Chapter 29: Returning to the Manor

"Are you worried?" The Empress furrowed her brows. Although she did not finish her sentence, she already understood what Su Zhinian meant.

"I will have someone handle this matter. You should return and get some rest!"

"Yunling, send someone to the Imperial Hospital to fetch some medicine for blood circulation and bruising for Madam Gu."

"Yes." Yunling nodded and departed.

"Many thanks, Your Majesty." After offering a formal bow, Su Zhinian left the Jingren Palace.

She was curious to see how Ren Xixi would break out of this deadlock.

At the General's Mansion, Gu Shijin held onto Ren Xixi, as if he had found a treasure he thought was lost forever.

As the two walked back to the mansion hand-in-hand, the servants felt a sense of relief upon seeing the General in such high spirits. During the days when Miss Ren was absent, the mansion had been shrouded in gloom; now, it finally showed signs of life again. Unlike the General's wife, who only knew how to provoke the General's anger.

"Sister Xixi is back!" Gu Lingxuan, who had been attending to Mother Gu, hopped over to them in delight the moment she saw Gu Shijin return with Ren Xixi.

"Sister Xixi, you’ve finally returned! You have no idea how much that wretched woman, Su Zhinian, has bullied me."

Finding an ally, Gu Lingxuan clung to Ren Xixi’s hand, pouting as she began to complain about Su Zhinian.

"Xuan'er, let’s discuss that later!" Gu Shijin’s tone carried a hint of helplessness. He glanced at Ren Xixi, his gaze filled with heartache and relief.

"Mother, as soon as Xixi returned, she insisted on coming to pay her respects to you!"

With that, Ren Xixi bowed respectfully to Mother Gu. "Xixi pays her respects to you, Madam."

Though she appeared submissive, she was cursing internally. This wretched old woman was still putting on airs, not even deigning to tell her to rise. Once she officially entered the General's Mansion, she would show this old woman who was in charge.

Mother Gu wore a kind smile. "Xixi, you’ve finally returned. Do get up!"

Hearing this, Gu Shijin reached out to help her up, clearly satisfied with the harmonious relationship between his mother and his beloved.

"Mother, we are going to pay our respects to Grandmother now."

"I’m going too! I still want to talk to Sister Xixi!" Gu Lingxuan rushed forward, hugging Ren Xixi’s arm and pouting playfully.

"Very well, go on together then!" Mother Gu waved her hand, her heart long since devoid of any ripples. To her, this household was managed by the Matriarch and the daughter-in-law; she had nothing to call her own. Madam Lin sighed helplessly to herself.

"Sister Xixi, now that you’re back, are you going to marry my brother soon?" Gu Lingxuan’s eyes darted between the two with a teasing, suggestive glint.

"That matter must wait for the Emperor’s imperial decree." Gu Shijin held Ren Xixi’s hand tightly, his eyes filled with a tenderness that could drown a person. Had he not been concerned for Xixi’s reputation, he would never have waited this long.

"Hmph, that would be wonderful! That bitch Su Zhinian actually got me grounded by Grandmother. Sister Xixi, once you become the mistress of the house, you must take revenge for me!" Gu Lingxuan shook Ren Xixi’s arm, acting spoiled.

Hearing that Gu Lingxuan had been grounded, Ren Xixi was stunned. Since when had Su Zhinian learned to fight back?

Gu Shijin’s expression darkened as he spoke in disapproval. "Xuan'er, Xixi is so kind and pure. What if she were to be hurt by that poisonous woman, Su Zhinian?"

Gu Lingxuan wanted to retort, but upon seeing the look on Ren Xixi’s face, she clamped her mouth shut. To call Ren Xixi kind and pure was simply laughable. Ren Xixi had framed Su Zhinian so many times; she was a black-hearted lotus, and only her foolish brother believed in her innocence. However, Gu Lingxuan was not foolish enough to expose her. After all, compared to having Su Zhinian as her sister-in-law, she preferred Ren Xixi, who was always generous with her—unlike Su Zhinian, the miser!

"Enough, why bring her up again for no reason?" Ren Xixi’s round, dark eyes turned toward Gu Shijin, a trace of annoyed amusement touching her lips. They had previously agreed never to speak of Su Zhinian when they were together. Gu Shijin understood immediately and nodded solemnly.

"Very well, let’s go."

Ren Xixi furrowed her brows, cursing Gu Lingxuan again in her heart. She deserved to be taught a lesson by that bitch Su Zhinian. She was an empty-headed idiot who nearly let the truth slip; Ren Xixi felt her patience wearing thin. Although Gu Shijin would surely believe her, she could not help but feel dissatisfied with Gu Lingxuan.

Unaware of Ren Xixi’s true thoughts, Gu Lingxuan clung to her arm as usual, the two appearing like sisters. The sight of such harmony caused Gu Shijin to smile, though his thoughts drifted to Su Zhinian. Wherever she was, chaos always followed; it was as if she were born with the ability to make people despise her.

"Xixi pays her respects to the Matriarch. May you be blessed with longevity."

Upon arriving at the Pine and Crane Pavilion, Ren Xixi performed another deep bow. The Matriarch smiled warmly and told her to rise.

"Xixi, I heard from Jin'er that you have been serving Consort Wan in the palace during your absence?"

"Returning to Grandmother, the Consort and I were old acquaintances, and she took me in for a while." Ren Xixi spoke with a hint of pride. Having a consort as a bosom friend was a great honor. She couldn't wait to see the scene where Wanwan would be posthumously bestowed with high honors by the Emperor after her fake death. That would truly be something to be proud of!

"Oh?" The Matriarch’s cloudy eyes shifted, a glint of shrewdness passing through them. So, Ren Xixi was acquainted with Consort Wan. Although the Consort had passed, the Emperor had loved her dearly; perhaps, in the future, he might favor the Gu family because of this connection. She had not expected Ren Xixi to be of some use, and she nodded in satisfaction.

"It is good that you are back. It is only a pity that the Consort... alas." The old woman raised a handkerchief to wipe the corner of her eye.

Ren Xixi felt disdain in her heart; the old hag was an expert at putting on a show. Yet, she was worried—the change in plans was unexpected, and she needed to find another opportunity to return to the palace.

"Grandmother..." Gu Shijin knew Ren Xixi must be heartbroken, so he shook his head at the Matriarch.

The Matriarch sighed heavily. "I shall say no more. Jin'er, take Xixi back to get some proper rest."

"Send that set of kingfisher-feather jewelry from the treasury to Miss Ren."

"Yes." The matron by the Matriarch’s side acknowledged the order and went to retrieve the items.

Hearing there were fine gifts to be had, Ren Xixi’s eyes lit up. "Many thanks, Matriarch."

Gu Lingxuan ran up, envious and spoiled. "Grandmother, you are so kind to Sister Xixi."

With that remark, the Matriarch knew exactly what she was thinking. "You little spendthrift, go to the treasury and pick out a piece of jewelry for yourself as well!"

"Thank you, Grandmother!" Gu Lingxuan beamed.

"What are you doing? This is our Young Mistress’s dowry! No one is allowed to touch it!"

Qing stood guard in front of the treasury, refusing to move an inch.