The daily life of a cold and aloof general raising his wife

"Are you that surprised? We grew up together, and over time our relationship naturally became special."

Xie Youwei seemed to understand, but not quite. Xie Huai'an had left home to make his way in the world when she was very young. He had returned home a few times since then. Xie Huai'an was usually taciturn, and Xie Youwei didn't dare to go near him at all.

What do you like about my older brother?

Xie Youwei is currently at a stage where she is both innocent and curious about romantic relationships.

Sun Ruyi smiled and told her about the funny things that happened when she and Xie Huai'an were children.

Gradually, in Xie Youwei's heart, Jiang Shuwan became the newcomer. If it weren't for her, Sister Ruyi would have become her sister-in-law.

***

As the weather got hotter and hotter, Jiang Shuwan became reluctant to go out, and there were several bowls of ice in the house.

Feiyun walked over happily with a letter in her hand. "A letter from Madam and Princess Yong'an."

Jiang Shuwan opened the envelope and looked inside.

Feiyun asked curiously, "What did Princess Yong'an say in her letter, Madam?"

Jiang Shuwan put down the letter and said, "His Majesty plans to go to the Summer Palace, and Shu'er asked me if I wanted to go."

Feiyun said, "It is indeed hotter in the capital than in the mountains. In previous years, we didn't realize how hot it was when we were in the mountains."

"This year, the Emperor will surely invite Grandmother to go to the capital to escape the summer heat. Why don't we go together? That way, we can spend some quality time with Grandmother."

After Jiang Shuwan finished speaking, she thought of the Xie family again. After a moment's thought, she went to find Madam Pei.

She ran into Xie Youwei as soon as she arrived at Pei's courtyard.

Xie Youwei saw Jiang Shuwan give a proper bow and then leave.

Jiang Shuwan sensed something was wrong.

Jiang Shuwan said to Feiyue beside her, "Go and find out what happened to Miss Youwei?"

"Yes."

Scarlet Moon has made a note of it.

Upon meeting Madam Pei, Jiang Shuwan told her about her trip to the Summer Palace.

"Go ahead, don't worry about things at home."

Madam Pei felt quite sorry for Jiang Shuwan, who had to take care of a large family at such a young age.

“I know Mother has never liked going to crowded places. I own an estate, which is not as nice as the royal gardens. The weather in the capital is so hot right now, I would like you to go to the estate to escape the heat.”

Pei was deeply moved by her thoughtful daughter-in-law.

"I'll discuss this with your father."

"I was thinking that it's not good to keep my younger sister Youwei and younger brother Huaiyu cooped up in the house all day long."

Jiang Shuwan only remembered her two younger siblings when she mentioned the Pei family. She affectionately took Jiang Shuwan's hand and said, "You are so thoughtful. I didn't even think of that. I'm lazy and don't like socializing, so I completely forgot about Youwei and the others."

Jiang Shuwan looked at Madam Pei with a slight smile.

Xie Youwei's face immediately lit up with a smile when she learned that she could go out.

"Mom, when are we leaving?"

Xie Youwei was almost sick from being cooped up in the General's Mansion. She wanted to go out but was afraid, so she hadn't left the mansion since arriving.

"I need to discuss this with your father and set a date before we proceed."

Xie Youwei said happily, "I want to tell Sister Ruyi this good news. She will definitely be happy to hear it."

Upon hearing her daughter mention Sun Ruyi, Madam Pei asked, "How is Ruyi doing lately?"

Xie Youwei said frankly, "Sister Ruyi is great."

Madam Pei sighed softly. She had watched Ruyi grow up and knew that she had a stubborn temper.

Xie Youwei glanced at Madam Pei, then cautiously asked, "Mother, why can't Sister Ruyi marry my eldest brother?"

“Your elder brother has already married your sister-in-law, how can he marry Ruyi again?”

"But Sister Ruyi said she could be a concubine..."

Pei interrupted her, "Shut up! Don't mention such things again!"

Xie Youwei whispered, "Mother, you're biased. Ruyi has known you for so long, while you, Princess, have only known her for a short time. Why are you always biased towards the Princess?"

Madam Pei said sternly, "You are not allowed to say such things again."

Xie Youwei said dejectedly, "I understand."

Seeing this, Madam Pei said, "Youwei, you are still young and don't understand many things. Let alone that I don't agree to Ruyi becoming your elder brother's concubine, even if I did agree, your elder brother wouldn't agree."

Xie Youwei immediately said, "Big brother will agree. He and Sister Ruyi have been childhood sweethearts."

Pei noticed something, "Did Ruyi say something to you?"

"No, I pestered Sister Ruyi to tell me some things about my eldest brother," Xie Youwei said, still defending Ruyi.

“Youwei, you’ve grown up. You can’t stay by your mother’s side forever. You have to be able to distinguish right from wrong yourself. You can’t see into other people’s hearts. Don’t be naive and believe what others say.”

Xie Youwei nodded, "I understand."

Madam Pei was somewhat worried; it seemed she needed to give Ruyi a warning.

Feiyue learned that Xie Youwei was doing normally at home, and there was nothing unusual about her.

After listening, Jiang Shuwan felt that she might be being too sensitive.

On the third day, Mr. and Mrs. Pei took their two children and grandson Ruyi to the estate.

Jiang Shuwan has almost finished packing her things. Tomorrow she will go to the Summer Palace with the Grand Princess and the others.

***

It takes a whole day to get from the capital to the Summer Palace.

The Emperor arrived with the Empress and several concubines. The eldest prince stayed in the capital to handle affairs, while the other two princes came.

Accompanying him were a group of officials and the Prince of An's family; almost all the powerful and influential people in the capital had come.

Jiang Shuwan and Li Shu sat in a carriage, sharing the gossip she had recently received.

"It's fortunate that you didn't marry into the Huian Marquis's family. I heard that the Huian Marquis's wife arranged for He Zhilin to take in a concubine's daughter from the Zhang family."

Jiang Shuwan asked in confusion, "A concubine's daughter of the Zhang family?"

She remembered that in her previous life, Madam Ye wasn't in such a hurry to find a concubine for He Zhilin.

Li Shu nodded, "Yes, I heard they've already entered."

Jiang Shuwan asked, "Then He Zhilin would agree?"

"I heard that she was initially unwilling, but later, for some reason, the Zhang family's daughter entered the Earl's mansion through a side gate."

Jiang Shuwan didn't know what to say for a moment.

As expected, men's vows are not to be trusted.

"Even the most hateful person has a pitiable side, but this is what she brought upon herself. Who told Lin to insist on marrying into the Huian Marquis's family?"

Although she was pitiful, Li Shu showed her no sympathy.

Jiang Shuwan found it somewhat ridiculous. In her previous life, she married He Zhilin, yet he acted as if he loved Lin Ruoqing to death, claiming that no woman in the world could replace her. Now that he had finally married Lin Ruoqing, he took a concubine less than three months later.

Seeing that her expression was off, Li Shu asked with concern, "What's wrong?"

Jiang Shuwan shook her head. "It's nothing. I just think my past thoughts were a bit ridiculous."

Li Shu said bluntly, "You're not still thinking about He Zhilin, are you? You're not the kind of person who can't let go of things in my heart."

Jiang Shuwan smiled and said, "You said I'm not that kind of person."

Li Shu laughed and said, "That's right, the Jiang Shuwan I know is a brave woman who dares to speak her mind and act on her beliefs."

"Shu'er, I wish you could stay by my side forever."