convinced Father

Zhong Lu Ping couldn't remember how she ended up on the bridal sedan, or how she was carried into the mansion, or how she spent the entire night. To her, everything seemed like a joke, a hallucination, a dream that might vanish upon waking.

But how could she sleep? Her lifelong dream of happiness was shattered. Married to a man she didn't love, enduring his drunken advances, she felt nothing but pain.

After Cui Xiang finally fell asleep, she stared blankly at the canopy.

The canopy depicted twin lotuses, bats, and auspicious clouds, but in the dark, they appeared as shadowy figures looming over her.

Tears flowed silently down her cheeks. She closed her eyes and wept silently.

This was only the first night. How could she endure decades of such torment? How did Cheng Fengyi bear it, marrying a tyrant and suffering humiliation?

Death seemed preferable. She thought hopelessly.

Amid her despair, a man's hushed voice came from outside, "My Lord, My Lord!"

Zhong Lu Ping froze, recognizing the voice but unsure who it was. Cui Xiang slept soundly, unaware of the commotion. The voice grew louder, "My Lord!"

She recognized her brother, Zhong Nian. Why was he here so late on their wedding night? What business did he have with her husband?

Before she could ponder further, Cui Xiang stirred awake. She quickly pretended to sleep. Cui Xiang seemed to expect his brother-in-law's visit and got out of bed without hesitation, slipping on shoes and opening the door.

Once he closed the door behind him, Zhong Lu Ping crept out of bed and pressed her ear against the window.

Cui Xiang asked, "Are the preparations ready?"

Zhong Nian replied, "Rest assured, My Lord. The Ye family has decided to collaborate with us after hearing about your marriage to Lu Ping. The Xie family, caught between brothers Cui Jie and Cui Yi, has also agreed to help you after consulting with Elder Ye."

Zhong Lu Ping's mind raced. What were they planning? Why was her brother meeting secretly with her husband? Were they plotting something nefarious?

She heard Cui Xiang scoff, "The Xie family is already defeated. What can they possibly offer?"

"Not so, My Lord. Though expelled from Xuanzhou by Cui Yi, the Xie family has deep roots there. They've ruled for six generations, and their influence isn't easily eradicated. If you accept Xie Xiaoru as your concubine, the Xie family will pledge their full support for your ascension."

Zhong Lu Ping gasped and covered her mouth—Cui Xiang was plotting treason!

"But I promised Lu Ping she'd be my only wife," Cui Xiang protested.

Zhong Nian chuckled, "No man has just one wife, especially not a future emperor. Lu Ping should feel honored to be your empress. Without other women, what's the point of being emperor?"

Cui Xiang fell silent, while Zhong Lu Ping trembled with fear.

"... You're right," Cui Xiang conceded. "I've met Xie Xiaoru's sister, Yu Chan. She must be equally beautiful. Hehe..."

Zhong Lu Ping felt sick. So much for his love! Barely married, he was already eyeing others. Such a man was despicable!

She felt all men were disgusting, reveling in mistreating women and boasting of their infidelity. Her ideal lover remained elusive, likely forever out of reach.

Cui Xiang then asked, "Have you convinced Father?"

Zhong Nian sighed, "Not yet. Mother made the decision without telling him. But don't worry, I'll persuade him. He wants Lu Ping to be empress too."

Cui Xiang reluctantly accepted, "Good. Handle it. When I become emperor, you'll be rewarded handsomely. I'll make you Commander of the Cavalry, standing at the forefront of the military!"

Zhong Nian bowed gratefully, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Zhong Lu Ping was devastated. Her own brother sold her out for power, just like her mother. They gambled her life for uncertain gains.

If Chi Ying knew this, she might sympathize with Changsun Tai's parents. At least Chi Ying's marriage to the Emperor wasn't their choice. Zhong Lu Ping swayed, nearly collapsing, overwhelmed by despair.

She leaned against a pillar, unable to cry. Her eyes felt like dry wells, drained of tears.

Cui Xiang continued discussing plans with Zhong Nian, who eventually left. Upon returning, Cui Xiang saw Zhong Lu Ping standing in the dark, glaring at him.

Cui Xiang's mind raced—how did she hear their conversation? Did she know about the rebellion and the concubine plan?

"Lu Ping, let me explain—" he stammered nervously.

Zhong Lu Ping coldly replied, "You're already plotting to overthrow the Emperor after less than a year."

Cui Xiang tried to justify, "It's for our future. You'll be empress when I'm emperor..."

"Do you think I care about being empress?" Zhong Lu Ping laughed bitterly. "I despise you! There's nothing more revolting than marrying you!"

Cui Yi, like a fish out of water, gasped, "You find me repulsive? I'm a prince, a king, and soon an emperor! I saved your life! You ungrateful—"

Zhong Lu Ping sneered, "Emperor? You?"

Grabbing scissors from a sewing basket, she lunged at him. "I'll make you emperor now!"

Cui Xiang screamed and dodged. She chased him around the room, wildly swinging the scissors.

"You dare kill me?" he shouted, "I'm a king!"

The new scissors, adorned with red thread for good luck, became a deadly weapon in her hands. Unable to escape, Cui Xiang grabbed her arm and pushed her away, shouting, "Wench!"

Zhong Lu Ping stumbled backward, hitting her head on a cabinet corner, blood gushing from the wound.

Cui Xiang was horrified, frozen in place as blood pooled around her unconscious body. Finally, he screamed, "Help!"

The entire Jing Mansion was awakened by his cries. Servants rushed in, finding Zhong Lu Ping dead. Zhong Nian arrived, seeing his sister's bloody corpse, cried out in despair.

Cui Xiang sat dazed, overwhelmed by shock. The news reached the palace, waking Cui Yi and Chi Ying, who both exclaimed, "How could this happen?"

Chi Ying burst into tears, hysterically demanding answers. The messenger, terrified, begged for mercy, claiming ignorance.

Chi Ying collapsed, crying uncontrollably. Cui Yi regained composure, ordering Du Zhongquan, "Summon Princess Yuanhui immediately to investigate the cause of death. Arrest Prince Jing and Zhong Nian. Anyone who resists will be executed!"