Rebirth: Find a General as Your Backer

Seeing this, Chu Moyu and Ling Shuqing had no choice but to return home.

The fact that these two met was actually arranged by the Imperial Concubine. Ling Shuqing's father was the Minister of War, wielding considerable military power, which was exactly what the Third Prince, Prince Yao, desperately needed.

In the heart of the Imperial Concubine, the preferred daughter-in-law was Ling Shuqing. She reasoned that if Ling Shuqing could marry the Third Prince, then even if Minister Ling was stubborn, he would definitely lend a helping hand out of consideration for his daughter.

Even though the Imperial Concubine is now the most favored concubine in the harem, she still finds the Minister of War a formidable opponent. The power behind Minister Ling is deeply entrenched and cannot be easily shaken by her.

Upon returning to the manor, Ling Shuqing was filled with sorrow. Judging from his appearance, His Highness had truly forgotten about her. She was both angry and annoyed, and threw herself onto the bed, clutching the blankets tightly with both hands. Tears streamed down her face, and the grief in her heart surged like a raging tide, spreading uncontrollably.

Especially when he saw that his eyes were only for his wife, a bitter feeling welled up in his heart, and pain instantly swept through his body.

Little did he know that upon hearing that the Second Princess was coming to see him, the excitement and joy that welled up in her heart was like a warm current breaking through the ice in spring, instantly filling her heart.

She urged the maidservant beside her again and again to carefully dress her up, full of anticipation that when he saw her for the first time, he would be amazed by her beauty, understand the expectation in her eyes, and the many complex and incomprehensible emotions that entwine in her heart.

How could he possibly understand that the moment she first saw him, her heart pounded like a lit firework, almost leaping out of her throat?

She longed for even a fleeting glance from him, for it would be a great comfort. However, reality was like a bucket of cold water, dousing her completely. He seemed to have truly forgotten her, so stingy as to not even spare a glance. Filled with resentment, she could only vent her frustration by tearing at the blankets.

However, the bitterness and sorrow in her heart were hard to express. During the Hundred Flowers Banquet, she deliberately stared at the Princess Consort Rui. That woman was like a peony blooming in a prosperous age, with national beauty and fragrance, displaying a beauty that could topple kingdoms.

In contrast, Ling Shuqing felt as if she were a faint light hidden in the dark night, appearing dim and insignificant under the dazzling light. A sense of inferiority clung to her like vines, almost suffocating her.

But the longing in her heart was like an ancient tree with deep roots, profound and persistent. She truly loved him; this love had endured the long years and lingered in her heart for a long time. Therefore, even though her heart was filled with bitterness at this moment, she would never give up easily.

Recently, rumors have been rampant in and around the capital, with everyone talking about Princess Rui's return to her parents' home. Hearing this, Ling Shuqing couldn't help but feel sorry for His Highness, secretly thinking: How could she be so disregardful of His Highness's reputation? His Highness is already in a precarious situation, facing numerous difficulties. As his wife, she should be protecting him and securing his home front. Such actions are truly biased, and how could she be worthy of such an outstanding prince?

Looking at herself, as the legitimate daughter of the Minister of War, she had been influenced by her family since childhood, and her talent and strategy were no less than his. She firmly believed that only she had enough confidence and qualifications to stand gracefully by his side, clearing away the thorns in his path and helping him achieve his heart's desire.

So, no matter what, she was determined to become the woman by his side; her eyes were filled with unwavering resolve.

.....

Meanwhile, back in the palace, Chu Moyu's eyebrows were raised, her almond eyes wide open, and her face was full of barely suppressed anger. She went straight to her mother's palace and began to complain as soon as she entered.

"Mother, you really didn't expect this! That Su Lianxue is simply too cunning! She's completely bewitched Prince Rui, making him obedient and letting her do whatever she wants." Chu Moyu became angrier as she spoke, her fair cheeks flushed with excitement, and she bit her lower lip tightly, as if she wanted to vent all her resentment.

Consort Yao sat on her phoenix couch, and upon hearing her daughter's words, she frowned slightly, sighed softly, and her eyes were full of helplessness: "You child, how can an unmarried young lady speak so recklessly and say such inappropriate things? Aren't you afraid of gossip and ruining your reputation?" The Consort knew in her heart that her daughter had been spoiled since childhood, and was straightforward and said whatever she wanted without considering the consequences.

"Hmph!" Chu Moyu snorted lightly, turned her head away, and looked unconvinced. Having grown up in the palace since childhood and been pampered, she was not about to swallow this insult so easily.

In truth, only Chu Moyu herself knew that she genuinely liked Xue Huai. Whenever she saw Xue Huai, her heart would beat faster uncontrollably, and her cheeks would flush slightly.

However, her mother always disapproved of the marriage and often nagged her, saying that Xue Huai was just the second son of the Xue Rong Prince's Mansion, not valued in the family, and not capable of taking on important responsibilities. She would not have a good future if she followed him.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Concubine had other plans in mind. Seeing that Ling Shuqing could not become her son's wife, she reasoned that since Ling Shuqing couldn't be her daughter-in-law, it would be better to betroth her daughter to the son of Minister Ling. Minister Ling held considerable military power and influence in the court; a marriage alliance with his family would undoubtedly be a great help to her son's struggle for the throne.

But who would have thought that this stubborn girl was as obstinate as a mule, and wouldn't agree no matter how she was persuaded. Whenever this matter was mentioned, the Imperial Concubine would get so angry that her heart would ache; she really had no way to deal with her.

"You, quickly put away your temper. Look at you now, where is the gentle demeanor of a lady from a noble family? No matter what, Su Lianxue is your sister-in-law. As a royal princess, you must behave properly and gracefully. You must not act recklessly and lose your manners. Besides, Prince Rui is currently favored by your father. If you accidentally offend him and he finds out, you will definitely be punished." The Imperial Concubine earnestly advised her troublesome daughter.

"And another thing," the Imperial Concubine seemed to suddenly remember something, her expression hardening as she stared sharply at Chu Moyu, "Did you go and cause trouble for Prince Rui and the others today?"

The thought of this made the imperial concubine feel a splitting headache.

She knew in her heart that although Prince Rui was far from the throne, the military power he held was like a sword hanging high, which could change the situation in the court at any time.

If Prince Rui were to side with one of the other princes, it would be a fatal blow to her son. Therefore, a key figure like Prince Rui must not be offended lightly. Now, her brainless daughter is acting rashly; what if she causes some trouble?