Chapter 5: The General’s Daughter

“Madam, please rest assured. There was no evidence left behind from that incident years ago. The master will never uncover anything. You must be uneasy today only because it’s the anniversary of that wretched woman’s death. Madam, have no fear. That fox spirit was nothing but a calamity, and you were ridding the household of a menace. There’s no need to worry,” Zhang Po soothed, bowing low as she spoke with a sycophantic smile.

Hearing Zhang Po’s words, Chen regained her confidence, setting down her teacup with composed elegance.

“You’re quite right. I acted for the sake of the household,” she said, her dignified demeanor tinged with a sternness, though her hand on the table clenched fiercely.

“Report—report to Madam!” The steward rushed into the inner hall, flustered.

Zhang Po straightened up and barked, “Why are you so frantic? If you disturb Madam, you’ll answer for it!”

Chen frowned, her expression severe. “What has you so rattled? Did a dog steal your wits?”

“No, Madam, it’s—at the gate of the General’s Mansion, there’s… someone claiming to be the daughter of Lady Li of the side house, saying she’s returned! She’s calling at the door right now!” The steward trembled in fear. Lady Li? Wasn’t that the one who died in childbirth seven years ago?

Could it be a ghost returned?

Chen was so startled, she nearly fainted on the spot.

“Madam! Madam!” Zhang Po hurried to support her.

“What did you say? Who? Who has returned?” Chen gasped, her voice fierce.

The steward stammered, “Madam, it’s… Lady Li… she says she is Lady Li’s daughter… she says her name is Ji Tianxin.”

“Does she… have a shadow?” Zhang Po’s heart leapt into her throat.

“A shadow? Yes, yes, she’s alive! Looks about six or seven, right at the gate!”

Zhang Po whispered quickly, “Madam, even if Lady Li’s child was born, it’s impossible she survived… Even if she was born, she couldn’t have lived…”

Chen furrowed her brows, slowly recovering from the shock. Zhang Po was right—even if the child was born, she couldn’t possibly be alive!

Even if… even if she were alive, she must never be allowed to enter!

“That so-called Ji Tianxin—there is no such person in the General’s Mansion! The General has only the eldest son, the second young lady, and the third young master! Order the guards at once to drive her away! If they refuse, declare her a spy and execute her on the spot! Make sure this matter is dealt with before the General returns!” Chen commanded, slapping the table with authority.

The steward bowed, “Yes, Madam.”

“Madam, don’t worry. I nailed the coffin shut myself back then. Even if that fox spirit birthed the child inside the coffin, there’s no way she survived! This must be someone impersonating her to cause trouble!” Zhang Po lowered her voice, vowing repeatedly.

Chen, both frightened and furious, stood and paced the room several times before declaring sharply, “Whether she’s that wretched woman’s child or not, she must not be allowed inside! The General must never see her!”

“Second Young Lady! Second Young Lady! I just heard from the page boy that there’s someone at the gate claiming to be the General’s daughter!” The maid hurried to the training ground, where a young girl was practicing martial arts, and reported breathlessly.

Ji Yucheng, dressed in fitted sleeves and sturdy attire, looked strikingly heroic, her features bold and beautiful.

“My father has only me for a daughter! Who dares make trouble at our gate? They must be tired of living!” She grasped her spear and strode directly toward the main entrance.

“Second Young Lady!” The maid hastened after her.