Chapter Nine: Dreaming

Seeing the expressions on her parents' faces, Su Zhinian knew exactly what they were thinking. She took her mother’s hand, linked her arm through her father’s, and firmly led them toward the inner courtyard, her voice indifferent as she spoke.

"Father, Mother, I had a dream."

Her parents exchanged a glance and asked in unison, "What kind of dream?"

Su Zhinian recounted everything that had happened in her past life, framing it as a dream. Her tone was flat, carefully masking the turmoil within. Yet, when she finished, her mother’s eyes brimmed with tears as she pulled her into a tight embrace, stroking her hair with trembling hands.

"Niannian, Mother is here! Do not be afraid!"

Leng Ruyue’s voice shook. The thought of her daughter being flayed and dismembered alive made her heart feel as though it were being crushed by an invisible hand. She could not bear to imagine it, let alone believe it could truly happen to her child. She could only stroke Su Zhinian’s back, whispering comforts.

Su Zhinian greedily breathed in the scent of cold plum blossoms that always clung to her mother. Her eyes grew hot, and she held her mother tightly. Nearby, Su Jincheng’s eyes were also wet. He wiped the corners of his eyes, his voice choked with emotion.

"Thank goodness it was only a dream. Rest assured, Niannian, even if I have to sacrifice this old life of mine, I will protect you and your mother!"

Su Jincheng had always been an upright and incorruptible man, disdaining the abuse of power. Yet, the images described by his daughter sent a chill down his spine. If he continued down his current path, would he be helpless to stop his daughter from being bullied? For the first time, Su Jincheng began to doubt the principles he had held so dear.

Footsteps sounded at the door as the maid leading the way announced softly, "Madam, Master, General Gu is here."

Gu Shijin frowned. He had always been addressed as "son-in-law" in the past; now, it was nothing but "General Gu." He hadn't divorced Su Zhinian yet—were these people threatening him? If it weren't for the fact that Xixi had yet to return, he would have divorced her long ago!

As he looked up, he saw Su Zhinian huddled in her mother’s arms, looking aggrieved, and he immediately understood. She had failed to get what she wanted from the Empress Dowager, so now she was using her parents to threaten him? He had thought she might have changed, but she remained as stubborn and foolish as ever.

"Shijin pays his respects to Father and Mother-in-law."

Though displeased, Gu Shijin still bowed respectfully. However, influenced by the "dream" she had just described, Su Zhinian's parents looked at him with nothing but disdain.

Su Jincheng let out a cold snort, his tone harsh. "What are you here for?"

Su Mother shielded her daughter, glaring at Gu Shijin. She knew that what had truly crushed her daughter in that dream was not the torture itself, but the fact that Gu Shijin had personally ordered their execution. Niannian was a filial child; how could she ever bear to see them killed by his own hand? Gu Shijin was a heartless wretch—Niannian had served his parents and managed his household, yet he had been so cruel. He was truly unworthy of being called a man.

Their hostile glares only convinced Gu Shijin further that Su Zhinian had returned to complain. He cast a dark, cold look at her and said calmly, "I am here to take Niannian back to the manor."

As long as Ren Xixi had not returned, Su Zhinian could not be allowed out of his sight for a single moment. If anything happened to Xixi, Su Zhinian would pay the price!

Gu Shijin tightened his jaw, softened his voice, and looked at Su Zhinian behind her mother. "Niannian, stop throwing a tantrum and come home with me."

Yushu, standing nearby, felt her heart leap into her throat. Her mistress had told her not to speak to the Master and Madam, but she could not help herself. If her mistress returned with Gu Shijin, she would surely be locked in the woodshed, starved, and left to die. Yushu looked at her mistress, anxious and tearful, but when she met Su Zhinian’s eyes, the words she was about to spill died in her throat. She could only wring her handkerchief in distress.

"Niannian is staying here today to keep her mother company. You may return to the manor yourself," Su Jincheng stated firmly, making it clear he would not let his daughter go. His tone grew increasingly hostile.

"Father-in-law, there are many matters at the manor that require Niannian’s attention. You see..." Gu Shijin was lying through his teeth, the words rolling off his tongue with practiced ease.

"I am not feeling well; what is wrong with my daughter staying to keep me company?" Su Mother retorted, her own words sharp and biting. "Does a massive General’s manor truly collapse if my daughter isn't there to manage it?"

The atmosphere grew tense.

"I know what the General is worried about. I will go back with you," Su Zhinian stepped forward and said clearly. She knew Gu Shijin would not let her stay away for long; he was simply afraid she would harm Ren Xixi. "Father, Mother, I will come to visit you again when I have time."

Seeing the concern on her parents' faces, she bowed to them, her eyes filled with reassurance. Yushu looked devastated, her face falling.

Su Jincheng wanted to say more, but Su Mother tugged on his sleeve, and he swallowed his words. Leng Ruyue held her daughter's hand and said carefully, "Niannian, if you are wronged, you must tell us. Do not suffer in silence."

Parents who love their children plan for their long-term well-being. Though Su Mother was reluctant to let her go, she trusted her daughter and understood that she had her own plans. She chose to respect her decision, silently standing as her daughter's support. Only with a strong family behind her would her daughter not be looked down upon or bullied.

Su Jincheng was furious, but he understood his daughter was thinking of them. In his heart, his disgust for Gu Shijin turned to pure hatred. "Niannian, take Youqing with you." Youqing knew some martial arts and could protect her. Su Zhinian had once had four head maids, but they were all married now, leaving only Yushu. Her father was deeply worried.

"Very well. Thank you, Father."

Youqing packed her bags in a daze and climbed into the carriage, looking back with lingering attachment as the Su residence shrank into the distance until it vanished. Yushu wiped away tears repeatedly; her mistress was returning to that man-eating place once again.

"Su Zhinian, do you realize that you have married into the General’s manor and are now a member of the Gu family? Leaving for your parents' home without a word—how do you expect outsiders to view me?"

"Are you so desperate to let the world know you left because of Xixi? You are deliberately trying to ruin her reputation!"

"Su Zhinian, you are truly vicious!"