Regarding why the young devil was being punished by kneeling, the memories Su Su received were as follows—
Half a month ago, the original host Ye Xi Wu and her half-sister Ye Bingshang fell into a lake together.
As a result, the Sixth Prince jumped in to save the half-sister, and the Top Scholar also jumped in to save the half-sister. Not only that, even the original host's recently wedded husband, Tantai Jin, jumped into the lake and swam toward the half-sister.
In the end, it was one of the original host's hidden guards who, sensing something amiss, fished her out.
The original host nearly drowned and, upon returning, flew into a rage. Unable to vent her anger on the Sixth Prince or the Top Scholar, she took it out on Tantai Jin.
She ordered Tantai Jin to kneel on the frozen lake, declaring he could only rise when she forgave him.
Before the punishment could be carried out, the original host fell ill from the cold, and her grandmother took her and Tantai Jin to a temple to pray for blessings.
Unexpectedly, an accident occurred on the way—the original host was captured by bandits.
Now that she had returned, the punishment naturally resumed.
Su Su rubbed her chest, wanting to go out and see the young devil being punished.
This must be a perk of traveling five hundred years through time!
If she had a Shadow Pearl, she would definitely record an image to bring back for her martial uncles and aunts to see—their cultivation world could finally hold its head high!
Tantai Jin knelt on the icy surface.
Two days ago, when he returned, the general's steward said with a smile, "I hope the Hostage Prince has not forgotten the Third Miss's words."
Without a word, he lowered his gaze and went to kneel on the frozen lake.
Soon, the cold turned his face deathly pale.
This winter was colder than previous ones. A few maids passing by the lake whispered among themselves, "Is the Third Miss punishing the Hostage again?"
"Why is the Third Miss making the Hostage kneel so soon after returning from Tianhua Temple? The Hostage is so pitiful."
"Shh, keep your voice down. Aren't you afraid of the Third Miss?"
Ever since the Third Miss married the Hostage Prince, she had frequently punished him.
Everyone knew the Third Miss admired the Sixth Prince and detested the Hostage Prince.
The Third Miss was General Ye's most beloved daughter, while the Hostage Tantai Jin was the Zhou Kingdom emperor's most despised son.
During his many years in Great Xia, even servants could bully the Hostage, let alone the most favored Third Miss, Ye Xi Wu.
When one dislikes someone, isn't it natural to torment them as one pleases?
The maids' gazes at Tantai Jin were mostly sympathetic.
The handsome young man was usually gentle and polite, without a hint of arrogance. His background was already pitiable, and now he was often tortured like this.
Even if General Ye learned of these matters, he would at most scold his beloved daughter a few times before letting it go.
Snow covered the distant green pines. Tantai Jin coughed, the cold piercing his lungs and making each breath painful.
The ice beneath his knees froze his bones with agony.
A layer of frost had already formed on the young man's jet-black hair.
Tantai Jin had knelt for so long that his knees were nearly numb. He grunted softly, bracing himself on the ice to steady his body.
The ice reflected his face—a frail, harmless young countenance.
He recalled two days ago, when he carried the Third Miss back from the bandits' den, Old Madam Ye's face had turned ashen.
"No one is allowed to speak of this matter. If I find out anyone has leaked a word, the Ye family will not spare them!"
Old Madam's expression was sharp, her eyes filled with intense threat.
Then she looked at him reassuringly and said, "The matrons in the mansion have checked. Xi Wu's clothing was intact, so surely nothing has happened to wrong you.""You worry too much, Grandmother. I naturally believe Xi Wu."
The Old Madam glanced at him and nodded with satisfaction.
The matter of Third Miss Ye being kidnapped by bandits was thus secretly concealed, yet the Old Madam continued investigating.
After all, the Ye family guards had been escorting her for protection, and such an incident had never occurred in all these years.
Why would bandits target their Third Miss? No matter how one thought about it, something seemed amiss.
With that ragtag group, it should have been completely impossible for them to take Ye Xi Wu away so easily.
However, no matter how the Old Madam investigated, she found no answers, and the matter could only be attributed to an accident.
Su Su arrived at the lakeside and immediately spotted the culprit from five hundred years later.
The young man knelt on the frozen lake surface, barely able to hold on any longer.
His face was pale, his lips no longer crimson but turning dark.
Sensing someone watching him, the youth raised his eyes and met Su Su's gaze directly.
The young girl, draped in a snow-white soft cloak, tilted her head as she examined him.
They looked at each other across the lake, and Tantai Jin saw her suddenly curve her eyes into a smile.
He had never seen Ye Xi Wu show such a pure, clean smile before.
He didn't know whether she was pleased with the winter snowscape in the estate or satisfied with his wretched state on the frozen lake.
Chun Tao beside Su Su couldn't bear to watch anymore and mustered all her courage to plead: "Miss, the Hostage has been kneeling for two days already. If he continues, I'm afraid his health will be ruined. Should we tell the Hostage to rise?"
Su Su shook her head, thoroughly engrossed in the spectacle. She only regretted not having a memory pearl as she said seriously: "Clearly he's quite resilient. It looks like he could kneel for several more days and nights."
Chun Tao: "..."
Was Third Miss being serious?
Su Su was absolutely serious as she patted Chun Tao's head.
You don't understand - a young girl like you, if born in the future, would faint from fear just hearing his name. You wouldn't feel any sympathy for him.
It would be best if he knelt until half-paralyzed! Then let's see how this evil creature would become the Demon King later!
She glanced at Tantai Jin, said nothing, turned and left with a sweep of her sleeve.
Watching the girl's retreating figure disappear beneath the eaves of the corridor, Tantai Jin pressed his lips together and withdrew his gaze.
Su Su went to the Old Madam's courtyard.
The Old Madam had just risen from her afternoon nap. Being a devout Buddhist, the room was filled with the curling smoke of sandalwood incense.
When Su Su entered, there was already a young girl in blue standing in the room, around fifteen or sixteen years old.
The girl in blue had been massaging the Old Madam's shoulders but stopped when Su Su entered.
Su Su didn't recognize her and remained silent, but the girl took the initiative to nod at her and called out softly: "Third Younger Sister."
So this was Ye Lan Yin, the Ye family's second miss born of a concubine.
Su Su nodded in return and greeted: "Second Elder Sister."
Ye Lan Yin hadn't expected Su Su to respond to her. Surprised, she glanced nervously at Su Su, then curtsied to the Old Madam: "Grandmother, Lan Yin will come accompany you in Buddhist prayers tomorrow."
The Old Madam patted her hand and nodded.
Su Su finally understood - the original owner had been like a little tyrant in the Ye family.
When she arrived, Ye Lan Yin had to yield her position.
Even her simple greeting of "Second Elder Sister" had made the other girl apprehensive and uneasy.
Just how terrifying had the original owner usually been?
After Ye Lan Yin left, the sternness on the Old Madam's face softened considerably: "Third child, come let Grandmother see if you've recovered?"
Su Su approached and said: "Thank you for your concern, Grandmother. Xi Wu's health is fine now. I've made you worry these past days."The Old Madam affectionately tapped her forehead. "Grandmother is old and doesn't have many years left. You silly girl, just let me have some peace of mind."
Su Su massaged the Old Madam's shoulders and said, "Grandmother is in such good health, anyone would think you're my mother, wanting to protect Xi Wu for a lifetime."
"Don't talk nonsense with that careless tongue of yours," the Old Madam pretended to scold, but the smile in her eyes was unmistakable.
The legitimate wife of General Ye had passed away after giving birth to the original host. Since General Ye did not remarry, the Old Madam had personally raised the original host by her side.
A child raised by one's own hands is cherished so dearly, afraid they might come to harm even when held in the mouth—such was her blatant favoritism.
The original host's arrogance was largely due to her grandmother's doting. She was also shrewd; though cruel by nature, she knew exactly how to win over her elders.
Great Xia emphasized filial piety, and General Ye was renowned for his devotion. Old Madam Ye treated Ye Xi Wu as her very eyeball, and even General Ye doted deeply on his only legitimate daughter.
"Regarding the temple incident, Grandmother has silenced the servants. You must not speak of it carelessly either. A young lady's reputation is of utmost importance."
Su Su nodded. "I understand, Grandmother."
In the Ye household, the Old Madam truly cherished the original host.
Remembering the original host's wishes, Su Su resolved to treat the Old Madam well from now on.
The Old Madam added, "You must also learn to be more sensible and comfort the Hostage. After what happened to his wife, he must surely hold some resentment."
Su Su recalled the young man kneeling in punishment on the frozen lake.
She had no intention of truly becoming the young devil's wife—why would she bother comforting him without good reason?
But she couldn't say that to the Old Madam, so she simply nodded. "Xi Wu understands."
The Old Madam nodded in approval.
"Grandmother, has Yin Qiao been found?"
The Old Madam's eyes flickered slightly before she smiled and said, "That girl has been found, unharmed. I've sent her to the estate. Yin Qiao is already of marriageable age, and since she bravely protected her mistress this time, we cannot delay her future by keeping her in the mansion any longer."
The Old Madam sighed inwardly. It was best if Xi Wu never learned of these unsavory matters.
Standing behind the Old Madam, Su Su couldn't see her expression. Relieved, she said, "That's good."
"Some time ago, at the palace banquet, Grandmother never scolded you. Your elder sister is already married—why must you trouble her? You even fell into the water together and made yourself ill."
"Grandmother knows you once had feelings for the Sixth Prince, but your elder sister is now his consort, and you are married to Tantai Jin. Listen to Grandmother and stay far away from the Sixth Prince from now on!"
Su Su nearly choked on her own saliva.
Right, aside from her flawed personality, the original host's most serious issue was her infatuation with her sister's man, the Sixth Prince.
Even after both were married, she refused to let go, relentlessly bullying and scheming against her half-sister.
And Tantai Jin—he was in love with that very half-sister.
What a tangled web. The two spouses each yearned for the other's partner, their desires unfulfilled.
Seeing her silence, the Old Madam thought she still hadn't come to her senses and tapped her hand reproachfully. "Answer Grandmother."
"Yes, Xi Wu understands. I will stay far away from the Sixth Prince from now on." Even if the Old Madam hadn't said anything, Su Su had no intention of competing with her half-sister for some Sixth Prince.
Su Su agreed too readily, which made the Old Madam suspicious. Xi Wu's love for the Sixth Prince had once bordered on despair—how could she let go so easily?
"You silly girl, you're not just coaxing Grandmother, are you?""Su Su’s cheeks dimpled slightly as she smiled. "Of course not."
The Old Madam said, "Prove it to your grandmother. Stop punishing the Hostage. I heard you made him kneel on the frozen lake. In such cold weather, is this something a young lady should do? It will damage your reputation if word gets out."
"His status may be lowly, but he is your husband now. How can you torment him to death? Settle down and live properly—that is what truly matters."
Seeing the Old Madam’s unwavering gaze, insisting on her agreement, Su Su sighed.
"Yes."
Ye Lanyin stepped out of the Old Madam’s quarters.
Her maid, Qiao’er, hurried over. "Second Young Miss, why are you out so early today?"
"Third Sister is here."
Qiao’er understood immediately and said sourly, "The Old Madam is far too partial."
Noticing Ye Lanyin did not stop her, Qiao’er continued, "Third Young Miss pushed Eldest Young Miss into the water right in front of the Sixth Prince, yet the Old Madam suppressed the matter."
"Everyone used to think Third Young Miss would become the Sixth Prince’s official consort, but in the blink of an eye, he took Eldest Young Miss as his secondary consort instead."
Ye Lanyin’s eyes flickered.
Indeed, no one had expected the Sixth Prince to propose marriage to Ye Bingshang, the eldest daughter of a concubine in the Ye family.
As a daughter of a concubine, Ye Bingshang could not become an official consort, only a secondary one.
But from afar, Ye Lanyin had seen the Sixth Prince’s eyes filled with adoration for her elder sister.
At this thought, Ye Lanyin clenched her handkerchief tightly.
Both were daughters of concubines, yet Ye Bingshang was cherished so dearly by a prince, while she had to curry favor with the Old Madam, hoping for a better marriage arrangement.
Her heart felt stifled, but when she caught sight of Tantai Jin kneeling on the ice, her expression finally softened.
Even Qiao’er’s face betrayed a hint of schadenfreude.
So what if Third Young Miss was the only legitimate daughter of the General’s Manor? Married to a lowly Hostage like him, what glory or favor could she possibly enjoy in the future?
Everyone knew Tantai Jin had been sent to Great Xia as a Hostage at the age of six and had been confined to the palace ever since.
It was said he had washed the feet of eunuchs and even eaten dog food.
Such a wretched man probably could not even read—how could he compare to the Sixth Prince, who excelled in both literary and martial arts?
In the first month of her marriage, Third Young Miss had wept bitterly, raging and cursing.
Only in the past two months had she calmed down somewhat, but she still treated Tantai Jin as less than human.
Ye Lanyin covered her lips with her handkerchief, hiding her smile.
Great Xia valued martial prowess, and it was said Tantai Jin’s foundational bones had been destroyed in his youth, leaving him weaker than a chicken.
Such a frail young man—in the past, her arrogant third sister would not have spared him a single glance.
The Old Madam would not live forever. What could a Hostage without even a palace of his own offer Ye Xi Wu then? Her fate would be one of endless suffering.
Qiao’er said, "I heard the Hostage has been kneeling on the ice for two days. Judging by his pallor, he probably can’t hold on much longer. Second Young Miss, should we give him a cloak?"
Ye Lanyin was known for her generosity toward servants and had an excellent reputation in the manor.
Her gentle and kind-hearted image won her far more favor than Third Young Miss, Ye Xi Wu.
Ye Lanyin felt a flicker of temptation and glanced at Tantai Jin.
Though his status as a Hostage was disgraceful, his face was undeniably handsome—more exquisite than even her own.
She nodded slightly, tacitly permitting Qiao’er to proceed.She herself stood on the cool pavilion, giving a gentle nod toward the hostage.
Tantai Jin also saw the second young lady of the estate.
Qiao'er held a snow-white cloak, carefully stepping onto the icy surface as she walked toward him.
When Su Su returned from accompanying her grandmother, she witnessed this scene.
Her second sister was currying favor with the young devil.
She paced over.
"Second Sister, what are you doing?"
Ye Lanyin was startled, not expecting Su Su to emerge so quickly and catch her in the act.
She hurriedly explained, "Third Sister, don’t misunderstand. I was thinking that the weather is so cold and it’s starting to snow again. If the hostage kneels in this freezing snow, it wouldn’t be good if something happened to him. So I asked Qiao'er to give him a cloak."
Su Su asked Tantai Jin on the ice, "Can you still hold on? Second Sister is offering you a cloak—do you want it?"
As the dawn of the righteous path, Su Su truly despised this future villain who would bring chaos to the Three Realms.
Tantai Jin glanced at Su Su and replied to Ye Lanyin, "Thank you for your kindness, Second Young Lady, but I am not cold."
This was a refusal.
Ye Lanyin felt somewhat embarrassed.
"In that case, I won’t disturb Third Sister and the hostage any longer." Unable to stay any longer, she left with Qiao'er.
Su Su tightened her soft cloak.
She lowered her gaze to look at the devil kneeling at her feet. Killing him might be the shared wish of the entire cultivation world, from elders thousands of years old to young children.
This had also been Su Su’s lifelong aspiration since childhood.
He seemed utterly vulnerable now—the young devil as fragile as an infant.
Every part of him seemed to say, "I’m easy to kill."
The righteous young girl felt a stirring urge.
With great difficulty, Su Su suppressed the thought.
Cultivators possess a spiritual root, just as natural demons are born with an evil bone.
The elders had said that unless the devil’s evil bone was removed, even if he were killed, he would still absorb the world’s resentment and be reborn.
In other words, killing him would only make him stronger.
She needed to find a way to remove the evil bone first.
Tantai Jin faintly sensed a murderous intent. He lifted his gaze, but the young girl had already averted her eyes.
From his perspective, he could only see half of her cheek and her snow-white ear exposed to the cold.
Her lips were slightly pouted, as if expressing some dissatisfaction. They were pink, small, and adorable.
This appearance bore no resemblance to her malicious nature.
Tantai Jin was so cold he had lost all sensation. His body collapsed heavily onto the ice.
The noble young girl paused for a moment but did not look at him, walking past him instead.
Curled up on the ground, within his line of sight, the pink-white embroidered shoes of the young girl bloomed with delicate peach blossoms.
Full of vitality.
General Ye did not return to the estate that evening. The Old Madam, advanced in years and lacking energy, allowed everyone to have their evening meal in their own courtyards.
After Su Su bathed, Chun Tao attended to her as she prepared for bed.
Chun Tao loosened her hair and, seeing her gentle and lovely features under the lamplight, couldn’t help but praise, "Third Young Lady’s hair is so smooth and soft."
After speaking, she started, afraid the Third Young Lady would scold her for being presumptuous. To her surprise, the Third Young Lady smiled, her eyes curving like crescent moons. "Chun Tao’s hair is lovely too."
Another young maid named Xi Xi hurried in, bowed to Su Su, and whispered in a voice as faint as a mosquito’s hum, "The Old Madam has sent someone to bring the hostage lord back."
Su Su looked up and indeed saw Tantai Jin entering the room.
Frost clung to the young man’s hair, melting into droplets of water as he encountered the warmth indoors.
Carrying the chill of the wind and snow from outside, he pressed his lips together and looked at Su Su with unease.
It was not yet the hour of You, but because of the cold, darkness fell quickly, and outside it was already pitch black.The moment he entered, the air seemed to fall silent.
Chun Tao and Xi Xi quickly said, "Third Miss, we take our leave."
Chun Tao and Xi Xi closed the door behind them.
Tantai Jin's voice was low and hoarse as he asked, "Has Third Miss calmed her anger?"
Su Su shook her head without hesitation. "No."
He lowered his gaze, his dark lashes like crow feathers covering his eyes. The warmth of the room did little to ease his discomfort; instead, it made his frostbitten hands and feet ache, itch, and turn a deep red.
Su Su glanced at them.
She snorted softly in her heart. A devil is not to be pitied.
She had treated broken-winged eaglets, sick children, and elderly people with silver hair.
But the first rule of the immortal realm was that a cultivator must never sympathize with an evil creature.
No matter how fragile he might appear.
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