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Old Madam continuously inquired about Liu Xuxin's situation along the way, which left the latter feeling somewhat flattered.
To show her regard, Old Madam personally escorted her to the place where she would be staying for the time being, located not far from Night Star's study, just a short walk away.
Even standing in this courtyard, one could see the man handling state affairs not far away.
Holding her hand warmly, Old Madam smiled and pointed to the courtyard nearby, saying, "That is where your cousin handles his official duties. If you have nothing else to do, feel free to visit him."
"Aunt, but it seems like Xiner doesn't particularly like me; he didn't even speak to me just now," came a soft voice tinged with a hint of grievance.
"How could that be? I can tell you that he has glanced at you several times today! If it were someone else, he might not even nod his head!"
Old Madam spoke with such conviction that it seemed to comfort her quite a bit. The woman's expression immediately brightened up again, and she smiled once more.
"Aunt!" With a slightly spoiled tone, Liu Xuxin appeared exceptionally shy, her rosy cheeks looking quite charming.
Old Madam chuckled and patted her hand, saying, "You must be tired from your long journey; I won't disturb your rest any longer. There's a banquet waiting for you tonight."
"Aunt, there's no need to be so polite. Actually, as long as we can have a meal together as family, that's enough." She spoke with great understanding, always pretending to be gentle and virtuous in front of her elders; few knew her true nature.
Hearing this, Old Madam's smile grew even wider as she affectionately said, "Oh, you are our Honored Guest at the General's residence; how could we neglect you? Besides, this banquet was also arranged by Xingchen. Are you really going to skip it?"
At the mention of the man's name, her head drooped lower as she nodded with a smile and said, "Then thank you for your kindness, Aunt and Cousin."
The two chatted for a while longer before Old Madam left with Rong Mama. Their reluctant parting truly made onlookers envious. It was rare for a niece who hadn't seen her aunt in ten years to share such a deep bond.
In the garden, Old Madam and Rong Mama walked ahead while the maidservants followed at a distance. A relaxed smile adorned Old Madam's face—one that had never been seen before.
"Madam, this Miss Liu looks truly gentle and virtuous, a good candidate for the General's Wife."
Casting a sidelong glance at the person beside her, Old Madam snorted coldly and smiled, "Gentle and virtuous? Those four words are too flattering for her."
"Old Madam, what do you mean by that? I think that Miss Liu seems quite good; I haven't seen any of the usual spoiled behavior typical of young ladies from wealthy families."
Rong Mama carefully supported the person beside her, her gaze filled with confusion. She hadn't noticed anything wrong with Miss Liu.
The corners of Old Madam's mouth slowly curled up, revealing a strange smile. If Liu Xuxin were truly virtuous and kind, would she still introduce her to Night Star?
"That Miss Liu is notorious for being overbearing in Yancheng; it's just that no one dares to speak of it in front of outsiders. That's how she has earned a reputation for gentleness. To be honest, those four words you just mentioned have nothing to do with her!"
Rong Mama grew increasingly puzzled and cautiously asked, "If this Miss Liu is not gentle and virtuous, then why does Old Madam still want to do this?"
"What I need is her overbearing nature. I can use someone else's hands to deal with that Demoness while I watch from the sidelines—wouldn't that be quite enjoyable?"
That sinister smile should not have appeared on her face, yet at this moment, it blended oddly with her expression, sending chills down one's spine.
A knowing smile appeared on Rong Mama's face as she slowly nodded. Supporting Old Madam as they continued forward, she said with a smile, "You are truly far-sighted, Old Madam. If it were someone else, they would never think of these things."
Sighing softly, Old Madam's smile became somewhat stiff. "If only the young master were a bit more capable; I wouldn't need to think so much."
"Rest assured, Madam. As long as that Demoness leaves the General's residence, the young master will surely understand your intentions!"
Shaking her head slowly, her eyes filled with worry. Rong Mama wanted to comfort her but silently swallowed back the words upon seeing her expression.
Liu Xuxin sat at the table, savoring the tea in her hand. With her brows tightly furrowed, she suddenly spat out the tea she had just sipped.
"What is this? You serve me this kind of tea? How are you supposed to attend to me! Do you really think that just because I'm at the General's residence, I can be careless and not be taken seriously?"
The servants nearby froze in place, not daring to approach. They stood there, heads bowed, busy with their tasks.
Cui Er noticed that her mistress was in a bad mood and immediately stepped forward, picking up the teacup from the table. With a smile, she said, "Miss, please don't be angry. You look so beautiful today; it wouldn't do to be upset."
"Are you implying that if I'm angry, I won't look good?" She shot Cui Er a sidelong glance.
When there were no outsiders around, her temper showed without any concealment, and the servants had long since gotten used to it, silently bowing their heads and continuing their work.
Cui Er maintained her smile, unaffected by the outburst. She replied, "Miss, you are as beautiful as a celestial being; how could you possibly look ugly?"
"Then what did you mean by that? Are you saying I'm so foolish that I can't even understand the words of a servant like you?" She continued to retort one after another.
Cui Er remained unflustered and responded, "Miss, how could I dare say such a thing about you? You are wise; I was merely explaining for others!
Besides, this is the General's residence, close to where the Night General resides. If you keep a stern face all day long and he sees you, who knows what he might think of you!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Xuxin immediately reined in her expression. She adjusted her clothing and cleared her throat a couple of times; her angry demeanor vanished, replaced by a feigned gentleness.
"Cui Er understands my heart best."
With a smile and a bow, Cui Er wore a proud expression. She took the teacup she had placed on the table and said cheerfully, "Miss, please don't be angry. I'll go get you some fine tea leaves we brought from Yancheng!"
"Mm." Liu Xuxin replied haughtily, her delicate fingers tapping rhythmically on the table.
Her beautiful eyes slowly scanned the surroundings, observing the place where she intended to stay for some time. She scrutinized everything with keen interest and continuously made comparisons in her mind. Finally, after surveying the area, a wider and more peculiar smile appeared at the corners of her mouth.
Indeed, this is the General's residence. This building cannot be compared to the estate where she, Yancheng, resides. Although the Liu Family is wealthy, how can they compete with a general whose military achievements are unparalleled?
That wealth is a reward from the Emperor, accumulated over generations, and it has become an immense fortune.
The place she currently inhabits, although only used for receiving guests, is adorned with exquisite decorations. Even the items within the house are of a higher quality than those of the Liu Family.
The woman's eyes gradually revealed a fierce glint as she began to formulate her plans. Since she had come here, she would not leave empty-handed. Heaven had finally given her the opportunity for Wealth and Glory; how could she give it up so easily?
Just thinking about the possibility of becoming the mistress of this magnificent residence stirred her heart. Such an opportunity is not something everyone gets!
Cui Er arrived quickly, and in no time had replaced the tea in the room, presenting it to her and saying, "Miss, try this; it must be to your liking."
She took a slow sip, her eyes slightly closed, revealing a satisfied smile on her face. She set down the teacup and said with a smile, "Indeed, this is the flavor I enjoy. Cui Er, you did well."
As she spoke, she casually pulled out a red hairpin from her hair and placed it in Cui Er's hand. "This is a reward for you." Then she turned her gaze to the others in the room and continued, "Everyone should do well; I will definitely not treat you poorly. But if I find any of you daring to defy me, I believe you all know what awaits you!"
"Yes! We understand," everyone in the room replied respectfully, bowing to show their loyalty.
Nodding in satisfaction, she continued to savor her tea, and her mood instantly improved.
That night, the General's residence was brightly lit and festively decorated; it had never been this lively even during festival times. It was clear that Old Madam had spent a great deal to welcome Liu Xuxin.
The purpose of this banquet was twofold: first to welcome Liu Xuxin and second to demonstrate just how many competitors lay before her. If she couldn't handle those wealthy young ladies, what capital did she have to contend with that Demoness?
Carriages flowed at the entrance, and the atmosphere within the residence was bustling. Liu Xuxin arrived tonight in a dark purple dress that exuded an air of mystery under the soft yellow candlelight.
A blue sash around her waist accentuated her figure beautifully. The sleeves of her dress were also altered; unlike the tight sleeves currently in fashion, hers were exceptionally wide and made of thin gauze that danced gracefully in the night breeze.
A small, unknown purple flower adorned her forehead, adding an inexplicable charm to her appearance. With all her hair neatly pinned up, she looked much more spirited.
She followed the Old Madam closely, occasionally smiling and greeting others, exuding warmth.
However, when one got closer, it became apparent that this woman was not as approachable as she seemed; there was a sense of distance about her. Though her words were gentle, they did not evoke the feeling of being enveloped in a spring breeze.
Everyone was secretly speculating about the background of this woman who could stand beside the Old Madam and engage in cheerful conversation.
The outer courtyard was bustling with activity, and the sounds of clattering and chatter naturally reached the ears of Mo Xier, who had been tied to the bed.
Xinrong entered with dinner, her face radiating an unprecedented joy. "Miss, it's time for dinner. Today I prepared your favorite lotus root slices."
Mo Xier could tell something was off just by looking at Xinrong's expression. "What's happening outside? Why is it so lively?"
This was the first time she had spoken in days. Her throat, unused for several days, felt somewhat hoarse as if something were blocking it, making it difficult to speak.
"The Old Madam is hosting a banquet for distinguished guests!" As she set down the food, she replied.
"Distinguished guests?" Mo Xier's tone rose slightly, filled with confusion.
"Yes! The young master hasn't come to see you these past few days because of this," Xinrong continued, meeting her gaze. "Miss, you haven't seen how lively it is outside. Ever since the Old General passed away, the general's residence hasn't been this lively in a long time."
Xinrong's eyes were filled with longing for the outside world, even tinged with envy, as if she felt regret for only being able to stay here and serve Mo Xier.
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