Born as the only son of the Shen family, he lived like the world was made for his pleasure. Gambling, drinking, and surrounding himself with women—those were his only talents. He was said to have more than ten concubines, all flaunted like trophies.
If he grew tired of one, he simply gave her away to a friend.
And yet, this worthless pig with a temper as foul as spoiled wine was the one Zhao Lingxi was supposed to marry.
Lan Yue nearly choked when she heard it. Was General Zhao serious?
Shen Yiming's reputation wasn't just bad. It was legendary. Arrogant, cruel, and lazy, he'd once whipped a servant half to death just because his soup was too hot. A man like that didn't deserve a pet, let alone Zhao Lingxi.
But according to the original storyline, this scene had happened before.
Back then, the marriage had never taken place. A few days after the announcement, a decree came from the Imperial City—Shen Yiming's father had been accused of embezzling military funds, forcing the engagement to be quietly dissolved.
So, Lan Yue wasn't too worried.
Besides, the Zhao Lingxi she served now wasn't the same naive girl who once trembled under this household's cruelty. She had returned reborn—calm, steady, untouchable.
If anyone thought they could ruin her life again, they were in for a surprise.
The others, however, were delighted.
Madam Wei was the first to laugh softly, pretending to cover her mouth. "My, what a fine match. Eldest Miss marrying Young Master Shen—it truly suits the family's dignity."
Madam Lian nodded, voice dripping with false admiration. "Indeed, both are… strong-willed individuals. One known for his temper, the other for her stubbornness. They must make quite the pair."
The sharp laughter that followed was like broken glass scraping the air.
Lan Yue clenched her fists behind her back. She wanted to stuff their fake smiles right into the tea kettle.
But Zhao Lingxi didn't react at all.
Her face remained calm, serene, as if their words were mere wind. That quiet poise made the others falter, their amusement fading into discomfort.
There was something unsettling about the way Zhao Lingxi now carried herself. Even her silence had weight, pressing down on them like invisible steel that made even Madam Hua pause for a moment.
Lan Yue caught that flicker of unease in Madam Hua's eyes.
Ah, so you feel it too.
After the meal, Zhao Lingxi rose gracefully, bowed slightly to her father, and excused herself without another word. No one stopped her. The silence that followed her exit felt strangely heavy.
Lan Yue quickly moved to follow, as was her duty.
Zhao Lingxi's robes fluttered softly in the wind. She didn't look back once. Her voice came faintly, calm and distant.
"Keep up."
Lan Yue hurried after her, boots tapping lightly against the stone path. The sun was warm, but the air between them felt strangely cold.
Then, just as they turned past one of the side corridors...
Someone grabbed her wrist.
Before Lan Yue could react, she was pulled sharply behind one of the buildings.
Lan Yue's instincts kicked in. She twisted her body and lashed out on reflex. Her fist connected with a solid chest.
Bang!
The intruder flew backward, colliding hard against the wall before sliding down, groaning.
Lan Yue blinked. "Oops."
The woman who'd ambushed her clutched her side, eyes wide with disbelief. Her face, though smeared with dirt, was still recognizable.
"You—" the woman gasped. "How… how did you get so strong?"
Lan Yue tilted her head, curiosity flickering across her face. "Who are you?"
The woman's expression twisted with confusion and fear. "You—don't you remember? I used to..." Her voice faltered as old memories surfaced. The weak little maid she used to bully could never have thrown her ten paces with a single punch.
"Answer the question," Lan Yue said, voice flat but cold. "Or I'll break your neck."
The woman stiffened, a shiver running through her. Her trembling finger rose accusingly. "Don't get so cocky. Remember your mother's life is in our ladyship's hands! If you dare act against me, both you and that sick woman will die without intact bodies!"
Lan Yue froze.
Her mother?
A few seconds passed before it truly sank in.
Wait… this woman…
Her eyes narrowed as memory clicked into place.
This was Madam Hua's head maidservant, the same one who always lingered by her side like a shadow.
So that was how it was.
In the novel, the original Lan Yue hadn't betrayed Zhao Lingxi purely out of envy or greed. No, the reason went far deeper.
Her mother's life had been held hostage by Madam Hua.
Lan Yue had grown up serving Zhao Lingxi since childhood. They had eaten together, trained together, even cried together. Zhao Lingxi trusted her completely. Madam Hua had seen that and turned it into a weapon.
To make sure Lan Yue stayed obedient, Madam Hua had poisoned her with a slow-acting toxin that required a monthly antidote. If she ever failed her duties or disobeyed, both she and her mother would die painfully.
All this, just to make sure she remained a loyal pet under the main wife's control.
Lan Yue's shoulders sagged slightly as the memories pieced themselves together.
No wonder she betrayed her mistress.
It wasn't just fear. It was desperation.
She sighed quietly.
"Being a side character is really too hard…" she muttered under her breath.
The maid gave her a look of disdain. "That's right. You better act obedient if you still value your mother's life. You act arrogant now, but I know your type. You'll crawl back the moment your body starts aching for the antidote."
Lan Yue smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Maybe. But I suggest you start talking before I start aching for your neck instead."
She immediately straightened herself, pretending to be arrogant despite her pitiful state. "Her ladyship has a task for you. You can only come for the antidote once you've completed it."
Lan Yue crossed her arms, her voice turning lazy, even amused. "Go on. I'm listening."