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After a moment of silence, the atmosphere around Old Madam seemed to quiet down with her emotions, and no one dared to say another word in her presence.
Just as the man could no longer hold back his urge to speak, Old Madam suddenly spoke up, her tone flat and devoid of emotion. "Since you've come in, you might as well stay. But from now on, Xiner must not make decisions so casually."
Her indifferent tone did not sound like she was scolding a junior for making a mistake; it felt more like she was instructing her subordinates.
However, Liu Xuxin failed to notice this subtle change in Old Madam's tone and cheerfully replied, "Xiner understands. Aunt is still the most caring for Xiner!"
Not wanting to hear any more from her, Old Madam turned to the still-standing Night Star and asked in a low voice, "Why are you here again today?" She leaned forward to look behind him but saw no sign of Mo Xier.
With a light snort, Old Madam's tone was filled with disdain. "Oh? Why didn't you bring that Demoness with you today? I thought you were here to annoy me again!"
Night Star frowned slightly. "I came today because I have something to discuss."
"Speak," Old Madam straightened up, appearing ready to listen seriously.
"Yesterday evening, the Emperor suddenly summoned me and said there was trouble at the border. The Emperor has issued an edict for me to go suppress it, and I will likely depart soon. I came today to bid farewell to Mother."
As these words left his mouth, Old Madam's originally calm eyes instantly lit up, clearly different from before.
Unable to express what he felt inside, Night Star's heart felt as if it had been struck heavily upon seeing the change in Old Madam's gaze.
Such an urgent look held no trace of reluctance; was this truly the gaze a mother should have towards her son?
Although the change in Old Madam's expression lasted only a moment, he saw it clearly.
"I see. So will you be taking that Demoness with you this time?" As she slowly turned the Buddhist beads in her hand, her question seemed casual but was laced with Old Madam's cunning intent.
After a brief silence, Night Star replied, "This is going to war; naturally, I cannot bring her along. Firstly, it would be inconvenient, and secondly, it's illogical to take a woman into battle."
This statement was like a calming pill, stabilizing Old Madam's mind and even making her feel a subtle excitement; she seemed to sense that the opportunity had finally arrived.
"How many days will you be gone this time?"
"I don't know. If there is significant progress in the war, I can return early. If the situation remains unchanged, my return date will naturally be uncertain." Night Star's tone was noticeably heavy.
Old Madam seemed unfazed, merely nodding slightly and casually instructing, "You must fulfill the tasks assigned by the Emperor! Our Night Family's reputation for loyalty cannot be tarnished by your actions!"
"I understand, Mother."
He had heard these words from her since his first time on the battlefield, and they remained unchanged, reinforcing his duty to the Emperor above all else.
Liu Xuxin had been listening nearby, her expression increasingly conflicted. Everyone knew that the battlefield was merciless; last time he returned safely, but would he be as fortunate this time?
However, due to Old Madam's presence, she felt it inappropriate to voice her concerns and could only suppress them, her face showing signs of distress as she looked at him.
"Mother, do you have nothing else to say to me?" Despite having gone through so much, he still held a yearning attitude towards his mother, hoping she might say something different this time.
But with great hope came great disappointment. Upon hearing his words, Old Madam looked at him with confusion and without any contemplation said directly, "If you're in a hurry, then go. There's no need to delay here."
Her words left Night Star feeling desolate, extinguishing any remaining hope. He respectfully bowed and spoke gently with utmost respect, "Then I shall take my leave. Let my cousin stay here with you."
With that, he turned and walked away without looking back. Just as he stepped out the door, he paused and turned around, his eyes filled with pleading. "I don't know when I will return; I just hope you won't make things too difficult for her."
Though he did not specify who "her" was, everyone understood whom he referred to. Instantly, the room fell silent.
What was so special about this Demoness that made him so concerned? Even when he wasn't in the residence, he still wanted to ensure her safety? After saying this, he left without looking back.
With Night Star gone, Liu Xuxin naturally had no reason to stay any longer. Moreover, having just heard about his impending expedition made her even more anxious; if it weren't for Old Madam being present, she might have rushed out after him.
What kind of person is the Old Madam? How can one not see her desire to leave? The Buddhist beads in her hand kept turning as she smiled and said, "Some people, you see, their bodies may be here with me, but their souls have long since wandered off to who knows where."
Liu Xuxin's face turned red at these words, and she buried her head deeply, too shy to look up as she said, "Aunt, what are you talking about? Xiner is just worried about your health."
Upon hearing this, the Old Madam laughed heartily as if someone had struck a funny bone. She waved her hand at Liu Xuxin and said, "Since your heart is no longer here, I won't keep you for lunch. You should head back early."
Hearing this, Liu Xuxin felt like a pigeon released from a cage. She happily stood up and hurriedly bowed to her, saying, "Then Aunt, Xiner won't disturb your rest any longer. I'm leaving now!"
After saying this, without waiting for the Old Madam's response, she dashed out. In just a moment, her figure had vanished from the courtyard.
Watching the woman rush away, a hint of amusement appeared in the Old Madam's eyes. She shook her head and continued to turn the Buddhist beads in her hand, muttering softly.
Rong Mama looked at her and couldn't help but ask, "Old Madam, we don't know when the young master will return from this trip. Shouldn't we find an opportunity to deal with that Demoness?"
Jiang Yu slightly opened her eyes and smiled as she replied, "No matter what, there's no need for us to act ourselves; there will naturally be others to do it for us!"
Her dark eyes gazed inscrutably at the place where Liu Xuxin had left, carrying a faint smile.
Rong Mama understood her meaning well and looked at her with increasing admiration. "Old Madam certainly has your considerations; I will just listen."
While the Old Madam was happily seeing Night Star off, Liu Xuxin was quickening her pace. Finally, on her way to the garden, she spotted the figure of a man.
Night Star walked slowly as if deep in thought. He paused to catch his breath when Liu Xuxin called out loudly, "Cousin! Cousin, wait for me!"
Night Star turned around and saw her panting heavily behind him. Her originally neat clothes were now somewhat disheveled from running, and sweat clung her hair to her forehead.
"Cousin... wait for me..." she rushed to his side.
"What’s wrong?"
" Cousin, please be careful while you're out. I will be waiting for you at the General's residence." Her gaze was intense, showing no hesitation in expressing her concern for him.
Such words left Night Star momentarily stunned; he had never heard anything like it before. The sudden wave of emotion caught him off guard.
"Cousin?" Noticing his daze, Liu Xuxin stepped closer and gently tugged at his sleeve. "You must take care!"
After a moment of silence, the man slowly replied, "I understand."
This was the first time he had spoken to her so earnestly, and in the next instant, a shy smile appeared on her face. Lowering her head slightly, she softly said, "Cousin, I won't say anything more. I just hope you return safely."
"Mm." His brief response lingered in the air. Looking at her face, he felt a twinge of emotion, yet his impression of her remained unfavorable. He then added, "If there's nothing else, you should go back and rest."
"Cousin, I know you dislike me because I hurt Miss Mo, but I didn't mean to! You have to forgive me!" Her expression was urgent as she looked at him, as if not receiving his forgiveness would leave her deeply wronged.
Coldly gazing at her, Night Star's eyes held no emotion; any slight improvement in his impression of her vanished instantly.
Seeing him silent only made Liu Xuxin more anxious. Tears became more evident in her eyes. "Cousin, please forgive me! I truly realize my mistake. I even went to Miss Mo's courtyard today!"
Upon hearing that she had visited Mo Xier's courtyard, the man's eyes brightened instantly as he asked directly, "When did you go?"
Seeing such a strong reaction from him for the first time caught Liu Xuxin off guard. She replied blankly, "I went there before visiting Aunt."
"What did you go to her courtyard for?" His tone carried a hint of interrogation.
"I went to apologize to Miss Mo, hoping to earn her forgiveness."
"Is that so?" Night Star clearly found her response hard to believe and coldly insisted, "Don't go there again; I'm sure she wouldn't want to be disturbed by you."
Faced with such indifference, Liu Xuxin immediately understood his attitude towards her. "I understand."
"Is everything alright?"
Startled by the coldness of the emotion, she involuntarily took a few steps back. "N-no, it's fine."
Nodding slightly, Night Star turned and walked away.
Watching his figure grow more distant, the woman unconsciously clenched her hands at her sides. The few words exchanged between them were mostly about another woman.
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but let out a light laugh, filled with sarcasm—not directed at others, but at herself.
Similarly, her hatred for Mo Xier deepened due to the man's reaction.
Cui Er stepped forward slowly and said softly, "Miss, don't be sad. As long as that woman is gone, you will definitely have a chance!"
What was meant to be comforting sounded more like mockery to her.
She shook off Cui Er's hand, her expression returning to its previous anger. "Don't speak about my matters; you're just a servant! What right do you have to comment on me?"
"Miss..."
Before Cui Er could finish her sentence, a slap from her sent her face turning away, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.
She acted without regard for whether they were in public or if anyone would see.
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