Chapter Forty-Nine: The Former Grand General

Su Lilu heard Madam Chang speaking outside the door. She hurriedly folded the newly acquired treasure map a few times in a panic and stuffed it into the inner lining of her robe, not bothering to study it further.

“Madam, come in,” Su Lilu called, glancing over the table and confirming there was nothing suspicious in sight. She wiped the nervous sweat from her brow and let out a soft sigh of relief.

“My lady, what’s wrong? Why is your face so red? Are you feeling stifled?” Madam Chang put down the teapot she was holding and stepped closer, noticing Su Lilu’s rosy cheeks and how spirited she looked.

“It’s nothing—perhaps the room was just too stuffy earlier. Why don’t you open the door and let in some air, Madam? There are curtains; it won’t be cold,” Su Lilu replied, covering her face with her cold hands, finding the contrast against her flushed cheeks comforting.

Madam Chang nodded in agreement and swung the door wide open. The heavy drapes by the door fell, blocking any wind from entering.

Turning back, Madam Chang helped Su Lilu to her seat. Her glance fell upon the military texts on the table, and tears welled up in her eyes as she touched the books in a daze. “My lady, you truly are like your mother, fond of these things as well.”

“My mother? Madam, you knew her? What kind of person was she?” Su Lilu’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. She had never imagined Madam Chang had met her mother. In the Prime Minister’s residence, no one ever mentioned her, and Su Lilu had never found any way to inquire about her.

“Please don’t rush, my lady. I will answer all your questions in turn,” Madam Chang replied, glancing outside. The maids stood guard beyond the door, but if she kept her voice down, they would hear nothing.

Su Lilu pulled at Madam Chang, insisting she sit, but Madam Chang protested, “My lady, this isn’t proper.”

“If you keep refusing, I’ll be upset,” Su Lilu said with feigned anger. “You’re like family to me; it’s alright to sit. There’s no one else here to see.” She tugged Madam Chang down beside her onto the couch.

Madam Chang could not resist and sat, albeit only half of herself, grasping Su Lilu’s hand and studying her through tears. After a long pause, she reminisced, “Your mother was the famed general, highly esteemed by His Majesty. She was unlike most women—kind-hearted and always willing to help the weak. In those days, the general’s reputation was enormous. Anyone outside could tell you some story of her.”

“My mother was so remarkable? Then why have I never heard anyone speak of her?” Su Lilu asked, puzzled.

Her eyes were filled with doubt. If things were truly as Madam Chang described, why then had she always suffered so much in the Prime Minister’s mansion?

Madam Chang sighed, looking at Su Lilu with pity. “The general was indeed extraordinary, but heaven is jealous of talent. After her death, no one spoke of her again; in time, people forgot she ever existed.”

“No wonder no one in the Prime Minister’s residence ever mentioned my mother. Madam, is there some hidden reason behind all this?” Su Lilu’s eyes shone with curiosity.

Madam Chang’s gaze flickered evasively, and she shook her head. “This I truly do not know, my lady. But you must never bring it up before others, or it could bring disaster upon you.” Seeing Su Lilu nod indifferently, Madam Chang felt compelled to gently repeat her warning.

Su Lilu murmured in assent, lowering her head as her eyes flickered with uncertainty. She had always been curious about her mother. When she first arrived in this body, her mother was already gone, and since then, no one had ever mentioned her. It was clear now that someone had deliberately kept the truth from her.

“Madam Chang, how did you come to know my mother?” Su Lilu suddenly realized it was odd; how could a palace nurse have any connection with a general?

A faint smile appeared at the corner of Madam Chang’s eyes as she cleared her throat and spoke softly, “That was back when I served as a palace maid. Once, I offended a concubine in the palace, and the general happened to come by. She spoke up for me, pleaded on my behalf. I’ve been grateful ever since.”

Madam Chang was a little nostalgic for her youth. Looking at Su Lilu, whose eyes and face so closely resembled the general’s, she would sometimes lose herself in thought, recalling that kind woman.

“So that’s how it was. But why did you never mention this before?” Su Lilu noticed a hint of discomfort on Madam Chang’s face, and a cold smile flitted across her lips. It seemed this nurse had not always held her in high esteem.

Madam Chang saw Su Lilu’s expression cool and hastened to explain, “Please don’t misunderstand, my lady. Back then, your situation in the manor was difficult, and I was new here. I didn’t dare get too close; I could only watch over you from afar. But when the old madam assigned me to you, it finally gave me the chance to fulfill my wishes.”

Her eyes nearly brimmed with tears as she spoke, and Su Lilu felt awkward, rubbing her nose and taking Madam Chang’s hand with sudden childishness. “I was only teasing, Madam. Don’t be upset. Please, tell me more about my mother. I want to know what sort of woman she was.”

Su Lilu’s heart brimmed with both curiosity and admiration for her mother. She clung to Madam Chang, regret filling her eyes. For a woman to become a general in this world was no easy feat, and it was a shame she had died young, leaving her daughter no chance to witness her glory.

Madam Chang was helpless against Su Lilu’s insistence, so she recounted every tale she had heard or seen of the great general. Su Lilu listened with wide, unblinking eyes, urging her to continue whenever she paused. With tears in her eyes, Madam Chang thought to herself, “General, your daughter is worthy of you. Even without her mother at her side, she always holds you in her heart.”

When Madam Chang’s throat was parched from talking, Su Lilu still pressed for more. At last, Madam Chang begged for mercy, “My lady, at least let me have a sip of water before I go on. Besides, I’ve told you all I know. If you want to know more, you’ll have to find some other way.”

Su Lilu, embarrassed, said, “Of course, Madam. Please, drink some water. I got carried away in my excitement. Take a rest.”

She reflected inwardly, realizing her eagerness had been excessive. There was no need to rush; she could ask more when the chance arose. With this thought, her demeanor became much more composed and serene than before.

Madam Chang, truly thirsty, drained her cup in no time. Su Lilu poured her another, and when that was finished, Madam Chang waved her hand. “Enough, my lady. No need to fuss over me. You are the daughter of the great general, and now you enjoy reading military texts as well. One day you’ll be just as distinguished.”

“How could I? I have nothing now, and I only read these books for show,” Su Lilu replied, a hint of disappointment in her voice. The only thing she was truly proud of was her medical skill, but for now, she dared not reveal it.