Chapter 25:- “The General Has Returned”

T/NOTE:- Hello dear readers, I am extremely sorry about no updates till now. Tbh I heard a negative news about an actor that I admired, as someone who followed good morals and always did good things I never imagined that the person I admired would do something like that. I was hurt thinking about it and as a overthinker i thought a lot about it which affected my mental health. So I thought to take a break from all socials. I just want to suggest that if something affects your mental health then it is important to take a break from it & not let it affect your health or daily life as they dont deserve our affection or dedication.❤️

Now I am all good and I will continue with the same schedule. Thank you so much for your comments.❤️

Qi Qingfeng’s genuine confusion was evident in his eyes as he looked at Xu Shuyue, who could only let out an awkward laugh.

She hurriedly explained herself, “Your brother won’t be back for a while, so I figured I’d give this to Father and Mother first. Besides, my embroidery skills still need a lot of work—your brother might not even like my first attempt.”

Her head lowered slightly, as if she was genuinely feeling disheartened.

Qi Qingfeng pinched the pouch in his hand, noting the loose threads already poking out from its seams. His lips twitched, but he didn’t know what to say to comfort her.

Thanks to Xu Shuyue’s efforts, the Qi family had the most prosperous New Year they had ever seen.

As the new year began, Xu Shuyue went to the market to look for Chen Erping, asking if he had found any tree bark or soil suitable for growing snow fungus.

While waiting for results, the Qi family shifted their focus to tending their fruit orchards.

After the first spring rain, Eldest Brother Liang and Second Brother Liang brought back seeds of the “cold melon”—a variety Xu Shuyue had described to them.

By now, the two brothers had completely placed their trust in her judgment.

Together, the Qi family and the Liang family planted over ten acres with cold melon seeds.

The villagers, watching their efforts, remained skeptical.

Even the village elder personally visited the Qi household, fearing they were making a grave mistake.

After all, even though Qi Qingfeng had passed the county-level exams and earned the status of a “scholar”, which exempted their family from taxes and labor duties, what kind of farmer doesn’t plant grain?

But Qi Ansheng and Madam Wei stood firmly by Xu Shuyue’s side.

The old couple had an open mind, and with the one hundred taels of silver note left by Qi Siming, they encouraged Xu Shuyue to pursue her ideas freely.

In just half a year, Xu Shuyue struck gold by selling cold melons and fruit-based drinks.

With Madam Wei’s support, she went a step further and opened a dessert shop in the county town.

Her unique and innovative sweet drinks quickly became a sensation, making the shop an instant hit.

Soon, “Madam Xu’s Sweet Drinks Shop” became a household name, and in just three years, Xu Shuyue had solidified her place as an influential figure in the county.

Her ambitions, however, were set even higher—she had begun planning her expansion into the provincial capital.

Despite their massive financial success, Madam Wei grew increasingly concerned.

She had debated with herself for days, but eventually, she sat Xu Shuyue down and cautiously advised, “Shuyue, we’ve already made enough money to live comfortably for a lifetime. If you’re worried about donating to the temple, you can use the money that Siming has sent back over the years…”

Xu Shuyue understood Madam Wei’s concerns. The older woman feared that expanding too quickly would lead to a hard fall. But for Xu Shuyue, the real issue wasn’t the risk of failure.

She simply didn’t want to touch Qi Siming’s money. It made her feel strangely uneasy.

For the past few years, Qi Siming had been stationed at the front lines, unable to return due to ongoing war.

To be honest, Xu Shuyue had been relieved by his absence. But now… his return date had finally been set. Just thinking about it made her want to run in the opposite direction.

Still, she forced herself to reassure Madam Wei, “Mother, I must go to the provincial capital. The villagers have all started planting cold melons and fruit trees, and now there are too many suppliers for just one shop to handle.”

When the Qi family first started planting cold melons, the villagers had merely watched in amusement. No one had taken it seriously.

But then—

At the end of the year, the Qi family and the Liang brothers were suddenly buying ox carts, dressing in fine clothes, and spending silver like never before. That’s when the village started to panic. Soon, the village chief came knocking at Qi Ansheng’s door, asking if they could also get some cold melon seeds.

Xu Shuyue knew that if they refused, it would only breed resentment. Besides, seeds were impossible to keep secret forever.

So instead, she made a deal with the village chief— Villagers could grow cold melons, but they had to sell them to her first. She even offered them fair prices, ensuring a steady supply for her sweet drinks shop. And before long, it wasn’t just Fengtong Village—almost every village in the county was growing cold melons.

Looking at Madam Wei, Xu Shuyue spoke firmly, “Call it personal ambition, call it foresight, but I refuse to hand over this golden opportunity to others.”

“If I let go now, I’ll just be paving the way for someone else to profit from my hard work.”

“So, I’m going to the provincial capital.”

“If I succeed—”

She smiled meaningfully, “Then I’ll bring you and Father to live in the city, and we’ll enjoy the good life together. Mother, you’ve never been anywhere farther than the county town. Don’t you want to see the provincial capital at least once in your life?”

Madam Wei sighed heavily, knowing she couldn’t change her daughter-in-law’s mind. Whenever Xu Shuyue talked about business, her eyes sparkled with excitement.

Madam Wei reached out to squeeze her hand, her voice soft, “You’re young, and you have the drive. I’m too old to keep up, but… go ahead and chase your dreams. I’ll watch over the sweet drinks shop with your father—we won’t let anything happen to it.”

Madam Wei’s voice was filled with concern as she reminded Xu Shuyue for the hundredth time, “If you run into trouble in the provincial capital, go find Qingfeng. He’s been there for a few years—he can help you.”

She spoke nonstop, afraid she might forget to warn her about something important. Xu Shuyue’s heart felt warm, a tinge of soreness welling in her eyes. ‘So this is what it feels like to have someone watching your back…’

She squeezed Madam Wei’s weathered hand, the calluses a testament to years of hard work, and replied in a soft voice, “Alright, Mother.”

Over the past three years, Qi Siming had sent three hundred taels of silver home. Neither Madam Wei nor Qi Ansheng had spent a single coin.

Instead, just before Xu Shuyue and Second Brother Liang departed for the provincial capital, they stuffed all three silver notes into her travel bundle.

Xu Shuyue, busy giving Eldest Brother Liang last-minute instructions on preparing the orchard for their upcoming farm-stay business, hadn’t noticed. By the time she discovered the three silver notes, she and Second Brother Liang were already halfway to the city in a carriage.

Holding the three crisp silver notes, her expression turned complicated.

Just as she was about to put them away, the carriage suddenly jolted, nearly throwing her forward.

Xu Shuyue steadied herself and quickly called out, “Second Brother Liang, what’s going on?”

Seated outside, driving the carriage, Second Brother Liang’s voice remained calm,

“There’s a military convoy entering the city.”

At those words, Xu Shuyue’s heart skipped a beat. She suddenly recalled the letter from Beijing at the beginning of the year— A letter that Qi Siming had sent, stating that he would be returning soon.

With a sudden, inexplicable sense of unease, she lifted the carriage curtain and glanced outside.

And in that instant—Her gaze locked onto his.

Just one glance.

And it was as if time rewound— Back to that dream from years ago.

A battlefield drenched in blood, iron-clad warriors charging forward, and a man wielding a long blade, his eyes as cold and sharp as a wolf’s.

The very same frost-bitten gaze now stared back at her.

Half of his face was hidden beneath a mask, and dried blood streaked his exposed skin—a sight that should have been washed away after battle.

Yet he left it untouched, perhaps as a warning to others.

Xu Shuyue’s heartbeat pounded in her ears. She quickly lowered the curtain, pressing her back against the seat, her breathing unsteady.

Outside, the city’s lord and high-ranking officials had arrived at the gates to welcome the victorious army. But the soldiers had yet to enter the city, leaving ordinary citizens like them waiting at the back of the crowd.

Second Brother Liang, observing the massive convoy, suddenly asked,“Will Siming be among them?”

Xu Shuyue hadn’t seen him in years and certainly wasn’t better at spotting him than Second Brother Liang, who had been searching through the ranks for a while.

Half-heartedly, she replied, somewhat disinterested, “He said in his letter that he’d be returning soon… I suppose this must be it.”

Unlike her, Second Brother Liang was excited. He searched even more carefully, scanning the rows of soldiers one by one. But he was completely unaware of how suspicious his actions looked to the army.

From the convoy, the lieutenant beside the general narrowed his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Second Brother Liang.

Moments later— A soldier suddenly broke formation, stepping forward with his blade drawn, pointing it straight at Second Brother Liang.

“You there! Get down!”

The sudden shout startled Second Brother Liang. Hearing the commotion, Xu Shuyue quickly lifted the curtain again— Just in time to see Second Brother Liang raising both hands in surrender as he climbed down from the carriage.

Confused, she immediately spoke up, “Officer, may I ask what crime my brother has committed?”

The young soldier’s face instantly turned red. Inside the carriage, a young woman of striking beauty had just called him ‘Officer’— And her voice was clear and gentle, like the tinkling of spring water.

He froze, suddenly feeling a bit embarrassed. But before he could find the right words, a black-faced lieutenant arrived on horseback, his voice furious as he kicked the soldier.

“Er Gou! The lady asked you a question. Why are you standing there like an idiot?!”

Not far away, Qi Siming had been conversing with the city lord, but the moment he heard his personal guards shouting, his brows knitted together.

His sharp gaze swept across the crowd, landing on Second Brother Liang’s anxious face.

Instantly, Qi Siming cut off the city lord mid-sentence, his voice low and commanding, “Wait here.”

Then, he strode toward the scene. Meanwhile, the young soldier, still recovering from the lieutenant’s kick, quickly straightened and formally reported, “My lady, your brother was observing our convoy too closely, and his behavior seemed suspicious. I was simply following orders to investigate.”

Before Xu Shuyue could reply, a cold, mocking voice interrupted, “Which superior gave you this order?”

Er Gou immediately straightened up, answering with pride, “Of course, it was Lieutenant Qi Lian!”

But the moment he finished speaking, he realized something was wrong. He looked at the young lady infront of him but she hadn’t spoken. His heart skipped a beat. The voice had come from behind him.

Standing just behind his superior, Lieutenant Qi Lian, was none other than the General Qi Siming himself, watching them with a smirk that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Lieutenant Qi, your vigilance is truly impressive,” Qi Siming said with an air of amusement. “It makes those of us who are more careless feel utterly ashamed.”

Qi Lian’s jaw tightened, his face rigid with tension. Through clenched teeth, he responded, “General, what do you mean by this?”

Qi Siming raised an eyebrow. “You really don’t understand? Fine, let me spell it out for you. We are deep within our own land now—every person we encounter is a citizen of our empire. Where exactly are you expecting to find enemy spies?”

Mockery laced his tone as he continued, “Finally earned yourself a promotion, and now you’re putting on a show of authority? Who exactly are you trying to impress?”

Qi Lian’s face drained of color. He hurriedly tried to explain, “I only thought his behavior seemed suspicious…”

“So what if a commoner watches our troops for a few moments? It won’t cost you a piece of flesh. Stop making a fool of yourself.”

Qi Siming had always disliked this arrogant officer who had been appointed by the court, clearly hoping to ride on military achievements he hadn’t earned. Without waiting for a response, he reached up and removed his mask.

Second Brother Liang, who had been standing stiffly in fear, suddenly felt the general’s voice sounded strangely familiar. Bracing himself, he cautiously lifted his gaze—and instantly, his eyes went wide with shock.

“Siming?!” he blurted out.

Qi Siming inclined his head, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Second Brother Liang, long time no see. How is everything back home?”

With those words, Qi Lian’s stomach dropped. There was no longer any doubt—he had just stepped on a landmine.

Second Brother Liang, still dazed, could barely process what was happening. His childhood friend—the one they all thought had been lost to war—was standing before him, dressed in the armor of a general. It felt surreal. In a daze, he simply nodded.

Qi Siming, understanding Second Brother Liang’s reserved nature, didn’t press him further. Instead, his gaze naturally shifted to the carriage, landing on the young woman standing gracefully by its side. His brows lifted slightly.

“Second Brother Liang,” he asked, voice curious, “who is this?”

In front of so many onlookers—both soldiers and civilians— Second Brother Liang hesitated, unsure of how to introduce Xu Shuyue. After a long moment of internal struggle, he decided to hint at the connection instead. “Siming, do you remember the letter Aunt Wei sent you three years ago?”

“A letter?”

Before Qi Siming could react, Xu Shuyue let out a huff of irritation. “Second Brother Liang, if you’re going to say something, say it clearly. What’s the point of beating around the bush?”

She then turned to Qi Siming, meeting his gaze head-on.

For some reason, the answer that had been forming in Qi Siming’s mind aligned perfectly with the words of this unfamiliar woman.

“I am your wife, whom you have not seen in over three years. I’ve long heard of General Qi’s bravery and valor. Now that we’ve finally met, I must say—you do live up to your reputation.”

As soon as she finished speaking, not only did Qi Siming freeze on the spot, but even the two personal guards who had come over to watch the commotion were completely dumbfounded.

One of them murmured, “What? The general is married?”

The other gawked in disbelief. “Three years? The general hid this too well!”

The two of them exchanged glances, then turned their wide-eyed stares toward their General and the sharp-tongued woman before him, their faces full of astonishment.

Xu Shuyue sneered. “So, General Qi never mentioned me to anyone? Was it because I wasn’t presentable enough?”

Her anger was real. She had long decided that once Qi Siming returned, she would discuss getting a divorce with him. But no matter what, she had never expected that this bastard of a man had never even acknowledged her existence!

Qi Siming studied her face, noting how the flush of fury deepened the color of her cheeks. He quickly explained, “That’s not the reason.”

“Then what is—” Xu Shuyue was about to press him further, but she caught sight of his subordinates watching the scene with eager curiosity. Realizing that this was neither the time nor place for such a discussion, she swallowed her words.

Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she said in a low voice, “General, you should enter the city first. There are still many civilians waiting behind us. We can talk once you’ve settled in.”

Qi Siming tightened his grip on the reins, staring at the carriage’s curtain as it fell back into place. His head ached. He hadn’t expected to run into Xu Shuyue here—this was at least half a month earlier than he had planned.

Now, his carefully laid-out plans had just been thrown into complete disarray.