My Female General Is A Villain (GL) - Chapter 15

He Jiaojiao quickly walked up to the Old Madam. “Grandma, I’ll only be gone for a few days. I’ll be back soon. Just pack some snacks for the road. There’s no need…” Jiaojiao looked at the extravagant scene, “There’s no need to go to so much trouble…”

The Old Madam thought she was just being modest and smiled kindly. “My dear child, don’t I know you? I’ve already had your usual bedding and jade pillow packed. You only like our family’s cooking, so the chefs will be going with you. With Qingyao by your side, I’ll feel much better. And if you’re ever uncomfortable, just come back. I’ll find a way to deal with Consort De. And…”

Jiaojiao cut her off, linking her arm through the Old Madam’s in a childlike manner. “Grandma, I know you love me dearly, but making a spectacle isn’t a good idea. Especially since the He family is already in a difficult position. If we go to the palace in such a brazen way, it’s bound to attract gossip.”

“Besides, Consort De has always doted on me. She wouldn’t let me suffer. Please, don’t worry. I’ll only be gone for a few days, so I don’t need anything extra. Plus, Pei Ji is with me,” Jiaojiao said, glancing back at her. “Everything will be fine.”

She gave He Su a look, and her father cooperated perfectly, stepping forward to agree. “Mother, just let her do as she pleases. What Jiaojiao said makes sense.”

“That’s right, Mother. Let’s just listen to Jiaojiao,” Chu Huajun added.

The Old Madam finally sighed, unable to argue. “Very well. A daughter must grow up, after all.” She patted Jiaojiao’s hand. “If you run into any trouble, be sure to send a message home, understood?”

“I know,” He Jiaojiao said.

At the Old Madam’s command, the servants began moving the unnecessary items back into the house, leaving only one carriage behind.

Jiaojiao stepped onto the carriage stool, and a slender, elegant hand came to rest beneath her arm. The wounds on it had mostly healed. She looked up at a pale face, looking utterly pristine and translucent in the falling snow.

She rested her hand on theirs, and the chilling cold sent a shiver through her.

As soon as she entered the carriage, the hand pulled away, leaving no trace.

He Jiaojiao lifted the carriage curtain to say goodbye to everyone one last time. As she waved, she truly wished she could etch every single face into her mind.

Father, Mother, Grandmother, Big Brother, Second Brother, Big Sister, Qingyao… (The order doesn’t matter.)

He Yuzhu watched their carriage leave, her tightly clenched handkerchief loosening slightly. The anger in her eyes was replaced by a sinister, permeating smile.

******

He Jiaojiao carefully went over everything that had happened and what Nineteen had said. If she could change the contents of the book, that meant the He family could still be saved. And that meant Pei Ji might not turn evil.

Thinking this, Jiaojiao felt a great sense of relief and her confidence grew. Her motivation to return to her own world had increased.

Ancient carriages were nothing like modern cars. After only a short distance, the ride became incredibly bumpy. The wheels rumbled and bounced over a small stone, and the entire carriage shuddered.

Jiaojiao distinctly felt her behind leave the seat for a few seconds, her head bumping hard against the side. Her body swayed uncontrollably. Ignoring the pain, she frantically tried to grab the window frame to steady herself.

But her arms weren’t long enough.

Thump, thump, thump—the carriage rocked even more violently. She grabbed Pei Ji’s arm and leaned into her, pressing close.

He Jiaojiao wanted to move away, but no matter how hard she tried, it was useless. Her body was beyond her control. She could only awkwardly turn her head away, refusing to look at her.

The road was winding and uneven, and the snow made it even harder to travel. Her backside ached from the constant jarring.

“Second Miss,” Pei Ji’s clear voice said in her ear.

“Hmm?” He Jiaojiao looked up at her, her voice a lazy, subtle whine.

Their eyes met, and Jiaojiao suddenly realized what was happening.

“It’s settled,” Pei Ji said.

“What’s settled?”

Perhaps it was the incomprehensible allure of Pei Ji’s husky voice, like a bottomless swamp that would doom her with a single step.

Pei Ji looked down at Jiaojiao’s hands, which were tightly clutching her arms, refusing to let go.

Jiaojiao followed her gaze and realized what she was doing. She quickly pulled her hands away, her body sliding backward to the very edge of the carriage.

The carriage was now moving smoothly.

He Jiaojiao awkwardly fixed her clothes, and then she quietly glanced at Pei Ji. “Thank you,” she said, her voice slow.

The sound of the wind and snow was too loud. Pei Ji had lifted the curtain and was looking out at the snow-covered mountains. The withered branches along the road were lifeless. The entire road was desolate, a stark contrast to the bustling streets of the capital.

Pei Ji hadn’t heard what Jiaojiao said. She turned to her. “What did you say?”

Jiaojiao shook her head. “Nothing. I just think the snow is beautiful. I wish it could stay like this forever.”

The snowflakes were like cotton, gathering in layers like a cluster of night-blooming cereus. They sparkled like crystals under the warm sun, a boundless whiteness that blanketed the world.

It had been a long time since she had seen such beautiful snow.