Sleeping Accompanied by Spring Tide and Rain

You should just die. It would be better if we didn't have a daughter like you!

I have a biased mother who treats me harshly but is incredibly kind to my cousin. My cousin, arrogant and bold, angered the tyrannical regent, a man said to be ruthless and fond of tormenting women. To spite her, he demanded an imperial decree to take her as a concubine. Watching my cousin cry her heart out, my mother turned to me and said, "Annie, why don't you marry in place of Violet?"

But she doesn't know that I had a romantic encounter with someone last night and am no longer pure. Her plan for a substitute bride is doomed to fail...

——

The day I learned I had little time left, I had just come of age.

The doctor looked at me gravely. "It's in its terminal stage. Tuberculosis requires rest and cannot withstand strain. If properly nursed..."

I interrupted him with a faint smile. "Thank you, doctor. I understand."

Tuberculosis is a disease of the rich, needing care, rest, and precious medicines. Under such conditions, one might live a few more years.

But I had none of these.

I could only wait for death.

That evening, I returned home with my unfinished painting. As soon as I stepped in, I saw my mother standing in the hallway, her face filled with anger. "Kneel!" she commanded harshly.

Before I could react, the nanny behind me pressed down on my shoulders, forcing me heavily onto the ground. The rough stone made my knees ache, and they were probably bruised and swollen.

But this pain was nothing. I looked up at my mother as she strode over, snatching the painting from my hands.

When she saw that it was unfinished, her face turned even darker.

She pointed at my nose and scolded, "Where have you been? I asked your teacher, and she said you left early!

"You, a girl, stayed outside until it was dark before coming back! You didn't even finish the task given by your teacher!"

I looked up at her, about to explain when a sweet voice interjected. "Aunt Clara? Why are you so angry? Who upset you?"

My mother's stern face softened as she reached out to pat the newcomer's hand. "Violet, it's your inconsiderate cousin! She came back so late."

My cousin, Violet Noris, feigned surprise as she said, "Oh my, could she be lovesick?"

My mother's face darkened again. She cast a vicious glare at me and said, "She wouldn't dare! You are shameless! Kneel here tonight and reflect!"

Then she turned to my cousin and said, "Violet, you're always so obedient. I've spent so much money for her to learn painting, and what for!"

"Aunt Clara, don't be angry. Annie is still young and can be taught."

"I can't be bothered! You are so understanding. If only she were half as obedient as you..."

Their voices faded. As I watched their retreating figures, close as mother and daughter, the pain in my heart slowly disappeared.

I'd already known that my mother favored my cousin.

Sometimes I wondered if I was really her daughter. If not, why did we look so alike? But if I was, why was she so harsh and cruel to me?

She always said she'd done so much for me, that everything I had was because of her, that my life belonged to her, so she could scold and beat me at her will!

Fortunately, I would soon no longer owe her anything.