TSWRLM -Chapter 333 General Xiao, What a Coincidence

Although Shen Qingyuan had exercised restraint out of consideration for Chun Xi’s exhaustion from caring for the children, he had been abstinent for too long—so things still got a bit intense.

The next day, Chun Xi overslept. By the time she woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.

She had arranged to go shopping today with Xiao Qinghe and Xiao Qingyue to pick out a gift for Xiao Yechen.

Chun Xi hurriedly called for servants to help her dress and do her hair.

“Master already sent someone early this morning to inform the Xiao residence that Madam would head out a bit later, so you needn’t worry,” the maid said with a smile.

Glancing at the mirror, Chun Xi noticed a bite mark on her neck, and her face instantly flushed.

Last night, she seemed to have scratched Shen Qingyuan quite a few times too—she wondered if he had any marks left on him.

After hastily eating something, Chun Xi went out.

When she arrived at the meeting place, Xiao Qinghe and Xiao Qingyue had just arrived as well.

The moment she saw her, Xiao Qingyue couldn’t help asking, “Did something troublesome happen last night? Why are you so exhausted that you couldn’t even get out of bed, Aunt?”

Chun Xi: “……”

There wasn’t anything troublesome—just very tiring on the waist.

Too embarrassed to tell the truth, Chun Xi pushed all the blame onto An’an and Ning’er. “Nothing serious. The children had bloating and fussed for most of the night, so I slept in a bit today.”

Her tone was completely natural, and Xiao Qingyue didn’t suspect anything. Linking arms with Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe, she began strolling through the streets and said proudly, “I spent a lot of money to have a doctor from Huichun Hall make a new scar-removal ointment. Brother A-Chen will definitely find it useful.”

Xiao Qinghe hesitated. “General Xiao probably doesn’t care about the scar on his face. Maybe you should reconsider?”

“He might not care, but others do! He’s not married yet. If the scar fades a bit, more people will be willing to marry him.”

That made sense.

Xiao Qinghe stopped persuading her. Xiao Qingyue continued, “Lately, many people have been coming to my mother to inquire about him. Not just because Brother A-Chen earned military merit, but also because marrying him means no in-laws to serve, no sisters-in-law or relatives to deal with—just like Aunt, living such a comfortable life.”

Chun Xi raised an eyebrow.

Those noble ladies who once looked down on her were now finally seeing how wise her choice of husband had been?

Xiao Qinghe disagreed. “Everything has its pros and cons. Aunt does live comfortably now, but she has to handle everything herself. Do you have the ability and courage to manage things independently like her?”

Xiao Qingyue shook her head without hesitation. “I couldn’t handle all that. I’ll listen to Mother and find a kind and gentle family in the future, so my mother-in-law and husband can protect me.”

As they talked, the three of them entered an antique shop.

The shop assistant had sharp eyes. Seeing their refined attire, he immediately greeted them with a broad smile. “Please take your time, honored guests. Our shop is full of fine items—perfect whether for personal use or as gifts. Very respectable!”

Chun Xi wasn’t very knowledgeable about such things and was about to ask for a detailed introduction when Su Yang’s excited voice rang out:

“A-Xi.”

Before she could react, Su Yang had already walked up to them.

Though he addressed Chun Xi, his gaze kept drifting toward Xiao Qinghe and Xiao Qingyue.

The two young ladies were as beautiful as flowers, exuding noble elegance—clearly carefully raised daughters of aristocratic families, nothing like Cao Chun Xi, who in his mind had schemed her way up.

Since he addressed her so familiarly, Xiao Qingyue asked curiously, “Aunt, who is this gentleman?”

Before Chun Xi could answer, Su Yang stepped forward and bowed. “Greetings, young ladies. I am Su Yang, a newly successful candidate in this year’s imperial examination. I was A-Xi’s childhood companion. My father and hers were close friends.”

He did his best to appear refined and scholarly, hoping to leave a good impression.

Chun Xi rarely spoke of her family, so Xiao Qinghe and Xiao Qingyue only knew that her relationship with her stepmother was poor and that her father had passed away early. When Chun Xi faced difficulties in the past, this Su Yang had never appeared—so their relationship likely wasn’t close.

The two simply nodded in acknowledgment, without engaging further.

Su Yang couldn’t help but look at Chun Xi. “Won’t A-Xi introduce these two ladies?”

Hearing him call her that again, Xiao Qinghe frowned slightly.

Even if they had been childhood companions, Chun Xi was now married. In such a public place, he should address her as Madam Shen.

Chun Xi knew he was doing it on purpose but didn’t correct him. She said gently, “These two are my husband’s nieces—the eldest and second young ladies of the Xiao family.”

Su Yang’s eyes lit up.

He had long heard that the Xiao family had two “pearls”: the eldest, Xiao Qinghe, gentle and elegant, both talented and beautiful; and the second, Xiao Qingyue, lively and charming.

Originally, the marriage alliance between the Wei and Xiao families had seemed perfect, but fate had intervened. Xiao Qinghe had returned home after divorcing less than half a year into her marriage.

Before meeting her, Su Yang had looked down on her as a remarried woman. But given his poor background, even with Chun Xi’s help, Xiao Qinghe might have been the best he could aim for. Now, seeing her stunning beauty, he felt a surge of excitement.

Though no longer untouched, her looks and family background were excellent. Recently, she had even been granted the title of Qingyun County Lady, with a stipend and fief. Marrying her would not be a loss.

With that thought, Su Yang smiled and eagerly said to Xiao Qinghe, “I’ve long heard of the virtuous reputation of the Qingyun County Lady. Not long ago, the harmful incense from Yuexi caused great harm. At a critical moment, you stepped forward, helping many victims and even generously shared the methods publicly. Truly, you are as capable as any man.”

Though his praise sounded sincere, Xiao Qinghe felt displeased. She said sternly, “This matter was first proposed by my aunt, and led by Princess Hengyang. I merely benefited from their efforts. You overpraise me, Sir Su.”

Princess Hengyang and Chun Xi were already married—what benefit was there in praising them?

Su Yang didn’t mind and was about to continue flattering her when a tall figure entered the shop.

Even before he approached, Su Yang felt a powerful, oppressive gaze.

Turning his head, he saw a tall, imposing man dressed in cold austerity. Though there was a scar on his face, it did not diminish his looks—instead, it added a commanding presence that made others dare not meet his eyes.

“Brother A-Chen, what a coincidence!”

Xiao Qingyue greeted cheerfully. Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe also turned slightly and greeted, “General Xiao.”

Xiao Yechen nodded in response, then looked at Su Yang. “And this gentleman is…?”

Though his tone sounded questioning, his eyes carried a sharp, chilling killing intent.

Su Yang straightened his back, but a chill inexplicably ran down his spine.

This was the Qinglin General who had slain Xuanyuan Lang in Wengzhou. They had never met before—so why was the general’s hostility toward him so intense?