Chapter 599 - 605

Shu Xiang was also clever, sent by Su Wenyue. Although her words did not overtly praise Su Wenyue or contain those pleasing phrases, it was her plain speech that made these disabled soldiers feel immensely grateful.

Since the Madam had shown kindness, it was only right that these people know, to ensure her efforts weren’t in vain. Even though the Madam didn’t do these things for fame or praise but purely from concern, they, as servants, must consider her reputation.

“We thank the Madam, we will remember the Madam’s kindness.”

These disabled soldiers were already very thankful for being cared for by Su Wenyue, to have food and shelter, and to be respected. They had not expected to be even more moved, although they’d been injured in war and their wounds should be considered honorable. They indeed deserved better care, but reality often fell short of expectations.

(Content has been harmonized)

The truth is one thing, reality is another; they had no choice but to accept it. Yet, with the unfairness they had been nursing in their hearts, the treatment from the General’s Wife brought all those feelings to the surface, moving them deeply. If the General’s Wife didn’t sincerely care about them, she wouldn’t have paid attention to such details.

“The Madam did not do this so that you would owe her a debt of gratitude. If you truly wish to repay the Madam, avoid doing things that would harm the reputation of the General’s Mansion. To behave and live peacefully is the best way to show your gratitude to the Madam,” Shu Xiang answered.

After Shu Xiang spoke, the disabled soldiers no longer said anything. Saying more would seem insincere; it was better to sincerely do something to repay the Madam’s kindness. They would certainly keep the Madam’s kindness in their hearts.@@novelbin@@

Shu Xiang, in fact, was even better at observing and manipulating people than Xiao Xi, which was why she was so valued by Su Wenyue. Seeing the expressions of those present, she knew she had achieved the desired effect and left with Xiao Xi, quite satisfied.

“Shu Xiang, you’re amazing. With just a few words, you made them feel so grateful to the Madam. I don’t have that skill,” Xiao Xi said, full of admiration.

Xiao Xi wasn’t upset or jealous that Su Wenyue valued Shu Xiang. In her view, anything that was good for the Madam had no reason to be opposed. Besides, she genuinely admired Shu Xiang’s ability. Even though she had been with the Madam for so long and had been trained by her, she understood that she could not match Shu Xiang’s skills. Shu Xiang was also fiercely loyal to the Madam, and Xiao Xi would not be envious or act on it, knowing in her heart that the Madam trusted her more than anyone else, and that was enough.

Shu Xiang could feel the sincerity in Xiao Xi’s words. Unlike other servant girls in Wealthy Families who schemed for favor, the few of them with the Madam were more like a family, supporting and helping each other. Therefore, Shu Xiang didn’t offer phony or pretentious responses to Xiao Xi.

“Xiao Xi, you’re doing well too. Everyone has their strengths, and there are things I might not do as well as you. We can learn from each other. After all, we’re working for the Madam, not competing against each other,” Shu Xiang said sincerely.

“Right! We’re all working for the Madam without competing. You and I are sisters,” Xiao Xi agreed, and after speaking, they smiled at each other, feeling as though their bond had grown stronger.

When Shu Xiang and Xiao Xi returned to Su Wenyue’s side, they found her holding a post and appearing lost in thought. Upon seeing them return, she put down the post.

“Madam, what is this post about? It’s not another troublesome issue, is it?” Xiao Xi asked directly out of concern and habit.

Upon hearing Xiao Xi’s question, Su Wenyue wasn’t upset or displeased, knowing Xiao Xi’s nature and that her question stemmed from concern for her.

Shu Xiang, on the other hand, felt envious but just kept the emotion to herself. Although she might be more capable and excellent than Xiao Xi in many ways, she could never occupy the same place in the Madam’s heart. Even though she knew the Madam trusted her greatly, there seemed to be something special between Xiao Xi and the Madam that she lacked. Perhaps it was due to Xiao Xi growing up with the Madam and the affection built over the years. Xiao Xi didn’t have the same kind of reverence for the Madam they had. As seen from the directness of her recent question, it came naturally to Xiao Xi, but Shu Xiang couldn’t do the same due to her character and missing that pure-hearted devotion Xiao Xi showed to the Madam. Xiao Xi’s sincerity towards the Madam was uninhibited by worries of potential blame, as long as it was for the Madam’s benefit.

“It is an invitation from the City Lord Mansion, asking me to attend a Flower Viewing Banquet.”

Seeing Xiao Xi looking worried, Su Wenyue shook her head. She had merely been thinking about something else. Recently, Yin Lihua and Chen Li had arrived in Peicheng, and it was likely they would be present at the banquet as well.

Considering Zhou Yao’s dedicated attentions toward Liu Xiu lately and her frequent visits to him, clearly hinting at interest, and with the City Lord not obstructing but rather allowing it to progress, Su Wenyue was curious about Yin Lihua’s reaction. Having a husband like Liu Xiu must be unfortunate; such a man seemed to have room for nothing but ambition, let alone genuine affection.

When Xiao Xi heard that the invitation was from the City Lord to enjoy the flower viewing, her worry didn’t diminish. She believed that because of Zhou Yao’s incident, there was already a grudge between them and the City Lord Mansion. Given that Zhou Yao was the City Lord’s wife’s niece, even if their relationship was just average, she was still a direct relative. The Madam’s blatant affront in Zhou Yao’s case might have offended the City Lord’s wife.

“Madam, won’t the City Lord’s wife take revenge because of that crazy woman’s matter?”

“No, the City Lord’s wife won’t be that petty. Besides, this Flower Viewing Banquet is also about connecting with others socially. Even if the City Lord’s wife is dissatisfied with me over Zhou Yao’s issue, she won’t do anything too outrageous, at least not publicly. As long as that’s the case, your Madam here can handle it,” Su Wenyue spoke with confidence, not worried about being troubled by the City Lord’s wife over Zhou Yao’s affair. According to the information, even if the City Lord’s wife wasn’t very clever, she certainly wasn’t foolish, which was enough. As long as she wasn’t too foolish, she would not cause too serious a problem, considering Liu Wenyong had made his stance clear when Han Yu came to plead her case.