Unfortunately, by the time he realized it, it was too late. The black incense had penetrated into his bones – he simply couldn’t control his own behavior.

This trap had been laid very well. Without knowing it, he had stepped right into it, not only alienating Qin Feifei but also ruining his entire future.

It wasn’t just that he was finished – Qin Feifei was also finished, and the entire Lu family was finished along with them.

During these days, although his physical condition had deteriorated drastically, when lying in bed, he wasn’t entirely confused.

During his lucid moments, he would constantly think about why he had come to this point and exactly who had set this trap for him.

In others’ eyes, his current situation was entirely his own fault.

Everyone who served before the emperor knew that Emperor Delong most despised ministers who showed impropriety before him and offended his imperial dignity. For Lu Changxuan to act that way before Emperor Delong – what was it if not seeking death? How could he blame others?

But Lu Changxuan knew that although he had already somewhat lost control of his behavior, that day he had gone prepared and shouldn’t have lost composure before the throne so quickly.

Thinking carefully, it was when Liang Zhe passed by him – Liang Zhe had bumped into him, and there was a strange smell on Liang Zhe’s body. Shortly after, his nose and tears began flowing, he yawned continuously, and he simply couldn’t control himself.

Liang Zhe bore him no grudge – why would he do such a thing?

If this trap had been set by Qin Shuying, it would make sense – Liang Zhe was helping Qin Shuying.

So why would Qin Shuying do this? Not only destroying him but also ruining so many people in the Lu family?

Even if Qin Feifei had taken some jewelry for Old Madam Lu to use, Qin Shuying wouldn’t need to expend so much effort, much less cause everyone in the Lu family to be ruined.

If she were Qin Yaoyao, her motive would be easily explained.

But Qin Yaoyao was already dead – how could she be Qin Shuying?

Lu Changxuan was originally a clever man. Having mingled in society, he had not only studied well but also understood human nature and worldly affairs – he wasn’t a rigid thinker.

Thinking it over and over, he thought of an impossible possibility.

Besides this possibility, he truly couldn’t find a second one – Qin Shuying was Qin Yaoyao!

At this thought, cold sweat poured down his body.

At the same time, he was also extremely delighted.

How good Qin Yaoyao had been to him – he had finally understood this during these past few months.

In the past, when the family was poor, Qin Yaoyao not only didn’t despise their situation but also managed household affairs daily, finding ways to do some work to earn money. Every time she earned a few hundred wen, she would carefully save it and happily tell him: “Husband, look, we earned this much today – we can buy you a better set of the four treasures of the study.”

Back then, his heart and eyes were full of Qin Feifei. He only felt she reeked of money and found her extremely distasteful.

However, though he was disgusted, he wouldn’t show it – he would just smile faintly and say nothing.

Even so, Qin Yaoyao would be filled with joy, happily putting the money away, and the next day placing on his desk a set of the four treasures of the study that he had long wanted to buy but couldn’t afford.

While using things she had worked hard to earn money to buy, he simultaneously despised her foolishness and lack of refinement, seeing only material wealth.

No matter how hard she toiled outside, when she returned home she never complained, washing clothes, cooking, serving his mother, teaching his younger sister, and later giving birth and nursing Feng’er…

He never bothered to learn how she earned money outside, only finding it very base.

When they moved to the large house in Chongde Ward, Lu Changxuan was naturally also very happy.

However, he still looked down on Qin Yaoyao.

He often thought how wonderful it would be if Qin Yaoyao had half of Qin Feifei’s talent.

But Qin Yaoyao never developed other thoughts because of Lu Changxuan’s coldness. She continued to care for this family as always. Even after discovering the affair between Qin Feifei and him, she only became emotionally depressed but didn’t do anything improper.

Finally, after she died, Qin Feifei entered the family.

After the passionate period passed, Qin Feifei’s brown sugar shop was poorly managed and was forced to close under Qin Shuying’s pressure. With the family’s finances becoming strained, Lu Changxuan began to complain about Qin Feifei.

Why couldn’t she learn even half of Qin Yaoyao’s methods? Such a good shop couldn’t make money in her hands?

He hinted that Qin Feifei should return to her natal family to smooth relationships, but not only did Qin Feifei fail to handle things well, she made them worse.

From that time on, he began to feel disgusted with Qin Feifei.

However, he hadn’t planned to immediately part ways with Qin Feifei. He had originally intended to adjust his emotions, plan carefully, and gradually repair their relationship.

But seeing her poor management of the inner quarters with the household in chaos, before he could adjust his mood and improve their marital relationship, Che Ju’er burst into his life, completely blocking his path to reconciliation with Qin Feifei.

At this time, his finances became increasingly tight. Nothing went smoothly, everything lacked money, and he began to vaguely miss Qin Yaoyao’s good qualities.

But he was only thinking about it – to truly feel from his heart that he was wrong and had wronged Qin Yaoyao was not yet possible.

Until he was driven away, until he was beaten like a dead dog lying in the street…

In his dazed state, he seemed to see Qin Yaoyao, still with that gentle smile and soft voice: “Husband…”

Time and again in his semi-consciousness, he seemed to see Qin Yaoyao’s face with its hint of ingratiation and plea for recognition.

Only Yaoyao had treated him with genuine sincerity!

…

Now, the woman standing gracefully on the steps, although her appearance was completely different from Qin Yaoyao’s and her style of doing things was entirely different, that small gesture of rubbing her fingers made Lu Changxuan certain that Qin Shuying was Qin Yaoyao.

She had returned!

She had returned!

Seeing that Lu Changxuan was only staring at Qin Shuying, Steward Qin shifted his body to block Lu Changxuan’s view. “Third Young Master, please go back.”

Lu Changxuan turned his head, trying to see Qin Shuying. “Yaoyao…”

Steward Qin didn’t hear clearly what he was muttering, and didn’t intend to listen either. The master clearly didn’t want to deal with Third Young Master.

“Someone come help Third Young Master.”

Two perceptive servants walked over. One pushed aside Lu Changju, who was standing there in a daze, and they supported Lu Changxuan’s arms, carrying him away.

Only when his view was blocked by Steward Qin and the other two did Lu Changxuan come to his senses. He desperately tried to speak, but his saliva and snot started flowing again, his nasal cavity swelling, aching, and itching, leaving him no opportunity to speak.

Seeing this, Qin Yongtao suppressed his irritation and unease, maintaining a smile as he exchanged pleasantries with Liang Zhe, wanting to send them off. He would deal with the tactless Lu Changxuan after the Liang Zhe couple left.

“He… he… he…”

Lu Changxuan gasped heavily, like a fish washed ashore by water, dying.

Liang Zhe suddenly smiled and said to Qin Yongtao: “Uncle, Third Brother-in-law seems to have something to say. Let me go speak with him.”

Qin Yongtao became even more disgusted with Lu Changxuan.

Speaking of it, Liang Zhe could also be considered Lu Changxuan’s brother-in-law.

With Lu Changxuan standing half-dead at the main gate, if Liang Zhe didn’t go greet him, it would seem too heartless.

Wasn’t Lu Changxuan forcing Liang Zhe to come speak with him?