Thinking of her past self and looking at herself now, Luo Zhiheng felt dejected. She curled up on the bench covered with snow-white animal hides, her bright eyes dimming. She missed her father and mother so much, and she missed her uncles and brothers. But now she was a ghost, in this unfamiliar era, and she might never be able to go back.
For a moment, confusion, longing, and fear flashed across her tense face. She pouted, lost in her own thoughts, unaware that Mu Yunhe on the bed was openly staring at her.
Just a moment ago, his wife was a radiant, healthy, and vibrant woman who made him jealous. But now, even the sunlight streaming through the window couldn't seem to pull her out of the darkness of loneliness.
A heart-wrenching despair and self-mockery welled up in Mu Yunhe's eyes. In his half-dead state, who would want to marry him? Regardless of whether Luo Ningshuang was truly forced to stay away from him, or for other reasons, the fact remained that Luo Zhiheng was the one who would marry him. Even if he were cheap, he wouldn't let a woman treat him like this, so he chose Luo Zhiheng without hesitation.
At least by choosing Luo Zhiheng to accompany him, a sickly man, he wouldn't have to feel too much guilt or remorse. At least when the day comes that he can no longer open his eyes and stop breathing, he won't be at peace in the afterlife. Because Luo Zhiheng's reputation is already infamous, he won't have to incur another emotional debt by bearing the burden of ruining a woman's beautiful life.
As dusk settled, someone came in to serve Mu Yunhe his medicine, lit the wedding candles, and helped Luo Zhiheng change out of her heavy wedding dress. Then, two cups were handed to her; Luo Zhiheng's cup contained wine, and Mu Yunhe's contained water.
"Please invite the newlyweds to drink the nuptial wine," the matchmaker said with a smile.
Luo Zhiheng reluctantly took the cup, and together with Mu Yunhe, they drank from it under the flickering candlelight...
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018 First night sleeping in separate beds
Updated: 2013-06-06 20:01:16 Word Count: 1514
Once again, only the two of them remained in the room. Mu Yunhe brazenly claimed the large, comfortable-looking bed, even though there was still room inside. Luo Zhiheng, however, did not want to share a bed with a strange man, but she also felt that as a girl, she should sleep in the bed. Mu Yunhe, however, did not share that feeling at all.
Although she is currently possessed by a ghost, she is still a person on the surface and needs sleep.
She paced around Mu Yunhe's bed for a long time, almost yelling several times, but she held back when she remembered that this was a heavily guarded royal residence. Frustrated, she tugged at her long hair behind her ear and finally asked, unable to contain herself any longer, "Hey, where am I sleeping?"
Mu Yunhe was almost asleep when she suddenly spoke, disturbing him. He opened his eyes abruptly, his sharp gaze lacking in power under his tired eyelids, but still coldly and forcefully said, "That chaise lounge over there is big and soft enough for you to sleep on."
Luo Zhiheng puffed up her cheeks in anger, looked at the chair, and glared at Mu Yunhe, saying angrily, "You're so ungentlemanly! How could you make a girl sleep on a stool? No matter how pretty the stool is, it doesn't erase the fact that it's a stool."
Mu Yunhe was startled by her energetic appearance. Although he was exhausted, a surge of anger rose in his chest: "Do you think you're a lady just because you're yelling? It's good enough that you have a stool to sleep on. If you keep being picky, I'll have someone throw you into the woodshed to sleep."
"How could you be so mean?" Luo Zhiheng stared wide-eyed in disbelief, but under Mu Yunhe's cold gaze, she snorted defiantly, "Sleep on a chair if you want, I'm not afraid of you!"
She quickly walked to the chair, but there was no blanket or pillow. Fortunately, she was observant and quick-witted. She returned to Mu Yunhe's bedside and leaned in. When she bent over, her chest was just above Mu Yunhe's face. Mu Yunhe could smell her fragrance.
Mu Yunhe's eyes widened. Never in his life had anyone been so presumptuous in front of him. Such bold and wanton actions were simply shameless! He suddenly felt a burning sensation on his face and quickly closed his eyes, roaring, "You shameless slut! Get away from me!"
Mu Yunhe naturally took Luo Zhiheng's actions as a form of seduction and provocation, but he didn't have the strength to do such a thing. Besides, he didn't like her. He had initially thought Luo Zhiheng wasn't as bad as the rumors suggested, but now, in Mu Yunhe's mind, Luo Zhiheng had absolutely no image to speak of.
Luo Zhiheng reached for the pillow, then grabbed the blanket. She muttered to herself, "Whether I'm human or ghost now, I can't mistreat myself. I should eat well, drink well, and be happy every day I live. I need a blanket, a pillow, and a good night's sleep." Hearing Mu Yunhe scold her, Luo Zhiheng grinned mischievously. As she moved the blanket above his stomach to grab it, she suddenly pressed down on him. Mu Yunhe groaned, his face turning pale.
Luo Zhiheng scrambled to her feet, then chuckled and apologized, "Sorry, I lost my balance. I'll roll over now. You can go back to sleep."
She swayed her slender waist as she made the bed, then boldly took off her outer garment and, to Mu Yunhe's astonishment and blushing, slipped into the covers.
Mu Yunhe had never seen a woman who dared to undress in front of a man before. After a long while, he gritted his teeth and said, "Shameless!"
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019 Zhiheng Has a Way to Subdue Her Mother-in-Law
Updated: 2013-06-06 20:01:17 Word Count: 1569
The next morning, Luo Zhiheng was awakened by a series of footsteps. She lazily turned over, her face turned towards Mu Yunhe, her slender fingers curled into a hollow fist, and she rubbed her heavy eyelids like a baby, mumbling sleepily, "Don't make noise, I want to sleep more."
The room froze instantly. The maids, servants, and eunuchs all turned to look at the opposite corner, each with a different expression. They busied themselves, completely forgetting that there was someone else in the room—their newlywed princess. When they looked at the young prince again, they saw that his complexion was even worse than yesterday, with dark circles under his eyes, and he was staring at the soft, fluffy figure under the brocade quilt.
"Get up!" Mu Yunhe said coldly, his voice hoarse.
Startled by the roar, Luo Zhiheng sprang from the covers, her sleepiness vanishing as she stared sharply at Mu Yunhe, a hint of confusion still lingering in her eyes. Gradually, her mind cleared, and the sight of everything she loved reminded her that yesterday had not been a lie.
"Go and help her wash and change, then go and serve tea to Father and Mother," Mu Yunhe instructed.
Just then, an old woman walked in. She glanced at Luo Zhiheng and said affectionately to Mu Yunhe, "This old servant greets the young prince. The princess sent me to deliver a message that yesterday's commotion was too tiring, and the prince went to court early, so there's no need for the new bride to serve tea. The princess wants you to rest well and for the young princess to take good care of the young prince."
As soon as the old woman finished speaking, everyone's expressions changed unpredictably. No need to serve tea? If the new bride is not allowed to serve tea, it is as if the husband's family does not acknowledge her. One can imagine how difficult the new bride's life will be from now on.
Mu Yunhe glanced at Luo Zhiheng and saw that she still looked like she hadn't woken up yet, as if her sharp gaze had nothing to do with her. He said calmly, "Since it's Mother's wish, then so be it."
Whether he admits it or not doesn't matter; to him, this woman is nothing more than a pretext to reassure his mother. She's unimportant.
Everyone was eagerly anticipating the reaction of the imposter princess, but they were destined to be disappointed; Luo Zhiheng showed no reaction.
"Does the young princess have nothing to say to the princess?" the old woman asked tentatively. This girl, who dared to lay a hand on the person chosen by the Mu family, would cause a huge uproar if she was not allowed to serve tea.
Luo Zhiheng heard clearly. She opened her mouth, wanting to say she had nothing to say, but then she thought, the Princess is the mistress of the manor, and she has to please her. Now that the Princess clearly dislikes her, she can't let her dislike her even more. The confusion on her face vanished, and she smiled obediently and meekly, saying, "Then please tell... Princess that Heng'er will go to pay her respects to her later, and Heng'er needs to serve... my husband first."
Luo Zhiheng came from a large family with many siblings. Her mother's and her second and third mothers' sons were all older than her and already married. The struggles and conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law were varied and complex, but the biggest reason was the sons' attitudes and the daughters-in-law's actions. By observing from the sidelines, Luo Zhiheng figured out some ways to get along with her mother-in-law.
No matter what happens between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, as long as the son sides with his mother, the mother will be happy. No matter what conflict exists between the daughter-in-law and son, it will always be the daughter-in-law's fault, and the mother-in-law will be happy. If the daughter-in-law treats her husband like royalty and shows him care and concern, the mother-in-law will be happy.
If the mother-in-law is happy, she'll be more pleasing to the eye towards her daughter-in-law, and then the daughter-in-law won't have to worry about not having a good life.
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020 The Art of the Mind
Updated: 2013-06-06 20:01:18 Word Count: 1513
Experiencing the vicissitudes of life transcends age. Children from poor families mature early, and those born in chaotic times naturally possess a unique resilience and keen insight. Despite her young age, Luo Zhiheng is an expert on mother-in-law/daughter-in-law issues, having spent her days navigating these problems and petty squabbles among a group of women.
After a night of rest and repair, she had suppressed her initial confusion and unease. Even if she was a ghost, ordinary people couldn't see her. She needed to stay calm to avoid making any mistakes. Since she had chosen to live, she should live comfortably. Finding her place was key.
Firstly, her notorious background meant that no one liked her except a few people. But that didn't matter; she wasn't living for others. However, establishing herself in this family, at least avoiding being bullied, would be quite difficult. Firstly, her marriage was illegitimate; it was a case of fraud, forced marriage, and warlord-style tactics. But she didn't have the warlord's considerable power, so being bullied was a certainty.
It doesn't matter if people don't acknowledge her; she needs to find the key. She really can't like this husband, but she can please her mother-in-law. If the lady of the house gives her a good look, everyone below will think twice.
Sure enough, Luo Zhiheng's words made the old woman's expression improve, and she smiled more gently: "The little princess is so thoughtful, but the princess is really tired today. You just need to take good care of the little prince. Then this old servant will go back."
Luo Zhiheng was very perceptive. This old woman came and went freely, and none of the servants dared to act rashly when she arrived, which showed that this old woman had some status by the Princess's side. She quickly got off the ground, her obedient smile never fading. She affectionately and naturally took the old woman's arm and walked out with her: "Heng'er is seeing Grandma off."
Although the old woman was surprised, she did not panic. She humbly said, "How can that be? This old servant is just an old woman. Little Princess, please go back quickly."
Luo Zhiheng replied in a slightly coquettish and innocent tone, "It's alright. If Mother feels bad, just don't tell the Princess that Heng'er was lazy in bed when we get back. I was just too tired yesterday."
The old woman's surprise deepened. She dared to offer such an obvious bribe, but her bribery was far more sophisticated than others' monetary ones. She used respect and enthusiasm, which touched this old woman who had held a high position for many years. The old woman quickly smiled and said, "Look at what you're saying. Isn't it normal for a newlywed bride to sleep in late? You should go back now. This old servant will be leaving soon too."
"Take care, Grandma." Luo Zhiheng had unknowingly escorted the old woman to the door. She watched the old woman leave the courtyard. During this time, the old woman glanced back at the door without making a sound. When she saw Luo Zhiheng still watching her leave, she was clearly stunned. Luo Zhiheng's smile deepened.
When it comes to winning people's hearts, a warm and compassionate approach is far more effective. The hearts won through the coldness of money are the most unstable. Luo Zhiheng deeply understands this principle: anything built on profit and money is unreliable.
Luo Zhiheng turned to go back, but suddenly froze. The warm sunlight shone on her, and she was standing in the sunlight. She... was fine!
She turned around abruptly, the shock in her eyes gradually turning into ecstasy. She slowly stretched out her hand, and the light was cut into rays by her slender fingers. Her hand was unharmed, and her face and body could still receive the supreme blessing bestowed by heaven. She could still live in the light like a normal person!
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021 Unpredictable weather
Updated: 2013-06-06 20:01:19 Word Count: 1520
"Ah!" she suddenly cried out, filled with boundless joy and excitement. She ran into the yard, twirled in the sunlight, and greeted the fiery rays with tears in her eyes.
She was thought to be a ghost who couldn't be exposed to the light, but she was surprised to find that she could freely touch the light. Her biggest worry was gone, and all her repression and fear seemed to be driven away by the light at this moment. She was as joyful as if she had been reborn, laughing and shouting freely in the brilliant sunlight.
Her joy, the smile on her bright and delicate face, was so infectious that it seemed to make the very air itself feel cheerful.
Standing by the window, looking at her, Mu Yunhe felt that she was so dazzling and radiant at this moment. Her vitality was completely incompatible with his own decadence and deathly aura. Seeing her, he knew he was living in the abyss of hell, and his despair deepened.
His hidden will to live, his gradual surrender to fate, all seemed to emanate a chilling aura at this moment, making him want to destroy her happiness and vitality. Mu Yunhe, who had long been tormented by illness, who had always suppressed his pain and greeted people with a smile, now had bloodshot eyes, filled with the madness of envy and jealousy.
"Enough! Get in here!" Mu Yunhe shouted with all his might, and the laughter stopped abruptly!
Everyone fell silent, even Xiao Xizi, who had always served Mu Yunhe and endured his strange temper, was trembling with fear at this moment, because he knew that his master was really angry.
Mu Yunhe was severely provoked. He was unwilling to accept the light. His room was always dark, with only a few specks of light filtering in through the window. He would not laugh out loud because he did not have the strength or courage to laugh freely. Therefore, his courtyard was always oppressive, and even the sound of people talking was very soft.
Everyone was cautious around him, no one dared to cross his line. He knew that because of his damned illness and his damned body, he had deprived those who cared for him of laughter and joy. His guilt grew heavier day by day, and his remorse almost overwhelmed his personality. Behind his smile was a bitter wall built of piles of medicine. He trapped himself inside and could not get out, and no one could get in. On the contrary, those who came close to him became unhappy.
He had gotten used to it, but suddenly one day, Luo Zhiheng appeared by his side. Her light, her smile, her vitality all spurred his heart and eyes on. His desire for life and his compromise with death were like a rusty, dull sword, cutting and tearing at his heart, which had been blackened by the medicine, causing him pain and irritability.
Luo Zhiheng pursed her lips, but his rage couldn't dampen her good mood. She walked lightly to Mu Yunhe, entering with a radiant glow, only to discover how dark the room was. Living in such a gloomy environment, it was no wonder this man was so unpredictable and capricious.
But in order to maintain consistency in her words and actions and prevent anyone from finding fault and complaining to the princess, she smiled gently and asked, "What's wrong, my husband?"
Mu Yunhe felt an urge to tear her hypocritical face apart. The rage in his heart was unprecedented. He was breathing heavily because of his anger, and even his temper seemed weak: "Didn't you say you would serve me? Then you can do the bathing, feeding, and medicine from now on."
"Huh?" Luo Zhiheng's eyes widened in anger.