Rebirth: Find a General as Your Backer

Undeniably, Shangguan Yu was indeed outstanding in appearance. He was tall and straight like a pine tree, with well-defined facial features, deep and bright eyes, and an elegant demeanor. Every gesture he made exuded grace and charm. When others saw him, they couldn't help but sigh that this third-ranked scholar was quite handsome.

Shangguan Yu also came with a purpose today, because he also wanted to find someone who could help him in his official career.

Therefore, the woman who can help him is Zhong Siya, the daughter of the Minister of Rites, and also Shangguan Yu's target this time.

Those who don't know Shangguan Yu are easily deceived by his appearance. He is eloquent and has excellent speaking skills; if he intends to pursue someone and makes them his target, that person is very likely to fall into his trap. This is the source of Shangguan Yu's confidence. However, this confidence suffered a heavy blow after he met Su Lianxue.

But Shangguan Yu felt that Su Lianxue must have forgotten everything from the past to be like this.

So today, Shangguan Yu is looking for an opportunity to have a chance encounter with Zhong Siya.

......

Unable to bear Zhong Siya's stammering, Li Siqian had hoped to find a moment of peace in this quiet courtyard, to stroll around quietly by herself and enjoy this time alone.

Unexpectedly, she hadn't run far when she bumped into someone. This sudden collision not only made her stagger, but also shattered her originally calm mood, instantly killing her interest in strolling.

In the instant she collided with that person, a strange ripple stirred within Li Siqian's heart, an indescribable flutter of emotion quietly passing through her. She herself was somewhat bewildered by this sudden feeling, wondering to herself, what exactly was happening?

Lately, the atmosphere at home has been revolving around her marriage.

Her parents favored her cousin, believing that he came from a similar family, was honest and reliable, and was a good match for her. Most importantly, they knew him well. Her parents only wanted her to be safe and happy, and they understood her personality. They knew that she would definitely suffer if she married into a wealthy family, so her cousin was better, and they could also help her out.

In Li Siqian's eyes, this cousin was extremely boring. Being with him was always dull and uninteresting, and they had nothing in common to talk about. She was resistant to this marriage from the bottom of her heart.

However, she hasn't met anyone who makes her heart flutter, so she's also troubled about whether following her cousin would be a good thing.

However, the image of the young man she had just bumped into resurfaced in her mind. Since the marriage was not yet arranged, why not take a chance and pursue the one who could move her heart? Li Siqian made up her mind inwardly.

She began to wonder who that young man was. But then she thought that anyone who could attend this banquet must not be too mysterious. If she inquired carefully, she would surely find out something.

Thinking this, she turned slightly to the side and whispered a few words into the ear of the maidservant serving her.

The girl understood immediately, nodded hastily, and hurried away with small, quick steps.

Li Siqian stood quietly in place, glancing occasionally in the direction the maid had left, eagerly hoping to receive news about the young master as soon as possible.

The temperature is getting cooler, but as she waits, Li Siqian is filled with excitement and feels no chill at all. She's restless; when people pass by and greet her, she just gives them perfunctory replies.

She waited, her mind elsewhere!

The maid who went to inquire about the situation only managed to get a general direction.

The man had long strides and walked quickly, and besides, it was already inconvenient for a woman to inquire about a strange man. The maid searched for a long time without success, and worried that her mistress was getting impatient, so she had no choice but to hurry back to report with a heavy heart.

……

Today's banquet is mainly for Madam Xue's two sons.

Long before Xue Huai confessed his feelings to her, saying he had fallen for a female general, Madam Xue had already used her methods to find out the woman's identity. Although Princess Rui was impeccable in every way, it was still a matter of great importance concerning her son's life, and Madam Xue couldn't help but find it hard to accept.

After settling the guests, Madam Xue unconsciously moved to Princess Rui's side. Seeing this, Zhong Siya, who had been accompanying Princess Rui, tactfully prepared to take her leave.

"Your Highness, Madam Xue, please continue your conversation. Sister Li has been gone for quite some time; I'll go look for her too." With that, Zhong Siya gave a slight bow and gracefully turned to leave.

“Miss Zhong, please feel free to wander around and look around.” Madam Xue immediately instructed the servant beside her, “Be sure to treat her well.” After a moment’s thought, she added, “If you see Miss Li, you might as well take her to sit in the warm pavilion.”

As the temperature gradually dropped, Madam Xue was worried that her young ladies would catch a cold, but she was also secretly planning to take this opportunity to let Miss Li and Xue Huai meet.

After all, she arranged for her two sons to entertain guests in the warm pavilion, so that her two sons could meet more young ladies from noble families and perhaps become less fixated on a general.

In fact, Madam Xue admired Zhong Siya, a well-educated and reasonable young woman, from the bottom of her heart.

In her opinion, women as well-mannered as Zhong Siya are rare these days. Rumors were circulating throughout the capital that Zhong Siya had failed to be chosen as the Third Prince's consort, but she remained unmoved and continued to do what she was supposed to do with composure. This demeanor of a lady from a prominent family was truly admirable.

In Madam Xue's eyes, Zhong Siya was very suitable to become the matriarch of the family. If she could take over the family and become the matriarch, she would definitely be able to manage the family's internal and external affairs in an orderly manner.

After Zhong Siya left, Madam Xue's gaze involuntarily fell on Princess Rui, or more precisely, on Zhou Qi beside Princess Rui.

Madam Xue once held Zhou Qi in high regard, a genuine appreciation. However, once the matter of her daughter-in-law came into play, the situation changed entirely.

Madam Xue was filled with mixed feelings, as were Su Lianxue and Zhou Qi.

All three remained silent. Su Lianxue was unwilling to speak first; in her heart, no one could harm Zhou Qi, no matter what.

Zhou Qi's thinking is different from that of ordinary women; those behaviors of trying to please her future mother-in-law are definitely not her style.

This put the usually eloquent Madam Xue in an awkward position.

After all, she did harbor resentment towards Zhou Qi, but she was also afraid that Princess Rui might misunderstand.

"Uh...uh..."