Chapter 481 – Ghost Marriage, Widow at the Door (Part 4)
“Everyone wants to live, and Shangguan Wan is no exception.”
But after enduring such dark months, she’d rather die than go back.
“Are we heading north to find Brother Lan Ting?”
Since agreeing to travel north, Shangguan Wan felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted, her spirits lightened.
“Mhm.” Nong Qin nodded, adding, “The journey will be quite dangerous, Wan lady, be mentally prepared.”
Shangguan Wan had vaguely heard about the situation in the north, knowing that the Green Garment Army and the Red Lotus Sect were in conflict, but could it be more terrifying than the Zhang Residence?
Her gaze darkened, her expression resolute. “Sister Nong Qin, don’t worry, I’m not afraid.”
This matter should be done sooner rather than later; the troops would depart in two days, three days earlier than planned.
Shangguan Wan had hidden in the troop camp for half a year. Initially timid and emotionally unstable, her health was quite poor. However, after Nong Qin took her to train in martial arts, coupled with her natural aptitude, she learned quickly.
Now, while she might not be able to kill or capture, she at least had the ability to protect herself.
Lady Zhang Zhao was wronged at Liu Residence and went home to cry to her husband, embellishing her complaints.
Expecting her husband to help her because of their deceased son, she was instead met with a slap.
As if that wasn’t enough, he berated her for being narrow-minded, practically dragging her to Liu Residence to apologize.
Lady Zhang Zhao was stunned, her anger flaring as she followed her husband, lamenting loudly.
“Why should I apologize to a shameless woman? Gu Zhen is not some good person, flipping loyalties like a coin! Have you been bewitched by her too? She harbored that little wretch Shangguan Wan—how could you let our son rest in peace!”
Lady Zhang Zhao’s husband was equally bewildered; he couldn’t fathom when his wife became so unreasonable.
He laughed coldly, speaking each word clearly. “You ask me why? Simply because her family is prestigious and her husband is the Governor of Chongzhou. In these times, if they want you dead, you won’t survive, understand? Look in the mirror—what do you have? Don’t even talk about whether your daughter-in-law is hidden, do you have any evidence? Witnesses? Anything? You dare to demand restitution without a shred of proof—how shameful!”
Lady Zhang Zhao wanted to retort, but her husband continued, “Stay away from the Shangguan family’s stepmother. Look at how despicable you appear; I turn a blind eye to you roughing up your daughter-in-law, hoping you won’t go too far. Although the Shangguan family no longer favors her, she inherently carries the bloodline of the Shangguan. What right do you have to treat her like this?”
Lady Zhang Zhao opened her mouth, struggling to speak, eventually mumbling, “I am her mother-in-law.”
Her husband sneered, “She’s already written a divorce letter, delivered through official channels—what kind of mother-in-law are you? You didn’t give birth to her or raise her; what gives you the right to decide her fate? Just because you cling to a few books? You should read some true wisdom instead of those nonsensical texts.”
His harsh words were not out of disdain for women’s teachings but because his own mother had been a second wife, and recognizing those teachings would insult his long-living mother.
Seeing Lady Zhang Zhao’s dazed expression, he scoffed and left.
Lady Zhang Zhao crumbled, wearing a face that hovered between crying and despair.
Her husband was adamant that she apologize to Gu Zhen, and if she refused, life in the residence would be very hard for her.
Her legitimate son was sickly, a shadow of what he could be, while the sons of other concubines thrived, sharp and strong.
Because of this, her husband blamed the inadequacy of their son on her, and ever since his birth, he rarely visited her chamber.
Her own belly remained still, while the concubines’ children popped out one after another.
On the morning of the second day of the new year, the troops were all geared up and ready to leave. Before departing, Lady Gu Zhen invited Shangguan Wan to witness a good show.
Shangguan Wan stared incredulously at her plain, unfamiliar reflection in the mirror, deeply impressed by Lady Gu Zhen’s skilled hands.
“My elder sister taught me; it’s quite a fine art,” the stepmother said flatly.
“What show does my lady want Wan to see?” Shangguan Wan asked.
The stepmother replied, “You’ll find out shortly; just hide behind the screen and watch.”
Before long, the doorkeeper announced Lady Zhang Zhao’s arrival.
Shangguan Wan instinctively tensed up, her fists clenched tightly.
“Lady Zhang, rare visitor! What brings you here?” The stepmother’s voice came through the screen, dripping with sarcasm. “I don’t have your young mistress here; could it be you wish to raid my house today?”
Moments later, Shangguan Wan heard her former mother-in-law’s familiar voice.
The usual harsh words were replaced with flattering pleasantries, her demeanor completely forsaking the arrogance she’d once shown at the Zhang Residence. Now… Shangguan Wan bit her lip secretly, feeling inexplicably satisfied as she listened to Lady Zhang Zhao feigning humility, calling her “Lady Liu” as if they were old friends.
The stepmother remained indifferent, barely responding even when Lady Zhang Zhao lavished her with praise.
Despite her dismissive attitude, Lady Zhang Zhao continued to flatter her, tiptoeing around her.
After listening to the praise for a while, the stepmother finally extended her hand and dispatched Lady Zhang Zhao, who left as if freed from chains.
Once the Zhang family left completely, Shangguan Wan quietly emerged from behind the screen.
The stepmother asked, “Did you hear all that clearly just now?”
Shangguan Wan nodded. “I heard it all.”
The stepmother sipped her tea, her lips still adorned with vibrant rouge, before she spoke softly.
“To say status, in this region, the Liu Residence may not be much higher than the Zhang Residence. But did you see her just now? Can you guess why that old woman stooped so low and fawned over me?”
Shangguan Wan thought it over. “Because of Uncle Liu?”
“Not because of my brother-in-law, but rather because of the troops in his command,” the stepmother smiled. “Wan, I feel a connection with you and pity your experiences, so I’ll speak frankly—when the day comes you wield power, those people will bow low and flatter you just the same. Only by becoming strong can you avoid being bullied; relying on outside forces is unreliable. For now, you must depend on yourself.”
Shangguan Wan, the legitimate daughter of the Shangguan family, once held the utmost status among the noble women of Hejian, revered because of the Shangguan’s affection—everyone feared the power behind her.
However, when she lost her family’s love, she was mistreated and abused, nearly driven to end her own life.
The stepmother spoke plainly, and Shangguan Wan, who understood well, grasped her meaning.
But… was it possible for a woman to achieve such strength?
