Jade Steps, Broken Branch

I had only been married to the Pei Family Eldest Son for a few days when he died of illness.

The Pei Second Son, who joined the army as a youth, signed the Divorce Letter in his brother’s stead.

I left with my bundle, but in the end, I turned back-

“The Younger Sister-in-law is still young, and Grandmother needs someone to care for her. I’ll hold onto the Divorce Letter for now. Second Uncle, you can go to the Military Camp with peace of mind. When we’re all settled, I’ll leave then-it won’t be too late.”

Pei Second Son silently agreed.

Later, he went to the Borderland to serve in the army, while I looked after the household.

Five years passed. The Younger Sister-in-law attended Private School, Pei Second Son became a General, and I sold tofu pudding in the county town.

There was a Scholar surnamed Chen on the street who treated me very well, so I discussed with Second Son, who had returned home to visit, that I wanted to marry the Scholar.

“Second Uncle, don’t worry. The Scholar said that after we’re married, we’ll still be family. I can continue my business and take care of the Younger Sister-in-law…”

As I spoke, Second Son’s face grew colder and my voice grew softer.

Although Pei Second Son was handsome, he had little notoriety, and having joined the army young, his temperament was unruly.

It was said that on the battlefield, he never left enemies alive-his methods were ruthless.

Ever since I married into the Pei family, I had always been a little afraid of him, until the day he cornered me in the Kitchen, sat me on the stove, and whispered coaxingly in my ear-

“Thinking of marrying someone? I’m much better than that Scholar. Why don’t you try me…”