The mistress who remarried has returned.

***

Liu Shun accompanied Xue Wenying to the antique shop in Jingxin Market to help Madam Qin choose a gift.

When Xue Wenying saw that only Liu Shun was there and that Qin Huai had not come with her, her expression changed. She had specially changed into a new outfit. The fabric and the needlework reflected light under the lanterns in the night, making it look quite gorgeous and dazzling. An ordinary family's annual expenses might not even cover the cost of this outfit. Qin Huai held an important position, and she always dressed in a noble lady's style. This outfit complemented him perfectly, but Qin Huai had no chance to see it.

"Is the general still preoccupied with important matters?"

"That's right," Liu Shun was a steady subordinate who wouldn't reveal the general's private affairs. "The general was really unable to get away and was worried that Miss would be waiting too long, so he specially ordered me to accompany Miss to choose a gift."

"It's kind of him to think of me even while handling his duties." Xue Wenying secretly clenched the handkerchief in her hand. "Guard Liu, it's the same if you come on his behalf. The sentiment is enough."

After choosing the gift, Liu Shun left.

Xue Wenying wondered what important matter Qin Huai was busy with. After being brought back to the capital from Suzhou by the Qin family, he took great care of her and rarely broke his promise to her.

Today is extremely unusual.

When General Qin became slightly cold towards the young lady, the maid Shuang'er panicked. "Does the general have someone else outside? He is handsome, strong, and aloof. It's no wonder that some young ladies are attracted to him and want to be the one who drives this stagnant man crazy."

Xue Wenying secretly longed to be with Qin Huai all the time, and she was certain that Qin Huai's heart could hold no one else but her; they were childhood sweethearts. If the Xue family hadn't fallen on hard times, she would already be his wife. But ultimately, his achievements were remarkable, and she needed to keep a close eye on him. His delay in marrying meant that Madam Qin was naturally aware of his feelings for her, and given time, she wouldn't let him remain single forever.

Even if she has no chance to become the principal wife, or a concubine, or a mistress, there will always be a result.

"Madam Xue is fond of Empress Xiao's daughter, Zhou Yuan, and Empress Xiao also intends to bring about the marriage. However, the Yan family has angered the Emperor because of the Crown Prince's affair, and Yan Yixiao is imprisoned in the Cold Palace with no hope of a comeback. Zhou Yuan is also in a precarious situation under Consort Shu's care. With the court infighting and the Qin family observing the situation, Qin Huai's marriage is temporarily put on hold. Qin Huai is a dutiful and respectful man and would not secretly pledge his life to any young lady. He cannot decide his own marriage."

As Xue Wenying spoke, she analyzed in a deep voice: "Even if the young ladies are distracted, Qin Huai knows his limits and will not cause any trouble."

Shuang'er listened to Xue Wenying's words and felt that they made sense. She added, "It must be that shameless vixen, Consort Su, who is clinging to the General. The General doesn't have any concubines around him, so she couldn't take advantage of the situation. The General is also a man and needs women to serve him... This servant really despises Consort Su's worthless and clingy ways."

Xue Wenying walked to the carriage, gripped the edge of it tightly, and said, "Indeed, he has been quite neglectful of me these past two days since Consort Su came back to see him. Indeed, if a woman does not respect herself, a man will inevitably be curious and lose control, and lose his decorum, which may be a disgrace to his status."

After a pause, he asked, "Have your ladies from the Qin family provided you with any useful information?"

"No. None of the servants in the Qin household know anything about the general's private affairs. They all claim to know nothing."

Four years ago, when Qin Huai slapped Su Yunxi, Xue Wenying still vividly remembered the way he questioned Su Yunxi in a harsh voice. Didn't he look exactly like a husband who was driven mad by jealousy?

She had known Qin Huai for over twenty years and had never seen him angry; he was extremely careful with his emotions. How could he be so... towards Su Yunxi?

"A few years ago, when the prime minister passed away and Madam Qin broke off the engagement and arranged another marriage for you, the general and Madam Qin had a serious argument," Shuang'er said. "That Consort Su was just someone the general used to spite the young lady by making her marry far away to Suzhou at her mother's behest. When the general slapped her, he acted as if he really loved her to the bone."

Shuang'er was indignant. Why not find someone better? It's infuriating that he chose someone whose status and family background are inferior to Miss's.

Fortunately, after seven years of keeping it hidden in the villa, there was no intention of bringing it into the mansion. In the end, the truth was not revealed, and no storm was stirred up.

Miss has no other way out but General Qin. And now that she is a widow, she has suffered so much in her husband's family in Suzhou. General Qin will not be willing to abandon her.

"Miss, Miss."

A call came from the southeast. Xue Wenying looked in that direction and saw that it was the steward of the Xue family coming to report.

"Uncle Wang, why are you rushing here? Has something happened at the Xue residence?"

"Miss, the young master was beaten at school. The other person's mother keeps asking to see him, wanting to bring her child to apologize. Master Xue doesn't want to settle this peacefully, but the other person is also a fourth-rank official of the imperial court, on the same level as Master Xue, and Master Xue can't really control her. He can't very well refuse to give her face. The First Madam is unhappy about this and asked me to come and ask you to think of a way to teach the other person a lesson." Butler Wang explained his purpose.

Xue Wenying's smile held a hint of coldness. Her brother and sister-in-law couldn't tolerate her widowed status in the mansion, treating her harshly in every way. Now that something had happened, and the young master was being mistreated at school, she was the first person they thought of. She stepped onto a stool and entered the carriage. "It's not that I'm unwilling to get involved in the mansion's affairs. It's just that I'm a widow, powerless and without influence. Living under someone else's roof is difficult in every way. The other party is an official of the imperial court; what can I do?"

They didn't participate in this matter at all.

Steward Wang bowed and stepped forward, looking obsequious. After Madam Qin arranged a residence for Miss, the lady of the house had hoped to reconcile with her, but Miss did not give her any face. He nodded and bowed and said, "Miss may have no power or influence, but you should also consider whose roof you are under. If the Qin family wants to punish a mere fourth-rank official, it is as easy as turning their hand."

Xue Wenying still wouldn't agree, only casually asking, "Who hit Miao'er?"

"It was a boy named Su Yunze from the school who did it, and it was his mother, Wang, who wanted to come and apologize."

Xue Wenying, who had been resting against the carriage, straightened up upon hearing this, pondered for a moment, and then slowly leaned back against the carriage road: "Go back and tell Master Xue that I understand the matter. I'll think of a solution."

The butler then bowed three times in succession, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Miss. Master Xue instructed me to make sure our rivals are utterly defeated."

***

After returning to the Qin residence, Qin Huai went to the main hall to see his father, gave his report and inquired after him. As he passed the east wing, he heard Qin Yue sternly reprimanding a maid.

"You're so clumsy! I told you I wanted a pale yellow dress, not an apricot yellow one, but you insisted on giving me an apricot yellow one. You're truly the most useless maid in the world."

The maid sobbed as she was scolded, "Miss, please don't be angry, I'll go get it again."

Qin Yue said, "You're really useless! You've tried five times and still can't get it right! Hurry up and get it for me to wear! I'm freezing. You've ruined my health every day. If it weren't for the fact that you're so stupid that no one else would take you in, I would have given you away long ago."

"Since she's useless, failing to bring the right clothes five times, and you're cold," Qin Huai said from outside the window, "why can't you just go get them yourself and put them on right away? Who's really humiliating you?"