Chapter 77

After the conversation between Madam Shao and Shao Jingyu, it was unclear what the hot-tempered Master Shao had said, but Shao Jingyu no longer mentioned moving to the general’s residence. According to Little A, the father and son now acted as though nothing had ever happened between them.
Yan Yiming specifically inquired about the matter, and Shao Jingyu calmly explained that it was merely a disagreement over political matters between him and his father. He even mentioned that Master Shao had asked about her that day, concerned about her recovery.
Yan Yiming pretended to believe him and did not press further.
Shortly afterward, Little A rushed over in a flurry to tell Yan Yiming that Shao Jingyu had replaced all the maids who had been gossiping around her, effectively shielding her from any rumors about the father and son’s quarrel over her.
The new maid had a round face and seemed honest and sincere, yet she was particularly eloquent. “The maids here were all newly hired recently and didn’t understand the rules or serve well. The young master, concerned about your delicate health, asked Madam to assign maids who have served in the residence for some time. This way, you’ll be more comfortable.”
The maid seemed to be waiting for Yan Yiming to say something, but Yan Yiming merely gave a simple “Hmm” and paid her no further attention. After a moment, seeing the maid still lingering, she looked up and asked, “Is there something else?”
“No, nothing,” the round-faced maid replied, snapping back to reality before hastily retreating.
In everyone’s eyes, Commandant Yan was always stern and unapproachable, keeping others at a distance. Even Shao Jingyu had rarely seen Yan Yiming smile or heard her speak more than a few words.
Now, having returned to her identity as a young lady, Yan Yiming remained as aloof and indifferent as before. Shao Jingyu and Yun Xiao, long accustomed to her demeanor, saw nothing unusual about it. In fact, they even felt that her illness had made her seem slightly more human than before.
But to others, her icy demeanor was interpreted quite differently.
Little A leaned close to Yan Yiming and whispered that the new maid had been cursing her as soon as she stepped outside. Yan Yiming lay lazily on the bed and remarked, “She must be saying that someone like me, picked up from who knows where, dares to put on airs and act like a young lady.”
Little A promptly gave a thumbs-up. “You guessed it perfectly, word for word.”
“They can’t come up with anything else,” Yan Yiming said, rolling over on the bed. “After all, I have no status or reputation now.”
Yan Yiming’s recovery progressed better than expected, which delighted Shao Jingyu immensely. Even the imperial physician remarked that her recovery speed was astonishing. However, as she had lost a great deal of vitality, she still needed to take daily medicinal soups and tonics without fail.
Shao Jingyu’s greatest concern was Yan Yiming’s health. As long as it could restore her to her former self, he was fully committed. One day, he even personally prepared her medicine, startling all the maids.
Shao Jingyu dismissed everyone and personally fanned the small stove, waiting for the medicine to brew. He then brought it to Yan Yiming himself. The maids exchanged glances, their expressions varied, each lost in their own thoughts.
Shao Jingyu had considered feeding Yan Yiming the medicine himself, but having spent years in the military surrounded by rough men, Yan Yiming had long shed the delicacy and coyness typical of young women. The shyness she had shown a few days earlier was already a rare sight. Now that she could sit and walk on her own, there was no need for Shao Jingyu to assist her.
She took the bowl and drank it all in one go as usual, only frowning slightly afterward. The candied fruits already placed on the table remained untouched.
Shao Jingyu watched and chuckled to himself, thinking how she hadn’t changed a bit.
After finishing the medicine, Yan Yiming prepared to change clothes and turned to signal him to leave. Leaning against the windowsill, Shao Jingyu teased deliberately, “I’ve already seen it all before, why be shy?”
Recalling the rare moment of bashfulness Yan Yiming had shown some days ago, Shao Jingyu still felt a twinge of nostalgia. It was precisely because, after that one time, she had never again displayed that kind of maidenly shyness.
He had only meant to tease her casually, but to his surprise, Yan Yiming paused and replied, “You’re right.” Shao Jingyu was taken aback for a moment before shaking his head helplessly. “Fine, I won’t tease you anymore. I’ll have the maid come in to assist you.”
“No need, I can manage on my own.”
Her words were as concise as ever. Shao Jingyu stepped outside, watching the leaves beginning to fall, and suddenly smiled.
He adored her unrestrained spirit and courage, so unlike ordinary women. He had once worried whether such a woman would change if confined to the depths of a wealthy household. Now, it seemed he had worried for nothing.
Her manner of speaking, the expressions on her face, her attitude toward others, all remained as he remembered, the very qualities he loved and was captivated by.
Some time later, Yan Yiming was finally able to step outside to enjoy the breeze and bask in the sunlight. Shao Jingyu sat on a stone stool beside her, accompanying her as they watched the falling leaves.
She had resumed her identity as a woman but disliked the elaborate hair accessories typically worn by ladies. Her jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders like spilled ink, held in place simply by an ebony hairpin. She wore a blue-green robe, her face free of makeup.
As the autumn wind brushed by and the sun began to set, it tousled the strands of hair at her temples, blurring her vision. Shao Jingyu was suddenly reminded of the past, of another evening just like this, when Yan Yiming had galloped over on horseback and told him, “Mission accomplished.” The setting sun had illuminated her face, so breathtakingly beautiful that it had left him spellbound.
Shao Jingyu took her cold hand in his, and Yan Yiming turned to him in surprise.
“Yiming,” he called her name softly, “It’s been so many days now. What is your answer?”
“I don’t know,” Yan Yiming replied after a long pause. “I’ve thought a lot about it. To establish oneself in the army, one needs sufficient military achievements. To gain footing among the nobility in the capital, one needs a prominent status. In this land, there should have been a place for me, but now it’s gone. So I’ve been thinking, what should I rely on to establish myself in the vast Shao Manor?”
Shao Jingyu had never imagined that Yan Yiming’s concerns lay in this direction. His heart had been filled with anxiety, his greatest fear being that she might not harbor any romantic feelings for him. He tightened his grip on her hand and looked directly into her eyes.
“Here, as long as I am with you, you have nothing to worry about,” Shao Jingyu said. “My family is very easy to get along with, and my mother already likes you very much. Whoever I love, they will love as well.”
A faint, ambiguous smile tugged at the corner of Yan Yiming's lips. “Let's hope so.”
Shao Jingyu, now certain of Yan Yiming's feelings, was in high spirits. The two chatted for a while longer before Yun Xiao entered from outside.
It had been many days since he last saw Yan Yiming. Gazing at his comrade, who had been snatched back from the jaws of death, Yun Xiao felt a surge of emotion. However, mindful of Shao Jingyu's presence, he restrained his expression. After giving Yan Yiming a once-over, he laughed heartily, “I was wondering what you’d look like dressed up like the other young ladies in the estate. Why are you still in this outfit?”
Yan Yiming glanced down at herself. “Does it not look good?”
“It still looks quite nice, but you can’t wear this when meeting the master and madam,” Yun Xiao chuckled. “Now that you can walk again, when do you plan to see them?”
Yan Yiming glanced at Shao Jingyu.
Shao Jingyu immediately responded, “Tomorrow, I happen to have no morning court session. Let’s make it tomorrow.”
“Mm.”
“You’re still not much of a talker,” Yun Xiao sighed. “Expecting someone with your temperament to sweet-talk the elders is impossible. Fortunately, the madam is good-tempered and deeply concerned about you. She even asked me about you the other day.”
It was odd that Madam Shao had inquired about Yan Yiming through Yun Xiao, but when Yan Yiming looked at Shao Jingyu and Yun Xiao, neither of them seemed to find it strange.
Yan Yiming didn’t press further. She rested early that day and rose the next morning to finally meet the entire Shao family.
Perhaps because she had grown accustomed to men’s attire, even the maids who helped style her hair and apply her makeup praised her appearance, yet Yan Yiming still felt awkward. After more than two years, wearing hairpins and intricate dresses again felt cumbersome.
Even Little A muttered that it looked strange, but when she caught sight of Shao Jingyu outside, she could see the admiration in his eyes.
The face, crafted from the game’s preset data, was undeniably far superior to that of ordinary people. With a good foundation but never properly maintained over the past two years, now adorned with exquisite makeup, she dazzled everyone present.
No wonder Jingyu was so devoted, such extraordinary looks easily outshone all the other young ladies in the estate.
Rumors had it that this woman was an orphan Shao Jingyu had picked up at the border. With her striking beauty, constant companionship, and even taking an arrow for him, no man could remain indifferent.
Madam Shao scrutinized Yan Yiming from head to toe several times before discreetly withdrawing her gaze. With a graceful smile, she called Yan Yiming over to chat and bestowed many gifts upon her, her words filled with warmth and familiarity.
Shao Jingyu explained to his mother that Yan Yiming was naturally reserved and might come across as aloof. Madam Shao laughed and told everyone that with so many noisy children in the household, she actually preferred such a quiet temperament.
Yan Yiming met Grand Tutor Shao, the elderly lady, and even Master Shao, who had been at odds with Shao Jingyu. The entire family treated her with courtesy and warmth, as if she were one of their own. The atmosphere seemed harmonious and joyful, yet they overlooked one crucial detail.
Shao Jingyu had introduced her today as his future wife, but from start to finish, no one mentioned the matter. Instead, they repeatedly brought up how Yan Yiming had saved Shao Jingyu’s life.
Perhaps because everyone’s attitude was so affectionate, even Shao Jingyu failed to notice this omission.
In the days that followed, this feeling grew even stronger. Madam Shao would frequently summon her for conversation. Even though Yan Yiming remained reticent, Madam Shao seemed entirely unaffected, her voice gentle and highly deceptive.
If it weren't for Little A eavesdropping daily on Madam Shao's idle chatter with others, they might have truly been fooled by that facade.
Little A, bored out of its mind, had found little to gossip about back in the military camp. Now that it was back in the thick of things, it busied itself scurrying between the rooms of the Shao family's various masters, all under the guise of reconnaissance and reporting.
It spent the most time crouching near Madam Shao's quarters, and thus heard the most.
As Yan Yiming had suspected, Madam Shao had specifically questioned Yun Little About her past, clearly disbelieving Shao Jingyu's explanation.
However, Yun Little And Shao Jingyu must have coordinated their stories, so Madam Shao hadn't managed to uncover anything substantial for the time being. Still, in private conversations with her maids, she scoffed at her son for concocting such a flimsy excuse to protect Yan Yiming.
What nonsense about her saving Shao Jingyu's life, how could a woman possibly make it to the battlefield, encounter the Mongol army, and save Shao Jingyu? If anything, it was Shao Jingyu who had saved her countless times by keeping her close to ensure her safety. It was just unfortunate that there were no other women around during the war, allowing someone like her to take advantage of the situation.
Even as she spoke these words, Madam Shao maintained a smiling face and a gentle tone. Little A, thoroughly entertained, returned and asked Yan Yiming, “If that's the case, why does she keep summoning you to talk? What is she really up to?”
“Just wait a few more days,” Yan Yiming replied. “She's probably preparing to unleash her big move.”
Sure enough, a few days later, the round-faced maid hinted to her that Madam Shao had recently encountered some unpleasantness and had fallen ill from anger.
Yan Yiming played along with a compliant “Oh,” and said, “Then I'll go check on her.”
It was clear that Madam Shao wanted her to visit, so Yan Yiming naturally obliged. After tidying up slightly, she made her way to Madam Shao's residence. The maids at the door feigned surprise at her arrival, hurriedly announcing inside, “Lady Yan is here.”
It was almost laughable, a name that should have been a source of pride now seemed something to be hidden. To avoid arousing suspicion, they had forcibly changed her surname to “Yan” in front of others.
Only Yan Yiming herself knew the significance of her real surname. Suppressing her displeasure, she entered Madam Shao's room. The air was faintly scented with medicine, and Madam Shao lay weakly on the bed. Upon seeing Yan Yiming, she feigned delight and asked why she had come.
“I heard from Tong Bao that you were unwell, so I came to see you,” Yan Yiming said, deliberately offering an opening to make it easier for Madam Shao to speak. “Did someone visit the residence today?”
Madam Shao shook her head and said no one had. Yan Yiming smiled faintly and replied, “Why bother hiding it from me?” Then she turned to ask the maid beside her.
The quick-tongued maid blurted out that it was Madam Jian from the chancellor's residence who had come to the manor. Madam Shao immediately scolded the maid for speaking out of turn.
Yan Yiming's eyes darkened slightly before she tentatively asked, “Is she the mother of the young lady who grew up with Jingyu?”
Madam Shao was taken aback. “So you knew,” she said, then sighed with a deeply troubled expression. “Yu'er did grow up with Jingyu since childhood, but beyond that, although no formal betrothal gifts were exchanged, they actually had a long-standing marriage agreement.”
The smile abruptly vanished from Yan Yiming's beautiful eyes.
Seeing this, Madam Shao grew even more distressed. “I never knew how to broach this subject with you. Jingyu has been away for two years, and Yu'er has remained unmarried all this time. I never imagined Jingyu would bring you back from his travels. You saved Jingyu's life, so of course I care for you deeply, but now the whole city knows about this situation, and Lady Jian has come to our door today. I truly don't know what to do.”
Madam Shao's gentle voice trembled with tears, making it even harder for anyone to bear. But when she looked up, she saw the young woman's expression remained unchanged throughout, finally speaking coldly, “I've long known about Miss Jian, but Jingyu never mentioned any marriage agreement between them. In fact, he even wrote a letter to Miss Jian to sever their relationship.”
Yan Yiming's words gave Madam Shao a tremendous shock. When had her son ever written such a letter to Yu'er?
“I'll confirm this matter with him,” Yan Yiming stood up. Perhaps out of habit, instead of bowing like a typical woman would, she clasped her hands in a martial salute. “Please rest well, my lady. I'll visit again tomorrow.”
With that, she swept out of the room like a whirlwind, leaving a stunned Madam Shao behind.
Madam Shao had originally thought that given Yan Yiming's lowly status, now just an orphan girl following Shao Jingyu and living under someone else's roof, she would naturally feel inferior and insecure. By telling her this, Madam Shao hoped she would recognize the difficulties and retreat, or perhaps find a way to become Jingyu's concubine.
But Yan Yiming's behavior just now showed no trace of inferiority whatsoever.
In fact, she even seemed somewhat accusatory?
What gave her the right???
Madam Shao couldn't understand it at all, growing increasingly disgusted with the girl's crude behavior. Could it be that Jingyu truly had no feelings left for Yu'er? Could he really indulge her to this extent?
The evidence showed that he indeed could.
Shao Jingyu had never been afraid of anything in his life. When he wrote that letter to Jian Yu'er, he had already prepared for whatever consequences might follow.
Although even he was momentarily stunned when Yan Yiming asked him about the marriage agreement with Jian Yu'er, it was true they grew up together, but when had there ever been a marriage agreement?
True to being the male lead with the strongest initiative, no sooner had Yan Yiming asked him than Shao Jingyu immediately appeared at the Jian residence.
Madam Jian had just returned home and hadn't yet recovered from her earlier visit when the household announced Shao Jingyu's arrival.
Madam Jian's visit to the Shao residence today wasn't to pressure them into marriage as Madam Shao had suggested, but because her husband had mentioned that Yu'er was getting older, and now that Shao Jingyu had returned to the capital, they might as well discuss matters with the Shao family.
Over the past two years, Madam Jian had surveyed all the talented young men in the capital for her daughter. She had no intention of using the children's childhood relationship to force Shao Jingyu to marry Yu'er, their chancellor's household would never stoop to such undignified behavior.
However, since Madam Shao's words had hinted at room for negotiation, Madam Jian thought this matter might actually work out. She was just about to call her daughter to ask when Shao Jingyu stormed in with great urgency.
Shao Jingyu was no longer the same as before, so Madam Jian naturally dared not neglect him. After inviting him in, Shao Jingyu immediately stated that he had come specifically to apologize.
Madam Jian was taken aback. What fault could there be?
“When I was young, I said things I shouldn't have to Yu'er, which ended up delaying her important matters. Today, I've come specifically to make amends.”
Madam Jian looked at the forthright young man before her, her heart filled with complex emotions.
Such a fine young man, why was there no fate between him and Yu'er? She sighed softly and quickly replied, “Childhood jokes need not be taken seriously. It's been years since I last saw you, and you've grown so tall. Since you've come all this way, why not stay for dinner before leaving?”
A smile appeared on Shao Jingyu's face. “You are too kind, madam, but there is someone waiting for me back at the residence, so I must regretfully decline your gracious offer.”
Madam Jian recalled the recent rumors in the capital, that Shao Jingyu had returned to the capital with a woman by his side. Her heart stirred slightly, and she teased half-jokingly, “Since someone is waiting for you, I won't insist on keeping you. But I wonder when I'll get to drink at your wedding?”
“It shouldn't be too long,” Shao Jingyu's smile grew even brighter. “When the time comes, I will certainly invite you to share a cup of wedding wine.”
With mixed feelings of joy and regret, Madam Jian saw Shao Jingyu out. Meanwhile, back at the Shao residence, before Madam Shao could even process what had happened, Madam Jian had already sent her matron over to relay a message. The matron said that since there was no fate between them, they would not force things. Having heard that General Shao had already found someone he loved, they would come to offer congratulations when the wedding took place.
Having resolved this troublesome matter, Shao Jingyu was in high spirits and went to find Madam Shao, asking her when an auspicious date would be to finalize his marriage with Yan Yiming.
Their good son truly held no regard for the former Jian Yu'er and was completely bewitched by this woman. Madam Shao, who had previously feigned illness, now genuinely fell ill from anger.