The Domineering General and His Post-it Lady

Fan Ziren was happily eating sweet potatoes in Lou Yunsi's villa, while Old Lady Fan was feeling melancholy in the villa. The whole Fan family knew that Second Lady Ma Xiahe's maid Xiao Zi was punished by Fan Ziren, and Old Lady Fan also heard about it from the maid Xiaoyu.

Old Madam Fan had thought that when Fan Ziren returned from the battle, he might miss a certain lady. She finally waited for Fan Ziren to go to the villa of Second Madam Ma Xiahe. Unexpectedly, Fan Ziren left the villa of Second Madam Ma Xiahe after punishing the maid Xiao Zi. This made Old Madam Fan even more worried about having a grandson.

Old Madam Fan called over her maid Xiaoyu and asked, "After the general came back from the battle, besides visiting the Second Madam, did he visit any other madams?"

The maid Xiaoyu reported: "Madam, there is none at the moment!"

Old Madam Fan said anxiously, "I married a sixth wife, but there is no movement at all. The second wife, who is the most favored, can't keep Ziren. What should I do? If this goes on, I will accompany the old general to the underworld. How can I have the face to see the old general? There are six wives in the Fan family, but only two grandchildren. Sigh!"

The maid Xiaoyu comforted her, "Old Madam, don't let your imagination run wild. There will always be a way!"

Old Madam Fan sighed and said, "What else can we do? We can't force Ziren to marry another wife right away."

The maid Xiaoyu said: "We can't force the general to marry now, so we can find a candidate, bring her back to the mansion, and cultivate feelings with the general first. Maybe we can capture the general's heart in one go, and everything will be easy!"

Madam Fan patted the table excitedly and said, "That's right! Let's find the person first. Xiaoyu, go and select the right candidate."

The maid Xiaoyu replied, "Madam, I remember hearing you mention before that the general once lived briefly in the house of a distant relative of yours when he was a child. He was accompanied by a cousin who was younger than him. When he came back, he told you that he wanted to go back to play with that cousin. I remember that he and that cousin were not much different in age. How about we send someone to find out how that cousin is doing now?"

Madam Fan said immediately, "Yes, yes, yes. When Ziren left, he asked people to wait for him. Ziren also said that he wanted to marry that girl. Xiaoyu, you should send someone to find out."

The maid Xiaoyu replied: "As you command, I will send someone to inquire right away."

A few days later, the person Xiaoyu sent out to inquire came back and told Xiaoyu about the situation of the distant relative. Xiaoyu was overjoyed and hurried to report to Madam Fan: "Madam, I have found out about the little girl."

Madam Fan asked expectantly, "Really? How is it? Is there any good news?"

The maid Xiaoyu said, "Yes, madam, her father is now a local merchant, and she is the only daughter in the mansion. She has learned music, chess, calligraphy and painting since she was a child, and now she has grown into a graceful young lady. I heard that many local men are seeking to marry her, but she hopes to marry an official of the imperial court with outstanding military achievements, so she has not married yet!"

Old Madam Fan said happily: "An official of the imperial court with great military achievements, isn't this talking about us, Zibo Ren? Great, please find someone to bring her to the mansion so that I can meet her!"

The maid Xiaoyu replied: "Yes, I will do it right away!"

Old Madam Fan thought to herself: I have finally been waiting for some good news. If it works this time, I will have a grandson soon. That’s great. May the old general and our ancestors in heaven bless us!

Soon after, the maid Xiaoyu brought the person to Old Madam Fan, and the cousin went forward to greet Old Madam Fan: "Hu Lijing greets Old Madam Fan, I haven't seen you for a long time, I miss you so much!"

Old Madam Fan looked at Hu Lijing in front of her. She was a real beauty with charming eyes and pretty face. It was amazing!

Old Madam Fan was stunned. After her maid Xiaoyu called her a few times, Old Madam Fan came back to her senses and said to Hu Lijing, "Miss Hu, it's true that we haven't seen each other for a long time, but you still look so kind to me, as if you have always been by my side."

Hu Lijing smiled and said, "Madam, you can call me Jing'er like my father! When I saw you, I felt as close to you as my mother, except that you look younger than my mother."

Old Madam Fan smiled from ear to ear and said, "Jing'er is really good at making people happy. Look how happy she makes an old lady like me!"

Hu Lijing said: "The old lady doesn't look old at all. She looks very healthy and has a good manner and temperament. The rest of us are far inferior to her."

Old Madam Fan was so delighted by Hu Lijing that she wanted to keep Hu Lijing in her house and have further contact with Fan Ziren, but she didn't know whether Hu Lijing was willing.

Old Madam Fan thought: This girl is really good. Not only is she outstanding in appearance, but she also has good character and a mouth as sweet as honey. It would be great if I could keep her in the mansion.

Madam Fan couldn't wait to ask, "Jing'er, I really like you so much. I wonder if you are willing to stay in the mansion and accompany me?"

Seeing that Hu Lijing was silent, Old Lady Fan was worried that Hu Lijing was unwilling, so she continued, "Actually, I hope you can stay with Ziren and share his worries!"

Hu Lijing asked, "Doesn't the general already have six wives to share his worries?"

Madam Fan said, "There are six ladies, but none of them understands Ziren's mind. He is in the military camp all day long, and he doesn't want to go to the ladies' villas when he comes back. I think you lived together when you were young, and you still have your own memories. Besides, you have grown into a beautiful girl now. Ziren will definitely be moved when he sees you. I wonder if you are willing, Jing'er?"

Hu Lijing said happily: "Brother Ziren is a famous general. It is a blessing to be able to accompany him! But I am afraid that I will not do well and Brother Ziren will not like it. After all, Fan is the daughter of a general, and I am just the daughter of a merchant. I am afraid that I am not worthy of Brother Ziren!"

Madam Fan said immediately, "What's wrong with being a merchant's daughter? Jing'er, you are outstanding in appearance, and I heard that you are also good at playing the piano, chess, calligraphy and painting. You are already very outstanding. Moreover, Ziren once got along with you, and when he came back, he even insisted on marrying you when he grew up!"

Hu Lijing said excitedly: "Really? Did Brother Ziren really say that?"

Old Madam Fan said, "That's right. I told you this several times when I was little. But we were young at that time and didn't take it seriously. Now that you two have grown up, I believe that the feelings have not changed, unless you no longer miss us in Zibo."

Hu Lijing quickly said, "No, Brother Ziren is a great general who defended his country. His heroic deeds are well known to everyone, and the common people will also miss him."

Madam Fan said again: "Jing'er, why don't you stay?"

Hu Lijing nodded and said, "Everything is up to the old lady!"

Madam Fan smiled widely and said, "Jing'er, have you agreed to stay in the mansion?"

Hu Lijing smiled and said, "Yes, Madam, if Jing'er does anything wrong in the future, please forgive me, old lady!"

Madam Fan said happily: "Our Jing'er, you are so lovable and good at everything. The general will definitely be attracted to you and like you."

After saying that, the two looked at each other and smiled.

Old Madam Fan thought: There is hope for my grandchildren! Jing'er, it's up to you to carry on the family line. It would be great if you accidentally gave birth to ten or eight children!

The more Mrs. Fan thought about it, the happier she became. She couldn't wait to hear good news from Hu Lijing!

Why did Hu Lijing agree to stay in the Fan Mansion when she met Old Madam Fan for the first time?