Aruo, who usually follows Abi, is nowhere to be seen. I turned around to close the door, but Abi instantly immobilized me with a pressure point.

"Jiang Xing, go fetch your brother!" Abi didn't instruct her usual Aruo, instead calling for my personal bodyguard.

Jiang Xing was assigned to me by the Lord of Jiang City after our wedding date was set, and Jiang Xing's brother seems to be with Jiang Chengyue.

"Abi?" I faced the calm and composed Abi, feeling a different kind of anticipation in my heart.

I looked around but didn't see Aruo's figure.

"What? Are you still thinking of finding Aruo to pass on a message?" Abi's expression was calm, devoid of the usual shyness a young bride should have.

One could even say that her originally innocent and charming demeanor was completely gone.

She guided me to the table, tapping the surface rhythmically with her fingers, creating a rhythmic sound.

Just as Abi was starting to get impatient, Aruo arrived late: "Miss, it's time for your medicine."

Aruo entered, carrying the daily medicine Abi usually takes.

Abi took it, lowering her eyes to conceal all emotions in her gaze: "Aruo, I'm afraid."

Aruo glanced at me in confusion, then smiled reassuringly, "Miss, you're probably overthinking it. After tonight, you'll be able to be with your Anian forever!"

I couldn't move, I couldn't do anything, I could only watch helplessly as Abi brought the medicine closer to her lips, my eyes fixed on Aruo without blinking.

In an instant, it felt like years had passed. There was no hesitation on Aruo's face, only anticipation.

Clang—

A silver needle pierced the medicine bowl in Abi's hand, shattering it.

Abi threw the shattered pieces of the bowl at Aruo, piercing her heart directly.

She turned away, never looking at Aruo again.

Blood gushed from Aruo's mouth, making a muffled "choking" sound until she fell silent.

Even in death, Aruo's eyes widened, unable to understand how her innocent mistress, whom she had followed since childhood, could easily kill her!

"Are you alright?" Jiang Chengyue entered the new room.

The silver needle just now was Jiang Chengyue's unique hidden weapon.

"I'm fine. Have you gathered the skilled individuals you summoned?" Abi sounded urgent, "That demon unexpectedly appeared early. If we don't eliminate him in one fell swoop, our Jiang family will be destroyed!"

"Abi!" I was shocked beyond words, could it be...

"It's all arranged. To avoid alerting the enemy, we haven't removed the few spies the demon planted. We'll wait for the right moment to take them down." Jiang Chengyue seemed to be well-informed.

They seemed to completely ignore my presence, engrossed in discussing important matters.

"Jiang Chengyue!" I shouted her name with all my might.