Chapter 9

Seeing her like this, he couldn't help but laugh, wiping her face dry and saying, "Then you must not ignore me in the future." The feeling of being neglected by her was even more painful than when his father used to hit him as a child. He always felt as if his entire heart was hanging on her, neither up nor down, with no sense of stability. Her face flushed, and she softly replied, "Oh."

She, however, could not fall asleep. She has always been particular about her bed, and even more so in such a strange place. It was only until very late that she dozed off briefly, and then it was already dawn. He did not get up early either; after washing up, he finally went downstairs with her. The maid and the housekeeper served breakfast, which included both Western and Chinese dishes. He poured her a glass of milk and asked, "Has the old lady gotten up yet?" The maid replied, "She has already gotten up and has had breakfast."

He then softened his tone and asked, "What is it?" Shuangbao, standing outside the door, replied, "The old lady asks that you wait for her at the door when you return later; she said that we will go back to the residence together this evening." He lowered his head to glance at her and responded, "You go back and tell the old lady that I understand." Shuangbao answered, "Yes!" and then returned to the side room.

The car gradually slowed down and entered an asphalt road. An extremely grand mansion appeared before them, with stone lions majestically standing at the entrance. Upon entering the garden, a servant came to open the car door. After getting out of the car and arriving at the hall, he could no longer see his mother or Shen Ranqing. Shuangbao approached and saluted: "Third Young Master. The old lady said she was tired and has gone to rest. She asks you to pay your respects tomorrow morning"

Shen Ranqing counted on her fingers and smiled, "Did you still call me sister-in-law that day?" Although only a few weeks had passed, she could see it clearly; the third brother was indeed serious about his feelings. Yesterday, while having dinner together, not only did the third brother keep serving dishes, but he also insisted on pouring her a glass of red wine. It seems that...

Chu Bizhu took the tea cup from the maid's hand and politely asked, "Miss Jingqi, where are you from? Your accent seems to suggest you are not from the south." To his surprise, her mother turned out to be such a versatile person. Jingqi replied with a faint smile, "My family is from the north." Chu Bizhu naturally recognized her northern accent and nodded, saying, "The north is blessed with talented individuals, producing beauties like Miss Jingqi. I have heard that Anyang in the north is the largest city in the region. I wonder how it compares to our Qingde?"

Shen Ranqing smiled and said with a hint of anger: "I knew you all were thinking inappropriately. You keep looking at me. I'm not that generous." Although her words were somewhat ambiguous, Jingqi still understood to some extent. She focused on the cards and did not find it appropriate to respond.

Shen Ranqing smiled and said, "Slow down! Slow down—this card is mine, I’m winning!" The other lady shook her head and sighed, "The Commander's wife is truly lucky today. She has been winning since she sat down." Shen Ranqing turned to Jingqi, squinting her eyes with a smile, and said, "You have to play with me again tomorrow; ever since you came, my luck has turned. You should know, I have been losing for half a month straight. Besides, it doesn’t matter if you lose, I will personally go to Third Brother to collect it." Jingqi merely smiled lightly, her eyes squinting with laughter, as she rarely played and naturally did not understand how to calculate the game intricately.

As Jingqi entered the changing room, Madam Gao leaned in and whispered, "So, has the matter with the Chief of Staff been settled? Weren't we just talking about the young lady from the Lan family a while ago?" Madam Lin also leaned in and said repeatedly, "Yes, I have heard that the Chief of Staff has met with the young lady from the Lan family a few times, right?"

Upon exiting the theater, the attendant had already brought the car up. Just as he was about to assist her into the vehicle, he heard the voice of Sister-in-law Shen Ranqing laughingly say: "Mother, look at Third Brother's expression. Shouldn't he be punished? Is he trying to sneak away again?"

Now, upon closer inspection, her petite and delicate figure standing beside Xu Lei truly resembles a pair of wall figures. Especially her skin, which is as white as snow and frost. Her gaze is also clear and bright, reminiscent of the azure spring water from the western mountains, shimmering with light. Upon seeing her, one responds with appropriate decorum, indicating that she likely hails from a prominent family, not just an ordinary small household.

He did not take it seriously and simply stood behind her, glancing at her chips, and said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, please show some mercy." Shen Ranqing smiled and gave him a sidelong glance, saying, "You arrived just in time; it's not much today, only a few hundred dollars. Remember to convert it all into silver notes." They usually played with chips, and no one had ever told her how much a chip was worth. She never paid much attention to it. He laughed, shook his head, and sighed, saying, "I think I will change my profession to become a bandit tomorrow; in this day and age, that line of work is still the best." Shen Ranqing could easily discern the meaning behind his words and laughed as she scolded, "You old three, you are actually cursing me as a robber." No one truly cared about those dollars, and everyone burst into laughter.

Upon seeing his mother come out, he sent someone to the villa to fetch some change of clothes. Just before leaving, he hesitated for a while before saying: "It’s good for you to pass the time here. In the afternoon, you can play cards and chat with my sister-in-law." After stepping out, he looked back at her several times, still feeling uneasy. In truth, even if he had not voiced it, she naturally understood what he was worried about. He was afraid she would reveal her surname, Helian. He was even more afraid that his mother would find out. Although he had only met his mother twice, he could already sense her significant authority in this commander's residence. In truth, even if he had not voiced it, she naturally understood what he was worried about. He was afraid she would reveal her surname, Helian. He was even more afraid that his mother would find out. Although he had only met his mother twice, he could already sense her significant authority in this commander's residence.

He smiled and called out, "Mom, sister-in-law." The old lady laughed but ignored him, her gaze lingering repeatedly on Jingqi. After a while, she finally said, "Let's go!" With the assistance of Shen Ranqing and the maid, she got into another waiting vehicle, which soon drove away.

She had almost forgotten how the two of them had met. Those days felt like a dream, never quite real. After a while, she said, "We met on the road." Seeing that she did not want to elaborate, Shen Ranqing smiled and changed the subject, saying, "You two really are something; you want to know exactly how the young couple got acquainted. When the time comes for the wedding, you just need to prepare the gifts." Her face flushed, and her neck grew warm as she exclaimed, "Madam Commander." Yet, a pang of bitterness arose in her heart, for he and she had already been married—though it was not recognized!

It seems that the mother has some fondness for her; otherwise, she would never have kept her in the residence. Duan Xulei thought to himself. He then saw Jingqi politely respond: "Thank you, old lady"

Shen Ranqing pressed her lips together and smiled, saying, "Did the third brother really ask her to call me sister-in-law? Didn't mother take a look?" Only then did she take it seriously, turning her head to look at Shen Ranqing: "Is this true?" Shen Ranqing replied, "My dear mother, would I lie to you?" Given her status, she naturally would not go; if she really did, wouldn't it be a source of laughter for the maids and servants below? It wasn't until the performance on stage ended that they finally had a brief encounter at the door. Turning her head, she looked at Shen Ranqing: "Is this true?" Shen Ranqing replied, "My dear mother, would I lie to you?" Given her status, she naturally would not go; if she really did, wouldn't it be a source of laughter for the maids and servants below? It wasn't until the performance on stage ended that they finally had a brief encounter at the door. Although there was some light between them, she could see Xu Lei tightly holding her hand.

He returned early that day, and their card game had not yet ended. After returning to his room to change his clothes, he came to the side hall. As soon as Shen Ranqing saw him, she smiled and joked with the two ladies, Gao Lin, saying: "After all, they are young; one day apart feels like three autumns!" Jingqi, who was shy, immediately turned red.

She smiled slightly and said, "Where is Miss Jingqi's home? What business does her family engage in?" It sounded somewhat probing, and Jingqi turned to glance at him. He hurriedly replied to his mother, "Her brother is in the silk business." He was afraid his mother would ask these questions, so he had thought of an answer in advance. Chu Bizhu nodded and said, "When you have time, stay at the residence for a while longer, so that Xu Lei can take you around Qingde."

His mother's words were laden with meaning, and Duan Xulei interjected, "Mom, of course, our Qingde is the best." In truth, every place has its own unique characteristics, but in front of his mother, he naturally chose to say what would please her. Chu Bizhu glanced at him, took a sip of tea, and politely said, "Miss Jingqi, please have some tea!" She noticed how nervous Xulei was, even feeling the need to interject when she asked a question.

Duan Xulei stepped forward and called out with a smile, "Mom." The old lady, Chu Bizhu, glanced at him and scolded with a smile, "If it weren't for your sister-in-law catching you last night, would you even remember that you have a mother like me?" She had given birth to the third child several years after entering the concubine's quarters, and there was quite an age difference between him and the eldest, which is why she had always doted on the youngest.

If she is not mistaken, he must have abducted her and Brother Dong that day, and his elder brother and mother must not know about it. If they knew, they would certainly not have allowed her to spend these days comfortably in the villa

He tugged at Jingqi's hand and said, "This is my mother!" He looked up to introduce her to his mother, saying, "Mom, you can just call her Jingqi." She had never imagined encountering his family in such a situation; in fact, she had never thought he had any other family. She had always known that his parents had passed away, leaving him some inheritance, which ensured he had no worries about food and clothing and could attend university. However, all of this had always been a lie. She had always known that his parents had passed away, leaving him some inheritance, which ensured he had no worries about food and clothing and could attend university. However, all of this had always been a lie.

Yesterday, Ran Qing returned from Lao San's private room and smiled as she said to her, "No wonder Lao San has always opposed the marriage with the Lan family; it turns out he has someone hidden away. The way that person looks, truly, one in a hundred wouldn't be able to find such a match." Upon hearing this, she furrowed her brows and asked, "Is that so?" Just a while ago, his guards mentioned that he rarely approached women. She had thought he was solely focused on reorganizing the army. However, he is not young anymore; it is time for him to settle down.

He lowered his head and said, "Do not cry anymore. I have ordered someone to release him." She silently shed tears, and he felt a suffocating frustration that nearly drove him to madness. She let out a soft "Oh" and nestled into his embrace. He turned his head and said, "Bring in a hot towel." The servants delivered it shortly. She merely lay there, too embarrassed to lift her head.

Someone knocked on the door of the private room. He impatiently said, "Didn’t I say not to disturb?" Li Jiezai's voice came through with some hesitation, "Chief of Staff, it is Miss Shuangbao from the Commander's wife."

He then stopped his movements and turned with her. One could see that Shen Ranqing was wearing a rose-red coat, bright and elegant, as she assisted an elderly lady. The elderly lady was dressed in a deep purple velvet qipao, covered with a black mink coat, and around her neck hung a string of bright pearls, each one plump like a pigeon egg, clearly indicating their considerable value. Due to the varying brightness of the lights in the evening, one could only discern that her facial features bore a resemblance of about fifty to sixty percent to Duan Xulei, with very fair skin, suggesting that she must have been a beauty in her youth. Although she was older now, she was still exceptionally well-maintained, standing next to Shen Ranqing as if they were sisters, showing no signs of being overshadowed. On the contrary, her noble aura was even more pronounced.

She glared at him with a mix of anger and embarrassment, yet countless thoughts raced through her mind. Turning to glance at him beside her, he appeared to be deep in contemplation. His outline was as distinct as if it had been carved in reverse. Suddenly, she felt a sense of helplessness, an inexplicable frustration. He had so domineeringly confined her in the villa; how long could he possibly keep her there? It had already been more than two months. The ship to America would take at most a little over six months. Once they arrived there, if the personnel arranged by her brother did not pick them up, they would inevitably trace back to Haichuan, and then to him. He had so domineeringly confined her in the villa; how long could he possibly keep her there? It had already been more than two months. The ship to America would take at most a little over six months. Once they arrived there, if the personnel arranged by her brother did not pick them up, they would inevitably trace back to Haichuan, and then to him. They would certainly spare no effort to rescue her.

He waved his hand to indicate that he understood. Holding her hand, he went up to the third floor. The room was very large; upon entering, there was a small living room with Western-style sofas and an iron lace coffee table. Inside was the bedroom, also furnished in a Western style.

Thus, after being dragged along for several days, I gradually became familiar with Shen Ranqing and the other two ladies, Madam Lin and Madam Gao. On the day we started playing, Madam Gao asked, "How did Miss Jingqi meet our Chief of Staff?" She paused for a moment, having already played a card incorrectly, yet still smiling, she replied, "We met in Anyang." Madam Lin, who also enjoyed digging for details, inquired, "How did you meet? Please share with us to relieve our boredom."

Shen Ranqing took a sip of tea and glanced at the changing room: "It’s probably about right, this must be the one. Our third is truly cherished, almost like being held in the palm of one’s hand. The old lady has seen her too and said her demeanor is quite good. I just wonder what her family background is like? You all know how much the old lady dotes on the third. If it really is lacking, the third can plead with the old lady, and in the end, this matter will still come to fruition—after all, the Lan family is also interested in forming a marriage alliance with us. However, the third has been rather indifferent lately, so the old lady has also become less enthusiastic. Initially, she mentioned looking for other families of equal standing, and just a few days later—look, the person has been brought back—so I can finally set my mind at ease." It should be noted that the old lady, Chu Bizhu, comes from a prominent family in the south. If it truly were lacking, the third could plead with the old lady, and in the end, this matter would still come to fruition—after all, the Lan family is also interested in forming a marriage alliance with us. However, the third has been rather indifferent lately, so the old lady has also become less enthusiastic. Initially, she mentioned looking for other families of equal standing, and just a few days later—look, the person has been brought back—so I can finally set my mind at ease." It should be noted that the old lady, Chu Bizhu, comes from a prominent family in the south. Her grandfather's generation began to dominate the region, and the old commander Duan Zongkang also relied on her to rise to prominence. If she says it’s good, it certainly indicates her approval. Moreover, her affection for the youngest is well-known throughout the south.

In an instant, it felt as if enlightenment had struck, and I suddenly understood some things. Such days are, in fact, stolen. He and she had actually ended long ago. Yet, these stolen days are also nearing their end

She rested her head down, leaning against his embrace, and softly said, "Tomorrow, let us go to the Western Mountains." When they were in the northern region, they had long heard of the unparalleled beauty of the mountains and waters in the Western Mountains. His brow relaxed, and he smiled in agreement, saying, "Alright!" The two of them held each other like this, truly conveying a sense of unspoken understanding that was more profound than words.

She also laughed and prepared to play a card, but he stopped her, saying: "You cannot play this card." His hand reached over from behind her, took one, and threw it away: "This one." There was an indescribable intimacy in that moment. Upon seeing this, Lady Gao and Lady Lin exchanged glances, their expressions revealing a mutual understanding.

He helped her into the car and instructed, "Let's return to the Commander's residence!" Sensing her unease, he comfortingly smiled and said, "A plain daughter-in-law must meet her in-laws." When they married in the northern region, he only mentioned that his parents had passed away and that he was all alone. However, tonight he had already met his sister-in-law and mother, which had made her feel extremely embarrassed. Now, they were headed to the Commander's residence. It seemed that his mother was certainly unaware of her true identity. If his mother were to know her identity—

Crossing the courtyard, they finally arrived at the building where the old lady resided. His mother wore a black qipao, her hair styled in a bun, adorned with a jade hairpin. Around her neck and wrist, she wore a complete set of jade jewelry, clearly of very high quality from an old mine, and at a glance, its color resembled a pool of clear blue water

His sister-in-law, however, was extremely warm and had early on instructed Shuangbao to invite her. The players at the table were all wives of southern generals. Upon seeing her, they were somewhat surprised, but clearly, they were also very tactful individuals, quickly concealing their astonishment. After playing a few rounds and becoming slightly more familiar, one of them finally asked Shen Ranqing: "Madam Commander, who is this young lady?" Shen Ranqing smiled with her eyes narrowed and replied: "This is our third son's friend, Miss Jingqi." The other two exchanged knowing smiles and said: "So that's it, we were thinking in the wrong direction!" After saying this, they greeted Jingqi with a smile: "Hello, Miss Jingqi!"

She nodded slightly and smiled, saying, "Good day, old lady!" Chu Bizhu had been observing her since she entered, and at this moment, he politely and courteously said, "Miss Jingqi, please take a seat!" The maids attending nearby brought forth tea and various snacks such as candied fruits and preserves.