Volume One, Chapter 12: The Commander’s Wife—You Dare to Intervene?

At the conclusion of the dance, thunderous applause erupted.

Song Jianing was surrounded by a crowd, standing at the center.

Countless bouquets were handed to her, yet she smiled and gently declined each one.

The rejected noble sons, undeterred, shamelessly pressed on.

“Then, Miss Ning, may I ask what kind of man you truly like?”

Peering over the throng, she stole a glance toward where He Lieting stood.

“He? He must be handsome and dashing, with an extraordinary aura, steady and reserved, exuding presence so that even in a corner I can spot him at a glance.”

Her description grew more specific, and her gaze gradually fixed.

Those present understood at once and parted to clear a path.

Song Jianing plucked the flower from her hair, took slow steps toward He Lieting, bashfully lowered her head, and extended the flower to him.

He Lieting completely ignored the flower.

With an expressionless face, he scrutinized Song Jianing’s face, lost in thought.

All eyes focused on that corner; Song Jianing’s hand hovered awkwardly in midair, unsure of what to do.

When her arm began to ache, He Lieting finally spoke.

“You are Concubine Li’s niece? The legitimate daughter of Chancellor Song?”

Joy lit up Song Jianing’s face.

“The Crown Prince still remembers me. Yes, it’s me. When we were young, we even…”

Before she could finish, He Lieting abruptly stood. The wine glass crashed onto the table with a sharp sound. Ignoring everyone’s reactions, he turned and left.

The atmosphere grew intensely awkward.

The crowd murmured and slowly dispersed.

Song Jianing, frightened, collapsed onto the floor, tears of shame and fury welling in her eyes.

Naturally, Concubine Li noticed the commotion; her hand clenched tightly beneath her sleeve.

Such an enchanting dance even captivated the Emperor’s gaze, yet the Crown Prince remained unmoved?

It seemed Song Jianing would have to fan the flames further to make him yield.

Seeing the Emperor’s health steadily improving, He Lieting had no intention of lingering.

Just as he was about to give orders regarding the return to the border, an uninvited visitor arrived.

“Lieting, how have you been these days? If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask. Never feel shy with me,” Concubine Li said with a smile, donning her decades-old mask of false amiability.

He Lieting, unwilling to see her and uninterested in her motives, replied bluntly:

“Concubine Li, are you sure you’ve come to the right place?”

Concubine Li’s face stiffened but quickly resumed her smile.

“What nonsense is this from the Crown Prince? Still sulking over childhood matters? Rest assured, I do not need your apology. Your father, the Emperor, grows old and clings to past grievances.

I am different. I care about the future! The future after His Majesty’s hundred years.”

With a meaningful glance at He Lieting, she shifted her tone.

“How does the Crown Prince regard Jianing?”

He Lieting immediately understood. This entire scheme was orchestrated by the enchantress.

She dared to barter tens of thousands of the Western Iron Cavalry for a woman—such audacity.

His narrow eyes narrowed.

“Which Jianing do you mean?”

“The young woman who stunned the entire court with her Rainbow Dress dance at today’s Flower Festival!”

He Lieting pressed a hand to his face, thoughtful, as if genuinely pondering.

“The hall was crowded; I didn’t get a clear look.”

Regret filled his tone, and a cunning glint flashed in Concubine Li’s eyes.

She knew no man could resist the Rainbow Dress dance.

“So, it’s not Jianing’s fault after all. Well then, when you have time, I’ll have her perform it for you privately,” Concubine Li said, her eyes gleaming with intent.

“Besides, next month is His Majesty’s fiftieth birthday. Don’t rush back. Take this opportunity to spend time with Jianing.”

He Lieting nodded, his dark eyes unfathomable.

Lately, the border had been peaceful, so as she wished, he would remain in Yecheng.

Since she had so blatantly revealed her tail before him, he would not hesitate to pull it and expose her true nature.

If she dreamed of cooperating with him, she might as well wait until the next life.

Meanwhile, Xie Zhi’an had been thriving.

By nature adept at winning favor everywhere, in just a few days he had made numerous connections with high officials and nobles within the palace.

Fortune smiled unexpectedly.

When his reassignment order arrived, he read it carefully three times from start to finish.

He was truly staying in the capital!

Not only that, he was promoted one rank to Central Gentleman-General.

His salary doubled, and the court granted him a grand mansion.

Excited, he took up his brush to write a family letter, sending it to the old residence west of Yecheng.

Xie’s mother received the letter, tears of joy streaming down her face.

Wiping them away, she bowed three times in the direction of the Xie family tomb.

“Ancestors of the Xie family, bless my son with a smooth and prosperous career!”

Just then, Xie Fangying returned from the flower viewing, handkerchief in hand.

Seeing her mother’s joy and tears, she hurried over to support her.

“Mother, you’re crying and smiling at once—what’s happened?”

“Good news, great news, the best news!” Her mother’s wrinkles smoothed. “Your brother’s been promoted! His salary’s doubled!”

Previously, though Xie Zhi’an was a deputy general, life had been tight.

Often, money from Shen Yurou’s shop was needed to help cover household expenses.

Thus, many times, her mother’s spine couldn’t stay straight with worry.

Now, the Xie family was finally emerging from hardship.

“Really?” Fangying shook her mother’s arm. “Then can we finally buy that shattered jade screen from the Treasure Gathering Tower?”

Her mother straightened her back and lightly tapped Fangying’s forehead.

“Look at you—so aimless. The court has granted a mansion in the city’s heart. Let’s see if you’ll still want those tacky things then.”

Fangying gasped in disbelief, then pinched her own arm hard.

Seeing her silly expression, her mother smiled fondly.

Everyone in the Xie family looked forward to the bright days ahead.

Except Shen Yurou.

She felt like an outsider.

No one had thought to inform her of the news.

She learned of Xie Zhi’an’s promotion and stay in Yecheng only from the shop’s clerks.

The letter had come with the shop’s accounts.

That polite “congratulations” stabbed sharply into Shen Yurou’s heart.

She dismissed her servants and set off for the capital overnight.

Bihuan and Biyao proved invaluable.

The four of them rode day and night.

Finally, eight days later, they arrived in Yecheng by nightfall.

As the city lights flickered on, red glazed lanterns hung high on both sides of the Central Gentleman-General’s mansion gate.

Laughter and lively voices spilled from within.

Shen Yurou took a deep breath and stepped forward.

But the guard blocked her immediately.

“Hey, where’s this country bumpkin going? Go beg somewhere else.”

Before she could react, Qiuyue intervened angrily, pushing the guard’s hand aside.

“Open your dog eyes and see! This is the lady of the Central Gentleman-General, the mistress of this mansion! How dare you block her?”