Chapter 1: Driven to Death by Anger

Chapter 1: Angered to Death

"If not for your failure to raise your son properly, the Marquis of Weiyuan’s estate would not be in its current state. If not for your poor management, your sister-in-law would not have been dragged down by a life of hardship into such poor health. It is only right that you use your money to buy some bird’s nest to nourish her."

The heavy snow had fallen for three days and three nights, turning the world white, just as it had turned Xin An’s hair. Half a year ago, her son was implicated in a case that led to the stripping of the Marquis of Weiyuan’s title. The entire household was driven out onto the streets, and it was only thanks to a residence left behind by her maiden family that they had a place to stay; otherwise, half of them would likely have perished in this winter.

The goose-feather snow seemed as though it would never end, just as the current days seemed to hold no future. She had become the sinner in everyone’s eyes.

"Madam."

Chunyang walked in with reddened eyes and knelt before Xin An. "The young mistress has passed away. Please, Madam, restrain your grief."

Her heart was struck as if by a heavy blow. Xin An gripped the door frame tightly. Half a year ago, her son died in prison; three days ago, her grandson also left her. She knew that without her husband and child, her already frail daughter-in-law could not go on living.

Lowering her eyes, she gently stroked the bracelet on her wrist. She remembered the day of her wedding, when her mother had tearfully sent her off in the bridal sedan. She remembered her father, usually so dignified, with reddened eyes, and her younger brother’s gaze filled with reluctance. In the end, she had not lived the life they had hoped for.

"Pawn this bracelet. Give her a proper final journey, and bury the three of them together."

Tang Rong glanced at the bracelet, his brows slightly furrowed. "Top-quality mutton-fat jade is worth a thousand taels of silver. Keep the funeral simple; use the remaining silver to buy some bird’s nest for your sister-in-law to nourish herself. It’s cold—get her some silk bedding and high-quality charcoal as well."

"Now that you and I have lost our son and grandson, we can only rely on Zihui to provide for our old age. Put away that sharp-tongued nature of yours and be kinder to your sister-in-law."

"I once promised my stepmother that after I pass, the Marquis title would go to Zihui. It was your failure to raise your son that led to this. You owe Zihui a title."

"I remember you still have an old ginseng root. Zihui was only implicated; if we maneuver things correctly, there may still be other opportunities. Bring me that ginseng; consider it compensation for Zihui."

This was the most Tang Rong had spoken to Xin An since the estate was raided. Having said his piece, he didn't want to stay a moment longer. "Bring it quickly. Your sister-in-law is feeling unwell; I’m going to check on her."

Tang Rong’s back soon blurred into the wind and snow. Xin An looked out at the vast, snowy expanse. Even now, she could not understand: her son was so outstanding, the most upright person imaginable—how could he have embezzled such a massive sum, or even openly slandered the Emperor?

The old ginseng could not be found; only an empty box remained. Chunyang said that Tang Hui had been there the day before. The meaning was clear enough. Xin An slowly exhaled. For the past six months, she had been consumed by the grief of losing her son and had no spirit for anything, which had only made that mother and son pair increasingly arrogant.

In the west courtyard, Tang Rong looked at the rosy-cheeked Tao Yiran with great relief. "That cold-avoidance pill truly has miraculous effects. Your complexion has been much better these past two days."

Tao Yiran gently touched her cheek, her eyes filled with joy, though she said, "The cold-avoidance pill is incredibly precious. My illness isn't that serious; it’s a waste."

Tang Rong poured her half a cup of warm water. "As long as it works, it’s worth any price."

A faint smile played on Tao Yiran’s lips, and her well-maintained face showed a hint of girlish charm. "I’ve made you spend more money again, sister-in-law."

"It is what she should do. You, you are just too kind-hearted."

Outside the door, Chunyang, who was supporting Xin An, looked on in shock. Xin An stood frozen in place. She remembered that day, the small child huddled in her arms, asking if his grandfather would be cold walking through the snow to buy him medicine, asking if he would stop hurting once he took the medicine from the imperial physician. His eyes had been bright, looking toward the door, waiting for his grandfather to bring the medicine.

Before he closed his eyes, he had said that when his grandfather brought the medicine, they should wake him up. He wasn't afraid of the bitterness; he said that after taking the medicine, he would grow tall, as tall as his father.

Tang Rong had returned empty-handed, saying they were now criminals and the Imperial Hospital refused to sell medicine. He had taken the opportunity to scold her once more for failing to raise her son and implicating his grandson, leaving her completely broken in his presence.

So, the cold-avoidance pill had been bought, but it had gone into Tao Yiran’s mouth.

The conversation in the room continued. It was Tang Hui’s voice.

"Uncle, I heard that the eldest aunt’s family is already on their way. I fear they will not let go of the cousin’s death. If they uncover the truth and make a scene, I fear for my life."

"You can rest easy on that matter. I had everything planned thoroughly at the time. Everyone is convinced that those treasonous remarks were made by Zixuan, and the money found in the raid was all Zixuan’s. The evidence is ironclad; it is impossible to overturn."

Tang Xuan was Tang Rong’s own son, yet in his mouth, he sounded like a stranger. Xin An could not stand steady. Her Zixuan had been a scapegoat for Tang Hui?!

She had always said that her maiden family were salt merchants—they were never short of money. How could her Zixuan possibly have embezzled anything?

So her Zixuan really had been wronged—wronged by his own father!

The words that followed from the room made her blood run cold. "As for the Xin family, you don't need to worry. I received news the day before yesterday that they encountered mountain bandits on the road and met with an accident. They will never reach the capital in this lifetime."

"As for your eldest aunt, be kinder to her these days. The Xin family were salt merchants for three generations. Although she has no money left after the estate was raided, the Xin family left her some valuable items. If she is willing to bring them out to pave the way for you, there is a chance for you to rise again, even as someone who was implicated."

"Thank you, Uncle. Ever since my father passed, my mother and I have been cared for by you. In my heart, you are the same as my own father."

"Pfft."

Xin An spat out blood. Chunyang was terrified. "Madam!"

The sound startled those inside the room. When Tang Rong saw her, there was a flicker of guilt in his eyes, but it was immediately replaced by an arrogant expression. Before Xin An could speak, he took the initiative. "Since you know, it doesn't matter if I tell you. All your life, you have fought for everything, scheming and calculating at every turn, ruthless and unforgiving. Tang Xuan was exactly like you."

"When the trouble started, if he had just admitted that he did everything, I would have had a way to save his life. But he refused to the death, and even wanted to personally report Zihui. He had no regard for brotherhood."

"As for the cold-avoidance pill, the doctor said Ke’er was beyond saving. Giving it to him would have been in vain, so why waste it?"

Xin An laughed—laughed at the absurdity of her life. If she hadn't schemed at every turn, could he, with his aloof pride, have reached where he was in the officialdom today?

If she hadn't been calculating and ruthless, could their branch of the family have survived under the hands of a stepmother even more ruthless than she?

If she hadn't fought with all her might, could this Marquis title have fallen to him?

He enjoyed the benefits she brought, yet despised her methods.

"Tang Rong, you are utterly shameless."

"You forced your own son to his death and killed your grandson. A man like you does not deserve to have a son to bury you!"

Her son was forced to death by his own father—what kind of despair must he have felt in his heart at that moment?

***

Dear readers, I have started a new story! It’s a week later than expected. Aside from the first chapter, which is a bit heart-wrenching, the rest will be lighthearted and happy. Those familiar with me know that I don't write tragic stories. The male and female leads will both have mouths to speak their minds; there won't be any extreme, drawn-out misunderstandings. Hahahaha.

The new story is still very fragile, so please add it to your library, vote for it, and support it!

(End of chapter)