Becoming the Mother of the Trashy Romance Novel's Heroine

by Usui Takumii

not mine, asia novel . Beware edited mtl. Total: 46 chapters.

2. 11 to 20

Chapter 11

The First Daughter

Xu Dong felt indifferent to his family's decision, but as they headed towards the restaurant his youngest aunt mentioned, he sensed something amiss.

This route...

Why does it look so familiar?

"…"

Approaching Haicheng University, Xu Dong's unease grew. Tentatively, he asked his youngest aunt, who was animatedly leading the way, "Auntie, the internet-famous restaurant isn't much farther, right...?"

Hopefully, they were just passing by, not heading where he suspected, absolutely not...

"It's still a bit far," replied Xu's youngest aunt.

Xu Dong was about to sigh in relief when his aunt added, "The restaurant is in a small alley. Our car can't get in, so we'll have to walk from the street."

Xu Dong: "…"

His heart pounded as he asked, "Auntie, the internet-famous restaurant you mentioned, is it called... the Chinese Restaurant?"

Surprised, Xu's youngest aunt looked at him, "Oh? You know about this place too?" She was pleased but then playfully scolded, "Hey, Dongdong, since you knew about it, why didn't you back me up at home? Your eldest aunt still doesn't believe me. This place is really good, you know!"

Xu Dong: "emmmmmm…" His expression was somewhat indescribable.

Xu's youngest aunt, finding an ally in the family, happily asked if Xu Dong had also seen the restaurant recommended online.

Xu Dong said no.

Curious, Xu's youngest aunt asked, "Then how did you know about it?"

Xu Dong: "The restaurant is right by my school."

Xu's youngest aunt, who had forgotten which school her nephew attended: "…"

Upon reaching the entrance to the food street's alley, Xu's youngest aunt parked the car. The rest of the Xu family convoy also stopped, and everyone got out.

Xu's eldest aunt, assisting Xu's grandfather, looked around and frowned, "Is the restaurant you mentioned here?"

"Yes," nodded Xu's youngest aunt, "We'll have to walk down this alley; it's not far. The alley is too narrow for cars."

Xu's eldest uncle-in-law, unhappy about being led here, asked skeptically, "How good can a restaurant in this location be? And, little sister, are you sure it's clean?"

"Of course, it's clean! I wouldn't bring you here otherwise," Xu's youngest aunt, tired of being questioned, retorted. "Brother-in-law, dad already said we can only know if a restaurant is good by trying it. You haven't even arrived and you're already complaining, what's the point?"

"What do you mean by that, Fourth Sister? I'm just worried about the safety of our parents and Xiao Wu. Can we just eat anything?" Xu's eldest uncle-in-law argued, concerned about the quality of ingredients and oil used by a restaurant near a school, especially given Xiao Wu's sensitive palate.

"I told you, I've eaten here myself! Do you really not trust me?" Xu's youngest aunt stood her ground. "Or do you think I'd harm Xiao Wu?"

"Not at all," Xu Dong's uncle intervened, "You misunderstand. It's not distrust but concern for our youngest. You know he's different; what's fine for us might harm him. That's why he's worried about this place."

After explaining, he turned to Xu Dong's eldest uncle, "You know she wouldn't harm our youngest. Let's just try this restaurant. No need to spoil our mood over this small issue."

"Chengyi is right. Why escalate this to a quarrel? Isn't it embarrassing?" Xu Dong's grandfather scolded the eldest uncle.

The eldest uncle immediately softened, admitting his overcaution, and apologized to Xu Dong's aunt.

Though initially upset, Xu Dong's aunt accepted the apology, smoothing over the tension.

Peace was restored among the elders, leaving Xu Dong still lost in thought.

Knowing they were heading to Lin Le's restaurant complicated his feelings. Since learning it was her establishment, Xu Dong hadn't returned.

He had been psyching himself up, unsure how to face Lin Le, only to find himself unavoidably confronting the situation due to his family's insistence.

It felt almost torturous.

…

Xu Dong's family arrived at Lin Le's restaurant in a grand procession.

The advocating aunt praised the restaurant all the way, her enthusiasm undimmed.

"The owner of this restaurant is only twenty-five, yet despite her young age, her culinary skills are commendable. She started learning cooking from her father at a very young age, boasting nearly a decade of experience."

"Moreover, the restaurant has a unique rule where the owner introduces a new dish periodically. The variety of new dishes ranges from desserts to main courses, and even drinks—truly special. And they're all delicious, making this place packed every day. If you want to dine here, you better come early."

Xu Dong's aunt highly praises the restaurant, raising the Xu family's expectations, though Xu Dong's elder uncle and second uncle were initially skeptical and dismissive.

Soon, the group arrived at the restaurant.

Upon entering, they found the restaurant as bustling as Xu Dong's aunt had described, much to Grandfather Xu's delight, who then led everyone inside.

They had called ahead to reserve a table, a privilege perhaps unavailable to others, but mentioning the Xu family name ensured seating even in the busiest of establishments, not just Jiang Su and Lin Le's restaurant.

In Haicheng's culinary scene, every establishment hopes for a visit from the Xu family, signifying not just revenue but also prestige.

"Please, this way," a staff member, following Jiang Su's instructions, led the Xu family to a simple private room, originally a storage area converted hastily into seating with a large round wooden table and plastic stools.

The Xu family had mixed reactions to the modest accommodations. Grandfather Xu and Grandmother Xu, having experienced hardships, found it charmingly humble, while Xu Rui, accustomed to simplistic settings from his travels, was unperturbed.

Xu Dong and his advocating aunt, familiar with the restaurant, were not surprised. However, the younger generation struggled with the basic setting.

"This place is too rundown! How can we eat here? What if bugs appear while we're eating?" Jiang Yan expressed her disgust.

"I'm already feeling itchy. If I knew it was like this, I wouldn't have come. Aunt really brought us here? How can this compare to our hotel?" Chen Yun complained.

"Exactly. Let's talk to Grandfather; this doesn't look good. We should just go to your family's hotel, didn't you say the new chef is excellent?" Jiang Yan suggested.

Chen Yun agreed, aware of her family's situation and the expectation for her uncle and grandfather to support the Chen family. She saw no issue with asking for help.

Chen Yun found the suggestion to dine here unnecessary, puzzled by their grandparents' agreement to such a place.

"Look at these tables and chairs! How is this suitable for dining? It's nothing compared to our place!"

While Chen Yun was internally criticising, Grandfather Xu suddenly praised, "This round table feels lucky, much better than our square tables."

Chen Yun: "..."

Grandmother Xu added, "These chairs are more comfortable than ours at home. Firm, much better than our soft cushioned chairs."

Chen Yun: "..."

"Please, here's the menu for you to order," said the staff member who had led the family in. Initially anxious because the family's appearance suggested wealth, fearing they might look down on the place, she relaxed after hearing the elder Mr. and Mrs. Xu's comments.

Her smile broadened, warmly introducing the Xu family patriarch to the restaurant's dishes.

"From what you're saying, it sounds like all your dishes are delicious and quite exceptional," Mr. Xu commented with a chuckle after hearing the server's introduction and closing the menu.

The server blushed slightly but nodded, "I'm not exaggerating, our chef truly makes delicious dishes."

"Hahaha," Mr. Xu laughed heartily, "Well then, let's have one of everything on the menu."

Server: "..."

Though surprised, she remembered these were affluent customers and nothing should come as a shock. She acknowledged the order and left the private dining room with the menu in hand.

"Warm Jade Crisp, Azure Melody Green, Phoenix Tail Platform... my goodness, this restaurant really does go overboard with the names. I haven't even heard such names at the Imperial Banquet," Chen Yun joked.

Jiang Yan casually added, "Perhaps it's a tactic to attract customers. A small establishment like this needs gimmicks to become famous. Although the dish names are a bit pretentious, they do manage to impress. How could they compare to the Imperial Banquet, which never resorts to such trivial tricks to draw in crowds? Such petty strategies are beneath the dignity of the Imperial Banquet."

Chen Yun laughed, agreeing with Jiang Yan's remarks.

Xu Dong, listening on the side, had an expression caught between wanting to laugh and trying not to.

A few minutes later, the first dish was served.

The server introduced it to the Xu family as "Exquisite Jade," a new dish Lin Le had developed the day before.

Hearing the server explain the dish was made of lettuce, Chen Yun chuckled, "With a name like 'Exquisite Jade,' I thought you actually used some edible jade, only to find out it's just lettuce... If it's made of lettuce, just call it lettuce. Giving it such a name can easily lead to misunderstandings."

The server paused momentarily, then quickly regained her composure with a smile, "Not at all. A dish's name is just a form of address, like 'wife cake,' 'fish-flavored shredded pork,' or 'three fresh delicacies from the earth.' Surely, we don't literally expect to find a wife, fish, or dirt in them, right?"

Chen Yun, feeling outsmarted, snapped, "You!"

Mr. Xu tapped his chopsticks and said sternly, "Enough, Yun."

"Grandpa~" Chen Yun protested, "She..."

"I said enough!" Mr. Xu's voice deepened, "Keep it up, and you can leave."

"I…" Chen Yun was stunned by Mr. Xu's sternness, feeling wronged and embarrassed, yet she dared not just storm off in a huff.

Xu family's eldest aunt scolded coldly from the side: "Apologize to your grandfather right now. We're here to eat, not to cause a scene."

Chen Yun pursed her lips, full of grievances, but still apologized.

Xu Dong snickered, earning a glare from Chen Yun, but he didn't react much, simply raising an eyebrow and continuing to eat.

"Exquisite Jade," he hadn't seen this dish during his last visit and was curious about its taste. Despite his reservations about Lin Le, Xu Dong couldn't fault her cooking. Recalling the flavors from his last visit, his eyes lit up at the sight of the dish before him.

"Exquisite Jade" was made with lettuce. The dish was delicately prepared, featuring five emerald-green columns about seven to eight centimeters tall and three centimeters in diameter at the base, each intricately carved with auspicious dragon patterns, looking translucent and beautiful; surrounded by dark green broccoli and pink petal-shaped garnishes.

Xu Dong bit into one of the green auspicious dragon columns, surprised by the taste. The lettuce column turned out to be hollow, with just a thin outer layer of lettuce filled with crispy meat and hot sauce inside.

The burst of rich sauce and crispy meat soaked through the tender lettuce exploded on the palate with a warm yet deliciously fragrant taste, making it irresistible. Xu Dong took a deep breath and reached for a second piece.

The dish was portioned per person, but since Chen Yun, still upset about earlier, hadn't touched hers, an extra piece was available. As Xu Dong was about to enjoy another, Mr. Xu demanded sharply, "Give that to me!"

Xu Dong glanced at him and swiftly stuffed the entire piece into his mouth.

"You little rascal!" Xu's grandfather immediately exclaimed in anger, "Disrespectful!"

Xu Dong continued to chew without a word, while Xu's little aunt, who had also eaten a piece, laughed, "Respecting the elderly is commendable, loving the young is important, but for the sake of good food, even face is not needed."

"Pfft—"

Laughter erupted around the table.

Chen Yun, who hadn't tasted anything yet but understood it must be delicious: "…"

With Linglong Jade setting the tone, the Xu family looked forward to the remaining dishes even more.

Chen Yun no longer sulked, realizing from a young age that one could throw tantrums anytime, but good food wasn't always available. So, after missing the first dish, she was more eager than anyone for the rest.

Of all the dishes at Lin Le's restaurant, Chen Yun's favorite was the "Beauty Banana."

This dessert, shaped like a baby's fist-sized banana leaf, was emerald green with a pearl-like red bean embedded at the leaf stem, resembling a ruby.

It was slightly thick, not just a thin layer, because inside was a soft milk jelly, enveloped in a refreshing matcha flavor with sweet milk jelly, offering a delightful taste and texture. And astonishingly, within this slightly thick milk jelly dessert was another layer of red bean paste, only discovered upon tasting.

The meal at Lin Le's was exceptionally joyful, as each dish was filled with unexpected surprises. Every dish was like a hidden gift, revealing its delight only when tasted.

…

Jiang Su had thought that Lin Le's signature dishes would win over the Xu family completely, but while they loved the meals, they showed no particular indication of it.

It was as if they treated the place like a cafeteria, arriving punctually for meals and leaving right after eating.

Indifferent and uninquiring, not even bothering to ask the staff about Lin Le, the main chef, their behavior was as callous as a scoundrel who leaves right after sleeping over.

This was too much.

Jiang Su, rarely angry, was upset with the Xu family for not following the script. Frustrated, she chopped some chili peppers before angrily tossing the kitchen knife aside, "Daughter, let's close the shop and take a few days off before reopening!"

"Huh?" Lin Le, who was intricately carving a cucumber, turned around in confusion, "Why?"

The Chinese restaurant was thriving, attracting many customers daily, including a steady stream of wealthy patrons, leading to exponential revenue growth. Her mother had been pleased, urging her to improve the dishes further. Now that they had finally won over the customers, why consider closing?

Jiang Su, unable to express her discomfort at being treated like a cafeteria, resorted to her health as an excuse, "I've been feeling unwell these past few days and want to visit the hospital. Let's stay there for a couple of days."

Concerned about Jiang Su's health, Lin Le immediately stopped carving the cucumber and rushed over, anxiously checking on her.

Jiang Su clutched her chest, "I'm not sure, it's just a suffocating discomfort."

Lin Le wanted to take Jiang Su to the hospital immediately but was persuaded to stay.

Jiang Su insisted on tidying up the shop first and writing a notice, as closing abruptly would be irresponsible to their customers.

Though Lin Le agreed not to take her to the hospital immediately, she adamantly refused to let Jiang Su work.

With the business booming, Lin Le had hired several staff to alleviate Jiang Su's burden, who usually did little work. Today, Lin Le wouldn't let her do anything at all.

Jiang Su spent a day idle, and by evening, all followers of the restaurant's WeChat and Weibo were alerted through an announcement—

[Due to personal matters, we will be temporarily closed for a few days. Reopening date to be announced later.]

Many regulars, who considered the restaurant a daily source of sustenance, were distraught, flooding the comments with inquiries about Lin Le's situation, wondering what could necessitate a closure.

Concerned for Jiang Su's health, they checked into the hospital that evening, hence not responding to the online queries.

While numerous netizens wondered about the reason behind Lin Le's restaurant closure, a topic titled: [Exposing the Celebrity Restaurant's "Heavenly" Chef] suddenly went viral in an anonymous forum.

Chapter 12

The First Daughter

The post, written from an insider's perspective, accused the celebrity restaurant's chef of plagiarizing dishes from others, slightly modifying signature dishes from other restaurants and claiming them as original creations, branding it as shameless.

The poster even included comparison photos of the signature dishes from the celebrity restaurant and those it allegedly copied, along with an ingredient analysis, making it easy for readers to decode the mentioned celebrity restaurant.

It was referring to Lin Le's restaurant, which had recently become popular online — the Chinese restaurant.

Following the post, fans of the Chinese restaurant and rational bystanders spoke up.

"Just a few pictures and you're accusing someone of plagiarism? That's quite rash. I've eaten at the Chinese restaurant. The chef's skills are genuinely impressive, and the dishes are innovative. Honestly, I couldn't see any similarity with the dishes mentioned by the original poster."

"It seems fame really does bring unwarranted criticism. Is this the first time I'm hearing that cooking can also involve plagiarism? By the original poster's logic, does my mom making bok choy or braised pork at home count as plagiarism too? Is that infringing on the original creator's rights?"

"As someone who has eaten at both the Chinese restaurant and the so-called plagiarized ones mentioned by the original poster, I think the dishes at the Chinese restaurant taste better. I stand with the Chinese restaurant."

"It's the first time I've heard that even cooking can involve plagiarism. With so many braised chicken shops, Sha County snacks, and crossing-the-bridge noodles on the streets, who knows which one is the original? According to your logic, everyone is a plagiarist? You're probably just jealous of the Chinese restaurant's business, tsk, jealousy is the most disgusting!"

…

Naturally, there are people who stand up for Chinese restaurants, and also those who look down on them.

"Creating simple dishes isn't plagiarism, but the poster made it clear—it's about signature dishes! Signature dishes are chefs' hard-earned specialties, yet someone slightly tweaks them and claims as original. Isn't that blatant plagiarism?"

"Some are truly blind! The poster clearly despises someone for blatantly copying ideas, merely imitating others and claiming it as their own. The disgust is towards such shamelessness, and yet some of you, like that 'genius' chef, are just as foolish and toxic, endorsing such disgraceful behavior."

"The poster nailed it, calling them a 'divine' chef, who just tweaks others' recipes slightly, changing ingredients and methods to claim as their own creation. Impressive, indeed!"

"I've been meaning to say this. I've visited XXX, and their XX and XX dishes are genuinely delicious. In contrast, the Chinese Restaurant just mimics others, not coming close in quality. Those claiming the Chinese Restaurant is better must have only eaten there!"

…

The anonymous thread turned into a heated debate, escalating when Yuehua Zhai and Yingke Lou, renowned food brands, shockingly shared the post.

Yuehua Zhai and Yingke Lou, famous for their pastries, had their signature dishes apparently replicated by the Chinese Restaurant, causing controversy.

These established brands, known for their centuries-old reputation and quality, have garnered a loyal following over the years.

Their sharing of the post tipped the online debate in their favor, leading to a one-sided battle.

Fans of these two brands bombarded the Chinese Restaurant's official account with insults.

"Sister Zhai has been so Zen over the years, ignoring countless knock-offs. You're the first to provoke a direct response. Gotta say, impressive."

"Using our creativity as your signature dish, aren't you afraid of your tongue twisting in the wind? [Disgust] Despise those who plagiarize others' work for their gain. What face do you have to keep your restaurant open?"

"Trash restaurant! Better close down early!"

"Close your sister!"

"Who says Lele's dishes are copied? Those were found by me! How can people say that! Those dishes have nothing to do with them. I've checked; they were made by people long ago, now forgotten!"

The Lin family's cookbook Lin Le practices with was carefully compiled by V0 from its vast database, selecting lost recipes to avoid trouble, following Jiang Su's directive to choose dishes long out of circulation.

"Never expected something like this to happen!"

V0 was on the verge of tears from frustration.

Jiang Su stroked it to calm it down, saying, "It's not your fault. If Qin Yan wants to trouble Lin Le, he will find any means necessary. We just need to face it head-on. Besides, him targeting the Chinese Restaurant actually works in our favor."

This incident made Jiang Su, V0, and Lin Le well aware of the manipulator behind the scenes.

As the Chinese Restaurant became increasingly popular online, Lin Le, the head chef, could no longer keep a low profile, especially with Qin Yan actively searching for her. Her actions quickly pointed Qin Yan in her direction, leading him to find her in Haicheng soon after.

"Come back with me, I promise I won't marry Xu Ruyan. I like you. If you come back with me, I can marry you," Qin Yan declared to Lin Le at the bottom of Jiang Su and Lin Le's rented apartment building.

His words were definitive, acting both as a promise and an announcement.

His speech treated Lin Le's actions as mere caprices, challenging his decision to marry Xu Ruyan.

Lin Le turned pale, trembling all over. It was always the same with him, always.

"What makes you think I would marry you? Marry you? Qin Yan, what does your marriage have to do with me?"

"Why wouldn't it matter? Isn't it because I was getting married that you left me? Now, I won't marry her. I realize the person I love is you, I can marry you! Only you!"

Qin Yan spoke with urgency and sincerity, but Lin Le felt nauseated.

"Can't you stop being so presumptuous?" she articulated, pale-faced, "I left you because I was disgusted. You discuss marriage with someone else while pretending with me, making me look like a shameful third party, even wanting me as your mistress? Qin Yan, what makes you think I would ever marry you?"

Qin Yan's eyes blazed, resembling a beast ready to lash out. Lin Le turned even paler but persisted, "I hate you, wish you were dead! I will never be with you, never!"

"Lin Le!"

In a rage, Qin Yan grabbed Lin Le, just as Jiang Su rushed out with a broom, beating him without hesitation.

She also called out to the neighbors for help.

Having lived here for a while, Lin Le's cooking skills and kindness had endeared them to the neighbors. Hearing Jiang Su's call, a group of enthusiastic locals came out, armed and ready to join her in beating Qin Yan.

Eventually, Qin Yan was chased away by Jiang Su and the neighbors. After a few more failed attempts, guarded closely by Jiang Su, Qin Yan's patience ran out, and he reverted to his old ways.

Chapter 13

The First Daughter

A leopard cannot change its spots.

There's no hope for someone who has always been self-centered to become considerate and gentle.

It costs something for a prodigal son to turn back.

And such a price might be paid by the prodigal's family, friends, lovers, and himself.

Some say a prodigal's sincerity is wrought in blood.

Yet, by choosing to be a prodigal, one should be prepared to live a life devoid of genuine sincerity.

Jiang Su's disdain for Qin Yan stems both from her sympathy for Lin Le and her contempt for him. Qin Yan's status has shaped his character. Under normal circumstances, this wouldn't matter, but his most despicable trait is disregarding others' sincerity initially and later, when finding it valuable, attempting to seize it forcibly.

She doesn't believe in Qin Yan's sincerity, not considering him worthy of Lin Le, even knowing he truly likes Lin Le.

Qin Yan reverts to his old tactics, pressuring Lin Le.

Lin Le is resolute, refusing to submit, yet Jiang Su senses her unease. Despite Jiang Su's influence, Lin Le subconsciously fears Qin Yan due to her experiences of being oppressed by him.

This fear is a natural reaction of the underprivileged towards the powerful.

It's a helpless situation.

Jiang Su, not wanting Lin Le to revert to her previous timid self under Qin Yan's pressure and with no response from the Xu family, decides to take matters into her own hands.

Jiang Su instructs V0 to find the origins and development of the dishes from the Lin family cookbook, intending to publicize the long heritage of the cookbook and its dishes.

V0 retrieves the required information, and Jiang Su organizes it, then hires online influencers to spread the word.

…

Hai Cheng Local Treasure, a marketing account with over 400,000 followers, regularly shares content related to Hai Cheng, including events, travel tips, and local cuisine.

When the Chinese Restaurant first gained popularity, the owner of Hai Cheng Local Treasure, having personally visited the restaurant and becoming a loyal customer, continued to support it despite negative claims of plagiarism from Moonlit Pavilion and Ying Ke Tower.

Thus, when Jiang Su's marketing team reached out to Hai Cheng Local Treasure for assistance, the owner readily agreed.

HaiChengLocalTreasureV: Turns out, ancient people knew how to enjoy food far more than we do! Makes me envy the emperors of old even more! [cry laugh] [cry laugh] [long image] [long image]

Due to the recent buzz around the Chinese Restaurant and Hai Cheng Local Treasure's support, the account gained many new, albeit hostile, followers.

Upon posting, critics swiftly attacked, questioning the integrity of Hai Cheng Local Treasure.

"An unethical influencer! How much did the Chinese Restaurant pay you?"

"[Smile] Bro, I've been asking for days, what's your group number? Let me in on the action and make some quick money too?"

"Bootlicker, why aren't you groveling before your 'divinely talented' chef today?"

Despite the insults in the comments section, there were those who genuinely read the original post and commented—

"Wow, ancient people really knew how to enjoy food! They were even happier than we are now!"

"This looks so delicious!"

"emmmmm~ why do these ancient dishes look so familiar to me?"

"No need for familiarity, I specifically went back to check, and yes, these dishes really have the same names as those introduced by the Chinese restaurant, I even ate... the Phoenix Jade Roast..."

"...Xiao Bao, what's actually going on here?"

…

Due to the outcome of Yuehua Pavilion and Yingke Building, as well as Qin Yan's behind-the-scenes operations, the plagiarism scandal of the Chinese restaurant became highly controversial. When several marketing accounts simultaneously released information on the origins and development of the alleged plagiarized dishes, the internet quickly erupted.

Many questioned the existence of these dishes. While some leaked data had traceable evidence, others, being lost recipes, had no basis to be found.

As many detractors deemed this release of information as an ineffective attempt at whitewashing for the Chinese restaurant, several historians and renowned culinary family heads suddenly stepped in to share these posts.

"Holy shit! Even Master Ji has stepped in! What's with this Chinese restaurant?"

"What does Master Chen mean by this? Is he siding with the Chinese restaurant?"

"My god, Master Jiang too, is the Chinese restaurant aiming for the skies?!"

"Hey, hey, hey! Guys, let's focus! These big shots have personally confirmed it, meaning those dishes did indeed exist historically?"

"I'm shook! This world is a bit fantastical... So, the Chinese restaurant really has a cookbook?"

"Eh? What cookbook? Bro, I need an explainer!"

"Hey! I've also heard about the cookbook. It's said that the chef of the Chinese restaurant has a family cookbook, and every new dish she introduces is learned from this cookbook."

"? Eh, eh, eh? Is this for real?!"

The matter of the Chinese restaurant became even more heated online.

Jiang Su herself hadn't anticipated this turn of events. She was considering which authoritative and experienced individuals she could ask to verify the data, but divine help arrived unexpectedly, saving her the effort as those authoritative figures took the plunge themselves.

Jiang Su is very pleased with the current situation but is also very concerned about the reasons why things have evolved to this point.

While pondering the cause, Lin Le suddenly came to her to admit a mistake.

She told Jiang Su that she had given the cookbook to someone.

Jiang Su was surprised, but even more astonishing was that the person Lin Le gave the cookbook to was none other than Xu Rui from the Xu family.

"…"

"The Xu family is powerful and influential, and Xu Rui is very famous in the food street. Moreover, he has been engaged in antiquity searching in recent years. I could only seek his help by relying on the cookbook, Mom, I'm sorry. I've let you and Dad down, as well as the Lin family. But I really had no other choice."

Lin Le knelt before Jiang Su, feeling tremendously guilty as she faced Jiang Su's stunned expression. A family cookbook, passed down through generations of the Lin family, was now handed over to someone else by her.

She truly felt unfilial.

And utterly helpless.

But... she was also without a choice.

With Qin Yan relentlessly pursuing her, she simply couldn't contend against him alone. Her only way out was to seek external help, but why would those with power and influence care to assist her?

Lin Le kowtowed to Jiang Su, "I gave half of the cookbook to Xu Rui, asking him to protect us from Qin Yan's bullying. I'm sorry, Mom, I know what I did was very unfilial, but compared to being harassed by Qin Yan, I don't regret giving the cookbook to Xu Rui."

"..." Jiang Su actually wanted to say that she wasn't angry at all.

Not only was she not angry, she even wanted to praise Lin Le—what she did was commendable.

Knowing the original plot, Jiang Su always felt like an old mother trying to pave the way for her naive daughter, never expecting that the seemingly fragile flower was actually a resilient little grass capable of withstanding pressure on her own.

Jiang Su was delighted.

She also finally realized that she had subconsciously thought of Lin Le as too fragile.

In fact, this shouldn't be the case.

In this world, only those who are cherished and protected can truly remain innocent, because all their darkness has been shielded by others.

But Lin Le was different.

Born into hardship, she had faced countless dark moments throughout her life. Thus, while her nature was gentle, she was equally resilient. Innately kind, yet not lacking in strategy.

"You did the right thing." Despite her inner joy, Jiang Su's face remained sorrowful as she helped Lin Le up, sighing softly, "Given the circumstances, this was a good decision. The cookbook is important, but after all, it's an inanimate object. I believe your ancestors and your father wouldn't blame you, because living well is more important than any book."

Lin Le's eyes reddened, and she choked up.

Compared to Jiang Su, who knew the origin of the cookbook inside out, Lin Le truly regarded it as the legacy of the Lin family. So, handing over her ancestors' hard work to someone else was genuinely heartbreaking for her. But often, heartbreak is futile; forced by circumstances, she had no choice but to acquiesce.

Lin Le gripped Jiang Su's hand, "Xu Rui of the Xu family is very famous in the culinary world. He has agreed to take me as his disciple, and from now on, both you and I will be under the Xu family's protection. We won't have to fear Qin Yan anymore."

"If that's the case, then it's good," Jiang Su said.

Lin Le looked at her, determined, "I will work hard, Mom. Believe in me, one day we won't need the Xu family's help, and Qin Yan won't be able to touch us."

Jiang Su gently stroked her hair, "Mom believes in you."

You will definitely succeed.

Chapter 14

The First Daughter

After numerous historians and culinary families confirmed the existence of those ancient dishes, the official Weibo of the Chinese Restaurant finally spoke up, acknowledging the existence of the "Lin Family Cookbook."

Just as the internet was bombarded with news about the "Lin Family Cookbook," the Chinese Restaurant dropped another bombshell—

The Chinese Restaurant was going to close.

The decision to close the Chinese Restaurant was made after discussions between Lin Le and Jiang Su. Xu Rui had agreed to take Lin Le as his disciple, and given Xu Rui's status and influence in the culinary world, Lin Le's future learning and development were expected to be abroad.

Lin Le shared her plans with Jiang Su, who agreed with her decision. Jiang Su now understood that Lin Le was a completely independent individual with her own thoughts and plans. Though still gentle in nature, she was not without her own opinions.

Thus, she chose to let her make her own decisions.

The announcement of the Chinese Restaurant's closure, following the certification of the "Lin Family Cookbook," was personally written by Lin Le, word by word.

She thought a lot about their initial hurried escape to Haicheng, their hard work setting up a stall, and then the opening of the Chinese Restaurant... Scenes flashed through her mind like colorful slides, feeling like years had passed though it was only a few months.

Her heart felt slightly bitter.

Lin Le's hands trembled uncontrollably as she typed, her reluctance evident—she loved Haicheng, loved the Chinese Restaurant, and loved all the patrons who smiled and asked for another bowl; yet, she had to let go, just like when she had no choice but to leave City A.

It seemed she had lost to Qin Yan once again.

Qin Yan was like an inescapable doom in her life, always appearing just when she thought she had a new beginning. How much more did she have to strive to completely free herself from him? Lin Le wondered.

This must be the last time, she silently vowed.

She swore never to experience this sense of helplessness again.

A simple "goodbye" was hard for Lin Le to write, as she revised the message again and again, ending with just a few words and a "goodbye."

Her announcement caused a stir online, with countless people pleading for her not to close the Chinese Restaurant. Since its rise to fame, the restaurant had seen an influx of patrons. However, many who enjoyed the food did not engage in controversies, maintaining a detached stance during the plagiarism accusations.

But now, things were different.

The Chinese Restaurant is going to be closed.

What does that mean?

It means they won't be able to taste its dishes and experience those flavors anymore!

For many, this news was like a bolt from the blue. With its reasonably priced but high-quality dishes, the restaurant's closure meant they would no longer know where to find such delicious yet affordable food.

Consequently, many people exploded with anger.

Not to mention the wailing comments under the official Weibo and public accounts of the Chinese Restaurant, numerous staunch patrons began targeting Yuehua Zhai and Yingke Lou for smear. In their view, had these shameless establishments not slandered the Chinese Restaurant, its owner wouldn't have been so disheartened as to close the shop.

They treated it as a venting outlet, launching relentless attacks on Yuehua Zhai and Yingke Lou.

Initially, Yuehua Zhai and Yingke Lou had been put in a disadvantageous position by the historians' interventions. The subsequent revelation of the cookbook by the Chinese Restaurant, followed by its closure, further proved that their actions were out of jealousy towards the new establishment, tarnishing their reputation significantly.

"The backlash online is unanimous against us. Our sales have plummeted these past few days. Mr. Qin, you must think of a solution for us. We only targeted the Chinese Restaurant because we heeded your advice. Now that things have turned out this way, you can't just abandon us," the CEO of Yuehua Zhai pleaded with a frosty-faced Qin Yan, his tone full of resentment.

Due to the closure of the Chinese Restaurant, Yuehua Zhai and Yingke Lou had become the punching bags for all fans of the Chinese Restaurant and netizens, leading to a rapid and still increasing drop in their sales. This forced the CEOs of both establishments to seek Qin Yan's help.

Initially, they had agreed to Qin Yan's request hoping to curry favor with the Qin family, thinking it was a simple matter. However, this minor issue led to a major setback for them, causing them immense regret.

They had no choice but to incessantly pester Qin Yan for a solution.

But Qin Yan had no interest in dealing with their problems at the moment.

Lin Le's decisive move to close the Chinese Restaurant had removed his leverage over her, and to his frustration, his spies reported she was now associating with the Xu family!

The thought of the photos of Lin Le and Xu Rui together made Qin Yan's eyes burn with rage.

While the CEOs of Yuehua Zhai and Yingke Lou were still eagerly voicing their grievances, Qin Yan was too distracted by his own fury to pay them any heed, feeling as if two flies were buzzing annoyingly around his head.

"Damn it!"

He kicked the tea table in front of him violently.

The CEOs of Yuehua Zhai and Yingke Lou were startled, halting their complaints as Qin Yan's phone suddenly rang.

Qin Yan answered with an irritated tone, "What is it?"

"Boss, we're currently following Mr. Xu Rui's car. It seems like they're heading to the airport! Miss Lin and Mr. Xu might be leaving!"

Stunned, Qin Yan roared like a furious beast, "Stop them! I want you to stop them immediately, do you hear me?"

The response came from the other end.

Qin Yan, clutching his phone, rushed out. The CEOs of Yuehua Zhai and Yingke Lou, puzzled and concerned for their businesses, followed him, saying, "Mr. Qin, our companies..."

"Get lost!" Qin Yan didn't let them finish, brushing them off aggressively.

His mind was consumed with thoughts of Lin Le running away again, this time with another man, leaving no room for other concerns. Thus, he ignored the two CEOs, rushing out of the office to get his car ready.

In his haste, he overlooked the resentful looks from the two men behind him.

Qin Yan sped towards the airport, breaking traffic laws along the way. He stayed on the phone with his people who were tracking Lin Le, ordering them to intercept Xu Rui's car. They managed to corner the car and force it to stop on the road.

Unexpectedly, the two individuals who emerged from the car were not who they expected.

"Boss, we made a mistake, we were wrong..." The men Qin Yan had sent were dumbfounded, staring at the young man before them with a smile.

"What?" Confused and angry, Qin Yan barked, "What the hell are you talking about?!"

Before the person on the phone could reply, the smiling young man snatched his headset, leisurely saying, "He means—you've got the wrong people."

Struck as if by lightning, knowing the Xu family's respectable status and their connections in the capital, Qin Yan panicked, "How is it you? Where's Xu Rui? No, where's Lin Le? Put her on the phone!"

Xu Dong offered a slight smile, his eyes mocking yet pleased, "Miss Lin can't take your call right now. Let me see, ah—at this time, she should be on her way to the airport with my uncle."

A scoff was heard,

Followed by a loud bang,

From the other end of the phone came Qin Yan's furious curse, "Fuck you!"

"You have no say!" With his heart sinking, Xu Dong ended the call fiercely and tossed the headset away before getting into his car.

In the car, Chen Yun removed her mask and sunglasses, glanced at Xu Dong with a stern voice, and asked, "Can we go back now?"

Xu Dong replied with a nod, "Sure. The twenty pieces of Warm Jade Crisp and ten Red Cloud Rolls that Lin Le prepared are ready, I'll give them to you when we get back."

"Who, who would want those?!" Chen Yun retorted with a scowl.

Xu Dong: "Then, I'll just give them to my mom."

Chen Yun immediately backtracked: "Don't you even think about it! Those were made for me by Lin Le!"

Xu Dong scoffed: "Tch, women~~"

…

After hanging up the call with Xu Dong, Qin Yan clenched his teeth, speeding through red lights all the way to the airport.

But upon arrival, he was at a loss, clueless about Lin Le's location, which flight she was on, or whether the plane had already departed.

Haicheng Airport, vast and magnificent, was bustling with hurried travelers. Standing in the lobby, Qin Yan felt utterly soulless, frantically calling out Lin Le's name like a madman.

All the passersby in the airport stared at him in astonishment, not just because of his frantic search but also due to the blood on his forehead and the disheveled, blood-stained appearance.

"Lin Le!"

He shouted.

"Lin Le!"

He called out.

"Lin Le!"

He cried.

As he blindly searched the airport, his mind was flooded with many words—threats, sincerity, earnestness... many, many words, but perhaps only the name Lin Le and his teary, hoarse utterance could be vocalized.

"…don't leave."

The airport was in chaos, with staff surrounding Qin Yan to try to calm him down, and the traffic police who had been following him also arrived.

This entire spectacle was witnessed from a corner on the second floor by Xu Rui and Lin Le.

Xu Rui put down his coffee cup and softly said, "Let's go, the farce is over."

Lin Le glanced at Qin Yan being forcibly removed from the airport by the police, her hand trembling slightly as she held her coffee cup, but she quickly smiled calmly and agreed, "Okay."

Chapter 15

The First Daughter [End]

Jiang Su stayed in this world for ten years.

She had her kidney transplant in the third year, by which time Lin Le had already made a name for herself in the international culinary world. Xu Rui didn't let her participate much in cooking competitions but took her to visit gourmet restaurants and culinary masters around the world. During those three years, even Jiang Su herself hardly saw Lin Le, as most of her schedule was abroad, with very little time spent in the country.

After three years, in the fourth year, Lin Le began participating in various international culinary competitions. Because of her outstanding performance, her fame grew even more. Xu Rui then allowed her to start her own restaurant.

Thus, Lin Le returned to the country, to Haicheng, and opened a new restaurant, still named Chinese Restaurant.

After four years of hard work, Lin Le had transformed significantly from who she was four years ago.

Having won numerous international competition awards, she had a formidable reputation both domestically and internationally, with countless fans.

The establishment of the new Chinese Restaurant was a sensation.

On the opening day of the Chinese Restaurant, Lin Le, Xu Rui, and culinary masters from both home and abroad who were friends with them were part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

As the new owner, Lin Le had changed a lot from four years ago. Her beauty remained, but she no longer seemed like the delicate flower she once was, fragile and timid; now, she was serene and composed, like a tranquil pond, still capable of stirring hearts but steadfast.

Standing before the crowd, she faced the media's cameras with calm and grace, her every move exuding natural elegance and warmth.

Lin Le was undoubtedly enchanting, and behind her, Xu Rui watched her with a tender gaze.

Meanwhile, not far from the Chinese Restaurant, a man wearing sunglasses also gazed deeply at her.

Qin Yan had not fared well over the years. His excessive actions, combined with the involvement of the Xu family, led Qin's father to decisively disown him.

Always proud, he didn't think being expelled from the Qin family would affect him much, believing he could succeed on his own. However, he found life extremely difficult in the first year after leaving the Qin family.

Qin's father, a veteran of the battlefield, remained uncompromising despite his age. With additional fuel from Qin's father, not only the Qin family but also all related families refrained from offering any assistance to Qin Yan.

Those who had been wronged by Qin Yan seized this moment for their revenge.

It was impossible to inflict serious harm or take Qin Yan's life. Despite many wishing to do so, Qin Yan carried the blood of the Qin family and was its sole heir. No one believed the Qin family would stand by and watch him die.

However, minor punishments and troubles to teach Qin Yan a lesson were something the Qin family members were happy to see.

Thus, Qin Yan's life was extremely difficult in the first few years.

He lost money in business ventures, struggled to find employment, and faced deliberate difficulties within any company he joined. These experiences significantly changed his character and made him realize how detestable he had been.

Qin Yan gradually understood his feelings for Lin Le, as well as the reasons for her resistance. He acknowledged his past beastly behavior and regretted his actions, thinking that if Lin Le would return, he would change for the better, treating her well, even if it meant spending his life atoning for his sins.

But fate did not grant him the opportunity to make such amends.

By the time Lin Le returned, there was already someone else by her side.

…

At the age of thirty-six, Lin Le's restaurant was awarded two Michelin stars.

By that time, she and Xu Rui had been married for three years and had a daughter named Xu Le (Yue), and Jiang Su passed away that year.

.

.

After leaving the first world, Jiang Su's soul returned to the cycle of reincarnation.

V0, now a significantly fatter white mouse, excitedly scurried around Jiang Su's feet, exclaiming, "Su Su, Su Su, I've changed! I've changed!"

Jiang Su lifted it with a chuckle, "Haven't you always been this chubby?"

In the first world, because of Lin Le's excellent cooking, V0 had become quite plump, almost the same as it is now.

V0 let Jiang Su pick it up by the scruff of its neck, even shaking its chubby body in cooperation: "It's different, Su Su! In the small world, although I could grow bigger, my species attribute was still the factory setting—a hamster…"

"But now, I've changed. Once you complete a mission, I get to upgrade with points! I've transformed! I'm no longer a hamster!"

Jiang Su, curious, asked, "Then what are you now?" She examined V0 but couldn't see any change.

V0 twisted its chubby body in her hand, "Su Su, can't you see? I've gotten bigger! I'm a guinea pig now!"

"A guinea—" Jiang Su laughed, "…pig, huh?"

"Yes, yes~" V0 seemed very excited.

Jiang Su chuckled softly, but she didn't dampen V0's enthusiasm, instead gently pinching its pudgy belly, mentioning it was time to head to the second world.

V0 asked if she wanted to rest for a few days first, considering they had just finished a mission.

Jiang Su shook her head, "No need, let's go straight there."

V0's eyes sparkled with admiration, feeling incredibly fortunate to have met Jiang Su. Strong and dedicated—its mission partner was just too wonderful!

Like before, V0 first transmitted the data of the next mission world to Jiang Su, and while she was digesting the information, it initiated the space jump.

[World jump confirmed]

[Ding!]

[Second mission world: The War Goddess Consort of the Prodigal Prince]

Chapter 16

The Second Daughter

V0's spatial jump still showed little activity, and Jiang Su felt she entered a new world in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Su received background information on the new world, realizing this era was not modern like the last but set in a fictional ancient time.

In this new world, Jiang Su's mission target was a female general named Ye Tong, who lived in this fictional ancient era.

Born into the distinguished military family of Da Jin, the Ye family, Ye Tong was exceptionally intelligent from a young age and was taught martial arts and military strategy alongside her father and brothers.

Ye Tong was the youngest daughter and the only girl in her family, with four older brothers, all born of the same mother.

Starting with Ye Tong's great-grandfather, the Ye family had been heroes on the battlefield, with every male member taking pride in defending their country's borders. At fifteen, when the borders of Da Jin were threatened by the invading Huns, Ye Tong's father was summoned to lead the troops, and her four brothers joined him.

But what nobody expected was that this farewell would turn into a permanent goodbye.

That battle was extremely tragic, with the Ye family completely annihilated, and the bodies of Ye Tong's father and two brothers were used by the Xiongnu to vent their anger and humiliate the Jin Empire. That year, the emperor of the Jin Empire, enraged, sought to blame the surviving widows of the Ye family for the defeat, disregarding the Ye family's contributions.

With all the Ye men killed in battle, leaving only orphans and widows, Ye Tong, unwilling to let her mother and sisters-in-law suffer further, offered herself in atonement, pleading with the emperor to allow her to lead troops against the Xiongnu.

At that time, due to the catastrophic defeat at the border, with the Xiongnu's fierce momentum and everyone in the court feeling endangered, yet no one daring to volunteer for battle, Ye Tong stepped forward. Despite facing criticism and obstruction, she ultimately got her wish. That same year, she became the only woman in Jin history to lead a military campaign against the frontier as a female official.

At that time, Ye Tong was only fifteen years old.

After three years of war, Ye Tong's fame spread throughout Jin. When she finally repelled the Xiongnu and the entire country admired and took pride in this female general, she used her military achievements to force a marriage with the prince of the Northern King's estate during the victory celebration.

If this had been a normal marriage, given Ye Tong's female status and her illustrious military achievements, the entire country and even the emperor wouldn't have criticized her. However, at that time, the old king of the Northern King's estate had just passed away, and the prince was still in mourning. Ye Tong's demand for marriage was seen as a great disrespect.

Thus, even though she got her wish and received the imperial marriage decree, the respect and fame she earned through blood and sweat were all but dissipated. Despite the nation's lingering fear of her, there was no longer any respect. When discussing her, people would only shake their heads and sigh - "Truly a woman, short-sighted, disregarding even decency for love."

The widows of the Ye family — Ye Tong's mother and sisters-in-law were also very angry with her actions. They tried to persuade Ye Tong, but she was as if bewitched, unwilling to repent.

Ye Tong's mother was furiously enraged, immediately disowning Ye Tong, declaring she no longer had such a daughter.

After being driven out by her mother, Ye Tong bowed in apology to her mother and all her brothers and sisters-in-law at the doorstep, then wrapped in red silk and dressed in white, she walked step by step to the Northern King's estate.

…

The sunlight was warm, tree shadows swayed, and the distant hustle and bustle of houses drifted over. The breeze stirred, causing the green curtains to sway gently like wisps of smoke, graceful and winding.

Jiang Su closed her eyes and looked at the top of the green curtains, her mind flooded with various emotions. After seeing the information provided by V0, she realized the task difficulty of this world was much higher than the previous one. Because, despite both involving betrayal, in the previous world, Lin Le's forced love actually turned into pure hatred towards Qin Yan.

Thus, it was easier for Jiang Su to separate her from Qin Yan.

The only real difficulty in the entire task was making Lin Le strong enough to counter Qin Yan's power.

But this second world was entirely different.

The hardest part of the second task was that Ye Tong had devoted her entire heart to Chu Mu, the young prince of the Northern King.

So, even knowing that Chu Mu's heart belonged to another, knowing that a marriage granted at the victory celebration would be a great transgression, and knowing that the Ye family would never agree, she still married Chu Mu.

Jiang Su's headache only grew as she pondered; Prince Chu Mu of the Northern Dynasty originally had a beloved, but she was married off to the royal family, leaving him yearning and thus unmarried until Ye Tong's return.

His heart harbored moonlight, incapable of accommodating another woman, and Ye Tong's forceful marriage proposal upon the recent death of the old king of the Northern Dynasty filled him with disdain and malice towards her.

Since their marriage, he had sought every means to humiliate Ye Tong. With vulgar insults, indifference, the lowest forms of defamation, and even more so after learning his beloved was with child, he indulged in the pleasures of the brothel and brought those women back to the Northern Dynasty's palace, filling it with scandal and disgrace.

For four years as his wife, Ye Tong had witnessed all his malice, yet, even so, she hadn't sought separation.

After pondering for a while, Jiang Su could only sigh deeply and decided to rise from bed, parting the curtains.

The waiting maids outside heard the movement and came in one after another. A maidservant around fifty approached Jiang Su, offering support, and asked, "Has the lady awakened? Shall we prepare for washing?"

Jiang Su nodded, and the maidservant signaled to the others, who came to assist Jiang Su in changing and washing.

Soon, a maid came to report, "Lady, Lv Wu from the main wife's side has come."

Jiang Su paused, then said, "Let her in."

"Yes," the maid slowly left, and shortly after, another maid entered. She appeared to be in her early twenties, quite beautiful, but what stood out most was her gentle demeanor, reminding Jiang Su of Lin Le from her previous life.

This thought made her somewhat distracted.

"Lady?" The elder maidservant, seeing Jiang Su lost in thought, called out to her.

Jiang Su returned to the moment and looked at her, the maidservant pointed to the maid, softly saying, "Today is your birthday, madam. They are all waiting for you in the front courtyard." After a pause, as if worried about something, she explained more gently, "Normally, you would have gone to the front courtyard by this hour. Today you're a bit late, so the madam sent Lv Wu to inquire."

Jiang Su's gaze softened, understanding more clearly the character of her predecessor from the documents.

The original Lady Ye came from a military family, her clan stationed on the frontier, where she met and fell in love with General Ye on the battlefield. Their marriage became a celebrated tale.

Lady Ye, raised in a military camp, was open-hearted and amiable.

But after the death of General Ye and her sons in battle, plunging the Ye family into unprecedented peril, Lady Ye changed.

At that time, with the Ye family facing existential crisis and everyone from the emperor to commoners blaming them for the defeat, if not for Ye Tong stepping forward, the fate of these widows of the Ye family would have been uncertain.

Lady Ye understood the fickleness of the world, thus became very authoritative and strict in her dealings.

The Ye family, from top to bottom, was influenced by her, and they were all cautious in their actions.

Even the two grandchildren of the Ye family, aged nine and seven, behaved impeccably and greeted Jiang Su with proper etiquette, their manners faultless yet devoid of any warmth or intimacy.

Jiang Su sighed silently.

She slowly approached Ye Zheng and Ye Rong, taking each by the hand gently and said, "Today is a family banquet, there are no outsiders, so there's no need to be so formal."

The ladies of the Ye family were somewhat astonished.

The two young children, pulled by Jiang Su, were utterly confused; they were young and, despite being well-behaved due to their mother's daily teachings, they were not used to such attention.

The old Lady Ye regarded the two youngsters as the hope of the Ye family and was always more strict than affectionate with them. This affectionate gesture in front of so many servants, coupled with her kind smile, was truly a first.

The two youngsters didn't know how to react and could only look towards their mothers instinctively.

Madam Ye and Lady Ye were also puzzled by their mother's unusually pleasant demeanor today, as she had always been stern, especially after the Ye family's mishap, even during birthdays, leading to a gloomy meal that was considered a celebration.

"What's happening today?"

Just as they were pondering, Jiang Su astonishingly led the two children to the table and then lifted one onto her lap with each hand.

Coming from a military family, Lady Ye possessed excellent martial skills, so even past fifty, her physique remained robust. Jiang Su simply wanted to test her strength and succeeded effortlessly. She naturally embraced the two little ones into her arms, then said to their mothers, "Qingying, Anning, Yuemother, why are you all still standing? Please, take a seat."

The children's mothers were speechless.

Jiang Su's method of changing her image was too abrupt, leaving the Ye family's widows and orphans in disarray. But fortunately, in this ancient feudal society, as long as the elders didn't commit major errors, such occasional whims were tolerated and digested by the younger generations.

The atmosphere at the birthday feast was peculiar, with the minds of the Ye family ladies not on the meal but on the elderly and the two young ones.

The young children, being naive and harboring admiration for Jiang Su, quickly warmed up to her, engaging in affectionate small talk and completely forgetting their mothers' strict teachings.

"Did the teacher ever spank grandmother's palms too?" Little Ye Rong looked at Jiang Su, his face full of disbelief.

Jiang Su smiled gently, "Of course, grandmother..."

Her voice suddenly halted, caused by the noisy discussions coming from outside the Ye family's main gate.

The Ye family's dining area in the front courtyard was next to the main hall, close to the main gate, so noises from outside were clearly audible here.

"Why did grandmother stop?" Ye Rong, focused solely on the fact that his formidable grandmother had her palms spanked by a teacher, pressed on with his questions when Jiang Su paused, "Grandmother, please tell Ronger, did the teacher spank you like he does Ronger..."

"Ronger!" Ye's second lady suddenly scolded, not for the question but because she noticed Jiang Su's changed expression and felt it inappropriate for Ye Rong to continue being impolite.

The commotion outside the gate was understood by all present to signify trouble.

And historically, this time of year always darkened Lady Ye's mood.

"Why are you scolding him for no reason? You've scared Ronger, Anning." Jiang Su, having regained her composure, scolded the second lady.

The second lady replied, "I was wrong, mother."

Jiang Su said, "I'm not blaming you, but it's not Zheng'er or Rong'er's fault. They are still young; there's no need to be so strict with them."

The second lady acknowledged, "I understand, mother-in-law."

Jiang Su nodded, then abruptly changed the subject, "Let's invite the person in. It happens every year, and it's always our Ye family that ends up being embarrassed."

Chapter 17

The Second Daughter

The Ye family looked at Jiang Su with uncertainty, while she remained composed and instructed the matron, still standing by, "Go, let her in."

"Yes," the matron no longer dared to delay, "I will go at once."

She turned and walked through the courtyard to the main gate, telling the guards stationed there, "The old lady says to let the young lady in; open the gate, please."

The guards exchanged a look of surprise but were not ones for excess chatter. Since Lady Ye changed her ways, she had disciplined the Ye household thoroughly, dismissing servants who were sly or unstable. Those who remained were either genuinely honest and simple or clever and knew their bounds.

Thus, although everyone was astonished by Jiang Su's decision, they did not question it further.

The guards opened the large gates, which creaked heavily as they swung open.

The onlookers gathered outside the house, initially clustered together to watch the excitement, burst apart like boiling water.

"The gate is open! The gate is open!"

"Something's finally happening in the Ye residence! I told you, no family holds grudges overnight; the old lady must have softened!"

"That's not necessarily true; it might be someone being thrown out again! It's not like we haven't seen it in the past years."

"Exactly, exactly."

"Hey, hey, hey, someone's coming out! It's an old woman!"

The crowd outside was exceptionally excited because the drama that unfolded here annually was repetitive, with no variation in process or outcome. Hence, seeing any new activity at the Ye residence sparked their excitement.

Four years ago, the first female general of Da Jin, Ye Tong, renowned for her military achievements, forced a marriage with the young lord of the Northern King's residence, meeting opposition from all in the Ye family. Despite this, General Ye proceeded as she wished, until she was publicly expelled from the Ye family by the furious Lady Ye.

"Although in everyone's eyes, Ye Tong, having been expelled from the Ye family, was still considered part of it, Lady Ye was determined not to forgive her. On festive occasions, whenever Ye Tong would visit, Lady Ye invariably closed her doors to visitors, and in severe cases, she even commanded the guards to throw Ye Tong out, belongings and all."

"After such incidents occurred several times, Ye Tong, not wanting to distress Lady Ye further, ceased her attempts."

"Thereafter, during festivals, she would only send gifts via servants from the Dingbei Prince's House, but on Lady Ye's birthday each year, she would personally come to pay her respects. However, she would not enter the mansion, choosing instead to kowtow dozens of times at the entrance of the Zhen Guo General's Mansion before leaving."

"This had been Ye Tong's practice for the past few years, and this year, like before, she kowtowed at the mansion's entrance. Unexpectedly, the main gate of the Ye residence suddenly opened."

"The deep red gate slowly opened with a heavy creaking sound, revealing Ma Momo's figure to the crowd gathered in front of the mansion."

"Ye Tong recognized Ma Momo. Ma Momo was Lady Ye's personal maid before her marriage, later accompanying her to the Ye household as part of her dowry. Choosing not to marry, she had served Lady Ye for decades, making her status within the Ye household quite extraordinary, essentially representing Lady Ye herself."

"'Auntie, is... is my mother...' Ye Tong looked at Ma Momo, hesitant to finish her sentence, her eyes flickering with both fear that Ma Momo was there to send her away on Lady Ye's orders and a secret hope for a sliver of chance."

"Ma Momo stepped down the stairs, took Ye Tong's hand, and helped her up: 'Get up quickly, the old lady has asked for you to come in.'"

"Hearing this, Ye Tong, overjoyed, grasped Ma Momo's hand tighter, asking, 'Really? My mother...' her voice tightening, '...finally agrees to see me?'"

"'Yes,' Ma Momo patted her hand, looking at her forehead wound with pity, 'Let's go inside.'"

"'Yes! Yes!' Ye Tong's eyes brimmed with tears, her bright pupils shimmering, but no tears fell."

"Subsequently, Ye Tong and Ma Momo entered together to meet Jiang Su and the ladies of the Ye family."

"Upon entering the hall, Ye Tong immediately knelt down and performed a deep bow to Jiang Su and the ladies of the Ye family."

"'Mother, eldest sister-in-law, second sister-in-law, third sister-in-law,' she knelt on the ground and called out each one by one, looking up."

"No one in the hall responded."

"The ladies of the Ye family wanted to speak, but with Jiang Su present, they were uncertain of what to say, thus remaining silent."

"Jiang Su, seated at the head of the table, fixed her gaze on Ye Tong for a long while before slowly saying, 'Stand up, no need to kneel any longer. The Ye family is now left with just us; let's sit together and have a reunion meal.'"

"Ye Tong shuddered, then, with great effort to suppress the ecstasy in her heart, looked up at Jiang Su, gave another deep kowtow, and then stood up."

"The maids hurriedly added stools and tableware; Jiang Su instructed to place a stool next to little Ye Rong, so Ye Tong sat close on Jiang Su's left side."

"This meal, in the end, was not enjoyed."

"Over the years, Ye Tong had almost become a taboo in the family. No one in the Ye family dared mention her in front of Lady Ye, but today, Jiang Su, under the identity of Lady Ye, not only called Ye Tong into the mansion but also let her dine at the same table, which was utterly astonishing."

"After the meal, Jiang Su did not immediately send Ye Tong away; instead, she led the members of the Ye family, including Ye Tong, to the ancestral hall."

"'It's been years; it's rare for you to come, go and offer incense to your father and brothers.'"

"The group arrived at the ancestral hall, where the servants remained outside, leaving only Jiang Su, the three ladies of the Ye family, the two toddlers, and Ye Tong to enter."

"Lady Ye and Lady Two led the two toddlers to kowtow in order of the Ye family's ancestors, while Lady Three lit a stick of incense for Ye Tong. Ye Tong knelt on the cushion, bowed three times, then stood to place the incense in the burner."

"Jiang Su stood beside the incense burner, her gaze deep as she watched Ye Tong."

"Wisps of smoke from the incense sticks rose, and in the dimly lit ancestral hall, the flickering candlelight cast shadows on the ground, swaying incessantly."

"Facing the ancestors of the Ye family, facing the remaining widows of the Ye family, Jiang Su's voice echoed in the hall."

"She asked Ye Tong, 'Ten years of effort, three years of hard battle, a century of reputation, a lifetime of infamy, a life mired for a Chu Mu, is it worth it?'"

"Ye Tong was stunned on the spot."

…

"That day, no matter how long and quiet the ancestral hall remained, Ye Tong could not find an answer."

"Under the clear sky, Ye Tong left the Zhen Guo General's Mansion on foot and walked back to the Dingbei Prince's House."

The steward, who had been waiting at the door, was overjoyed to see Ye Tong returning and immediately went up to her, saying, "Madam, there's trouble. The second young master has lost tens of thousands at the gambling house again, and now he's causing a scene demanding money from the treasury. But all the treasury's funds have been allocated for household expenses; we simply can't spare that much for the second young master!"

Ye Tong's brows furrowed slightly, just as she was about to speak, a young man suddenly rushed over, pointing at the steward and cursing, "You old fool! I ask you for money, and you refuse, hiding away here?"

He glanced at Ye Tong with a sneer and then glared at the steward, "You think turning to her will help? Let me tell you, in the Dingbei Prince's Mansion, the Chu family reigns supreme, and only my brother, my mother, and I are the true masters!"

The steward, sweating profusely, could only look at Ye Tong with a pleading gaze, "Madam…"

Ye Tong calmly said to Chu Li, "I've told you before, the mansion's funds are accounted for, and no matter how much you lose, you can't expect to take even a penny more from it."

Chu Li shrank back at Ye Tong's unemotional tone, somewhat intimidated by her. Despite being a woman, Ye Tong's military background and three years of battlefield experience gave her an imposing aura not easily borne by others. Yet, thinking of the money lost at the gambling house and the words of the concubines in the back yard, his courage suddenly swelled, "What right do you have to control me? This is my home, and I can take as much money as I want from it!"

His eyes filled with malice as he looked at Ye Tong, "Don't think just because my brother married you, you're the master of the Dingbei Prince's Mansion? I'll have you know, my brother can't wait to divorce you! He already has a woman he loves and will soon bring her home as his wife! When I have a new sister-in-law, you'll be nothing more than a discarded wife!"

Ye Tong remained expressionless, her gaze unfazed, appearing completely unaffected by Chu Li's words.

"Are you done?" she said indifferently, "If so, go back to your own courtyard. As for money, I won't give you a penny."

Chu Li was momentarily stunned, then furiously stomped his feet. But Ye Tong remained unmoved, her gaze turning slightly colder, her expression chilling, instantly radiating an intimidating aura.

Seeing this, Chu Li felt a jolt of fear, cursing as he left, "You wicked woman, my brother will surely divorce you! Just wait, you won't end well!"

Then, he turned and ran.

The steward watched his retreating figure, wiped his forehead, and sighed deeply, remarking, "Madam, you really have a way with the Second Young Master!"

Ye Tong did not respond; she quietly watched Chu Li's departing figure and softly asked the steward, "Where is the prince?"

The steward was startled, then chuckled awkwardly, "The, the prince said he was leaving the mansion for some work a month ago. It seems something has delayed him; he has not yet returned…"

Ye Tong let out a mocking laugh.

Ten years of toil, three years of bitter warfare, a century of reputation, a lifetime of infamy, a lifetime mired in scandal…

Is it worth it?

She questioned herself as well.

Chapter 18

The Second Daughter

"Mother, when will brother finally divorce that woman? The Dingbei Prince's Mansion is surnamed Chu, yet I have to abide by her rules even to take some money from the mansion! Why?!" Chu Li fumed, knocking over a vase in frustration. "She, Ye Tong, is just an outsider who forcibly married my brother and now hoards the mansion's resources, preventing us from even accessing pocket money without her approval! Mother! How long must we live like this?!"

Chu Li despised Ye Tong deeply. Being pampered and indulgent from a young age, he never restrained himself, even less so after the Dingbei Prince's death. But ever since Ye Tong entered their lives and took control of the household's finances, Chu Li's comfortable days became restricted. He had to seek Ye Tong's permission for every penny, and with her military background and straightforward nature, she often denied his requests, even suggesting he undergo military training to reform his spoiled ways.

Her intentions were good, as she had promised the old prince to take care of his family, hoping Chu Li would change for the better.

However, Chu Li saw it as Ye Tong finding fault with him deliberately.

This led to mounting resentment between them.

Chu Li was dissatisfied, viewing Ye Tong as an usurper. Despite not being a favored queen by his brother, she dared to dominate them.

Unbelievable!

The old queen mother also disliked Ye Tong.

The old Dingbei Prince was the youngest son of the previous emperor, favored by his mother, the Empress Dowager. There were rumors that the old emperor considered making the Dingbei Prince his heir over the crown prince due to his frail health and the prince's young age. However, to secure the dynasty, the old emperor did not enact this plan.

Although the current emperor swore to treat the Dingbei Prince well, the prince remained a thorn in his side.

The Dingbei Prince was precociously intelligent, living cautiously to avoid the emperor's suspicion, marrying not from nobility but a commoner.

The old queen, of humble origins, appreciated her rise to prominence within the high walls of the prince's mansion. Having faced ridicule for her background, she disliked noble-born ladies, particularly Ye Tong, for her high birth and firm disposition.

She reassured Chu Li, "Don't worry, that woman won't be arrogant for long. Once your brother returns, she'll have no place in this family."

Chu Li's spirits lifted, then hesitated, "Can that woman really do it? Brother has brought many women home over the years, none could displace Ye Tong. Mother, are you sure she can?"

"Certainly," the old queen smiled, "This one is different from those in the mansion."

"How so?" Chu Li inquired.

The old princess raised an eyebrow, her expression content as if she had already foreseen Ye Tong's fate, "This time, she resembles that person quite closely. Don't you think they are similar?"

That person… Chu Li paused, then understanding dawned, and he hesitated, "But will it work? Brother likes that person, even if this woman looks just like her, it won't make a difference, right?"

"Silly child," the old princess affectionately patted Chu Li's head, "You don't understand. Your brother may like that person, but they are an impossibility now. For so many years, your brother has loved in vain. Now that a woman who resembles her so closely has appeared, do you think he won't be moved?"

Chu Li's eyes lit up, and the old princess continued, "Moreover, Ye Tong is extremely jealous. She can't even stand the other women in the back yard. So, tell me, when your brother brings home someone who looks exactly like her to dote on, do you think she'll be able to bear it?"

"Hahaha! I get it now, Mother!" Chu Li burst into laughter, his mood lifted greatly at the thought of Ye Tong's impending misfortune.

The servants attending to the room, all demure and obedient, overheard the conversation between the old princess and Chu Li, which was not kept private. Thus, it didn't take long for their words to spread throughout the mansion.

As autumn turned to winter, the frosty winds grew harsher, and the parasol leaves turned yellow.

The autumn deepened, and the season's essence thickened. After a bout of autumn rain, yellow leaves covered the grounds of the mansion, as if laying down a layer of gold, radiant and splendid. The maids in various courtyards were instructed to sweep the fallen leaves, while those in the mansion's garden were casually ordered by a passing steward to clean up.

Being low-ranking maids, they dared not defy the steward. But as soon as he left, one of them, dressed in a fetching claret waist-pinched thin coat, couldn't help but snort at the steward's retreating figure, "What's there to be so smug about? Let's see how arrogant you can be once the princess is gone!"

Her companion, wearing a slightly worn green thin coat, quickly covered her mouth and looked around. Seeing no one, she pulled the fetching maid behind a rockery and whispered sharply, "Why is your mouth so reckless, spouting such nonsense?"

"Why can't I say it?" Cuihong shook off Lvzhu's hand and retorted with wide eyes, "Where did I speak wrongly? Who in the mansion doesn't know that the prince will bring back a concubine? Just wait until the new lady enters; where will the princess stand then?"

"Whether or not, that's for the masters to worry about, not for us servants to discuss," Lvzhu frowned disapprovingly, "Moreover, only commoners have concubines. Here, in the mansion, there can only be one mistress, and that's the princess. Do you understand?"

She poked Cuihong's forehead with her finger.

Cuihong huffed, unconvinced, "Whether she becomes a concubine or not is entirely up to the prince, isn't it? Who doesn't know our prince favors the new lady over the princess? Once the new lady enters the mansion, even if her status isn't as high, being the apple of the prince's eye, cherished by him, how is that any different from being his wife?"

Lvzhu shook her head, about to point out the significant difference when suddenly a sharp scolding voice came from the side.

"How bold of you! To dare gossip about the masters' affairs!"

Startled, Lvzhu and Cuihong turned around to see a person in a fresh, light yellow jacket, with a delicate appearance, glaring at them. Being lowly maids, they still interacted with the masters and naturally recognized the capable maids who served closely beside them.

Upon seeing the woman, Lvzhu and Cuihong immediately recognized her as Chunrui, Ye Tong's head maid.

"Sister Chunrui, please spare us! We know our mistakes and won't dare again! Please forgive us this once!" Lvzhu and Cuihong immediately knelt down to kowtow to Chunrui. The garden's ground was paved with pebbles, and the force of their kowtowing soon reddened their foreheads, which, against their pale faces, looked pitiful.

But Chunrui showed no mercy. Having served Ye Tong for four years, evolving from a sweeping maid to her head maid, her affection for Ye Tong ran deep. How could she tolerate such slander against Ye Tong?

With that thought, Chunrui, without any leniency, reported the matter to the steward. Recently, the mansion was rife with rumors, and the steward, unsure how to inform Ye Tong, had been withholding it. Chunrui's action today effectively burst the bubble.

The steward, along with Chunrui, promptly went to find Ye Tong and informed her of the incident.

Upon learning of the matter, Ye Tong paused in her reading, then emotionlessly instructed the steward to expel the two maids from the mansion as punishment.

The steward, following orders, immediately went to carry it out.

The mansion was too plagued with rumors; this was a perfect opportunity to set an example to deter others.

However, had this been in the past, such a directive from Ye Tong and execution by the steward would have been effective. But this time, although the subordinates were intimidated by Ye Tong, Chu Li would not let it rest so easily.

"Mother, look at Ye Tong! She doesn't even consider me! It's not because Cuihong gossiped that she expelled her from the mansion, but clearly to slap me in the face! Cuihong is my person, and she expelled her without even a word to me, which is utterly excessive!" Hearing the news that Cuihong and Lvzhu were expelled, Chu Li came to complain to the old princess.

These past few days, Chu Li had been feeling suffocated. Ye Tong wouldn't allow the treasury to give him money, nor would she allow the guards to accompany him outside, and he couldn't pay off his gambling debts. Without protection, he would be accosted by debt collectors from the gambling house as soon as he stepped outside.

The enforcers from the gambling house were all thugs and ruffians. Although they wouldn't physically harm Chu Li due to his status, how could he afford to lose face? So, these past few days, he simply didn't go out.

During these days confined to the mansion, Chu Li's resentment towards Ye Tong reached its peak, spending his days either cursing in the courtyard or pestering the old princess about when Chu Mu would return. And now, news had spread that a maid was expelled from the mansion for speaking out of turn, notably one from Chu Li's own quarters.

On any ordinary day, Chu Li might not have cared much about a lowly maid's comings and goings, but with his patience already thin and Ye Tong being the one responsible, he lumped this new grievance with old, taking his complaint directly to the old princess.

"Mother, you must stand up for me!"

Chu Li knew that alone he could never truly trouble Ye Tong. However, involving his mother would change the game entirely; after all, she was an elder, and with the principle of filial piety on her side, he wondered how Ye Tong could continue to be so brazen.

"I've heard about it too. What exactly happened? They say a maid was gossiping? What did she say?" the old princess asked, holding Chu Li's hand.

"Mother!" Chu Li, frustrated with her line of questioning and filled with resentment, said, "Do you really think it was just some maid talking? This was clearly Ye Tong slapping me in the face by making an example out of Cuihong! Mother, she's just flaunting her higher status, deliberately disregarding us, the people of the Dingbei Prince's Mansion! Are you just going to let her do as she pleases in our home?"

"How dare she!" The old princess disliked anyone flaunting their status, especially Ye Tong's! Whether it's being born into a military family or being a decorated general, once married into the Dingbei Prince's Mansion, one must follow its rules!

"Someone! Fetch Ye Tong for me! Disrespectful to elders, indifferent to younger siblings, managing the household by whimsically expelling servants for personal reasons. Such a person, lacking in filial piety and righteousness, I must ask her how she still has the face to be the lady of the Dingbei Prince's Mansion!"

Servants ran from the old princess's western garden to Ye Tong's southern garden, naturally not daring to relay her exact words, but vaguely mentioning that the old princess wished to see Ye Tong.

"What is it this time?" It was well known throughout the mansion that the old princess disliked Ye Tong, so her summoning Ye Tong was never for anything good, something Ye Tong had grown accustomed to.

"Zhu Qing didn't specify, but it seems the Second Young Master is also in the old lady's quarters," Chunrui replied.

Ye Tong put down her ledger and rubbed her temples.

When Ye Tong arrived at the courtyard of the old princess consort, she found the old lady in the midst of happily scolding Chu Li.

"Did the dowager summon me just to listen to you and Chu Li say these things?" Ye Tong stepped over the threshold, walking directly into the room with an expressionless face.

Upon seeing Ye Tong, Chu Li's eyes widened before he suddenly charged forward, pointing at her and accusing, "Ye Tong, you venomous woman! Do you think the Northern King's Mansion is already yours, so you can do whatever you wish, completely disregarding me and my mother?!"

Ye Tong, looking at the finger pointed at her, her eyes turned cold. She was not someone of a mild temper, having earned the fearsome name on the battlefield by making the Huns tremble at the mere mention of her through killing. Over the years, she had been tolerant towards the people in the Northern King's Mansion, but these days, she felt suffocated with anger. Faced with Chu Li's provocation, she didn't hesitate to teach him a lesson.

"Ah!"

A sudden scream echoed inside the room, followed by Chu Li clutching his right hand and screaming in agony, "My hand! My hand is broken! Mother! Mother, my hand is broken!"

"Li'er!" The old princess consort rushed to Chu Li, seeing him screaming in pain about his broken hand, and swung her hand to slap Ye Tong, yelling, "You venomous woman!"

With a slight movement of her feet, Ye Tong instantly moved in front of the dowager. The dowager's slap, powered with all her might, missed and caused her to stagger. She turned back to glare at Ye Tong, her eyes seething with a desire to flay Ye Tong alive.

"Venomous woman! Ye Tong, you venomous woman! I will make sure my brother divorces you! Divorces you!" Chu Li, clutching his right hand, cursed Ye Tong with a pale face filled with venom.

Ye Tong, with trembling fingertips, laughed in anger, "My marriage to your brother was personally arranged by the late king. Do you wish to defy the late king's dying wish by asking Chu Mu to divorce me?"

Chu Li was momentarily speechless, while the old princess consort immediately retorted, "If the king knew your true nature, he would have personally had Mu'er divorce you!"

Chu Li's eyes lit up, "Exactly! Even if my father was alive, he would have made my brother divorce you, you venomous woman! Ye Tong, it's all because of you, ever since you married into the mansion, it has turned into this state! You should be thrown out of the mansion; you are unworthy of marrying my brother!"

"Enough!" Ye Tong, furious, her eyes turned blood red and her expression as ferocious as a ghastly demon. She slammed her palm on the nanmu table behind her, instantly shattering it, and the celadon teacups placed on it also shattered into pieces.

Chu Li and the old princess consort were startled by Ye Tong's demeanor, one being a pampered scion and the other a secluded lady of the inner court, neither had witnessed such a scene and were immediately silenced by fear.

The servants in the room were also shocked. Over the years, despite Ye Tong not being particularly amiable towards the servants, she had never shown such a terrifying side in front of them. It was only at this moment that everyone in the room realized that this lady, who managed the household and dealt with all sorts of affairs, was once the renowned General who had made her name feared across the Huns and known throughout the lands.

The room was engulfed in silence.

Ye Tong exhaled deeply, her fingers clenching so tightly that the tips dug into her flesh. She knew she shouldn't act this way; the Northern King's Mansion was not a battlefield. The people here couldn't accept her like this. She needed to stay calm. Stay calm!

The blood red in Ye Tong's eyes slowly receded. She glanced at the old princess consort and Chu Li, said nothing, and prepared to leave, only to come face-to-face with Chu Mu, whose face was ashen with rage, standing outside the door.

Ye Tong's hands, hidden behind her back, clenched tightly.

Chu Mu, trembling with anger, gritted his teeth and glared at her: "Ye Tong, what audacity you have!"

He had not expected that after rushing back, dust-streaked and weary, he would be met with such a scene. Ye Tong daring to break Chu Li's hand and intimidate him and his mother!

"Brother!"

"Mu'er!"

Upon hearing Chu Mu's voice, the old princess consort and Chu Li, as if seeing a savior, rushed towards him. Chu Mu embraced the old princess consort, who burst into tears at the sight of her son's travel-worn face.

"Mu'er, my son. You've finally come back! If you had been any later, your mother and brother might have been ground to death by someone!"

"Brother," Chu Li also cried out loud, "you see how Ye Tong treats us, right? She doesn't regard me and mother as family at all. Brother, you must stand up for mother and me..."

"Ye Tong!" Chu Mu, seeing his only two family members cry so heartbreakingly and recalling Ye Tong's treatment of them, was unable to contain his fury, "Have you forgotten what you promised my father?! You said you would protect the Northern King's Mansion, would protect my mother and little Li. Is this how you protect them?!"

Ye Tong's frustration reached its peak. The anger she had barely suppressed erupted once more, and she couldn't bear it any longer. With a kick, she shattered the door just as she had the table before.

"This is exactly how I protect them, so what?! I only promised the old king to keep them alive, and they are all still alive, aren't they?!"

Chu Mu had never seen Ye Tong in such a rage before, but the more he thought about her words, the angrier he got. Releasing the old princess consort, he swung his fist towards Ye Tong. Knowing Ye Tong's martial skills were superior and that she could easily dodge his attack, he did not hold back, throwing a punch with all his might.

"Bang." The iron fist struck her body, but Ye Tong's physique was just like her persona, devoid of the slightest softness expected of a woman, as tough as iron.

But even the most ironclad person is still human.

Chu Mu knew exactly how much force he had used in that punch. He looked at Ye Tong in astonishment, "Why... you could have easily dodged it..."

Ye Tong opened her mouth to reply, but the blood uncontrollably spilled from her lips.

Chu Mu's eyes widened slightly. He had just uttered "you..." when he saw Ye Tong slowly wiping the blood from her mouth, looking steadily at him and asking, "Do you want to kill me?"

Chu Mu instinctively wanted to shake his head. Although he had indeed been angry enough to strike her, he had only wanted to fight her, not kill her. It was Ye Tong who chose not to dodge. He said fiercely, "You were asking for it!"

Upon hearing this, Ye Tong gave a light laugh.

She seldom smiled. Since the incident with the Ye family and her return from the battlefield, she had become like a sheathed blade—harmless yet chillingly cold.

Her smile now, though rare, scattered the frost in her brows, akin to the warm, splendid sun rising over a snowy mountain peak, yet still cold.

"Let me ask you, Chu Mu." Her lips slowly moved, the blood-stained petals of her mouth were hauntingly beautiful yet enticing, "Do you want to divorce me?"

Chu Mu thought he could answer "yes" without hesitation. But as the word rolled in his throat, he found himself unable to utter it.

Why would he want to?

Was it because marrying Ye Tong was not his choice, but a decision forced upon him by his severely ill father?

Was it because she had coerced him into marrying her in front of the entire court during her father's mourning period, branding him as disloyal and unjust?

Was it because he loved someone else, even though that person had married another?

Was it because of how she treated his mother and brother, proving herself unworthy of being his wife?

Was it because...

He clearly had so many reasons to divorce Ye Tong, but why couldn't he?

Why couldn't he speak the words?

Chu Mu was plunged into confusion, while Ye Tong, without waiting for an answer, slowly stepped over the door she had just kicked open, brushing past Chu Mu.

The autumn sunlight was not blinding, but she still squinted slightly as she looked up. She thought to herself that she had been away from the battlefield for too long, her bones had rusted, and just this had been enough to wear her down...

Ye Tong felt a tickle in her throat and spat out a mouthful of blood.

"Your Highness!" Chunrui immediately cried out in alarm.

Ye Tong then collapsed to the ground.

"Your Highness!" Chunrui rushed towards Ye Tong, wanting to support her, but another person was faster. Chu Mu scooped Ye Tong into his arms and lifted her up, her eyes tightly closed and her face as pale as paper.

"Mu'er!" The old princess consort, seeing Chu Mu holding Ye Tong and leaving without looking back, couldn't help but call out to him.

Chu Mu paused, then turned his head as if speaking to his mother or to himself: "Mother, Ye Tong must not come to harm."

The old princess consort didn't fully understand the meaning of his words, but she stared at Chu Mu, then, still with a stern face, followed behind him.

Chu Li, with his arm in a sling, saw that his brother and mother had left and hurriedly followed. He wished nothing more than for Ye Tong to die sooner, so he went just to witness Ye Tong's misfortune.

With the princess consort fainting, and the lord, the second young master, and the old princess consort all departing, the mansion, having so few masters, saw them all stirred, and naturally, the maids and servants had to follow.

Thus, the courtyard of the old princess consort quickly emptied, leaving behind only a few maids still there.

After Ye Tong had earlier destroyed the table and door, these servants were preparing to clean up the mess, but they unexpectedly found a strange woman still standing in the courtyard.

The woman was dressed in a cinched waist and lotus-white skirt, her waterfall-like black hair simply tied at the end with a hairband. A breeze lifted a strand of her hair, brushing it across her jade-like face, her beauty ethereal and otherworldly.

The maids were surprised; how had they not noticed such a stunning and eye-catching girl before?

"Miss, you are...?" One of the maids approached to ask, though she had a guess in her heart.

They had heard that the lord was to bring back a new lady, and seeing her here now, with such appearance, she was undoubtedly the new lady rumored to be favored by the lord, ready to replace the current princess consort upon entering the mansion.

Indeed, the lady softly replied with a slight bow, "I am Xiao Yao. Just now, when the lord was here... I, being somewhat timid, hid over there and didn't dare to come out. Now, I hope the sisters here can help me meet the lord. I would be deeply grateful."

Upon hearing this, the maids realized why they hadn't seen her before. They exchanged glances, uncertain whether they should take the initiative. The new lady indeed had a renowned reputation, but having witnessed the princess consort's demeanor earlier, they refrained from speculating who would have the last laugh.

After a pause, one of the maids stepped forward to lead Xiao Yao to the lord.

Xiao Yao gratefully bowed to the maid. In the eyes of these maids, she was a naive and somewhat timid and fragile beauty.

Yet, as Xiao Yao bowed her head, a quick flash of light crossed the depths of her eyes.

Today's events had shown her that Chu Mu's feelings towards General Ye might not be as indifferent as she had previously thought. To fulfill her master's mission and separate the two, she realized it would be more challenging than expected.

Ye Tong felt as if she had been in a long, long dream.

In the dream, it started a long time ago, back when Ye Tong had not yet become the General Ye, but was merely a child with dangling yellow hair.

Ye Tong's rebellious phase came much earlier than others. From the moment she had memories and consciousness, she believed she was the center of the world. Despite being female, she saw it as a trial from the heavens, a way for the heavens to show the world that a girl could also stand tall and proud.

The naive dreams of youth always carried a fearless flamboyance and burning passion.

Ye Tong thought so, and naturally, acted accordingly. She practiced martial arts with her father from a young age. Even when other children were still clumsily fighting with fists, she could deftly rescue one girl after another with just a small twig from the hands of those naughty boys.

Then, patting their heads, she would say with a sense of grandeur, "Don't cry, girls can be very powerful too."

Young Ye Tong loved how those fair and delicate girls looked up to her with adoring, watery eyes.

But, being overly rebellious, the passionate Ye Tong completely overlooked the dangers around her. On the Winter Solstice of her eighth year, while the Ye family was busy celebrating the festival, she sneaked out of the mansion, ready to find little beauties in need of rescue.

The Jin Dynasty took the twenty-four solar terms very seriously. On the day of the Winter Solstice, despite the snow flying everywhere, the streets of the capital were bustling and lively. While Ye Tong was searching for little beauties, someone suddenly covered her mouth and nose from behind, and she smelled the scent of a sleeping potion, instantly becoming the damsel in need of rescue herself.

Ye Tong managed to escape from the kidnappers on her own, but she also nearly got herself killed in the process. After escaping, she found herself lost in the snowy wilderness. Wounds ached on her body, her clothes soaked with snow, not offering any warmth. Surrounded by helplessness and fear, even the brave-hearted Ye Tong couldn't help but cry.

It was then that a voice suddenly sounded behind her.

Someone said, "Hey, little beggar, why are you crying?"

That was the first time Ye Tong seriously memorized Chu Mu's appearance. Before that day, Chu Mu was just an annoying boy who always competed with her to rescue the little girls. But on that day, amidst the swirling snowflakes and the white-covered earth, he, still a boy, carried her, wounded all over, on his back, walking alone in the snow, a sight incredibly striking.

Of course, it would have been better if he hadn't said to her, "You always tell Yao Yao not to cry, I thought you never cried."

Chapter 19

The Second Daughter

Chu Mu took Ye Tong back to the Southern Garden.

After the mansion's physician examined Ye Tong, he stated that although her injuries were severe, her strong constitution meant they were not life-threatening. With timely medication and proper care, she would recover fully.

This meant Ye Tong's injuries were not serious. Chunrui heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing this, but Chu Li and the old princess consort visibly frowned.

Chu Li couldn't help but mutter, "Truly a disaster that lasts a thousand years, she's fine even after this!"

His voice wasn't soft, and the room was quiet, so everyone heard his remark. Chunrui instinctively bit her lip, feeling somewhat indignant. She clearly saw how much effort and heart the princess consort had put into this mansion over the years. With the old princess consort neglecting her duties, the second young master indulging in gambling, and the lord frequently preoccupied with pleasures, wasn't everything managed by the princess consort?

Chunrui felt stifled, wishing she could speak up for the princess consort. She didn't expect the old princess consort or the second young master to start treating the princess consort well, but at least they shouldn't lament her light injuries while she lay critically hurt because of the lord.

Yet, the thought of standing up for Ye Tong was quickly suppressed by fear. She felt awkward, knowing she was still cowardly. Despite Ye Tong's governance, her relationship with the old princess consort, Chu Li, and Chu Mu was like fire and water, a fact known throughout the mansion.

And after all, the Northern King's Mansion still bore the name Chu.

"Since she's alright, let's go, Mu'er," the old princess consort said, somewhat disappointed. She didn't wish for Ye Tong's death from that one incident, but found her light injuries unsettling. She believed that a venomous woman like Ye Tong deserved to be tormented properly.

Chu Mu glanced at Ye Tong lying on the bed, pursed his lips, then turned to Chunrui and instructed, "Take good care of the princess consort."

Chunrui was slightly startled but quickly recovered and bowed deeply, saying, "Yes."

Hearing Chu Mu's words, Chu Li stomped his foot, frowning, "Brother, why do you care about her? In my opinion, we should just ignore her and let her self-destruct! She's a disaster that won't die anyway!"

"Enough! Little Li!" Chu Mu glared at him. Chu Li shrank back, feeling aggrieved but too scared to talk back, pouting pitifully at the old princess consort.

The old princess consort was actually somewhat displeased with Chu Mu's scolding of Chu Li, her brows furrowing as she said softly, "Alright, it's rare for Xiao Yao to visit our mansion. Let's go back and spend some time together as a family, no need to waste time here."

She affectionately took the hand of the person beside her.

Xiao Yao's pretty face flushed with a touch of shyness, and she slowly lowered her head, making everyone feel as if a stunning beauty had brightened the room, captivating hearts with her every move.

Chu Mu was momentarily dazzled by Xiao Yao. Seeing this, a flicker of dark light passed through the old princess consort's eyes, her heart filled with malice towards Ye Tong on the bed. What did it matter if one was a noble lady or a renowned general? Were they not inferior to a common girl?!

The Southern Garden quickly welcomed the group and then slowly saw them off.

Soon, joyful laughter echoed from the Eastern Garden of the Northern King's Mansion, and news about the new lady spread rapidly. The concubines in the mansion's inner court reacted differently; some clenched their handkerchiefs and cursed through gritted teeth, "Indeed, a demoness has arrived."

Others, holding books, instructed their maids to close the doors and windows, saying, "It has nothing to do with us."

And some, sipping tea and cracking melon seeds, smiled cunningly, "Ah, the mansion has gotten even livelier."

Life in its myriad forms, and the inner court of the Northern King's Mansion, with its beauties as numerous as clouds, was certainly diverse.

The moon climbed high into the branches, the early winter night cool and serene, a light breeze carrying a hint of chill. Chu Mu wandered through the mansion, the slight buzz from the wine dispelled by the autumn night's coolness.

His thoughts were a whirlwind. At dinner, both the old princess consort and Chu Li had asked him what position he intended to give Xiao Yao, leaving him quite astonished.

Chu Mu's acquaintance with Xiao Yao was accidental. The Crown Princess in the Eastern Palace was expecting again, craving pomegranates last month. Pomegranates were rare, usually tribute from the border regions, and this year's supply had already been consumed.

The Crown Prince, concerned for the Crown Princess, immediately sent people to the border to search. Chu Mu, worried they might not find any, joined the search.

He was accustomed to indulging and cherishing her, so even though she was married to another and enjoyed imperial favor, he couldn't help but worry.

Chu Mu didn't limit his search to the border regions but also visited other counties, and fortunately encountered late-harvest pomegranates. Xiao Yao, too, he met there.

At the time, she was being harassed by local young masters. Chu Mu had no intention of intervening, but upon seeing Xiao Yao's face, he couldn't help but act.

She looked so similar... not just her appearance but also the aura she exuded. For a moment, Chu Mu even mistook her for Jing Xiangyao.

After rescuing her, he intended to let her return home safely, only to find out her parents had passed away recently, leaving her alone. Xiao Yao told Chu Mu she had no way to repay his life-saving grace other than to offer herself in service, wishing to stay by his side.

Chu Mu, looking at her face, accepted her offer to repay the debt.

Although Chu Mu could reminisce about Jing Xiangyao through Xiao Yao's similar appearance, he was clear in his heart about whom he truly wanted and loved.

He enjoyed Xiao Yao's company because it made him feel as though his beloved was with him.

But he had never touched her.

Because—aside from feeling that it would be a desecration of Jing Xiangyao, whenever he felt affection for Xiao Yao, Ye Tong's face would invariably drift through his mind.

—A face with little expression, one he thought he would despise upon seeing.

This left Chu Mu feeling irritable, as such states had become more frequent over the past two years. Chu Mu couldn't understand why, or perhaps more accurately, he understood but wished he didn't. He numbed himself with the beauty of women and wine, the warmth of fragrant jade.

It was both to mask the pain of longing for Jing Xiangyao, unattainable, and to cover the disgrace in his heart caused by Ye Tong...

Chu Mu was momentarily stunned, looking at the scenery before him and the room still lit not far away, somewhat astonished to find himself unconsciously arriving at the Southern Garden.

"My lord?" The maid bustling about in the courtyard was both shocked and pleased to see him, "Are you here to see the princess consort?"

Chu Mu intended to leave, but paused at the question, asking, "How is she now?"

The maid's face immediately showed distress, "I can't say for sure. Doctor Xu said her highness is unharmed, but she has yet to awaken."

Chu Mu couldn't help but frown, "Take me to see her."

The maid led Chu Mu into the room, where Chunrui was attending inside. Seeing Chu Mu, she was equally shocked and pleased, asking the same question as the maid before.

Chu Mu's brow was furrowed, "The princess consort has not awakened yet; haven't you called for the physician again?"

Chunrui immediately replied, "Of course, we have." She paused slightly before continuing, "But the other physicians said the same as Doctor Xu. They all say that her highness's condition is not serious."

"If it's not serious, then why hasn't she awakened yet?" Chu Mu grew somewhat angry.

Chunrui bowed her head and slowly replied, "The physicians said, perhaps the princess consort herself does not wish to awaken..."

Chu Mu's expression froze.

Chunrui glanced at Ye Tong on the bed, then suddenly knelt down with a thud. Chu Mu, taken aback and before he could ask, Chunrui gave him a deep bow and said on her own, "My lord, the princess consort has indeed had a hard time these past few years..."

Chu Mu was coerced into marrying Ye Tong by the old king.

At the time, the old king was gravely ill but still firmly grasped Chu Mu's hand, insisting on his agreement.

Suffering from the loss of Jing Xiangyao, Chu Mu found it impossible to agree, causing the old king to cough violently and glare at him: "Do you want me to die uneasy? You rebel... cough, cough... With your mother incompetent and your brother a wastrel, what will you do after I'm gone? Do you really want to see the entire Northern King's Mansion perish with me?!"

The old king's voice was sharp and desolate.

Chu Mu had agreed through tears.

Indeed, Chu Mu understood why the old king had made such a demand. The current emperor always saw the Northern King's Mansion as a thorn in his side, only restrained by the late emperor's edict and public opinion.

Without the old king, the unprotected Northern King's Mansion would surely face turmoil.

Chu Mu recognized the old king's intention in marrying him to Ye Tong. The Ye family was beloved by the people, and Ye Tong herself had illustrious military achievements, making her marriage akin to a new talisman for the Northern King's Mansion.

But understanding didn't ease his heart filled with Jing Xiangyao, nor did it prepare him to face Ye Tong, especially when Ye Tong proposed the marriage at the victory banquet upon their return, making their affair public knowledge.

Chu Mu could never forget Jing Xiangyao's shocked and saddened expression at that moment, which tore at his heart.

He hadn't figured out how to tell her he had agreed to marry Ye Tong, yet Ye Tong had exposed it in such a blunt manner.

At that moment, Chu Mu truly despised Ye Tong.

Thus, from the moment she entered the mansion, he never showed her kindness. Ironically, in their four years of marriage, they shared a room only once, and that was when he was drunk.

Leaning by Ye Tong's bedside, Chu Mu reflected on the past four years, realizing that his memory of her was surprisingly faint.

The indifferent and aloof person in his memory seemed entirely different from the diligent and devoted person Chunrui described, who toiled for the Northern King's Mansion. And if he thought deeper, his impression of her before their marriage was actually positive. She had protected Jing Xiangyao several times and defended the frontier at the age of fifteen, showing more valor than many men.

How could such a person be malicious, bitter, and irresponsible?

The young female general of those years was so glorious and honored, but what about now?

Chu Mu slowly looked towards Ye Tong's pale face, a trace of guilt crossing his expression. He paused, then said, "Why jump into the fire pit that is the Northern King's Mansion, knowing full well what it is? Ye Tong, why did you marry into this family in the first place?"

There was no response in the room.

Chu Mu left.

Moments later, the eyes that had been closed on the bed suddenly opened, and Ye Tong looked up at the canopy, her lips curling slightly. Her eyes seemed to shimmer like water, bright and luminous as a star.

"...Maybe, it's because I was foolish."

Chapter 20

The Second Daughter

The sky was clear, the blue sky as pristine as if washed by water. This was a rare sunny day since the beginning of winter, and Jiang Su lay back comfortably on a lounge chair, squinting her eyes for a nap.

V0 came out of her consciousness and transformed into a chubby guinea pig, sitting beside a small table eating pastries. It said, while eating, that the pastries were not as delicious as those made by Lin Le.

Jiang Su chuckled lightly, "It's good to have something to eat. Who knows, in the next world we might not even have this much."

V0 thought about it too. The worlds they visited for missions were random, and being of low level and having limited access, it only received information about the next mission after Jiang Su completed one, so V0 had no idea where they would go next.

If it was some remote ravine or impoverished mountain area, having anything to eat would be hard to say, let alone gourmet food.

No more being picky.

V0 gobbled down half a piece of pastry in one bite, chewed it, swallowed, then leaned back against the dish in imitation of Jiang Su, slightly reclining to let the warm sunshine fall on its body.

Then, in the consciousness space, it communicated with Jiang Su, "What do you plan to do about Ye Tong, Su Su?"

"Dismissive." Jiang Su, without opening her eyes or showing much interest, coolly uttered two words.

VO, startled, "…Squeak?"

Jiang Su: "Ye Tong and Lin Le are not the same. Lin Le has already given up on the scoundrel after seeing his true colors; what she lacks is the courage to leave him and the confidence to confront him directly, making it easy to help her."

"But Ye Tong is different. Ye Tong has both the capability and status, and leaving Chu Mu would be easy for her if she wished. Yet, despite years of torment by Chu Mu, she hasn't left him. Do you know what that signifies?"

VO looked at her, bewildered.

Jiang Su's lips parted slightly, and she said in a calm tone, "It means she truly degrades herself."

V0："…QAQ"

VO: "Is there really no way, Su Su?"

VO's voice carried a tinge of sadness. As a system that valued its pride, being unwanted at the reincarnation platform until finally pairing with Jiang Su, and then completing the last world so smoothly, it couldn't help but feel a bit disheartened at the prospect of failing the mission in the second world.

Jiang Su could sense VO's unease and depression. Opening her eyes to look directly at it, she said, "To say there isn't a way, that's not exactly true."

"!" VO's drooping little head shot up immediately.

Jiang Su reached out to stroke its fluffy head and said, "The female protagonists in these mission settings, despite their poor judgment in men, have many virtues—like Lin Le, who is gentle, pragmatic, strong, kind, and filial; and Ye Tong, who is upright, resilient, kind, and powerful. These virtues are indeed their shining points, but they are also their weaknesses."

"The reason these trashy tactics are labeled as such is precisely because, despite being mistreated by scumbags, the female protagonists still stay with them. The reason they end up together is that these scumbags exploit these weaknesses. So, if we want to break this pattern, we need to start with the protagonists' personalities."

"..." VO, somewhat understanding, "So... what exactly should we do now to separate Ye Tong from Chu Mu?"

Jiang Su: "Wait."

VO: "...Squeak?"

The Eastern Palace of the Great Jin Dynasty.

The maid Bi Rou hurried back to the main hall from outside the courtyard, calling out at the entrance, "Your Majesty."

The palace quickly responded, allowing her entry.

Bi Rou entered the hall slowly and approached the woman lying sideways on a soft couch.

"What news?" the woman on the couch asked slowly.

Maid Bi Rou pulled a letter from her sleeve and handed it to her, prompting the woman to open her eyes.

She possessed a stunning beauty, naturally resembling a classical painting of a lady when lying still, and even more breathtaking when her eyes were open.

Her eyes were like stars, not only dazzlingly beautiful but also clear and pure, reminiscent of an innocent child, embodying naivety and a disarming naturalness.

Jing Xiangyao took the envelope from Bi Rou and opened it. Upon reading that Chu Mu might have feelings for General Ye, she clenched the letter, her face turning cold.

"…Your Highness?" Bi Rou called out cautiously. She hadn't seen the letter's content but knew that only matters regarding the Northern King's Mansion could elicit such a reaction from Jing Xiangyao. Bi Rou couldn't understand why her mistress was so interested in a seemingly insignificant Northern King's Mansion.

She didn't believe the rumors that her mistress and Chu Mu were in love before she entered the palace. Despite Chu Mu's title, he lacked any commendable qualities. How could her mistress, of all people, fancy him?

Bi Rou still felt the issue might have something to do with Ye Tong.

What exactly did General Ye do to make her mistress care so much? After all these years, her mistress still went to great lengths to sabotage Ye's marriage with the Northern King.

As Bi Rou pondered, Jing Xiangyao finished reading the letter, slowly rose from the couch, and walked to a desk to write a response swiftly.

Jing Xiangyao was ordering Xiao Yao to do whatever it took to deepen the conflict between Chu Mu and Ye Tong. After four years of effort, she would not allow any accidents—feelings?

You... are worthy?

Jing Xiangyao handed the letter to Bi Rou. Shortly after, a servant reported the Crown Prince's arrival.

Jing Xiangyao lowered her gaze slightly, and as she began to rise, a maid by her side immediately assisted her.

Soon, the doors to the chamber opened, and the Crown Prince, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, strode in.

"Your Highness." Jing Xiangyao began to bow but didn't complete the gesture, as the Crown Prince quickly grasped her wrist.

"The elixir!" The Crown Prince's expression was frantic, his eyes showing a desperate longing and even a hint of madness, "Xiangyao, quick! Give me the elixir! I've run out of my medicine! I need the elixir!"

Jing Xiangyao was held tightly by him, causing her pain, yet her face showed no sign of distress. Instead, she gently embraced the crown prince, soothing him in a soft voice, "Your Highness, don't be anxious. Xiangyao still has many divine medicines. I'll have someone fetch them for you right away, Your Highness."

Her voice seemed to possess a magical power that calmed the crown prince's frenzied mood due to the lack of medicine. As the attending maid went to get the medicine, the crown prince, being held by Jing Xiangyao, felt reassured. He pressed his face against Jing Xiangyao's neck, his tongue caressing her skin as white as jade, his hand roaming freely over her body.

He murmured, "Xiaoyao is the best... Xiaoyao, you smell so good."

Jing Xiangyao's lips curved into a slight smile, as if tickled by the kiss, and she gently shifted her body, then said softly, "Your Highness, be gentler. Xiangyao still has to meet with the Emperor later."

The crown prince paused, then buried his face in Jing Xiangyao's shoulder, ceasing his kisses but not the movements of his hands.

The maid brought the medicine, and Jing Xiangyao called out gently, "Your Highness, the medicine is here."

Hearing her, the crown prince slowly lifted his head. Upon seeing the white medicine packet in the maid's hand, he excitedly snatched it and tore it open, licking the white powder inside like a dog starved for too long.

Jing Xiangyao watched him tenderly for a moment, then softly said, "Your Highness, Xiangyao must go to see the Emperor now."

Rarely stopping his licking of the powder, he fixedly looked at Jing Xiangyao, his expression wilting, guilt-ridden, and somewhat pained: "Xiangyao..."

This woman had sacrificed far too much for him.

When he was harmed by traitors and accidentally forced himself upon her, she did not blame him and even tried her best to cover it up for him.

Afterward, they married. He had always been frail and sickly from a young age, which had been a source of distress for him. It was she who found the medicine that allowed him to regain his health.

And then, when the Emperor coveted her beauty, and she, in order to solidify his position as the heir apparent, had no choice but to submit to others, winning over the Emperor's heart...

Jing Xiangyao raised a finger to gently press against his lips as if sealing the rest of his words: "Your Highness, say no more... All was willingly done by Xiangyao."

She looked at the crown prince, her clear, bright eyes reflecting only him. The crown prince, warmed by her gaze that seemed to see only him in the entire world, embraced her tightly and whispered promises into her ear: "Xiangyao, I will never fail you! Just wait for the day I ascend to the throne, and I will make you the noblest woman in the world!"

Jing Xiangyao smiled softly at his words, her voice still tender and gentle.

"Xiangyao believes in Your Highness."

Jing Xiangyao traveled from the Eastern Palace to the Emperor's sleeping quarters, the Qianqing Palace, by palanquin. Along the way, the court attendants showed her utmost respect.

The imperial palace is the most prestigious place in the land, yet also the most sordid.

But even the most sordid matters cease to be subjects for their discussion once they involve the Emperor.

When Jing Xiangyao entered the Emperor's sleeping chamber, all attendants had already withdrawn. Emperor Jiayang, lying on the dragon bed, brightened immediately upon seeing the approaching Jing Xiangyao.

"Xiangyao..."

He reached out to her, his hand, aged over fifty years, was loose and cracked like tree bark, showing his advanced age.

"Your Majesty." Jing Xiangyao took his hand and slowly sat beside the dragon bed.

Emperor Jiayang watched her fondly, then couldn't resist pulling her onto him. He trembled as he looked at her fair, jade-like face and her vibrant, delicately textured skin.

She was so beautiful, young, and gentle.

Holding her, Emperor Jiayang felt as if the woman in his arms was made for him, as if possessing her, embracing her, made him feel as young as she was.

"Xiangyao..." Emperor Jiayang, nibbling on Jing Xiangyao's earlobe, elicited a soft exclamation from her, and he whispered into her ear with pride, "Your birthday is coming up soon. What do you wish for?"

Jing Xiangyao turned, smiling softly, "Xiangyao wishes for nothing. The rewards Your Majesty has given over the years are already plentiful."

"Not enough," Emperor Jiayang insisted. "Even if I gave all the treasures of the world to Xiangyao, it would not be too much for me."

Fascinated by Jing Xiangyao, he believed she was a fairy bestowed upon him by the heavens. From the moment he saw her at the Crown Prince's wedding, he felt she should belong to him.

He was the Son of Heaven, the master of the world; all the best things should be his!

"Your Majesty..." Jing Xiangyao looked at Emperor Jiayang.

Enthralled by her gaze, Emperor Jiayang couldn't resist kissing her eyes...

"Xiangyao, my fairy. Tell me what you want, and I will give you anything!"

Jing Xiangyao closed her eyes, "Xiangyao wants nothing. If Your Majesty insists on rewarding me, then let me have a birthday banquet in the palace."

"What kind of request is that? I would do it even without you asking. Think again, Xiangyao, what else do you want?"

"Your Majesty..." Jing Xiangyao seemed troubled, her voice soft, "Please don't make it difficult for Xiangyao."

Emperor Jiayang's heart softened, and he laughed warmly.

Late at night, with the moon high in the sky, Jing Xiangyao slowly walked out of the Qianqing Palace.

The waiting maids quickly approached to drape her in a cloak, while the fawning eunuchs told her the carriage was ready.

Jing Xiangyao, with the maid's assistance, slowly walked to the carriage and sat down.

By the time she returned to the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince was no longer in the sleeping chamber. Bi Rou brought the still-warm pregnancy tonic, but Jing Xiangyao, her face slightly pale, waved her hand to have the medicine taken away.

"Your Highness..." Bi Rou wanted to persuade her, knowing that Jing Xiangyao was only recently pregnant and the risk involved with not taking care.

However, Jing Xiangyao indifferently said, "Whether it survives depends on its own fate."

Saying this, Bi Rou saw Jing Xiangyao looking at her abdomen with a trace of disgust.

A chill ran through Bi Rou, and she dared not say anything further.

The night outside grew denser. When Jing Xiangyao went to sleep, no one was allowed inside the chamber, so the night-shift palace maids and eunuchs mostly waited outside.

Surrounded by darkness, Jing Xiangyao, closing her eyes to sleep, began to have a nightmare.

In the dream, she became that orphan girl again.

Her father's indifference and preference for sons over daughters made life difficult for her and her weak mother in the inner court. Then, in the year she turned ten, her mother, who had been depressed for years, passed away, making her days in the mansion even harder.

The year after her mother's death, her father remarried. The new stepmother's conflicts with the concubines in the inner court gave her a few years of peace, but as she grew into her beauty, her father harbored other intentions, and the people of the inner court noticed her again.

Thus, on a night when she was fourteen, she was thrown into a temple outside the city filled with beggars.

That was her most desperate night, and it was then she realized that in this world, no one but herself could save her.

After spending a night in the temple, her father, in a fit of rage, executed the concubine who had relied on giving birth to three sons. She, on the other hand, was sent to the Crown Prince's bed by her father's scheming.

"Huh."

Jing Xiangyao woke from her nightmare, staring into the darkness of the room, her restless heart gradually calming.

The Jing family, the royal family... they are all just places that hide filth.

Men... are the most disgusting existence in this world.

One day.

...One day, she will trample them all under her feet.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't expect to write so much about Sister Yao. I thought I could get to Jiang Su starting to train Sister Tong. But the next chapter should have it! Don't worry, Sister Tong will become very cool in the end! Sister Yao too!