CHAPTER 32 (PART 1)

What to do, what to do? She had to think fast! Judging from the methods he used on the woodcutter, he was bound to be even crueler to her. He had spent years searching for her—what if, the moment he saw her, he simply drew his blade and ended her right then and there? She’d be done for!

Shi Li paced anxiously around the room until her gaze landed on the earthen kang bed she slept on. This type of bed was built from stone and clay, with a hollow interior where firewood could be burned during winter to heat the room.

It was currently summer, so there was no need for heating. But as a hiding spot… it could work.

A spark of hope flickered in her mind. She quickly pried open the small vent that was used to clear out ashes and began crawling inside. As soon as her arm and head went in, she stirred up a cloud of soot, making her cough uncontrollably.

There was no time to worry about that. Gritting her teeth, she squeezed herself into the cramped space, then used a stone to seal the opening again, silently praying that the male supporting character wouldn’t find her.

Outside, the sound of galloping hooves came to a halt, signaling that her house was completely surrounded. Shi Li strained her ears and heard a man say, “This is the place.”

Immediately afterward, she heard the sound of many men dismounting.

The wooden door creaked open with a long, drawn-out squeak as someone stepped inside. Shi Li swallowed nervously, curling up tightly in the narrow confines of the kang, not daring to make a sound.

“Sir, this is indeed the place,” a man’s voice confirmed. Then, after a brief pause, he added with some confusion, “Strange… Our scouts have been watching the house, and she never left. How is it suddenly empty? Sir, shall I dispatch troops to search for her?”

Shi Li: “…” I’m just a weak, helpless woman! Do you really need to send out soldiers to capture me?

As she tensed up, she heard a familiar voice respond, “No need. Leave.”

“Yes!” The man immediately obeyed, stepping out and shutting the door behind him. In an instant, the only ones left in the house were the male supporting character… and Shi Li, hidden inside the kang.

Shi Li held her breath, lying stiffly in the ash-covered space. The kang was almost entirely sealed off, but fortunately, there was a small vent on the outer wall—used for pushing out ash—that allowed some air to flow inside. Otherwise, she might have suffocated in here.

Outside, there was no sound at all. The silence stretched on.

Shi Li remained in the same position for a long time until she couldn’t bear it anymore. She cautiously shifted, rolling onto her back to relieve some of the discomfort. Lying still, she stared into the pitch-black interior of the kang. The darkness pressed down on her, making her feel increasingly suffocated, but she had no choice but to endure it while silently praying that he would leave soon.

However, there was still no sound outside. She couldn’t even hear the male supporting character opening the door to leave.

She had no choice but to continue waiting.

She didn’t know how long had passed. Her eyelids grew heavier and heavier. No matter how hard she tried to stay awake, in the end, she succumbed to exhaustion and drifted into sleep.

The only light source inside the kang came from the small vent, which was already dim. With the entire interior covered in black soot, it felt as if she were swallowed by darkness.

Shi Li felt like she had slept for a long time. When she finally opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the dark kang wall. For a moment, she thought night had fallen, but when she looked toward the vent and saw the faint light outside, she realized it was still daytime.

However, judging by the dullness of the light, it was likely already dusk.

She had probably slept for at least two hours…

Shi Li pricked up her ears and listened carefully. Not only was there no sound of the male supporting character moving around, but even the noise of the horses outside had completely disappeared.

Could it be that they searched for a long time, couldn’t find anyone, and just left?

Shi Li’s eyes lit up at the thought. Ignoring the dirt, she pressed her face against the stone and listened intently for a while. After confirming there were no sounds outside, she let out a long sigh of relief.

She carefully pushed aside the stone blocking the small opening, stretched out both arms first, and pressed her elbows against the ground to pull herself out. Her head and shoulders soon followed.

The opening wasn’t very big, and she couldn’t use much force. After getting her upper body out, she rested for a moment before continuing. Bit by bit, she struggled to squeeze out, especially at her hips, which got stuck for a while. She had to wiggle several times before finally managing to free herself. Just this one action left her drenched in sweat and completely exhausted. She slumped against the kang bed, only to look up and meet a pair of familiar eyes.

Male Lead Hatred Value: 100%

The thatched hut fell into complete silence.

After what felt like an eternity, Shi Li swallowed nervously and slowly covered her face.

…She saw nothing. She saw absolutely nothing. It was all just an illusion.

The more she muttered this to herself, the more her legs trembled.

Ancient settings weren’t like the modern world—where laws protected people. Someone like her, a lowly commoner, was nothing more than an ant before a man as powerful as Shen Jingyan. He wouldn’t even need a reason to crush her.

Was she truly doomed to die?

Shi Li wailed internally, her legs shaking even harder. However, no matter how long she sat there, she didn’t hear Shen Jingyan make a move.

After a moment of hesitation, she quietly spread her fingers apart and peeked through them.

At first, she saw his embroidered black boots, detailed with cloud patterns and gold thread. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and though the design was simple, the quality of the material was undeniably luxurious.

Looking further up, she saw his deep purple robe with wide sleeves, secured at the waist by a jade belt that emphasized his slender frame. The garment was plain, without excessive embellishments, but paired with his strikingly handsome face, it carried an air of undeniable nobility.

Back when she was forced to leave this world, Shen Jingyan had still been in a state of downfall. The most common attire he wore then was the rough hemp robes she had clumsily patched together. Every piece of clothing bore visible mends.

Though he had already been a court official at that time, he had looked more like a struggling scholar.

Now, his entire demeanor had changed. He didn’t even need to speak—his presence alone radiated the oppressive authority of someone in power, making this humble thatched hut feel utterly out of place beside him.

And then there was herself…

Shi Li glanced down at her own dirt-covered hands and decided it was best not to look any further.

This was too miserable.

Why was she always the one suffering? Couldn’t they switch it up next time so the male lead had a harder time while she got to be the powerful one?

Even in the midst of a crisis, Shi Li couldn’t help but complain internally.

“After all these years, does my wife intend to keep sitting there forever?”

Shi Li’s fingers trembled. Awkwardly, she lifted her gaze and forced a weak smile.

“Hus—Shen… Lord Shen.”

Shen Jingyan took a step toward her, his embroidered boots stopping just before her. He knelt down, reached out, and cupped her chin between his fingers.

“You used to call me ‘husband,’” he murmured. “Why the sudden formality?”

“…L-Lord Shen is an esteemed court official. A mere commoner like me dares not overstep.”

Shi Li was so nervous her voice shook, terrified that a single misstep would have her dragged outside and executed.

Male Lead Hatred Value: 110%

…She hadn’t even tried to get close to him, so why did his hatred still increase?!

Shi Li wanted to cry but had no tears. Her eyes turned red as she looked at Shen Jingyan.

It was still that same familiar face.

Yet, the Shen Jingyan before her was no longer the kind and gentle man she once knew. His gaze still carried a hint of warmth, but she knew better—this wasn’t kindness, just the well-practiced facade of a man who had spent years navigating the treacherous waters of the imperial court.

Shi Li swallowed hard, staring at the man in front of her.

Shen Jingyan’s fingertips were cool as he tilted her chin, scrutinizing her features. Then, he leisurely pulled out a silk handkerchief and began wiping the dirt off her face.

Just a few swipes, and the pristine white cloth turned pitch black.

Yet, he showed no sign of disgust—only continued cleaning her up with slow, deliberate motions.

Shi Li’s throat tightened. She didn’t dare move a muscle, stiffly allowing him to do as he pleased.

After a moment, Shen Jingyan looked at her now slightly cleaner face and let out a satisfied sigh.

“I had thought that after spending all these years suffering in a thatched hut, my wife would have lost her beauty. But surprisingly, even after five years, you remain as lovely as ever. Meanwhile, I… I have grown old.”

Unwillingly, Shi Li’s gaze drifted to his hair.

His dark locks were neatly tied under his crown, but here and there, a few strands of silver peeked through. There were also faint lines at the corners of his eyes, subtle but undeniable. He had clearly endured his fair share of hardship.

Afraid that he might start resenting her for this and decide to kill her out of sheer imbalance, she quickly stammered, “I-I suffered a lot too! I haven’t had a full meal in years. In winter, I had to wash clothes for the wealthier villagers just to scrape together enough silver to survive. I… I probably still look young because of good genes…”

…Wait, what nonsense was she spewing now?!

Shi Li mentally berated herself and promptly shut her mouth.

The hut fell into silence again.

She looked into Shen Jingyan’s deep, unreadable eyes, dreading that the quiet might lead to another increase in his killing intent.

Panicking, she quickly resorted to pitiful complaints.

“I know it might not seem like it, but my life here has been miserable. A helpless woman like me, with no one to stand up for me, is always the easiest target for bullying…”

Shen Jingyan’s fingers trailed from her chin down to her slender neck, then continued lower, pausing at her collarbone where her clothing got in the way. A flicker of displeasure crossed his eyes.

Shi Li gulped but pretended not to notice his inappropriate touch, forcing herself to continue playing the victim.

“T-Take the family I worked for as an example. I was responsible for washing clothes for the entire household, but they only paid me for one person’s laundry. If I ever tried to quit, they’d come to my door cursing and hurling insults. I had no choice but to keep working for them…”

She wasn’t making any of this up.

According to the system’s input, Shi Li’s character had lived a miserable life after fleeing to the countryside. The villagers took advantage of her isolation and helplessness, pushing her around at every opportunity. Most would just get her to do small favors, but the family she worked for truly treated her like a slave.