Chapter 10 Eighteen Years of Lies

• Hu Yue entered the room with a pale complexion, her hands trembling as she pushed the door open.
• "Madam ... " she uttered softly as she knelt, her body trembling.
• From within her grasp emerged a small wooden figurine, carefully wrapped in white cloth.
• 'Oh! Isn't this the cursed witchcraft that brought harm to my uncle?' Yuting, refusing to sleep, bubbled with energy.
• Zhang Ling's hand shook, almost causing her to drop the wooden figurine.
• "Someone is guarding outside, Madam. Don't worry," Hu Yue said, suppressing her fear.
• When she found it, her legs turned weak.
• If this were to be found, the Zhang family would be in trouble.
• With the Zhang family holding considerable power, any hint of suspicion could lead to the Emperor's distrust.
• Master Zhang served as the Grand Tutor, but he retired to avoid arousing suspicion from the Emperor.
• After painstakingly dispelling the Emperor's wariness, any further provocation might lead to bloodshed to prove the innocence of the Zhang family!
• My brother is now holding the rank of a third-ranking official, and considering the respect our family commands among many in the court due to the influence of our ancestors, it's no wonder Lord Yang sought to marry me!
• Zhang Ling scrutinised the wooden carving closely. It appeared to have been soaked in blood, emanating a sinister vibe. Deep cuts marred its surface, making it even more horrifying.
• Engraved on the back of the carving were the Emperor's birthdate and Eight Characters.
• "The handwriting ... " Zhang Ling pressed her lips tightly together, her teeth clenched as faint traces of blood appeared at the corners of her mouth.
• "This is Minister Zhang's handwriting. As someone who grew up in the Zhang family, Hu Yue naturally recognised the handwriting.
• Tears welled up in Zhang Ling's eyes. "No, it's mine!"
• Zhang Ling's body broke out in a dense layer of goosebumps, a mix of relief, fear, and something more …
• Gratitude.
• She was the youngest daughter in the family, taught to write by her eldest brother.
• After she married Yang Mingrui, he often praised her excellent handwriting and even asked her to teach him how to write.
• And then …
• Because Yang Mingrui disliked it, after their marriage, she stopped contacting her family and severed ties with them!
• Hu Yue also remembered this matter.
• She stood there in a daze for what seemed like an eternity, unable to shake off the shock.
• Minister Zhang taught Zhang Ling, and she taught ... Yang Mingrui!
• "Madam, many can replicate handwriting. It might be a misunderstanding," Hu Yue's tone was stiff.
• With no solid evidence, Zhang Ling's suspicions were solely based on Yuting's words.
• With swollen eyes, Zhang Ling hoarsely commanded, "Bring a brazier, quietly. Don't alert anyone." Her heart raced like thunder.
• Is it him?
• Is my closest companion betraying me like this?
• Why? Why?! He, Yang Mingrui, was the one who personally sought my hand in marriage!
• Zhang Ling's eyes were ablaze with anger, with unwavering determination.
• From the moment I entered the mansion, Yang Mingrui had asked me to teach him writing in his study. Did he ever truly cherish me?
• What once felt so heartwarming now left her feeling utterly cold.
• His one sentence saying he felt oppressed in the Zhang family made her haven't been back home in eighteen years.
• She hadn't kept in touch with her family.
• She never even bothered to open all the gifts sent by her family!
• Even when she was pregnant and dealing with morning sickness, she didn't dare accept the sour plums her mother sent!
• She felt like she was trapped in a dense web, suffocating her from within.
• As if she were immersed in a sea of lies. One wrong step could shatter her to pieces.