Kids to Feed, Husband to Flee, This Is How My Tycoon Life Would Be!

Chapter 8

Family Visit

Nie Shuang opened her eyes, hearing the soft sobs of Xiao San. It seemed like the two maids were whispering to each other outside the room. She wanted to call out to them, but her head was heavy, and her throat was so dry that she could only manage a faint groan.

Xiao San, with her sharp ears, quickly entered the room.

“Miss, how are you feeling? Shall I call for the doctor?” the teary-eyed maid asked, reverting to calling her Miss as she always did in moments of distress.

Nie Shuang couldn’t see her body beneath the blanket, but she could imagine the marks he had left on her. Her entire body ached as she slowly sat up, leaning against the headboard. She gestured for Xiao San to pour her some tea. Once Xiao San brought the warm tea and she had taken a sip, she finally spoke.

“Am I ill? What time is it?”

“You have a fever, Young Furen. I came in to check on you this morning. Now, it’s already the Si hour (10:00 a.m.).”

“Bring me breakfast first.”

Nie Shuang felt weak, but as they said, an army marched on its stomach. Besides, the food she was about to eat was something she had paid for with her own body the night before. Surprisingly, she ate more than usual, as if trying to regain the energy she had lost. After finishing her meal, she said,

“Xiao San, help me get dressed. Xiao Tong, prepare some gifts. Then go fetch a carriage to wait for me at the front of the manor.”

“Young Furen! You’re not feeling well, yet you’re still planning to visit your family?”

Xiao San protested. According to tradition, a newly married woman would return to her family on the third day to show her parents she was doing well. But with Nie Shuang in such a condition, how could Nie Patriarch feel reassured? Wouldn’t it be better to find an excuse and visit another day?

“I’m fine. I’m not that sick. We can call the doctor when I return if needed. But if I don’t go, Father will worry even more,”

Nie Shuang replied, as Xiao San began helping her wash and clean herself. Xiao San couldn’t help but sigh at the sight of her mistress’s delicate skin, now covered in love marks. If only the General could show the Young Furen a fraction of kindness to match his desire for her. It was obvious he was drawn to her, yet he remained cold and detached.

Once Nie Shuang was dressed, Xiao San changed the bed sheet, which were stained with the remnants of the previous night, to be washed. She opened the windows to let in fresh air, trying to rid the room of the lingering scent of intimacy. It seemed that there were even more marks on the Young Furen’s body this morning—the General was truly relentless.

Dressed in a soft yellow gown that gave her a vibrant look, Nie Shuang chose not to apply makeup to hide her pale complexion. Hiding it would only draw more suspicion, especially from her father, Nie Ran, who was known for his sharp eyes. She adorned herself with the Hetian jade jewelry she had received as a gift during the tea ceremony—hairpins, earrings, bracelets, and a jade tassel—all were simple, yet elegant. Once ready, she had Xiao San helped her out of the quarters. As they walked, servants observed her from a distance. When they reached the front of the manor, they happened to cross paths with Song Qilin, who was just about to leave. He glanced at her briefly, noticing her delicate, flushed face and the dazed look in her eyes. She was clearly still worn out from the night before. He raised a hand to rub his nose and quickly looked away.

”Where are you going?”

He asked as he adjusted his robe, sounding uninterested, as if the question didn’t matter. Nie Shuang didn’t bother looking at him either; it was Xiao San who responded.

“She’s going back to visit her natal family, General.”

Song Qilin clenched his fists inside his sleeves, responding indifferently,

“Oh.”

Then, without another word, he walked away. Xiao San looked disappointed. She had hoped that he would accompany the Young Furen back to her natal family so she could return with honor. But instead, he let her go alone, not even bothering to arrange for the manor’s carriage. Nie Shuang, however, was unbothered, continuing her slow walk, feeling her head heavy and her vision blurry. She had barely even heard his words, nor did she care to.

When they reached the main gate, the gatekeeper hesitantly asked,

”Young Furen, should I call for the manor’s carriage for you?”

Even the gatekeeper felt sympathy for her. She was, after all, the Young Furen of the General’s manor, but not only did she return home alone, she even had to hire a carriage.

”No need. Thank you,”

Nie Shuang replied nonchalantly. With Xiao San’s support, she climbed into the carriage, where Xiao Tong had already loaded the gifts and waited patiently. The three of them then set off together.

Nie Patriarch was overjoyed to see his daughter return. He had woken up early to prepare for her homecoming. When he saw the rented carriage stop in front of the mansion, and his daughter stepping out with her maids, he wasn’t surprised. He had anticipated that things would be like this after Nie Shuang’s marriage.

There was no sign of his son-in-law. Nie Ran was well aware of how the General felt about him...

But for the sake of his beloved daughter’s future, Nie Ran had no choice but to endure the humiliation. He knew how lovely Nie Shuang was—if someone wasn’t completely heartless, how could they not fall for her?

His son-in-law was a proud young man. While Song Qilin might not accept her at first, he believed that Nie Shuang would eventually win over both the General and the rest of the household. From what he knew, Song Qilin was a good man—at twenty-three, he had no mistresses or concubines. He had dedicated his life to war and was both scholarly and skilled in battle, a true man of honor.

Seeing his daughter looking unwell, he discreetly called Xiao San over to ask,

“Has the General spent any nights with her since the wedding?”

Xiao San nodded.

“Yes, last night he stayed with her, but he left at dawn.”

Nie Ran nodded, feeling somewhat reassured. So, it was the General’s affection that had caused Nie Shuang’s illness. He instructed his servants to take Nie Shuang to rest and called for a doctor right away.

Her siblings, however, weren’t as fond of her. They envied Nie Shuang because their father loved her mother, Xiao Yi Niang, the most. Seeing that the General hadn’t come with her, they secretly felt some satisfaction. Xiao Yi Niang stayed by her daughter’s bedside, lovingly stroking her head. This daughter had inherited the best features from both parents. With her beauty, if she had married into a normal family, her husband would have cherished her.

Nie Shuang was grateful she had fallen ill. Otherwise, her current condition might have raised suspicions with her parents, unlike her two maids, who were easier to deceive. The doctor came and prescribed medicine, which her father had bought and prepared for her right away. What should have been a family visit turned into her parents nursing her back to health. However, they seemed happy to care for her, like when she was a child.

Even though these weren’t the real parents of Nie Shuang from the modern world, she still felt a deep warmth in her heart. By evening, she didn’t want to return to the General’s manor. She playfully asked her parents if she could stay for dinner, and they happily agreed. Nie Ran had heard rumors of her ordering food from Tianfu Restaurant but didn’t bring it up. He knew his daughter must have her own plans.

“Nie Shuang, you don’t blame me, do you?”

Nie Ran asked as he walked her to the carriage. He had arranged for a grand carriage from the mansion to take her back.

“How could I blame you, Father? You’ve only ever wanted the best for me.”

“My dear, just bear with it a little longer. I’m sure he won’t be able to remain cold towards you forever.”Though Nie Shuang didn’t quite agree, she nodded obediently to ease her father’s concerns. In truth, she was already planning her escape. Why should she let him mistreat her while waiting for him to finally appreciate her? Who knew if that would even happen before she grew old?