Chapter 56: Those Who Came Seeking Favors

His well-intentioned gesture was rejected, and Ji Huailei's face darkened.
He suddenly stood up, angrily flicking his sleeve, "Suit yourself!"
With those cold words, Ji Huailei strode out.
Ji Tianxin glanced at him sideways, but paid him no mind.
Ji Huailei had barely left the South Courtyard when he ran right into the second wife, whom he had just promoted to the position of principal wife.
"Oh my, Master, you're here as well." The second wife, surnamed Zhao, was younger and more beautiful than Lady Chen, her alluring eyes shimmering with a touch of shrewdness.
A cluster of maids and matronly servants followed behind her, forming a grand procession.
Ji Huailei frowned, "What are you doing in the South Courtyard?"
Lady Zhao discreetly glanced toward the inner chambers of the South Courtyard, then smiled softly. "I came to see Tianxin. Tianxin lost her mother early and grew up outside; now that she’s returned to the General’s Residence, she must be finding it hard to adjust. With Master entrusting me with the household, I am now Tianxin’s mother in a sense, so I wish to show her some care. I wanted to ask if she is accustomed to living here, or if she needs anything."
Her words were impeccable, leaving Ji Huailei unable to find fault, though he felt an inexplicable sense of unease.
Moreover... he sensed something odd about the atmosphere in the residence lately.
He replied indifferently, "Go ahead."

Having said this, he walked away.
Only then did Lady Zhao breathe a sigh of relief and, with her entourage, proceed toward the South Courtyard.
Now, Lady Zhao managed the entire inner quarters of the General’s Residence, having taken over Lady Chen’s accounts and all household authority.
She walked with her back straight, her stride brisk and confident—so unlike her formerly meek demeanor before Lady Chen, she seemed a changed woman.
Yet, she owed all this to one person.
That person was Ji Tianxin, residing in the South Courtyard.
Though that day had truly frightened her, leaving her plagued by nightmares for several nights and still unsettled by Ji Tianxin’s presence,
when power, status, and wealth are within reach, people are willing to bargain—even with devils.
All the more so now, as Ji Tianxin was cherished by both the old master and the entire General’s Residence.
The master’s attitude toward Ji Tianxin was clear—tinged with a cautious respect.
At such a time, Lady Zhao naturally sought to build a good rapport with this young Buddha.

Suqing was tidying Tianxin’s table, setting out candied fruits, when she looked up and saw a group of women approaching the doorway.
At the head stood a young woman of some beauty, who, upon entering, immediately dismissed those behind her and stood alone at the threshold.
"Who are you, and what brings you to the South Courtyard?" Suqing demanded bluntly.
Ji Tianxin also raised her eyes to glance at the woman standing at the door, elegantly sipping a spoonful of white fungus soup.
Lady Zhao stood at the entrance, gazing at Ji Tianxin from afar. It was hard to believe that such a beautiful and seemingly obedient child could be... a cold-hearted killer.
Thinking of that day, Lady Zhao shuddered inwardly.
But she quickly composed herself, offering a graceful smile. "I am the General’s wife, currently managing the household. I was concerned that Tianxin might not be comfortable living here, so I came to see if she needed anything.
By the way, I’ve brought some little treats—perhaps Tianxin will like them."