Chapter 401: Chapter 23: The General Mansion’s Cast-Off Cannon Fodder Wife

The old lady looked at her, feeling a chill in her heart. She hadn’t expected that the niece she once thought obedient and sensible had become like this—deceiving her superiors and slandering others indiscriminately.

“I am aware of the issues with the account books. I won’t hold you accountable for what you did in the past six months. Just cover the deficits with what you have left, and repay five thousand if you’re short by eight thousand taels. Then, you should return to your old home, and I will find you a marriage prospect.”

As Xu Ruling heard this, she felt as if the sky had fallen.

Tears filled her eyes as she knelt before the old lady, pleading incessantly.

“Aunt, it’s truly not me. Please don’t send me away. In this world, you’re my only family. If you don’t want me, I might as well be dead!”

She couldn’t leave. If she did, she would never have the opportunity to return.

The capital is prosperous, full of nobility. Here, at worst, she could marry an official’s wife, but without Tie Yi’s protection after leaving, she surely wouldn’t marry well.

Knowing the old lady’s soft heart, she continued to plead, just like before. Whenever she played the emotional card, the old lady would eventually sigh and forgive her, regardless of what she did wrong.

But this time, Xu Ruling waited in vain for the old lady’s soft-hearted sigh.

When she looked up, she saw a pair of disappointed and stern eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. Suddenly, she collapsed to the ground, eyes filled with despair.

“Aunt…”

“The last time you misused ten thousand taels, I let it pass out of respect for your filial piety. And now, it’s eight thousand taels. Do you know how hard this silver is to come by? It’s all reward the general earned fighting on the battlefield.

My son and I live a humble life, yet you indulge in luxury secretly. Ruling, considering that you call me aunt, I’ll spare you from prison.

If you heed my words and leave the capital quietly, I’ll find you a good marriage. But if you insist on defying me, you’ll sever ties with the general in this city. You’ll be on your own, no longer the miss of the General Mansion!”

Xu Ruling remained silent for a while, then finally spoke softly.

“Aunt, please let me leave after the spring hunt. I’ve never witnessed such an event. I want to see it.”

Seeing this, the old lady’s heart softened again.

In the end, she agreed to let her leave after the spring hunt.

——

On the day of the spring hunt, Jiang Lai was awakened early by Chun Yue.

“We need to hurry. We still have to detour to the barracks to take the general with us. Madam, have you seen Miss Xu lately? She looks particularly unwell. I heard the old lady is sending her away from the capital to marry back home.”

Jiang Lai closed her eyes to rest.

“Hmm, it’s not unusual. By the way, I want to do my makeup today; make me look spirited.”

Upon hearing this, Chun Yue instantly perked up.

“Don’t worry, madam. You keep sleeping; leave it to me.”

When Jiang Lai awoke, drowsily preparing to rub her eyes, she felt something on her eyelids as soon as she extended her hand.

She looked carefully at her reflection in the mirror.

Her makeup was exquisite, with distant mountain brows, a light dusting of rouge, and a pearl powder subtly applied with dew. Chun Yue used a rouge brush to paint a pear blossom on Jiang Lai’s forehead, and her full lips were tempting and tender in pink, looking alluring and charming.

Chun Yue also specially inserted a small but exquisite peony gold hairpin into Jiang Lai’s bun. The makeup was vivid yet the accessories were simple, harmoniously balancing elegance and simplicity.

Jiang Lai was very satisfied.

Chun Yue really had some skill in makeup.

The carriage was already prepared, and upon boarding, she saw Xu Ruling already sitting inside.

Jiang Lai said nothing; she sat down and watched a book in silence. Suddenly, a mocking voice came from across.

“Pretending to read. Can you understand it?”

Jiang Lai raised her eyes, unhurriedly turning the pages.

“Actually, I prefer looking at accounting books; it’s quite interesting to trace the clues inside. What do you say? Should I ask the general to bring me the account books from a few years ago to review?”

Xu Ruling fell silent immediately, biting her lip and glaring venomously at Jiang Lai.

Jiang Lai was used to this kind of look. She enjoyed stepping on others’ sore spots—the angrier they got, the more pleased she was, like now, she was in a rather good mood.

Xu Ruling felt both hate and helplessness toward Jiang Lai. At this critical moment, she didn’t dare make another mistake and only hoped to see Jiang Yu soon, so she could return the money as soon as possible.

When the carriage stopped at the barracks, Tie Yi, clad in a black robe, stooped and climbed aboard.

The carriage was spacious, capable of seating six.

Once Tie Yi sat, Jiang Lai felt the air around her thin a bit. She glanced sideways at Tie Yi beside her; the man remained composed as he gazed straight ahead, looking very dignified and serious. However, Jiang Lai sensed his muscles tense and his breathing slightly heavy.

Sigh.

Jiang Lai leisurely lifted the window curtain to look outside. They had reached the foot of the mountain, where carriages filled the surroundings, making it lively and bustling.

As soon as Jiang Lai lifted the curtain, someone outside noticed her: the Sixth Prince and the Eighth Prince were waiting for someone at the foot of the mountain. When Tie Yi’s carriage arrived, the two of them coincidentally looked over.

They didn’t see Tie Yi, but their gazes were caught by the stunning face inside the curtain.

Upon spotting the Eighth Prince, Jiang Lai gave him a radiant smile and nodded.

The Eighth Prince was stunned, instinctively nodding, and his gaze lingered on Jiang Lai’s face, unable to move away.

Jiang Lai was still looking around when suddenly a hand reached over, pulling the curtain back down.

Jiang Lai turned to look at him, a trace of dissatisfaction in her eyes.

“What are you doing?”

Tie Yi stared at her face, suppressing an even stronger surge of anger. He resisted the impulse to send this woman back home and said in a deep voice.

“As a married woman, showing oneself in public is unbecoming.”

Jiang Lai snorted.

“Married woman? If you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have forgotten I even have a husband.”

In Tie Yi’s ears, the woman’s voice seemed to carry a hint of grievance and pity. A surge of indescribable guilt washed over him, making him feel perhaps he had indeed been too harsh.

A woman is supposed to be pampered.

As a man, he should be more magnanimous. Taking the initiative to make peace wasn’t a shameful act.

He actually wanted to return for a long time, but the situation in the barracks was overwhelming. Many soldiers awaited arrangement, and numerous families of the fallen required comfort; these tasks could only be handled personally.

After all, these people fought alongside him, and he had the responsibility to ensure their families were provided for their lifetime.

Had it not been for Xu Ruling’s presence, Tie Yi would’ve seized the chance to clarify things with Jiang Lai right here.

In the end, he found no suitable opportunity, and every time he secretly reached out his hand, Jiang Lai would swat it away.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep