Chapter 149: The Peacock Spreads Its Tail
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
“Let’s make our way down the mountain now. In case there’s another tremor, it might become unsafe,” suggested a shadow guard who seemed to materialize out of thin air, his presence nearly unnoticeable.
Madam Xu nodded, her demeanor composed yet tinged with concern. “Chao Chao, don’t be frightened.”
Little Chao Chao, somewhat disheartened, snuggled against Madam Xu’s shoulder, her gaze fixating on a stone inscribed with “Morning and Evening.”
(This world, it hasn’t changed. I’m still here. That’s why I can decipher the wind’s whispers and the trees’ quiet talk. This is a gift from the world, acknowledging me as its savior.)
A warmth blossomed in Lu Chao Chao’s heart, filling her with a sense of belonging and purpose.
Halting mid-stride, Madam Xu’s senses sharpened. “Did anyone else hear that?” She paused to scan the dense underbrush lining their path.
“I didn’t catch anything, ma’am,” responded Deng Zhi, focusing intently but only distinguishing distant bird calls.
“There’s a pit just ahead. We passed it on our way up,” murmured the shadow guard, his eyes vigilant.
With a decisive gesture, Madam Xu instructed, “Send two to investigate. There might be someone who fell during the quake.” The mountain breeze was brisk, masking other potential sounds.
Chao Chao pointed, her small finger quivering. “Dewe’s someone dewe.”
Madam Xu’s expression shifted to one of urgency. “Quick, check for any injuries.”
The shadow guards descended into the pit swiftly, their movements both fluid and precise. They discovered an unconscious elderly woman and a distressed young maid crying out for assistance.
“Old Madam, please wake up…” pleaded the maid, desperate for help as she noticed the shadow guards.
After the rescue, the elderly woman and the maid, overwhelmed with gratitude, knelt and tearfully thanked them.
“There’s no need for thanks right now. The old lady is elderly and may have sustained bone fractures. We should move her down the mountain promptly,” commanded Madam Xu, and the guards gently hoisted the old woman.
“The Protectorate Duke will surely reward you for your aid,” the maid assured them, bowing deeply in gratitude.
(The Protectorate Duke?) Chao Chao’s eyes widened in realization. (Oh my, isn’t that General Rong’s mother?)
The twist of fate in rescuing General Rong Che’s mother herself took even Madam Xu by surprise.
“The Old Madam insisted on coming alone without guards. I stayed only because I pleaded with her,” the maid explained, dabbing her tears, relieved that she hadn’t sustained injuries like the old lady.
Upon reaching the mountain’s base, the old lady gradually regained consciousness, her eyes fluttering open to her surroundings.
The maid recounted the ordeal, and the old lady gripped Madam Xu’s hand, her hold surprisingly firm. “Good child… good child.”
“The Duke has been informed and is already descending the mountain. Someone has been dispatched to notify him,” the maid informed softly, her voice soothing.
“Please, visit the Duke’s residence. We must properly express our gratitude for saving my life,” the old lady insisted earnestly, clutching Madam Xu’s hand.
Seeing the old lady’s pallor and earnest plea, Madam Xu agreed.
Upon examination, a doctor confirmed that the old lady had injured her leg, likely a fracture.
“If she were younger, recovery would be quicker. But at her age, it will take more time,” stated the doctor, his tone both gentle and resolute.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Seated in a wheelchair, the old lady’s face was pale but determined.
“You see, I injured my leg merely seeking a marriage blessing. My eldest son would be furious if he knew,” whispered the maid, her voice laden with worry.
“If it ensures a good marriage, breaking my leg or even dying with a smile wouldn’t bother me!” the old lady retorted spiritedly.
“How could he be upset? My decision not to send him into another family was my final concession!” she declared, her eyes defiant.
Madam Xu felt slightly awkward, her mind racing. (If I didn’t know why General Rong is still unmarried, I might have brushed this off. But knowing the truth makes it so awkward.)
“Don’t worry, dear. It’s my son’s fault,” the old lady reassured, her tone softening as she addressed Chao Chao. “He’s over thirty and still not married. My life feels quite miserable because of it,” she lamented, her tone sad.
“I think it’s due to his name.”
“Rong Che, the ‘Che’ character includes three water dots, which suggests he’s destined to remain single! Water always flows, never settling. Right?” The old lady patted Madam Xu’s hand, finding her more and more agreeable. (Ah, why can’t her son meet someone as nice as Madam Xu?) Madam Xu thought, a twinge of sympathy stirring within her.
Madam Xu had originally visited to pray for her eldest son’s marriage, although he had been married for years.
“What should I rename him to attract a perfect match? Maybe Rong Shuangshuang (Double Happiness)?” the old lady proposed, her eyes gleaming with hope.
“Pff…” Madam Xu couldn’t help but burst into laughter at the ridiculous suggestion.
A muscular General Rong Che, known as the Protectorate Duke… Just imagine the enemy shouting, “Rong Shuangshuang, meet your fate!” The thought was absurdly amusing.
Observing Madam Xu’s laughter, the old lady didn’t take offense. Her straightforward nature made her appreciate Madam Xu’s candid response.
“I’ll think it over some more,” the old lady considered thoughtfully. (Poor General Rong, unable to find a wife, and now even his name might change!) Madam Xu mused, slightly shaking her head.
As they arrived outside the Duke’s imposing residence, the Duke himself awaited at the gate, a royal physician by his side, both looking concerned.
“The physician is highly skilled. Just follow his advice,” the royal physician assured, noting the adept bandaging, his demeanor professional.
Inside, the servants ushered Madam Xu through as the Duke immediately began scolding, his voice resonating across the courtyard. “Where is that disobedient son?” he demanded, his ire apparent.
“The General is at the palace visiting the king,” responded the servants, their voices quivering slightly under his gaze.
“If only he would marry, we wouldn’t have to worry so much,” the Duke muttered, his frustration palpable.
“Today, we must properly thank Madam Xu. When the General returns, ensure he comes to express his gratitude,” the old lady declared, smiling warmly at Madam Xu. She clasped Madam Xu’s hand affectionately, her grasp strong and comforting. “My son is a rugged man, don’t be intimidated…”
“He’s not one for appearances. He…” the old lady waved dismissively, her expression one of affectionate exasperation.
Last time he went to a matchmaking event, he arrived in his dusty military uniform straight from the camp. The prospective match had turned pale and fled the scene immediately.
“I really do get along well with you,” the old lady beamed at Madam Xu, her affection growing with each moment they spent together.
Meanwhile, outside the Duke’s residence.
General Rong Che dismounted and was briefed by a servant, “Old Madam fell into a pit and was rescued. You are requested to come and express your thanks.”
General Rong’s expression darkened. “Is my mother seriously hurt?”
He strode into the residence, his steps brisk and purposeful, moving directly towards the main courtyard.
“Old Madam is not gravely injured, just her leg. She will need a few weeks of rest,” the servant informed him, his tone steady.
As he was about to enter, he overheard, “The rescuer is from the Marquis Zhongyong’s household, the lady who now lives independently after the divorce. You can call her Madam Xu…”
General Rong paused, his heart pounding. General Rong inquired urgently, turning to the servant, “Who did you say saved my mother?”
“The youngest daughter of the Xu family,” the servant replied, visibly confused.
General Rong hesitated at the door, his mind racing. “Do you think my clothes look outdated? Did I forget to shave? No, this won’t do…” He darted out of the residence, his departure swift and determined.
The servant, unable to keep pace, looked on in surprise.