When the war for the throne ended, the land had changed its rulers. The fifth prince, Chen Feng Yue, ascended the throne as the Emperor of the Qingzhou Kingdom at the tender age of seventeen, marking the beginning of the Xingping era.

    Despite his youth, the Emperor was highly skilled and knowledgeable, managing the realm so adeptly that all the ministers admired his capabilities.

    In the second year of Xingping era, a massive flood struck Qingyun, the southern city of the kingdom, causing widespread suffering among millions of citizens. However, thanks to the efforts of a local official named Mu Cui Ming, the crisis was swiftly resolved.

    By the third year of Xingping era, the flood issues were well under control. The notable official from the Mu family was promoted to the position of the Left side Deputy Chancellor, serving in the capital, rising in stature like a tiger with wings.

    In the seventh year of Xingping era, the eldest young master of the Mu family, passed the imperial examination with the top score, receiving the title of Zhuangyuan[1], and became a promising new official with a bright future, attracting attention from powers within the capital.

    In the ninth year of Xingping era, the eldest young lady of the Mu family got engaged to Shin Wang[2], becoming the future Wang Fei[3] of Shin Wang, greatly enhancing her social status and reputation.

    In the tenth year of Xingping era, the eldest young master of the Mu family was ambushed and killed by bandits while on an official mission. The eldest young lady of the Mu family, deeply grieved, secluded herself, leading to rumors of her losing her sanity.

    In the eleventh year of Xingping era, during the Empress Dowager's return from seeking pilgrimage at Tai Lin Temple, an assassination attempt by rebels occurred. The Furen[4] and the second young lady of the Left side Deputy Chancellor, from the Mu family, protected the Empress Dowager, earning great favor. The second young lady was later appointed by the Empress Dowager as Lady Ping An. Then at the end of the year, her father, the Left side Deputy Chancellor, was promoted to be the Left side Chancellor.

    Out of affection and favor, the Empress Dowager sent representatives to Lady Ping An's birthday celebration, bestowing numerous precious gifts, honoring the Mu family. However, during the feast, Lady Ping An was poisoned!

    The Empress Dowager, enraged, ordered an investigation, which revealed that the perpetrator was the eldest young lady of the Mu family, now insane and jealous, with the cooperation of her younger sister from the same mother, the seventh young lady.

    Their father, the Left side Chancellor, publicly disowned them, and Shin Wang also annulled the engagement. The eldest young lady was condemned by society as evil-hearted and both were imprisoned by the royal decree of the Empress Dowager.

    In the twelfth year of Xingping era, Lady Ping An got engaged to Shin Wang, becoming the admired future Wang Fei. Even the Empress Dowager supported this engagement, leading to their splendid marriage by the year's end, and Lady Ping An officially became Wang Fei.

    In the thirteenth year of Xingping era, the former eldest young lady of the Mu family and the seventh young lady were sentenced to death. They paraded around the city before being taken to be executed.

    Amidst public humiliation and scorn toward the sisters on the platform, the younger, in her drab prisoner's attire, looking dirty with her long, unkempt hair covering all of her face, looked at her elder sister, who seemed already lifeless. Those lifeless eyes were no different from those of an insane person.

    Her elder sister…had long since passed away.

    She was utterly clueless about how today's events had begun.

    Why had everything turned out this way?

    Why were she and her sister accused of poisoning Lady Ping An?

    Why had her elder sister become so deranged?

    What was the reason for all of this!

    She lifted her head slightly, gazing past the onlookers at the execution towards a luxurious carriage not far from the platform. The curtains of the carriage were drawn back to reveal a young couple inside, perfectly matched like a pair of golden branches and jade leaves.

    The beauty who looked like an angel descending from the celestial sphere, sitting beside a handsome and imposing man, was a sight truly pleasing to the onlookers. However, when the person on the platform saw the disdainful and mocking gaze from that gentle face, her entire body couldn’t help but shiver.

    It was her!

    It was all because of this woman!

    Everything was because of her!

    Who would have thought that the seemingly gentle and caring stepsister would turn out to be a venomous snake, plotting against them all along!

    Indeed, this was the truth!

    Everything that had transpired…was due to their own foolishness, allowing this woman to stab them in the back!

    How ridiculous!

    What gentlewoman?

    What goddess?

    Beneath the mask of this woman was a true demon!

    "Ha ha ha!"

    A dry, harsh, mocking laugh broke out, filled with scorn, contempt, and pity for her own past naivety. Even as the executioner stood ready behind her, she continued to laugh, causing alarm and a chilling atmosphere among the spectators.

    Barely able to produce sound, she lifted her head to lock eyes with the woman in the carriage for a moment. Her dry, cracked lips moved, silently forming words that the other must have been able to read.

    ‘Death is not the end, but the beginning of your regret!’

    After those words, she smirked for a moment before the executioner's blade swiftly fell on her neck.

    Thud!

    The young woman's head rolled to the ground, causing a loud noise amidst the silent crowd. Her wide eyes, deep and haunting, stared in one direction with a vengeful glare.

    Since everything had happened because of this wicked woman, she would make her regret it for a lifetime!

    Even in death, as a malevolent spirit…she would seek retribution fitting for this deed!

[1] The title was given to the scholar who achieved the highest score on the highest level of the Imperial examination in ancient China.

[2] The first-rank prince; usually a legitimate son, older brother, or younger brother of the emperor.

[3] The first wife of Wang; honoring as a princess.

[4] Furen (夫人); in ancient China, means the first wife who has powers to take care all of the household affairs.