Chapter 29: The General’s Residence, Willow Mist
Xifeng grabbed Chu Junhan and pulled him up, shielding him behind her like a protective mother, glaring angrily at Lady Liu. “Why are the maids of the Prime Minister’s mansion so lacking in manners? If you don’t know the rules, my General’s residence is more than willing to teach you. Just this noon, my Han’er killed an unruly governess who didn’t know her place!”
What? Madam Zhang is dead?
Lady Liu stared at Xifeng in terror. Could it be that the General’s residence has discovered that Madam Zhang was a spy planted by the Liu family?
“Lady Chu, please calm yourself. It was my failure to discipline her properly. I will certainly rectify this when we return. You, get over here and apologize to Lady Chu at once!”
The maid, wounded heavily by Xifeng’s blow, crawled and stumbled to kneel at Xifeng’s feet. “I deserve to die! I deserve to die!”
Xifeng snorted coldly, not even casting a glance at the kneeling servant.
Lady Liu forced a smile, her eyes drifting to the little child behind Xifeng. Seeing Xifeng’s protective stance, it was obvious the child was Chu Junhan. “This must be Young Master Chu. I’ve heard the General’s son is extraordinary; now I see that a hero truly grows from youth.”
Nothing made Xifeng more uncomfortable than someone praising Chu Junhan. Lady Liu’s few words were enough to quell most of her anger. “Thank you for your kind words. But you haven’t told me why you’ve come to my residence.”
Lady Liu’s face was stiff with embarrassment as she smiled. “My husband met General Chu at court, and they enjoyed a pleasant conversation. He came back to the General’s residence with him, and we—mother and daughter—were invited as guests as well. Forgive us for intruding, Lady Chu.”
“Then please, have a seat.” Xifeng placed one hand on her hip and stepped aside to clear a path, muttering under her breath, “I was wondering who had barged in uninvited. Our Chu family keeps strict rules.”
Lady Liu forced another awkward smile, her eyes filled with disdain. Vulgar people are truly vulgar—never fit for the halls of refinement.
“Young Master Chu is so dignified. If I remember correctly, he’s a year younger than my Yan’er, yet he’s already taller!” Lady Liu delicately flicked her fingers as she took the tea handed to her by a servant.
“Yan’er?” Xifeng was momentarily puzzled, turning to look at the timid little girl.
The girl hid behind Lady Liu, peeking out with a small head and particularly bright, watery eyes.
Lady Liu pulled her forward and placed her before the stone table. “Forgive us, Lady Chu. Yan’er is shy—this is my youngest daughter, Liu Yan’er.”
“It’s perfectly normal for girls to be shy, nothing to be embarrassed about.” Xifeng’s gaze softened as she looked at Liu Yan’er—not because the girl was especially adorable, but because of her name.
“Han’er, take Yan’er to play in the courtyard.”
Chu Junhan’s face was full of reluctance as he grumbled, “Follow me, then.”
Liu Yan’er blinked her large, bright eyes.
“Go on, Yan’er!” Lady Liu smiled and gently pushed her toward Chu Junhan.
In Lady Liu’s eyes, the little child standing before her was exceedingly precious. Not only was his father a founding general with great power, but his sworn brother was the Crown Prince personally appointed by the Emperor.
If the two families could forge a marriage alliance…
Though Liu Yan’er was just a child, growing up in the wealthy and influential Prime Minister’s mansion had taught her to read faces and understand situations from an early age.
Seeing her mother’s gaze, even though she was frightened of Chu Junhan, she hunched her shoulders and followed him out.
“Slow down!” Liu Yan’er panted as she chased after the little boy ahead. He moved swiftly, widening the distance between them.
He showed no intention of stopping, leaving Liu Yan’er to bite her lip and stamp her tiny foot as she hurried after him.
“Can you stop following me?” Chu Junhan’s brow furrowed deeply, wishing he could strangle the girl right then and there.
Liu Yan’er must die—but not in the Chu household!