Chapter 2: Emptying Her Scumbag Father’s Treasury Before the Wedding

Her stepmother gave a cold snort. “Don’t dawdle.” With that, she left with Zi Yan in tow.

Ziling knew full well that her father and stepmother would never willingly let her take her dowry. Her scummy father was still dreaming of using her dowry to marry off Zi Yan into the imperial family so he could one day become the Emperor’s in-law.

Guided by the original owner’s memories, Ziling quietly made her way to the storeroom. Inside, dozens of large chests were piled high, filled to the brim with gold, silver, and jewels beyond counting. She already knew her mother had been wealthy, but she hadn’t expected her to be this wealthy. Since all of it had belonged to her mother, Ziling had no reason to be polite.

She placed her hand on the treasures, and with a mere thought—

The gold and jewels vanished, sucked into her spatial dimension.

Within moments, the once-packed storeroom was left utterly empty, save for rows of hollow chests.

Ziling calmly stepped out, relocked the door, and was about to head back to her courtyard when she suddenly heard her father’s voice.

“I’ve already submitted the report to His Majesty. Now, everything is ready.”

Another, unfamiliar voice answered, “Marquis, the Emperor has already made his decision. All we need to do now is wait. Once the General’s household is eliminated, you and I will finally be free of worries.”

…What?

Eliminate the General’s household?

Ziling crept closer, wanting to hear more, but footsteps approached from afar. Startled, she slipped away quickly, returned to her room, opened the wardrobe, and chose the most resplendent bridal dress to wear. Still, unease lingered in her heart after what she had overheard.

As she adjusted her gown, a shrill scream pierced the air.

So soon? Had they already discovered it?

Indeed—her stepmother had brought people to the storeroom to pick out a few worthless items to pose as Ziling’s dowry. But upon opening the door, she had found dozens of empty chests instead.

This was the dowry she had stolen from Ziling’s mother to save for her own daughter Zi Yan’s marriage. Now it had all vanished into thin air. How could she not go mad?

Furious, her stepmother stormed into Ziling’s courtyard with her servants. “Ziling! Get out here! Did you dare steal my belongings?”

Ziling only let out a cold laugh. “Mother, what exactly have you lost? And in what quantity? I haven’t left this courtyard.”

“Dozens of chests—” Her stepmother froze mid-sentence, her mind suddenly clearing. Dozens of chests would require several strong men to move, let alone a delicate young girl. How could Ziling possibly have carried them away?

“If you don’t believe me, you may search my room,” Ziling said coolly.

“Hmph! You’d better not let me find out. Or you’ll pay dearly.” Trembling with rage, her stepmother had to be helped away by the servants.

Half an hour later, Ziling, dressed in her wedding gown and composed with dignified grace, stepped out of her room.

Zi Yan looked at her radiant elder sister with eyes full of envy. “Even if you marry into the General’s mansion, Sister, it doesn’t mean you’ll actually enjoy good fortune.”

The bridal sedan quickly carried Ziling to the General’s residence. After the wedding rites were completed, she sat waiting for her new husband to lift her red bridal veil. But before that could happen, news arrived—the young general had been summoned urgently into the palace by the Emperor.

Ziling recalled her father’s earlier conversation with that stranger. To have her husband called away on her wedding night—this day was destined not to be peaceful.

Still—she wasn’t inexperienced. Hadn’t she read enough transmigration novels before crossing over? Since this was now her home, of course she should secure the valuables for herself. After all, what belonged to the household was hers now too.

But how could she get rid of the servants who were assigned to keep an eye on her?

Just then, a soft little hand tugged at her sleeve. A sweet voice piped up, “Sister-in-law, are you hungry? I brought you some pastries.”

Ziling glanced down to see a delicate young girl with fine features. Inspiration struck. She smiled warmly. “Ah, your sister-in-law is a little hungry. But with the bridal veil still covering my face, it’s inconvenient to eat. Could you ask the steward when the General will return? If he won’t be back soon, I’ll lift the veil myself so I can eat.”

The girl nodded obediently and hopped away to inquire.

As soon as she was gone, Ziling slipped off her seat, tiptoed out the door, and—relying on her “drama-watching experience”—searched the grounds. Surely, the storeroom would be in a secluded corner.

Sure enough, after some searching, she found it.

Employing the same trick as before, she swept all the treasures inside into her space, then hurried back to her bridal chamber, sat down gracefully, and acted as if nothing had happened.

No sooner had she settled into place than the sound of commotion erupted from the front courtyard.