Xiao Chengyi's expression instantly turned somber upon hearing these words, and he glared angrily at Shen Ruoxi, saying sharply, "Shen Ruoxi, how do you teach your maid?
You keep saying you don't care, and even claim you're not hopeful about this general, yet you let your maid vent your dissatisfaction every day. Your scheming is truly deep!"
Chuntao gritted her teeth and retorted angrily, "This has nothing to do with my mistress. I just can't stand you! Don't unjustly label my mistress!"
Shen Ruoxi took a deep breath, trying to calm the turbulence within her heart, then she spoke in a calm tone, "General Xiao, I apologize for Chuntao's offense towards you.
Here, I sincerely wish you and Lady Ning Zhen'er a long life together, united in heart."
Upon hearing Shen Ruoxi's blessing, Xiao Chengyi felt a surge of inexplicable annoyance.
He couldn't understand why he felt so displeased upon hearing her blessing.
"You needn't be insincere. I've said that I will compensate you; at least, I won't let you suffer grievances in Xiao Mansion."
Shen Ruoxi was amused by his patronizing tone and said lightly, "General Xiao, you're overthinking. My blessing is sincere. If you truly love Ning Zhen'er until old age, I will look up to you. But..."
"That day will never come," Xiao Chengyi asserted.
"That's truly wonderful!" Shen Ruoxi laughed softly, "If there's nothing else, may I leave?"
"Wait, I just want to tell you that I promised to compensate you, and I will certainly do so. As long as it's not about emotions, whatever you need or lack, I won't be stingy."
Shen Ruoxi smiled mockingly, "No need, I will live well. Just the matter at Bamboo Pavilion, I hope it won't happen again.
Next time, I won't just give you a simple slap; I'll make you bleed. Chuntao, Xueyan, let's go."
After speaking, the three turned and left.
Xueyan never looked at Xiao Chengyi again, thinking to herself, the lady doesn't care about the general anymore; as a concubine, she has even less qualification.
Ning Zhen'er contemplated Shen Ruoxi's words and suddenly recalled the scene when Xiao Chengyi returned from the Bamboo Pavilion.
There was a clear slap mark on his cheek.
At that time, she asked the reason, but he simply brushed it off as an accidental injury.
Now the truth was revealed; it was Shen Ruoxi who slapped him.
A surge of indescribable complex emotions, mixed with confusion and anger, filled her heart, "Brother Yi, why did she dare to hit you?"
Xiao Chengyi's face instantly flushed; he himself couldn't explain why he lost control so badly that time.
Whenever Shen Ruoxi mentioned the matter of divorce, his jealousy burned like wildfire, difficult to control.
He told himself that maybe it was his male pride at play.
After all, she was his wife yet always thinking of another man; how could a man endure this?
Ning Zhen'er looked at Xiao Chengyi's embarrassed and unnatural expression, her face turned pale instantly, tremblingly asking, "Did, did you touch her?"
Xiao Chengyi gently held her hand and said softly, "Don't let your imagination run wild, I didn't touch her.
She was a bit emotional at the time; I just explained how we got to know each other and unexpectedly, she got angrier.
Although she seems indifferent on the surface, I know she's certainly uncomfortable inside.
I don't like her but over the last two years, she's done a lot for the family, a slap from her is nothing.
I've already promised you, rest assured, I won't touch her."
Ning Zhen'er calculated in her mind; he doesn't seem to care about Shen Ruoxi hitting him, indicating she still holds a place in his heart.
She weighed the pros and cons and finally chided, "You better not be lying to me; she's so exceptionally beautiful, and I'm pregnant, don't you dare fool around."
Xiao Chengyi tapped her nose, "I accompany you every night, where would I fool around? Don't let your thoughts run wild, let's go back inside."
Ning Zhen'er suddenly pouted, "Brother Yi, did you hear Shen Ruoxi's humiliation towards me just now?"
Xiao Chengyi frowned; indeed, her words were harsh but...
Feeling inexplicably unwilling to cause trouble, he soothed, "Didn't you gain me? Her few harsh words stem from jealousy, from now on, being together every day, I'll restore your dignity, that's the best retaliation."
Indeed! Once she marries Xiao Chengyi with great fanfare, in a grand procession ten miles long, announcing to the world, she'd cry only in the backyard.
In the future, their coming and going in pairs, sweetly in love, wouldn't it make her jealous to death?
In the future, it will be her who suffers.
Ning Zhen'er magnanimously said, "Forget it, I don't care anymore, Brother Yi, let's go back! But today I want to eat Juequan Building's braised prawns and stewed lion's head, is that okay?"
Xiao Chengyi's brow furrowed; he didn't know how to economize such expenses, yet here money would be spent.
Primarily Juequan Building is the largest restaurant in Capital City with extraordinarily expensive food, that not just anyone can afford, those two dishes alone cost a hundred taels of patterned silver, a hundred times more expensive than ordinary meals.
But their food is delightfully tasty, with such pricing, packed with customers daily, business is overwhelmingly good.
"Alright."
She's pregnant, what she wants to eat can't be skimped; someday he'll discuss money matters with Shen Ruoxi.
Earlier he left on unpleasant terms, truly daunted to talk with her.
But just the expense for the wedding feast is quite a sum; he's considered a new vassal with many wanting to befriend him, so surely there'll be numerous guests; face needs to be kept.
...
Back at Bamboo Pavilion, Xueyan knelt and knocked her head onto the ground, grateful for having the First Young Madam as the Noble Lady twice saving her life.
"Quickly get up, Bamboo Pavilion doesn't have so many rules, Chuntao, settle Xueyan."
"Understood, Miss."
Xueyan resolved inwardly, from now on she's the First Young Madam's person, willing to go through fire and water for her.
Chuntao went to settle Xueyan while Shen Ruoxi sat on the chair, lost in thought when suddenly the door was knocked.
Xia Lian opened the door; unexpectedly it was the gatekeeper granny of the courtyard.
"Is the young mistress back? This old servant has something to report."
"Nanny Chen, come in!" called Shen Ruoxi from inside.
Granny Chen entered and saluted Shen Ruoxi, "Mistress, when you went to meet the First Young Madam today, the Old Madam had someone follow you; knowing you met the First Young Madam, there's a big opinion and demands General Xiao set you straight."
Shen Ruoxi sneered, "No need to pay attention."
This granny had followed Shen Ruoxi to Xiao Family for two years, not expecting a chance to return to the Shen Family, "Mistress, can we really return?"
"Just pack your things, don't ask too much, and certainly never mention it to others."
"This old servant understands." Nanny Chen almost wept with relief.
In her old age, she's even more unwilling to see Shen Ruoxi endure such humiliation; the mistress will still be glorious upon returning home.
"Off you go!"
"Yes."
Next day, just after Shen Ruoxi finished breakfast, Chuntao hurriedly came in and whispered, "Mistress, Old Mrs. Xu has arrived and is currently in the front hall having a fierce argument with Old Mrs. Xiao."