Government Sell Husbands for 20 Coins, Reborn Me Hides—Unaware He Still Comes To My Door, "Buy Me!"

A reborn woman refuses to buy a crippled man destined to become a powerful regent, facing betrayal and complex emotions in a harsh village setting.

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Key Takeaways

Rebirth gives the protagonist foresight to avoid past mistakes.
Appearances can be deceiving; Pean's kindness masks selfish motives.
Power and status heavily influence personal relationships in the story.
The protagonist struggles between survival, love, and betrayal.
Hope persists despite harsh realities and emotional turmoil.

What the video covers

The government distributes husbands for 20 copper coins each in a remote village.
The protagonist, reborn with knowledge of the future, refuses to buy a crippled man named Pean.
Pean, initially seen as worthless, later becomes a powerful regent chancellor who betrays her.
The protagonist nurses Pean back to health despite village ridicule.
Pean's kindness is revealed to be a facade to escape slave status and pursue power.
The protagonist insists on a sibling relationship instead of marriage to Pean.
Pean forcibly takes her back after she tries to leave on his wedding day.
She is imprisoned and humiliated for 10 years as Pean’s nameless mistress.
The story explores themes of betrayal, survival, and complex power dynamics.
The protagonist maintains hope for her fiancé Luz, believed dead but expected to return.

Chapters

Why did the protagonist refuse to buy the crippled man?

She knew from her rebirth that he would become a powerful regent who would betray and imprison her, so she wanted to avoid that fate.

What was Pean's true motive for his kindness?

Pean's kindness was a facade to gain freedom from slave status, take imperial exams, and escape the village, not genuine affection.

How does the protagonist plan to address her relationship with Pean?

She insists on treating him as a sibling rather than a husband to avoid repeating past mistakes and emotional pain.

Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown

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The government was distributing husbands, 20 copper coins each. All the village girls rushed to get men. I didn't go because I had been reborn. I knew that the crippled man who was so worthless no one would buy him would become the all-powerful regent chancellor in the future. He would betray my true feelings, take many wives and concubines, and imprison me for 10 years, humiliating me night after night.

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I didn't dare buy him. I just wanted to live peacefully. But I never expected that night the village chief would knock on my door with a smile. "Cece, do you want a husband?" Ding. Wis novel reminds you to click the subscribe button in the bottom right corner to read the complete novel. Bang.

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I immediately slammed the door shut. Standing by the door, I felt dazed. This must be an illusion. How could I see Pean again after being reborn? The village chief pushed open the door and looked at me with displeasure and confusion. "Cece, what's the meaning of this? You think he's no good because others rejected him? No worries. As the village chief, I will give you a discount, 10 copper coins. How about it?"

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As he spoke, the village chief pulled me outside. Pointing at the extremely weak man leaning against the wall, he spoke generously. "Didn't you always like handsome young men? Look how good-looking he is. Though he's half-dead, he'll be useful once cleaned up."

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Pean was badly injured, his face dirty and clothes tattered, looking truly miserable. He leaned against the wall, quietly raising his eyes to look at me. His gaze was innocent and vulnerable. Yet that look still gave me chills for no reason.

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"No. If no one buys him, can't you just send him back to the government?" I thought since I didn't go, Pean, who no one bought, would have been sent back to the government by now.

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"How? How come you're delivering people to doors?"

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Clear Spring Village was located in a remote border region at the boundary between two countries. Most of the men had been forcibly conscripted into the army and never returned. With poor weather and soil conditions, it was difficult for the elderly, weak women, and children in the village to meet the harsh grain and tax requirements.

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The government was short on money and grain. So sometimes, under the banner of showing consideration for the people's circumstances, they would send over some criminals who had been exiled here for hard labor. 20 copper coins could add a strong laborer to the family. It was worth it no matter how you calculated it.

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So whenever the government distributed people, it would always cause a scramble. In my previous life, I went too. I had no money, just went to watch the excitement. Unexpectedly, I got an incredible bargain. For 10 copper coins, I bought home a severely injured but extremely handsome, crippled man.

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At the time, everyone in the village laughed at my foolishness. "This person is so badly injured. Buying him home, forget about helping with work. He might not even survive. Even if he lives, with that cold and arrogant look in his eyes, he won't be an easy one to handle."

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I didn't listen, brought him home, and carefully nursed him back to health. No one expected that. Not only did the crippled man survive, he treated me extremely well. He served me tea and water, earned scholarly honors for me, achieved military merits for me.

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Oh no, to be precise, it wasn't for me. He was deceiving me because it wasn't until the day he married another woman that I finally woke up. It turned out his kindness to me was only because by marrying me, he could be freed from slave status, take the imperial examinations, and leave Clear Spring Village.

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What I thought was love and sweetness was actually just endurance and humiliation to him. This person had never loved me at all.

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"What nonsense are you talking about? How could the government take back people they abandoned?" The village chief was also worried. In previous years, there was always a scramble with none left over, never this troublesome situation.

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Who knew this year there would be complications over a person? Even if we're stuck with him, we absolutely cannot send him back. The village chief looked up at me after speaking. Seeing me silent and staring blankly, thinking I felt it was too expensive, he gritted his teeth.

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"Five copper coins. Can't go any lower."

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"No, this isn't about the money."

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"One copper coin. Sir, I really can't take this person."

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He, Cece." The village chief cut me off with an unhappy expression. "When I took you in back then, did I say a single extra word?"

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I was immediately speechless. The hardest debt to repay in life is that of kindness from others. Once you accept it, you'll forever be indebted. Over these years, as I practiced medicine in the village, treating countless ailments and saving many lives, I still could never repay the village chief's kindness of taking me in during that snowy night.

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"All right," I sighed and agreed, not noticing that Peishian, who was leaning against the wall, lowered his eyes with a relieved expression.

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"If you keep staring at me, you'll lose those eyes."

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As the bandage wrapped around Peishian's chest, we were extremely close, our breaths seemingly intertwined. Without looking up, I could feel his gaze.

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Peishian froze, his clean, handsome face showing confusion. "Cece."

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After tying the bandage, I cut off the excess, stood up, and stepped back with an indifferent expression. "You shouldn't call me Cece. Just address me as Miss Chen."

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"But you bought me." Pean's tone grew urgent. "I should marry you, huh?"

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So eager, afraid he won't be able to escape his slave status without marrying me, I suppose.

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Convicted criminals who became slaves were meant to remain slaves for generations. But now, if someone purchases and redeems them, they could be registered as farmers and start a new life. Such opportunities were rare. No wonder he's trying everything so desperately.

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In the flickering candlelight, I gazed into Peishian's ink-black eyes. This man truly had a beautiful pair of eyes. When he looked at me like this, it was easy to mistake the deep affection in his eyes as genuine. Unfortunately, it was all fake.

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"I will help you escape your slave status, but not as a husband, as an elder brother. From now on, we'll address each other as siblings."

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Pean immediately frowned, his voice low. "Siblings?"

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I lowered my eyes with a slight smile. "Yes, siblings."

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In my previous life, I was foolish and presumptuous. On his wedding day, I packed my belongings and left heartbroken, planning to spend my remaining days in Clear Spring Village.

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But he intercepted me with his troops and forcefully brought me back. He frowned, appearing extremely tired, and sighed. "Cece, you should understand. Given my current position as regent, my wife cannot be a village woman. Stop making trouble. Come back with me. I'll give you everything except the position of my wife."

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Of course, I refused. But when did he ever listen? He imprisoned me in a villa in the suburbs, keeping me as his nameless mistress for 10 years until his wife could no longer tolerate it and forcefully broke with others, drowning me in a cage.

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Peishian's chest heaved several times, his tone harsh. "We won't be siblings."

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I looked up at him in surprise. "What? So he still wants to use me as his plaything for relief when lonely in the village. Pean, you really are something."

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"No, we cannot be husband and wife."

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"Why not?"

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"Because I have a fiancé."

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I lowered my head, touching the locket, not at my waist. They all say he died on the battlefield, but I firmly believe he will return.

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Peishian's eyes trembled violently as he sat up from the bed. The movement was too large, causing the freshly bandaged wound to seep red again. But he showed no pain, just stared at me intently. His gaze was as cold and obsessive as in the later years of my previous life.

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"You have a fiancé."

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I met his gaze without flinching, my expression calm.

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"Yes, I do. I truly did have one. His name was Luz, the eldest son of the wealthy Lou family."

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Freedom. Cece. I made some porridge. Get up and have some. Peishians voice came from outside the door. My pupils constricted slightly as I formed a plan.

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Last night you said you were the son of a duke whose family fortune was seized.

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The porridge was wellmade, smooth, and fragrant. I looked up at Peishian. So, you can read. Pean pressed his lips together and nodded. Yes, very good. I pointed to the bookshelf in the study.

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There's a herbal medicine manual on the bookshelf. I'll trouble you, brother, to compare the text and illustrations in the book and pick out the not Jinsenang, Gastrodia, and Angelica from the medicine cabinet. Then lay them out in the winnowing basket in the courtyard to

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dry in the sun. If I remember correctly, there will be an opportunity to make money soon. I need money to leave this place. Pean seemed surprised by my arrangement. After a pause, his expression turned awkward. But I'm still

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injured and my leg. If you can limp around making porridge, you can limp around drying herbs. In any case, I gave him a cool look. I don't keep idle people. Surely you won't prove the saying, you get what you pay for, right?

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A lame man no other village girl wanted. Sold to me at a discount. Harboring ulterior motives, putting on a false front to scheme against me, using me as a stepping stone. Isn't that exactly getting what you pay for? A defective

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good bought for a penny. Surely I shouldn't treasure him like I did in my past life. He should do some work for me now. Pean expression froze, becoming quite complex. I couldn't be bothered to figure out his thoughts and just gave

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him another cool glance as I stood to leave, but my wrist was suddenly grabbed. Pean looked at me somewhat nervously. Where are you going? I I didn't say I wouldn't do it. I curved my lips in a light smile, jabbing at him

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with my words. With an extra mouth to feed at home and a leg that needs treatment. I have to gather herbs to earn money, don't I, brother? What I didn't say was both escaping Clear Spring Village and traveling the rivers

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and mountains required money. Although I regularly treated illnesses in the village, in such a tiny place where everyone was familiar, just a few steps in any direction. Getting paid in tofu or vegetables was normal for medical fees. Some would even just grin and

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consider the debt settled, so my poverty wasn't just for show. Pean dragged his lame leg back and forth to dry the herbs. His limping figure looked pitiful from any angle. I clicked my tongue, feeling slightly guilty. You're working

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so hard. Why don't you make a request of me? Pean froze. After a moment of silence, his voice was very soft. Don't call me brother, call me Een. All right.

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My guilt vanished. I sneered. No. I didn't understand why he was so fixated on how I addressed him. As if calling him that way would somehow change our relationship. In my past life, I had clung to him calling him Isen over and

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over. Yet, he would always frown and call it affected, telling me to address him as brother in front of others. I indeed did not remember wrongly. Five or six days after that, the barbarians who had been restless began frequent raids

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on the border. Many soldiers and towns people were killed or wounded. Three bloodtopping herbs, Not Jinseng, Gastrodia, and Angelico, were in short supply. Market prices increased more than 20fold. Within a 100 miles, only the medicinal herbs in my courtyard were

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the most abundant. However, I did not raise prices. I wanted to make money, but not profit from national crisis. So I set rules daily limits per person in quantity, not selling medicine or treating patients beyond that. But even

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so, I was still exhausted to the point of collapse every day. After seeing off the last patient, I was too lazy to even walk back to my room. I lay directly on the stone table in the courtyard and

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dozed off. I slept very deeply and I don't know how long I slept, but what woke me was pressure on my lips. It seemed someone was sighing softly, carefully pressing and rubbing against my lips. Then becoming bolder, slowly

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invading deeper. I frowned in irritation. With a soft moan, I slowly opened my eyes. Pean was standing beside me, his hand pressed against his nose as he gave a light cough. CeCe, dinner's ready. I blinked in confusion, touching

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my lips. For a moment, I couldn't tell if it was dream or reality, but it must have been a dream. After all, there was no reason for Peishen to kiss me secretly. This is bone soup that the madam from next door brought over. She

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says it's excellent for making soup. Want to try? Unlike my previous life, the one taking on the role of cooking, hoping each day with different dishes for the other person to take a bite was no longer me. It had become pean. It was

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simmered on low heat for two hours. Pean labeled me a bowl of soup, watching me with bright eyes. The village chief wasn't wrong. The truly had excellent looks. Once cleaned up with dark brows and eyes, broad shoulders, and narrow waist. Even wearing the

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coarsest clothes couldn't hide his figure. In just these few short days, many girls who didn't buy him then had deeply regretted it. But I was unwilling to look at his false face. I just lowered my head and drank the soup

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silently without speaking. The anticipation in Peishians eyes finally turned dejected. CeCe, you're so warm and friendly with others. Why do you have nothing to say to me? How's the soup? Is it good? As the hot soup slid down my throat, I raised an eyebrow

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mockingly. It's<unk> good. So what? No one knew better than me that everything about Peishian came with a price tag. I would have to pay something to deserve his act of eager pleasing, warm and friendly. In my previous life, I gave

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him double that. But did he care about it in the end? So, Peishians Adams apple bobbed as if comforting himself. As long as you like it. These words were so fake they made me lose my appetite. Setting down the porcelain bowl, I tilted my

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head to look at his leg that I had reattached after breaking it, which was still healing. This person only wanted three things from being by my side.

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Freedom from slavery, healing his leg, and taking the imperial examination. Now that the first two were achieved, only the examination remained, which he seemed to have forgotten and never mentioned again. So what was he trying to get with all this acted tenderness

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and gentleness these days? What else did I have that he could want? Frowning, I was about to speak when the door was suddenly pounded. The knocking was very urgent. Dr. Chen, please save a life.

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Save our vice commander Lou. There was clearly a notice hanging on the door saying no patients after 400 p.m. Why were people still knocking at 8:00 p.m.

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I remained seated, not planning to move. This exception could not be made. Dr. Chen, I know you have rules, but I really have no choice. We're city guards. We fell into a barbarian ambush.

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Our vice commander was cut seven times. His life hangs by a thread. All cityarmacies are out of medicine. Only you can save him. My heart sank and I suddenly stood up. Without any more hesitation, I quickly went to open the

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door. I could not let soldiers who protected our homeland die before my eyes. Two soldiers with injuries on their faces carried in a bloodcovered man. In the dim room with flickering candle light, the man lay on the bed

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breathing weakly. His face was covered in blood and mud. Features unclear. I gritted my teeth and suddenly tore open his black combat garment. A familiar red item fell from his chest. The lover's knot. Identical to the one hanging at my

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waist. Oh, right. The soldier said earlier, Vice Commander Louu. Lu. My hands started trembling as I drew in a sharp breath. Being reborn wasn't as shocking as this moment of discovering Lu wasn't dead. Fortunately, I had stockpiled enough medicinal herbs, and

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fortunately, my medical skills were proficient enough. Lay was saved. After a night of high fever, he regained consciousness the next afternoon. CC Luz leaned against the bed, smiling weakly yet gratefully. It's been a long time. I really didn't know how to

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respond to those five words. The missed connection in the previous life, the reunion in this life. We had so much to explain to each other. Yet, it seemed those five words were all that could be said. Let me wipe your face. Turning

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away, I got up to take the towel from the basin beside the bed, ringing out the water. Sitting back down by the bed, I gently wiped away the blood stains on his face, gradually revealing that handsome and dignified face. Lu lowered

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his gaze to look at his arms and slings around his neck and chuckled lightly.

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"When you were little, you used my clothes to wipe your nose. Now you're wiping my face when we're grown up. Does this make us even? I focused on wiping his cheeks. It's not the same. You can't compare. The door was gently pushed

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open. Pean appeared at the doorway carrying food. Seeing the scene inside, his pupils constricted and his expression turned cold as he limped over. Lu wasn't blind. He could tell something was off about the atmosphere.

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CeCe, who is this? Pean I continued wiping without stopping. my elder brother. Pean let out a cold sneer, his gaze sizing up Luz, but his words were directed at me. Oh, so this is someone Cece knows. I stopped what I was doing

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and handed the lovers not back to Luz. Then I looked up and met Peishians eyes.

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Brother, this is Lu, my long- lost fiance who has returned. The food fell to the ground with the sound of breaking porcelain. The next second, my wrist was violently grabbed. Peishians face changed dramatically as he yanked me up

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from the bedside. What did you say? My wrist hurt from his grip, but I couldn't break free despite struggling. The pain made me irritated and disgust crept into my gaze. I said, "This is Luz, my childhood sweetheart and fianceé. Do you

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need me to repeat it again?" Peians pupils suddenly contracted. As if frightened by my look, he slowly released my hand. He stepped back a few paces and took a breath. When he looked up again, his expression had returned to

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normal. Congratulations. You've finally waited for his return. These words were spoken with extreme calmness and sincerity. It made my heart turn cold.

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This was Pean, the Peishian who could hide his emotions deeply and act convincingly. Beneath that mask, no one knew whether he held a knife or candy, but I no longer wanted to know. Pean said nothing more. After cleaning up the

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broken porcelain from the ground, he got up and left. As the door closed, inexplicably, a sense of unease welled up in my heart. It came from my understanding of Peien from my previous life. The calmer he appeared after

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suppressing his emotions, the more turbulent storms were brewing beneath. I felt that Pean wasn't emotionless right now. Rather, his eyes looked like he wanted to kill me. Lu suddenly spoke. I tilted my head, forcing a smile. You must have seen wrong. He was clearly

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congratulating me. At least on the surface. Lay raised an eyebrow. Really? Didn't look like congratulations, more like Gal. I cut him off. Why do you still keep the lovers knot? Luz's words suddenly stopped. His ears turned suspiciously red, and his manner became

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awkward. It's a token of our love after all, keeping it as a momento. I laughed helplessly. You disappeared for 4 years without returning. The engagement was anulled. What momento are you keeping?

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What disappearance for 4 years? What anulment? Luz immediately grew serious with hints of frustration and hurt in his expression. Wasn't it you who wrote saying you found a better husband and didn't want me anymore? Then his voice lowered to a mutter. I I almost died on

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the battlefield that day. I was stunned. Wh what letter? As soon as the words left my mouth, I seemed to realize something. I couldn't help but laugh coldly, already guessing the answer. I really thought you had a change of

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heart. Lay looked at me reproachfully. In the dim candle light, the affection in the young man's eyes was clearly visible. My heart skipped a beat. I suddenly realized that such a reunion wasn't really fair. Because for Luz, our

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separation was only 4 years. The difference between 16 and 20 years old. I was still his childhood sweetheart who had grown up with him. The person he had cherished since his first awakening of love. His feelings were still in that

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passionate phase of first falling in love. But for me, it was 30 years in my previous life, a longgone emotion. In that time, when I moved forward alone, I had already buried him in a grave in my heart labeled first love. Then I fell

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deeply in love with someone else. Now, even though time had reversed, how could I possibly live up to his youthful devotion? Lay went to sleep. I rubbed my sore shoulders and returned to my own room. Unexpectedly, as soon as I pushed

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open the door, a large hand suddenly reached out from inside and pulled me in. My body hit the door panel, and I looked in shock at Peishan, who had me firmly pinned. Pean Why are you in my room? What? Not

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calling me brother anymore? Pean raised his eyebrows with a cold smile at the corner of his mouth. Completely different from how he had been these past few days. It felt like his past life self had returned. I took a breath,

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my voice slightly deep. If you're my brother, you shouldn't enter your sister's room without permission. Let me go. Get out. Pean laughed, nodding in agreement with my words. Yes, an ordinary brother indeed shouldn't, but I never wanted to be your brother. Pean

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smiled shamelessly and frankly, "My intentions aren't pure." As he spoke, he tightly gripped my waist. His fingers lightly caressed my neck, stroking along the corateed artery. A chill crawled up my spine. I even had the feeling he was

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sizing up where to bite to kill me directly. CeCe, you shouldn't have made me angry. You're also reborn, right?

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Every hair on my body stood on end. I stared at Pishian in disbelief, wideeyed, so shocked, I even lost the ability to speak. How could this be? H I'm a bit sad, CeCe. After your rebirth, you chose not to buy me, to have no more

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connection with me. It seems you truly hate and resent me. In the previous life, I was a scoundrel. I failed to protect you, failed to cherish you properly. Only after your death did I realize in devastation that all the fame

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and fortune I pursued was worth nothing compared to you. On the day of my rebirth, I was overjoyed. Even when I discovered you were also reborn and desperately trying to avoid me, distance yourself from me. Give me the cold

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shoulder. It was fine. I deserve it all. I should bear it. I'm prepared to spend a lifetime pursuing you, making it up to you. I'm changing. I'm trying. Cece.

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Pean expression could no longer be described as merely obsessive. It was more like a twisted, calm madness. But how could you be with someone else? How dare you truly consider being with another person? The feeling of being confined was just like the imprisonment

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in my past life. I didn't even want to say another word to him, desperately pushing against his shoulders with both hands. But Pean suddenly gripped my wrists tightly, pinning them to the door panel. The door panel made a bang sound,

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particularly clear in the quiet night. Lu's puzzled voice came from next door. CeCe, is everything all right? I just as one word left my mouth, warmth fell on my neck. Pean unhurriedly kissed my blood vessels, laughing deeply. Why

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don't you answer? Tell him you're in your brother's arms being kissed, being touched. Tell him your brother has been lying in that bed where he now sleeps every night recently. Finding release thinking of you before falling asleep.

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All the warmth drained from my body at such extreme shamelessness. I trembled with anger. Past life and present. How much more did he need to humiliate me?

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My neck was heavily sucked as Pian held me tight. CeCe, be good. Let's<unk> start over. Make him leave. Having reached the peak of anger, I laughed instead. Start over? How exactly do we start over? Could it be that after being

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reborn, a village woman like me would suddenly be worthy of our noble regent? Would you stop having multiple wives and concubines stop imprisoning me in that suburban villa in the capital? It's too ridiculous. How could Pishan be so

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self-righteous to think that I resented and hated him just because he supposedly failed to protect me? He was the one who used me and deceived me. He was the one who didn't love me yet kept me locked up

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as a play thing. Almost all the hurt I suffered came from him. I can, Pean replied without any hesitation. Cece, I actually never meant to hurt you in the past life. I didn't know you cared so much about status. I thought you

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understood my good intentions. The court is treacherous and you're too innocent. Marrying you would have harmed you. But that's all in the past. In this life, I'll only have you. Won't marry anyone else. If you don't like it, I won't take

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the imperial examinations. Won't enter official. We can just live in Clear Spring Village forever. All right, CeCe.

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Trust me one more time. All right. No. Ha. Whatever good intentions, I don't care. I don't accept. I don't trust him.

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I only know that his so-called protection was just using and deceiving me in the past life. It was 10 years of being a mistress and imprisonment, treating me with utmost contempt. If stabbing me was supposedly for my own

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good, then I'd rather he not do me any favors. I can't bear such blessings.

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Cece. My silence made pay nervous, his voice softening. All right. All right. My heart was cold. I was already speechless at such extreme shamelessness. Only a helpless cold laugh remained. Let<unk> start over from the beginning. Hearing this, Pean

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immediately let out a long breath. He held me in his arms as if obtaining a precious treasure. His arms trembled slightly. Cece, you've finally come back. Sir, do you want a son-in-law? How about pay? He's all cleaned up now,

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doesn't limp anymore, and is quite handsome. Many village girls are fighting over him. He'd be perfect for your daughter, Wanua. You saved my life, so money isn't important. It's mainly about repaying the debt of gratitude.

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How about one copper coin? At the village chief's house, I placed Pishian<unk>s contract on the table, smiling as I discussed business with the village chief. Starting over, I choose a life without pay. The village chief frowned, looking at me with displeasure.

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Cece, what's this about? How can you return someone you bought? I calmly took a sip of tea, slowly raising my eyes. If I say it can be returned, it can be returned. The village chief's face darkened about to scold me. I leisurely

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added. Lu has returned. Did you know? The village chief froze. Setting down my teacup. I smiled at the village chief. I remember your daughter Wanui used to like Luz. She even threatened to end her own life, wanting me to give up the

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engagement to her. I felt guilty for quite a while after refusing her then. After all, Wanua has always had the personality of taking what she wants and destroying what she can't have. But surprisingly, after I refused her that

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time, she never made a fuss again. I suppose you must have thought of some clever way to console her. The village chief dryly forced a smile and gave a response. Sweat appeared on his forehead. I was laughing inside, but

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maintained an innocent expression. Luz also said he wants to visit personally someday to thank you and Wanua for your blessing. No, no, that won't be necessary. The village chief's face suddenly turned pale as he hurriedly took out a copper coin. I'll take pay.

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No need to trouble Luz. Huh? He certainly knows better than to offend the Lou family. By the way, you once saved my life and I'm returning your daughter a marriage match. That makes us even, right? Why don't we write up an

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agreement that our debt is settled and we'll have no more ties to prevent him from changing his mind and bothering me later? The village chief's lips trembled. After his expression changed several times, he finally couldn't help but curse. Ungrateful wretch. When I

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returned home, Pean was drying medicinal herbs in the courtyard. Lu was lying on a nearby lounge chair, sunbathing. It looked like a harmonious scene, but in reality, their conversation was hostile.

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I'm not her brother. Pean spoke first after laying out the herbs in a winnowing basket. Lui opened his eyes, his voice lazy. I can tell. If you have something to say, say it. Pean was brief and direct. Name your terms. Anything

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goes. I just want her. Lu smiled. What a coincidence. I only want her two. Pean lips twitched as he spoke viven if I was her first man. My face instantly turned pale. My fists clenched at my sides as

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my body trembled. Shameless. How dare he bring up things from my past life with people in this life. Tisk.

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Lay frowned. In that moment, shame completely overwhelmed my heart. Only a worthless man would boast about taking a woman's virtue. So, what if you were her first? Was she her first woman? Pean came from a noble family background.

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Having servant girls in his bed was common. How could I possibly have been his first? Peians face darkened, his previous smuggness gone. Oh, she wasn't.

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Then how dare you brag. Lu sneered in contempt. Too shameful that you couldn't even save your first time for the woman you love. I listened until I could barely breathe. Perhaps it had been too long since I'd seen him. Or perhaps Luzi

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appeared too calm and aloof on the outside now. So much that I'd truly forgotten how sharp tongue he was as a child, famous for his ability to provoke. These words left Peishian<unk>s face ashen, looking like they might come

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to blows any second. Lu's hands were both injured. He would be at a disadvantage in a fight. I quickly made some noise as I walked forward a few steps. Both men in the courtyard changed their expressions. Pean smiled at me

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first. CeCe, we're almost done drying the herbs. We<unk>ll need to get more. It's fine. We don't need more. I've earned enough money. Originally, I planned to save up 100 tales to repay the village chief for saving me before

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leaving. But now there's no need. The debt is settled. We owe each other nothing. The 20 tales I have is enough for my first step toward leaving. After all, I have my medical skills. If I run out of money later, I can earn more as I

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travel. Aw, if only my arms weren't injured so I could help. Lay suddenly sat up on the lounge chair, sighing softly. Really must thank brother for his help. Brother is so capable. Cece and I will be blessed in the future.

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Pean narrowed his eyes, shooting a sharp glare at Lu, but Lu met his gaze unflinchingly, his aura no weaker. Lu, I hurried forward, standing between them.

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Your injuries are mostly healed. You should return to the military camp today. My brother's leg injury isn't better yet. I'll escort you back. Pean raised an eyebrow, and curled her lips at Luz. Lu choked, took a breath, gave

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me a deep look, then turned and went back into the room. I couldn't help but shake my head, but arms wrapped around my waist from behind. Pean rested his chin on my shoulder and said softly, "Come back early." I lowered my eyes,

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not responding to those words. Go to the village chief's house in the evening. He has fixed your household registration.

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You're no longer registered as a slave, but as a farmer now. Remember to pick it up. Pean obediently nodded. All right.

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Lu led the way himself as I escorted him back to the military camp. There were many enemy spies at the border. So, our military camp's location was extremely secretive. Without someone leading the way, ordinary people couldn't even find

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the camp entrance. But this time, I got to see it and even entered openly.

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Change this medicine every 2 days. Remember to eat bland food. The wound must not get wet. Also, don't do any strenuous exercise to avoid reopening the wound. While helping Luz change his bandages, I carefully explained all the precautions. But after a while, I didn't

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hear Luz say anything. Looking up, I saw him staring at me with deep eyes. Must you leave? Does our engagement mean nothing now? How can it mean anything, Lu? I untied the lover's knot at my waist, wanting to place it in his hand,

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but Lu clenched his fist, refusing to take it. I sighed helplessly. Will you abandon your ambitions and desert the army, never returning to battle? Or should I give up my aspirations, guard an empty house alone? Being a sheltered

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wife who waits day and night for your return. I lived that life for 10 years in my past life. I really don't want to live it again. I just want to be free.

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Lay's expression darkened. I smiled and reached to open his palm. For two people with opposing pursuits, the best ending is to forget each other in this vast world. Lu's fist suddenly loosened, but he didn't take the lovers knot. Instead,

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he suddenly grasped my hand. They're not opposing, Cece. When the country is stable and no longer needs me to fight, I can accompany you to travel the world.

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As long as you're willing to wait. Luzi<unk>'s eyes were bright and dark. The sincerity in them was unmistakable.

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Just like four years ago, I lowered my gaze, feeling guilty. This childhood sweetheart romance born of circumstance had a 30-year gap between us. I felt no love for him. Seeing me like this, Luz clicked his tongue, turning roguish.

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Even after you broke off our engagement, I waited 4 years for you. It's your turn to wait for me now, isn't it? Besides, we can't let this engagement be for nothing.

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I want special treatment. If someone ends up by your side, I must be the first choice. Only if I'm dead can you choose someone else. I was stunned.

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After a while, I smiled helplessly. Where did you learn such shameless tactics? Luz pursed his lips. Just tell me if you'll wait or not. I left the military camp the next morning. Luz's stubborn temper kicked in and he didn't

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come to see me off. He said, "We<unk>ll meet again sooner or later. No need for goodbyes. Just wait patiently for me to find you. Don't run too far." The path down the mountain was thick with green leaves. I looked down at the lovers not

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still at my waist and smiled softly. I didn't notice that ahead on the path.

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Pean stood there like a god of death, radiating furious energy until I crashed into his chest and he forcefully grabbed my neck. Chin Cece, how dare you? How dare you? Peishians eyes were bloodshot, his hand gripping my neck with extreme force. Yet, it

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trembled violently. I kept hitting his hand, but it was no use. Breathing became increasingly difficult as my face started turning red. Just when I was about to suffocate, Pean yanked me toward him by the neck and frantically kissed me. In the gap between our lips

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meeting, I finally gasped in fresh air. My chest heaped dramatically as I greedily breathed. My lips were roughly bitten as Pei Shan plundered me as if he wanted to devour me whole. Yet he released me when I could barely stand.

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Chin Cece, do you have a heart? While I waited eagerly for your return, I was told you sold me out. Is this the fresh start? You wanted a fresh start without me. Is that it? Yes. I covered my neck,

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taking deep breaths, looking at him with eyes devoid of warmth. How does it feel to be used? How does it feel to imagine a future with someone only to find it was all lies? Isn't that exactly what you did to me in our past life?

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Peishians body trembled violently, the veins bulging on his clenched fist. His eyes showed the deepest pain that couldn't be resolved. Finally, with a bitter laugh, you're just taking advantage of the fact that I can't bear to hurt you. That's why you can wound me

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so recklessly. CeCe, don't push me. You know I'm not a good person. His tone revealed a vulnerability never shown in either life. Yet, it made me tense up defensively, not daring to relax at all.

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Don't push me either. I just want to leave you. Pean threw his head back and laughed, but tears slid down from the corners of his eyes. He sniffled, wiped away the tears, and smiled brokenly. You really know how to make me want to die

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from pain. CeCe, why? I've already explained everything. So why do you still want to leave? CeCe, don't you love me? How can you bear to abandon me?

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I know I was wrong, but I'm making amends. I'm changing. Can't you wait for me? We've finally been reborn. Can't we really erase the past and start over? I looked at the tears in the corners of his eyes and slowly shook my head. We

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can't. It can't be erased. Not all hardships and apologies can be exchanged for forgiveness. As I shook my head, Peishians gaze turned vicious. He suddenly let out a cold laugh, his lips curling into an extremely sinister smile. Fine, so you won't<unk>t respond

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to kindness, huh? CeCe, you're forcing me to act rashly. As Pian finished speaking, his gaze suddenly turned sharp. He raised his hand, about to strike at my neck, but my movement was faster than his. A cold glint flashed.

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The dagger I had been gripping plunged into his left shoulder. Blood gushed out frantically. If I had known you were also reborn, I should have killed you the day I bought you back. Pean revealed an agonized bitter smile. He decisively

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wiped his face, hatred appearing in his eyes. Am I really so unforgivable? In the last life, I gave you everything except freedom. I've done so much already. What more do you want from me?

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I just had no choice. Gave me everything. I couldn't help but laugh hearing this. This man was still going on about loving and protecting me. Pean, have you ever thought that the reason you imprisoned me in the outskirts,

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refusing to marry me, was because you couldn't face yourself? You never loved me as much as you claimed. You just couldn't let go because my love and kindness towards you had no ulterior motives. Something others couldn't give you after you gained power. But

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similarly, you didn't dare face it. Didn't dare bring me into your household because my existence would constantly remind you. The mighty regent was once a husband bought for 10 copper coins by a village woman. He once flattered and

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sweet talked this lowly village woman to achieve his goals. So he couldn't let me go yet couldn't face me either. He could only imprison me outside, not even giving me proper status. He didn't care if I felt humiliated, nor did he care if

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I was willing to be confined. He took away my freedom as a person, betrayed my sincere feelings for him, trampled on my dignity and life, left me with nothing but breath in my life. Yet in the end, he had the audacity to say he gave me

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everything except freedom. Gripping the dagger tightly, I gave Pishian a deep look. After you lose your freedom for 10 years, after you experience that daily despair and hopelessness, then come talk to me about forgiveness. Actually, what I meant was there is absolutely no

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possibility of forgiveness. Our relationship isn't one that can continue peacefully even if we forgive each other. But Peishians eyes lit up like a drowning person who had finally grabbed hold of a floating log. He pressed his hand against his still bleeding chest

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and surprisingly smiled. "All right, 10 years later, I never saw Pean again, nor did I see Lu. I traveled around practicing medicine, roaming mountains and rivers freely. As if afraid, I never stayed too long in any one place. But in

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the fourth year of my journey, I came to faded Union Bridge in Springshire Town.

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The bridge was full of red ribbons tied by lovers making wishes. Some were new, some so old their color had faded, making the writing illegible. I stood on the bridge from dawn until dark until the moonlight was clear, and even those

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releasing flower lanterns below had gone home satisfied. Only then did I let out a soft sigh. Lay, I kept my promise. You can't blame me anymore. The 4-year appointment was my special consideration for Luz. before leaving the military

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camp that day. We agreed to meet at faded Union Bridge in Springshshire in 4 years. If by then the war had ended and he was still alive, we would travel together. Today, he didn't come.

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Lowering my head silently, I looked at the faded red rope love not at my waist, my eyes trembling, I'd rather believe the Northern War hadn't ended yet, then consider the second possibility. Turning around, I walked down the bridge step by

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step. Clop, clop, klopp. The sound of galloping hooves came from afar. I turned back suddenly to see Luz in blackfitted clothes riding towards me, bold and unrestrained. The horse stopped. Luz dismounted, standing at the foot of the bridge, breathing heavily.

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He shook his head at me speechlessly. You'll be the death of me, Chin Cece.

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Next time we make an appointment, I really need to ask first. Did you know there are 12 bridges in Springshire City, all nicknamed Faded Union Bridge?

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I came here almost died trying to find you today. Standing on the bridge, I looked down at the sweat on his forehead and couldn't help but smile. Later, much later. I can't remember if it was 10 years later or how many years had

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passed. Luz and I rode horses northward, planning to see the snowcapped mountains. When passing through the outskirts of the capital, a blurry figure began following behind us at some point. Not too far, not too close, just following along. Never coming forward

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nor falling back. If he wants to follow, let him follow. Luz held me tighter and planted a kiss on my lips. Isn't it nice to have another witness to our happiness? I tilted my head to look at him. You know who it is? Lu chuckled.

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Don't you know? Well, I did know, but it wasn't important. Speaking of which, he's such a liar. Lu suddenly added. I raised my eyebrows in surprise. How so?

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Saying he was your first man made me jealous for so long. But in the end, he was clearly me. I lowered my gaze and touched my nose, looking embarrassed.

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Are we still going or not? Yes. Yes. Yes. Taking my dear wife on an adventure.

Topics:rebirthbetrayalregent chancellorvillage lifeslave statusforbidden lovehistorical fictionpower dynamicsgovernment distributionromance

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