After Feng Yao left, Su Yuxin tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Eventually dozing off, she woke up shortly after. The sky outside was just beginning to brighten. Glancing at the empty space beside her, Su Yuxin pursed her lips. Over these days, she had grown accustomed to sleeping beside the General, accustomed to his presence. Today, with the General absent, her heart felt inexplicably empty and uncertain. There was an indescribable sense of worry lingering within her, a feeling she couldn't quite place. Logically, they had apprehended the villain, and she had equally divided the medicine pouches crafted by Chahetai among them as a precaution. Yet, her mind remained unsettled. Su Yuxin, finding her thoughts in disarray, decided against trying to sleep and instead got dressed immediately.
Typically, there was no need for someone to remain in the outer room when the General was present. When the General was absent, either Qingque or Ziyuan would sleep there, but today it was Lao Mama. Lao Mama was particular about her responsibilities. Su Yuxin was already quite careful, yet she managed to disturb Lao Mama's sleep. "Madam, why are you up so early? You slept late last night; why not rest a while longer?" Lao Mama inquired, rising from her seat. "Mama, you go to sleep. I'm not sleepy; I'm going outside for a while," Su Yuxin replied, opening the door.
"So early, where is Madam going?" Lao Mama followed. Standing on the corridor, gazing at the faint morning sky, Su Yuxin couldn't decide where to go. She had no idea where the General had taken those two individuals or where he had confined them. Thus, she settled for sitting on a bench on the veranda, her expression somewhat gloomy.
"Up so early and sitting directly on the bench, be careful not to catch a chill," Lao Mama hurriedly fetched a cushion. "I'm not that delicate," Su Yuxin muttered.
"Madam, are you worried about the General?" Lao Mama sat beside Su Yuxin and asked.
"It's already dawn, and the General hasn't returned," Su Yuxin twisted her fingers, speaking.
"Madam, rest assured, the General is formidable; those petty villains are no match for him," Lao Mama comforted.
"But they use despicable means, and those insects are small and hard to guard against," Su Yuxin bit her lip, expressing her concerns.
"Madam has already distributed the medicine pouches to the General, and besides, once the General knows of their plot, he will be cautious," Lao Mama added.
"But..." Su Yuxin's delicate brows furrowed slightly, feeling somewhat blocked.
Watching Su Yuxin's perplexed expression, Lao Mama couldn't help but laugh. "Why does Mama laugh?" Su Yuxin raised her gaze, puzzled.
"Our Madam has finally grown up," Lao Mama tenderly stroked Su Yuxin's hair, brimming with affection.
"Such words from Mama; I'm already married, of course, I've grown up," Su Yuxin nestled into Lao Mama's embrace, saying.
"What I meant was, our Madam has something on her mind," Lao Mama chuckled, saying.
Hearing this, Su Yuxin couldn't help but blush, feeling uncomfortable. "Madam, don't be embarrassed; it's a good thing," Lao Mama gently patted Su Yuxin's shoulder, saying, "The General treats Madam well, and I see that. Now that Madam and the General have spent so much time together, I can only feel relieved."
Spending time together? Su Yuxin was stunned, pondering Lao Mama's words carefully. Since her rebirth, she had carried hatred from her past life and regret for her actions. She was well aware of the General's countless kindnesses toward her, thus aiming to be an outstanding General's wife in this life, to make amends. Since her rebirth, her feelings for the General had transformed from regret to genuine affection. This sentiment didn't arise from remorse for her past actions; it stemmed from truly caring for him. Unconsciously, she had already given her heart to the General. Hence, her current state of mind was filled with anxiety and concern, yearning to be with him at every moment.
Thinking of this, Su Yuxin's pretty face flushed even more, almost as if it might drip blood. "I remember now; I need to find Xia Zhi and have him create more of those medicine pouches. They might be useful in the future," Su Yuxin awkwardly rubbed her face and changed the subject, rising to leave.
Unaware of Su Yuxin's past life, Lao Mama only knew that Su Yuxin had matured emotionally. She was convinced that the General was the right man for Madam's life. Though the General's residence was secure, Lao Mama felt uneasy without anyone accompanying Su Yuxin and swiftly sent Maizi to follow.
"Madam, wait for this servant," Maizi quickly caught up with Su Yuxin.
"Why are you here?" Su Yuxin turned to look at Maizi.
"Lao Mama was worried and asked this servant to accompany Madam," Maizi, with a curved brow and eye, appeared less timid than before.
"There are guards everywhere in the residence. What could possibly happen?" Su Yuxin muttered.
"It's not about safety; it's to assist if Madam has any instructions, making it convenient for this servant to run errands," Maizi smiled brightly.
"Oh," as they walked, Su Yuxin suddenly stopped in her tracks.
"What's wrong, Madam?" Maizi asked.
"I forgot; it's still early, I wonder if Xia Zhi has risen," Su Yuxin bit her lip.
"I've heard that Xia Zhi starts reading early every morning," Maizi smiled, saying.
"Such diligence," Su Yuxin felt gratified.
Before they reached Xia Mama's residence, they heard the sound of someone reciting books. Su Yuxin stood still for a moment, as if hearing two voices. Who else could be there? Sensing Su Yuxin's curiosity, Maizi said, "It sounds like Zhou Shan, the steward's son."
"Oh," Su Yuxin nodded, asking, "How old is Zhou Shan this year?" She recalled he was almost the same age as Xia Zhi.
"He's ten," Maizi replied, "Steward Zhou married late, and it took several years for Mrs. Zhou's health to improve before they had Zhou Shan."
"How is that child?" Su Yuxin inquired. In both her past and present lives, her impression of Zhou Shan was faint. She hardly interacted with him except for a few times when she caught him playing around.
"He's very bright and practical. Despite his young age, he's adept at accounting, no less than Steward Zhou," Maizi praised.
"Good at accounting," Su Yuxin blinked, a plan forming in her mind instantly.
As they approached, they saw two children standing in front of the house, reciting with enthusiasm. Seeing
Su Yuxin, Xia Zhi immediately ran over, "Up so early, Madam, why are you here?"
Compared to Xia Zhi's liveliness, Zhou Shan appeared somewhat awkward. He hadn't expected Su Yuxin to be up so early, let alone visiting here. Although Xia Zhi had permission to read, he hadn't received such consent, wondering if Madam would be upset later.