Retribution

The Old Marquis had a strong suspicion that Su Bin was behind all of this.

He resolved to end Bao'er's life prematurely, a decision he believed to be in her best interest.

That night, the Old Marquis visited Bao'er.

Ever since her illness had taken hold, she had been moved out of the temple hall.

"Marquis… am I going to pass away?"

She had just endured nearly two hours of excruciating pain, leaving her body weak, and her thoughts somewhat hazy.

The Old Marquis responded, "You're still alive, and the ability to speak won't remain once you've passed."

"If you have something to share, please do so."

The Old Marquis didn't voice his intentions.

"Will I continue to suffer like this if I go on living?"

Bao'er slowly regained her clarity of mind.

The Old Marquis nodded calmly. "Yes, because you're in the terminal stage of your illness."

She had brought this suffering upon herself entirely due to her past actions.