Chapter 32: A Narrow Encounter with an Old Foe

“So this is Qingyun?” Xiao Jue uneasily squeezed his hand, then offered a warm smile. “Judging from her features, she’s clearly cast from the same mold as you. She’ll surely grow up to be as beautiful as you. I didn’t expect to meet her today, so I haven’t brought any gifts.”

“You’re being too formal. There’s no need for any gifts,” Madam Han replied gently, reaching out to smooth the strands of hair blown askew by the wind on Shen Qingyun’s brow.

Xiao Jue seemed to want to speak further, but the words wouldn’t come, leaving the three of them standing awkwardly in place.

At last, Du Chen arrived at the riverside and, seeing their predicament, grew anxious for his general. Risking a scolding, he spoke up, “Madam Han, Miss Shen, it’s quite hot today—would you care to rest in the boat for a while, enjoy some tea in the shade?”

Xiao Jue kept his lips pressed tightly, as if waiting for Madam Han’s answer.

She was tempted, but after considering it, sighed inwardly. “No, it’s not proper. We should avoid suspicion. I’ll take Qingyun to rest in the pavilion over there.”

Very well.

As expected, Xiao Jue’s expression didn’t change, but he spoke. “Then let me escort you both.”

Shen Qingyun nearly laughed. She and her mother were accompanied by maids, and their guards waited by the carriage not far off. The pavilion was within sight, and now they were to be escorted by the Cavalry General.

She was sensible enough not to object, and Madam Han, embarrassed, didn’t refuse either. Du Chen followed along, and so the group walked in silence.

Finally, Madam Han broke the awkward hush. “How are things at the border? Is my father well?”

“All is well. Old General Han is in excellent health—he personally drills the troops every day. In his leisure, he often thinks of you.” Xiao Jue hesitated, then couldn’t help but ask, “Now that you’ve married into the Duke’s household, has the Duke treated you kindly?”

Madam Han nodded, never showing weakness in public. “Life in the Duke’s residence is fine. Now that Qingyun is found, once I see her married, I’ll be at peace.”

“Mother, why are you suddenly talking about me?” Shen Qingyun protested, making both adults laugh.

The breeze lifted Madam Han’s veil, her radiant smile shining into Xiao Jue’s eyes.

She was as beautiful as ever, dazzling, but now with the maturity of a woman—a special charm all her own.

Xiao Jue stared at her without blinking. He knew it was improper, but in that moment, he wished the road to the pavilion could be a little longer.

Madam Han was acutely aware of the intense gaze upon her. She dared not meet his eyes, and her ears flushed red.

Xiao Jue noticed, and for the first time, the stern, cold general’s lips curved into a smile he himself didn’t realize.

Du Chen was dumbfounded—was this really his hard, ruthless general from the battlefield?

But the road was finite; even as they slowed their steps, they soon reached the pavilion.

A hint of disappointment flickered in Xiao Jue’s eyes.

“Well then, Madam and Miss, please rest here. We won’t intrude. If you need anything, call for me—I’ll be on the boat we came from.”

Madam Han nodded, watching Xiao Jue depart.

For some reason, Shen Qingyun hoped he would stay and talk with her mother. But before she could think how to invite him, an angry shout exploded behind them.

“Han Rou, Shen Qingyun, what are you doing here!”

Startled, they turned. It was Shen Zhifeng, standing on a moored pleasure boat.

How truly unfortunate—of all places to run into him.

He must have just arrived, about to set out on the water, and now had seen the two women, accompanied by two men.

How could Shen Zhifeng not be furious?

He disembarked, striding toward them, scolding as he walked. “Han, how can you dress like this? Why aren’t you at home, tending to your husband and teaching your children? How can you be out here, flaunting yourself with Shen Qingyun!”

As he drew closer and saw Madam Han’s attire, even his eyes betrayed a hint of admiration.

Tending to her husband and children—what a joke. Shen Qingyun thought, her father had long since run off with another woman, yet he clung to double standards, eager to assert his authority as head of the family by berating her mother in public.

Disgusting.

Xiao Jue’s face had already darkened, his eyes glinting with murderous intent. He clenched his fists, barely restraining himself from striking Shen Zhifeng.

This coward, playing the hero before women—what skill is that? To shout at Rou’er, is it because Old General Han is not in the capital? Is this how Rou’er lives in the Duke’s residence? How could she call it a good life?

Du Ning could clearly sense the general’s anger. He shrank back, glancing nervously between Xiao Jue and Shen Zhifeng.

If they were in the army, anyone who angered the general like this would be half dead already.

Shen Zhifeng was aware of the murderous aura, surprised as he looked at Xiao Jue. Recognizing him, his fury only grew. He seized Han Rou’s arm. “Come, return home with me!”

Han Rou stumbled at his pull. Shen Qingyun hurried to steady her, shouting, “Father, what are you doing? May I ask why you’re here? If I’m not mistaken, isn’t the woman in the boat Yue-niang? Didn’t you say you were escorting her home?”

Yue-niang was hiding in the boat, so Shen Qingyun hadn’t seen her, but it was easy enough to guess.

Shen Zhifeng flushed with embarrassment at Shen Qingyun’s accusation, humiliated and angry, pulling Madam Han even harder.

With a sudden crash, Shen Zhifeng was knocked to the ground by a gust of palm wind, releasing his grip on Madam Han.

Xiao Jue rushed forward. “Rou... Madam, are you all right? Is your hand hurt?”

Madam Han shook her head, but her eyes were red. She realized now her husband had brought another woman’s daughter boating. Her heartbreak was evident, and Xiao Jue’s urge to kill Shen Zhifeng flared instantly.

Shen Zhifeng was about to shout, but Xiao Jue spoke first. “Did the Duke not promise that he would have only Han Rou as his wife, never take a concubine? Who is the woman in that boat, and what is her status?”

“Xiao Jue, what right do you have to question me?” Shen Zhifeng stood, sneering. “Han Rou is my wife. I discipline my wife—it’s none of your concern. Don’t meddle.”

He glared fiercely at Madam Han.

Xiao Jue stepped in front of her, staring back unflinchingly. “Old General Han raised me from childhood. For that kindness alone, I will protect her. Even an ordinary man could not bear to see you so faithless and dishonorable!”