The Lady General’s Absolute Indulgence - Chapter 7

One day, Wan Ning was at home embroidering a pouch; she wanted to finish it as soon as possible for Huaian. Huaian had been so good to her, and she had nothing else to give in return, but embroidery was what she did best. Having noticed that Huaian did not sleep very well, she planned to place some soothing herbs inside the pouch, hoping it would bring Huaian some peace and happiness.

Chu Hui pushed open the courtyard gate, carrying a basket of eggs. She walked in with a sway in her hips and called out in a high, pinched voice, “Brother Lin, are you home?”

Hearing the voice, Wan Ning set down her work to open the door. Seeing Chu Hui standing there in heavy makeup, she said in surprise, “Sister Chu Hui, what brings you here?”

Chu Hui followed Wan Ning into the house, scanning the surroundings. Realizing Wan Ning was alone, she asked as if casually, “Where is Brother Lin? I came to thank him for saving me last time.”

Wan Ning pulled out a seat for her and smiled. “He went out fishing. He said he wanted to experience the joys of the countryside.”

Chu Hui secretly took in everything. The house was scrubbed clean and orderly. Wan Ning wore a light pink padded jacket that made her look dainty and lovely—even more beautiful than before, so much so that one could hardly look away.

Seeing Wan Ning living such a good life, Chu Hui felt a surge of bitterness. She idly picked up the needlework on the table. “Oh? Now that you’ve been sold to Brother Lin, do you still need to do embroidery?”

Wan Ning felt a slight sting from Chu Hui’s words, but she didn’t pay it much mind. She quietly put away the pattern she was drawing; she privately wanted Huaian to be the first to see it. “Just some small things to pass the time,” she replied.

After chatting for a while, Chu Hui took Wan Ning’s hand and said earnestly, “Wan Ning, we’ve known each other a long time. You’ve been sold to Brother Lin, but staying here without a formal status or title isn’t right. Where is Brother Lin from? Does he already have a wife or concubines at home? If he does, how will you manage? He only moved here a few months ago—what if he just leaves one day?”

Wan Ning’s mouth hung open slightly, her heart suddenly filled with a deep sense of unease. It was true; she knew so little about Huaian—nothing of her family or her past. If Huaian left one day, she wouldn’t even know who to look for or in what capacity. After all, she was only someone Huaian had bought…

Chu Hui covered her mouth and leaned in closer. “I’ll tell you something, even if you laugh at me—I was also bought by Scholar Zhang. At first, everyone saw how well he treated me. But later? Well, you saw for yourself.”

Chu Hui sighed and continued, “I’m telling you this because I think of you as my own sister. Don’t blame me for talking too much.”

Wan Ning felt a lump in her throat. Unwilling to let Chu Hui see her distress, she simply nodded obediently.

“A-Ning! I caught a sea bass today! I’ll steam it for you tonight to build up your strength!” Huaian’s clear, pleasant voice rang out from outside.

Chu Hui quickly smoothed her hair and straightened her outer garment. She patted Wan Ning’s hand and gestured toward the door. “He’s back. I’ll stop now—don’t overthink things.”

Before Wan Ning could reach the door, Chu Hui hurried to open it. She swayed her body and called out sweetly, “Brother Lin, you’re back?”

Huaian was hit by a wave of heavy perfume that made her feel nauseous. Not understanding why this woman was in her home, she walked straight past Chu Hui and asked Wan Ning in confusion, “A-Ning, is this your friend?”

Realizing Huaian had already forgotten her, Chu Hui bit her lip in anger and stomped her foot. “Brother Lin, you’re so forgetful! You saved me last time!”

Huaian’s eyes were only on Wan Ning. Ever since she stepped inside, she noticed that the girl’s spirits were low. Huaian had no interest in Chu Hui; without even looking up, she replied coldly, “Oh. A-Ning was the one who saved you that day, not me. If there’s nothing else, we’re about to cook. Please leave.”

Chu Hui’s hand, which she had reached out to pat Huaian’s arm, froze in mid-air. She was fuming that Huaian hadn’t given her even a sidelong glance, especially after she had dressed up so much. Intimidated by Huaian’s aura, she didn’t dare linger. She muttered something under her breath and left in a huff.

After Chu Hui left, Wan Ning sat quietly at the table embroidering, her head down without a word. Since Wan Ning was usually quiet, Huaian didn’t pry. She simply stroked the girl’s hair and said gently, “A-Ning, I’m quite good at steaming fish. Let me let you have a taste tonight.”

Wan Ning kept her head down and gave a soft “Mm.”

Cleaning the fish, boiling the water, adding spices—Huaian did everything with a fluid, practiced grace. Even these mundane tasks looked exceptionally elegant when she performed them.

Wan Ning watched her, lost in thought, and tried to comfort herself. No matter what her past was, she is very good to me now. In all my life, aside from my mother, Huaian is the one who has treated me best. Shen Wan Ning, what more could you ask for?

Feeling cheered by this thought, Wan Ning proactively went to help Huaian tidy up.

In the days that followed, Chu Hui came over frequently to chat and embroider with Wan Ning. However, she dressed in her flashiest clothes every time, and her eyes were always glued to Huaian.

One evening, Huaian returned from hunting. She had caught a fox; now that the weather was turning cold, she planned to process the fur to make a scarf for A-Ning.

When Huaian brought the fox pelt home, she found Chu Hui still there chatting. It was mostly Chu Hui talking while Wan Ning listened quietly.

Chu Hui’s eyes widened at the sight of the pelt—it was pure white and clearly high-grade fur. “Brother Lin, did you just hunt this? My, such fine fur would sell for a lot of silver!”

Huaian didn’t even look at her, answering coldly, “I’m not selling it. It’s for A-Ning’s scarf.”

Chu Hui suppressed her bitterness and gave an awkward laugh. “Wan Ning is truly lucky to have married you.”

“It is my luck to have Wan Ning by my side,” Huaian said in a deep voice.

Chu Hui froze, her jealousy intensifying. What does Shen Wan Ning have that I don’t? She twisted her handkerchief to hide her envy. One day, she would ruin Shen Wan Ning. If she couldn’t be happy, why should Shen Wan Ning be?

Chu Hui smoothed her clothes. “Oh my, you two are so affectionate. I’ll be heading back then.”

As soon as Chu Hui left, Wan Ning ran over to be with Huaian. Huaian set her things down and looked at her. “A-Ning, she seems to enjoy visiting you lately.”

Wan Ning nodded. “You saved her before, so she always wants to show her gratitude. Do you… do you not like her coming here?”

Huaian shook her head. Her Wan Ning was such a simple girl. After washing her hands, she pinched Wan Ning’s chubby little cheek. “No. Having someone to keep you company while I’m out makes me feel more at ease. As long as you are happy.”

Wan Ning nodded obediently. Although she preferred being alone, she didn’t want to hurt Chu Hui’s feelings. These past days had been the most stable and happy of her life—cared for meticulously by Huaian and accompanied by a friend.

Wan Ning was very content.