Has the General Been Cremated Yet Today?

Wen Siyue followed her mother into the General's Estate of the Protector of the State. Her mother repeatedly warned her not to anger the young general, Qin Shu. She had to please him in every way if she wanted to establish herself safely.

At his birthday banquet, she remembered her mother's instructions, bowed respectfully, and greeted the proud, distinguished figure seated above her. "May the general enjoy every blessing."

Before she could finish, her lapels were soaked through. Wine trickled down her hair as she stood there in a humiliating mess, and an empty wine jug wobbled to the ground beside her.

"What are you standing there for? Pour our guests some wine."

The guests exchanged knowing looks.

So the new stepsister at the General's Estate was no better than a lowly servant.

-

Qin Shu's dislike of her was exactly what Wen Siyue had expected.

To secure a place for herself, she endured one humiliation after another, obediently playing the toy he could tease whenever he pleased.

But then, just before her mother and the general were to be married, they were both assassinated.

Unwilling to stay somewhere she had suffered so much, Wen Siyue took her mother's belongings and returned to Yangzhou alone.

-

Qin Shu detested the mother and daughter, especially Wen Siyue.

At their first meeting, during the grand banquet, her seemingly innocent eyes glistened with tears as she gazed at him shyly, clearly trying to seduce him.

He tossed a wine jug at her. When he saw her fighting back tears as she served wine to the guests, he sneered inwardly. If she wanted to rise in the world like her mother, couldn't she even endure this little hardship?

From then on, he made her his personal maid and ordered her around day and night. He watched her eyes turn red, yet she didn't dare complain.

When a servant told him Wen Siyue had left, Qin Shu scoffed. This was just a trick to make him go after her so she could use the opportunity to climb the social ladder.

He was certain she wouldn't give up all this wealth and status. She would come crawling back of her own accord within seven days.

But a month passed, and Wen Siyue still hadn't returned.

Qin Shu grew increasingly restless and couldn't focus on anything. At last, he put down his brush and sent someone to find out what had become of her.

Before long, a servant came back, trembling with fear, to deliver the news.

"Miss Wen... is getting married."

The brush snapped in half and fell onto the desk.

Content note: The male and female leads' parents were not married before they died. They are not on the same family register and are not blood-related.

Theme: If you like someone, say it plainly. Don't beat around the bush.