Chapter 1 Her Vicious Stepdaughter Turned into a Fierce…

Chapter 1 Her Vicious Stepdaughter Turned into a Monstrous...

One night, Deng Suiyin, the matriarch of the Yao family, dreamt of a torrential downpour. In her dream, her wicked stepdaughter transformed into a terrifying specter, clawing at her throat and greedily sucking her blood.

Deng Suiyin awoke with a jolt, her clothes drenched in sweat. She slowly glanced at her husband sleeping soundly beside her, her shrewd eyes filled with calculation.

"She must go! That girl cannot remain in this household a moment longer, or I’ll never know a moment’s peace!"

-

It was late spring, and the weather was gradually warming. In the courtyard of the Yao family, renowned for its scholarly heritage, clusters of peach blossoms bloomed, their branches heavy and intertwined. From afar, the scene was magnificent—yet, for some unknown reason, one corner of the courtyard lay conspicuously bare.

The empty plot was not entirely treeless, but the trees there stood lifeless, not a single bud emerging, much like the mistress of this very residence.

Yao Qixiang rose close to mid-morning, slowly rising from her bed. Her dark, jade-like eyes swept over the room's furnishings before she called out in a raspy voice, "Water?"

Only after her summons did the water finally arrive. Two young maidservants entered, their heads bowed, carefully avoiding her gaze.

Yao Qixiang beckoned, and the maid holding the basin knelt before her. Yao Qixiang first dipped her hands into the water, then slowly soaked a cloth to wipe her face. From beginning to end, neither maid dared to look up at her.

Everyone in the household knew that Yao Qixiang, the eldest daughter of the Yao family, though blessed with a beautiful face, possessed a truly malicious heart. The specifics of her wickedness were unknown to the newer servants, but they frequently witnessed her disregard for hierarchy, often openly defying the matriarch.

As for the family head, he seemed to have completely given up on this daughter, not having visited her for over half a year.

Only the matriarch, in her benevolence, showed patience and even occasional concern toward such a stepdaughter.

Just then, the basin clattered to the ground, icy water splashing over the kneeling maid, who shrieked and instinctively shot Yao Qixiang a furious glare.

Yao Qixiang laughed, her eyes gleaming with provocation. Yet, this sharp expression, far from making her appear ugly, lent her a fierce beauty. Her dark gaze bore down, her flickering eyes like dancing flames in the night.

"Why do you wear your thoughts so plainly on your face?" Yao Qixiang sneered. "Is this how your mistress instructs you to spy on me?"

The maid froze, realizing her intentions had been exposed.

Soaked and powerless to truly vent her anger at Yao Qixiang—for no matter how neglected she was, she was still a master—the maid clenched her jaw, picked up the basin, and retreated.

The other maid, still standing, involuntarily held her breath. Yao Qixiang’s moods were unpredictable; it was best to serve her with utmost caution.

After washing, it was time to change. Yao Qixiang had few clothes. Matriarch Deng would symbolically send a few bolts of fabric each year. Spring and summer were manageable, but in winter, she often lacked charcoal, quilts, or warm clothing.

Naturally, if Yao Qixiang was uncomfortable, she would ensure Deng Shi was equally displeased.

Over time, Deng Shi had grown less inclined to withhold necessities from her.

Her clothes were still in styles from years past. Yao Qixiang rarely ventured out, having neither friends nor places to go, and knew little of the capital's affairs.

Still, she occasionally overheard snippets of gossip Deng Shi wanted her to hear—such as the widespread rumor in the capital that the Yao family's eldest daughter was a madwoman who disrespected her elders and spouted wild nonsense.

Later, she also heard that the Yao family’s second daughter, Yao Chengbi, was gentle, serene, and a paragon of beauty.

Yao Qixiang found Deng Shi’s machinations laughable, but she was so bored that any news, no matter how trivial, was welcome.

She deliberated, then chose a crimson pleated skirt. There had been a pale green one, but its sleeve was torn, and Yao Qixiang, too lazy to mend it, had set it aside—such procrastination was common in her unrestrained life.

Today, she had a premonition: Deng Shi would come.

The breakfast delivered was already cold. Yao Qixiang reheated it herself, carefully smelled it, then served herself. She had barely taken a few bites when she heard soft footsteps outside—quite a few of them.

Listening, Yao Qixiang estimated seven or eight people, likely all women, before lowering her head to continue eating.

Indeed, Deng Suiyin arrived, this time with several maids, each carrying a scroll.

"Qixiang, I’ve brought you wonderful news," Deng Suiyin said with her usual gentle smile, waving the maids into a line. They unfurled the scrolls, revealing portraits of different men.

Yao Qixiang slowly set down her chopsticks. She knew exactly why Deng Suiyin had come today.

She smiled and rose. "Mother."

Today, the girl was uncharacteristically polite, no longer observing her coldly from a distance but offering a smile. Deng Suiyin felt an instinctive chill.

This wicked stepdaughter of hers was truly terrifying!

Not one to let silence linger, Deng Suiyin pressed on. "Qixiang, guess what good news I’ve brought?"

Yao Qixiang slowly raised her right hand to her forehead. "I can’t guess. The breakfast was too cold—it’s left me quite unwell."

Deng Suiyin’s smile stiffened. She cast a sharp glance at the two maids behind Yao Qixiang, who pressed their lips together and shook their heads.

"What’s wrong with you two? Couldn’t you reheat the meal for the young lady?"

"Matriarch, please understand!" One maid dropped to her knees. "The eldest young lady rose so late that we feared reheating the food multiple times would spoil its flavor. That’s why we didn’t dare act without orders."

The excuse was transparent, yet Deng Suiyin’s frown turned into a smile. "Ah, I see. Qixiang, your sister rises at dawn to study and practice calligraphy. You shouldn’t lie abed so often, should you?"

"Precisely, Mother," Yao Qixiang replied sweetly. "Then I shall await Second Sister’s success in the imperial exams, bringing glory to our family!"

Deng Suiyin felt as though she’d punched a pillow. Her heart sank—now she understood why the girl was being so agreeable today. With such a pleasant attitude, how could she, the kindly and approachable matriarch, be the first to show displeasure?

Deng Suiyin wasted no more words and went straight to the point. "Come, look at these portraits. Do any catch your eye? You are of marriageable age now. Your father and I intend to arrange a good match for you."

Yao Qixiang pouted. "Mother, you may not know this, but the washing water this morning was too cold. It made my eyes ache—I can’t see clearly."

Deng Suiyin: "..."

For the first time, she was tempted to punish these serving maids. If not for them, where would Yao Qixiang find so many excuses!

"How dare you serve the eldest young lady so poorly!" Deng Suiyin’s face darkened. If she let this slide, how could she maintain her reputation for virtue?

The two maids behind Yao Qixiang knelt in unison. "Mercy, madam! We... we won’t dare again."

"Indeed, Mother," Yao Qixiang interjected, blinking. "They’ve made mistakes before. Punishment won’t teach them. Let it go."

Deng Suiyin gritted her teeth. "What are you waiting for? Drag these insolent servants out for a beating!"

"Oh, no," Yao Qixiang said lightly. "It’s a small matter, after all. Ten strokes each will suffice, and they can recover here. Though they are clumsy, they are the ones your daughter is accustomed to. If Mother replaces them rashly, your daughter fears she won’t sleep or eat well."

Deng Suiyin studied Yao Qixiang for a long moment before conceding. "Fine. As you wish."

The more she indulged Yao Qixiang today, the less reason Yao Qixiang would have to refuse the marriage proposal later. She had to send this girl away as soon as possible.

"Mother, please come inside and sit. The sun is dazzling today; I can’t see anything clearly." Yao Qixiang bowed slightly and led the way into the room.

Outside, the sun was brilliant, but the room was shrouded in darkness, not a single ray of light penetrating. Deng Suiyin watched Yao Qixiang’s figure disappear into the doorway and, inexplicably, felt a renewed sense of dread.

When had she begun to fear this powerless stepdaughter?

Deng Suiyin secretly clenched her fists. No matter—soon, she would be rid of this menace forever!

Inside the room, Yao Qixiang and Deng Suiyin sat down. The latter quickly had the maids spread out the portraits before Yao Qixiang again, saying, "Look closely. Which one do you like?"

Judging by Deng’s demeanor, was she trying to force a marriage now?

Yao Qixiang feigned a glance at the first portrait, then said, "After all this talk, your daughter is quite parched. Unfortunately, I have no proper tea to offer guests—only plain water, likely cold at that. I hope Mother doesn’t mind?"

Deng Suiyin could barely maintain her smile. She regretted bringing so many servants today, having thought she could use their presence to pressure Yao Qixiang, only to find herself cornered instead!

From the courtyard to the room, every exchange painted her—the matriarch responsible for managing the household—as neglectful, having treated the eldest daughter so poorly. And as a stepmother, it only made her more vulnerable to criticism...

Deng Suiyin could only put on a stern face—not at Yao Qixiang, but at the servants in the room. "These wretched maids! To think that in the days I haven’t visited, they’ve been doing such a poor job! I will certainly teach them a good lesson!"

It was an empty promise. Yao Qixiang didn’t want empty words—she wanted better living conditions.

"Ah, I knew Mother still cared for me. My clothes are torn with no one to mend them, my winter coats aren’t warm enough, and though it’s late spring, the cold snap’s brutal. Just look at how drafty this room is—I freeze to the bone at night..."

...

One by one, Yao Qixiang listed every grievance, leaving nothing out. It had been a long time since she’d seen so many people in her courtyard.

Since Deng Shi had made up her mind, there was no escaping it. Better to secure her provisions now and prepare for what was to come.

Big and small, the demands piled up to over a dozen. Deng Suiyin, too guilty to look at the maids’ expressions, only shot a glance at her trusted aide, signaling her to arrange for the items immediately.

"I’ve been preoccupied with Chengbi’s studies lately and neglected you..." Deng Suiyin said.

Yao Qixiang shook her head. "They’re just things. I doubt Mother would stoop to falsifying such trivial matters—that’s too petty for you."

Deng Suiyin could only force a laugh before desperately changing the subject back to the marriage proposals.

"Take a look at these men..."

"I’ve already seen them. They all look ancient—the youngest must be in his thirties, no?" Yao Qixiang swept her gaze over the portraits.

"Though they may be..."

"Mother, as much as you love Father, you can’t impose your own aesthetic standards on my choice of husband," Yao Qixiang said.

She turned her face toward Deng Suiyin, her dark eyes locking onto hers. For a second, Deng Suiyin felt as if the nightmare demon from her dreams had crawled out and now sat before her.

Instinctively, Deng Suiyin leaned back, but Yao Qixiang seized her hand—icy cold, making Deng Suiyin’s skin crawl.

"Mother adored Father so much that even though he was no longer young and already had a wife, you still entered the Yao family pregnant, unwavering in your devotion. But not everyone in this world prefers older men or is eager to become a concubine. Don’t you agree, Mother?"

After smiling all day, her words finally turned poisonous.

Deng Suiyin trembled—half from fury, half from... something closer to fear.

Why... after all these years, had she still failed to get rid of Yao Qixiang?