Rebirth: Find a General as Your Backer

After saying that, he recounted in detail what had happened between him and Su Liandan. With each sentence he spoke, his anger grew, and he couldn't swallow his anger at being disobeyed by a woman like that.

Upon hearing this, Concubine Lin thought to herself, "It seems that Master is truly enraged this time. If I can go along with his wishes, I might be able to gain some benefits for myself."

On the surface, she remained calm and echoed, "Sir, Madam is really not considerate of you. It's just a matter of making an introduction, such a small thing, and she won't even help. It's too much."

At the same time, he was thinking to himself, "If I can take this opportunity to make the master even more dissatisfied with the madam, then my status in the mansion may be able to rise further in the future."

In reality, Concubine Lin's treatment in the Xie residence is far superior to that of Su Lian Dan. She is surrounded by servants and can interfere in many affairs, behaving like a matriarch.

But how could Concubine Lin be satisfied with this? Her ambition surged like an undercurrent. She smiled sweetly and spoke tenderly to Xie Jinshu every day, hoping that one day she could be promoted to the position of legitimate wife.

However, even though Xie Jinshu was often infatuated with Concubine Lin, he still retained a sliver of rationality. He knew that Concubine Lin came from a brothel, a background that was hardly respectable, and making her his principal wife was out of the question. On the other hand, Su Liandan was, after all, the daughter of a high-ranking official. With that status as a safety net, even if he disliked Su Liandan, he couldn't possibly divorce her, as she still offered him many advantages.

While Xie Jinshu was with Concubine Lin, listening to her gentle words of comfort, his anger, which had been fueled by Su Liandan, gradually subsided, and he felt much more at ease. However, his mind was still racing, as the day to go to Prince Rui's residence was fast approaching, and this matter could not be delayed in the slightest.

Just then, Concubine Lin's eyes lit up, and she said, "Master, Madam values ​​Granny Xiao the most now. If we let Granny Xiao persuade Madam, would she change her mind?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Jinshu pictured Xiao Mama's cunning face and sneered, "That old hag, if we didn't have her indenture in our hands, would she be so obedient? Hoping she would persuade Madam? Humph, she definitely wouldn't be happy."

A barely perceptible smile appeared on Concubine Lin's lips as she continued, "Master, think about it carefully. If she refuses to go, we can punish this old hag in front of Madam. Madam is always soft-hearted, so she probably won't be able to bear it and might agree to our request."

Upon hearing this, Xie Jinshu's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but praise Concubine Lin.

......

Shangguan Yu was outside the Prince Rui's residence, simply wanting to join in the fun. Suddenly, the heavy gate of the Prince Rui's residence creaked open.

A man dressed in a neat steward's uniform walked out of the door. After standing still, he bowed deeply to the group of students waiting outside and then said in a loud voice, "It is freezing cold outside today. My master is concerned for all of you students and cordially invites you to come inside the mansion for a chat."

This sudden turn of events left the students bewildered, exchanging glances. Most of them came from impoverished backgrounds and were usually neglected; they had never received such treatment before. For a moment, they stood frozen in place, at a loss for what to do.

The steward of Prince Rui's mansion remained calm and waited quietly to the side, his expression serene, as if giving everyone ample time to consider.

At this moment, someone in the crowd shouted, "Since His Highness Prince Rui has extended such a warm invitation, why don't we go in? With so many people together, His Highness will surely not do anything inappropriate." After saying this, the person took the lead and walked towards the gate of Prince Rui's residence.

With someone taking the lead, the other students thought it wouldn't hurt to follow, so they all followed.

As a result, the group's direction of travel deviated from Shangguan Yu's original plan. But since things had come to this, Shangguan Yu thought for a moment and decided that he might as well go in with them and see how things would develop.

Led by the steward of Prince Rui's mansion, the students entered the mansion's special reception area for guests.

Chu Mohan, who had been waiting there, deliberately raised his voice and asked loudly when he saw the crowd arrive, "Gentlemen, what brings you all to gather outside my residence so early in the morning?" Chu Mohan knew perfectly well what these people were up to, but he pretended not to know their intentions.

The students, caught off guard by the imposing voice, couldn't help but tremble, a sense of fear creeping into their hearts. After all, Chu Mohan was a border general, known as the "Iron-Blooded General," and his voice exuded an overwhelming aura of authority.

However, these scholars possessed a strong sense of pride. Although they were initially at a loss, they quickly regained their composure. Nevertheless, some still couldn't hide their timidity.

Chu Mohan nodded inwardly at the different reactions of the crowd, knowing full well the intimidating power of his words.

At this moment, the leader stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and then said neither servilely nor arrogantly, "Your Highness, I am Chen Yu, from Nanpu County. My family is poor; my parents are both ordinary craftsmen. However, I have been determined since childhood to serve the country with my talents and not let my studies go to waste. We heard that Mr. Li Daru would be coming to Prince Rui's residence today, so we waited outside the gate, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. We hope Your Highness will forgive us." This man spoke clearly and logically, showing no fear in front of Chu Mohan.

"Oh, is that so? I wonder where you heard this news? Mr. Li Daru is busy today and will not be coming to the residence. I'm afraid all of you students have made a wasted trip." Chu Mohan said slowly, feigning doubt.

Upon hearing this, the students below erupted in an uproar.

Shangguan Yu was utterly astonished. He had originally planned to seize this opportunity to make a difference, but he never expected to receive such news. How could he not be surprised? He pondered to himself: Why hadn't there been any prior indication that Li Daru wouldn't be coming?

At this moment, Chen Yu spoke again, "Your Highness, I came because I heard about you, and I was also eager to see you, sir, which is why there was a misunderstanding."

"Well, since you are all scholars, your words and actions should be based on reason and evidence. You must not believe rumors or act blindly." Chu Mohan's expression was calm, and his tone was light, but it revealed an undeniable composure.

After speaking, he subtly glanced at the student who had just spoken, nodding inwardly and developing a certain appreciation for him. This person's words were appropriate and his insights insightful, truly rare.

Upon hearing Chu Mohan's words, everyone blushed with embarrassment. In their hearts, Chu Mohan was a god-like figure who had guarded the border for many years, protecting the peace of the countless people of Great Chu with his illustrious military achievements. They, on the other hand, had rushed here like ignorant women upon hearing only a whisper of news, which was truly unbecoming of the composure and steadiness expected of students.

Chu Mohan took in the changes in everyone's expressions, hesitated for a moment, and then changed the subject: "However..."