has set his sights on Shen Yurong

The last room against the wall has three people sitting outside the door. Two young maids are wearing pink thin dresses, and there is a plump middle-aged woman. In front of them, on a stool, there is a pile of red-skinned melon seeds and a pot of sour plum soup. They are chatting and eating, appearing even more at ease than their master

She actually did not know what was happening; she had only drunk a little plum wine at the banquet and then felt drowsy, being hazily assisted back to her room by a maid to rest. When she was awakened by a scream, she found a strange man in her room, and she herself was disheveled. Her mother-in-law and a group of women were at the door, looking at her with scorn, disgust, or glee.

"Impossible?" Princess Yongning laughed and said, "You might as well go out and ask the maidservants to see if it is possible!"

Xue Fangfei was taken aback and exclaimed, "Impossible!"

The maid on the far left turned to glance at the window and said, "It is hot, and the smell of medicine in this room cannot dissipate, making it unbearable. I really don't know when this will come to an end"

Her beauty has always been remarkable, otherwise she would not deserve the title of the most beautiful woman in Yanjing. On the day of her wedding, a bored young master in Yanjing had a beggar bump into her bridal sedan chair, causing her veil to fall off, revealing a stunningly beautiful face that captivated the onlookers on both sides of the street. At that time, her father, Xue Huaiyuan, the county magistrate of Tongxiang in Xiangyang, expressed his deep concerns before she married into the capital, saying: "Ali is too beautiful; Shen Yurong may not be able to protect you."

Princess Yongning

Shen Yuyong, the top student of high school, achieved success at a young age, and her status is no longer what it used to be. Although Xue Fangfei is both talented and beautiful, she is ultimately just the daughter of a county magistrate. Shen Yuyong has gained the favor of Princess Yongning, and perhaps they have already conspired in secret. In any case, Xue Fangfei has become a stumbling block, needing to make way for this noble royal princess.

Princess Yongning's smile was filled with delight and pride. She said, "Xue Fangfei, your character is noble, and your beauty is unparalleled, so you certainly cannot bear the accusation of having an illicit affair. These past few months, despite your struggles, although Lord Shen has treated you as before, you have been unwilling to forgive yourself, and in Lord Shen's absence, you chose to hang yourself. " After a pause, she laughed lightly, "So, what do you think? Does this explanation preserve your dignity?" She then changed her expression, speaking with some severity, "If it were not for Lord Shen's reputation, I would not have taught you to endure this way!" She laughed lightly again, "So, what do you think? Does this explanation preserve your dignity?" She then changed her expression once more, speaking with some severity, "If it were not for Lord Shen's reputation, I would not have taught you to endure this way!"

Xue Fangfei has reached the age of marriage. Her beauty is exceptional, attracting suitors from far and wide, including young masters from prominent families who come to propose. Even Xue Huaiyuan's superior wishes to take Xue Fangfei as a concubine. Naturally, Xue Huaiyuan refuses. Having lost his mother at a young age, he dotes on his daughter even more. Moreover, Xue Fangfei is clever and well-behaved, and Xue Huaiyuan has never skimped on her food and drink since she was little. He ensures that she has the best of everything within his means. Thus, although the Xue family is merely a household of minor officials, Xue Fangfei has grown up to be more precious than many young ladies from affluent families.

She should have felt utterly ashamed, and indeed she did, but no matter how she explained herself, the scandal of the newly crowned top scholar's wife being unfaithful in front of a room full of guests still spread.

Your younger brother is quite a character, though he is a bit too impetuous. Princess Yongning admired her expression, saying, "He actually managed to uncover this matter and even found some evidence, claiming he would file a complaint, almost dragging me into it as well." Princess Yongning patted her chest, seemingly a bit frightened, "He is indeed clever, finding the Minister of Justice overnight, but he does not know that the Minister and I have a good relationship, and he immediately informed me of this matter." Princess Yongning shrugged her shoulders and spoke regretfully, "What a pity, at such a young age, I see that he is not lacking in both literary and martial talents. If it were not for this, he might have had a fate of being honored with a wife and children, what a shame."

Xue Fangfei's back stiffened in an instant

Last spring, Shen Yuruo, the top scholar of the high school, rode through the streets, and the emperor personally bestowed a plaque for his residence. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed as a secretary in the Central Secretariat. In September, Xue Fangfei also became pregnant, coinciding with the birthday of Shen's mother, bringing double happiness. The Shen family hosted a banquet for guests, inviting the nobility of Yanjing.

The maid in the pink dress expressed her disbelief: "How could that be? The master hasn't been to the lady's courtyard for three months now." She then lowered her voice again, "Given how serious the situation has become, our master is indeed a man of feelings and loyalty. If it were someone else..." She curled her lip, "If you ask me, it would be better to end it all; at least one would preserve their reputation. Living like this only drags others down."

Xue Zhao! Xue Zhao! She had long suspected that Xue Zhao's death was not as simple as it seemed. Xue Zhao had trained in martial arts under a master in Tongxiang and was clever since childhood; how could he have died at the hands of bandits! Yet, she never imagined that the truth would be like this! It seems that his brother, in order to seek justice for her, investigated the connections between Princess Yongning and Shen Yurong, filled with righteous indignation, believing he had found a way to report to the authorities. Little did he know that the officials would protect each other, and the enemy was indeed the officials!

Xue Fangfei nearly bit her teeth to pieces

Marrying Shen Yuru and arriving in Yanjing, although her mother-in-law acted harshly and there were many grievances, Shen Yuru was exceptionally considerate towards her, thus those discontentments gradually dissipated

Although Shen Yuruo is of humble origin, she is exceptionally talented and possesses remarkable beauty, making it only a matter of time before she stands out. However, this means that Xue Fangfei must follow Shen Yuruo to marry far away in Yanjing. Additionally, Xue Fangfei is extraordinarily beautiful, and while she is protected by Xue Huaiyuan here in Tongxiang, there are countless noble sons and aristocrats in Yanjing. If any ill intentions arise, Shen Yuruo may not be able to protect her.

Xue Fangfei was engulfed in despair, yet she refused to give up, struggling to survive and seizing any opportunity to turn her situation around. She did not choose to end her own life, but she could not withstand the oppression of power, nor could she overcome the disparities of wealth and status

She should have been abandoned and driven out of the residence, yet Shen Yuruo did not. Due to her excessive worries, she suffered a miscarriage. While lying in bed, she heard that Xue Zhao had rushed to Yanjing because of this matter, and before he even arrived at the Shen residence, he encountered robbers at night and was killed, his body discarded in the river.

Princess Yongning raised her eyebrows in anger and mocked, "What if you are noble? You have not stepped out of here day after day, and you probably do not know the news about your father. I have come specifically to inform you that your father has now learned of your disgrace to the family and knows that your younger brother was killed by bandits, and he has died of anger!"

Tongxiang is merely a small county in Xiangyang City. Xue Huaiyuan is a minor official. Xue Fangfei's mother passed away during childbirth while giving birth to Xue Fangfei's younger brother, Xue Zhao. After the death of Xue's mother, Xue Huaiyuan did not remarry, and the household was simple, consisting only of Xue Fangfei, her brother, and their father relying on each other for support

The young woman was dressed in luxurious attire, her eyebrows slightly arched, exuding a hint of arrogance. Her gaze fell upon the medicine bowl in Xue Fangfei's hand, and a look of realization appeared on her face as she smiled and said, "So that's how it is"

She managed to extract information from the maid's words and ultimately learned the truth

Princess Yongning's anger flared up in an instant, but after a moment, she calmed down again. She stood up, walked to the table, and picked up the already wilted begonia. The begonia pot was only the size of a palm, intricately carved with flourishing designs on fine white porcelain, delicate and charming. Princess Yongning played with the flower pot and said with a smile, "Do you know how your brother died?"

I am deeply in love with Lord Shen, but unfortunately, there is you. Naturally, I cannot tolerate your presence. If you were the daughter of a prominent family, I might have to go through some trouble. Unfortunately, your father is merely a small county magistrate. In Yanjing, there are countless counties, and your Xue family is but a trivial matter. In your next life, remember to weigh your options before being born, and strive to be born into a wealthy family.

The sun blazed down fiercely upon the land of Yanjing, and the street vendors sought refuge in the shade of the trees. In such sweltering weather, the young masters and mistresses of affluent families were reluctant to venture out into the scorching heat. Only the laborers and the poor, carrying buckets of chilled rice wine soaked in well water, tirelessly moved between the various gambling houses and tea gardens, hoping that weary and thirsty patrons would spend five copper coins to buy a bowl, which would allow them to purchase an additional bag of rice, cook two more pots of porridge, and sustain themselves for three more days.

On the bed, Xue Fangfei lay on her back, with tear stains at the corners of her eyes half-dried. Her face, having grown thinner recently, not only did not appear haggard or pale, but instead exuded an even more delicate and striking beauty, possessing a breathtakingly enchanting allure.

Xue Fangfei made an effort to sit up from the bed. A bowl of medicine placed by the bedside had already cooled down, only emitting a bitter fragrance. She leaned over half of her body and poured the medicine from the bowl into a basin of begonia in front of the desk. The begonia had already withered, leaving only a solitary branch.

This is indeed a golden belt for killing and arson, while repairing bridges and roads leaves no corpses!

That pot of begonia was knocked over during her struggle, shattering on the ground. The soil in the pot exuded a bitter fragrance, and the withered branches fell out, the painted patterns marred and incomplete

Xue Fangfei felt a glimmer of hope arise within her, and she shouted loudly: "Shen Yurong! Shen Yurong, you treat me this way, it is against the principles of heaven! Shen Yurong!"

The shadow of a person outside the window flickered, as if trying to escape. Princess Yongning scolded, "What are you still dawdling for? Take action!"

Shen Lang, she called out so intimately, Xue Fangfei felt a sweetness in her throat, almost unable to contain herself. After a moment, she calmly said: "I am waiting, waiting for him to tell me in person."

A pearl in the South China Sea, fertile fields spanning tens of thousands of acres. The royal family and nobility always use the best things; they live in luxury and do not experience the hardships of the common people. They possess everything that others can only dream of throughout their lives, yet they still covet what belongs to others, even resorting to theft and robbery.

However, in the end, Xue Fangfei married Shen Yurong, as she liked him

Princess Yongning smiled, and as she did, a thumb-sized South Sea pearl on her hairpin swayed gently, its lustrous sheen nearly dazzling the eyes of onlookers

The brand-new residence, the bestowed plaque, and the servants bustling back and forth in the courtyard, yet outside the sweltering summer heat, the house feels chillingly cold. Perhaps ice blocks have been moved inside for cooling, but the closer one gets to the wall of the courtyard, the colder it becomes

The truth is now revealed

In May, just after the late spring, the weather became impatiently hot.