Jian Yi transmigrated to ancient times and became a young married woman, with a husband who came as an extra, a man with a deep and inscrutable mind.
Jian Yi received none of the original owner's memories, so everything she knew about their marriage came from other people.
Rumor one: "I hear the young madam used all sorts of tricks to marry into the Rong family, and even got rid of the young master's sweetheart. No wonder he can't stand her."
Rumor two: "When the madam was seriously ill, that woman often abused her. She'd leave her hungry one day and stuff her the next. How cruel. Even after dying, the poor woman must have starved to death."
"And that's not all. The young madam and Steward Zhang have something going on. I saw them getting handsy with each other before."
There were countless rumors like these. They made it very clear how she'd offended Rong Ming, and gave her a very clear idea of how she was going to die.
After that, she knew Rong Ming wanted to kill her. She knew he kept a sharp knife under his pillow at all times. At night, he'd gaze at her in silence, then rise from bed with his knife and go to the next room to sharpen it. The scraping sound rang out again and again, each stroke louder than the last, as if it were stabbing her in the heart.
By day, he returned to his usual gentle self, as if the terrifying man from the night before had only existed in her imagination.
[Short Scene]
He came back from an outing on a rainy night, drenched and covered in mud. Standing beside the bed, he saw her trembling and gave a low chuckle. "Jian Yi, I know you're awake. Tomorrow, you'll see the surprise I've prepared for you."
Early the next morning, a major incident shook the capital: the county magistrate had been murdered the previous night, and the killer hadn't been found.
When Jian Yi heard the news, she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. Was this the surprise he'd mentioned last night?
Rong Ming returned her gaze without the slightest hesitation, his words full of meaning. "The grass on Uncle Wu's grave must be a yard tall by now. It's time to trim it."
Was this man hinting that she ought to be buried already?
When she started thinking about running away, he watched her with interest. "Uncle Li stole two taels of silver from me and ran off. I'm a kindhearted man, so I didn't want to make a fuss over something so trivial. But if he'd just told me beforehand, I wouldn't have had to sever the tendons in his hands and feet."
That was her husband: worse than a dog. Treat a dog well and at least it'll be loyal to you, but he ignored every kindness she showed him and kept scheming to kill her.
[Short Scene Two]
Maid: "The young master and young madam are so in love."
Rong Ming and Jian Yi exchanged a glance, their faces full of scorn as they laughed coldly.
Jian Yi: A devious man who wants her dead. She'd have to be blind to fall for him.
Rong Ming: A woman with impure intentions. She isn't worth the effort.
Face-slapping ahead
Jian Yi: "A Ming, there's a seductive young widow in West Alley. You're not allowed to go see her."
Rong Ming: "Having you is enough for me. A woman so ordinary-looking could never compare to you."
Jian Yi gave him a cold sidelong glance. "How do you know she's ordinary-looking? Have you gone to see her?"
Rong Ming: ...
Theme: The world is full of beauty.
