Chapter 5

In the torrential downpour, with no one else around, it seemed as if she were the only one left in the world.

Su Jinyuan retreated into the carriage. She remained stunned for a long time before she finally had the chance to examine the package that Xie Yunyan had slipped to her. It was a small oiled paper bundle; when opened, it contained a paired dragon and phoenix token and a letter.

Su Jinyuan unrolled the letter. The calligraphy danced like dragons and phoenixes yet carried a gentle warmth, as if Xiao Yunxi himself were standing before her, speaking softly. He began by asking about her well-being and then moved on to discuss their marital affair.

He said: “There has always been quite an age gap between us, and we haven’t met many times before. You’re still just a young girl, so it’s only natural that you’d prefer a gentle and refined man. I went to the battlefield at a young age, and my nature was marked by a fierce martial spirit. I should have first asked whether you were fond of this marriage. Had I known earlier that your heart belonged to someone else, I wouldn’t have set a wedding date to trouble you.”

He continued: “When Ah Yan finds you, if you truly have someone you fancy, then let this letter of dissolution be yours. I will tell the household to have my mother cancel the engagement with the Su family. Your father has always been a benefactor of the Xiao family, and I would never make this marriage a source of hardship for you. When the time comes, I will explain that it was my decision so as not to tarnish your reputation.”

The letter’s calligraphy was strong and decisive, yet its words were exceptionally gentle. Even though it was only a few lines, it felt as if that brilliant, clear-eyed youth stood before her, filled with understanding and indulgence.

Xiao Yunxi never once questioned why she had fled from the marriage, nor did he reproach her for leaving on the wedding day and causing him embarrassment. Instead, after gently consoling her, he ended the letter with a final reminder: “If you have a man you truly fancy, then when I return victorious, bring him to meet me. After I have thoroughly vetted him, I will send you off in the name of a sworn sibling. Do not trust anyone who whisked you away to elope with you. A person who disregards your honor is not worthy of a lifetime commitment. Also, Ah Yan can be a bit impulsive. Do not fear him—if he dares to bully you, wait until I return, and I will set him straight.”

Unable to hold back her emotions, Su Jinyuan clutched the letter tightly, her eyes welling with tears.

Return?
How could he ever return?

The dragon and phoenix token attached to the letter was the betrothal token exchanged between the two families back then—she and Xiao Yunxi each kept one. Moreover, the letter of dissolution bore Xiao Yunxi’s handwriting. With this, she was no longer a member of the Xiao family and would have no further connection with them.

Su Jinyuan, who had always been cautious of her own life, should have felt delighted and fortunate upon receiving these things. She had finally been given a second chance at life and could have chosen to stay far away from the capital, avoiding any further entanglements with the Xiao family or the people from her past.

Yet, the divorce letter in her hand felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.

She thought of Old Madam Xiao’s kindness, the gentle and refined young man, and even the sharp-tongued Xie Yunyan, who had still given her clothes to shield her from the wind and rain.

Clenching her teeth, she wrapped everything back up and stuffed it into her sleeve.

“Hyah!” Su Jinyuan tugged at the reins.

Back to the capital!

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The capital was bleak and desolate, with rain pouring down. The once-bustling Xiao family residence was now cold and silent.

General Xiao had been defeated, and several members of the Xiao family had fallen in Linchuan. The Emperor’s decree had ordered the imprisonment of all male members of the Xiao family, leaving only the women in the household. Though no official judgment had been passed, it was clear to everyone that the Xiao family was finished.

“Mother, it’s a good thing I didn’t end up stealing Su Jinyuan’s marriage. If I had married into the Xiao family, we’d be doomed now,” Su Xinyue said, still shaken.

Madam Yu, her mother, nodded in agreement, her face full of lingering fear. “Exactly. I used to think that little wench was being overly dramatic, clinging to the Xiao family marriage while being clearly smitten with Lu Zhuo. She claimed she couldn’t break the engagement because of her sense of duty—how pretentious.”

“Looking back, it’s good that her stubbornness kept her from giving up the marriage to you. Otherwise, we’d be the ones suffering now.”

Su Xinyue pouted unhappily. “If I’d known, I wouldn’t have tricked her into eloping with Lu Zhuo. I should’ve left her in the Xiao family to die—it would’ve been perfect.”

“And that Xiao Yunxi—so handsome and commanding, but who would’ve thought he’d have such a short life…” She had actually liked him quite a bit.

Madam Yu flicked her forehead and scolded, “What do you know? It’s a blessing that Su Jinyuan ran away. If she had truly married into the Xiao family, we’d be their in-laws, and their downfall would drag us down too.”

“And as for Xiao Yunxi, you’d better stop thinking about him. A man doomed to die young isn’t worthy of you. I’ll find you someone better.”

Su Xinyue immediately brightened. “Mother, you’re the best! Do you think Su Jinyuan is miserable now?”

“Of course she is. That Lu Zhuo is no good—he’s all charm and good looks, but he’s a rotten scoundrel at his core. He’s a perfect match for that little wench…”

Before Madam Yu could finish her sentence, a stone suddenly flew toward her mouth, hitting her with such force that it drew blood. Before she could even cry out in pain, a figure burst in through the door.

Grabbing Su Xinyue’s hair and pulling her aside, Su Jinyuan kicked her down. Then, Su Jinyuan slapped Madam Yu across the face, sneering, “Who are you calling a little wretch?”

Madam Yu, wide-eyed and terrified, stammered, “Su Jinyuan, you…”

Shocked—how could this happen? Lu Zhuo had taken her out of the capital, taken her money, and promised her that this “little wretch” would never return. Yet, here she is.

Su Jinyuan slapped Madam Yu again, blood staining her hand. “Who are you calling a short-lived ghost? Who are you saying matches that trash? Do you want to be a short-lived ghost? I’ll make it happen!”

Grabbing Madam Yu’s hair bun, Su Jinyuan dragged her to the wall and slammed her head against it, avoiding vital spots but leaving Madam Yu dizzy and disoriented.

Su Xinyue screamed, “Mother!” She rushed to attack Su Jinyuan but was kicked away.

Having spent years surviving in the underbelly of society in her previous life, Su Jinyuan fought ruthlessly and knew exactly where to strike for maximum pain. She grabbed Su Xinyue’s hair, pulled her back, stepped on her ankle, and threw her to the ground. Then, she kicked her in the stomach, leaving her unable to stand.

“Su Jinyuan, what are you doing?!” Su Wanquan felt uneasy after hearing from the household staff that Su Jinyuan had barged in. Rushing over, he saw her slamming his wife against the wall and violently attacking Su Xinyue.

Su Wanquan shouted sternly, “What are you all standing there for? Pull her away!”

“I dare anyone to come closer!”

After kicking Su Xinyue in the face, Su Jinyuan yanked the hairpin from Madam Yu’s head and stabbed it directly into her neck. The sharp tip instantly cut Madam Yu’s neck.

Madam Yu screamed in pain. As Su Jinyuan pulled her backward, Madam Yu felt as though the hairpin might pierce her throat.

“Master… Master, save me…”

“Su Jinyuan, what exactly are you trying to do?” Su Wanquan’s face turned pale as he glared at Su Jinyuan. “She is your aunt, your elder. All these years you’ve lived in this household, your aunt and I have never mistreated you. Do you really want to take her life?”