TSWRLM -Chapter 330 Speak More Politely to Me from Now On

“I plan to close Wuyou Pavilion, so there’s no need to redeem anyone. Madam Shen, you should keep this money for yourself.”

Chun Xi wasn’t surprised by Xiao Yechen’s decision.

He was already General Qinglin, with an imperial-granted residence; naturally, he could no longer be involved with a business like Wuyou Pavilion.

Chun Xi nodded, then said, “Since redemption isn’t needed, the money can be used to settle matters for those in the Pavilion. Please give me a list, General Xiao. I’ll make sure the accounts are handled properly, and I’ll need your help distributing the money to them.”

Chun Xi insisted on handling the money this way. Xiao Yechen didn’t argue further and nodded: “Very well.”

Chun Xi thanked him and left.

Xiao Yechen remained standing, brows slightly lowered, but his gaze kept stealing glances at Xiao Qinghe.

Technically, he could have sent the deposit slip to Madam Shen later, but upon hearing she had come to the Xiao residence, he couldn’t resist the chance to see the young lady.

Soon, once the general’s residence was completed, he would move out of the Xiao household, and opportunities to see her would become even rarer.

He had heard that some suitors had approached the young lady recently—young men of good families and character—but all had been refused.

The young lady had been deeply hurt and didn’t want to marry again.

After a moment, seeing that Xiao Qinghe didn’t seem to want to leave, Xiao Yechen wracked his brain for a topic: “I… I have a scar on my face. I hope it didn’t frighten you, Miss.”

“Of course not,” Xiao Qinghe replied without hesitation. “Your injuries are for the thousands of people in Zhaoling—you are a symbol of heroism. Whether it’s me or anyone else, seeing you only inspires admiration, never fear.”

Her tone was firm. Xiao Yechen struggled to control himself but couldn’t help a slight smile. Then he heard Xiao Qinghe ask, “Are your injuries healing well, General?”

“Much better!” Xiao Yechen nodded quickly. Fearing she wouldn’t believe him, he even made a couple of punching motions. “The imperial doctors gave me the best medicine. I can move freely now.”

After this, Quezhi, trailing behind Xiao Qinghe, couldn’t help but snicker.

Xiao Qinghe glanced at her warningly, then spoke gently to Xiao Yechen: “I’m glad you’re recovering well, General. My maid was rude; I apologize on her behalf.”

Bowing respectfully, Xiao Qinghe prompted Xiao Yechen to respond. He quickly reached out, but at the last moment, froze before touching her arm: “The Xiao family raised me. Even though I’m now a general, I will never act high-handed toward your family. You don’t need to be so formal.”

The conversation ended there. Xiao Qinghe and Quezhi left.

Only after their figures disappeared behind the flowered gate did Xiao Yechen quietly depart.

Back in the courtyard, Xiao Qinghe looked sternly at Quezhi: “Though he was indebted to our family, he is now the emperor-appointed General Qinglin. If something like today happens again, I won’t be lenient.”

Xiao Qinghe was serious. Quezhi dared not joke and quickly admitted her fault. When Xiao Qinghe’s expression softened slightly, she couldn’t help but add: “I wasn’t trying to ridicule General Xiao. I just couldn’t help noticing that the so-called ruthless, fearless General Xiao looked like a big dog carrying a bone, trying to please the young lady outside. I couldn’t resist laughing.”

The description was extreme.

Xiao Qinghe frowned tightly. Quezhi hurriedly added: “I misspoke. I will stand outside in punishment and reflect.”

**

Back home, Chun Xi immediately summoned the shopkeepers to discuss matters.

Most of the boys in Wuyou Pavilion were orphaned or had no family, some even younger than A-Li. Letting them free with a sum of money didn’t guarantee they could survive; they might easily go astray.

Chun Xi planned to have the shopkeepers personally evaluate them. Those who were honest and willing to work would be given a livelihood. Any who were addicted to the Soulful Incense would be monitored carefully, not let loose to cause trouble.

By the time she finished discussing with the shopkeepers, it was evening.

Chun Xi was exhausted, her mouth dry. Only after drinking a cup of tea did she realize that Lanshu hadn’t just given her all his savings—he had shoved a huge problem onto her.

She understood now: Lanshu was a schemer by habit.

Over the next few days, Chun Xi was either attending banquets or arranging for the Wuyou Pavilion boys, completely ignoring Su Yang.

Su Yang waited several days at home without seeing Chun Xi, growing restless, and had no choice but to visit again.

In the evening, Chun Xi returned from a banquet to find Su Yang seated in the front hall.

Seeing her, he leapt up, rushing over: “My mother coughed up blood today! Didn’t you promise to see her? How long will you delay? If my mother dies regretting this, neither you nor Shen Qingyuan will have it easy!”

His words were full of reproach. Knowing Shen Qingyuan wasn’t home, he was confident.

To him, Shen Qingyuan had earned his imperial favor through skill. But Chun Xi was just a weak girl of low birth. She only gained status through Shen Qingyuan’s favor.

If he acted aggressively, Chun Xi would panic and obey him to protect her reputation.

Feeling proud, he didn’t expect Chun Xi to snap loudly: “How dare you!”

At her shout, A-Li burst in and slapped Su Yang: “My lady just received a third-rank decree. Who are you to bark orders in front of her?”

A-Li’s strength sent Su Yang stumbling back a few steps, nearly falling.

Just moments ago, he had tried to intimidate Chun Xi, but now he was punished instead. Flustered, he glared angrily: “Chun Xi, you broke your promise to call off the engagement, and now you dare strike me? Aren’t you afraid I’ll expose everything?”

“Of course I’m afraid,” Chun Xi nodded. Without letting him speak, she continued: “And aren’t you afraid? You didn’t expose things directly but came to threaten me. You wanted to get something from me. Now that you haven’t gotten it, what’s the point of making a scene?”

“…”

Chun Xi’s words hit the mark, and Su Yang fell silent.

Seeing him quiet, Chun Xi smiled faintly, sat at the main seat, and slowly sipped her tea before continuing: “I can give you what you want, but from now on, speak to me politely. Understand?”

Through gritted teeth, Su Yang spat: “Understood.”

Once he gained influence, he vowed to repay today’s slap tenfold… or more.

Chun Xi ignored the hatred in his eyes, standing: “Since your mother is gravely ill, I’ll go see her on her deathbed. Let’s go.”

Su Yang blurted out: “Now?”

He hadn’t even notified his friend. Who is this show for if there’s no witness?