Rebirth: Find a General as Your Backer

After a long journey, Shangguan Yu finally returned to the capital.

The streets of Beijing remained as bustling and prosperous as ever, with a constant flow of traffic and a cacophony of voices.

However, Shangguan Yu had no interest in appreciating this familiar scene; he only wanted to get to the Third Prince's residence as soon as possible to report to him.

Shangguan Yu's clothes were somewhat disheveled and covered with dust, traces of his long journey.

His hair was slightly disheveled, with a few strands falling casually across his forehead, as if telling of his exhaustion. But this was exactly the state he wanted; he wanted the Third Prince to see his eagerness to report back.

When he finally stood before the gate of the Third Prince's residence, the vermilion gate was solemn and majestic, and the gilded characters on the plaque above the gate shone brightly in the sunlight.

Shangguan Yu took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and knocked on the door. He knew how to be a loyal person, so he came to see the Third Prince without tidying himself up after returning, to show his willingness to submit.

The door slowly opened, and the servants in the mansion respectfully welcomed him inside.

As Shangguan Yu walked through the familiar courtyard, gazing at the well-arranged pavilions and towers, he felt no sense of ease whatsoever.

He knew how to report in a way that would earn the Third Prince's trust, since this was his first assignment and he couldn't be careless.

Upon seeing the Third Prince, Shangguan Yu immediately knelt down with a thud.

"Greetings, Third Prince."

Seeing this, the Third Prince quickly put on a hypocritical act, stepped down to help Shangguan Yu up, and said in a friendly tone, "There's no need for such a grand gesture. Scholar, you've had a long and tiring journey escorting the princess to the marriage alliance. Please get up, please get up."

Shangguan Yu slowly rose, bowed slightly, and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I have not suffered any hardship. Upon arriving in Mofang City, I have truly witnessed a unique sight."

"The city of Namo is located on the frontier, and the environment is extremely harsh in winter with snow and wind."

"And Chu Mohan was even more arrogant and conceited to the extreme."

“After I escorted the princess to the border, I stayed in the city for a few more days. He threatened me without any explanation, insisting that I was a spy.”

"His fierce appearance made it seem as if I had committed an unforgivable crime. He even threatened that if I did not leave, he would write to the court accusing me of having ulterior motives."

Shangguan Yu paused slightly, a hint of helplessness and weariness in his eyes. "I have faced countless difficulties there, constantly hitting roadblocks. I live in constant fear, unsure how to deal with Chu Mohan's刁难 (difficulties/challenges)."

"Chu Mohan is all-powerful in Mofang City, and no one dares to defy him. I am all alone and weak, and I can only deal with him cautiously in the face of his power."

"But I have always kept Your Highness's instructions firmly in mind and dare not slacken in the slightest."

Shangguan Yu sighed softly.

He continued, "Fortunately, there is always a way out. Although I was turned away many times, I still managed to get to know Prefect Wang Jingnian and Deputy General Zhang Fu."

"When they heard that I was serving under Your Highness, they treated me with exceptional courtesy. They had long heard of Your Highness's reputation for virtue and knew that you were eager for talented people."

"I had a very pleasant conversation with them, and I also gained some support for you, Third Prince, in that border region."

"Through my interactions with them, I have gradually learned about the situation in Mofang City. Chu Mohan is arrogant, but in fact, it is easier to deal with people like him."

"Although I have gone through many hardships this time, I have been able to do my part for Your Highness, and that is enough to live up to your expectations."

"I believe that as long as Your Highness, the Third Prince, strategizes effectively, you will surely win in this complex situation. I am willing to serve Your Highness with utmost loyalty and sacrifice, even unto death."

The Third Prince nodded slightly, his expression full of admiration, and slowly said, "The third-ranked scholar is commendable for his loyalty and bravery, and possesses both talent and virtue. He is truly a blessing to the country and to this prince."

......

Upon returning to the residence of the third-ranked scholar, well-trained servants immediately came to greet him.

A servant respectfully took the item from his hands and carefully placed it aside.

Another servant quickly brought a basin of water at the right temperature and helped him wash his hands. Then, another servant served him a cup of fragrant tea.

He leaned back slightly in his comfortable chair, watching the servants busily working in an orderly manner, his heart filled with emotion.

Living in such a luxurious house and enjoying such attentive service, he felt incredibly happy, and a satisfied smile involuntarily appeared on his face, thinking how good it was to have money.

He believed that with his intelligence and talent, he would surely shine brightly in Jiangding.

......

Shangguan Yu delivered some of the gifts she brought back from the border to the residence of the Minister of Personnel. Guan informed them that Su Lianxue had left the border and that they could rest assured that everything was proceeding according to plan.

I apologize that I cannot visit in person due to other commitments.

"Mother!" Su Lianyi raised her chin slightly, a fierce glint flashing in her eyes.

"Having received news that the third-ranked scholar has returned from the border, that bitch Su Lianxue must be in that barbaric land by now, right?" With that, she curled up a smug, cold smile.

Li Ruolan narrowed her eyes slightly, a triumphant look on her face, and said confidently, "That's for sure, don't worry."

She couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Thinking of the items on the dowry list left by Su Lianxue's mother, which now all belonged to her, she was filled with joy, and her hands unconsciously clasped together gently.

Su Lianyi couldn't help but chuckle softly, her laughter filled with joy.

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with pride. Su Lianxue had finally left and would never appear in front of her again.

She flicked her sleeve, memories of Su Lianxue's presence flashing through her mind, her heart filled with resentment. That woman was finally gone.

In the past, when she was alive, whenever the legitimate daughters gathered, people would look at her with disdain, always thinking that her mother was of low status and that the original madam's daughter was the only proper legitimate daughter.

Furthermore, her maternal grandfather was wealthy and adept at winning people over. Although her mother intentionally prevented her from attending gatherings, her grandfather always found ways to ensure that Su Lianxue remained unforgettable. And now, she has finally left.

She straightened her chest slightly, and a confident smile appeared on her lips.

Su Lianyi became increasingly smug as she thought about it, pacing back and forth in the room as if she could already see her future glory.

"Mother, from now on, this mansion will be ours." Su Lianyi stopped in her tracks, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Li Ruolan nodded slightly, her smile growing even brighter.

“That’s right. Now that Su Lianxue is gone, no one can stop us. You must seize this opportunity and gain a foothold in the elite circles of the capital.”

Su Lianyi said confidently, "Mother, don't worry, your daughter will definitely not let you down."

Those who once looked down on me will surely look at me differently in the future.