“Chunxue, fetch some hot water to soak Xiao Ya. Xia Feng, go prepare the medicine first.”
“Xin Zhui, withdraw two hundred taels from the estate’s accounts. Keep the extra for drinks, then return to the barracks.”
Xin Zhui startled, thinking to himself: How strange! The general just now was acting exactly like a woman—could he be possessed by some female ghost?
No, I can’t leave yet!
With this thought, he dodged Xia Feng’s outstretched hand reaching for the medicine: “General, Physician Sun specifically instructed me on how to prepare this decoction. Let me handle it.”
“As for the barracks, consider it a day’s rest for the troops. They’ve been training hard—let them recover.”
Jiang Xingyan nodded. “Very well.”
“But remember—you must not leave the medicine unattended for even a moment. Don’t let any of the house servants near it.”
The stern, almost resentful look in her eyes felt utterly foreign to Xin Zhui.
Showing no trace of suspicion, he clasped his fists solemnly: “Understood, General! I won’t fail you!”
Taking one packet of herbs, Xin Zhui left.
Xia Feng had been discreetly observing her “young master” since entering, especially noting how he had nuzzled Xiao Ya with his nose—
That was her mistress’s distinctive way of showing affection to the child!
Her heart pounded wildly.
Jiang Xingyan’s gaze settled on Xia Feng, noticing her clenched handkerchief and poorly concealed shock.
Exhaling slowly, she spoke deliberately: “How many dynasties have risen and fallen through the ages…“
Xia Feng blurted the next line without thinking: “Yet how few women ever become generals?“
This was from a casual poem Jiang Xingyan had composed in her chambers—known only to her four maids, memorized, then burned. Not even Huo Ci would recognize it.
Clatter!
Chunxue’s wooden ladle slipped from her fingers back into the water bucket.
“Mistress?!”
“Mistress…?”
Jiang Xingyan raised a finger to her lips, then checked outside the windows for eavesdroppers.
Only after confirming they were alone did she nod at them.
Xia Feng choked back joyful tears: “Mistress! You’ve become the general—your suffering finally has meaning!”
Chunxue froze momentarily before recalling storybook tales, her voice trembling: “Mistress… is this like in those legends where souls exchange bodies?”
Jiang Xingyan nodded thoughtfully.
The mechanics eluded her too. Each time she tried to verbally reveal her identity, an invisible force seemed to block her throat—forcing her to guide them to the truth instead.
“Xia Feng, summon Qiu Yan and Dongyang to dine together.”
“But what about the young master—”
Jiang Xingyan smirked coldly: “Let him enjoy his luxurious life to the fullest.”
Xia Feng left with vindictive satisfaction, wiping her tears.
Soon, Qiu Yan and Dongyang rushed in, eyes glistening as they hoarsely whispered “Mistress.”
Jiang Xingyan’s own eyes reddened before she quickly changed the subject: “Eat first.”
When Lady Huo heard her “son” would dine at home, she seized the chance to salvage her maternal image, urgently ordering the kitchen to prepare eight dishes and one soup—all premium ingredients.
After all, she’d just confiscated a hefty sum from Jiang Xingyan’s shops.
As the group sat before the lavish spread, tears fell anew.
What wretched conditions had their mistress endured before?!
Every property left by Jiang Xingyan’s father had been swallowed by this wolf-hearted mother-son pair.
Jiang Xingyan fed Xiao Ya—now warmed and changed—a piece of yam cake. The child nibbled it meticulously until nothing remained.
“Everyone eat well. Only with strength can we plan our next steps.”
Three years of cabbage and tofu in the side courtyard had weakened even the hardiest among them.
Qiu Yan hesitated: “But Mistress, your body—”
Jiang Xingyan laughed sharply: “I’ve no intention of sparing his body from hardship just because it’s technically mine now.”
“He will taste every bitterness I endured!”
“As for my health… we’ll restore it after swapping back.”
The maids’ eyes reddened further, yet newfound determination shone through.
As Jiang Xingyan gave Xiao Ya another cake, a wisp of intuition flashed through her mind—too fleeting to grasp. Shaking her head, she let it go.
Meanwhile, in the backyard…
Xin Zhui fanned the medicinal brew diligently, muttering:
“The general will save me some food… right?”
…..
Side Courtyard
Huo Ci stared blankly at the meal before him: a plate of greens, a block of tofu, and three coarse steamed buns.
Where were the delicacies and seasonal fruits promised by his mother?
This was identical to the pitiful spread he’d seen in that shabby kitchen upon waking!
He rushed to check the kitchen—still as dilapidated as his first glimpse.
His mother’s sighing words echoed:
“Xingyan is… unique. I’ve never seen anyone eat only the heart of a watermelon or the single tenderest strip from a pork loin.”
“Ah, born into luxury yet married into our modest household—how she must suffer.”
“You must treat her well, lest she complain of our mistreatment.”
The memory fueled his anger. He recalled confronting Jiang Xingyan, her expression at the time—looking at him as if he were an utter fool.
Huo Ci picked at the greens.
Boiled. Plain.
Next, the tofu.
Also boiled. Plain.
Finally, he tore into a bun with frustration.
Had she squandered her wealth, forcing this austerity?
But no—Old Master Jiang had left her dozens of thriving shops. Just days ago, he’d seen them operating normally.
Then why…?
The more he pondered, the more foolish he felt.
After a few tasteless bites, his stomach declared itself full.
As he cleared the table, Xia Feng and Dongyang returned.
“How is Xiao Ya?”
Xia Feng inwardly mocked his belated concern but answered respectfully: “Much better after Physician Sun’s medicine. She’s asleep now.”
Nodding, Huo Ci still couldn’t fathom Jinzhu’s motives.
Could deceitful servants be orchestrating this whole farce?
Lightning struck his mind. He stood abruptly, striding out—
He would make his mother see the truth!