Qin Nan suddenly thought of Luo Lin: "Luo Lin is trapped here just like her. Is he... Zhu Zhenghe now? Then... what about the real Luo Lin?"

Bai Hao: "His soul is trapped in his body, but he knows everything that has happened. This is the second time it has happened."

Qin Nan: "Then, Song Huiru isn't going to kill Luo Lin?!"

Bai Hao: "Yes, but she can't kill him."

As soon as Bai Hao finished speaking, the surrounding scene suddenly changed drastically.

The others were startled and cautiously looked around.

Bai Hao: "Everything from the past continues. This time, we'll have to wait for Zhao Wan to appear."

When Bai Hao and his companions left the Prime Minister's residence and returned to the Top Scholar's residence, they saw Song Huiru, who had returned to her ordinary appearance.

At this time, she had been married to Zhu Zhenghe for several months, and the couple were deeply in love, envied by everyone.

However, feelings are like drinking water; only the person experiencing it knows whether it's hot or cold.

Song Huiru was a pampered young lady since childhood. Although she was well-mannered, she was still somewhat spoiled. At first, Zhu Zhenghe would coax her, but later he inevitably got tired of her and only maintained a superficial harmony.

In this bustling capital, Zhu Zhenghe experienced firsthand how people without status or background are like rats in the street, where there is no fairness based on who comes first and who goes first. Even if he is innocent, he has no choice but to bow his head.

He was initially resentful of the gap between the rich and the poor, until the list of successful candidates for the military examination came out and he was shortlisted.

He, who was originally ostracized, now has many people talking to him, and has even integrated into a circle that Zhu Zhenghe never imagined.

For the first time, he enjoyed the privileges and benefits that fame and fortune brought, rising from a lowly person to a superior one. That indescribable feeling made him lose himself.

He gradually became adept at navigating the world of fame and fortune, and had long since forgotten about his dilapidated hometown village. Along with him, his childhood sweetheart Zhao Wan, whom he had married through proper channels, was also abandoned.

Zhu Zhenghe was a clever but ruthless man. In order to gain power and rise to the top, he used every possible connection and abandoned his dignity to learn martial arts from a famous master. In the end, he stood out and became the top scholar in the imperial examination.

In this way, he truly gained his own power, but to gain a foothold in officialdom, a title of top scholar was not enough. He needed a more powerful family as a backer and then develop his own influence.

The human heart is an insatiable chasm; once it has tasted the sweetness of desire, it will become increasingly greedy.

Marrying Song Huiru was the first step he had to take. Only with the support of the prime minister could he truly gain a foothold in the capital.

However, his good fortune didn't last long. Just a few months after his marriage, someone he had long forgotten appeared in front of him.

His wife, Zhao Wan.

He didn't know what had happened to Zhao Wan. Although she still looked gentle and weak, she always made him feel uncomfortable.

The two former lovers looked at each other in silence. Zhu Zhenghe knew that she had the marriage certificate, and if she exposed the matter, his reputation would be ruined.

Even if Zhao Wan is ultimately made a secondary wife without any substantial punishment, the loss will be devastating. He has a golden opportunity to expand his influence, and he will not allow this to happen!

However, before Zhu Zhenghe could even think of killing him, Zhao Wan seemed to have guessed it, but she showed no fear and even made a deal with Zhu Zhenghe.

She wouldn't expose the matter, but Zhu Zhenghe had to find a way to bring her into the manor. She didn't want the title of wife, she didn't even want to be a concubine. She wanted power and wealth!

Zhu Zhenghe was surprised, but did not investigate further. Killing someone was the worst option; the best option was to quietly quell the matter and, if any fellow villagers found out in the future, resolve it without any impact.

Thus, the two reached an agreement that Zhu Zhenghe had not taken a concubine since he married his wife. This was originally to appease Song Huiru, since one had to show an attitude to take advantage of the situation. Now, taking a concubine would not be difficult.

While other families had many wives and concubines, Song Huiru became the target of envy among the families of officials. People can't stand seeing others doing better than themselves.

Therefore, the term "jealous woman" began to spread. Even though Zhu Zhenghe tried to protect her in many situations, she still couldn't overcome the malice of those who were determined to harm her.

Of course, Zhu Zhenghe had thought of this matter long ago. Song Huiru had actually advised him to take a concubine, but he had never agreed. He even used the excuse of their love and sincerity to coax Song Huiru into not thinking about it.

This was his initial calculation of Song Huiru. Women were never what he wanted. No matter how beautiful they were, they should only be his appendages. He did not want to be subordinate to anyone, and naturally he did not want to be overshadowed by women forever.

When he gains power, his first priority will be to trample the Song family underfoot. Now, all his subservient behavior will be made to make them pay back!

Under the pretext of doing what's best for Song Huiru, Zhu Zhenghe took two of her dowry maids, along with Zhao Wan, as concubines.

Song Huiru was initially puzzled about Zhao Wan's identity, but Zhu Zhenghe explained that he didn't want anyone of high status to compete with her, so he randomly chose a poor girl to make it easier for her to control her.

The household affairs were managed by Song Huiru. Two of her three concubines were her confidantes, while the other was powerless. This was good for her, as it silenced gossip and posed no threat to her position as the principal wife. Therefore, she had no suspicions.

Qin Nan watched from the corner as Song Huiru was deceived, and felt a little sorry for her. Although she was a spoiled girl from a prestigious family, she was kind-hearted and had no bad intentions.

The happy marriage she had been looking forward to was just a deception; the lover she had so dearly loved only saw her as a stepping stone.

Recalling Song Huiru's ghostly appearance, he couldn't imagine what Zhu Zhenghe had done to her.

Li You: "Zhao Wan is out now, what should we do?"

Bai Hao: "No rush, wait, wait for another opportunity."

Tanuki Yu: "...This is so difficult. Can't we just wake them up directly?"

Bai Hao glanced at Qin Nan: "He is Anan's friend. If we bring them to their senses now, Song Huiru will do anything to take Luo Lin down with her."

Qin Nan was slightly taken aback; he hadn't expected it to be because of him.

Qin Nan: "Then, what are we waiting for?"

Bai Hao: "Wait and see if your friend is worth saving."

Qin Nan seemed to understand, but seeing that Bai Hao seemed to know what was going on, she didn't ask any more questions.

Zhao Wan seemed to be plotting something as well. She looked weak and spoke softly, appearing easy to bully. Therefore, Song Huiru did not make things difficult for her, and she lived a good life in the Zhuangyuan Mansion.

With his biggest worry resolved, Zhu Zhenghe focused on cultivating his official career, winning people's hearts, and nurturing his confidants. In just one year, he began to show his talent.

It was around this time that Song Huiru became pregnant.

This was unexpected for Zhu Zhenghe, but it didn't matter. He also needed offspring, preferably the eldest son, as that would be profitable.

But unexpectedly, Zhao Wan, who had been ignored by him because she was too well-behaved, suddenly did something that shocked and troubled him.