The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 1080 - 245: A Picture of the Divine Turtle_4

Chapter 1080: Chapter 245: A Picture of the Divine Turtle_4

Xie Yi stayed in the General Mansion, and if she wanted to see guests, she had to get permission from Pei Qin.

Zhang Gengshan reported to Pei Yuan, and had servants take Second Madam Zheng and Zheng Yuehan to see Xie Yi.

Xie Yi had long understood her thoughts, and upon seeing her bring a newly-dressed Zheng Yuehan, Xie Yi knew she had been replaced and felt relieved, but also increasingly resentful. They dared to scheme to get Zheng Yuehan through the door, surely using her to achieve their goal; wouldn’t Wendong hate her then?

Second Madam Zheng dismissed the attending servants and sat down to talk with Xie Yi, inquiring about Pei Qin’s illness.

Xie Yi didn’t share meals with Pei Qin. She went to the Manufacturing Bureau every day, attended the grand court meetings on designated days, and did not see Pei Qin every day. But she didn’t believe that Pei Qin was ill. Watching Second Madam Zheng’s probing eyes gleaming with joy, Xie Yi took her time sipping her tea, "Madam has been unwell and has seen a physician. Visitors are not permitted at this time, so I am unaware."

Second Madam Zheng’s proposed visit also fell through, and with a swift look, she said, "It’s your cousin’s first visit to the General Mansion; it would be great if you could show us around!"

Xie Yi called a maid over to report once more.

Zhang Gengshan replied merely to please themselves.

That must mean Mo Heng was not at home. Xie Yi looked at Second Madam Zheng and Zheng Yuehan with irony and led them into the gardens to walk around.

Mo Heng was at home, discussing plans to attack the Rong Clan with three Deputy Generals in a pavilion. He did not wish for Pei Qin to lead troops into battle again and endure the hardship.

Xie Yi had thought that Mo Heng was not at home; seeing the people in the pavilion from afar, she felt a sudden shock and immediately sought to avoid them.

Second Madam Zheng, on the other hand, was delighted and exchanged a glance with Zheng Yuehan, taking Xie Yi by the arm and moving forward to pay their respects.

Xie Yi tried to pull away and leave, but Mo Heng and his group had already taken notice. It wasn’t appropriate for her to continue struggling with Second Madam Zheng, so she reluctantly followed her as they went up to greet Mo Heng, her face sour.

"Unaware that the General was in the garden, we have intruded; please forgive our offense!" Second Madam Zheng said, prompting Zheng Yuehan to formally greet Mo Heng.

Zheng Yuehan was already staring intently; she had only seen his silhouette from afar before, having heard of General Mo’s stunning beauty and his distinction as a young scholar of the Mo family. Now, seeing him in person, she found reality far surpassed hearsay. Such a strikingly handsome man was rare in this world!

Xie Yi only took one glance, seeing him in a Dark Patterned Brocade Robe, his black hair lightly lifting in the breeze, sitting in the pavilion with an air of indifferent composure. His face, sculpted like cold jade, bore a hint of chill, and his deep eyes, like ancient pools, instilled a sense of awe. She quickly lowered her gaze and kneeled to show respect, "I dare not trouble the General and will leave at once."

Zheng Yuehan, however, didn’t hear her, still fixated on Mo Heng.

Second Madam Zheng saw her gaze linger too long and hastily pulled her away; it was too unseemly and would not endear her. Although Mo Heng was indeed handsome, one mustn’t be too improper and risk his disfavor.

Zheng Yuehan’s cheeks turned red with embarrassment, and with coy shyness, she kneeled in a bow, saying softly, "General Mo! I have always heard of your valor in battle and your meritorious service to The Imperial Court, but I have never had the chance to see you. My conduct upon finally meeting you today may be improper; please forgive me." Inside, she was thrilled that she had prepared herself well for today—her clothes and accessories were newly made, and she had used the finest makeup, dressing for over an hour that morning.

The three Deputy Generals exchanged knowing looks. Their General was undeniably handsome, but his methods could be unbearable!

Mo Heng watched the three coldly, remaining silent.

Suddenly, a draft blew the sketches from the table, flying towards them.

Zheng Yuehan quickly stepped forward to pick them up and approached with a blushing face, "General Mo!"

One of the Deputy Generals hurried to take them from her.

Zheng Yuehan kept her eyes on Mo Heng.

Mo Heng’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly as a murderous intent emerged. "Retreat!"

Even his voice was deep and pleasant, making listeners’ hearts tremble. Zheng Yuehan was completely enthralled, gazing at him affectionately, and left with a graceful posture.

Upon leaving the garden, Zheng Yuehan had already concluded that her mother had indeed found her a good marriage prospect, one that couldn’t hold a candle to General Mo! Now that Pei Qin was ill, she might not have long left to live!

Xie Yi, however, felt a chill in her heart. If they were allowed to continue their scheming, she and her brother would have no way out in the General Mansion!

Second Madam Zheng made her statement, "You’re alone in this General Mansion every day, and must feel very lonely. Why not let your cousin stay and keep you company for a few days?"

Zheng Yuehan was naturally delighted, and had clothes and jewelry sent to her.

"I have to learn business and stewardship from Madam Zhao every day, and don’t have the spare time to accompany my cousin. Thank you for your kind intentions, Second Aunt!" Xie Yi declined.

Second Madam Zheng’s face fell upon hearing the refusal, "You said you would marry Pei Wendong, what, are you having second thoughts now? Wanting to become the General’s Wife instead!?"

"I’m not!" Xie Yi retorted with shame and anger.

Second Madam Zheng snorted angrily, "Xie Yi! You have no parents, and were abandoned by the Xie family; only our Zheng family can be relied upon to decide for you. If you aim too high, you might end up with nothing! You and Xie Ze will only be kicked out, with nowhere to turn, and you’ll end up having to sell yourself into slavery!"

Tears welled up in Xie Yi’s eyes from the blow, "We have never relied upon the Zheng family for anything; don’t push us too far!"

Second Madam Zheng scoffed, "Don’t push you too far? Do you think you can secure a marriage with Mo Heng or Pei Wendong on your own? Without parents or support from your maternal family, you will be at the mercy of the Xie family!"

Xie Yi was well aware what kind of people the Xie family were; her face turned pale with anger, and her body trembled.

"With the Zheng family making decisions for you, you can still marry Pei Wendong in peace and become an officer’s wife. As for the position of General’s Wife, put that out of your mind!" said Second Madam Zheng, with a smug look.

Zheng Yuehan tried to persuade Xie Yi, "Cousin! Given your and your brother’s current situation, marrying Pei Wendong is the best outcome you could hope for; you shouldn’t miss out on a good match. Moreover, you are still in mourning, and General Mo can’t wait for you to finish your mourning period!"

If Pei Qin were to die, Mo Heng could remarry after a hundred days of mourning. However, Xie Yi would have to wait twenty-seven months before she could remarry.

Xie Yi, fearing that Mo Heng and Pei Qin would find out about the Zheng family’s calculations and take their anger out on her, while also detesting the Zheng family’s threats and potential to ruin her marriage prospects, bit her lip angrily, holding back her tears.

"Your parents are dead. Don’t let it come to a point where people curse you for having a hard fate that overwhelms your parents, leaving no family to turn to!" Second Madam Zheng added.

Xie Yi stiffened, her face grew even whiter.

"Mother! Look how frightened you’ve made my cousin, enough now! You go home. I’ll stay here and accompany my cousin!" Zheng Yuehan coaxed Second Madam Zheng to leave.

Second Madam Zheng knew she had a way with people, and walked away satisfied, leaving her behind.

Xie Yi felt cold all over and stood up with determination to find Pei Wendong and confess everything. She couldn’t let Pei Wendong misunderstand that she shared the same thoughts, she needed to tell him about the Zheng family’s schemes!

Zheng Yuehan suddenly grabbed her, "Cousin! Where are you off to?" she asked with a smile. "If you’re cursed with a fate that overwhelms your parents, or if the Xie family takes you back, tell me, after Pei Wendong’s successful examination, what kind of wife will he marry? His sister seems very opposed to it!"

Xie Yi felt a heaviness in her heart.