TSWRLM -Chapter 350 Is General Xiao Trying to Please His Beloved?

After returning home, Zhang Mingyang immediately ordered a thorough investigation into Cao Chun Xi.

Through the investigation, he quickly discovered that during the time his leg was broken, Chun Xi was not in Hanjing at all—she had actually been kidnapped. However, she had returned to the capital accompanied by the Prince of Yu’s daughter-in-law.

The Prince’s daughter-in-law was the younger sister of the Crown Princess, and with her testimony, no one doubted Chun Xi’s innocence despite her month-long disappearance.

She claimed to have rescued Chun Xi by chance on the way back to the capital. That location was hundreds of miles away from Yunzhou, and Chun Xi had been under the kidnappers’ control—there was no way she could have appeared in Yunzhou and broken Zhang Mingyang’s leg.

Yet Chun Xi’s face was permanently imprinted in Zhang Mingyang’s mind. He was certain he wasn’t mistaken. The one who broke his leg was Cao Chun Xi!

The Prince Yu’s daughter-in-law had just been visiting her family and had already returned to her fief. Zhang Mingyang couldn’t contact her for verification. After pondering for a moment, he decided to visit the Wei family.

The moment he saw Father Wei, Zhang Mingyang hurriedly said, “Uncle Wei, I know the truth now! It wasn’t your family in Yunzhou who broke my leg—it was that despicable Cao Chun Xi! She must have held a grudge because Brother Wei wouldn’t give her a position, so she deliberately sought revenge. We’ve all been played by her!”

Since Wei Lingze’s death, the Emperor had allowed Father Wei to stay home and recuperate, considering the pain of losing a son. The other sons of the Wei family, once full of promise, had met with setbacks at every turn. Spring flourished outside, yet the Wei household remained dead and lifeless, as if stuck in midwinter. Father Wei himself had aged more than ten years from grief.

Father Wei, familiar with Zhang Mingyang’s unscrupulous nature, originally thought today’s visit would be about some benefit. He never expected to hear such a thing.

Zhang Mingyang spoke passionately, his eyes full of expectation, clearly hoping the Wei family would take action on his behalf and avenge his broken leg. Truly, his stupidity knew no bounds.

Father Wei sneered coldly: “How many crimes of abducting women and extorting the people did you commit in Yunzhou? Having my son break one of your legs was lenient. And now you’re still not satisfied, daring to accuse a third-rank titled lady? I think you’re looking for death.”

Zhang Mingyang had expected Father Wei to share his indignation upon hearing the truth, but instead, a bucket of cold water was poured over him. He froze, then hurriedly said, “Uncle Wei, the one who broke my leg was really Cao Chun Xi. My personal attendants have seen her. I’ve already sent people back to Yunzhou to summon them as witnesses. Brother Wei’s reputation was ruined back then, and even the marriage alliance with the Xiao family was broken. Don’t you want to restore his honor and vent your anger?”

“Nonsense!” Father Wei scolded harshly. “The marriage alliance between the Wei and Xiao families is of utmost importance. It will not be casually broken over an outsider. Your leg was broken by my son’s orders, and it has nothing to do with Madam Shen. If you dare bring this up again, I won’t hesitate to report your misdeeds in Yunzhou to the court. You wouldn’t even be able to protect your father’s head!”

Father Wei had no patience for Zhang Mingyang’s foolishness and ordered him thrown out of the Wei household.

Zhang Mingyang was taken aback by Father Wei’s firm assertion that it had been Wei Lingze who ordered his leg broken. But soon, he realized something didn’t add up.

Cao Chun Xi had already married Shen Qingyuan at the time of her kidnapping. How could she have appeared in Yunzhou, pretending to be from the Wei family to break his leg? This kidnapping had a problem. Could Wei Lingze have been behind it?

At that thought, Zhang Mingyang’s mind raced, piecing together many rumors he had heard in the capital. He was determined: Cao Chun Xi and Wei Lingze were certainly not innocent, and that despicable woman had to pay.

Like Zhang Mingyang, Zhang Zhilian, after a good cry at home, also investigated Cao Chun Xi thoroughly.

Chun Xi’s interactions with Xiao Yechen were few, but every time they met, Xiao Yechen had helped her.

At the previous mansion banquet, when Chun Xi sought justice for Feng Yinyin, Xiao Yechen spoke on her behalf. This time, seeing Zhang Mingyang, he intervened again.

Zhang Zhilian twisted the silk handkerchief in her hands and couldn’t help asking her maid, “Do you think Brother Chen’s beloved could be Cao Chun Xi?”

Xiao Yechen had earned merit, received a court-granted residence, and was now the most sought-after son-in-law in Hanjing. He could openly speak of his beloved—no need for secrecy. If he liked Cao Chun Xi, everything made sense.

Cao Chun Xi was already married, with a child, and Shen Qingyuan was now a favored court official. How could Xiao Yechen dare to declare his feelings?

“Miss, Madam Shen and General Xiao don’t interact much. It’s hard to say,” the maid replied cautiously.

But Zhang Zhilian had already immersed herself in imagination: the day at the tailor shop, Xiao Yechen was overly concerned about Cao Chun Xi’s safety and constantly distanced himself—clearly afraid of being misunderstood.

If that wasn’t love, what was?

“You don’t understand. Cao Chun Xi is married. The more Brother Chen likes her, the more he must protect her reputation and avoid appearing too close in public. That’s why we can’t see any clues.”

“But Lord Shen spoils Madam Shen. Their marriage should be harmonious. Madam Shen wouldn’t do anything with General Xiao.”

The maid felt Zhang Zhilian’s speculation was extreme, but Zhang Zhilian ignored her and said angrily, “Cao Chun Xi is greedy. Even after gaining Lord Shen’s favor, she secretly entices Brother Chen, preventing him from moving on. When she sees Brother Chen treat me that way, who knows how secretly pleased she is!”

“…”

The maid was speechless, not knowing what else to say.

Unaware that Zhang Zhilian had cast her as an imagined rival, Chun Xi went to the princess’s residence early the next morning.

Xiao Yechen arrived with Xiao Qinghe, dressed in new dark-blue brocade with subtle silver cloud embroidery. Tall and upright like a pine tree, beside Xiao Qinghe, whose elegance was like a lone orchid in a valley—they were a beautiful sight together.

Seeing them, Princess Hengyang teased, “General Xiao, the scar on your face has faded considerably. What miraculous ointment did you use?”

“Princess, it’s a scar-removing ointment that Sister Yue’er gave me. It works very well.”

“I thought you were a man who could stand tall and wouldn’t care about a scar. Could it be… General Xiao is eager to remove it to please his beloved?”

Xiao Yechen lowered his gaze, his heart racing slightly. Indeed, he had such a thought.

Standing beside him, Xiao Qinghe instinctively spoke to save him: “Everyone beautifies themselves for the one they care for. My brother is not yet married. It’s normal to want to restore his appearance.”