Chapter 109: Xiao Jue's Departure

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Shen Qingyun calculated the days carefully. The weather had not turned bitterly cold yet, so prices for these goods were still relatively low. The money earned from her shop combined with what she received from King Lisi Wang should be enough to procure a considerable amount. She would even have some surplus funds to make other arrangements.

In her previous life, that winter had brought a harsh drop in temperature, with heavy snowfall lingering for days even in the capital. Many refugees roamed the outskirts, and countless people froze to death.

The borderlands were bitterly cold, and the barbarians faced even more severe shortages of supplies. Thus, they launched sudden winter raids, pillaging and burning. The icy cold made survival extremely difficult, and the court’s inadequate response meant military supplies arrived too late, leaving many soldiers at the frontier without timely medical care.

Although General Han ultimately managed to repel the barbarians and defend the territory, it was a grim victory. He himself was wounded in the great battle, and his health steadily declined.

Perhaps it was from that winter, under the influence of those with ill intent, that the Han family slowly began to decline step by step.

She was but a sheltered woman, unaware of the exact details of that winter’s war in her previous life, and naturally dared not speak recklessly. Yet she could do her utmost to prepare medicines and supplies for the soldiers at the border.

Once the battle report arrived, she would have King Lisi Wang find a way to deliver the supplies, explaining that they were originally intended for business purposes.

Knowing Wang’s temperament, he would likely not ask too many questions.

As long as the general’s household remained prosperous, she and her mother would truly be secure, with nothing to fear.

She also tasked Han Feng and Han Yu to keep a close watch on Shen Zhifeng and the others, to prevent any disturbances.

A few days later, the Lady of Marquis Jiang arrived.

The matriarch thought she had come to discuss the previous matter, preparing to agree to let Shen Sisi become a concubine in the Marquis’s household, even if it meant the Jiang family would have to offer a more generous bride price.

Unexpectedly, Lady Jiang’s attitude completely reversed: “Matriarch, ever since I saw Sisi’s outburst last time, my heart has ached so much. I couldn’t sleep, tossing and turning. Plus, Lin’er himself is deeply attached. I hope you can forgive my rashness before. Let’s proceed with the marriage—when Sisi comes of age, let’s bring her into the family.”

“Lady Jiang, are you sure?” The matriarch was stunned, momentarily at a loss for words.

“I am certain. Although Sisi’s reputation is not the best now, life isn’t lived for others’ eyes. What matters is that Lin’er likes her and is happy. I have watched Sisi grow up, always considering her as a daughter-in-law. As long as they live harmoniously, I will be content.”

Lady Jiang spoke with deep emotion, perfectly embodying the image of a reasonable future mother-in-law.

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How could the matriarch refuse? She was overjoyed, never expecting that Shen Sisi’s previous outburst would bear fruit.

Her expression softened as she said, “Lady, you truly have a broad heart and generous spirit. Just as you said, Sisi and Lin’er grew up together; they will surely become a loving couple.”

Lady Jiang inwardly rolled her eyes but maintained a pleasant demeanor. She cautiously added, “But about Sisi’s reputation... when the time comes for her to marry, the dowry will need to be more substantial, at least enough to maintain appearances. Don’t you agree?”

The matriarch’s expression stiffened. It seemed there would be no extra bride price—the dowry would have to be larger instead.

Still, becoming the heir’s wife of the Marquis household was a comfort to her heart, so she reluctantly nodded in agreement.

They discussed some further details before Lady Jiang departed.

Shen Qingyun noticed that after this, the household quieted considerably for a time.

Shen Sisi, having achieved her wish, locked herself in her room to embroider her dowry, hoping the exquisite wedding garments would earn her some dignity on her wedding day.

Hong Yu, dreaming of becoming a concubine, obediently tended to Shen Sisi for now.

Shen Zhifeng wanted to cause trouble for the Han family, but first, the general’s household was not something he could just barge into, and second, he had more pressing anxieties.

Having met Lady Jiang several times in secret, he increasingly felt powerless. His pride as a man forced him to defy the doctor’s advice, taking those stimulants, but it was like drinking poison to quench thirst—only leaving him more exhausted and drained.

He had no face to confide in others and busied himself searching for folk remedies and tonics.

As for Lady Jiang, she was perhaps the happiest of all. Shen Zhifeng no longer sought her out often, giving her more time to secretly meet with Shi Shaohua.

Comparing the two, his heart ached. Youth was truly different; their vigor was something Shen Zhifeng could not compete with. No matter how well he cared for himself, how could he rival the youthful grace of that young man? Moreover, Shi Shaohua was handsome and sweet-tongued, thoroughly charming Lady Jiang.

Since last seeing Shi Shaohua, Jiang Miaodan’s heart fluttered like a young girl’s. They often happened upon one another, exchanging shy glances. Whenever she met Shi Shaohua’s gentle smile, she would blush and quickly look away.

Jiang Lin, though aware a distant relative had arrived, had only met the young man briefly once or twice. He was brooding, disliking other handsome peers and thus remained oblivious to the household’s affairs.

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Every day, Shen Qingyun continued her lessons with Master Xu and managed the household affairs, devoting the rest of her time to preparing supplies.

She also instructed her mother to buy up all the rice and flour shops under their name at low prices, knowing that when winter came, these would turn a profit without loss.

With such orderly diligence, a month and a half passed swiftly, and news of barbarian attacks at the border came just as in her previous life.

Shen Qingyun went to the general’s residence to comfort her mother, Han Rou, but was surprised to find her calm. Han Rou simply took her to the temple, where they prayed devoutly for the safety and victory of all the soldiers at the frontier.

On their way back, Xiao Jue was already standing at the temple gates. Clad in silver armor and holding the reins of a fine horse, it seemed he was about to leave the capital.

Shen Qingyun wisely returned to the carriage first.

They exchanged some words unknown to her. Xiao Jue mounted his horse in a posture as erect as a towering pine. He turned back for a long, lingering look at Han Rou, his eyes full of longing, as if wanting to imprint her image deeply in his memory.

The horse neighed sharply. Xiao Jue smiled faintly and spurred the horse away.

Han Rou watched him go, unable to help but take two steps forward.

For a warrior, no one could say if this parting would be final.

Han Rou’s heart suddenly felt hollow, yet her gaze grew resolute. If Xiao Jue returned safely, she would no longer deny her own feelings and would give them both a chance.

All those rules of feminine virtue, all the gossip and disdain from others—before life itself, they seemed utterly insignificant.