The Crown Prince of Chu was to marry his Crown Princess. The wedding was grand, and everyone in the General's Mansion was swamped with work.
Red silk streamers hung from every street, and the ground was covered with red carpets. Wherever the wedding procession passed, copper coins were scattered for good luck.
The commoners who picked up the lucky money were all beaming, their blessings flowing incessantly. The Crown Princess's dowry was so vast it seemed to stretch endlessly.
On this joyous occasion, Zhao Jingwan could not remain confined. It concerned the reputation of the General's Mansion. Madam Zhao had people watching her closely, ensuring she wouldn't have any opportunity to cause trouble.
Looking at the chests of dowry, Zhao Jingwan's eyes turned red with envy. When it was her turn to marry, she knew she wouldn't have such splendor today.
She felt a pang of self-pity, and the Old Madam found her presence to be an ill omen. Once the wedding preparations were complete, no one wanted to see her.
Meanwhile, in the front courtyard, someone had slipped her a "love note," summoning her to the most secluded courtyard of the General's Mansion. Just by looking at the handwriting, she knew who it was from.
Although she was a bit skeptical, she firmly believed she was the heroine of this transmigration story, confident that she would overcome all adversity and eventually ascend to a high position.
Before she could even react as she approached the courtyard wall, she was stuffed into a sack. And Qiu He, who was happily waiting for Chen Jiayu to pick her up, was found dead in her room the next day.
The First Madam investigated but found nothing. Qiu He's death went unresolved, and this time, Zhao Jingwan couldn't even leave a letter of elopement.
Jun Jiuli, for appearances, sent people to search casually. After some time, they declared her dead, and there was no longer a Second Miss in the General's Mansion.
When Zhao Jingwan woke up, she was in a swaying carriage, shocked and terrified.
She knew she couldn't resist by force. With a pitiable tone, she said, "Brother Jiayu, where is this? Where are you taking Wanwan? My father will definitely come looking for me. Please, don't do anything rash."
"Stop pretending. We are already within the borders of my Chen Kingdom. Even if Zhao Junqian wanted to find you, he wouldn't be able to."
Zhao Jingwan was stunned and her speech became a little hesitant.
"You... you aren't from Chu?"
"Hmph, behave yourself, and you'll be rewarded. If you don't serve me well, I, Chen Jiayu, won't show any mercy to a fair lady."
Zhao Jingwan felt a surge of excitement. Could this be a tumultuous romance script? Love for country, sworn to never yield, followed by unwavering affection?
She adopted a serious, cool demeanor and said, "I will not betray my country. I advise you to send me back to Chu immediately. Chen Jiayu, don't make me look down on you!"
Chen Jiayu slapped her hard across the face, shocking Zhao Jingwan. How could her male lead hit a woman? Shouldn't he be cherishing her with utmost care?
"Heh, a pretentious woman. Who are you putting on that act for? What good does my being looked down upon do you? You'd best recognize your current situation. You are merely a tool I find useful. If you become useless one day, I can strangle you at any time."
Zhao Jingwan trembled all over and said, "You can't kill people. Killing is illegal."
Looking at Chen Jiayu's cold eyes, she felt he was truly capable of killing her. How could this person be so terrifying? How could he be so vicious?
"Hahaha, what a joke. Since I can remember, I have killed countless people. What's one more to me?"
Zhao Jingwan's hair stood on end, her mind a blur. She could only repeat mechanically.
"I will obey you obediently. Don't kill me, please don't kill me."
Chen Jiayu pinched her cheek forcefully. "Don't disappoint me, or else..."
"I won't disappoint you. I know many things. I guarantee that people in this place wouldn't know them."
Chen Jiayu's interest was instantly piqued. "Where are you from?"
"I am... I am from Chu."
"Haha, interesting."
...
The King of Chen was naturally delighted to know his son had returned. However, his status as a prince could no longer be used.
Fortunately, Chen Jiayu did not mind. For the sake of unification, he dedicated all his efforts to developing weapons.
The King of Chen was greatly gratified and gave his son his full support and many privileges.
Some court officials, loyalists to the King of Chen, all knew Chen Jiayu had returned. They quietly aligned themselves, while other princes continued to scheme for the throne.
Unaware of the inside story, they continued to flaunt themselves openly. The King of Chen would smooth out all obstacles for his beloved son.
Chen Jiayu was thrilled just by Zhao Jingwan's descriptions of the power of explosions. He searched many places but couldn't find what Zhao Jingwan described.
So, he took Zhao Jingwan with him wherever he went, making her present at all experiments. Zhao Jingwan nearly lost her life several times.
In Chen, she did not live a life of a honored guest. If she dared to act high and mighty, trying to control Chen Jiayu, he would immediately send her to the water dungeon for a "full treatment." Her skin was torn, and she was submerged in water.
Zhao Jingwan had never endured such suffering. She quickly revealed everything she knew. But Chen Jiayu wanted more and threatened and scared her daily.
If he was in a bad mood, he would drag her out and beat her, hoping to extract more useful information. In less than half a year, Zhao Jingwan was tortured beyond recognition.
She even tried to seduce him by climbing into his bed. However, Chen Jiayu only had ambitions in his heart and no interest in her. The only thing she received was endless humiliation.
"Who gave you the audacity to think I'd be devoted to you? Stay by my side and work diligently. If you lose your usefulness one day, you'll be the next ones."
Zhao Jingwan looked at the dismembered bodies before her and was so scared she vomited involuntarily.
Chen Jiayu laughed maniacally beside her, forcing her to watch the entire execution.
"Reciting a few love poems to try and capture me? Wanwan, you underestimate me too much. I know very well whether you have the talent. You'd best not play any tricks. Remember, making me unhappy will bring you no good."