TSWRLM -Chapter 208 Tonight, Cao Chun Xi Must Die

Cao Chun Xi insisted that she was possessed. Not only could she not manage Marquis Qingyuan’s birthday celebration, but she might also bring bloodshed misfortune to others. She didn’t hand over a single coin and whimpered as she left.

The Shen family had no way to deal with her, so they turned their frustration toward Shen Qingchi.

Who didn’t know what a stubborn temper Cao Chun Xi had? They had invited her to manage the Marquis’ birthday feast, yet instead of flattering her properly, they complained the moment she arrived, claiming her complexion looked bad. Just because she had become the Fourth Young Madam of the Grand Tutor Mansion, did she throw her brain away?

Shen Qingchi, pampered and praised by the Shen family lately, had initially hoped to find an excuse to mock Cao Chun Xi, but she ended up being rebuked herself.

Full of resentment, Shen Qingchi left the marquis’ mansion. She didn’t return to the Grand Tutor Mansion but went straight to see Madam Ning at the Mo family.

Since Mo Yunwan’s death, Madam Ning had lost a lot of weight. Her eyes were hollow, her gaze dull, and a faint aura of death clung to her.

Today, however, her mood was slightly better; she even had the leisure to water the flowers and plants in the courtyard.

Shen Qingchi dismissed the servants and spoke softly, “I just went to the marquis’ mansion to see my sister-in-law. Although my eldest brother hasn’t been in the capital for the past few days, my sister-in-law is now close to Princess Hengyang and seems to be living comfortably. Her complexion looks good. I’ve said it before, my sister-in-law has a cold, merciless nature. After marrying my eldest brother, she’s even forgotten her own mother. Aunt, perhaps it’s time you take action.”

Madam Ning, watering a begonia with lush branches and blooming flowers, suddenly turned pale and fierce upon hearing Shen Qingchi. She swung the gourd water scoop violently at the plant, knocking all the flowers to the ground before catching her breath and saying, “Why would I stop? I want her to pay with her life for my Wan’er!”

“But my sister-in-law is clever, and my eldest brother has hired many guards for the mansion. If we delay just a few days, she might discover that it was you who arranged for her mother and nephew to be kidnapped. Then, not only would you fail in revenge, but you’d endanger yourself as well.”

Shen Qingchi’s words, seemingly cautious, were actually urging Madam Ning to act quickly without giving Cao Chun Xi a chance to counterattack.

Madam Ning did not disappoint her. She coldly smiled, “I’ve already sent the orders. Tonight, if she doesn’t come alone, then her mother and nephew will pay with their lives!”

It was already noon, with only a few hours until nightfall.

Shen Qingchi felt her chest resentment ease slightly, yet unease lingered: “Even if my sister-in-law comes alone, if she’s carrying a hidden sleeve dart, she could still harm someone. Has Aunt truly made full preparations? What if—”

Madam Ning cut her off sharply, “No what-ifs. Tonight, Cao Chun Xi must die!”

Her hollow eyes were bloodshot, filled with murderous intent, as if she wanted to tear Cao Chun Xi limb from limb immediately.

Shen Qingchi said nothing more, only quietly, “If my sister-in-law dies, my eldest brother will not forgive her. If he finds out that I spoke to Aunt about my sister-in-law’s maternal family, then…”

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell him,” Madam Ning said, dismissing her concerns. She reached out to stroke Shen Qingchi’s cheek, as if seeing her own daughter through her, “I’ve prepared the poisoned wine. Once Cao Chun Xi dies, I’ll take it myself to join Wan’er. You, for Wan’er’s sake, must live well.”

At that moment, Madam Ning’s eyes softened; the murderous intent melted away, leaving only maternal love.

Shen Qingchi felt a heat in her eyes and suddenly found it hard to face Madam Ning. She hurriedly spoke a few words before leaving.

On the carriage back to the Grand Tutor Mansion, Shen Qingchi’s feelings were complicated.

She had once humbly suffered as a concubine in the Grand Tutor Mansion, resenting Cao Chun Xi for enjoying a life of comfort. She resented Cao Chun Xi for changing Shen Qingyuan and for pretending ignorance while luring her and her mother into traps. Otherwise, she would not have been tricked by Li Jixian.

So, upon hearing of Mo Yunwan’s death, she actively sought out her second aunt to seek revenge against Cao Chun Xi. But she soon became pregnant and was elevated to the official wife. Life became easier, and her hatred toward Cao Chun Xi diminished.

She had once considered persuading her second aunt to give up revenge. Yet, Cao Chun Xi had fought with Fifth Aunt alongside Princess Hengyang, even making Fifth Aunt kneel publicly.

Fifth Aunt had initially suggested Shen Qingchi be officially recognized as wife; upon her return, Fifth Aunt treated Shen Qingchi very well, even convincing the matriarch to host a meal for the marquis’ family, giving her immense dignity. Yet, Cao Chun Xi had trampled Fifth Aunt’s face.

Though Fifth Aunt, kind-hearted, didn’t hold a grudge and even gave her many tonics, everyone in the Grand Tutor Mansion viewed her as ungrateful.

In her guilt toward Fifth Aunt, she realized that as long as Cao Chun Xi lived, trouble would never end.

Her eldest brother would not become her ally, second and third brothers would remain suppressed, and Cao Chun Xi might even ally with Princess Hengyang to make Fifth Aunt powerless in Hanjing.

Perhaps, from the start, Cao Chun Xi’s goal had been to seize the family fortune. She and her second and third brothers had blocked her before, so even now, after the property was divided, Cao Chun Xi would not let them live in peace.

This thought planted itself firmly in Shen Qingchi’s mind.

Thus, she approached her second aunt…

Cousin Wan’er had been harmed by Cao Chun Xi, and her second aunt already despised her. Shen Qingchi only suggested attacking Cao Chun Xi’s family, and her aunt immediately devised a plan.

In reality, she didn’t have to do much.

Her eldest brother had been married to Cao Chun Xi for only a few months. Even if there was some affection, it wouldn’t be deep. Once Cao Chun Xi died, Fifth Aunt could help arrange a better match for him, and he would soon forget Cao Chun Xi. The families’ relations would strengthen.

Thus, Cao Chun Xi’s death would benefit everyone.

Cao Chun Xi didn’t return home but secretly followed Shen Qingchi from outside the marquis’ mansion.

Seeing Shen Qingchi leave the Mo residence, she began to suspect something.

She didn’t continue following her and went straight home.

As the carriage stopped at the door, a gatekeeper rushed over: “Madam, someone just threw a letter into the mansion with a stone.”

The gatekeeper looked anxious. When Cao Chun Xi entered, he handed her the letter and a bundle wrapped in cloth.

The cloth was ordinary; originally dark blue, it had faded to blue-white after many washes.

Cao Chun Xi remembered that Madam Wang often wore clothes of this color.

Her expression darkened as she reached to open it, but the gatekeeper whispered, “Inside is a finger. It looks terrifying. Madam, please read the letter first.”

Her fingertips trembled, yet she still opened the bundle.

Even though she already suspected its contents, seeing it again made the gatekeeper turn away and gag.

Cao Chun Xi did not flinch; she calmly examined the contents.

After a long moment, she confirmed it: the finger was her mother’s.