The old lady's heart ached slightly, but she mostly felt troubled.
She calmly said to Xiao Chengyi, "Chengyi, go see Ruoxi. During these past two years when you were not here, the family has managed thanks to her efforts."
However, Xiao Chengyi refused outright: "I will not go."
He was a dignified fourth-rank general; how could he lower himself in front of the women in the inner courtyard?
After all, wasn't she merely a secondary wife? What's the big deal? It wouldn't change anything. Yet she was so aggressive, forcing Zhen'er to suffer such grievances, truly so inconsiderate!
Moreover, what did she know? How could Zhen'er compare to Shen Ruoxi?
Zhen'er was unlike any other woman; she was intelligent, quick-witted, and could create things that others wouldn't even dare to imagine.
To make her equal to Shen Ruoxi was actually an injustice to Zhen'er.
Shen Ruoxi had nothing to compare with Zhen'er!
The old lady sighed and said wearily, "Chengyi, you left for the border on the day you got married. Cheng Zhao said one thing right, the entire household, inside and out, has been managed by Ruoxi. Go, talk to her properly. I am tired too."
Everyone bowed and exited Fulai Courtyard. Mrs. Shen gently patted her son's shoulder, looking at this extraordinary yet seemingly worn son, and found her thousand words turning into a long sigh as she turned away.
Ning Zhen'er, with tears sparkling like raindrops on pears, called out, "Brother Yi."
Xiao Chengyi said softly, "First, go with the nanny to Plum Garden, I am sure you will like it there. I will go see her."
Ning Zhen'er bit her lip, speaking in a low voice, "Brother Yi, I have always said, a pair for life."
Xiao Chengyi gently held her hand, comforting her, "Since I have given you marriage, my promise will not change. She is just managing the household, don't let your thoughts run wild."
Before his eyes, Shen Ruoxi's bright and enchanting face suddenly appeared.
He still remembered the first time he saw her; she was only fourteen, wearing a red outfit, galloping on horseback while hunting, captivating numerous gazes.
On the wedding night, after unveiling her bridal veil, he saw her exceptionally beautiful face, almost lost in thought, in panic even forgetting to kiss her, leaving only a vow before rushing out for fear that one more glance wouldn't let him leave.
What changed after all?
Was it the rumors of her ambiguous relationship with her senior apprentice, or the tales of the emperor, then still the crown prince, seeking her marriage in the rain, stabbing his heart like many thorns?
Plus, Ning Zhen'er was just too dazzling, not something those women in the inner courtyard could compare with; he was captivated by her brilliance, started to grow deeply attached.
Also, which wife sees her long-separated husband and isn't overjoyed, expressing longing?
Yet Shen Ruoxi remained expressionless, her eyes cold and calm, even indifferent to the woman he brought back! How could this not infuriate him!
Xiao Chengyi felt a slight discomfort in his heart, but he quickly suppressed it.
Ning Zhen'er was the most special woman he had ever met; since he had promised her, he could not turn back.
Only Ning Zhen'er was his true love, the most dazzling light in this world.
As for Shen Ruoxi, she was nothing but a vase with a pretty face.
"Brother Yi, my words will not change. If you really want to be with her, then I will…"
The word "leave" had not yet left her mouth when Xiao Chengyi gently covered it with his hand, "You! Aren't you afraid the child in your belly will hear?
After all, she has taken care of my grandmother and mother for two years. I can't dismiss her now. I promise, I will not have any intimacy with her, I will keep my word. Just wait, your husband will deal with this matter properly."
Ning Zhen'er nodded slightly; with Xiao Chengyi's promise, her heart was at ease.
As for dealing with those old-fashioned and stubborn women in the inner courtyard, she had plenty of tricks.
Magnanimously she said, "Alright, I understand, you should go now!"
Her understanding made Xiao Chengyi feel exceptionally gratified; he playfully tapped her nose, "With your husband here, I won't let you suffer the slightest bit."
...
In Bamboo Pavilion, Shen Ruoxi stood dumbfounded upon returning, while Xia Lian already knew the whole truth.
It turned out everyone in General Mansion knew the general had brought back a pregnant woman, yet it was kept from everyone in Bamboo Pavilion.
"Miss, if you want to cry, just cry." Xia Lian said, feeling distressed.
It turned out to be crying?
She wasn't crying for that unfaithful man, but remembering her father, mother, and brothers!
If they were still around, who would dare to bully the treasure they held dear and let her suffer such indignity!
The entire Shen Family died heroes on the battlefield; sixteen men sacrificed their lives, paving the road of loyalty and righteousness with their lives. Wouldn't that protect their legitimate young lady?
She fiercely wiped away her tears, a cold smile forming at the corner of her mouth, "Cry? Is he worthy! I was just thinking of my parents and brothers. I might not care about the humiliation they caused me, but I absolutely cannot tarnish the Shen Family's honor."
"Miss…" The two maidservants were instantly choked with sobs.
Shen Ruoxi took a deep breath, continued, "My father and brothers died on the battlefield, I once thought of taking up the sword and ride to avenge them, but my mother threatened with death to not let me step out of Loyalty Marquis Mansion half a step.
For three generations, the Shen Family now only has me, one daughter left, mother fearing something might happen to me. These years, I washed my hands to make soup, focused on managing household affairs, seemingly forgetting what I once was."
The young lady who just returned from Medicine Spirit Valley, stunningly beautiful, radiant with energy, capturing countless hearts with every smile and frown; they almost forgot, since the family's great change, when did the young lady ever smile?
"Miss, that unfaithful man is not worth wanting," Xia Lian said indignantly.
"I'm fine, really fine." Shen Ruoxi responded indifferently, "I need to think properly."
"Chuntao, let's go out first, don't disturb the young lady." Xia Lian whispered to Chuntao.
The two maids, eyes red, exited the room, tears flowing uncontrollably.
"I thought the young lady finally had her fair share of happiness, but who knew after all the careful selection she picked such a heartless thing!"
"Who knows? Back then, when Xiao Chengyi wanted to marry the young lady, he firmly vowed never to betray her. Madam's health was always poor, and all that was left in the Shen Family were old and weak women and children, the young lady was her only hope. We thought marrying into a prestigious mansion might bring her trouble, opting for a lesser house. Who would have thought this one was just as ungrateful!"
"Shh!" Chuntao quickly signaled her to lower her voice, "Miss has sharp hearing, don't let her hear."
Indeed, Shen Ruoxi's hearing was sharp, but her mother had threatened with death, having her master seal her inner strength, so she didn't hear clearly at this moment.
In her heart, she already had a plan: first, to file for divorce; second, to ask her master to unlock her acupoints' seal; third, she would undoubtedly go to the border, to avenge her father and brothers, expel Beichang Country from their homeland, and bring back their spirits.
As she was deep in thought, from outside came the voices of Chuntao and Xia Lian: "Greetings, General."
It was Xiao Chengyi who had come, and Shen Ruoxi could not help but feel a sneer.