Chapter 7: Back to the Mansion by Decree

In the far west wing of the General's estate—forgotten by most, mocked by many—stood the once-prosperous main courtyard, where the official wife, Madam Xiao Lan, and her daughter, Hua Rui, lived.

The twins, Gu Ruolan and Gu Mochuan, had grown into the pampered, venom-tongued heirs of General Gu's favor.

With their mother's influence and the General's doting, they reigned freely over the estate like little tyrants. They mocked Hua Rui, flaunted their luxuries, and treated Xiao Lan with thinly veiled disdain.

But they never managed to break Hua Rui.

By the time she was ten, the once delicate girl had learned to stand in front of her mother like a wall.

She took punishments in silence, bore the scorn without tears, and trained herself to never cry, at least not in front of them.

When food was short, she pretended she wasn't hungry.

When the twins humiliated her in front of guests, she remained unaffected.

And when their mother, Concubine Lin Yue, tried to slap Xiao Lan during an argument, it was Hua Rui who caught her hand and pushed her.

"She is still the official wife of the General," Hua Rui had said, her voice soft but unshakable. "I won't let you touch her."

That was the first time Lin Yue had seen true fire in her eyes.

Even the General heard of it, but Xiao Lan, hoping for fairness, was dismissed coldly once again.

"She's grown too bold. Maybe I've been too lenient with her."

From that day forward, Xiao Lan regretted marrying him and promised to avoid him.

But Hua Rui… she watched.

And she remembered.

In the quiet nights, she would study by candlelight using old books left behind by her mother's late brother, a former scholar. She practiced calligraphy, memorized poems, read military tactics, and even copied court etiquette by hand until her wrists ached.

Not for glory.

Not even for revenge.

But for one purpose that is... to protect her mother.

"Mother," she said one night, brushing Xiao Lan's hair while she sat half-asleep by the fire, "I'll get us out of here one day."

Xiao Lan smiled weakly. "I don't want you to be burdened by my sorrow."

"You're not a burden," Hua Rui said, lips pressed into a firm line. "You're the only person who's ever truly loved me."

In those quiet, painful years, the girl who once cried silently under the plum tree became a young woman of unwavering spirit.

She didn't have the General's favour.

She didn't have her siblings' status.

But she had something they would never understand

Purpose.

...

The imperial decree arrived at dawn, carried by a royal messenger clad in silver armour, his voice cutting through the cold morning like a blade.

"By the command of His Majesty, the General's Manor is to be restored to order. All legitimate members of the household must be treated in accordance with their station.

The former Madam Xiao Lan and her daughter Gu Hua Rui shall return to their rightful place within the main residence. Any disobedience shall be seen as defiance against the throne."

The General's concubine, Lin Yue, stood frozen in the courtyard, her smile tight. Though the news felt like a slap, she bowed her head respectfully.

"Yes… of course. His Majesty's will is absolute."

But deep behind her calm facade, her heart burned.

She's coming back? That useless, quiet woman? After all these years?

And Hua Rui — that girl — the one her precious Ruolan had tormented for years, would now walk the halls again as a legitimate daughter.

It was disgraceful.

But there was nothing she could do. Not yet.

The General, Gu Cheng, remained silent for a long time after the decree. He had long buried his emotions when it came to Xiao Lan.

She had once been the woman he swore to protect — until politics and preference swept her away from his heart.

Now she returned not out of his will, but from imperial pressure.

And that pricked his pride.

But the Emperor's word was law.

So, two days later, under quiet skies, the once-banished Xiao Lan returned to the manor she had once called home — accompanied by her daughter.

Gu Hua Rui stepped into the main courtyard with a calm, respectful posture. She wore no extravagant dress, no fine jewellery. Her eyes held a soft light, serene as a lake… but cold beneath the surface.

The household staff bowed automatically.

But Lin Yue and her daughter, Ruolan, watched from the second-floor balcony, smiles fixed on their faces like painted masks.

"Look at her, mother," Ruolan whispered. "She walks in like she owns the place."

"Let her walk," Lin Yue said calmly, eyes sharp. "It's the Emperor's favour. Let them enjoy it. For now."

"For now?"

"Even favours fade. And roses have thorns."

Down below, Hua Rui glanced up briefly at them and offered the softest, most polite smile — the kind that made Ruolan's chest burn.

"Don't look at her," Ruolan snapped. "She's still nothing. Just a poor girl with no connections."

"Then don't be jealous of nothing," Lin Yue said coolly.

Inside, Xiao Lan bowed formally to Gu Cheng.

"General."

"You may resume your place in the east wing," he said flatly. "The Emperor's decree will be honoured."

No warmth. No welcome.

She didn't expect any.

"Thank you, my Lord," Xiao Lan replied, just as coolly.

"And the girl?"

"She is my daughter," Xiao Lan said, her chin lifting. "Your daughter."

Gu Cheng's gaze flicked to Hua Rui for a brief moment.

She stood with her eyes downcast, hands folded politely, not a word on her lips. Dignified, restrained.

Too quiet.

"She will be placed accordingly."

"As the eldest daughter, she should resume her position as first miss."

"She has much to prove," he said.

"She will," Xiao Lan answered, voice steady.