Chapter 4

Chapter 4

In my previous life, I was imprisoned, and Xiao Cui was sold off to a brothel.

Everyone in the estate feared Qi Jin’s power. Even if they pitied me in their hearts, none of them dared come a single step closer.

Only a girl named Song Lu secretly brought me food and medicine for my wounds.

Song Lu was Sun Popo’s granddaughter from the kitchen. After Sun Popo passed away, Song Lu was young and had no one to rely on, so I found her an easy post in the estate.

She remembered that small kindness and racked her brains until she managed to steal the key to the cell and help me escape.

Unfortunately, someone betrayed us, and I failed to get away.

To make an example for everyone in the estate, Qi Jin had Song Lu beaten bloody right in front of me.

She was only in her twenties then, yet she died just like that.

Whenever I thought of it, guilt flooded me.

I went to the kitchen and found Sun Popo.

“Popo, don’t you have a little granddaughter named Song Lu?”

“If you don’t mind, let her acknowledge me as her foster mother.”

“From now on, I’ll cover all her food, clothing, and daily expenses. I’ve also hired the best teacher for her. Girls must learn to read, after all.”

Rather than raising a wolf that could never be tamed, I might as well spend my thoughts on someone more deserving.

Qi Jin drove away seven tutors in a row. His reputation for being incorrigible spread, and gradually, no one was willing to come teach him anymore.

Qi Yuanhuai sent a family letter back. After a few perfunctory words of concern for me, he asked about Qi Jin’s studies.

I wrote back: Jin’er is healthy and clever. Everything in the estate is well. Do not worry.

I even stewed Qi Jin’s favorite braised pork knuckle in soybean paste and let him eat his fill.

Children grew quickly. By the time he was ten, he had turned into a sturdy, chubby boy, both taller and heavier than others his age.

I did not make the fact that Song Lu was my foster daughter public. Whenever I had free time, I would quietly go see her.

She had grown into a graceful young lady, and every movement she made already carried the bearing of a well-bred daughter of a noble family.

I had thought these peaceful days would last another two years.

But then, all of a sudden, I received news that Qi Yuanhuai was about to return to court in triumph.

Qi Yuanhuai seemed to have the ability to foresee the future. On the battlefield, he fought as if aided by the gods. Not only did he repel the enemy army, he even reversed our court’s long-standing position of retreating and defending.

A war that had taken six years to end in my last life had actually been concluded in less than four.

His Majesty was delighted. He personally left the city to welcome him back and made an extraordinary promotion, raising him to the third-rank position of General Who Pacifies the North.

But in my previous life, Qi Yuanhuai had suffered heavy losses in battle. It was only because my father pleaded on his behalf that he barely managed to keep his position as a fourth-rank imperial guards commander.

I never expected things to change so drastically in this life.

While Qi Yuanhuai was in the palace for his audience with the emperor, I brought Qi Jin and the dozens of people in the estate to wait outside the gates in advance.

His Majesty rewarded him with piles of gold, silver, jewels, and two beautiful concubines. I had people settle everything properly.

After nearly two hours of waiting, Qi Yuanhuai still had not returned.

“Didn’t the general leave the palace already? Why hasn’t he reached home yet?”

The servant sent to inquire reported back, “Madam, the general said he still has important matters to attend to.”

Now that was strange. His business in the palace had already been handled. What could be more important than returning home?

Even if he did not miss me, he ought to miss his son.

That evening, His Majesty held a banquet to welcome the victorious army. Qi Yuanhuai was helped back by palace eunuchs, dead drunk and reeking of alcohol from head to toe.

“Shuang’er, I’ve wronged you. Now that I’ve achieved fame and success, I still can’t… hic!”

His eyes were murky as he looked at me, and he made as if to lunge toward me.

I deftly sidestepped him. Qi Yuanhuai could not stop himself in time and slammed headfirst into the doorframe. Then he braced himself against the wall and began retching loudly.

I had someone summon Qi Jin.

“Jin’er, this is your father. You haven’t seen him in so many years. He must have missed you terribly. Quick, go talk to him.”

Qi Jin looked at me in distress. Several times, he seemed about to speak but stopped himself. It was obvious he did not want to go over.

I earnestly instructed him, “You’re already ten years old. You’re a big boy now. You must be filial to your father.”

I picked up a cup of tea and urged him, “Go on. Take this to your father so he can rinse his mouth.”

After Qi Yuanhuai finished vomiting, his mind cleared somewhat, and he could recognize people again.

Looking at the fine son he had not seen for many years, he called, “Jin’er…”

Qi Jin’s face twisted with reluctance. He shuffled a few steps forward, but just as he drew near Qi Yuanhuai, he suddenly threw the teacup away.

“He stinks!”

Qi Jin was a young master whom I had raised in pampered comfort. How could he bear this sort of grievance?

He shouted, covered his nose, and ran outside.

In truth, I also thought it stank.

Meeting Qi Yuanhuai’s disappointed gaze, I hurriedly said, “General, please don’t take it to heart. The child is still young. I’ll go persuade him.”

Then I quickly slipped away.

I was afraid I would not be able to hold back my laughter.

After three long years apart, Qi Yuanhuai had finally seen the son he had missed day and night, only to receive that evaluation. He must have been heartbroken.