Chapter 1 — A Paper of Reconciliation, Breakup of Love and Breakup of Meaning

I have been sick since childhood, but I was born with a good destiny. Everyone knows that my husband loves me, and the sister he raised by himself is even closer to me than my own blood. They will even be angry because I ate a lot of dishes today, because of who picked them up, and because who can serve at my bedside, they will argue endlessly. I used to think I was the happiest person in this world. Until one day, I went to the temple to pray for blessings and accidentally saw the two of them with a three or four year old child playing in the backyard. That child's eyebrows are exactly like her husband's, and her demeanor is exactly like her sister's. I tightly covered my mouth, quietly retreated, swallowed back the blood I just coughed up, determined to bury this secret in my heart. However, Tham Tu Vien knelt in front of my hospital bed, held my hand, and begged for my fulfillment. Completely let him marry A Mong as his next wife. 1 At this moment, I am sitting in the resort. Through the layers of cracks in the fake mountain, looking not far away—a family of three. A Lang held a handkerchief and gently wiped Tham Tu Vien's sweat. He held the child in one hand and A Lang's waist in the other, the smile on his face full of satisfaction and joy. It was a leisurely look that he had never had before in front of me.

“Madam, the wind is strong, let's go home.”

Thanh Truc stood behind me, his voice a bit trembling. Obviously she also saw that scene, afraid that I would be attacked. I withdrew my gaze, suppressed the familiar sweet taste rising in my throat, and smiled slightly.

“Okay, let's go home.”

I didn't rush in to question, nor did I cry loudly. The doctor once told me that my body cannot bear anger. At night, Tham Tu Vien came to have dinner. He had changed his clothes, and there was a light scent of powder on his body. I never noticed it before, but now I've discovered it—it's the scent of "Drunk Hoa Am" that A Lang loves the most.

“Thanh Chi, is your body better today?”

He naturally sat down next to me, intending to reach out and hold my hand. I used the gesture of offering tea and discreetly avoided it.

“It's still the same.”

I lowered my eyes and looked at the tea cup rippling.

“Your husband seems to be in a good mood today?”

The smile on Tham Tu Vien's face paused for a moment, then he coughed slightly to hide it.

“Ah… the court doesn't have any big business today.”

You're lying. Every time he lies, his fingers will unconsciously caress the jade hanging on his waist. That piece of jade, the token I gave you in the past—now worn on your body, has become ironic.

“Sister, brother-in-law.”

The door curtain was lifted, A Lang walked in carrying a bowl of soup. She changed into a pink silk dress, her beautiful face was like a peach blossom, dazzling and touching.

"This is pigeon soup that I stewed myself, the most nutritious. Try it."

She thoughtfully scooped a bowl and placed it in front of me. His eyes seemed to unintentionally slide towards Tham Tu Vien, carrying a bit of attachment. Tham Tu Vien looked at her, with an undisguised pampering in his eyes. At my dining table, the two of them looked at each other affectionately, silently exchanging ideas. Why didn't we see it before? I thought they were fighting because of me. I laughed softly. Looking at that bowl of soup, my stomach only felt churning.

"I don't want to eat, move out."

A Lang's eyes immediately turned red and he looked at Tham Tu Vien angrily.

“Sister, you criticize the soup I cook for not being as delicious Brother-in-law cooked soup, right? I don't love you anymore..."

Tham Tu Vien immediately frowned and looked at me.

"Thanh Chi of course likes the soup I cook the most."

“But today A Lang is also kind-hearted, why are you speaking so harshly to her sister?”

I looked at the couple tossing and turning in front of me, smiling coldly in my heart. Truly a match made in heaven. If I wasn't the official wife standing in the way, this would have been such a beautiful love story. 2 After that, they thought I was still ignorant and ignorant, so they became more and more bold. Occasionally, Tham Tu Vien would use the excuse of discussing things in the study and not return all night. As for the lamp in A Lang's courtyard, it is bright every night until dawn. There was even one time, when I passed by the fake mountain, I heard gasps mixed with whispers inside.

“Brother Tu Vien, how long do we have to keep it a secret? An'er has grown up too..."

“Wait a little longer, A Lang, wait a little longer. Her body, you know, I'm afraid it won't last long..."

“I'm sorry to you, but I also don't want to be your concubine. I want to stand proudly by your side..."

“I understand, in my heart there is only you. That position, sooner or later, will be hers.”

I stood outside the fake mountain, quietly listening to my husband and my sister, waiting together for the day I died. The winter wind is cold to the skin, but not as cold as the human heart. Waiting until they left, I covered my mouth and coughed violently. Fresh blood flowed from his fingers, staining the snow red. Thanh Truc cried and wanted to call the doctor, but I stopped her.

“Don't go.” I wiped the blood from the corner of my lips, my voice hoarse.

I began to silently deal with my dowry. The gold and silver jewelry, estate books, real estate documents—I quietly sold them, exchanged them for checks, and deposited them in the bank's bank. For Thanh Truc, it is also to save a burial for himself when he closes his eyes. I also sent people to investigate, found the house where they secretly went, and arranged for people to keep watch. Tham Tu Vien was immersed in the warm scent of jade, completely unaware. He must be waiting, waiting for the day I take my last breath, so that I can righteously take A Lang home as my first wife. Unfortunately, the incident came one step earlier than my death.

3

A servant came to report to me, saying he saw that child running home crying. His forehead was injured, blood was flowing all over his face. Crying and calling out:

“Dad! Father! They beat me! They say I'm a bastard! Say I don't have a father!”