Chapter 171 Zhang Yuyan Wants to Escape

After being slapped hard by Su Xuan that day, Zhang Yuyan made a scene twice more. After being taught a lesson, she became obedient and dared not disobey Su Xuan again. If she wanted to survive, she had to learn to flatter him and serve him without any dignity, just like the other maids in his courtyard.

Although she had no dignity, at least they all called her Madam, and she didn't have to do chores like a maid.

That day, it snowed heavily outside. She had never seen such heavy snow when she was in Shengjing. When she left Shengjing, her mother packed three large carts full of dowry for her and also prepared enough clothes for her to wear in the winter.

At this moment, all she could do was look at the objects and think of the people around her, longing for her home in Shengjing and her mother.

She never expected that General Su had so many wives and concubines, some of whom were even the same age as her.

Looking at the pairs of resentful and dejected eyes in the mansion, fear and timidity filled Zhang Yuyan's heart. She became more and more cautious, and even dared not mention having a wedding with Su Xuan. She felt that although they called her "Madam," she had become his concubine without her knowing, which made her extremely uncomfortable.

She had also secretly inquired and learned that Su Xuan had married two wives, both of whom had died. Everyone said they died of illness and that they were not blessed. Zhang Yuyan, however, did not think so, and she dared not speculate.

Suddenly, Su Xuan returned with his men. They had gone from the direction of the study. Zhang Yuyan felt that he was acting suspiciously and in a hurry, so she quietly followed them.

Su Xuan knew that no one in the entire Su family dared to disobey him, so he asked, "How did things go?"

"The Duke of Zhang and his wife were burned to death. The second wife of the Duke of Zhang confessed that she started the fire and died as well. However, Young Master Ji was arrested and is now in prison."

Su Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly, "That idiot is useless to keep alive. We only saved him because Grandmother said he was still of some use, and we could use him to take the blame..."

Just then, a tinkling sound came from outside the window. Zhang Yuyan was so frightened by the news of her mother's death that she dropped the hand warmer she was holding.

When Su Xuan came out, he saw her standing blankly outside the window. Seeing that she was eavesdropping outside, a fierce look flashed in his eyes. He grabbed her by the neck, his eyes full of vigilance, and asked in a cold voice, "What are you doing here? Didn't I warn you not to leave the courtyard?"

If it weren't for the fact that she was still somewhat attractive, he would have sent her over there long ago.

Tears streamed down Zhang Yuyan's face. "General, what did you just say about my mother? You said she's dead, didn't you?"

Su Xuan released his hand and said in a deep voice, "The news from Shengjing is that Madam Zhang set fire to your grandparents, killing them, and then committed suicide out of guilt."

Zhang Yuyan's body went limp and she almost fainted. Before the maid could help her up, Su Xuan grabbed her waist. "Yan'er." The women raised in Shengjing were different from those on the frontier; their skin was soft and delicate.

"I want to see my mother, sob sob... How could she be dead? No, she was perfectly fine when she saw me off at my wedding, how could she be dead?" Zhang Yuyan cried so hard she could barely breathe, her face flushed red from crying, like a pear blossom in the rain.

"I just received the news. It only says that something happened to the Zhang family. Don't worry, I'll send someone to investigate." Su Xuan pretended to be considerate.

Zhang Yuyan was momentarily stunned by his change. Just a few days ago, he had angrily slapped her, but now…

Zhang Yuyan wasn't naive. The old woman who came with her to the border had taught her not to be temperamental anymore. This wasn't Shengjing. She needed to learn to control her temper and go along with him. Maybe then he would treat her like he treated the maids and not be so rough.

She seized the opportunity and said, "General, I want to go home. I want to see my mother." She only wanted to escape.

Immediately, a hint of displeasure flashed across Su Xuan's face. "This place is over a thousand miles away from Shengjing, and the roads are blocked by heavy snow. There's also fighting on the border. It's chaotic and war-torn. How are you going to get back?"

"But my mother..."

"I will have the Su family visit the Zhang family. You can stay here and not go anywhere." His tone left no room for argument, and he did not allow her to resist.

Granny Xu, who was waiting on the side, quickly comforted her, "Madam, please accept my condolences. The young master will definitely be able to handle things properly."

Xu Mama was a trusted nanny sent by Madam Zhang to Zhang Yuyan's side. Ever since they came to the border and moved into the Su residence, they have also felt uncomfortable all over.

They slept with the young lady without a wedding ceremony, showing no manners whatsoever. They dared not speak out against it, since it was Old Madam Su who personally proposed the marriage to the Zhang family. In name, the young lady was still his wife, so it was not wrong for them to call her Madam. After all, everyone in the Su family called her Madam.

Zhang Yuyan listened to the advice and sobbed repeatedly, "Please, General, you must help Yan'er. My mother must have been wronged."

"Don't worry!" Su Xuan then had someone escort her back to his bedroom.

As soon as Zhang Yuyan left, Su Xuan clenched his fists. Was Jiang Fenghua really that difficult to deal with? By now, news of the Zhang family's affairs must have reached Prince Heng's ears!

Xie Shang moved directly into the military camp after arriving at the border. He did not expect that Prince Heng would bring so many of his own people with him.

Jiang Jinyan was no pushover either, always on guard, and enjoyed Xie Shang's complete trust.

"General, I have noticed someone acting suspiciously around the Su residence. I don't know whose people they are, but I have been trying to capture them. However, they are too cunning."

Su Xuan said, "Now that Prince Heng is at the border, tell the Su family to behave themselves."

The reason he returned to Shengjing was because the court had revealed that someone was investigating the Su family and had even uncovered some things.

But when he returned, he met with the emperor again, but the emperor didn't mention the matter, as if he had received the wrong information.

The matter was dropped, and this time Prince Heng brought his trusted confidants, leaving him even more confused.

Is Prince Heng starting to be wary of the Su family?

Huyan Xiuluo, the king of the Hu tribe, is determined to seek revenge on Xie Shang, who killed his own brother ten years ago. This battle is unavoidable.

"Keep a close eye on things. I'm heading back to the camp now." Su Xuan only returned occasionally.

-

In the military camp, the harsh weather hindered the march, and the heavier the snow fell, the more disadvantageous it became for the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Su Xuan walked in, dressed in armor. "Your Highness."

Xie Shang glanced at him, then looked back at the sand table in front of him. "Here you are."

He then added, "General Su, come and see which route the enemy is most likely to attack from if they want to launch a surprise attack."

Su Xuan pointed to a road, "Here, Xiguan. However, it's snowing heavily outside. Even the strong Hu people can't withstand fighting in this kind of weather. According to the scouts, the Hu people have already set up camp. They probably don't plan to attack so soon because of the weather."

Xie Shang smiled slightly, his eyes sharp and filled with majesty and domineering aura. "I don't think so. If he is determined to attack, he will overcome all difficulties to attack. No matter which path he chooses, attacking Xiguan is impossible. According to the information I have received, attacking Xiguan is just a smokescreen by Huyan Xiuluo."