The mysterious individuals were actually spies sent by various factions within the government.
The rumors were secretly spread by Cang Yile, aiming to make everyone believe that their own people had conflicts with other factions, leading to mutual slaughter. This would cause the financiers behind the spies to suspect each other.
Anyway, those spies had all been killed by Cang Yile, and no one knew about it, so he could spread rumors as he pleased.
Whenever the Ice Blood Sect Master Evil Sovereign appeared in a certain location, bloodshed would follow. Cang Yile could use this opportunity to intimidate those in the court and various factions lurking in the capital, ensuring they wouldn't dare to act recklessly.
If he could divert their attention from Xia Yuhan, her danger would be reduced. He only hoped that his good intentions would be understood by her.
……
The next morning, Xia Yuhan deliberately got up very late because she suspected that there might be a pile of black-clad corpses outside her room. However, things turned out to be unexpected.
It was quieter than ever.
She watched as Qiao'er casually called for her to get ready, appearing before her with a look of deep sleepiness.
"Qiao'er, are you alright? Did you not sleep well last night?" Xia Yuhan feigned concern.
"Second Sister, I'm fine. I just feel a bit groggy waking up so early. But how is Second Sister's health?"
Xia Yuhan was somewhat puzzled; could it be that there really were no black-clad corpses outside? Never mind, she should quickly get up and check the situation.
As she was lost in thought, she heard someone knock on the door and instructed Qiao'er, "Qiao'er, go see who it is."
"It’s Second Sister."
At this moment, Xia Yuhan climbed out of bed and casually put on a piece of clothing. Who could be knocking on the door so early? It surely wouldn’t be Second Madam.
It could only be someone looking to cause her trouble!
Did these people not even spare her some time to recover in peace?
Hmph...
Who would have thought that what happened next would once again catch Xia Yuhan off guard!
Because after Qiao'er went out with the visitor, she returned excitedly, shouting, "Congratulations, Second Sister, congratulations! This is really great news! The General wants Second Sister and Second Madam to have a meal together, and he asked Second Sister to prepare early!"
How could this be?
Xia Yuhan frowned tightly. Could it be that Madam was secretly scheming, sending someone to deliver false news?
It should be known that Xia Yuhan had always held a very low position in Xia Manor. Usually, let alone having a meal with the family, she wasn’t even allowed to step into the main gate of the Main House...
Seeing that Xia Yuhan was not only unhappy but also looked gloomy, Qiao'er asked with concern, "Why isn’t Second Sister happy? This is a good thing! You should be especially happy because the General finally noticed your existence! From now on, who would dare to bully us?"
Xia Yuhan smiled faintly, "Isn’t there no one who dares to bully us now?"
"Then does that mean Second Sister and Second Madam are not going to have dinner with General Xia?" Qiao'er looked at Xia Yuhan in confusion. After all, such good news would make anyone happy; why was it that only their family’s Second Sister seemed gloomy and unwilling?
"Go, why not go? Hurry and tell my mother about this. Let her prepare as well."
Her voice sounded unusually cold, causing Qiao'er to feel a chill run down her spine.
"Yes... yes, Second Sister, I will go right away. I will update you at the first opportunity."
Xia Yuhan watched Qiao'er’s retreating figure, lost in thought. She had heard from Second Madam that she, Xia Yuhan, had been neglected for many years, always sharing simple meals with Second Madam. Even during New Year's Eve, they had never sat at the same table with the General for a proper meal.
Now they were going to have a meal together; didn’t that seem strange?
What was her identity? She had always been self-aware. She would never think that just because she had walked out of the palace and won the people's hearts, she could arrogantly believe that she, Xia Yuhan, was precious and irreplaceable!
This world would never stop turning for one person!
Suddenly being invited to dine together was too unusual! Was Madam unable to contain herself so soon and hastily made a move?
If that were the case, it would likely disappoint Madam!
Because no matter what kind of trap was set or what the outcome might be, Xia Yuhan felt fearless.
Moreover, if Madam did not make a move, Xia Yuhan would eventually take action herself. She could not remain in a passive position at Xia Manor! She had to fight for what she wanted! To obtain what she deserved!
But now was not the time; her injuries had not fully healed. With this thought, Xia Yuhan sighed deeply at the bronze mirror on the dressing table...
When the Second Madam brought Xia Yuhan to the Main House, just as they were about to step through the door, they heard Xia Wan'er shout angrily, "Xia Yuhan, how dare you! Is this a place anyone can enter?"
"Daddy, look, is there still any order in this house?"
From a distance, Xia Wan'er saw the mother and daughter pair approaching and couldn't hold back her pent-up anger.
If it weren't for Madam glaring at Xia Wan'er in time, even worse words might have come out of her mouth!
For the Second Madam, she didn't know how much courage it took to take this step. If Xia Yuhan hadn't been comforting her all along, she might not have had the courage to come here at all.
Her status was lowly; her family was merely vendors on the street with no standing whatsoever. The only reason she could stay in Xia Manor for so long was due to General Xia's care. It was through General Xia's little "favor" that they managed to establish themselves in Xia Manor.
Previously, General Xia had invited them to dine together, but Madam strongly opposed it. Since that time, they had never shared a meal with General Xia again.
Xia Yuhan stood beside the Second Madam, supporting her. Seeing the Second Madam trembling with fear, she comforted her, "Mother, let's go in. We can't keep being bullied like this, right?"
"Yu Han, but..."
Before the Second Madam could finish her sentence, Madam inside the Main House coldly scolded, "Ruxin, don't you know what kind of place this is? How can you let your daughter be confused along with you?"
"Enough! Chen Yu!" Ever since he found out that Madam had done something unforgivable behind his back, he completely ignored this woman and didn't want to waste more words on her!
Chen Yu pretended to look aggrieved and said, "General, is there no order in this house? Is the Main House a place anyone can enter?"
"That's right, Daddy. Throughout history, there has always been a distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children. Those born out of wedlock have never been able to enter polite society; they only bring shame to the entire family. Daddy surely doesn't want to break the rules set by our ancestors and allow someone of low status to tarnish your reputation?"
Xia Wan'er was already filled with anger. Now, seeing her mother being neglected by Daddy because of Xia Yuhan, this scoundrel, she hated Xia Yuhan even more, gritting her teeth in frustration.
She still hadn't settled the score from last time, and now this scoundrel was bothering her again! It was simply asking for trouble!
Appreciating flowers was something only noble individuals did. As a lowly-born, she had no face to enjoy such activities with those proper Young Ladies. If anything went wrong, it would be her Xia Wan'er's face that would be embarrassed!
What infuriated her even more was that someone so despicable as Xia Yuhan had the audacity to receive a personal invitation from the Empress for such an honor.
If it weren't for this scoundrel stealing her spotlight, it would have been her Xia Wan'er enjoying that honor!
Xia Yuhan, this scoundrel, how dare she compete with her?
Madam wanted to say something, but seeing General Xia's heavy expression, she held back. Instead, she shot an angry glare at Second Madam, who was so frightened that she clung to Xia Yuhan.
In fact, what made Madam feel anxious and helpless was also Xia Yuhan. In her view, if it were any other time, a little provocation would have made Xia Yuhan fight back fiercely, causing a ruckus. Once she started acting like a shrew, there would be no trace of a Young Lady left in her. At that point, no one could help her!
But today, Xia Yuhan was calmer than ever, as if everything happening around her had nothing to do with her.
This made Madam want to get rid of Xia Yuhan even more!
Otherwise, who knew what kind of trouble would arise in Xia Manor in the future?
Moreover, having such a formidable opponent like Xia Yuhan was terrifying! If she didn't eliminate this rival soon, she would eventually meet her demise at the hands of this scoundrel!
At that moment, Madam felt some resentment. She regretted not driving them away sooner; otherwise, she wouldn't have to go through so much trouble dealing with this scoundrel, Xia Yuhan!
...
From beginning to end, General Xia's gaze remained fixed on Xia Yuhan. Seeing that she did not lose control over a few unflattering remarks about her, he was quite pleased and greatly admired her.
"Yu Han, I did not expect you to grow up so well in such a harsh environment. I am very comforted by this. Come on, Ruxin, take Yu Han to her seat."
"Yes! General!" The Second Madam was already in tears from excitement at this moment.
It was undeniable that what happened today was beyond Xia Yuhan's expectations. She never thought General Xia would speak to her so gently...
However, no matter what, she, Xia Yuhan, would not be swayed! In this deceitful world, she could not trust anyone so easily. The only person she could trust was herself!
So when General Xia spoke to her like this, she did not show the same extreme excitement as the Second Madam. Instead, she remained calm and expressionless, observing them and everything in the room.
It was as if she were merely a spectator here, composed and unruffled.
"Yu Han thanks Daddy! But Yu Han sees that Sister Wan'er doesn't look well; it seems Yu Han shouldn't be here..."
Before she could finish, General Xia impatiently interrupted Xia Yuhan: "Enough! If I tell you to sit, then sit!"
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