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"How long have you known me, and you dare to make such a judgment?" Wen Su said unhappily, "Fine, I won't concern myself with these matters!"

He turned away angrily and strode away.

Xiao Xiao scratched her head, "Sigh... you're angry already? I didn't say anything bad..."

She laughed, then sighed. The Lian family, the "Divine Arrow Family"... Fine! Consider it a way to make herself give up! She'd go! She refused to believe the Lian family would accept her as a daughter-in-law! Hmm!

...

Unlike the tranquility of Jiyu Manor, the town's government office was bustling with activity. Bad news travels fast, and within an hour, everyone in town knew that the owner of Jiyu Manor had colluded with the traitor Shennong to harm young girls. The town was instantly enraged, and a large crowd gathered in front of the government office—some victims, others onlookers. Such a major case could not be taken lightly. The government office had already made arrangements for those involved, awaiting the trial the next day.

Shen Yuan never imagined she would end up in a place like this. Although she wasn't in a prison cell, at this moment, she felt like a prisoner about to be executed.

Human nature is treacherous. She finally understood the meaning of those four words for the first time. Her father had indeed committed many unjust acts, but that wasn't the outcome she wanted… Just as Yin Xiao said, she was too foolish. How could a weak woman like her possibly stand against the Shenxiao Sect?

She was fine when she didn't think about it, but once she did, she felt utterly hopeless, her heart heavy, and she almost suffocated.

Suddenly, the door opened.

Her previous experiences had already made Shen Yuan extremely nervous, and she stood up abruptly, terrified.

There stood a woman in red standing at the door, her eyes and brows exuding a captivating charm.

The woman saw her and said with a smile, "Miss Shen?"

Shen Yuan nodded warily.

"Oh dear, I've finally found you!" the woman said with a smile. "Miss Shen, don't be afraid. My name is Li Si. I've been asked by a friend to come and take you away."

Shen Yuan asked, puzzled, "Li Si?"

“That’s right, ‘Ghost Matchmaker’ Li Si.” Li Si walked over with a smile and extended her hand. In her palm was a silver feather, gleaming brightly.

"Silver Owl?!" Shen Yuan exclaimed in surprise.

“Hehe, since Miss Shen has recognized the token, please come with me,” Li Si said.

Shen Yuan was silent for a while, then shook her head, "I can't leave... If I leave, who will take care of Grandma..."

“Miss Shen, if you don’t leave, you’re likely doomed.” Li Si took out a sandalwood fan and fanned herself. She leaned against the door frame and smiled.

At that moment, Shen Yuan was horrified to discover that several corpses lay across the door.

“Miss Shen, you’ve offended the Shenxiao Sect, the late Emperor’s most favored faction. And now, His Majesty has summoned them back to court. You don’t think the government will uphold justice for you, do you? Heh, your father is dead, and now he’s just a scapegoat. Considering how hard I’ve worked, don’t risk your life.” Li Si’s tone was smiling, but her eyes were cold.

Shen Yuan lowered her head, pondered for a moment, and resolutely stepped towards the door.

Li Si laughed, "So clever."

As soon as Shen Yuan stepped out the door, she saw a familiar figure.

Zhao Yan stood in front of them, her eyes filled with cruel pleasure.

Zhao Yan smiled and called out, "Come here—"

However, before she could utter a sound, the red thread shot out and pierced her throat.

Zhao Yan was unable to dodge and was terrified.

However, at the critical moment, the cold blade sliced through the red line. Mo Yun stood before her, sword in hand.

"Oh, so it's the second young master of Hero's Fortress..." Li Si put away the red thread and smiled, "I am somewhat well-known in the martial arts world. If we really fight, the second young master won't come out on top. How about we make a deal? You let the two of us leave, and I won't cause trouble for the girl behind you."

Mo Yun nodded, "Please go ahead."

"Second Young Master is indeed straightforward!" Li Si pulled Shen Yuan up. "Until we meet again."

Mo Yun did not answer.

The two strolled past Zhao Yan. Shen Yuan turned her head and glanced at Zhao Yan. Zhao Yan's expression was indifferent, with a faint smile playing on her lips.

After the two men left, Mo Yun sheathed his sword and turned around.

“I won’t thank you,” Zhao Yan said.

"No need," Mo Yun replied.

Zhao Yan smiled, looked up at him, and asked, "Second Young Master, how long are you going to play?"

"Until you are willing to see your master."

Zhao Yan snorted coldly, "I've already said, I won't see him."

"What will it take for you to see your master?" Mo Yun asked.

Zhao Yan laughed, "Fine, if you die, I'll see him."

Mo Yun's eyebrows twitched slightly.

"Heh..." Zhao Yan's tone was full of disdain. "Can't do it, can't. Men are all like that; they'll do anything when they make promises, but when it comes to actually doing it, they're nothing. Qi Han is like that, Shen Chen is like that, and so are you..."

"Don't compare Master to Shen Chen," Mo Yun said.

"Why?" Zhao Yan leaned closer, looking at him, and said, "No, to be honest, Qi Han is not even as good as Shen Chen. He never liked my mother from beginning to end. It was completely a spur-of-the-moment thing, utterly shameless..."

"He is your father."

"So what if he's my father?" Zhao Yan said. "Where was he when my mother died? Where was he when I was stripped naked and sold into a brothel? Where was he when I was freezing and starving to death?... Isn't it a bit too late for him to come out now and say he's my father?"

Mo Yun looked at her and remained silent.

“My mother could have been the lady of Jiyu Manor, but because of him, she lost her happiness for life. And now, he’s here to destroy my happiness… Second Young Master, if you’re so kind, please ask him what deep-seated hatred he has for me that he treats me like this.” Zhao Yan’s tone was aggressive.

Mo Yun was somewhat puzzled, "Destroy what?"

"Don't understand?" Zhao Yan laughed mockingly. "Fine, let me tell you. Eight years ago, Lady Xi saved me and wanted to adopt me as her daughter. However, the clansmen of Hero's Fortress said I was of lowly birth and unworthy to enter their ancestral hall. I used every means to solidify Lady Xi's position. I was just a little bit away from letting your good-for-nothing brother ascend to the position of fortress lord, and then I could rightfully become his adopted sister. But then you appeared... You're so amazing. Superb martial arts skills, and with the Qi family as your backing, even that little girl Shi Le'er is very fond of you. Everyone in Hero's Fortress has high hopes for you... Why do you think I left Hero's Fortress to come to Jiyu Manor to deliver gifts?" Zhao Yan paused, "Because if I don't leave, you won't leave either..."

Mo Yun couldn't interrupt, so he could only listen quietly.

"And then? You pretend to guard my door, but actually, you just want to monitor me and prevent me from doing anything 'unjust,' don't you?...And my mother..." Zhao Yan smiled sadly, "Men are like that. When she's the most beautiful woman in the world, everyone flocks to her, willing to do anything for her smile. But once she's gone, they immediately seek new lovers. Human relationships are cold and fickle, it's always been like this..."

"So, you killed Master Shen?" Mo Yun asked.

Zhao Yan laughed, "Me? How could a weak woman like me kill him?... It was a walking corpse that killed him."

Mo Yun frowned, "Do you really feel no remorse at all?"

"Remorse?" Zhao Yan looked at him innocently. "Master Shen killed so many innocent girls. Even if I killed him, it would be doing justice. Why should I feel guilty?"

"Actually, God is truly unfair. What did I do wrong that He made me lose my loved ones and suffer so much, while those who are full of sins can live carefree lives?" Zhao Yan's gaze was sharp as a knife as she stared directly at Mo Yun. "Second Young Master, even someone like you who poisoned an unborn baby can learn superior martial arts and be successful in everything... Tell me, how can I believe in the principle of good being rewarded and evil being punished?"

"..." Mo Yun couldn't answer and could only remain silent again.

Just then, applause rang out. Wei Qi, with a smile, slowly strolled over.

"Miss Zhao's words are truly insightful and I admire them," Wei Qi said with a smile, glancing at Mo Yun.

Zhao Yan smiled and said, "Young Master Yingyang."

Wei Qi sighed, "Let's skip the formalities. You plotted to kill Shen Chen, not just to vent your own anger, right?"

Zhao Yan raised an eyebrow and said, "Young Master Yingyang failed to kill Shen Chen in time in the underground palace, so he had to exonerate him as a temporary measure. Shen Chen is nothing but a coward, and it's hard to guarantee that he won't betray you, Young Master. This servant just wanted to share your worries..."

Wei Qi nodded. "What do you want?"

Zhao Yan remained silent for a moment, then said coldly, "If I am in pain, then those who have wronged me shall suffer a hundred times more than I am! Even if I end up in hell... I will drag those people down with me!"

Wei Qi laughed, and he reached out and gently lifted Zhao Yan's chin.

"The most poisonous heart is a woman's... Women are a double-edged sword..." Wei Qi's eyes held a dangerous glint. "Shen Chen might betray me, but you won't?"

Zhao Yan, however, remained unfazed. "I have value to him, but he doesn't."

Wei Qi nodded. "Well said." He released his grip and said, "Miss Zhao, you are a fine sword."

Zhao Yan laughed, "This servant is not a sword... but a knife."

...

[Bonus Chapter 1: Beauty Like a Knife]

Beauty is a Knife [Part 1]

Extra——

In June in Qiantang, the slightly damp wind carries the fragrance of lotus, nourishing the green willows and blue tiles.

A young man dressed in a light blue cloth robe, carrying a wooden box on his back, strolled leisurely along the cobblestone path. He walked with a relaxed demeanor and a serene expression. Anyone would feel the same way walking in this gentle, clean, and picturesque scenery.

Until the sound of firecrackers broke the silence, the smell of gunpowder overwhelmed the fragrance of lotus, and his leisurely mood disappeared into the noise.

Petals rained down, tinged with the smell of gunpowder, landing on his shoulder. He frowned slightly and looked up. Lingering white smoke shrouded a blinding red glow.

"As expected of Jiyu Manor, even taking a concubine is such a grand affair." Someone in the crowd spoke up and discussed.

"That depends on who he's taking as his concubine. If it's the most beautiful woman in the world, wouldn't it be too extravagant to make such a small show of it?" someone responded.

"The most beautiful woman in the world?" the young man asked, his tone slightly disdainful.

The people discussing him turned to look at him and laughed, "Young man, you're not from around here, are you? Hehe, the young master of Jiyu Manor has taken in Yanji, the top courtesan of Qixiang Pavilion in Qiantang. Her beauty is unparalleled, truly the most beautiful woman in the world!"

Upon hearing this, someone else replied, "If that's the case, I think Miss Xiyi of 'Yunyan Xiaozhu' is more deserving of that title. Her superb dance is truly captivating!"

"Hey, if we're just talking about looks, if Miss Yanji is second, who dares to claim first place?" someone protested.

"Pah, stop spouting nonsense. Those two young ladies are renowned beauties; you can't even become their concubines without a hundred or eighty taels of silver. You've never even seen them in person, what are you comparing them to!" More and more people started talking.

"I've seen it from afar, but what's the harm in talking about it?"

"Speaking of which, Miss Xiyi must have married into Hero's Fortress long ago... These two beauties of Qiantang have both found their homes and don't have to end up in prostitution." Someone sighed and said.

Upon hearing this, everyone agreed.

"The bride is out!"

Someone shouted something, and everyone immediately stopped arguing and rushed forward to catch a glimpse of the beauty.

The bride, supported by her bridesmaids, arrived gracefully, dressed in a red wedding gown and veil, completely concealing her face so that nothing could be seen.

The boy smiled, lightly pinching a small stone between his fingers, and secretly exerted force, striking the bride's knee.