Chapter 4

The decision to return to the Xu Manor was not part of Xu Ling Ai's original plan. Her modern-day instincts craved exploration and freedom, and since she had no way of returning to her world yet, she figured she might as well have some fun in the capital.

Before her departure, Jiang Mama was relentless in her instructions. "Miss, remember. Be very gentle and poised. No screaming, no fighting, and absolutely no informal speech!" she repeated for what felt like the hundredth time.

Xu Ling Ai, struggling to suppress a groan, nodded impatiently. "I know, I know. Don't worry!" She was well aware that she was supposed to embody the perfect image of gentleness and grace—traits that defined the original Xu Ling Ai. But such pretenses made her skin crawl.

"Jiang Mama," Xu Ling Ai began, her tone softening as a bittersweet realization dawned on her. "I want to thank you for everything. I might not remember the old me or what you've done for me before, but I'm forever grateful. Please, be happy and stay healthy."

Tears glistened in Jiang Mama's eyes as she clasped Xu Ling Ai's hands. "Miss, this old woman wishes for nothing but your happiness. Your mother would be so proud if you lived life on your terms."

Xu Ling Ai felt her throat tighten. Despite her brief time here, Jiang Mama had treated her with such care and love that she couldn't help but feel the weight of their parting. But she knew she couldn't be selfish—Jiang Mama deserved to return to her hometown and find peace.

With a tearful goodbye, the two parted ways in the bustling streets of the capital. Xu Ling Ai, now traveling alone, couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness.

Returning to the Xu Manor might have been her ultimate destination, but her real motive was curiosity. She wanted to see the people who had so brazenly discarded her, to unravel the tangled threads of this new life she'd stumbled into.

The journey, however, took an unexpected turn when her carriage jolted to an abrupt stop. Startled, she heard a loud, furious voice from outside.

"Whoever is inside, come out this instant! You dared to crash into my palanquin? What a lowly carriage you must have to dare such insolence!"

The voice belonged to none other than Mo Li Huai, the notorious playboy son of a minister. His arrogance was infamous in Luoyang, and he seemed intent on making a scene.

Xu Ling Ai carefully stepped down from the carriage, mindful not to trip over her overly long robes. The veil obscured her face, but her poise and the simplicity of her attire hinted at an air of elegance.

"Mister, I'm sorry if my carriage collided with yours. Please pardon us," she said politely, offering a respectful bow.

But Mo Li Huai wasn't interested in an apology. He sneered, his voice deliberately loud to draw the attention of the growing crowd. "You think an apology is enough? I won't let you walk away so easily! Not today!"

Xu Ling Ai's patience wore thin. "Piss off, gadzooks! I've already apologized. Why are you trying to pick a fight? I have better things to do than waste my time playing with you!"

The crowd murmured in surprise, curious about the veiled girl who spoke with such audacity. Her unfamiliar tone and choice of words only deepened the intrigue.

As she turned to leave, she felt a rough hand grab her arm, yanking her backward. The sudden force caused her to stumble and fall to the ground. In the commotion, a jade pendant slipped from her robes, landing with a soft clink on the cobblestones.

"Yaishh, you motherf—" Xu Ling Ai barely stopped herself mid-curse, clenching her fists and inhaling sharply to keep her composure.

"You! Come here!" she snapped, her glare sharp enough to cut through steel.

"If I get transferred to the Stone Age Period, I will bring you with me so I can eat you!" she yelled furiously, her words both absurd and scathing, drawing confused murmurs from the growing crowd.

Mo Li Huai's smug expression faltered at her outburst. Before Xu Ling Ai could make her next move, his gaze drifted downward—and his face drained of color as he spotted the jade pendant lying on the ground.

The crowd, initially entertained by the escalating confrontation, collectively froze as recognition dawned on several faces.

"It's... the royal jade," someone whispered.

"The general's pendant! That belongs to Duke Su!"

Gasps rippled through the onlookers, the shift in their demeanor palpable as whispers spread like wildfire.

Xu Ling Ai blinked, momentarily confused by the sudden change. Her attention darted between the horrified expression of Mo Li Huai and the pendant lying innocently on the cobblestones. She tilted her head, still irritated. "What? Cat got your tongue now?"

But Mo Li Huai, visibly trembling, didn't respond. Instead, he dropped to his knees without a shred of his earlier arrogance. "I... I didn't know! I didn't know you were connected to His Highness!" he stammered, his voice shaky. "Please, don't report this to him! I—I beg you, my lady!"

Xu Ling Ai's jaw dropped as she looked at the groveling man. Her gaze shifted to the jade again, a sudden realization dawning on her. This wasn't just some trinket.

The reaction of both Mo Li Huai and the crowd confirmed that this item held immense significance—and, by extension, so did she.

She bent down, casually picking up the pendant and inspecting it with feigned indifference. "So this is important, huh?" she muttered under her breath. She straightened, fixing Mo Li Huai with a scowl.

"You're lucky I'm in a good mood today," she said coldly, slipping the jade back into her robes. "But if I ever hear about you bullying someone like this again, I'll let His Highness deal with you. Got it?"

"Yes! Of course! I wouldn't dare, my lady!" Mo Li Huai groveled, bowing repeatedly.

Satisfied—or as satisfied as one could be with such a bizarre encounter—Xu Ling Ai turned on her heel and strode back to her carriage. The murmurs of the crowd followed her, but she ignored them, her mind racing.

Once inside the carriage, she pulled the jade out again, turning it over in her hands. "So, this belongs to Duke Su, huh? Is he the general everyone keeps mentioning?" she mused aloud.

Her fingers brushed over the engraved character, Su, and her thoughts wandered to the mysterious masked man from the forest. "Could it be him? Ugh, this is so confusing!"

She sighed heavily, leaning back against the cushioned seat. "Guess I won't be selling this anytime soon. Looks like I need to return it. But who is this Duke Su, and what's his deal? And why does everyone act like he's some kind of god?"

The questions buzzed in her mind, and though she was annoyed, a small, mischievous grin tugged at her lips. "Well, if this Duke Su is as important as everyone says, maybe I'll have some fun finding out."

And with that, Xu Ling Ai resolved to uncover the truth—starting with the mysterious man who had quite literally crashed into her life.

P.S.

How old are y'all?

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