The General's Aloof Persona Broken by Mind Reading

Lin Wan'er, a woman with the extraordinary ability of mind reading, accidentally stumbles into the world of the General's Manor. Xiao Yichen, a highly accomplished and handsome general, is ...

Chapter 26 Praise for Wan'er

The morning sunlight spilled onto the glazed tiles of the General's Mansion, refracting into a kaleidoscope of colors and illuminating the still-sleeping courtyard. Birds chirped merrily in the branches, seemingly singing in celebration of yesterday's revelry. After last night's festivities, the General's Mansion was filled with a unique warmth and tranquility.

Lin Wan'er woke up early. She opened the window, and the fresh air rushed in, invigorating her. Looking at the familiar scenery outside, a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips. Every blade of grass, every brick and tile here felt incredibly dear to her, as if she had lived here for a very, very long time.

After washing up, Lin Wan'er left her room and walked along the corridor toward the garden. Along the way, she encountered several servants who were cleaning early in the morning. When they saw Lin Wan'er, they all stopped what they were doing and bowed respectfully.

"Good morning, Miss Lin!" a maid said with a smile.

"Good morning! You're already working so early?" Lin Wan'er replied with a smile.

"Yes, Miss Lin. Everyone had such a great time yesterday, so we must clean the General's Mansion spotless today," the maid replied.

Lin Wan'er nodded: "Thank you for your hard work."

She continued walking towards the garden, which looked exceptionally beautiful in the morning sunlight. Dewdrops clung to the flowers, like sparkling pearls. The colorful blossoms vied for attention, releasing a fragrant aroma. Lin Wan'er strolled among the flowers, feeling particularly relaxed and happy.

A short while later, Xiao Yichen also arrived at the garden. When he saw Lin Wan'er, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he quickly walked forward.

"Wan'er, you're up so early too?" Xiao Yichen said.

"Good morning, General. Such beautiful weather, we mustn't let this magnificent garden go to waste," Lin Wan'er replied with a smile.

The two strolled side by side in the garden, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

"General, after yesterday's banquet, I feel even more strongly that the General's Mansion has a special charm. The atmosphere here is really great; everyone is full of energy and enthusiasm, just like one big family," Lin Wan'er said with emotion.

Xiao Yichen nodded in agreement: "Yes, the General's Mansion has such an atmosphere today, which is inseparable from the efforts of everyone. We live, train and fight together here, and over time, we naturally develop deep feelings for each other."

Lin Wan'er frowned slightly, recalling her experience in the palace: "Unlike in the palace, where there are rules and constraints everywhere, and everyone is cautious, afraid that doing the wrong thing will cause a big disaster. Although it is gorgeous, it makes people feel extremely oppressed."

Xiao Yichen looked at her, his eyes filled with pity: "The palace is a place where power and interests are intertwined, and interpersonal relationships are complicated. It is indeed not a comfortable place. You must have suffered a lot there, right?"

Lin Wan'er gave a wry smile: "In the palace, even laughter has to be appropriate for the occasion; you can't just laugh as you please. I grew up there and witnessed too much scheming and deceit. In comparison, the General's Mansion is like a paradise, where I felt true warmth."

Xiao Yichen gently held Lin Wan'er's hand: "Wan'er, from now on this will be your home. You will never have to go back to that place that caused you pain. We will protect this warmth together."

Lin Wan'er felt a warmth in her heart. She looked at Xiao Yichen, her eyes glistening with tears of gratitude: "General, thank you. With you here, and with everyone in the General's Mansion here, I feel very happy."

The two lingered in the garden for a while before heading towards the training ground. The soldiers had already begun their morning exercises, standing in neat rows, their shouts of battle echoing through the air. Seeing Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er arrive, the soldiers trained even more diligently.

"General, Miss Lin!" the soldiers shouted in unison.

Xiao Yichen nodded: "Continue training!"

He and Lin Wan'er watched the soldiers train. Xiao Yichen would occasionally point out the soldiers' shortcomings and personally demonstrate the correct movements. Lin Wan'er observed the soldiers' state of mind and found that although the soldiers were training hard, each of them had a confident and enthusiastic expression on their face.

"General, look at these soldiers. They are so enthusiastic about training, and they trust and cooperate with each other. This kind of team spirit is truly rare," Lin Wan'er exclaimed.

"Yes, this is a precious asset of our General's Mansion. Only when the soldiers are united can we be invincible when facing the enemy," Xiao Yichen said.

After the training session, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er arrived at the council hall. The generals were already waiting, and they began to discuss the next steps in their plan.

"General, although we have successfully obtained the supplies this time, the enemy will not give up easily. We still need to strengthen our defenses and prepare for the next attack," a general said.

Xiao Yichen nodded in agreement: "That's right, we can't let our guard down. We need to increase patrols, repair and improve our defenses, and continue to gather intelligence on the enemy."

Lin Wan'er added, "We can also conduct targeted training for the soldiers, based on the characteristics of the enemy, to improve our ability to deal with different situations."

The generals nodded in agreement, and the meeting proceeded in a lively discussion. Everyone expressed their opinions and offered suggestions for the safety of the General's Mansion.

After discussing the military plan, Lin Wan'er raised a new topic: "General, esteemed officers, I believe we should not only focus on military matters, but also care about the lives of our soldiers and servants. A good living environment and atmosphere can boost morale."

Xiao Yichen looked at her: "Wan'er, what are your thoughts?"

“We can organize some recreational activities within the General’s Mansion, such as holding regular banquets and performances. This will allow everyone to relax after the intense training and battles. At the same time, it will also improve everyone’s meals and ensure that the soldiers have enough energy,” Lin Wan’er said.

The generals all found Lin Wan'er's suggestion to be very reasonable.

“Miss Lin’s suggestion is excellent! The soldiers train so hard every day, they definitely need some recreational activities to relieve stress,” a general said.

Xiao Yichen smiled and said, "Then let's do as Wan'er says. We can involve the servants in organizing these activities together."

After the meeting, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er began to arrange various matters. They first went to the kitchen to discuss plans to improve the meals with the chefs.

"General, Miss Lin, we can increase the supply of meat and vegetables to ensure that every meal has nutritious dishes," a chef said.

"Alright, then thank you for your hard work. Please make sure to pay attention to food safety and hygiene," Xiao Yichen said.

Next, they approached the housekeeper and discussed the specific details of organizing the entertainment activities with him.

“Steward, we can hold a banquet in the courtyard every now and then, so that the soldiers and servants can all attend. At the same time, we can also encourage everyone to prepare some performances,” Lin Wan’er said.

The butler smiled and nodded, "Don't worry, Miss Lin, I'll arrange it right away. This is a great idea; everyone will be very happy."

Amidst their busy schedules, the day passed quickly. As evening fell, Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen once again strolled in the garden. The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the entire garden in a golden hue, creating a dreamlike scene.

"General, although today was very busy, I felt very fulfilled. Seeing the General's Mansion getting better and better thanks to our efforts makes me really happy," Lin Wan'er said.

Xiao Yichen looked at her, his eyes full of love: "Wan'er, as long as you're happy. I also hope that the General's Mansion can always maintain this atmosphere so that everyone can live happily."

The two sat side by side in the garden, watching the sunset and enjoying this warm moment. They knew that more challenges lay ahead, but as long as they worked together with everyone in the General's Mansion, they were sure to create a better life. The warmth and tranquility of the General's Mansion would become their most solid haven in this chaotic world, and they would strive tirelessly to protect this beautiful place.

As night fell, the general's mansion was brightly lit. The aroma of food wafted from the kitchen, the chefs meticulously preparing dinner according to the new meal plan. The enticing smells filled the air, whetting everyone's appetite.

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er finished their busy day and slowly walked from the garden to the restaurant. Along the way, they discussed the various tasks arranged for the day, both with satisfied expressions on their faces.

“Wan’er, when I discussed the meals with the cooks today, I could sense that they were also looking forward to these changes. I think the soldiers and servants will be very happy to hear about it,” Xiao Yichen said, walking lightly alongside Lin Wan’er.

Lin Wan'er smiled and nodded: "Yes, General. A delicious and nutritious meal can make people feel happy and also make them feel the care of the General's Mansion. I hope these small changes can make life in the General's Mansion more warm and welcoming."

The two entered the restaurant, where generals and some soldiers were already waiting. Upon seeing Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er enter, everyone rose and bowed.

"General, Miss Lin," everyone said in unison.

"Please sit down, everyone. You've all worked hard today." Xiao Yichen waved his hand, gesturing for everyone to sit down.

After everyone was seated, they began to chat, and the topic naturally turned to the new plan they had been discussing that day.

A young general smiled and said to Lin Wan'er, "Miss Lin, your idea of ​​organizing recreational activities is fantastic. We roughnecks usually only know how to fight and train, and we've never thought about these things before. Now that I think about it, it really will help everyone relax a lot."

Lin Wan'er responded with a smile: "Actually, everyone works very hard every day, whether it's training or carrying out missions, and everyone needs to relax. Appropriate recreational activities can not only relieve stress, but also enhance the relationship between everyone."

“Miss Lin is right. Just like yesterday’s banquet, I still remember how lively it was. Everyone had a great time, and it felt like the distance between us had been shortened.” Another soldier chimed in.

Xiao Yichen joined the conversation: "This time, we want to make the entertainment activities more regular and integrate them into the life of the General's Mansion. Everyone is welcome to suggest any good program ideas."

One of the generals thought for a moment and said, "General, we can organize some martial arts competitions so that the soldiers can show off their skills. This will not only allow them to hone their skills but also provide them with entertainment."

"That's a good idea, but we need to be careful and make sure no one gets hurt." Xiao Yichen nodded in agreement.

Lin Wan'er's eyes lit up: "We can also hold some fun competitions, such as relay races and riddles, so that everyone can participate, not just soldiers, but also servants."

Everyone found it interesting and began discussing the details of the activities.

Then, the food was served one after another, and the table was laden with a sumptuous feast. There was fragrant roast chicken, tender stewed beef, fresh vegetables, and various delicate pastries. There was also steaming hot soup, its aroma so enticing that it made one's mouth water.

Looking at the table full of food, Xiao Yichen said to everyone, "Enjoy this dinner tonight. This is our first meal after we improved our diet. Let's see how it tastes."

Everyone picked up their bowls and chopsticks and began to eat. For a moment, the only sounds in the restaurant were the clinking of bowls and chopsticks and the satisfied chewing of everyone.

"Mmm, this roast chicken is so delicious! The skin is crispy, and the meat inside is tender and juicy," a soldier exclaimed as he ate.

"This beef is also good, cooked to perfection, with a rich flavor," another soldier chimed in.

Seeing everyone enjoying their meal, Lin Wan'er also felt a surge of appetite. She picked up a piece of pastry and put it in her mouth, the delicate texture and sweet taste spreading on her tongue: "This pastry is so exquisitely made, and it tastes so good too. The chefs' skills are getting better and better."

Xiao Yichen smiled and said, "It seems our plan to improve the food has been very successful. Everyone is eating well, so they will have the energy to deal with the upcoming training and any potential enemies."

In a pleasant dining atmosphere, the conversation returned to life at the General's Mansion.

An older general remarked with emotion, "General, Miss Lin, to be honest, since Miss Lin came to the General's Mansion, so many things have really changed. Before, we only thought about fighting, and life was very monotonous. Now it's different; the General's Mansion feels much more vibrant now."

Lin Wan'er said somewhat shyly, "I only did some small things within my ability. It's mainly the result of everyone's joint efforts. I'm also very happy to have brought some changes to the General's Mansion."

Xiao Yichen looked at Lin Wan'er with tenderness in his eyes: "Wan'er, these 'little things' of yours are of great significance to the General's Mansion. Your arrival has filled this place with warmth and hope."

Lin Wan'er blushed: "General, you flatter me. I just hope that everyone can have a place like home in this chaotic world."

They continued eating and chatting, and the topics became increasingly broad. They talked about everything from life at the general's mansion to the situation outside, from interesting training stories to their respective hometowns.

A soldier spoke of his hometown: "My home is in a small mountain village, where the mountains are beautiful and the water is clear. Every spring, the flowers on the mountains bloom all over the place, just like a painting. I really want to go back and see it."

Another soldier chimed in, "After the war, we can all go home and visit our families. I hope that by then the world will be at peace and our families can live a stable life."

Lin Wan'er listened to their words and was touched: "Yes, everything we are doing now is to protect this land and let more people have a peaceful home. Everyone should go back safely and reunite with their families."

Xiao Yichen nodded and said, "We will definitely do it. Now we must continuously strengthen the General's Mansion to resist the enemy and create conditions for peace."

Dinner ended in a warm and pleasant atmosphere. Everyone ate their fill and felt exceptionally refreshed.

After the meal, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er saw the generals and soldiers off from the restaurant. Standing at the entrance, watching their departing figures, they were filled with emotion.

"General, today has been truly enjoyable. The atmosphere is wonderful; I hope every day can be like this from now on," Lin Wan'er said softly.

Xiao Yichen held Lin Wan'er's hand: "Yes, Wan'er. As long as we work together, the General's Mansion will always be filled with this warmth. We will also protect this beautiful thing."

The two lingered at the restaurant entrance for a while before deciding to take another stroll in the garden. The garden, bathed in moonlight, had a unique charm; the flowers swayed gently in the breeze, seemingly enjoying the tranquil night as well.

They strolled along the garden paths, continuing their pre-dinner conversation. They talked about future plans and their dreams, their hands clasped tightly together, as if in this chaotic world, they were each other's strongest support. And everyone in the General's Mansion was working towards a common goal: to protect this hard-won warmth and peace.

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er strolled along the garden path, bathed in the soft moonlight. A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers, a truly delightful sight. Their conversation echoed softly in the tranquil garden, seemingly blending seamlessly with the beautiful night.

"Wan'er, look at the scenery of this garden. It has a unique charm no matter when you look at it." Xiao Yichen said softly, his gaze falling on a blooming peony. The delicate flower looked even more elegant and noble under the moonlight.

Lin Wan'er followed his gaze and nodded with a smile: "Yes, General. This garden is so well maintained, every flower and every blade of grass is full of life. It is clear that the gardeners in the manor have put a lot of thought into it."

"This garden is a beautiful spot in the General's Mansion, and it's also a favorite place for everyone to come in their leisure time. In the past, I was busy with military affairs and rarely had time to appreciate the scenery here properly." Xiao Yichen frowned slightly, seemingly with some regret.

Lin Wan'er gently patted his arm: "Now we have time. And the beauty of the General's Mansion is not limited to this garden. I think every part of the mansion has its own unique charm."

As they talked, the two walked out of the garden and headed towards other parts of the General's Mansion. Their first stop was the council hall. The hall was an imposing building, with a plaque above the vermilion doors bearing the four large characters "运筹帷幄" (meaning "strategic planning within the tent"), the strong and powerful calligraphy highlighting its important status.

"This council hall is the core of the General's Mansion, and many important decisions are made here," Xiao Yichen explained to Lin Wan'er.

Lin Wan'er entered the council hall and looked around. A large round table was set up inside, surrounded by several chairs. A military map was laid out on the table, marked with various symbols and lines, showing the General's Mansion's close attention to the surrounding situation. Weapons and military flags hung on the walls, the flags embroidered with the General's Mansion's insignia, standing out prominently under the lights.

"The layout here is simple yet solemn, giving one a serious atmosphere as soon as they enter, making it very suitable for discussing important military matters," Lin Wan'er remarked.

Emerging from the council chamber, they walked along the long corridor. The walls of the corridor were adorned with scrolls depicting the General's Mansion's past glories and scenes from famous battles. The scrolls were vibrant in color, and the figures were lifelike, as if bringing historical scenes back to life before their very eyes.

"These paintings were all meticulously created by the painters of the General's Mansion. They record our history and inspire every soldier to fight for the honor of the General's Mansion," Xiao Yichen explained to Lin Wan'er as they walked.

Lin Wan'er carefully admired the paintings, and she was particularly drawn to one depicting soldiers of the General's Mansion bravely fighting the enemy on the battlefield. In the painting, the soldiers' eyes were firm, and they charged forward without flinching even when surrounded by the enemy.

“These soldiers are truly brave; they are the pride of the General’s Mansion,” Lin Wan’er said sincerely.

Continuing on, they arrived at the general's training ground. The training ground was very spacious, with a flat and solid surface. Various training equipment was placed on the ground, including stone weights for strength training, wooden stakes for agility training, and dummies for simulating combat. On one side of the training ground were several high platforms, which were where the generals directed the training.

"This is where the soldiers hone their skills; you can hear their battle cries every day," Xiao Yichen said, looking at the training ground with eyes full of expectation for the soldiers.

Lin Wan'er walked up to the stone lock, tried to lift it, and found it to be very heavy: "These training machines are quite heavy. The soldiers must have put in a lot of sweat here."

"Only through rigorous training can they survive on the battlefield and defend the General's Mansion and the land we protect," Xiao Yichen said solemnly.

Leaving the training ground, they arrived at the residential area of ​​the General's Mansion. The houses here were arranged in a pleasing, staggered pattern, with a simple and elegant architectural style. Each house had its own small courtyard, planted with flowers, trees, and shrubs, providing a tranquil and comfortable environment for the residents.

"This is the living quarters for the soldiers and servants. We'll try our best to make everyone as comfortable as possible," Xiao Yichen said.

Lin Wan'er walked into a small courtyard and saw some clothes drying in the yard and some daily necessities placed in the corner. She could feel the strong sense of home here: "Although this place is not as solemn as the council hall, nor as beautiful as the garden, it is full of the feeling of home."

After touring the residential area, they arrived at the general's mansion's warehouse area. The warehouse area was heavily guarded, with soldiers standing watch at the entrance. The warehouses contained various supplies, including food, weapons, and armor. The warehouse walls were very thick and specially treated to be moisture-proof and fire-resistant.

“This is the General’s mansion’s supply depot, and we must ensure the safety of these supplies. The attack on the grain depot last time served as a wake-up call, so we have strengthened the defenses here,” Xiao Yichen said. He walked into a warehouse where weapons were stored, picked up a sword, and drew it from its sheath. The blade gleamed coldly and was extremely sharp.

Looking at these weapons, Lin Wan'er felt a pang of emotion: "These weapons are not only tools to protect us, but also symbols of the cruelty of war. I hope that one day they can all be collected away, and there will be no more war."

Xiao Yichen sheathed his sword and nodded gently: "I hope so too, Wan'er. But before that day comes, we must be prepared to protect the General's Mansion."

After leaving the warehouse area, they arrived at a secluded courtyard of the general's mansion. This was the general's study, filled with bookshelves overflowing with all sorts of books, including military strategy, historical records, and literary works. A faint fragrance of books permeated the room.

"This is one of my favorite places to come. In my spare time, I like to read here and gain knowledge and wisdom from books." Xiao Yichen led Lin Wan'er into the study.

Lin Wan'er walked to the bookshelf, her eyes sparkling with delight as she looked at the dazzling array of books: "General, you have so many books here! May I borrow some to read?"

Xiao Yichen smiled and said, "Of course, Wan'er. You can take any book you like to read. Reading can broaden one's horizons and increase one's knowledge."

Lin Wan'er selected a book on military strategy and a collection of poems. She said to Xiao Yichen, "I want to learn some military strategy so that I can better help the General's Mansion. I am also very interested in this collection of poems. I can read it in my spare time to cultivate my mind."

Xiao Yichen looked at the book in her hand: "It's good that you have this idea. Studying military strategy can give you more insights into military affairs. This collection of poems is also very good; the poems in it are all very beautiful."

They lingered in the study for a while before leaving. It was late at night, but Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er showed no signs of fatigue. They continued their stroll through the General's Mansion, admiring every detail and appreciating its unique charm.

"General, after this visit, I have gained a deeper understanding of the General's Mansion. Every corner here embodies the history, culture, and hard work of everyone involved; it is truly precious," Lin Wan'er said with emotion.

Xiao Yichen held her hand: "Yes, Wan'er. The General's Mansion is not just a place for us to live and fight, but also our home. We must protect it well."

The two smiled at each other under the moonlight, their figures gradually disappearing along the paths of the General's Mansion, leaving behind a trail of warm and beautiful footprints. In this chaotic world, the General's Mansion was like a lighthouse, illuminating their path and embodying their yearning for peace and tranquility.