The moonlight, like water, spilled into the tranquil courtyard of the General's Mansion. Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen sat around the stone table, the laughter and chatter of just moments before still seeming to echo in the air. But now, a trace of sadness appeared in Lin Wan'er's eyes, a pain hidden deep in her heart that she could no longer suppress in the atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Lin Wan'er lowered her head slightly, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes. After a moment of silence, she slowly spoke: "General, do you know? I've always been very lonely. Although it's so lively here tonight, I always think of my parents when the night is quiet." Her voice was soft, but it struck Xiao Yichen's heart like a heavy hammer.
Xiao Yichen looked at her, his eyes full of concern: "Miss Lin, if you're willing, you can talk to me about it. Perhaps it will make you feel better."
Lin Wan'er took a deep breath, as if gathering a great deal of courage, and began to recount her tragic life story: "I lost my parents at a young age, and my memories of them are almost entirely blank. I don't even know what they looked like, or what their voices sounded like. Whenever I see other children being pampered in their parents' arms, my heart feels like it's being cut by a knife." Her eyes reddened, and tears welled up in them.
“I grew up in the palace. Although it was magnificent, it felt like a cold cage to me. I had no relatives, no one I could truly rely on. In that complex environment, everyone had their own agenda, and I had to survive cautiously.” Lin Wan’er raised her head and looked at the bright moon in the sky, as if searching for a sliver of solace in its light.
Xiao Yichen frowned. He could imagine how difficult it must have been for a young child in such an environment: "How did you spend those years in the palace? You must have suffered a lot."
Lin Wan'er gave a bitter smile: "Yes, I don't even know how I got through those hardships. When I first arrived at the palace, I was often bullied by other children because I didn't have my parents' protection. They mocked me for being an orphan, stole my things, and even pushed me to the ground. I could only cry silently by myself, and no one would come to help me."
She paused for a moment, then continued, "Once, I was pushed into a pond by some older children. I struggled desperately, feeling like I was going to drown. Luckily, an old woman passed by and rescued me. From then on, I told myself that I must be strong and never let others bully me again."
Xiao Yichen clenched his fists, his heart filled with anger towards those who bullied Lin Wan'er: "Those people are too hateful. You were so young at the time, how could they do such a thing?"
Lin Wan'er gently shook her head: "In the palace, this kind of thing is very common. Everyone will do anything for their own interests and status. Later, I met the Regent. He took pity on me and adopted me. I thought I finally had someone I could rely on, but..." Her voice choked up.
"But what? Isn't he good to you?" Xiao Yichen asked anxiously.
"The Regent adopted me primarily for his own political purposes. He used me as a pawn, raising me and teaching me various etiquettes and skills, just to use me when the time was right. He had no affection for me, only indifference and scheming." Tears streamed down Lin Wan'er's cheeks.
"He made me attend all sorts of court banquets, showcasing my talents and trying to please those high-ranking officials. I was like a soulless puppet, completely at his mercy. In his eyes, I was just a tool to realize his ambitions." Lin Wan'er wiped away her tears, a hint of resentment flashing in her eyes.
“Once, I accidentally offended the daughter of a minister at a banquet. When the Regent found out, he scolded me severely. He didn’t care about right or wrong at all; he only cared about whether his interests were harmed. I never felt any warmth from him.” Lin Wan’er’s body trembled slightly as she recalled those painful experiences, her heart feeling as if it were being torn apart.
Xiao Yichen reached out and gently patted Lin Wan'er's shoulder: "You've suffered, Miss Lin. It's really not easy for you to remain kind and strong in such an environment."
Lin Wan'er looked at him gratefully: "During those dark days, I also thought about giving up, but I was unwilling. I didn't want to be used by others for the rest of my life; I wanted to find a life of my own. So, I have been looking for an opportunity to break free from the Regent's control."
"And then? Did you find an opportunity?" Xiao Yichen asked.
"Opportunities are rare, but I've been waiting. Finally, the Regent sent me on a mission, and I took the opportunity to feign injury and escape. I knew that if I went back, I would never be free again." A resolute glint flashed in Lin Wan'er's eyes.
"After you escaped, you must have experienced a lot of hardships, right?" Xiao Yichen imagined that Lin Wan'er, a weak woman, must have suffered a lot in the outside world.
“Yes, the outside world was both unfamiliar and dangerous to me. I had no money and nowhere to go, so I could only wander around. Sometimes, I would go hungry for days and have to eat wild fruits to fill my stomach. At night, I would find a dilapidated temple or a cave to spend the night. I was afraid of being found by the Regent’s men, and I was on tenterhooks every day.” Lin Wan’er recalled those days of wandering with bitterness in her heart.
“Once, I encountered a group of robbers who wanted to steal my things. I was terrified, but I knew that if I didn’t fight back, I would die. I ran for my life, and they chased after me. My feet were blistered, but I didn’t dare to stop. Finally, I hid in a valley and escaped.” A hint of fear appeared in Lin Wan’er’s eyes, as if she had returned to that terrible scene.
Xiao Yichen looked at her with heartache: "You are so brave, Miss Lin. You have gone through so much suffering, yet you are still able to live on strongly. That takes a lot of courage."
Lin Wan'er nodded slightly: "I know, I can't give up. I want to live for myself. Later, I came here and met you, General, and everyone in the General's Mansion. Here, I felt real warmth and care, which I had never experienced before."
Xiao Yichen smiled and said, "It is fate that you came to the General's Mansion. Here, you no longer need to be afraid. We will protect you and will not let you suffer any more harm."
With tears welling up in her eyes, Lin Wan'er said gratefully, "General, your words have touched me deeply. I am so glad to be here; this place feels like home."
The two sat silently in the courtyard, the moonlight bathing them as if draping them in a silver veil. Lin Wan'er's tragic past allowed Xiao Yichen to understand her more deeply, making him cherish this strong and kind woman even more. After confiding in him, Lin Wan'er seemed to feel a lighter burden. She knew that in this general's mansion, she was no longer alone; she had someone she could trust and rely on.
In the days that followed, whenever Lin Wan'er recalled that night, she felt an immense warmth. Because on that night, she opened her heart to Xiao Yichen and found someone who truly understood and cared for her. Xiao Yichen, in turn, etched Lin Wan'er's past into his heart, secretly vowing to protect this woman who had suffered so much and to ensure she lived a happy and fulfilling life in the General's Mansion.
As time passed, the people in the general's mansion gradually learned about Lin Wan'er's background, and they showed her even more care and sympathy. The maids took meticulous care of her, and the servants treated her with exceptional respect. In this loving environment, Lin Wan'er gradually emerged from the shadows of her past; her smile became brighter, and hope for life rekindled in her eyes.
However, the Regent did not give up searching for Lin Wan'er. He dispatched a large number of people to inquire about her whereabouts. He would not easily let go of this pawn he had carefully cultivated, and a new crisis was quietly approaching. But under the protection of everyone in the General's Mansion, Lin Wan'er was unaware of this potential danger. She remained immersed in her hard-won happy life, enjoying every joyful moment.
In the garden of the General's Mansion, Lin Wan'er often enjoyed admiring flowers and chatting with her maids. She would teach them court etiquette and skills, while the maids would tell her interesting stories from the common people. Her life became rich and colorful, and the hardships of the past seemed to have faded away. But deep down, she knew she couldn't run away forever; she had to face the Regent and completely break free from his control to truly gain freedom. Xiao Yichen also sensed Lin Wan'er's worries and began to strengthen the defenses of the General's Mansion, preparing for a possible crisis.
During this process, the relationship between Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen also subtly changes. Their friendship goes beyond mere platonic care; a special emotion is slowly blossoming between them. Through their time together, they come to understand each other better and cherish each other's presence more deeply. All of this lays the groundwork for the story's future development.
Whether it's the warm daily life in the General's Mansion, the potential crises, or the subtle emotional changes between Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen, it's all like a magnificent scroll slowly unfolding in the long river of time, waiting for new stories and new challenges.
The stillness of the night enveloped the courtyard of the General's Mansion. The moonlight, still like water, streamed down, making Lin Wan'er's tear-streaked face appear even more pitiful. Xiao Yichen listened quietly to her lament, his heart feeling as if gripped by an invisible hand, each blow accompanied by deep pain. His eyes were filled with pity, as if he were seeing that little girl struggling alone and suffering endlessly in the palace.
Xiao Yichen sighed softly, breaking the brief silence: "Miss Lin, your experience pains me. I never imagined that you, at such a young age, would bear such a heavy past." His voice was deep and gentle, like a warm spring breeze, trying to soothe Lin Wan'er's inner pain.
Lin Wan'er slightly raised her head, looking at Xiao Yichen, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. She had never received such genuine sympathy in the palace or from the Regent. Those people either ignored her coldly or exploited her suffering for their own gain. But Xiao Yichen's gaze gave her a warmth she had never felt before.
“General, don’t you… don’t you think I’m a problem? After all, my background is so complicated, and I might even bring trouble to the General’s Mansion,” Lin Wan’er said somewhat uneasily. She was afraid that Xiao Yichen would change his attitude towards her because he was afraid of the Regent’s power.
Xiao Yichen frowned slightly, and said firmly, "Miss Lin, how can you say that? Your misfortune is an injustice to you by fate, not your fault. I, Xiao Yichen, am not the kind of person who would abandon a friend out of fear of power. Besides, how could I bear to see you suffer any longer?" His gaze revealed an undeniable sincerity, which warmed Lin Wan'er's heart.
“Friends…” Lin Wan’er repeated the word softly, tears welling up in her eyes. This word was so precious to her, yet so distant. In her memory, apart from those brief playmates from childhood, she had never truly had any friends.
Xiao Yichen looked into Lin Wan'er's eyes and said earnestly, "That's right, friend. From now on, I am your friend. No matter what difficulties we encounter, I will be by your side." He reached out and gently grasped Lin Wan'er's hand, trying to convey strength and comfort to her.
Lin Wan'er's hands trembled slightly. She felt the warmth of Xiao Yichen's hand, a warmth that spread throughout her body from her fingertips, making her feel incredibly at ease. "General, your words are like a guiding light in the darkness for me. I... I don't know how to repay you," Lin Wan'er said, her voice choked with emotion.
Xiao Yichen smiled and shook his head: "There's no need to talk about repayment between friends. Your smile, your happiness, is the best reward for me." He released Lin Wan'er's hand, stood up, walked to the courtyard railing, and gazed at the bright moon in the distance.
“Miss Lin, do you know? In this chaotic world, we are all struggling in the torrent of fate. As a general, I have witnessed too much separation and death, and seen countless people suffer because of war. Whenever I see those innocent eyes, I vow to protect this land and everyone here. And you are one of the people I must protect.” Xiao Yichen’s back looked particularly resolute in the moonlight, and his words were full of a sense of mission.
Lin Wan'er walked to his side and followed his gaze: "General, you are a great general. It is my honor to be protected by you. But I don't want to be just a weak person being protected. I also want to do something for the General's Mansion and for Rong Kingdom." Her eyes revealed a firmness, a strength forged in hardship.
Xiao Yichen turned to look at her, a hint of admiration in his eyes: "Miss Lin, I admire your strength. However, you don't need to think too much right now. Just enjoy your life in the General's Mansion and make yourself happy. As for the rest, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future."
Lin Wan'er nodded: "Yes, I will. The General's Mansion is like the safe haven I've always dreamed of. Everyone here is so kind to me."
Xiao Yichen smiled and said, "Everyone likes you very much, especially the maids. They always praise you in front of me, saying that you are gentle, kind, and very talented."
Lin Wan'er lowered her head somewhat shyly: "They praised me too much. I was just sharing some things I learned in the palace with everyone."
“This is already quite remarkable. To maintain such qualities in the complex environment of the palace is truly commendable,” Xiao Yichen said.
The two returned to the stone table and sat down. Xiao Yichen picked up a mooncake and handed it to Lin Wan'er: "Have some mooncake. Don't let these unpleasant memories affect our Mid-Autumn Festival."
Lin Wan'er took the mooncake and took a small bite: "General, you are right. I am already very happy this Mid-Autumn Festival because of you and everyone in the General's Mansion."
Looking at Lin Wan'er, Xiao Yichen felt a surge of protectiveness. He knew that Lin Wan'er's appearance had brought a different dimension to his life. This seemingly fragile yet incredibly strong woman had already secured a place in his heart.
"Miss Lin, if you encounter anything that makes you uncomfortable or unhappy while you're at the General's Mansion, please be sure to tell me. I will have someone arrange the best living conditions for you. If your room needs any decorations, or if you'd like to eat any special food, you can tell me," Xiao Yichen said with concern.
Lin Wan'er smiled and said, "General, you've been very kind to me. My room is very comfortable, and the food here is delicious. I don't have any special requests."
“How can that be? You are my friend, and I want you to feel comfortable here. Moreover, I want you to consider the General’s Mansion as your own home,” Xiao Yichen insisted.
Lin Wan'er was touched. She knew that Xiao Yichen genuinely cared for her: "General, I appreciate your kindness. I will treat this place as my home. In fact, I have already felt the warmth of home."
Xiao Yichen nodded in satisfaction: "That's good. By the way, you've learned so many skills in the palace, you can teach the children in the manor in the future. They will be very happy."
Lin Wan'er's eyes lit up: "Really? I'd love to. I can teach them dance, painting, and things like that."
“Of course it’s true. The children are all very lively and adorable; they will definitely like you as their teacher,” Xiao Yichen said with a smile.
The two chatted for a long time, from everyday matters to hobbies and aspirations for the future. During this conversation, Xiao Yichen discovered that he and Lin Wan'er shared many common thoughts and interests. They both enjoyed quiet nights, appreciated beautiful scenery, and both hoped for the prosperity of Rong Kingdom and the well-being of its people.
Before they knew it, the night had grown quite deep. Xiao Yichen looked at the somewhat sleepy Lin Wan'er and said, "Miss Lin, are you tired? You've poured out so much tonight, you should get some rest."
Lin Wan'er yawned and nodded: "General, you should get some rest too. I'm really grateful to you tonight."
Xiao Yichen stood up and escorted Lin Wan'er back to her room. Neither of them spoke the rest of the way, but the silence wasn't awkward; instead, it created a warm atmosphere.
Upon arriving at Lin Wan'er's door, Xiao Yichen said, "Miss Lin, get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow is a new day."
Lin Wan'er smiled at him and said, "General, good night."
"Good night." Xiao Yichen watched Lin Wan'er walk into the room and close the door before turning to leave.
Back at his residence, Xiao Yichen couldn't fall asleep for a long time. The image of Lin Wan'er and her tragic past kept replaying in his mind. He knew that protecting Lin Wan'er wasn't just out of pity, but also a responsibility. He couldn't let this kind woman suffer any more harm.
In the days that followed, Xiao Yichen quietly kept his promise. He instructed his servants to prepare the best daily necessities for Lin Wan'er and to have the kitchen prepare meals according to her tastes. He also frequently visited Lin Wan'er to inquire about her living conditions.
Lin Wan'er's life at the General's Mansion was becoming increasingly comfortable. She taught the children arts and crafts, did needlework with the maids, and got along very well with everyone in the General's Mansion. She smiled more and more, and the gloom that had once shrouded her heart seemed to be gradually dissipating.
However, the peaceful days didn't last long. The Regent hadn't given up searching for Lin Wan'er; his henchmen were already operating in the shadows, and suspicious figures began to appear around the General's Mansion. Xiao Yichen noticed these anomalies. He strengthened security measures at the General's Mansion while also reassuring Lin Wan'er not to worry. But deep down, he knew a storm was brewing, and he had to be prepared to protect Lin Wan'er and the General's Mansion.
During a meeting at the General's Mansion, Xiao Yichen and his deputies discussed countermeasures. "We cannot be complacent; the Regent's power is not to be underestimated. We must ensure Miss Lin's safety while also preventing them from attacking the General's Mansion," Xiao Yichen said solemnly.
"General, we can increase the number of sentries around the general's residence and strengthen patrols," a lieutenant suggested.
"Hmm, that's a good idea. At the same time, we need to train the servants in the manor so that they can handle emergencies." Xiao Yichen nodded in agreement.
Thanks to everyone's efforts, the General's Mansion's defenses became even more stringent. However, Lin Wan'er could still sense the tense atmosphere; she knew that her presence had brought trouble to the General's Mansion.
"General, it's all because of me that the General's Mansion is in danger. I... I don't want to drag everyone down with me," Lin Wan'er said to Xiao Yichen with remorse.
Xiao Yichen grasped her shoulders, looked into her eyes, and said, "Miss Lin, don't say that. We are friends, and protecting you is my responsibility. Besides, the General's Mansion isn't so easy to breach. We will definitely overcome this difficulty."
Looking into Xiao Yichen's resolute eyes, Lin Wan'er's unease gradually subsided. She knew that at this crucial moment, she had to trust Xiao Yichen and everyone in the General's Mansion.
Amidst the tense preparations and waiting, life at the General's Mansion continued. The bond between Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er deepened during this difficult time; they faced the impending crisis together, like comrades-in-arms walking side-by-side in the darkness, awaiting the dawn.
The moonlight, like a veil, gently spilled into every corner of the General's Mansion. Lin Wan'er returned to her room, but felt no sleepiness. She sat on the couch by the window, her thoughts as complex and tangled as the dappled moonlight outside. Xiao Yichen's words still echoed in her ears, each word like a warm pebble thrown into the once cold and lonely lake of her heart, creating ripples.
Lin Wan'er grew up in the palace, where she was either met with indifference or malicious manipulation. Under the Regent's control, she never experienced genuine care or love. The seemingly glamorous court life was nothing but a cold illusion in which she struggled alone, like groping in a dark abyss, unable to find a glimmer of warmth.
But tonight, Xiao Yichen's appearance was like a ray of dazzling sunlight, piercing through the thick gloom in her heart. His sincere gaze, gentle words, and firm promise gave Lin Wan'er an unprecedented emotional impact. This emotion, both unfamiliar and captivating, was like a magic key that unlocked the tightly closed door to Lin Wan'er's heart.
Recalling the moment Xiao Yichen held her hand, Lin Wan'er felt as if his warmth still lingered on her fingertips. What kind of warmth was that? It was different from the sweltering heat of the palace fireplace, and different from the scorching summer sun; it was a warmth that reached deep into her heart, a reassuring warmth. In that moment, Lin Wan'er felt cherished, as if she was no longer a helpless pawn to be manipulated, but someone worthy of being cared for.
"Friends... He said we're friends." Lin Wan'er murmured softly, tears welling in her eyes. This simple word carried an immense weight in her heart. For others, friends might be ordinary companions, partners with whom they could laugh and play. But for Lin Wan'er, friends were a treasure she had longed for yet dared not hope for throughout her long, lonely years.
Xiao Yichen's care was not only expressed in words, but also in his every action. His meticulous arrangements for Lin Wan'er's life made her feel the warmth of home in the General's Mansion. The exquisite daily necessities and the meals that suited her tastes—every detail was like a warm net woven by Xiao Yichen's care, tightly wrapping Lin Wan'er within it.
Lin Wan'er remembered a time when she was strolling in the garden and casually mentioned her fondness for a particular flower—one she had seen in a corner of the palace when she was a child, a flower she had never forgotten. Unexpectedly, a few days later, when she returned to the garden, she found that corner filled with her beloved flower. Her maid told her that General Xiao Yichen had specially ordered it to be planted. At that moment, an indescribable emotion welled up in Lin Wan'er's heart. Standing before the flowers, gazing at their vibrant blooms, tears blurred her vision. These flowers were not merely beautiful plants, but also proof of Xiao Yichen's care for her; swaying gently in the wind, they seemed to whisper of his thoughtfulness and tenderness.
During her time at the General's Mansion, Lin Wan'er often felt Xiao Yichen's quiet attention. He would visit her in his spare time, asking if she was settling in well and if she had any worries. He always listened patiently to Lin Wan'er's words, whether she was talking about interesting little things or her concerns; he was completely focused, his eyes only on her. This feeling of being valued made Lin Wan'er cherish the time she spent with Xiao Yichen even more.
Once, Lin Wan'er accidentally injured herself while teaching the children her talents. The news quickly reached Xiao Yichen's ears, and he immediately dropped his military duties and rushed over. When he saw Lin Wan'er's injured finger, a flicker of heartache crossed his eyes. He personally fetched a doctor for her, and while the doctor treated her wound, he stayed by her side, his brow furrowed, his eyes filled with concern.
"Does it hurt?" Xiao Yichen asked softly, his voice a little hoarse, filled with undisguised worry.
Lin Wan'er shook her head, but her eyes glistened with tears of emotion: "It doesn't hurt, General. It's just a minor injury. You don't need to worry so much."
Xiao Yichen gently held her uninjured hand: "It was my fault that you were injured in the General's Mansion. You must be more careful in the future." His words, though simple, deeply touched Lin Wan'er's heart once again. In this world, besides the general before her, who else would care so much about her pain?
As time went by, Lin Wan'er's feelings for Xiao Yichen deepened. This affection stemmed not only from the material care and protection he provided, but also from the emotional support he offered her. In his presence, Lin Wan'er could let down her guard and reveal her true self. She was no longer the lonely, helpless girl who silently endured suffering, but a happy person cared for and loved by her friends.
However, Lin Wan'er also knew that her existence brought potential danger to the General's Mansion. The Regent's power was ever-present, and he could attack the General's Mansion at any moment. Whenever she thought of this, Lin Wan'er was filled with guilt. She felt like a jinx, potentially destroying the peace of the General's Mansion.
One day, Lin Wan'er found Xiao Yichen and said with guilt in her eyes, "General, I can no longer stay in the General's Mansion. My existence will bring disaster to everyone, and I don't want the General's Mansion to be in danger because of me."
Xiao Yichen looked at her, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes: "Miss Lin, what are you saying? We are friends. I promised to protect you, and I won't let you get hurt. Besides, the General's Mansion isn't so easy to breach. We are capable of handling any danger."
Tears welled up in Lin Wan'er's eyes: "But, General, I really don't want to drag everyone down with me. You've been so good to me, I can't be so selfish."
Xiao Yichen gently wiped away her tears: "Miss Lin, you are not selfish, you are just too kind. But you must believe me, believe everyone in the General's Mansion. We will not let you leave, and we will not let you face danger alone."
Looking into Xiao Yichen's resolute eyes, Lin Wan'er was deeply moved. She knew that she held an important place in this man's heart. He was willing to oppose the powerful Regent to protect her. This affection made Lin Wan'er deeply aware of her own insignificance and good fortune.
During the tense days of preparation at the General's Mansion, Lin Wan'er was not idle. She did her best to help the people in the mansion prepare for the crisis. She used the knowledge she had learned in the palace to help train the maids and servants to deal with possible dangerous situations. Everyone saw her efforts and dedication, and they admired and loved her even more.
During this process, the relationship between Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen was also subtly changing. Their feelings had transcended ordinary friendship; a delicate affection was blossoming between them. When their eyes met unintentionally, a different kind of light would flash in their eyes; when they were close to each other, their hearts would involuntarily quicken. However, in this tense situation, they had no time to savor these feelings; their primary task was to protect the General's Mansion and each other's safety.
Finally, the danger drew ever closer. The sentries around the General's mansion spotted suspicious figures, and the atmosphere became extremely tense. Xiao Yichen personally directed the defenses, assigning soldiers and servants to their positions, ready for battle. Lin Wan'er was among them; although she was somewhat frightened, seeing Xiao Yichen's calm demeanor gave her courage.
In this perilous moment, Lin Wan'er once again deeply felt Xiao Yichen's importance to her. He was like a sturdy fortress, protecting her and providing her with support amidst her fear. She secretly vowed that if given the chance, she would protect the General's Mansion with Xiao Yichen, safeguarding this hard-won warmth and peace.
As the battle was about to erupt, Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen stood side by side in the courtyard of the General's Mansion, their eyes fixed resolutely ahead. Moonlight bathed them, as if clad in a sacred armor. At this moment, they were no longer solitary individuals, but warriors fighting for each other and for the General's Mansion. Their bond, forged in the crucible of war, had become even more unbreakable, shining like the brightest star in the night sky, illuminating this perilous night.
Amidst the clamor of battle, Lin Wan'er tightly grasped Xiao Yichen's hand. They needed no words; their eyes conveyed everything. They would face the impending storm together, and whatever the outcome, they would have no regrets. For in this process, they had found something more precious than life itself—a deep bond between them and a unwavering commitment to protecting everyone in the General's Mansion. This emotion would sustain them as they bravely forged ahead in the darkness, facing unknown challenges and the trials of fate.
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