Chapter 175 The Lady is a Woman Who Is No Less Than Men
"The old general initially refused. But seeing that his wife, though a bandit, possessed a chivalrous heart and knew of his patriotism, he made a bet with her: 'If you are willing to lead your men to surrender and fight alongside me, and truly achieve meritorious service, I, Xiao Lin, will respectfully invite you into my Xiao family!'"
"What kind of person is the lady? She immediately agreed, and after surrendering, she donned her armor and went into battle. She wielded her long spear with uncanny skill, repeatedly repelling the invading pirates."
Granny Zhang's tone turned complicated: "But do you know? After the war, when rewards were distributed, not a single name of 'Lei Jingyun' could be found in the Ministry of War's documents. This is because she came from humble origins and was recruited by the government. All the credit... was attributed to the old general. The old general was an upright man, and to quell any criticism in the court, he had no choice but to do so."
"But the lady never complained, only saying, 'To be able to fight alongside him and protect the people is enough.'"
"The old general kept his word and developed genuine feelings for her while fighting side by side. After the victory, he welcomed her into the Xiao family in a grand manner and requested that she be granted the title of Lady of Wuyang County."
Granny Zhang's voice lowered: "Who knew... later, in a fierce battle at the sea, the Japanese pirates were overwhelming, and the old general braved arrows and stones, and in the end... sacrificed himself for the country. Madam then laid down her armor and returned to this secluded backyard. It wasn't that she didn't want to fight again, but this world... ultimately cannot tolerate women, especially women of her background, who are constantly stationed in the army."
“So, my lady,” Granny Zhang stopped and looked earnestly at Lu Zhaoruo, “the reason why Madam treats you like a confidante today is because she sees in you that spirit that is not bound by worldly affairs, and she sees the shadow of her own youth.”
"Her words, 'The Xiao family only considers character and temperament when choosing a wife,' were heartfelt words, a sincere sentiment she earned through a lifetime of hardships."
Lu Zhaoruo listened quietly.
She never imagined that the cheerful, laughing, and skilled-in-arms Madam Xiao was once a powerful bandit leader in her youth, who had even fought on the battlefield and made great contributions.
She never imagined that the marriage between General Xiao and his wife was not a typical arranged marriage, but rather a serendipitous encounter that began with a forced abduction, blossomed into a bond forged through shared life and death on the battlefield, and ultimately settled into a deep affection that was as precious as a promise.
Such a bond, which begins with camaraderie and ends in unwavering loyalty, is far more captivating than any story told in a folk tale.
Thinking of how his wife had made great contributions in battle but remained unknown because of her background, and how she had concealed her talents and been confined to the inner quarters after the old general died on the battlefield...
A subtle bittersweet feeling welled up in Lu Zhaoruo's heart.
She took a deep breath, suppressed her thoughts, and said, "What you said today, Granny, I have heard and will remember. Madam's kindness, Madam's past... are truly admirable."
She paused slightly, then sighed sincerely, "Madam is no less capable than any man, yet she spent half her life in obscurity in the inner courtyard. Although I, Zhaoruo, cannot fully understand the helplessness she experienced, I can at least glean some of it."
Even after returning to Chengrui Courtyard, Lu Zhaoruo was still thinking about how loving General Xiao and Madam Xiao must have been if General Xiao were still alive.
Later on, the Xiao family will host a banquet.
She needed to carefully groom herself for the dinner party.
Wan Wanning stood under the corridor, watching Dong Rou busy for Lu Zhaoruo, and recalling Madam Xiao's undisguised affection. Her chest felt like it was blocked by a boulder, so she found an excuse to quietly slip out of the courtyard.
She wandered aimlessly through the winding corridors and courtyards of the Xiao residence, her mind becoming increasingly unsettled.
Everywhere there are exquisite pavilions and terraces, painted beams and carved pillars, and even the maids who sweep and clean are dressed more elegantly than the young ladies of ordinary families outside.
Recalling the days when her family lived under someone else's roof and had to endure all kinds of disrespect, and then thinking that Lu Zhaoruo could actually win the favor of Madam Xiao, a bitter feeling welled up in her heart like a tide.
"How could she, a divorced woman, possibly climb such a high branch? Has Madam Xiao lost her mind? And what gives Lu Zhaoruo the right to put on airs and say 'it depends on the general's wishes'?"
The image of Xiao Yeming appeared before her eyes—
On that day, the sea breeze was howling. He wore a red-tasseled helmet to protect his neck, a long sword hung steadily at his waist, and a command flag was ready to be unfurled behind him.
His posture was as upright as a pine tree, his face was extremely handsome, and his whole demeanor was calm, resolute, and imposing...
Such a brilliant and talented person had already captivated her.
But his gaze remained fixed solely on Lu Zhaoruo.
Now, even his mother has taken a liking to her.
She stretched out her left hand, her gaze fixed intently on the severed finger...
Why should she have to pay such a high price and still be at the mercy of others, while Lu Zhaoruo can easily get everything she dreams of?
Jealousy, resentment, and grievance tightened around her heart.
She could no longer hold back, and tears streamed down her face.
Just as she was about to turn around, she heard whispers coming from the pavilion ahead.
She slipped behind a pillar and saw Wang Miaoyin talking to her personal maid, Que'er, in the pavilion.
Que'er spoke with delight in a low voice, "My lady, now that the general has returned victorious from Jizhou and the Japanese pirates have been quelled, he will surely stay in the capital from now on. The old lady has always doted on you the most, and she will definitely arrange the general's marriage this time. Then you will be Madam Xiao..."
Wang Miaojin gently twisted the handkerchief between her fingers, lowered her eyes to hide the turmoil in them, and softly interrupted, "Don't talk nonsense. With my family background, how dare I hope for the position of a principal wife? If I can stay by Brother Ming's side as a concubine or maid, I will be content."
As she finished speaking, her ears turned a deep blush.
Sparrow retorted, "Why do you belittle yourself, my lady? In what way are you not fit to be a proper wife?"
Wang Miaojin quickly shook her head, lowering her voice even further: "Be careful what you say! Do you know that the only daughter of the Grand Princess, Lady Yunxiu, has always admired Brother Ming? I heard that the Grand Princess once personally visited and expressed her intention to arrange a marriage. However, because Brother Ming is far away in Jizhou, this matter has not been brought up yet."
She sighed, her voice somber: "I am but a daughter of an official family whose fortunes have declined. Now I live by relying on my great-aunt. Our social statuses are worlds apart. How dare I compete with the Lady of the County? This position of principal wife... will ultimately belong to her."
Que'er said urgently, "Even if she is not the principal wife, given your status, it is only right that you be a concubine!"
Wang Miaojin's eyes showed even deeper worry: "But that Lady Yunxiu is proud and arrogant... If she enters the family in the future, it is still unknown whether she will allow me to have the title of a concubine."
Que'er leaned closer and whispered comfortingly, "Don't worry, my lady. The old lady is your great-aunt and has always doted on you. Our Madam He is also in the mansion. With two elders protecting you, even if the princess enters the household in the future, she will never let you suffer any grievances."
Behind the colonnade pillars.
Wan Wanning heard the conversation in the pavilion clearly.
It turns out that Wang Miaoyin also admired Xiao Yeming, and was even willing to become his concubine...
She sneered inwardly, then felt an overwhelming bitterness welling up inside her.
Both were living under someone else's roof, but Wang Miaoyin had the protection of her elders and the loyalty of her maids, while what about herself?
She is nominally Lu Zhaoruo's adopted sister, but when has she ever treated her as a sister?
Since losing her finger, she has treated me like a maid, summoning me and behaving as I please.
At this moment.
A maidservant approached carrying a teacup.
A shadow of gloom flashed in Wan Wanning's eyes. Seizing the opportunity, she rammed into him.
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