"Insulting the eldest legitimate sister, I wonder what etiquette prevails in the Su residence? Could Madam Su clarify the matter?" Feng Yao raised his gaze, its depth akin to serene waters.
Lu Shiyán furrowed her brow. He publicly addressed her as Madam Su. Was he not afraid of inviting speculation? He didn't even use the term 'mother-in-law'.
"The cherished treasure I held in my hands, returning to her maternal home only to be scolded and blamed by a younger sister, while Madam Su places all the blame on Xin Xin's head," Feng Yao's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Mother-in-law passed away early; only the heavens know how my Xin Xin managed in the preceding ten-odd years."
Upon Feng Yao's statement, not only did Lu Shiyán's complexion alter, but even Old Madam Su's face turned ashen.
This was an open accusation of their maltreatment of Su Yuxin. Though they didn't hold Su Yuxin in high regard, publicly disclosing such matters was a slap in their faces.
The guests below began whispering.
"What do you mean by these words, General?" Su Yuzhe strode over, his face without a hint of a smile.
"Exactly what I said." Feng Yao glanced around, his eyes frosty. "Now that Xin Xin is my wife, anyone who dares to bully or insult her will face the wrath of the entire General's Manor. I will show no mercy."
Su Yuxin, she was his only vulnerability and bottom line.
Following this statement, envy, jealousy, and those anticipating drama among the guests varied.
In Shengjing, who didn't know that since Su Yuxin entered the General's Manor half a year ago, she had at least caused dozens of disruptions and attempted separations.
What use was it for the General to protect her? If that Su Yuxin wasn't just a waste, she had a heart of stone that couldn't be warmed.
At this moment, Su Yuxin calmly rose, standing shoulder to shoulder with Feng Yao, displaying a composed and indifferent smile.
One was extremely beautiful, like a celestial being from the Yaochi.
One had a scar on her brow, cold as Yama from hell.
However, standing together, they seemed impeccably matched, without any discordance.
"General treats me with such care and tenderness. Grandmother and father should be happy for me, shouldn't they?" Su Yuxin gallantly took Feng Yao's hand, her voice gentle and soothing.
Old Madam Su's expression turned extremely ugly upon Su Yuxin's subtle taunt.
Su Yuxin had just outmaneuvered her.
Lu Shiyán couldn't help but clench her fists.
This dreadful girl truly had a deep understanding; previously, she had been deceived by her.
If that was the case, then she shouldn't blame herself for being ruthless.
Today, let that dreadful girl accompany her deceased mother in the afterlife.
Lu Shiyán signaled the maid beside her with a look, and the maid nodded, quietly withdrawing.
"Yuxuan insulted her elder sister for no reason, disregarding seniority. You are confined to your chambers for a month and must write the Women's Code twenty times," Old Madam Su stated sternly.
"Yes, Yuxuan knows her mistake." Su Yuxuan, her face flushed with shame, wished she could find a hole to hide in. She hated Su Yuxin to the bone for this. All because of her, she was now publicly reprimanded, losing all dignity. How could she face anyone in the future?
"Now leave immediately." Old Madam Su didn't like this granddaughter, a bastard without courage or brains, prone to causing trouble. Moreover, just being checked by Su Yuxin made her extremely uncomfortable. Her tone was exceptionally harsh.
"Yes." Su Yuxuan covered her face in shame, stumbling as she rushed away.
This minor incident didn't affect the entire birthday banquet. However, everyone had their own thoughts.
Some of the older guests couldn't help but speculate. Su Yuxin didn't seem like the rumored wastrel; she displayed a proper demeanor with a measured speech.
But some of the younger ones were bewildered. How could Su Yuxin seem like a completely different person? Not only was she not the previous wastrel, but she also seemed difficult to ignore.
Not far away, Qian Yue held a wine glass, gazing contemplatively at Su Yuxin. He had come instead of his father.
Originally, he had no intention of coming. A mere Minister of Personnel, he didn't care much about it. But then he thought about Madam Su's birthday celebration. Su Yuxin, as the legitimate granddaughter, was bound to attend. And so, he came almost inexplicably.
Although Su Yuxin had previously made him lose face and ended up with bruises all over his face, he somehow hadn't considered seeking revenge.
If it had been someone else, they would have been retaliated against numerous times.
He wasn't afraid of Feng Yao either. After all, both the Qian family and the General's Manor were pillars of the state and were equally powerful.
Qian Yue pondered for a while and came to a conclusion.
Perhaps, he had been too idle recently.
Thus, Qian Yue drank and occasionally glanced at Su Yuxin.
Su Yuxin was chatting with Su Yuxuan, paying no attention.
However, Feng Yao had noticed long ago.
His eyes contained a chilling glare, staring directly at Qian Yue.
Even someone with shallow inner strength like Qian Yue noticed it, as the gaze was chilling to the bone.
Qian Yue just smiled, raised his wine glass towards Feng Yao, and wore a smile with an unknown meaning.
Since ancient times, heroes have had difficulty crossing the barrier of a beauty.
He wasn't a hero, but a little hegemon. Little hegemons were most prone to encountering barriers with beauties.
If he indeed crossed the barrier himself, how would this renowned General, who commanded armies, react?
He became curious all of a sudden.
Qian Yue smiled, feeling particularly good, and began chatting and laughing with the nearby people.
When he stopped paying attention to Su Yuxin, the pressure behind him gradually dissipated.
"Big sister, you smell so nice." Su Yuxuan was no longer as cautious as before; her little face held a smile.
Indeed, Auntie was right; the big sister is a gentle person.
After Su Yuxuan said this, several tables of women around them also noticed it.
They had just smelled a faint, elegant fragrance, assuming it was some rare flower in the courtyard.
Now, they realized the scent emanated from Su Yuxin.
"Madam General, may I ask what fragrance you're using? It smells so wonderful," a lady couldn't help but ask.
"Fragrant Tears of the Concubine," Su Yuxin smiled and said.
"Fragrant Tears of the Concubine? I've never heard of it. Where did you buy it from?" Another lady inquired.
"It's not that I am keeping it a secret, but this Fragrant Tears of the Concubine was gifted to me by my husband. I also don't know where he bought it from," Su Yuxin said,
feeling a bit embarrassed.
"The General treats his wife exceptionally well," a young woman from a nearby table, with a lovely smile, said.
"Madam Cui is also enviable. The Marquis of Pingnan and his wife are like a celestial couple," Su Yuxin politely replied.
The young woman blushed, smiled shyly, and felt very fond of Su Yuxin in her heart.