Seguindo o amor por três anos, a senhora do marqués divorcia o marido diariamente, com cem caixões a abrir caminho.

Autumn.

Nightfall.

At the Xiuyuan Residence.

The lanterns hanging from the eaves glowed like cold moons, casting light upon the silktree flowers before the hall.

On the mottled, cracked walls, shadows of the silktree swayed in the wind—like ferocious beasts baring their fangs and claws, devouring all greed and desire.

Beside the silktree stood a tall chastity archway, engraved with seven large characters: "Chaste and Loyal Maiden, Commemorating the Shen Family."

Beneath the archway, on a low stone platform, two pale, entangled forms twisted together like a braided rope, filling the air with an indescribable metallic stench.

“Brother Yunchuan, today is our cousin’s death anniversary. Isn’t it inappropriate to be doing this under her chastity archway?” Cui Mingzhu, her bare shoulder exposed, nestled softly in Ji Yunchuan’s embrace, her voice tender and sweet.

“What’s inappropriate about it?” Ji Yunchuan tightened his hold on Cui Mingzhu and sneered coldly. “That fool Shen Ningyuan was at our mercy even before she died—willingly living as a widow for me, even giving her dowry to support the Ji family. She’s been dead for three years now; wild dogs have long since devoured her corpse. Why should I fear her?”

“But people say the household servants often hear her crying at night. Who knows if she’s really here?” Cui Mingzhu whispered, worried.

Ji Yunchuan waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t be afraid, Zhu’er. If she really is here, then I’ll put on an even better show for her—let her see how deeply in love w