Chapter 32: A Bolt from the Blue

Chu Xi’s heart tightened at these words. Could it be that Mother Mo did not want to see her?

In the past, Mother Mo had been the kindest soul to her. Whenever the Qian family bullied her, she would rush over to shield her and secretly slip her delicious treats. Yet now, the moment she had entered the estate, she had refused to see her. Had she, too, grown to despise her? The woman who had once provided boundless warmth and support to Chu Xi during her darkest days had now turned cold and heartless. A wave of sorrow washed over Chu Xi at the thought.

Mo Zixiao frowned upon hearing the news and said with displeasure, "Understood. You may leave."

Mother Li, bearing the brunt of Mo Zixiao’s irritation, felt deeply aggrieved. She turned and walked away without so much as glancing at Chu Xi.

The steward, Zhao Cheng, spoke up hurriedly, "It is getting late. General, perhaps you should let Miss Chu return to her room to rest."

Mo Zixiao nodded and turned to Chu Xi, who stood with her head bowed. "Get some rest. Since my mother is feeling unwell and not seeing guests, you may sleep in tomorrow to recover your energy."

Though Chu Xi had much she wished to say, she could only nod silently. Accompanied by Caiping, she followed a maid who led her away to her quarters.

From dawn until midnight, her emotions had been in constant turmoil throughout the day. She was utterly exhausted; before Caiping could even fetch hot water for her to wash, she had slumped onto the bed and fallen fast asleep. She slept deeply, and by the time she opened her eyes, it was nearly noon.

Caiping brought in hot water for her to freshen up, only to find her eyes red and swollen. "Your eyes are swollen like this because you cried so much yesterday. If the General sees you like this later, his heart will ache again."

"Caiping, we are only staying in the General's manor temporarily. Do not speak so carelessly in the future."

Caiping pouted. "You are being too cautious, Miss, and it is not a good thing. It would be better to let everyone know openly that the General has eyes and heart only for you. You are destined to be the one he wants."

Chu Xi sighed softly. "I have only just escaped the Prime Minister’s estate with my life; my heart is still unsettled. I do not wish to think of such things yet." In truth, how could she not want to? But given her lack of status or title, how was a woman like her to conduct herself?

"Xi’er," Mo Zixiao called out from outside the room before lifting the curtain and walking in.

Chu Xi stood up hurriedly. "Zixiao." Having grown up together, she was accustomed to calling him by his given name.

"I have just returned from the morning court. I have something to tell you."

Upon hearing this, Caiping smiled and immediately turned to leave the room.

At that moment, Chu Xi’s right eyelid twitched twice. She touched it anxiously and asked, "What is it?"

Mo Zixiao looked at her with starry eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips—a smile he was not even aware of himself.

"Did you sleep well last night?" he asked gently.

"Yes. I woke up late today. Fortunately, Mother Mo is not receiving guests, or I would have been a laughingstock."

"It does not matter. You went to bed late and endured so much mental and emotional strain; I am just relieved you did not fall ill."

Chu Xi felt a surge of warmth in her chest at his words. "Will my staying in your manor cause you any trouble?" She asked this with a hint of calculation; after all, what could be said of a woman living in a General's estate without name or status? She wanted to hear what plans and arrangements Mo Zixiao had for her.

Mo Zixiao sighed and said, "That is exactly why I came to see you. Tomorrow, before dawn, I must lead my troops to the southwest. It will take three months at the earliest, or perhaps a year, before I return."

This news was like a thunderbolt to Chu Xi.

"So suddenly?"