Madam He had once been quite satisfied with Qu Ya. However, after seeing how her son and the General’s household had suffered because of her today, she couldn’t help feeling resentful toward her.
“Mother, don’t blame Ya’er. She knew nothing about it. I was the one who wanted to save her, and she didn’t want to see me get hurt either.”
If anything, He Xiujun’s explanation only made Madam He angrier.
How could she not know that her son had thrown away his future for the sake of a woman?
Seeing that his mother’s expression remained unpleasant, He Xiujun thought for a moment and decided not to explain any further.
After all, in his previous life, his mother had also disliked Qu Jinshu at first. Hadn’t she eventually accepted her?
If even someone like Qu Jinshu could win his mother’s approval, then someone as lovable as Ya’er would surely overcome her prejudice in no time.
“Mother, although I’ve been demoted, how many capable military officers does Xiling actually have? When another war breaks out, the Emperor will surely remember me. I’ll find a way to earn his trust and regain his favor.”
“As for my salary, our General’s household has a substantial fortune. Surely we won’t starve just because I no longer receive one.” He Xiujun spoke casually.
He had spent most of his time away from home and didn’t know much about the General’s household finances, but he assumed the family treasury must be well stocked.
After all, in his previous life, when Qu Jinshu managed the household, he had been stationed at the border. Whenever he mentioned that the army was short of supplies, she would immediately send people north with large quantities of provisions and winter clothing.
She had been able to use the General’s household’s money to support so many people. That alone proved how wealthy the family was.
Unfortunately, even as the mistress of the General’s household, she had remained so miserly and poorly dressed, constantly embarrassing him.
It was also because of her petty nature that he had found it difficult to develop feelings for her later in his previous life.
She had often written to him, complaining that his mother and younger sister spent money recklessly and had no sense of thrift. She even asked him to talk some sense into them.
What business was it of hers if his mother and sister spent the General’s household’s money? No wonder his younger sister disliked her.
“Our General’s household is wealthy. Mother and Yuexin, you don’t need to worry. Just spend money as you normally would. There’s no need to hold back.”
His mind was so consumed with resentment over what Qu Jinshu had done in his previous life that He Xiujun failed to notice how strangely his mother and sister reacted to his words.
He Yuexin bit her finger, wanting to speak but not knowing how to begin.
How was she supposed to tell her brother that the He family was already out of money? They still owed the money lenders a great deal.
Yes, the He family had once possessed some wealth, but living in the capital required money at every turn.
Their father had been bedridden for years and needed expensive medicinal herbs to keep him alive.
Their mother was also terrible at managing the family business. All the shops she ran had not only failed to make a profit but had suffered considerable losses.
A few days ago, she had even been swindled out of a large sum of money.
As for He Yuexin, she frequently attended gatherings with the noble young ladies of the capital. As the daughter of the General’s household, she couldn’t possibly dress shabbily, so she had bought herself countless outfits and accessories. Over time, she had emptied the family treasury as well.
Mother and daughter exchanged glances, neither daring to tell He Xiujun the truth.
Madam He said guiltily, “Xiujun, just focus on recovering from your injuries. Your mother will take care of the household. Everything is fine.”
Once they stepped outside, Madam He grabbed He Yuexin’s hand and asked anxiously, “The General’s household can barely afford to pay the servants’ monthly wages. We can hardly afford to buy coal for next month, and we still owe money for your father’s medicine. What are we going to do?”
“Mother, why are you asking me? How would I know anything about that?” He Yuexin stamped her foot.
She only knew about cosmetics and jewelry. She had no idea how to make money.
“I was counting on your brother returning to the capital to take up his post. His salary should have been quite substantial. And if he won first place at the autumn hunt, he would surely receive a reward. That should have kept the household going for a while. Who could have expected this…”
He Yuexin was practically beside herself with frustration.
“I don’t care. This whole mess started because of Qu Ya. She should help us!” Madam He said irritably.
But He Yuexin immediately objected. “No! Mother, didn’t you see how much Brother dotes on Qu Ya? If you ask her for money, won’t that embarrass him?”
“Then what do you suggest?”
“I do know someone. She admires my brother, so she’d surely be willing to spend money on him.”
…
“Young Master, Miss Qu Ya has come to see you.”
He Xiujun’s attendant, Luo Xing, opened the door and ushered Qu Ya inside.
Not wanting his beloved to see him in such a miserable state, He Xiujun had already drawn the curtains around his bed.
“Brother Xiujun, my grandmother is urging me to return home. I can only stay for a little while to speak with you. Are your injuries serious?” Qu Ya asked, her voice trembling as she sniffled.
He Xiujun’s heart ached for her. However, since he couldn’t even get out of bed, all he could do was comfort her from behind the curtain.
“Ya’er, don’t worry. It’s only fifty strokes of the rod. It doesn’t hurt that much. Once I’ve applied the medicine, I’ll recover soon.”
“And don’t blame yourself for this. If I hadn’t arrived in time last night, your leg would have been ruined…”
If your leg had been ruined, you would have fallen into despair, married Prince Jing, and eventually taken your own life. Meanwhile, I would have been forced to marry someone I didn’t love and spend every day suffering.
“It’s just that Sister Jinshu refused to say even a single good word for you. I never knew she could be so heartless.”
Qu Ya wiped away her tears again, a hint of resentment creeping into her voice.
He Xiujun frowned. “Enough, Ya’er. She’s always been selfish. It’s no surprise she’d do something like this. You and your brother must be especially careful around her from now on.”
“Brother Xiujun, you mean…”
“Qu Jinshu is not a good person. I’m worried she might act against you out of jealousy. In any case, you must be very wary of her. Trust me, you can’t go wrong by listening to me.”
“I know you would never harm me, Brother Xiujun. I’ll remind my brother as soon as I get home.” Qu Ya quickly agreed.
“It’s getting late. You should hurry home, Ya’er. Don’t let your grandmother and mother worry about you.”
“All right, Brother Xiujun. I’ll go back now. But I may not be able to visit you for a while. If you miss me, just send someone to deliver a letter.”
Qu Ya reluctantly said goodbye to He Xiujun.
Even after the door closed, the gentle smile on his lips remained.
His expression was filled with satisfaction.
In this life, he would finally get what he wanted.
In his previous life, although he had feelings for Ya’er, they hadn’t been that deep. He had still prioritized the interests of the General’s household.
It wasn’t until after her death that he realized just how much he loved her.
Without her, there was no meaning in living. That was why he had been willing to do whatever it took to avenge her.
Qu Jinshu was the main person responsible for her death, so she would be the first to pay the price.
…
It was still dark when Qu Jinshu suddenly woke from her dream.
She wiped her forehead. It was covered in cold sweat.
“Miss, what’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?”
Yunshui was sleeping on another bed in the same room. Hearing the commotion, she woke up too. She didn’t even bother to put on her shoes properly before hurrying over to Qu Jinshu, her face full of concern.
“I’m fine.”
Qu Jinshu shook her head, got out of bed, and poured herself a cup of tea to calm herself.
“Miss, don’t worry too much. I’ve already followed your instructions and spread the news about what happened at Yunwu Mountain. I’m sure the Marquis’s household is in complete chaos right now. Besides, this inn is quite remote. They won’t find us anytime soon.”
“Besides, Miss, I don’t think we need to be afraid of the Marquis.”
Yunshui raised her chin, speaking with considerable confidence.
The Marquis often scolded the young master for being useless and bringing shame upon the family. But in her opinion, the Marquis himself was no different.
If he were truly capable, the Marquis’s household would have regained its former glory long ago. They wouldn’t still need Miss to act as a substitute.
So there was no need to worry too much about dealing with the Marquis.
However, Qu Jinshu shook her head at Yunshui’s words.
“Do you really think Qu Sheng is the most difficult person in the Marquis’s household to deal with?”
Qu Jinshu opened the window and gazed in the direction of the Marquis’s residence, her eyes dark and unreadable.
The person she truly feared was that old matriarch.