Jiang Yunshan, now the Crown Prince's Ce Fei, had been quite active lately, hosting several banquets and attempting to solidify her position.
However, Gu Shengyin, having already severed all pretense of cordiality, refused to attend, using the excuse of being "ill" to decline every invitation.
The noble families of the Imperial City were well aware that the relationship between the Crown Prince's Ce Fei and her legitimate older sister, Qingyang County Lord, was strained. Speculation also grew about the frosty relationship between the Empress and Jiangfu, adding to the intrigue surrounding Jiang Yunshan's marriage.
The Crown Prince himself had started to express his dissatisfaction with Jiang Yunshan. Why had he even agreed to this union? Beyond the Emperor's decree, the primary reason was her connection to Jiangfu, with both Princess Wencheng and General Jiang standing behind her. Yet, if these relationships proved to be unreliable, the marriage was nothing but a liability.
Life in the Crown Prince's residence was far from the dream Jiang Yunshan had envisioned. The Crown Prince was increasingly irritated, not only by the tense political climate but also by his waning favor with the Emperor. The Emperor's attention had shifted to younger, more beautiful concubines, leaving the Empress increasingly sidelined.
Meanwhile, Gu Shengyin lived a carefree and peaceful life. She enjoyed her days, effortlessly charming admirers and occasionally pacifying a certain "jealous immortal."
"Ah Zhen's allure remains unchanged," Ji Yu's letter teasingly read. "A pack of wolves circles her, hungry and eager. I toss and turn restlessly, unable to sleep."
Gu Shengyin chuckled at the dramatics but couldn't deny the small thrill in her heart. For someone like Ji Yu, who seemed untouchable and otherworldly, to say such things just for her was undeniably sweet.
However, this tranquility was interrupted when the system informed her of a sudden incident involving Jiang Yunshan.
"She's been poisoned," the system reported.
The news spread quickly to Jiangfu. Jiang Yunshan had invited several noblewomen and young ladies to admire the flowers in her garden, but during the gathering, she suddenly experienced an unbearable itchiness on her face. By the time she returned to her chambers, her face was covered in countless, dense red welts.
From that moment on, she was never seen without a thick veil covering her head, leaving only her eyes exposed. The Imperial physicians were summoned repeatedly, but the mystery of her condition remained unsolved.
The Crown Prince's residence quickly became a place of whispered rumors. Although Jiang Yunshan's belongings were replaced frequently in an attempt to curb the issue, her veil never came off, hinting at the severity of her affliction.
"Ce Fei, I brought the medicine," Lu Yi, a maid, announced softly from outside Jiang Yunshan's room.
"Come in," Jiang Yunshan's voice finally replied after a long pause.
Lu Yi entered cautiously, placing the tray on a table without daring to glance at the veiled figure sitting on the couch. She bowed and quietly retreated, closing the door behind her.
Once alone, Jiang Yunshan hesitated, her trembling hands slowly lifting the veil.
The reflection in the smooth mirror made her stomach churn.
Her face, once her greatest asset, was now a grotesque sight. The red welts had festered, oozing blackened blood, and a foul odor lingered in the air. Not a single patch of her skin was unmarred.
Even she felt nauseous looking at her own face. The Imperial physicians, whom she once held in high regard, had proven completely useless in identifying or curing her ailment.
The Crown Prince—her supposed husband—had visited her room only once since the incident. After that, he never returned, leaving her to face her misery alone. She had believed herself to be his beloved, but it was clear now that he had only ever lusted after her beauty.
Staring at the ghastly image in the mirror, Jiang Yunshan quickly applied the prescribed ointment and replaced her veil with a fresh one. Only her eyes remained visible, now burning with malice.
"Jiang Lingzhen," she hissed through gritted teeth, "this must be her doing!"
Jiang Yunshan was no fool. She knew what she had done to Jiang Lingzhen in the past. It wasn't hard to believe that this might be her revenge.
Her hands clenched into fists. "Jiang Lingzhen, you've been vicious to me. Don't blame me for being merciless in return!"
A twisted smile curled beneath the veil.
"I've already fallen into hell. How can I let you enjoy peace in this world alone?"