Jiaohua

Chapter 1694 Xia Zhaoxue kicks Tao Lan repeatedly

Yang Changshan's investigation was extremely arduous. Under the guise of celestial observation, he painstakingly extracted information from Tang Xiangsi, piecing together the intricate details. He also uncovered numerous place names, which Luo Xianyin secretly investigated.

Luo Xianyin was also Yang Changshan's only contact person during the long period of time he had been lurking around Tang Xiangsi.

When mentioning Tang Xiangsi and the bronze bell, one must also mention Tang Xiangsi's background.

Xia Zhaoyi had always believed that Tang Xiangsi was a poor scholar, but that was not the case. Yang Changshan said that Tang Xiangsi was the illegitimate son of Tang Su'an, the abbot of the Moon-Stealing Princess's Moon-Stealing Temple.

Tang Su'an appeared dignified and kind in public, a man of pure and noble character, but in private he indulged in sensual pleasures and frequented brothels.

He secretly kept many beauties and would give them drugs after each encounter, but Tang Xiangsi's birth mother still got pregnant.

Tang Xiangsi's birth mother was his most beloved woman. After several unsuccessful abortions, Tang Su'an couldn't bear to see Tang Xiangsi's mother continue to suffer. In addition, he was getting old, almost fifty years old, so he decided to let her give birth.

But at this very moment, the eldest princess took a liking to Yue Tang Guan.

To avoid giving anyone cause for gossip, Tang Su'an disobeyed the ancestral precepts of Yue Tang Temple and hid his beauties, along with Tang Xiangsi's birth mother, in a secret, mechanical hall left behind by previous abbots of Yue Tang Temple.

Tang Xiangsi was born in this secret palace, and he never left before the age of five.

This secret palace was enormous. In addition to the wealth amassed by successive abbots, they also spent over a century and millions of taels of silver to build a Cold Abyss Mysterious Tomb.

This mysterious tomb is extremely well hidden, located at the very bottom of a secret chamber. Legend has it that its four walls are made of ten-thousand-year-old black ice, with a celestial constellation pattern inlaid in gold thread within the ice. A huge yin-yang Taiji array is carved on the ground. At the center of the array are seven bronze eternal lamps, arranged according to the Big Dipper, their eerie blue flames burning year-round, illuminating the entire ice chamber with a shimmering glow, making one feel as if they are in a starry river.

The bodies of the abbots of the past generations lay on the ice platform, their skin smooth and lifelike, their hair and beards still intact, as if they had simply entered a deep meditation and slumber.

It is said that this place uses the power of stars and extreme cold to maintain immortality. It is both a burial place and a secret cultivation ground for exploring the secrets of heaven.

When Tang Su'an kept the beauties in the secret palace, he established many rules, especially prohibiting them from approaching the large stone gate in the northwest direction.

At first, things were fine, but as time went on, the beauties couldn't stand the loneliness and began to wander around.

Some people, itching to go, finally went to the northwest of the secret hall, opened the large stone door, and found the stone steps leading down.

Not long after, Tang Su'an learned of this matter. He was already burdened with immense shame and guilt for keeping these beauties here without permission, and this incident caused him to go completely insane. He killed all of these beauties, leaving only Tang Xiangsi's birth mother alive.

Life in the secret palace was dark and gloomy. The beauties who used to be noisy and lively were now desolate and lonely. In addition, Tang Xiangsi's birth mother gradually fell ill because she knew that she was in a tomb where corpses were hidden.

At this time, the Princess's people discovered the secret hall of Yue Tang Temple and learned that Tang Su'an was raising a child there. The Princess then set her sights on the young Tang Xiangsi.

At that time, she only had one small item that could barely be used for her child to play with, which was her bronze bell.

Through his subordinates, the bronze bell was given to Tang Xiangsi, who liked it very much and used it every day to cheer up her mother.

However, his mother's mental illness continued to worsen, her mind gradually deteriorated, and she passed away not long after.

Tang Xiangsi was very young then, only about four years old. He was left alone in the secret palace by Tang Su'an. Tang Su'an would come down to see him every two or three days, bringing him some food. At that time, Tang Xiangsi's only toy was this bronze bell.

Later, the eldest princess used Tang Xiangsi's life and Tang Su'an's reputation as leverage to finally seize Yue Tang Temple.

She gave herself the Taoist name Duoyue and asked Tang Xiangsi to recognize her as her godmother.

Tang Xiangsi not only recognized this godmother, but also took the initiative to lead the way, taking her to the Frosty Tomb.

Princess Duoyue was amazed by the mysterious tomb located in the deep abyss of the mountain. She took out the corpses of all the previous abbots and threw them away, then rearranged the place to make it her own final resting place.

Tang Su'an, on the other hand, had long been angered to death.

It wasn't until Tang Xiangsi grew up that she belatedly realized what the role of "father" was and what the word "father" meant to a child.

He set himself a new mission: to avenge his father.

He spent a lot of time secretly altering the constellations and mechanisms that Princess Duoyue had rearranged, and finally found an opportunity to imprison her in the Cold Palace when she wasn't paying attention, and then killed her children.

After listening to Yang Changshan's explanation, he stammered, "No wonder you said there wasn't a single good person in this matter. It's true. Now it seems that the bronze bell really has special significance for Tang Xiangsi. No wonder he's looking for it."

Xia Zhaoyi said, "Chongmen Heng and his nephew Chongmen Hui have been searching for a set of patterns. The patterns are very complex. According to Quan Jiuwei, once the patterns are complete, the seal for opening the stone gate mechanism under Yue Tang Temple can be carved based on the patterns. The stone gate mechanism opens once every three years. There is an hourglass inside. It can only be opened after the sand in the hourglass has settled to the bottom."

Luo Xianyin nodded: "That's right, indeed. That stone gate mechanism was built by the Jin family, commissioned by Tang Xiangsi, over a period of twenty years. At that time, the Jin family wasn't so loyal to Wei Xingchuan. Because the stone gate was too complex, Tang Xiangsi ordered them to prepare a solution manual in case she forgot it. As a result, the Jin family, coveting the treasures in the secret palace, also kept several copies of the solution manual for themselves. Later, the Jin family worried that Tang Xiangsi would kill them to silence them in the future, so they wanted to use Wei Xingchuan to harm him. Unexpectedly, after Tang Xiangsi was tricked into going to the Qianqiu Palace, Wei Xingchuan admired her talent and treated her as an honored guest."

Zhili let out a long sigh: "So that's how it is! It feels so good to hear that!"

Yang Changshan said, "Unfortunately, Tang Xiangsi had a tragic fate. That notebook was lost long ago, and the one that the Jin family kept may not still be alive. Only fragments and scraps remain."

Zhili said, "Does that mean Tang Xiangsi also couldn't solve the mechanism of that stone door?"

Yang Changshan nodded: "That stone gate mechanism is extremely complex. Unless there is a way to break it, no one in the world can open it, and it is difficult to force it open."

Zhili laughed lightly: "It's not necessarily a bad thing. If we can't open it, then so be it. Since it has already driven Tang Xiangsi's mother to the brink of mental illness, then we normal people should stay far away from it!"

Luo Xianyin said admiringly, "Uncle Zhili is so insightful! If only they all thought that way, even I can't resist my curiosity and have wondered many times what it's like inside."

As she spoke, Luo Xianyin looked at Xia Zhaoyi and said, "General Ali, you and General Shen have been to Polar Star Mountain before. You have already arrived at Yue Tang Temple and know that there are strange things down there, but you have not bothered to go down and explore."

Xia Zhaoyi smiled faintly and asked Yang Changshan, "Are you going back to Tang Xiangsi's side? Is it dangerous?"

Yang Changshan said, "We're going back, but there's no danger anymore. Tang Xiangsi's good days are finally over."

Luo Xianyin said, “No, it should be said that it has reached its end again. General Ali, in the past two years, it has become increasingly difficult for Tang Xiangsi to contact the Northern Yuan people. Back then, the few unrelated siblings who were by Lü Wuwei's side were most willing to do things for him. They were not afraid of long journeys and could travel thousands of miles to the northern border. Since their deaths, it has been difficult for Tang Xiangsi to find such loyal people. As for the Northern Yuan, after those rats in the gutter in Youzhou were eliminated, they have rarely sent people to the Central Plains on a large scale. Now, Tang Xiangsi is becoming increasingly strapped for cash.”

Yang Changshan nodded and continued, "In the past ten years, Tang Xiangsi has done a lot for the Northern Yuan people. Back then, Tang Xiangsi settled in Panyu and Ningsi for a long time to avoid Wei Xingchuan. Ningsi and Panyu were the first places that He Yanpo set his sights on China. After He Yanpo met Tang Xiangsi, he was generous and helped Tang Xiangsi become wealthy again. Tang Xiangsi regarded him as a close friend and not only provided him with a more detailed map of the Central Plains, but also recommended Youzhou to him."

Zhili asked in surprise, "Youzhou was recommended to He Yanpo by Tang Xiangsi?"

Yang Changshan said, "Yes, Tang Xiangsi once studied in Youzhou."

Xia Zhaoyi recalled the paintings of Tang Xiangsi that she had seen at Tai Zicang's place. His personal style was very strong. At that time, Tai Zicang also gave her Tang Xiangsi's "Fragrance Chasing the Evening Breeze". This painting is now kept in Hengxiang, in Zhiyu Water Pavilion.

Tai Zicang said that Tang Xiangsi was the third disciple of Shui Moqiu, and was a student that Shui Moqiu took in before he became famous.

Tang Xiangsi may have felt a sense of kinship with scholars he truly admired, which is why he used his real name when he became their disciple. If he had known that Shui Moqiu would later become so famous, he would probably have changed his name when he became their disciple.

At that time, Xia Zhaoyi was quite interested in Tang Xiangsi, finding him mysterious. Now, however, the mystery has been dispelled. Wei Xingchuan is ruthless, Feng Qingang is cruel, and Tang Xiangsi is a complete scoundrel.

“Master Yang,” Xia Zhaoyi said, “Yang Guanxian has always been worried about you and has never given up looking for you all these years. You don’t need to go back to Tang Xiangsi’s side anymore. Go find Yang Guanxian. There is nothing more about Tang Xiangsi that is worth investigating further. There is no need to waste any more time on her.”

Upon hearing this, Zhili said, "My junior sister is right, and Xie Huaichu is one of us now. So, if Tang Xiangsi does anything strange again, we can just have Xie Huaichu investigate. However, it seems unnecessary."

Zhili said, looking at Xia Zhaoyi: "Junior Sister, he colluded with the enemy and betrayed the country, sold Youzhou, and supported the powerful and noble people of the Northern Yuan. He is truly despicable. I think he can no longer be allowed to live."

Xia Zhaoyi nodded and said calmly, "Indeed, they can't stay any longer."

When the four left the private room, it was completely dark outside.

The night passed uneventfully. The next morning, Zhili wanted to go out for a while, and Yang Changshan and Luo Xian, who were familiar with the area, accompanied him.

Zhili had a great time and brought back a lot of strange little things for Xia Zhaoyi.

When Xia Zhaoyi saw these little things, she remembered the box her master had given to Shen Lie back in Hejing.

Next time Shen Lie comes, she will ask him carefully if he has figured out anything.

In the afternoon, Xia Zhaoyi and Zhili set off back to Mingfang City.

After several days of fast riding, it was already late at night when we arrived at Mingfang City.

Xia Zhaoxue had calculated that they would return tonight, so he deliberately stayed up, waiting.

He was not idle during this period. Every day he would disguise himself and go out to learn about the local customs, food, clothing, housing and transportation of Mingfang City.

The people here live in great misery. The Han people have strict laws to restrain the powerful and wealthy, but there are none here.

Tao Lan alone has killed at least 500 people in the past two years for her son.

Indiscriminate killing can become a habit, no wonder Xiaomei and Zhili made a request to Heyan Jin that no one should suffer because of him.

First offer a reward, then set rules, and Tao Lan will definitely break these "rules".

This move was brilliant; it precisely targeted the vulnerabilities of both the mother and son, forcing them to engage in a game of strategy themselves.

However, despite the poor living conditions of the local people, Xia Zhaoxue felt no pity whatsoever.

They were living poorly, but they didn't feel that the local powerful and wealthy were bullying them. They transferred all their hatred onto the Han people.

The barren land and scarce resources have etched the word "plunder" into their very blood.

Their children would go to the battlefield, and the Northern Yuan soldiers on the battlefield all came from the homes of these ordinary people.

Whenever he thought of this, Xia Zhaoxue felt an overwhelming hatred in his heart, completely indifferent to their suffering.

Xia Zhaoyi and Zhili sold the horses at a low price outside the city. When they returned, Xia Zhaoxue was drawing a map.

The old map had many inconsistencies, so he has now drawn it in greater detail.

As soon as Zhili returned, he hurriedly inquired about the situation of Tao Lan and her son.

The conflict was more intense than they had anticipated.

Xia Zhaoxue said that just the day before yesterday at noon, He Yanjin stabbed Tao Lan. He was afraid that Tao Lan would die and that it would be too easy for her, so he secretly sneaked in to check. Fortunately, she was still alive.

However, the medical skills of the Northern Yuan people were truly worrisome. Even Mr. Mo, who was said to be of very high status by Tao Lan's side, was considered by Xia Zhaoxue to be utterly incompetent.

Therefore, Xia Zhaoxue left two bottles of medicine there.

Zhi Li suddenly felt nervous: "If they see this medicine, will they be able to guess that it's on you, Second Brother Xia?"

Xia Zhaoxue didn't care: "Didn't I already write her a letter?"

He wasn't afraid of being exposed at all.

Zhili nodded: "Oh right..."

"Junior Sister," Zhili looked at Xia Zhaoyi, "what do you think?"

Xia Zhaoyi didn't care at all: "Tao Lan has always been easy to kill, even easier than Li Ju."

Zhili narrowed his eyes: "That's true, killing her is a piece of cake. In that case, Junior Sister, we've already spent too much time on this trip, so let's finish it tonight."

Xia Zhaoyi said, "Alright, let's do it tonight then."

Xia Zhaoxue stood up: "I'll go arrange the manpower."

As night deepened and dawn approached, the Heyan Mansion remained brightly lit and heavily guarded.

Tao Lan wanted someone to take He Yanjin to her courtyard, but He Yanjin's temper was getting worse and he refused no matter what.

Tao Lan was both angry and heartbroken, so she came over and slept in the cubicle next to Yan Jin.

At first, He Yanjin didn't know that, just like every night before, he was trying to keep his eyes wide open in bed, determined to wait for the envoy of the God of War, Raelbar, to come to him again.

He waited and waited, and before he knew how much time had passed, he suddenly heard a sound outside the door. It was one of his mother's aunts, who came to ask his wet nurse if he was sleeping well.

They spoke very softly, and He Yanjin initially didn't want to care; he was fed up with his birth mother.

But at that moment, he heard the word "next door".

Further down, from their conversation, it became clear that Tao Lan was sleeping right next to him!

Unable to bear it any longer, He Yanjin immediately threw off the covers, got out of bed, and rushed outside.

Upon reaching the door, his eyes hardened, and he turned back to retrieve the dagger he had hidden under the bed.

All his knives had been confiscated; this dagger was something he had secretly prepared.

Tao Lan was also not asleep.

She leaned against the soft pillow, lost in thought. The wound on her shoulder ached and itched. The blow her son had delivered was extremely hard. If a maid hadn't pushed her away, the knife might have even severed her neck.

She held a porcelain bottle in her hand. The medicine inside was familiar to her. She took a sniff, and her memory instantly flew back to her childhood in the capital, to the scene of her mother applying medicine to her.

She was wild and outgoing from a young age, never submitting to anyone, and would fight with people at the slightest disagreement.

She had beaten all her brothers, and she often had wounds on her body. Her mother often scolded her while applying medicine to her wounds.

She couldn't remember the name of the medicine, but it was very common in the homes of nobles in the capital.

Looking at the medicine bottle, Tao Lan felt a mix of emotions—bitterness, sorrow, and a hint of joy.

In her half-awake state, she vaguely saw a familiar figure put down the medicine bottle, and then the person walked to the bedside to examine her wound.

She was probably having a nightmare; she couldn't open her eyes no matter what she did. She was still conscious, but her limbs were stiff. She saw the face clearly: sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, a straight nose, slightly dark skin, and a youthful spirit that had always captivated her.

Tao Lan was about to call out his name, but she couldn't.

Then, the person left without a sound.

She thought it was a dream, but when she woke up, she saw medicine bottles on the table.

The aunts who served her denied that they had placed the medicine bottle there, and they didn't see anyone coming or going.

After smelling it, Mr. Mo said that the medicine was good, but it might have been tainted with poison, and that she should not use it.

Without hesitation, she immediately had someone apply the medicine to her.

Use it, why not? If you want to kill her, you'll have a chance to do it when you put the medicine bottle here.

But clearly, the medicine wasn't poisonous, and after so much time, she hadn't died.

But who exactly put down this medicine bottle?

Is it really Xia Zhaoxue?
This name had been buried in her memory for too long. Before, mentioning it evoked love; later, it evoked hate; and still later, mentioning it evoked both love and hate.

When she became pregnant with He Yanjin, she forced herself to forget his name. She wanted to love her husband and child well. As a result, even though she was already a pile of ashes, the slightest spark could ignite a raging fire.

Even the flames weren't orange; they were the warm white of moonlight, the apricot blossoms of April, the clear stream—restrained and pure, flawless like jade.

Those thoughts surged again, and Tao Lan quickly moved the medicine bottle away.

She couldn't look anymore; thinking about it further was pointless.

Just then, a cry of surprise came from outside.

"Young Master!"

"Young Master, what are you doing!"

Tao Lan frowned and turned to look at the door.

The son's still-childish voice rang out from outside: "Is she inside? That Han Chinese is inside?!"

"Young master, please put the knife down!"

"Let her out!" He Yanjin roared, shouting at the tightly closed door, "Tao Lan, you come out here, Han Chinese, you come out!"

Tao Lan's face darkened, and she stepped out. Her aunt quickly grabbed her, saying, "Madam, don't!"

Tao Lan shook off her hand and went to open the door.

He Yanjin was still shouting and cursing outside. The sharp blade in his hand was like a wild beast without eyes. The servants and aunts who were much taller than him dared not approach him casually, because as early as last year, this young master had killed someone under similar circumstances.

Upon seeing Tao Lan emerge, He Yanjin's small eyes turned unusually fierce, and he raised his dagger to stab her.

This time, Tao Lan did not indulge her son; she kicked him directly.

As He Yanjin was kicked away, a cut was made on her calf, and blood immediately seeped out.

"Come on!" Tao Lan strode over, her eyes fierce. "Keep going, get up!"

He Yanjin hadn't expected Tao Lan to kick him like that. He struggled to his feet and roared at Tao Lan, "I'll kill you!!"

He charged forward again, dagger in hand. Because of his limp and the twisted leg he had just twisted, his running posture was very strange.

Tao Lan was heartbroken, but she showed no mercy. She easily dodged the dagger that He Yanjin was thrusting at her, and then raised her hand and slapped him across the face.

He Yan fell to the ground, bleeding from his nose.

Tao Lan couldn't bear it in the end, and two lines of tears rolled down her cheeks. She walked over, kicked away the dagger in He Yanjin's hand, bent down, and picked him up.

He Yanjin went berserk, slapping her face repeatedly with both hands: "Don't touch me, don't touch me! Han Chinese, you've dirtied my clothes!"

"Then go die!" Tao Lan suddenly roared, "I gave birth to you, the flesh and blood in your body are all from me! If you think I'm dirty, you're saying you're dirty yourself, you should die! Die!!!"

He Yanjin cried loudly, and the beating became more and more violent. Tao Lan's hair was disheveled, and she slapped He Yanjin again.

Just as He Yanjin fell to the ground again, a cry of alarm suddenly rang out from outside: "An assassin!"

Everyone was taken aback and looked up at the courtyard gate.

Just then, Dingyun rushed in, shouting, "Madam, there's an assassin! Come inside quickly!!"

Before he could finish speaking, a metal blade shot out from behind and pierced his neck.

Dingyun's eyes widened, and the words she hadn't yet uttered, she would never be able to say again in this lifetime.

The maids and aunts in the courtyard exclaimed in surprise, and the guards rushed over immediately to escort Tao Lan and He Yanjin into the house.

He Yanjin still wouldn't let Tao Lan touch him, and he pulled and hit her like a madman.

Tao Lan hugged him tightly, but before she could even step over the threshold, she retreated in terror.

Xia Zhaoyi walked out slowly, a smile on her face, toying with a dagger in her hand.

The maids and aunts screamed and spread their arms to protect Tao Lan.

A whistle blew, and a cheerful boy's voice echoed from the high wall: "Hello, little guy!"

He Yanjin quickly turned around, and when he saw Zhili, his eyes lit up, and he exclaimed with joy, "It's you! You've come to pick me up! You've come to save me!!"

As she spoke, she tried to break free from Tao Lan.

Tao Lan still protected him tightly, but the next moment, Tao Lan was struck as if by lightning.

Her eyes swept across the courtyard gate, then fixed on the view back.

A tall, slender young man walked in, his steps slow and deliberate. He passed by Dingyun's body and paused in the moonlight.

Tao Lan was incredulous, her mind went blank, her ears were ringing, and she just stared at him.

Many years have passed, and his features remain unchanged, but his temperament has been tinged with the vicissitudes of life. Gone is the dashing and chivalrous spirit of yesteryear and the carefree and sunny spirit of riding a horse. He is now shrouded in the fading light of the old moon, with his brows covered in the desolate frost and snow.

Only after the fact did fear begin to creep into my heart.

Tao Lan gripped her son's hand tightly, knowing that she couldn't escape this calamity today.

Out of the corner of her eye, Tao Lan's gaze fell upon the dagger the maid had picked up. With a sudden resolve, she snatched it and plunged it into He Yanjin's chest.

The maids and aunts beside them were all shocked.

Tao Lan was extremely fast; she stabbed deeply into the hole and then pulled it out, before thrusting it towards her own chest.

But before she could stab herself, her hand went empty as the dagger was snatched away. Xia Zhaoyi grabbed her collar and dragged her into the empty courtyard.

Everything happened extremely fast, in the blink of an eye.

The words "Young Master" and "Madam" that were spoken by those around him finally came to an end.

He Yanjin was still a little dazed. He lowered his head and stared blankly at the blood flowing from his chest. He had never felt such coldness and pain before. Suddenly, his legs went weak and the wet nurse beside him quickly supported him.

Ignoring the fact that Xia Zhaoyi was holding her hostage, Tao Lan looked at her son crying, "Jin'er!! Waaah, Jin'er!!"

Zhi Li walked over and said coldly, "You're even capable of harming your own son. No wonder you're willing to betray your country and collude with the enemy. You'll destroy anything that doesn't go your way."

He Yanjin lost blood very quickly, and soon he breathed his last in a pool of blood.

Tao Lan burst into tears. After a pause, she looked at Xia Zhaoxue, who had stopped walking.

"Are you human or a ghost?! Why are you still alive?! Why didn't you die?!"

Xia Zhaoxue calmly said, "I won't die until I see you die."

His clear, youthful voice has become deep and mellow, but you can tell it's him as soon as you hear it!
Tao Lan trembled all over, tears streaming down her face.

How much did she like him back then?

Hearing half a word from him can make me happy for three days and three nights.

Just one glance at him made her feel happy all over, even the strands of her hair seemed to tingle with a tingling pleasure.

When she was jilted by the Duke of Dingguo's family, her world seemed to collapse. In a fit of anger, she did many things.

If she finds out who mocked her, she will not only tear their mouths apart at the poetry gathering, but also go to their homes to tear them to shreds, regardless of whether they are from prestigious families or not!
Her father beat her severely with a rattan cane, scolding her for not being shameful enough.

With red eyes, she yelled at her father, "That's not enough! Killing all those gossipy mouths isn't enough to vent my anger!"
She was like a madwoman, covered in thorns, cursing and hitting many people. She disregarded her dignity as a young lady and went to the Duke of Dingguo's mansion to find Xia Zhaoxue every day.

She had loved him for so many years and had tried everything to get her mother to arrange the marriage. Finally, her dream came true, and she was about to be involved with him. But why did he break off the engagement?
Why?

Xia Zhaoxue refused to see her, and even fled Yong'an to avoid her, making her a complete laughingstock.

More and more people mocked and ridiculed her, and her hatred grew stronger.

The first person she killed in her life was a patrolman of the Yanyun Guard.

That person's mouth was so foul; so many things were said about him. She was furious and asked her younger brother to find the source. After finding it, she killed that person with her own hands.

Although he was a patrolman, he was a soldier of the imperial court.

Her father bribed a lot of money to suppress the matter, and then sent her to the estate.

But even in the village, she could still hear those rumors and gossip.

There are even rumors that Xia Zhaoxue has entered into a marriage with another young lady from a prestigious family and will be getting married soon.

Is it true or false? She didn't know, how could she know? She spent day after day on the estate, unable to leave.

She hated it so much, she really hated it!

Everyone was insulting her, everyone looked down on her, everyone was mocking her for being abandoned by Xia Zhaoxue!
"It's all your fault, it's all your fault!!" Tao Lan yelled at Xia Zhaoxue, "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have ended up like this! And Xia Zhaoyi! She died so tragically, and I still don't feel any satisfaction!"

Xia Zhaoxue kicked Tao Lan in the face.

Tao Lan fell to the ground, and the sharp pain in her nose made her tears flow even faster.

"You hit me..." Tao Lan laughed loudly, "Back then I was still thinking of protecting you, and you hit me? Xia Zhaoxue, how cruel you are, you heartless man, you fickle lover!"

Xia Zhaoyi suddenly said, "I understand that you hate my second brother, but why do you hate my sister?"

She actually knew the answer. After she was arrested in place of her second brother, Tao Lan frequently came to see her and mentioned more than once how much she hated her.

She had been tortured back then and didn't want to waste her breath arguing with Tao Lan. Besides, it was fine if Tao Lan hated her, as it would allow her second brother to go further.

But now, she wants Tao Lan to die knowing why.

Tao Lan angrily retorted, "Because she's a gossip! She..."

Before she could finish speaking, Xia Zhaoxue kicked her again, shouting, "If you insult my sister again, I'll cut out your tongue!"

After a pause, Xia Zhaoxue looked at Xia Zhaoyi, his voice trembling slightly: "I know about this matter. After I was sent back to Yong'an, the Tao family was implicated because of this traitor and was thrown into a death row. Her mother tried every means to send people to our mansion to beg me to let them go, and she mentioned this matter. This traitor thinks that it was because Zhaoyi saw her beating someone in the street and said a few words to her in front of me that I broke off the engagement with her."

As he spoke, Xia Zhaoxue glared back at Tao Lan: "My sister wouldn't even deign to mention you. Breaking off the engagement was my own idea. This marriage wasn't arranged with my consent. It was my uncles and aunts who kept nagging my father, saying they wanted to marry you, not me. Why would I marry a woman I've barely even met? I don't even know you! Besides, breaking off the engagement back then was a small matter. My father had already prepared his explanation, and it wouldn't have embarrassed you. You're the one who made a big fuss and made it known to everyone! No one forced you down this path; you chose it yourself!"

Tao Lan was kicked in pain and scrambled to her feet, covering her bloodied mouth and nose.

She looked at Xia Zhaoxue with heartache, tears still falling quickly, mingling with the blood on her face, flowing from between her fingers.

Zhili said, “I understand. Tao Lan, driven by her own selfish interests and her own conjectures, has started to act recklessly, harming herself and others! She doesn’t bother to verify anything, she just believes whatever she thinks is true, and she wants to destroy anyone or anything she deems to be against her! Tao Lan, you are truly terrifying, you have no shame, you are heartless and insane, even being torn to pieces would be too lenient for you!”

Tao Lan sobbed, then suddenly screamed, "It wasn't me!! It's Xia Zhaoyi's fault, and you too, Xia Zhaoxue, it's your fault!!"

Xia Zhaoxue kicked her again.

The kick landed squarely on her stomach, and it was very hard.

Tao Lan vomited a mouthful of thick blood.

“I won’t let you die easily,” Xia Zhaoxue said coldly. “I will take back all the pain my sister, my subordinates, and my family have suffered by taking it out on you.”

You can tell the pace has been really fast lately, it's almost over!!! Only a few tens of thousands of words left, ahhh, I'm ending, I'm ending, I'm ending!!! Ahh ...