Chapter 79: Chapter 30: The Visit That Frightened Old Mrs. Xiao

The matter has been satisfactorily resolved, and Xu Ji left full of joy.

However, Shen Ruoxi slightly furrowed her brows, unable to shake off thoughts of the high and mighty Emperor, feeling as if her head were about to explode.

She couldn’t help but worry whether the Emperor might think she was deceiving him.

For the first time, she found the martial arts competition to be unbearably long, her concerns like invisible shackles she couldn’t escape, and her anxiety was beyond description.

…

Old Mrs. Xiao had been ailing recently, her leg pain making her look quite haggard.

Originally, the family relied on the salary of Military Guard Ning Zhen’er, of the sixth rank, to supplement household expenses, but unexpectedly, she became a burden to the family.

Not only was there not a penny of silver to be seen, but the Xiao Family also found itself burdened with a heavy debt.

The Emperor was also quite displeased with the Xiao Family’s affairs and had already barred them from engaging in commerce, making it exceedingly difficult for them to earn silver taels.

At this time, she would take it out on Shen Ruoxi, blaming her coldness and heartlessness for the Xiao Family’s current predicament.

Occasionally, she would also complain about her grandson, wondering why he brought home such an ancestor of a wife.

Ning Zhen’er was now pregnant and had become extremely pampered, demanding the best in food, clothing, and daily necessities.

Whenever someone mentioned the need for frugality, she would confidently retort, “I lived well enough on my own; is marrying into the Xiao Family supposed to mean I lower my living standards? Absolutely not!”

Perhaps due to Shen Ruoxi’s departure, her grandson was increasingly attentive to Ning Zhen’er, as if he had never seen a wife in his life.

All of this filled her with indignation.

As she massaged her leg, groaning softly, the door was suddenly pushed open, and a young maid hurried in, kneeling respectfully, and reported, “Old Madam, Mrs. Xu is here to visit.”

Already feeling irritable, Old Mrs. Xiao was instantly angered by the maid’s abruptness and scolded, “What do you mean Mrs. Xu is visiting? Such an impudent behavior!”

The young maid, frightened pale, stammered out an explanation, “It’s… it’s Mrs. Xu from the Duke Mansion, the birth mother of Consort Xian.”

The Xiao Mansion usually had few such distinguished visitors, so the maids inevitably felt nervous and uneasy.

Upon hearing that Mrs. Xu had personally come, Old Mrs. Xiao’s body trembled, cold sweat appeared on her forehead, and her palms turned icy cold.

Mrs. Xu was indeed the parent of Consort Xian, the aunt of Shen Ruoxi, visiting in person to the Xiao Mansion. Could it be that she was here to settle accounts?

Old Mrs. Xiao tried to calm herself and instructed, “Quick, push me out to greet her.”

Nanny Yu, looking worried, expressed concern, “Old Madam, your health?”

Old Mrs. Xiao waved her hand dismissively, “Hurry, offending her is no joke; it might implicate the entire Xiao Family. Quickly!”

Nanny Yu, helpless, had no choice but to assist the maid in helping Old Mrs. Xiao into the wheelchair and pushing her to the entrance to greet the visitor.

A servant from the Xu Family was holding an umbrella to shield Mrs. Xu from the sun.

Mrs. Xu, dressed in splendid attire, though in her forties, still exuded elegance and grace, with an extraordinary demeanor.

She watched coldly as Old Mrs. Xiao led the household in a hurried approach to pay their respects.

She said coolly, “No need for formalities! Old Mrs. Xiao, it’s presumptuous of me to visit today; I ask for your forgiveness.”

Old Mrs. Xiao was sweating all over, and despite her discomfort, she had to put on a brave face.

She awkwardly smiled and said, “For Mrs. Xu to grace our humble abode, what an honor. Please, come in.”

After they entered the Xiao Mansion and the host and guest were seated, the maids respectfully served tea.

Lin’s lips curled into a half-smile as she spoke, “I remember when the two families were related by marriage, yet I never had the opportunity to visit personally.

Now that we have no connection, here I am, how ironic.”

Old Mrs. Xiao felt a chill spread through her limbs at these words and carefully chose her response, “It’s all because Chengyi doesn’t have the fortune.”

Unexpectedly, Lin nodded in agreement, “Indeed, Old Mrs. Xiao is right; the Young General Xiao is indeed unfortunate.

However, I’m not here to settle scores, so there’s no need for Old Mrs. Xiao to feel too anxious.

I merely wish to meet the Military Guard Ning, who has made such remarkable military achievements, and see what kind of person she is.”

On the way to greet Mrs. Xu, Old Mrs. Xiao had already instructed the maid to inform her grandson and Ning Zhen’er not to make an appearance.

After all, this Mrs. Xu was the mother of Consort Xian; if she were here to advocate for Shen Ruoxi, her grandson and Ning Zhen’er might be at a disadvantage.

“She is pregnant and needs to rest at home for peace of mind; it would be best not to disturb Mrs. Xu,” Old Mrs. Xiao said nervously.

Upon hearing this, Lin’s lips curled into a cold smile, “Pregnant women can’t receive guests? What sort of rule is this?

I heard that Young General Xiao is off-duty at home today, yet he doesn’t come to show his face. Is it because my standing as the lady of the Xu Mansion isn’t significant enough?”

Old Mrs. Xiao’s heart trembled at this. She even knew of her grandson’s day off, evidently coming specifically to trouble them.

Considering her distinguished status, she didn’t dare to easily offend this distinguished guest; if she found an excuse to be offended, the entire Xiao Family couldn’t bear it.

“Quick, go bring in the Young General and his wife,” Old Mrs. Xiao instructed helplessly.

The maid hurriedly went to Plum Garden to fetch Xiao Chengyi and Ning Zhen’er.

This period had seen Ning Zhen’er’s emotions in constant flux.

She knew full well that there was nothing wrong with the things she created; clearly, someone had framed her, yet no one was willing to stand up for her, making her very frustrated.

Ning Zhen’er always perceived herself as a modern person; in stories, the transmigrated women always succeeded in business, and she believed she could too.

She forgot that every investment has its circle; breaking into it requires immense power so others won’t dare touch you. Otherwise, wanting to earn money by stepping in is far from easy!

When all the capital is against you, you’re doomed to failure.

“Brother Yi, I told you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with what I invented. Can’t you ask the Capital Governor to investigate?”

Though anger simmered within her, Ning Zhen’er still maintained a gentle demeanor without causing a scene.

Xiao Chengyi had been overwhelmed these days as well, buried under debt, so much so that borrowing silver made him feel ashamed among peers, not wanting Ning Zhen’er to cause any more trouble!

Moreover, every time he closed his eyes to sleep, he envisioned Shen Ruoxi coughing blood.

He repeatedly told himself that she did care for him, the anger and rebuke were all due to that.

He made up his mind that once Shen Ruoxi calmed down, he would ask for her forgiveness.

After all, a woman who leaves is considered abandoned; who would want to marry a twice-divorced woman?

This time he would speak to her earnestly, fulfilling all her desires and needs, ensuring fairness between her and Zhen’er.

He currently had no energy to handle anything else.

He patiently said, “The Emperor has decreed to stay calm for now. If there are other plans, we can discuss them later. For now, focus on your pregnancy.”

“What kind of world is this? Is there no justice anymore? What’s the Emperor? How dare he treat us like this!” Ning Zhen’er retorted indignantly.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep