part 8
Deep down, I had another unspoken reason. I wanted everyone to witness that after marrying into the General’s Manor, Shen Tanxiang not only escaped the so-called ill fate, but also lived a prosperous and fulfilling life.
I wanted Shen Mudan to see for herself how worthless the title of Young Lord’s Wife she had snatched truly was.
Three days later came the customary home visit.
By tradition, a newlywed bride ought to return to her natal family to visit relatives on the third day after marriage. I changed into new clothes made by Qinghe and boarded the carriage from the General’s Manor. It was merely an old-fashioned covered oil carriage, even inferior to those used by servants in the Shen household.
Qinghe frowned at the sight of it. "Madam, are we really going back in this? The main mistress and eldest young lady will surely mock us relentlessly."
"Let them if they wish," I replied calmly. "We live for ourselves, not to please others."
Just as the carriage was about to exit through the side gate, a troop of riders galloped over. Leading them was Gu Lin, clad in a dark cloak and riding his horse swiftly.
He dismounted and walked straight to the carriage with a slight frown. "Where are you heading, madam?"
"Back to my parental home for a visit." I lifted the curtain. "Do you have official affairs to attend to, General?"
After a brief silence, he fetched a chest from his horse and placed it into the carriage without hesitation.
"What is this?" Upon opening it, I saw it filled with exquisite silk fabrics and delicate jewelry. Though not extremely precious, they were stylish and tasteful.
"You cannot return home empty-handed." He turned his face away, the tips of his ears faintly flushed. "I am used to military life and know little about choosing such items, so I asked my deputy to pick them out. See if they suit you. If not, I shall exchange them at once."
Looking at the chest of fine goods and his awkward manner, I could not help but smile softly.
"They are perfect. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, General."
He seemed relieved and added, "I will accompany you."
"Aren’t you occupied with military duties?"
"I have the day off today." He mounted his horse and rode alongside the carriage. "Let us go."
I lowered the curtain, my heart filled with warmth.
Qinghe covered her mouth and smiled. "The general is truly considerate, specially preparing gifts for your home visit. He may not be good with words, yet he always keeps you in his heart."
I lowered my eyes and gently stroked a piece of crimson cloud-patterned brocade inside the chest, saying nothing.
The carriage halted before the Shen Mansion gate.
I lifted the curtain and saw the grand gate wide open, pasted with brand-new red paper put up when Shen Mudan got married. The gatekeeper stared in surprise at our humble carriage before hurrying inside to report.
As soon as I alighted, I saw Shen Mudan walking out of the main hall surrounded by attendants.
She wore a bright red silk jacket, adorned with golden hairpins inlaid with pearls and large eastern pearl earrings, dressed in extravagant finery as if eager to flaunt her status as the Young Lord’s Wife. More than eight maids and servants followed her, twice as many as before her marriage.
She froze for a moment upon seeing me, then curled her lips into a smile.
"Why, if it isn’t our esteemed General’s Wife?" Her voice was overly sweet and cloying. "You look quite different now that you are married to the general. Is this new attire of yours? The fabric is unique, yet the workmanship seems rather rough."
She emphasized the title "General’s Wife" deliberately, her eyes lingering on my plain clothes with growing amusement.
Indeed, my clothes were not made of luxurious materials. With little time to spare, even Qinghe’s fine craftsmanship could not make up for scarce good materials. Yet I cared little about such trivial things, for I knew any piece of silk from Gu Lin’s gift chest was far more valuable than the pearls on Shen Mudan’s head.
Still, I chose to keep quiet.
"Have you been settling well in the Young Lord’s residence, elder sister?" I asked with a smile.
Shen Mudan’s expression flickered briefly before she regained her forced sweet smile. "Of course I am. Though the young lord’s household is not wealthy, they uphold strict royal family etiquette, far superior to ordinary families. Unlike some manors that cannot even find a proper steward."
Her words were sharp and sarcastic, drawing snickers from the servants behind her.
Qinghe was furious and about to retort, but I held her hand back.
"You are quite right," I said lightly. "The General’s Manor indeed lacks rigid formalities. Yet my husband says fewer people mean fewer intrigues, allowing us to live a peaceful and tranquil life."
My mild words struck straight at her heart. She took immense pride in her title, yet everyone in the Shen household already knew Zhao Ming avoided her even on their wedding night.
I noticed her lips twitch, her arrogance fading away, replaced by embarrassment and irritation.
The best show is yet to come, elder sister.
Gu Lin escorted us toward the main hall. Though it was merely a short distance, he always walked steadily beside me, shielding me from the cold wind.
All servants of the Shen family stared in astonishment.
Everyone in the capital knew General Gu Lin was cold, stern and unyielding on the battlefield. Yet now, this mighty warrior was gently adjusting the collar of my cloak with meticulous tenderness, a sight beyond everyone’s expectation.
Shen Mudan’s face darkened instantly at this scene.
Grandfather sat at the head seat of the main hall, alongside the main mistress Madam Wang, my father Second Master Shen and the eldest legitimate uncle. Born to a concubine, even though my father was the legitimate son of the second branch, I had always been looked down upon in this household.
"You have arrived, Tanxiang," Grandfather spoke indifferently, glancing at me briefly before fixing his gaze on Gu Lin behind me.
Gu Lin stepped forward and saluted respectfully yet calmly. "Greetings, Elder Master Shen."
Grandfather nodded slightly. Partial as he was to Shen Mudan, he dared not slight Gu Lin, whose high official rank commanded respect even among senior court ministers.
Madam Wang held her teacup, smiling and glancing between Shen Mudan and me with shifty eyes. "Tanxiang, are you used to life in the General’s Manor? I heard you have very few servants there. Shall I send a few maids from our household to wait on you?"
Her seemingly caring words were nothing but mockery, ridiculing my humble marital home.
"Thank you for your kindness, madam," I replied softly. "Though we have fewer servants, they are all loyal veterans who have served the general for years. We manage perfectly well and need no extra help."
Madam Wang smiled faintly, her disdain undisguised.
Shen Mudan sat silently without uttering a single word to Gu Lin. I remained quiet as well, leaving the atmosphere awkward and tense.
Grandfather broke the silence. "Mudan, how is the young lord treating you at home?"
Shen Mudan instantly sat up straight, her sweet smile returning. "Rest assured, Grandfather. He treats me very well. He even promised to take me to visit royal relatives soon."
Grandfather nodded in satisfaction. "As a member of the imperial clan, the young lord is destined for great achievements. You are truly blessed to marry him."