She mistakenly got into the bridal sedan chair and married a sickly but powerful minister, becoming

Chapter 265 Those who betrayed her should pay the price.

Shen Mingzhu was like a walking corpse. After leaving Wuping Alley, she unknowingly arrived in front of a restaurant.

Suddenly, her empty eyes slowly focused, staring at a horse-drawn carriage by the roadside.

Zhao Yi stepped down from the carriage, holding an oil-paper umbrella over Shen Qingtan's head, and led her down from the carriage.

The wind tousled Shen Qingtan's hair, gently entwining it with Zhao Yi's, the two strands intertwining intimately, inseparable.

Just like their relationship, it seems that no one can separate them.

Zhao Yi reached out and twirled a lock of their hair, a hint of regret in her clear eyes, but more tenderness than anything else.

He straightened Shen Qingtan's hair, naturally shielded her from the wind, and carried her into the restaurant in his arms.

Shen Mingzhu didn't understand Zhao Yi's regret, but she could see Zhao Yi's undisguised love for Shen Qingtan.

She stared blankly at the restaurant lobby, where the candlelight illuminated it as bright as day.

She could clearly see that Zhao Yi's usually pale face had regained some color, and her thin lips had a faint pink tinge.

He lowered his head and spoke to Shen Qingtan about something. He smiled faintly, and his handsome face became lively and beautiful, without a trace of illness.

Shen Mingzhu immediately thought of the rumors she had heard. Some people said that Zhao Yi was terminally ill and was staying at the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion for treatment, and that he probably didn't have many days left to live.

Now he is not only alive, but living well, as if he has been cured of his illness.

No wonder Shen Qingtan was so confident that Zhao Yi would not betray her.

Shen Mingzhu couldn't help but think that if Zhao Jue hadn't promised to treat her well for the rest of his life and never betray her, she would have been in a different situation.

She wouldn't have married Zhao Jue, but Zhao Yi instead, right?

Now, Zhao Jue has not only ruined her life, but also broken his promise, hoping to kick her aside and find another woman to live with.

Where in the world is there such a good thing?

A resolute glint flashed in Shen Mingzhu's eyes; those who had betrayed her deserved to pay the price.

-

Inside the restaurant, in a private room on the second floor, Shen Qingtan and Zhao Yi sat by the window.

Shen Qingtan rested her chin on one hand and looked through the window at the entrance of the restaurant, only to see Shen Mingzhu's figure disappear into the vast night.

The next moment, a slender hand reached out from the side and closed the window.

"The rain is freezing cold, be careful not to catch a chill." Zhao Yi touched Shen Qingtan's sleeve, and sure enough, it was soaked by the rain. "Tell Liuyue to go to the carriage and get a coat for you to change into?"

"It's just a little wet, I won't catch a cold." Shen Qingtan touched her sleeve; the rain had dampened the fabric slightly, but she didn't feel cold. "I'm a little hungry. Let's finish our meal as soon as possible and head back to the manor."

Knowing that Shen Qingtan hadn't eaten dinner, Zhao Yi took a carriage to the vicinity of Xingning Street as dusk approached, waiting for news from the Zhao family.

It's almost 11 PM now, and she still hasn't eaten.

"Okay, let's eat first."

Although Zhao Yi verbally agreed, he took out a handkerchief from his sleeve and wiped the raindrops off Shen Qingtan's sleeve.

He was frail and sickly from a young age, and was usually very careful, afraid that he would fall ill again if he made a mistake.

This habit was ingrained in his bones, which is why he made a big fuss when he saw that Shen Qingtan's sleeves were wet.

Shen Qingtan lowered her eyes and watched him carefully wipe the water vapor off his sleeves, then place a piece of red date cake on her plate and thoughtfully pour a bowl of warm goat milk.

Her heart softened; the unsweetened goat milk unexpectedly had a slightly sweet taste.

If her plan goes smoothly and doesn't get out of control, her revenge will be achieved in just a few days.

They can live a good life from now on without worrying about the second wife making a comeback.

Thinking of this, Shen Qingtan was very glad that Zhao Jue was a ruthless and insatiable man who only cared about profit. Whenever he encountered a difficult situation and had no other options, he would think of using women to find a shortcut.

Zhao Jue was expelled from his clan, his second wife was paralyzed in bed, his second master was unreliable and spent his days indulging in pleasure, Shen Mingzhu was pregnant again, his former colleagues distanced themselves from him, and even Prince Yu, whom he served, refused to support him.

He was born into wealth and grew up surrounded by adoration and flattery. He had never been so destitute before.

Zhao Jue was driven to the brink of despair and could no longer endure his poverty, destitution, and frustration. Therefore, he would never miss an opportunity once it presented itself.

She redeemed Yue Niang from her servitude by bribing her to disguise herself as a wealthy young woman and send her to Zhao Jue's side.

An orphan girl, yet so wealthy, was powerless and helpless. In Zhao Jue's eyes, she posed no threat whatsoever; it was as if he were simply handing over his money.

If Zhao Jue had even a shred of conscience, even if he was only after Yue Niang's money, he would still be willing to live a good life with her.

His choice to divorce Shen Mingzhu and marry Yue Niang with all the proper betrothal gifts would expose Yue Niang's true identity.

Unfortunately, he was willing to give Yue Niang a wedding ceremony, but not a marriage certificate.

Shen Qingtan knew that Zhao Jue would not divorce Shen Mingzhu, who was pregnant.

He harbored deep resentment towards his elder half-brother, and because of his brother's existence, he suffered many humiliations.

Zhao Jue would never allow his child to have any stain on his lineage.

Given Zhao Jue's style of doing things, he wouldn't divorce the child's mother; he would only cause the child to lose his mother.

The only person Shen Mingzhu could rely on was Zhao Jue. Because of her background, she seemed very proud, but in reality, she was very humble.

Shen Mingzhu resented Zhao Jue's ruthlessness, yet she couldn't leave the place he provided for her. She refused to acknowledge her cowardice, instead finding an excuse for it.

The excuse was Shen Qingtan; Shen Mingzhu transferred all her hatred onto Shen Qingtan. She resented Shen Qingtan for stealing her identity and for being childhood sweethearts with Zhao Jue, which is why Zhao Jue couldn't forget her.

Yue Niang's background completely shattered Shen Mingzhu's psychological defenses, making it impossible for her to deceive herself any longer.

Shen Qingtan said softly, "My fourth aunt came to see me today. She said she'll be going to West Mountain in a few days. Do you want to go?"