Steward Su’s jaw dropped so wide you could fit an entire egg inside.
If his assumptions were correct, the child before him should be Qing Bao, Si He’s daughter.
Though two years had passed since their last meeting, Qing Bao’s features were so exceptionally striking that he couldn’t possibly mistake her identity.
So.
Was Si Ye actually groveling before his own niece?
That despicable sycophantic expression was even more pathetic than when he fawned over Madam Yao.
Disgusting! Shameless bootlicker.
“What are you standing there for? Send someone to tidy up my quarters and prepare two sets of garments. The General is returning tonight – if anything goes wrong, I won’t let you off easily!”
At this moment, Si He sat upright nearby, addressing the steward with an icy tone.
Steward Su scratched his head and rose while supporting his aching back, somewhat bewildered.
Si Ye standing behind them – did this signify the Si Family had begun supporting Si He?
If true, then he couldn’t afford to provoke them either.
He hurried off to arrange everything as instructed, additionally summoning maidservants to serve tea to Si He.
Si Ye thrust a middle finger fiercely at Steward Su, “Bullying the weak while fearing the strong – I despise scum like you.”
“Hehe, Qing Bao, how did your second uncle perform?” immediately switching to an ingratiating expression.
Qing Bao placed her hands on her little belly with a disapproving hum, “Second Uncle, would you not help Mother if I weren’t here?”
She’d always felt her second uncle’s behavior was improper.
This was calculated kindness, not sincerity born from the heart.
“Of course I’d help! Just save your second uncle this once, and I’ll protect your mother from now on.” Si Ye felt like crying but had no tears.
After all his efforts, why was the little ancestor still unsatisfied?
“Second Brother, Qing Bao lacks for nothing. What she truly desires is genuine familial affection.” Si He interjected calmly.
Her two years raising Qing Bao in the countryside had been their happiest time together as mother and daughter.
Si He would sooner deprive herself than let Qing Bao want for anything.
Thus, Qing Bao was spiritually fulfilled and easily contented.
If you wished for her sincere devotion, you must first offer genuine sincerity in return.
Qing Bao nodded earnestly, the little hair buns on her head bouncing along, “Mhmm, Second Uncle, sincerity is what matters most.”
Having served as Judge for ten years, she’d witnessed countless deaths and human nature’s full spectrum.
The only thing that could truly move her was genuine sincerity.
Si Ye only half-understood. Rising to his feet, his expression shifted abruptly.
“Si He, after all I’ve done, you lecture me about sincerity? Isn’t this just your way of demanding more? Fine! I’ll borrow money from others to repay you! Just make Qing Bao help me!”
Why preach about sincerity now?
Si Ye found their hypocrisy revolting.
“If that’s what you believe, then we have nothing more to discuss. Second Brother, night approaches – you should leave.”
Si He couldn’t be bothered to argue further.
She knew her three brothers only ever had one true younger sister in their hearts: Si Yao.
Provoked, Si Ye pointed accusingly at Si He, “You said it yourself! Once I’m gone, don’t expect me to intervene when those servants bully you!”
Such a country bumpkin – truly untamable.
“Then leave! But don’t come looking for me in the middle of the night.” Qing Bao’s clear voice chimed.
Si Ye froze mid-step.
He quickly seated himself beside Si He, “A real man knows when to yield and when to stand firm! Don’t think your words can provoke me! I’m staying right here to defend you both!”
Having declared this…
He then called for Steward Su and slapped him across the face with a sharp crack.
Steward Su was utterly bewildered.
“What are you doing, Second Young Master Si?”
Qing Bao burst into soft, muffled laughter.
Just then.
A great commotion arose outside the General’s Residence.
“At this hour, it must be the General and Madam Yao returning. Just you wait—I’ll have Madam Yao judge this fairly.”
Steward Su covered his cheek, looking aggrieved as he hurried toward the entrance.
Shortly after.
Heart-wrenching wails echoed from outside.
“General! General, what happened to you? How could this be? Ahhh!”
Before them.
Su Xiao lay on a stretcher, his face covered in blood, his body riddled with wounds that appeared to have been torn by savage claws, bleeding profusely.
So much blood.
They never imagined in their wildest dreams that anyone could inflict such severe injuries upon the General.
The black energy surrounding Su Xiao was even denser now, surpassing even that around Madam Yao.
Si Ye and Si He also rose and approached, only to be met with this horrifying scene.
“Little sister, what happened?” Si Ye, seeing that Si Yao was also injured, rushed over in a panic to support her.
Si Yao’s eyes were red-rimmed. “Second Brother, we encountered ghosts—so many ghosts.”
Those evil spirits had forced Su Xiao into a thorny thicket, tormenting him and repeatedly piercing his body.
When Si Yao led dozens of soldiers charging into the black energy, this was the scene that greeted her.
Later.
Only a handful of soldiers remained, and both the Old Madam and Su Mengmeng were barely clinging to life.
Si Ye’s eyes widened, clearly terrified. “Then… what about Si Zhao? Wasn’t he with you when you left?”
He had been on the street when Si Yao’s horse collided with Si He.
Afterward, he personally watched as Si Yao and Si Zhao, along with dozens of gate guards, left the city together.
Yet…
Now, only Si Yao had returned…
Si Yao stared in terror, shaking her head vehemently. “I don’t know, I don’t know where Third Brother went. We all got separated in the black fog.”
She lowered her head, a flicker of guilt in her eyes.
While comforting her, Si Ye ordered servants to summon physicians to treat the wounded.
“Since things have come to this, the General cannot possibly go to the palace for the Bestowal. Second Brother, please accompany me to receive the Bestowal—I’m afraid.”
Despite her own injuries, Si Yao was already thinking about attending the palace ceremony.
These were military honors she and Su Xiao had fought desperately for—how could she miss such an important occasion?
“You’re in this state and still thinking about the Bestowal? Be good, let the physician examine you first.” Si Ye’s heart ached at her relentless determination.
Having raised this sister since childhood, he knew her as bold and unrestrained, never before had he seen her in such a wretched state.
Si Yao refused, glancing at Si He as she said, “I’m not like those delicate women. These minor injuries mean nothing to me.”
Her words carried subtle implications, laced with faint disparagement and comparison.
Si He calmly glanced at the family portrait lying on the ground and remarked with a smile,
“Indeed, little sister’s constitution is even sturdier than the General’s. With the General so gravely wounded, you can still bounce around energetically—truly, there’s no need to waste the physician’s efforts.”
“Si He, how can you say that? Those evil spirits were targeting the General. I went to rescue him!” Si Yao retorted angrily.
“Who the evil spirits were truly after, dear aunt, you know better than anyone.”
Just then.
Qing Bao twirled a pen in her hand, speaking in an innocent tone.
Her father, the General, was merely being used as a pawn by others.