Chapter 21: Maid Xing’er and the Doomed Romance

The next day, the middle-aged woman knitted her brows and slowly regained consciousness. Her first instinct was to reach for her belly.

"My child..." she struggled to sit up, but, lacking the strength, she collapsed back down after a moment.

Luo Yi, who had been exercising outside, heard the commotion and hurried in. Seeing that the woman had awakened, she quickly poured a glass of water and approached.

The middle-aged woman recognized her. "Are you the person who was with that young gentleman last night?"

Luo Yi brought the water to her side and helped her sit up slowly. "Yes, I am."

Handing the cup to her, Luo Yi said in a soft, gentle voice, "You have just woken up and need to rest well. My master said you should try not to move around too much. If you need anything, just let me know."

Hearing this, the middle-aged woman suddenly grabbed Luo Yi’s hand, asking anxiously, "What about my child? Is she alright?"

Luo Yi understood her concern; what mother would not worry about her own child? She immediately offered a comforting look, trying her best to appear calm. "Don't worry, the baby was taken out to be fed. She is perfectly fine—a little girl. You will be able to see her in a moment."

The heavy weight on the middle-aged woman’s chest finally lifted. "That is good. As long as the child is safe, that is all that matters."

Just then, footsteps sounded outside. A pretty young girl with braided hair walked in, happily cradling an exquisite infant.

The moment she entered, the middle-aged woman looked up, her eyes brimming with maternal love. She knew that was her child, her treasure, for around the baby’s neck hung a simple, handmade sachet stitched from seven-colored gold thread. It was a charm she had sewn stitch by stitch back home, not praying for her child to be a dragon or a phoenix, but only that she would be happy, healthy, and safe.

"My Lady! My Lady, you’re finally awake! Xing'er was so worried about you."

As soon as the girl with the braids entered the room and saw her mistress sitting weakly on the bed with her eyes slightly open, she rushed over excitedly. She placed the baby into the woman’s arms, then wiped the tears from her own eyes. They were tears of relief.

This was her personal maid, who had been with her since childhood. They had grown up together, played together, and faced battles together; though not sisters by blood, they were closer than kin.

The middle-aged woman smiled at Xing'er, a touch of tenderness at the corners of her mouth. "I’m fine, Xing'er. Just a bit exhausted. You’ve looked after me all night, go and get some rest."

Then, she stroked the little one in her arms, a sense of excitement and happiness welling up in her heart.

"By the way, we must find out exactly what happened to the General." At the thought of General Lie’s unknown situation, the woman’s joy was suddenly tempered by worry.

Xing'er nodded and withdrew.

Back then, the Lady had damaged her health after giving birth to the eldest son, and it was thought she would never conceive again. But thanks to heaven's grace, she became pregnant again, and the General’s estate had been filled with joy, all awaiting the arrival of this new life.

However, just as she was approaching her due date, the General had gone out on official business and had been missing for a month. Then, the estate was informed that a body had been pulled from Clear Wave Lake, suspected to be the General’s. The Lady had rushed over in a panic, only to find it was a mistake. But on the return journey, they encountered bandits, leading to their flight to this place, which in turn triggered her labor.

Fortunately, they had encountered Luo Qianfan and his group—a stroke of luck in the midst of misfortune. Even now, the memory sent a shiver down her spine. If anything had truly happened to the little miss, they would have been devastated beyond repair.

***

Luo Qianfan had gone out to find food and returned to witness this scene: a mother tenderly cooing at her child—how heartwarming.

Luo Qianfan walked over and handed the gathered fruit to Luo Yi. Seeing her return, Luo Yi walked to her side, took the fruit, and went out to wash it. For a time, only the middle-aged woman, Luo Qianfan, and the newborn remained in the room.

The two locked eyes, neither speaking.

After a while, the middle-aged woman spoke. "Thank you for last night. If not for you, I don't think the child or I would have survived." She thanked Luo Qianfan from the bottom of her heart.

Luo Qianfan offered a faint smile. "It was nothing, just a small gesture." She paused, then added, "As for you, Madam, you are exhausted and should rest well."

The middle-aged woman studied Luo Qianfan again. He was still strikingly handsome, possessing the youthful vigor one would expect, but while a faint smile played on his lips, his eyes seemed to be veiled in frost, deep and unfathomable. Even a woman who had seen as much as she had felt chilled by that coldness.

The middle-aged woman pondered for a moment. Looking into those ice-cold eyes, she grew wary. "May I ask who you are, young master? To save me so rashly—are you not afraid that I might be a bad person?"

Luo Qianfan smiled enigmatically. Instead of answering immediately, she sat down casually, picked up the white jade wine flask at her waist, and took a leisurely sip.

"I generally prefer not to ask about other people’s private business. As for saving you, it was purely because I was in a good mood."

Luo Qianfan’s clear gaze flickered toward the baby, and the smile on her lips deepened. "Besides, I don't believe a pregnant woman would be willing to risk her child's life to harm a stranger, would you, Madam?"

Luo Qianfan tossed her hair, which danced in the air like a ribbon, adding a touch of dashing elegance to her demeanor. Watching the middle-aged woman’s confused expression, she crossed her arms and raised a brow.

"Furthermore, if one is traveling and lacks the ability to protect oneself, one wouldn't dare to venture out so easily, would one?" Luo Qianfan said lightly, as if brushing a speck of dust from her sleeve.

Hearing this, the middle-aged woman felt a sense of relief. She didn't know if he was telling the truth, but at least he had saved her child.

"Then, may I ask your surname, young master? And where is your home?" The middle-aged woman looked at Luo Qianfan, her eyes full of depth. She believed that someone who could speak so arrogantly must be someone of consequence.

Luo Qianfan tilted her head, her gaze misty and bewitching, staring at the woman without a word.

Realizing her rudeness, the woman quickly waved her hands. "Please, don't misunderstand, young master. I am not doubting you, nor do I wish to investigate you." She looked at Luo Qianfan with a grave and worried expression.

"To tell you the truth, I am the wife of General Lie Rufen. I was out searching for the General when I encountered bandits and ended up in this state." At this, a hint of danger flashed in her eyes. "Thanks to your righteous assistance in saving us, I wonder if you might have time to visit our estate in the capital once we return? It would allow me to fulfill my duties as a hostess and repay your life-saving grace."

The middle-aged woman’s polite words were sharp and spirited, even just after childbirth.

At this, Luo Qianfan rose from her chair and walked to the woman’s side, looking surprised. "So it is Lady Lie. No wonder you carry yourself with such military grace—truly a heroine of the age. It is an honor."

"I am Luo Qianfan, merely a wandering soul with a bit of medical knowledge. I happened to be passing by and chanced upon people in distress, so I did what little I could. Lady Lie need not take it to heart," Luo Qianfan replied with gentlemanly courtesy. "If we meet again in the capital, I will certainly visit your estate. I only hope Lady Lie will not find me troublesome then."

Luo Qianfan bowed, her star-bright eyes sparkling. Dressed in fine silk and standing against the light, she looked like a beautiful man who had stepped out of a painting.

Lady Lie’s mouth curved upward by forty-five degrees, and she seemed somewhat embarrassed. "Young Master Luo is too modest. I am no heroine; I simply practice with blades alongside the General. You, however, are truly a dragon among men, dashing and elegant. I was worried you might not accept my invitation, so I am relieved."

A soft, warm smile appeared on Lady Lie’s pale face, her piercing eyes holding three parts suspicion and seven parts wit. "But, young master, you are so young and accomplished—your family must be distinguished. I wonder, are you married?"

As soon as the words left her lips, Luo Qianfan’s mouth twitched, and her legs nearly gave out.

She heard the woman continue, "Truth be told, I have a cousin who is of excellent character and beauty. If you do not mind, I could introduce you."

Lady Lie’s eyes moved, her pale lips parting as she took on the role of a matchmaker. If she hadn't already had a daughter of her own, she might have actually wanted to make this young master her son-in-law. Lady Lie suddenly thought of her newborn baby, a flash of tenderness in her eyes.

"An introduction will not be necessary. I am but a commoner, and I would not dare to climb so high. I hope Lady Lie will forgive me," Luo Qianfan said with a sheepish laugh. She hadn't expected that a simple act of kindness would lead to a romantic entanglement.

Seeing Luo Qianfan’s discomfort, Lady Lie chuckled. "In that case, it is my cousin’s misfortune. Very well."

"However, if you ever need anything, feel free to come to the General’s estate. We will do our utmost to assist you."

Lady Lie did not rely on her status, which Luo Qianfan found quite acceptable.

"Then I thank you, Madam," Luo Qianfan nodded.

As a shrewd person, Luo Qianfan could easily see through Lady Lie’s little schemes. She had long heard that the mistress of the General’s estate was not someone to be trifled with. Indeed, she couldn't help but be suspicious even of her savior. It seemed the capital was certainly not a peaceful place.

Luo Qianfan’s lips pressed into a thin line, her brows arched, her toes tapping restlessly.

"The capital... and the so-called kin. Luo Qianfan is returning. Are you ready?"

No matter what your purpose is this time, you will likely not get your way, because I am destined to be a thorn in your side. Not only to seek justice for the original Luo Qianfan who has already passed away, but also to make things more convenient for myself in the future. After all, I am the one inhabiting this body now. As the saying goes: 'My body, my rules. As for others, any interference is but a delusion.'

The game is getting more and more interesting.