As Li Fuchuan finished reading the imperial edict, Xu Mu was escorted down from the execution platform and placed back into the prisoner’s cart, bound for the county jail. Xu Mu kept his gaze fixed on Tian Tian and shook his head slightly.

Tian Tian understood his message: he didn’t want her to step forward or acknowledge him. The area was crawling with Prefect Wang’s spies, and if they discovered her, they would undoubtedly drag her away by force.

Tian Tian watched helplessly as Xu Mu was led back into the cart and taken away. Along the streets, kneeling citizens wept tears of joy and shouted that heaven had finally opened its eyes.

With Xu Mu safely returned to the county jail, his life was no longer in immediate danger. Li Hua, however, shifted his attention to Prefect Wang of Yuzhou. The prefect’s failure to report the calamity, resulting in countless deaths and suffering, was already enough to sentence him to prison. But such a monumental cover-up could not have been orchestrated by a mere prefect alone. There had to be higher-ranking officials pulling the strings behind the scenes.

Li Hua was determined to root out everyone involved and expose the entire web of corruption.

Li Hua announced his intention to travel to Yuzhou incognito to investigate. Tian Tian volunteered to join him, offering to help gather evidence of Prefect Wang’s corruption. Her motives weren’t entirely selfless—she needed to protect Lady Liu, her mother. If Prefect Wang were convicted, Lady Liu, as his concubine, would likely be executed as well.

Tian Tian couldn’t allow that to happen to the one woman in her life who had shown her genuine care.

Li Hua, impressed by Tian Tian’s talent and resolve, gladly agreed to her request.

The next day, their group arrived at Yuzhou. Before even entering the city, the stench of decay hit them like a wave. Tian Tian and Xiang Lan, both women in disguise, gagged at the overwhelming smell.

At the city gates, soldiers were dragging cartloads of corpses outside for disposal. Others, armed with gleaming swords, were driving away emaciated beggars who could barely stand. Some of the beggars wept and pleaded on their knees, but the soldiers, accustomed to such scenes, remained unmoved and continued to force them out with harsh commands.

The air was filled with cries of despair, the sight of corpses, and the acrid smell of death. It was hell on earth, a sharp contrast to the order and hope in Changping County.

Li Hua’s brows furrowed deeply, his anger evident in his eyes. “Li Fuchuan, find out what’s happening here. Why are the soldiers driving out these refugees?”

“At once, sir!” Li Fuchuan, though a eunuch, couldn’t stomach the scene either. He quickly approached a group of people to gather information.

Moments later, Li Fuchuan returned, seething with rage. “My lord, I have discovered the reason. Prefect Wang issued an order earlier today to drive all refugees out of the city. Anyone who resists is to be killed on the spot. Furthermore, the city is undergoing a massive cleanup—corpses are being carted out and burned.”

Li Hua’s fury boiled over. “Prefect Wang must have caught wind of the imperial commissioner’s investigation into Xu Mu. He’s trying to hide the truth by driving out the refugees and scrubbing the city clean of its horrors.”

Tian Tian nodded in agreement with Li Hua’s assessment.

“Let’s enter the city first and plan our next steps,” Li Hua decided.

The group lined up to pass through the city gates. At first, the gate soldiers refused them entry, but Li Fuchuan slipped them five taels of silver, and they were allowed through.

Once inside, Li Hua’s expression darkened even further as he observed the streets. Unable to contain his anger, he shouted, “Outrageous! Completely outrageous! Even the lowly gate soldiers are this corrupt—what unspeakable atrocities must Prefect Wang himself be committing? It’s scum like him that have reduced Yuzhou to this wretched state!”

The group found a reasonably decent inn to stay in, and while Li Hua, Li Fuchuan, and Chong San went out to survey the streets, Tian Tian and Xiang Lan stayed behind at the inn.

Li Hua had initially invited Tian Tian to join him, but she declined, claiming she had personal matters to attend to.

In truth, Tian Tian was busy drawing a detailed map of Prefect Wang’s residence. In her past life, when the emperor came to Yuzhou incognito, Xu Mu had been condemned, but his testimony implicated Prefect Wang, who was then serving as an official in the capital. Prefect Wang was subsequently investigated and found guilty.

The key to his conviction had been a secret room in his Yuzhou mansion. This room, unknown to most, contained mountains of gold and silver and, most importantly, ledgers detailing bribes from other corrupt officials. Prefect Wang had kept these records as leverage to protect himself should he ever face danger.

Now, Tian Tian intended to expose the secret room and its contents. By providing this map to Li Hua, she hoped to take down Prefect Wang and protect Lady Liu.

Later that evening, Li Hua returned to the inn, visibly enraged. Tian Tian and Xiang Lan went to see him, finding Li Fuchuan struggling to convince Li Hua to eat.

Li Hua looked up at her. “Little brother, do you have something important to discuss?” His tone was softer with her; he admired her talent and insight.

Tian Tian bowed and presented the map. “My lord, this is a map of Prefect Wang’s residence. I’ve marked the location of a secret room where he stores treasures and bribe records. I believe these records could serve as key evidence in his corruption case.”

Li Hua took the map, his curiosity piqued. “How do you know about this secret room?”

Tian Tian knelt, Xiang Lan following suit. Removing the hairpin from her head, Tian Tian let her long black hair fall, revealing her true identity as a woman.

Li Hua and his companions were shocked beyond words.

“You… you’re a woman?” Li Hua exclaimed. He had never suspected it, though her voice had seemed odd at times. Her intelligence and expertise in matters like flood control had been beyond what one would expect from a woman confined to the inner chambers.

Tian Tian nodded. “I am Xu Mu’s wife and Prefect Wang’s third daughter. My husband wrote to the emperor pleading for aid during the disaster in Changping, but when no reply came, he opened the granaries to save the people, risking his life. He even divorced me to protect me from being implicated. I couldn’t bear to see him die unjustly, so I disguised myself and brought his case to the emperor. Heaven’s justice has prevailed, and my husband’s execution has been delayed.”

Li Hua was deeply moved. This woman had dared to defy convention, traveling to the capital to petition the emperor—an act that even most men would find impossible. He now understood her earlier actions and admired her bravery even more.

Still, he couldn’t ignore the gravity of her actions. “You know that by exposing Prefect Wang, you’re sentencing your own father to death, don’t you?”

“I do,” Tian Tian replied firmly. “But I must do this. Yuzhou’s calamity is more man-made than natural. My father’s cruelty and greed have caused untold suffering. Though he is my father, I am also a citizen of this empire. The people’s pain outweighs any familial bonds.”

Her unwavering determination left Li Hua and his companions in awe.

In pursuit of wealth and high official ranks, he even planned to send me, his own daughter, to the capital to become a concubine for a high-ranking official. The portraits posted all over Yuzhou are ironclad evidence of his intentions.

Since marrying Xu Mu these past few months, I have stepped out of the inner chambers and seen countless human tragedies, which have changed my outlook on life. A man so heartless and monstrous, devoid of morality and compassion—how is he fit to be the prefect of an entire province? If I don’t act in the interest of justice today and continue letting him run unchecked, he will not only remain a cancer in Yuzhou but also a threat to the imperial court and a calamity for the people.

I discovered the secret room in the prefect’s residence last year when I was wandering near the koi pond out of curiosity. Father loves fishing, and no one is allowed near the pond except for him. I accidentally triggered the mechanism and entered the secret room. Inside, I saw piles of gold and silver, like mountains of treasure. Father has always kept others out of that area, which clearly means he wants no one to know about it. I kept this matter to myself to avoid bringing trouble upon myself.”

Li Hua was not only impressed by Tian Tian’s intelligence but also deeply admired her resolve to act against her own father for the greater good. Who would have thought such a corrupt man as Prefect Wang could have raised a daughter like this? It also explained why Xu Mu had undergone such a transformation—her influence on him was not insignificant. Though her appearance was plain, she was a rare and virtuous wife.

“If this map truly helps us find the records of bribery, your contributions will be unparalleled.”

Tian Tian quickly replied, “I dare not claim any credit. However, I have one small request and hope my lord might grant me some leniency.”

“What is it?” Li Hua’s gaze fell upon her.

“My biological mother, Lady Liu, is my father’s concubine. She was born a farmer’s daughter and has been a concubine in the Wang household for nearly twenty years. She has always been humble, dutiful, and never sought to compete or fight for favor. I beg my lord to spare her life—please grant this mercy.” Tian Tian knelt low, her attitude sincere and reverent.

Understanding her filial devotion, Li Hua nodded. Moreover, it was not a difficult request. “I agree.” Filial piety is a virtue, and sparing an innocent life was a worthy act.

“Thank you, my lord.” Tian Tian’s heart lifted, and for the first time, she felt some relief. At last, she could do something to repay Lady Liu’s kindness.

After Tian Tian withdrew, Li Hua handed the map of the prefect’s residence to Chong San and ordered him to investigate the location that night and retrieve the bribery records.

Once they had the evidence, they could conclude the corruption case in Yuzhou, punish every guilty official, and bring justice for the living and the dead.

Someday, Li Hua vowed, he would rid the empire of all corrupt officials and return peace and prosperity to the people.

“Yes.” Chong San accepted the map and left to carry out the task.

The next day, when Tian Tian woke up, Li Hua and his group were no longer at the inn. Xiang Lan handed her a note left by Li Hua.

“Madam, this is a note from Lord Huang,” Xiang Lan said.

Tian Tian opened it. The note informed her that they had obtained the evidence and that Li Hua had already ordered the imperial commissioner to apprehend Prefect Wang and his household for trial.

Li Hua, having resumed his imperial identity, was now working with the commissioner at the prefectural office to investigate Prefect Wang’s crimes over the years.

The note ended with a single line: Take care of yourself.

Xiang Lan, who had also seen the note, couldn’t help but marvel, “Who would have thought that the approachable Lord Huang was actually the emperor himself? If I hadn’t spent nearly half a month with him, I would never have believed I’d meet the ruler of the land in my lifetime.”

Tian Tian, who had known Li Hua’s identity all along, was unsurprised.

Xiang Lan added, “The emperor must have left the note because he didn’t want to disturb your rest. And since this matter concerns Prefect Wang, who is, after all, your father…”

Tian Tian nodded. “I understand.” She also recognized that, having revealed her identity as a woman, it was appropriate to avoid further unnecessary interactions. Li Hua, as the emperor, understood this better than anyone.

“What’s the situation outside now? Has my father been imprisoned yet?”

Xiang Lan nodded. “Yes. The emperor and the imperial commissioner entered the city, and their first action was to arrest Prefect Wang and his entire family. The second thing they did was distribute large amounts of grain porridge to aid the people. Now, the streets are filled with porridge kitchens, and the air is thick with the smell of rice.”

“That’s good.” With the emperor personally intervening, the people of Yuzhou were finally saved.

With Prefect Wang’s case proceeding, Tian Tian could now travel openly. She returned to the Xu residence in Changping to wait for Xu Mu’s release.

However, no sooner had she arrived than Xu Mu was transferred to the Yuzhou jail by imperial decree. Despite his merits in aiding the people, he couldn’t be released immediately. His name had appeared in Prefect Wang’s bribery records, so he had to remain in custody while the case was investigated.

Frustrated, Tian Tian returned to Yuzhou to await further news.

Ten days later, the trial concluded. The corruption case implicated more than thirty officials, involving embezzled funds amounting to over a million taels—an astronomical sum. Most of the funds had been allocated at the start of the disaster but were diverted into the pockets of officials. By the time it reached the people, each person received less than ten coins.

Though Xu Mu had also embezzled tens of thousands of taels during his three years as Changping’s magistrate, he had used all the money to help the people. Furthermore, the citizens of Changping, fearing the worst, united to write a petition signed by tens of thousands of people, pleading for his release. Moved by their sincerity, the court reinstated Xu Mu as Changping’s magistrate without punishment or reward.

Prefect Wang, however, had spent over a decade embezzling without regard for human life. For his heinous crimes, he was sentenced to immediate execution. His third daughter, Tian Tian, was recognized for her courage in reporting his crimes, which was instrumental in resolving the corruption case in Yuzhou. As a result, his concubine Lady Liu and all married daughters, including Tian Tian, were spared.

This decree included the exile of Prefect Wang’s wife, sons, and remaining household. Lady Liu’s exemption was the emperor’s personal promise to Tian Tian. The pardon of Prefect Wang’s other married daughters, Wang Ruoxue and Wang Yufang, was to maintain fairness and avoid the appearance of favoritism toward Tian Tian.

The corrupt officials involved in the case were punished accordingly.

On the day Xu Mu was released from prison, Tian Tian dressed beautifully and personally went to greet him.

When Xu Mu stepped out of the jail, he saw his beloved wife and the citizens of Changping waiting to welcome him. The sky seemed brighter, the breeze sweeter—everything felt like a dream.

Tian Tian’s eyes reddened as she lifted the hem of her light blue dress and rushed toward him. “Husband.” Her soft, sweet voice carried all her unspoken emotions.

Overcome with emotion, Xu Mu pulled her into his arms. “Wife, you’ve suffered.” After holding her for a moment, he released her, mindful of the crowd of onlookers.

Without her tireless efforts, he knew he would never have been restored to his position.

“I didn’t suffer, as long as you’re free,” Tian Tian replied, her smile radiant through her tears.

Xu Mu gazed at her lovingly before turning to the gathered citizens, bowing deeply to thank them for their unwavering support.

That day, Xu Mu realized what it truly meant to be a parental figure to the people. Just as he had protected them during the disaster, they had risked everything to save him when he was in peril.

After addressing the crowd, Xu Mu and Tian Tian returned to their inn to await further orders from the emperor.

Facing her beloved husband, Tian Tian wholeheartedly responded to his affection. After being apart for over a month, she had missed him every moment and worried endlessly about him. Now that they were finally reunited, the couple could only express their longing for each other in this way.

At this moment, they were each other’s everything.

Tian Tian, though a modern person who had never experienced romance, was far bolder than most sheltered women. Her fiery passion made Xu Mu completely captivated, wishing time could freeze in this moment forever.

The next day, as expected, the emperor summoned Xu Mu. Xu Mu dressed in his official robes, carefully groomed, and prepared to meet the sovereign.

Noticing his nervous expression, Tian Tian couldn’t help but laugh. “Husband, the current emperor is benevolent and cares deeply for the people. He is a wise ruler—you don’t need to be so worried.”

“He is the Son of Heaven, a figure of immense stature. How can I not be nervous when summoned by him?” Xu Mu replied, his face serious.

Tian Tian said no more. The fear ancient people held toward imperial power was even greater than she had imagined.

The emperor’s main reason for summoning Xu Mu was to discuss the construction of a reservoir. This was a project that would benefit the country and the people, and it could not be delayed. Following the confiscation of Prefect Wang’s property, nearly 300,000 taels of gold and silver had been recovered. If these funds were used for reservoir construction, it would be an excellent use.

After Xu Mu turned over a new leaf, Tian Tian had once mentioned the idea of building a reservoir and employing the people through labor-based relief. However, due to issues with food supplies, they had abandoned the plan. Now that the emperor had brought it up, Xu Mu was able to answer clearly and in detail.

The emperor was very impressed with him and immediately ordered Xu Mu to begin constructing a reservoir and irrigation channels in Changping County as a trial. If the project proved successful, it would be implemented elsewhere.

Xu Mu was filled with energy and knelt to express his gratitude. He had thought his official career would end with the corruption case, but after meeting the emperor, he realized that as long as he worked hard, there was still a chance for redemption.

The emperor stayed in Yuzhou for three more days, appointing a new prefect, before preparing to return to the capital.

After the corruption case, the emperor was revered by all in Yuzhou. On the day of his departure, the entire city turned out to bid him farewell—a grand and moving spectacle. Xu Mu, accompanied by Tian Tian, also went to send him off.

As the magistrate of Changping, Xu Mu was called over to speak with the emperor during the farewell. Tian Tian followed him, wanting to thank the emperor in person. Although they had kept their distance to preserve propriety, with Xu Mu by her side now, there was no issue.

When Li Hua saw the beautiful woman beside Xu Mu, he froze. She appeared to be about sixteen, with delicate and charming features, snow-white skin, and bright, intelligent eyes. She wore a lotus-colored gauze dress, her slender waist moving gracefully as she walked with Xu Mu. The hem of her dress fluttered lightly in the wind, making her appear as ethereal as a spirit.

Even with three thousand beauties in his imperial harem, none could compare to her.

Was she really the same scruffy, short figure who had traveled with him to Yuzhou?

Tian Tian bowed respectfully. “This humble wife greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years.”

Xu Mu also saluted at the same time.

The familiar voice brought Li Hua back to his senses. Only then did he confirm that this radiant beauty was indeed the same plain-looking, diminutive figure he had known. Xu Mu was truly blessed with good fortune.

“Rise,” Li Hua said with a wave of his hand.

The couple expressed their thanks and stood up.

Tian Tian thanked the emperor profusely, adding a string of compliments before finally stopping.

As Li Hua looked at Tian Tian, he couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. If she weren’t already married, such a remarkable woman would undoubtedly belong in the imperial palace.

However, that thought was fleeting. Li Hua quickly dismissed it. As the ruler of a nation, he could appreciate beauty but would not covet it.

“Xu Mu,” Li Hua said, “your wife is an extraordinary woman. You must treat her well and cherish her.” A woman with such insight was rare indeed. If she were a man, he would have brought her into court to serve the nation. But even as a woman, her presence by Xu Mu’s side would surely influence him positively. Xu Mu, in time, could become a pillar of the imperial court.

Xu Mu bowed. “I will remember Your Majesty’s wise words. My wife is virtuous and kind, and I will treasure and love her as the jewel of my life.”

Li Hua nodded and entered his resplendent carriage.

After the emperor returned to the capital, Xu Mu and Tian Tian also returned to Changping. As for Lady Liu, she stayed in Yuzhou a while longer to bury Prefect Wang.

Prefect Wang’s crimes were unforgivable. A burial sufficed—there was no need for a proper funeral. Xu Mu and Tian Tian did not linger in Yuzhou, as Changping needed its magistrate, and they had no intention of dwelling on Prefect Wang’s affairs.

As the couple sat in the carriage, gazing at the thriving crops in the fields, they exchanged a smile. Their life felt fulfilling and serene.

Xu Mu sighed. “Wife, you were right. Only by following the righteous path can one endure. If I hadn’t reformed, I surely wouldn’t have survived this time.” He had learned that underhanded dealings and sinister schemes were not worth pursuing. Karma was real, and time was the ultimate judge.

The good deeds he had done in the past had now borne fruit, saving his life.

“Indeed, only the righteous path can endure,” Tian Tian replied with a smile. “As long as you dedicate yourself to governance and care for the people, your career will surely flourish, rising higher and higher.”

Xu Mu pulled her into his arms.

Back at the Xu residence, the couple resumed their sweet, loving life. When not at the county office handling official matters, Xu Mu would tour the area, often bringing Tian Tian along. He couldn’t bear to be apart from her and wanted her to witness Changping’s gradual prosperity under his leadership.

After arranging for Prefect Wang’s burial, Lady Liu joined her daughter and son-in-law in Changping. Initially, she felt uneasy about staying in their home, as she was a concubine and worried about being a burden. However, Xu Mu treated her with great respect, even addressing her as “mother.” Such kindness moved her deeply. Over time, she settled in happily, spending her days with Tian Tian tending flowers and gardening—a fulfilling life.

After the busy spring planting season, plans for the reservoir and irrigation channels began in earnest. Xu Mu invited over a dozen experts in construction to discuss the project. After about a month of planning, they finalized the design and began recruiting laborers.

The emperor had left 100,000 taels of silver to fund the construction, and the recruitment drive offered generous wages. Many able-bodied men eagerly signed up, and soon, Changping regained its vibrancy.

With money in their pockets, the people’s lives steadily improved.

Tian Tian kept herself busy too. With Xu Mu back from the Yuzhou prison and no longer needing her to manage Changping’s affairs, she turned her attention to her own projects. First, she sent people across the region to collect various flower and plant seeds. Then, she discovered a patch of aloe vera in Changping. Wasting no time, she leased a large area of wasteland and began cultivating aloe vera on a grand scale.

Aloe vera was hardy and a beloved ingredient in the world of beauty. Tian Tian planned to use it to create cosmetics, confident in its potential.

She threw herself into her work, brimming with enthusiasm.

One day, a disheveled and forlornly beautiful woman arrived at the Xu residence, claiming to be Tian Tian’s second sister and requesting to see her.

When Tian Tian heard the report, she immediately knew it was Wang Yufang, her nominal second sister. Despite feeling no affection for her, Tian Tian decided to invite her in, respecting the traditional importance of family ties.

When she saw Wang Yufang again, she noticed how thin and haggard she had become. Her red and swollen eyes betrayed how much she had cried.

Wang Yufang resented Tian Tian deeply. If not for her reporting their father, the Wang family wouldn’t have fallen, and she wouldn’t have been ruthlessly divorced by Tang Zidang mere days after her marriage.

This corruption case didn’t implicate the Tang family, as the old patriarch of the Tang household was meticulous and deeply concealed his dealings. Any silver he accepted never passed through his hands directly, so the Tang family remained intact. Although Wang Yufang was pardoned by the emperor and avoided exile, the Tang family deliberately severed ties with the Wang family. Within less than ten days of marriage, Tang Zidang ruthlessly divorced her. No matter how she knelt and begged, he showed no trace of mercy.

Coming to Wang Yueling (Tian Tian) was a last resort for her. As the second daughter of Prefect Wang, wherever she went, the common people harbored deep hatred for her. She was terrified—truly terrified.

“Third Sister, Second Sister is truly suffering. I have nowhere else to go. You must take me in! After all, we’re family, and blood is thicker than water,” Wang Yufang pleaded with a shrewd mind. Despite harboring resentment toward Wang Yueling, she didn’t dare show it. Right now, Wang Yueling was her only hope, and she couldn’t let her emotions ruin her chances.

Learning of Wang Yufang’s predicament, Tian Tian felt conflicted. Watching her cry and cling to her legs for mercy left Tian Tian at a loss for words.

“Second Sister, please don’t act like this. Let me have the servants take you to freshen up, eat something, and rest for the night. We’ll discuss things tomorrow. Does that sound alright?”

Wang Yufang, having endured hardships she’d never imagined, immediately nodded at the mention of food.

After instructing the servants to settle Wang Yufang, Tian Tian sought out Lady Liu to discuss what to do. As someone unfamiliar with many ancient customs, she thought it best to consult someone older to avoid missteps.

Lady Liu, perceptive as ever, suggested they keep Wang Yufang. After all, Wang Yufang was her elder sister, and with the Wang family’s downfall, not taking her in could spark gossip that might hinder Xu Mu’s career prospects.

“If you don’t like your Second Sister, then find her a house in the county and settle her there. She’s still young; when the time comes, you can pair her with a decent man. It’s not a big issue either way.”

Tian Tian found this sensible. “Alright, we’ll do as you say. I’ll have someone look for a suitable house in town.”

Although Tian Tian and Lady Liu had a reasonable plan, Wang Yufang’s picky attitude complicated matters. Despite staying under someone else’s roof, she acted entitled. Having been accustomed to luxury, she adamantly refused to live in any small house.

Several properties Tian Tian carefully selected were all dismissed by Wang Yufang, who demanded she keep searching.

Tian Tian grew increasingly frustrated but reminded herself to endure for Xu Mu’s future.

One day, while Xu Mu was home, Tian Tian had a nourishing soup prepared and personally brought it to his study.

Approaching the study door, she saw it ajar and spotted Wang Yufang inside, holding a bowl of soup and smiling as she tried to persuade Xu Mu to drink it.

Tian Tian felt a sharp pang in her heart, deeply unsettled. She carried her soup straight into the study. “Second Sister, what are you doing?”

Caught off guard, Wang Yufang’s face froze before she awkwardly explained, “I noticed Brother-in-law has been busy with official duties and felt embarrassed about staying here. I brought this soup to show my gratitude. Third Sister, don’t misunderstand.”

Xu Mu immediately stood and walked over to Tian Tian, his tone full of surprise and delight. “Wife, you brought me soup?” His handsome face lit up with a smile as he picked up the bowl from Tian Tian’s tray and drank it in one gulp.

Completely ignored, Wang Yufang felt extremely awkward and quickly found an excuse to leave.

With only the couple left in the study, Tian Tian couldn’t help but ask, “Did Second Sister say anything to you?”

“She had just arrived when you came in. What could she have said?” Xu Mu replied. He had been focused on his work and was about to ask Wang Yufang to leave when Tian Tian entered.

Seeing that Xu Mu genuinely didn’t care about Wang Yufang, Tian Tian dropped the topic. The two spent some time together in the study, but Xu Mu couldn’t resist pulling his wife into an impromptu round of intimacy.

“To have my wife by my side in this lifetime is the greatest joy,” Xu Mu sighed contentedly afterward.

Tian Tian playfully pounded his chest with her small fists. “You’re so bad!” she exclaimed, though deep down, she found the experience thrilling and unforgettable.

After leaving the study, Tian Tian immediately instructed Xianglan, “Keep a close watch on Second Miss until she moves out. Report her every move and word to me.”

“Yes,” Xianglan replied. She had also been infuriated by Second Miss’s behavior lately. Such arrogance and pickiness—didn’t she realize that without the madam’s help, she’d be begging on the streets by now?

Tian Tian’s instincts proved correct. The next day, Wang Yufang dressed up elaborately and went to the county office to find Xu Mu.

Upon hearing this, Tian Tian rushed to the office, determined to deal with her once and for all.

In the back hall of the office, Xu Mu saw Wang Yufang enter, lavishly adorned, and casting flirtatious glances at him. Her intentions were clear.

Xu Mu’s face darkened instantly. “Second Sister, leave immediately while I’m still willing to address you as such. Otherwise, I’ll have you thrown out.” If she weren’t Tian Tian’s elder sister, he would have already had her dragged out.

Wang Yufang, feeling slighted, said, “Xu Mu, you should know that Father originally wanted us to marry. It was only because Third Sister fell into the water that I wasn’t the bride. Now that I’m free, we can rekindle our bond.”

In truth, Wang Yufang hadn’t been interested in Xu Mu before. However, with the Wang family’s downfall and seeing Xu Mu’s devotion to her sister during her stay at their residence, she realized how wrong she had been.

Xu Mu was the perfect man to entrust her future to.

She began scheming. She knew Tian Tian intended to settle her in a small house and find her a minor match. If that happened, her life would essentially be over.

After the Wang family’s collapse, Tang Zidang had abandoned her. With the Wang family’s notorious reputation in Yuzhou, remarrying into a good family was nearly impossible, especially as a divorced woman. All signs pointed to Xu Mu being her best option.

He was handsome, gentle with his wife, and had a bright future. Marrying him would ensure she remained draped in silk and gold, enjoying endless luxury.

She came to the county office intending to become his concubine. She thought Xu Mu wouldn’t reject her here, away from Tian Tian’s watchful eye.

Seeing her brazenness, Xu Mu was furious. “Get out!”

Wang Yufang refused to leave, but before Xu Mu could call for someone to throw her out, Tian Tian arrived with servants in tow.

Wang Yufang was startled to see Tian Tian but quickly shouted, “Third Sister, are you having me followed?”

Tian Tian stared at her blankly. “If I hadn’t, how else would I know about your disgraceful intentions?” Then, raising her voice, she commanded, “Take Wang Yufang and throw her out!”

“Yes!” Xianglan shouted, summoning servants.

Wang Yufang fumed. “Wang Yueling, I’m your elder sister! How dare you do this to me?”

“You dare covet my husband and still call yourself my sister?” Tian Tian retorted. “Throw her out!”

“Xu Mu, are you just going to stand there and let this happen?” Wang Yufang pleaded.

Xu Mu ignored her completely.

Two constables dragged Wang Yufang out and dumped her unceremoniously at the county office gates, leaving her utterly humiliated.

Tian Tian stood at the gate, watching her coldly without a shred of pity. She had seen through Wang Yufang’s schemes the previous day in the study. Coupled with her disdain for the houses Tian Tian had arranged, there was no doubt about her intentions.

The reason she didn’t expose Wang Yufang yesterday was because there was no solid evidence against her. Wang Yufang was still her nominal elder sister, and without a justified reason for expelling her, it would have only tarnished their reputation as a couple. So, Tian Tian arranged for someone to keep an eye on Wang Yufang, waiting for her to reveal her true intentions before taking the opportunity to kick her out.

She didn’t want to live in the small courtyard Tian Tian found for her, and Tian Tian didn’t want her living there either.

Wang Yufang had always been at odds with her and had even looked down on Xu Mu. Such a person wasn’t worth pitying or taking in.

Attempting to seduce her brother-in-law and repaying kindness with betrayal was reason enough for them to openly expel her without facing backlash.

When Wang Yufang met Tian Tian’s cold gaze, she realized it was over for her. She desperately pleaded for mercy, but Tian Tian ignored her and walked straight into the county office.

In the rear hall, Tian Tian couldn’t help but ask Xu Mu, “Just now, when Wang Yufang said she wanted to rekindle things with you, did you feel tempted?”

Xu Mu smirked. “A woman like her? I wouldn’t take her even if she were offered to me.”

“She is quite beautiful.”

“With my wife as the rarest treasure before me, how could I look at anyone else? That would truly be making things hard for me.”

Tian Tian was amused by his response.

Xu Mu added, “It’s better to have cut ties with Wang Yufang sooner rather than later. It spares you from her schemes—she’s not an easy person to deal with.” Ever since Wang Yufang moved into the Xu residence, Xu Mu had been keeping an eye on her.

“Why do you say that, Husband?”

“Do you remember falling into the pond at the prefect’s residence?”

Tian Tian nodded. “I’ll never forget it.”

“That was her doing. The reason I happened to be there at that moment was because she sent someone to guide me there deliberately.”

Tian Tian’s expression was one of astonishment, though in her heart, she had already suspected as much.

“If you saw through her plan, why did you still let her lead you?”

Xu Mu smiled. “Her goal was to avoid marrying me and to marry Tang Zidang instead. My goal was to avoid marrying her and to marry you.”

At the time, Prefect Wang had privately suggested pairing him with Wang Yufang. Outwardly, Xu Mu agreed, but he had his own thoughts. While Wang Yufang was beautiful, she was calculating. On the other hand, Wang Yueling (Tian Tian) was pure-hearted despite her infatuation with another man. Her exceptional beauty made her an obvious choice.

So, he deliberately pretended to be drunk, allowed his servant to lead him to the pond, and saved her, winning the hand of the beautiful third daughter.

Tian Tian said, “I thought you would say it was because you liked me.”

Xu Mu chuckled. “It wasn’t love at first, but I was drawn to your beauty. Men are naturally drawn to beauty.” Over time, he didn’t expect to fall for her so deeply. Between the two sisters, he had no regrets choosing her.

“How shallow.”

“All men are shallow. If I had the chance to do it again, I’d still choose to be ‘shallow.’” Xu Mu pulled her into his arms. “Because I ended up marrying a treasure—a one-in-a-million gem.”

Tian Tian couldn’t help but laugh at his teasing. The couple spent the entire day being lovey-dovey in the back hall and didn’t return home until evening.

Wang Yufang stubbornly lingered outside the Xu residence for several days, pleading for forgiveness, but eventually, she disappeared. Some said she had given up and left to find refuge elsewhere, while others claimed she had been forcibly taken away in a carriage.

In truth, Xu Mu had arranged for someone to quietly escort her out of Changping. If she continued causing a scene outside the Xu residence, it would only upset his wife. Worse, if word got out, it would reflect poorly on their household. Her silent disappearance ensured the matter would fade from memory.

As autumn arrived, Xu Mu took Tian Tian to the fields to witness the harvest. This year, the weather had been favorable, and the crops thrived. The joy of a bountiful harvest was evident on every villager’s face.

The couple shared a smile before continuing their inspection.

During this time, Tian Tian successfully developed a range of aloe-based cosmetics. Her products sold exceptionally well on the market, earning widespread acclaim.

A year later, Tian Tian gave birth to their first daughter, named Xu Qin.

Two years after that, under Xu Mu’s diligent governance and the booming cosmetics industry, Changping County became the wealthiest county in Yuzhou. Xu Mu was deeply loved by the people. He treated the villagers as his own children, and those wealthy households who had donated generously during the great disaster received his special care. The villagers, grateful for their contributions, prioritized purchasing from their shops.

At first, these wealthy families had some complaints, but over time, they became genuine supporters of Xu Mu.

The reservoirs and irrigation canals Xu Mu built also proved highly effective. His achievements were so outstanding that the emperor promoted him to Prefect of Yuzhou, tasking him with overseeing the construction of reservoirs and canals throughout the region.

The following year, Tian Tian gave birth to their son, Xu Sheng, whose name symbolized a prosperous era of peace.

When Xu Sheng turned one, Xu Mu brought his wife and two children back to his ancestral home to restore his name to the family registry. Over the years, Xu Mu’s transformation into a renowned and virtuous official earned him the acceptance of his parents, who welcomed him back with open arms.

On the journey home, Xu Mu’s face was alight with happiness. Holding his eldest daughter in his arms, he said, “Wife, with you and our children by my side, I couldn’t ask for more in this life.”

Holding their one-year-old son, Tian Tian smiled radiantly. “And I feel the same.”

— First Arc END —

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