My Female General Is A Villain (GL) - Chapter 3

Chu Huajun could tell her daughter was deliberately dodging the subject. She tapped gently between Jiaojiao’s brows with a fingertip with eyes soft with indulgence.

“Here comes the chicken soup.” Zhuyin entered carrying a tray, smiling as if she’d overheard their exchange.

She ladled out a bowl and handed it to He Jiaojiao. The rich aroma curled upward with the steam, warm and inviting.

Jiaojiao took a careful sip, like a sparrow pecking rice. Heat spread through her chest and stomach, the flavor rich and soothing.

Unbidden, she thought of her grandmother. Times had been hard, yet her grandmother had always stewed chicken soup for her, even if it meant scraping from between her own teeth. Whatever little she had, she gave the best to Jiaojiao.

“How is it?” Chu Huajun asked eagerly, her gaze full of expectation.

Jiaojiao blinked back the sting in her eyes, steadied her expression, and nodded.

Zhuyin, noticing her reaction, chimed in, “For the past few days Madam has been stewing chicken soup daily, just so the Second Miss could wake and have a hot mouthful to replenish her strength. If you hadn’t woken soon, the kitchen boys would’ve ended up drinking it again.”

In the book, the original girl’s pampered upbringing was only ever mentioned in passing. Living it herself, Jiaojiao found the affection almost unreal in its intensity.

She sighed inwardly. Even this doomed cannon fodder had lived a life others would envy.

********

News traveled fast. When the Old Madam learned Jiaojiao had awakened, she was overjoyed. Without hesitation, she agreed to Jiaojiao’s request and released He Yushu from punishment.

After all, they were all her granddaughters. Yushu had knelt long enough; it was time to relent.

The original Jiaojiao had always enjoyed the Old Madam’s favor, not just because she was a legitimate daughter, but also thanks to her glib tongue. She could flatter anyone, adjusting her words like changing masks. That skill, at least, was clever.

After chatting with her grandmother for some time, Jiaojiao spotted a woman in purple approaching from afar. Her steps were halting and slow, as though she might collapse at any moment. Only the support of her maid kept her moving.

It was He Yushu.

She came before the Old Madam, stealing a glance at Jiaojiao before forcing a smile and bowing. “Yushu knows her mistake. I thank Grandmother for her mercy.”

Her movements were weak; as she bent, her knees nearly gave way. The maid at her side caught her just in time.

Tears welled in the maid’s eyes. Her voice trembled as she said, “Old Madam, ever since my lady was punished, she hasn’t dared slacken for even a moment. Her knees are swollen from kneeling, but she endured without rest. She told me she deserved it since she had erred. But the fault wasn’t hers alone. She’s borne all this grievance in silence, unwilling to trouble you.”

As she spoke, she dabbed at her tears.

“Bixi,” Yushu murmured in reprimand.

The Old Madam’s expression softened, guilt flickering across her features as she looked at Yushu’s frail appearance. She had been too focused on Jiaojiao’s safety at the time, and her temper had indeed been too harsh.

“Do you blame your Grandmother, child?” she asked, raising a hand to dismiss the formalities.

Yushu shook her head meekly. “Of course not. I know Grandmother only wishes for me and Second Sister to grow closer. The fault is mine for being inconsiderate. From now on, I’ll yield more to her.”

How sweetly said. A perfect little white lotus in bloom.

Jiaojiao merely watched her “delicate” third sister’s performance in silence.

If her memory served, it had been Yushu who provoked the original first. Hot-tempered and spoiled, the original had lashed out. In the scuffle, it was Yushu who deliberately tripped her, sending her into the lake.

By all rights, Yushu had meant to kill her.

Too bad for her, He Jiaojiao had picked up the body instead.

The Old Madam glanced at Jiaojiao to gauge her reaction, only to see her propping her chin and nibbling fruit, looking utterly unconcerned.

After swallowing the last bite, Jiaojiao said slowly, “Then I’ll trouble Third Sister to be more patient with me. I’ve always had a bad temper. If something like this happens again, I’ll count on you to give way.”

Yushu froze. She was caught off guard and unable to respond.

“Go rest, child,” the Old Madam said kindly. “Bixi, take her back and see to her recovery. I’ve asked Steward Wu to procure a fine ointment for her knees. It will be sent over shortly.”

“Yes, Old Madam.” Bixi dipped into a curtsy, though her expression betrayed her reluctance. She led Yushu away, clearly dissatisfied.

Once they were gone, the Old Madam turned back to Jiaojiao with fond exasperation. “You little minx, you never let anyone off easily.”

Jiaojiao only laughed, mimicking the original’s coquettish airs to coax a smile from her grandmother.

******

Not long ago she had looked weak and almost collapsed. Yet the moment Yushu stepped out of the Old Madam’s courtyard, her steps grew brisk and her complexion flushed with color.

Bixi fumed. “Why should my lady bear punishment when Second Miss went unscathed? It’s not fair. You’re both granddaughters of the house! Just because you’re born of a concubine? How unjust! If not for Concubine Yuan’s knee pads, you wouldn’t be walking now. Old Madam was far too cruel.”

“And no doubt it was Second Miss whispering in her ear that made things worse.”

Yushu’s eyes flickered. Perhaps her maid wasn’t entirely wrong.

Unlike the Eldest Miss, He Wanqing, who had always been gentle and yielding, Yushu could not afford such passivity. With no father’s or grandmother’s affection, only a concubine mother at her back, she had no choice but to fight for herself.

If she wanted a future worth having, she had to carve it with her own hands.

She clenched her jaw. “Enough, Bixi. Don’t bring this up again.”

At her mistress’s cold, impatient tone, Bixi fell silent at once. She knew her lady well. Yushu didn’t want to leave herself open to censure.

But inside, resentment burned. Her fingers curled tightly into her skirts, her face calm though her heart seethed.

*******

Leaving her grandmother’s courtyard, Jiaojiao deliberately detoured toward the rear garden, where Pei Ji swept the snow.

She let her gaze wander as if idly, but in truth she was searching. After confirming no one was nearby, she sighed quietly.

At her side, Qingyao ventured cautiously, “Miss, are you looking for Second Young Master?”

Jiaojiao didn’t reply, only pressed her lips together.

The courtyard was pristine, not a flake of snow left and not even clinging to the branches. Clearly, Pei Ji had taken her earlier words to heart. In truth, it was the original Jiaojiao who fit the role of villain.

She recalled the system’s warning: she had to capture Pei Ji’s heart. Only then would she survive long enough to leave this world and return to her own.

Her thoughts drifted as she wandered the path.

“Second Miss! Second Miss!”

A booming voice shattered her reverie.

Looking up, she saw a household servant hurrying toward her, holding a familiar outer robe. A chill of dread coiled in her stomach.

Beaming, the servant said, “This robe belongs to you, doesn’t it? Looked awful familiar to me.”

Jiaojiao touched it lightly and murmured, “Yes.”

“The brat surnamed Pei swore he hadn’t taken it, but I knew better. Don’t worry, I’ve already taught him a lesson for you.”

The servant grinned obsequiously, waiting for praise.

Jiaojiao had known Pei Ji’s position in this manor was poor but not that it was this bad.

Her voice was cool. “Oh? And how exactly did you ‘teach’ him?”

“The servant fed his supper to the dogs, left him to starve, and together with a few of the other men gave him a proper beating. That way he’ll learn his place and won’t dare displease the Second Miss again.”

They had actually done such things to a girl!

(*Note: Pei Ji is crossing dressing as a man)

On a freezing night like this, wearing so little, even a single punch would leave her in agony.

Jiaojiao didn’t dare picture the scene. It had to be unbearable.

Following the servant into the kitchen yard, she saw it with her own eyes:

The slender girl was curled on the ground with arms wrapped around her head as if that alone could shield her from the men’s fists and boots. That was the only way she could protect herself and yet not even a single groan escaped her lips.

“Second Young Master’s wife!” Qingyao blurted, horrified. She had never witnessed such an open cruelty before.

It was too brazen, too vile.

Jiaojiao strode forward, shouting, “Stop!”

But her soft, girlish voice was swallowed by the rowdy laughter of the men enjoying their sport.

She bit back her frustration. This body’s voice really was too delicate, saccharine and feeble.

“Are you deaf?! I said, stop this instant!” she roared, this time forcing her tone into a commanding snarl that carried the true authority of the original Second Miss.

The men startled. Slowly, they turned their heads. Their swagger vanished at once, replaced by uneasy obedience.

Jiaojiao caught the flash of a pair of icy eyes peering from within the girl’s arms. Calm, unyielding. Not a trace of fear.

She stepped closer, glaring at the servants who had been so eager to earn her favor. They stammered, “S-second Miss… we…we were only trying to vent your anger on your behalf.”

Jiaojiao let out a cold laugh. “Oh? And I suppose I should thank you?”

They didn’t hear the venom beneath her words, and a few even grinned nervously. “Second Miss jests—of course not…”

Her expression hardened in an instant. “Is this how you think a master should be treated?!”

The room went deathly still. Panic struck their faces, and one after another they dropped to their knees.

“Have I been too lenient with you? Do you think that means you can meddle in your mistress’s affairs as you please? When you see Pei Ji, you ought to address him properly as Second Young Master’s Husband. Which blind fool here dared lay hands on him, even goading the others to strike?”

“Qingyao—slap them.”

The maid blinked, dumbfounded. “M-my lady… with my hand?”

Usually punishments meant the steward wielding the cane. It was winter, her fingers were stiff with cold. What kind of order was this?

Jiaojiao nearly laughed at her. Tilting her head, she gave her maid a look.

Qingyao shrank her neck, embarrassed. Clearly she had never done such a thing before. Her blows were clumsy, barely loud at all.

Of course, Jiaojiao hadn’t meant to truly hurt them. All she needed was to frighten them into line, so they would never dare repeat this again.

“If I so much as hear of trouble again,” Jiaojiao’s voice dropped, sharp as ice, “the first heads I take will be yours.”

******

Back in her chamber, she brought Pei Ji with her, ordering Qingyao to fetch hot water and strong liquor.

Jiaojiao reached for her sleeve. She had a glimpsed of the bruises earlier in the kitchen—dark marks across the forearm and she wanted to check more carefully.

But as soon as she touched the fabric, Pei Ji jerked back, wary. “Second Miss, what do you think you’re doing?”

“What else? Checking your injuries,” Jiaojiao snapped.

Cold defiance flickered in the girl’s sharp features. “Second Miss’s act has gone on long enough. Surely it’s time to drop the charade.”

Jiaojiao knew there was no explaining herself. Better to stay silent. She soaked a cloth in warm water, then seized Pei Ji’s arm without asking, rolling the sleeve up in one smooth motion.

A whole armful of bruises and swelling came into view. Jiaojiao sucked in a sharp breath. There’s no doubt the rest of her body was just as battered.

Pei Ji lowered her gaze, lashes trembling, pupils darkening. The faint crease in her brow tugged at Jiaojiao unexpectedly.

This woman had always looked at her with nothing but disdain. Yet here she was, tending her wounds.

Earlier, when Jiaojiao had given her the coat, suspicion had filled her heart, but she had still put it on.

And then, upon entering the kitchen, the ridicule had begun.

She’d taken what little was left in the pot, a small bowl of cold scraps, leftover from the servants’ meal.

They had knocked the bowl from her hands, feeding the scraps to the dogs.

And they had laughed: “You dare wear Second Miss’s clothes? You really are nothing but a dog!”

Then the fists and kicks had come raining down.

In that moment, Pei Ji had known: He Jiaojiao wasn’t satisfied with watching her wallow in the mud. She wanted to grind her down herself, one step further into despair.

But now Jiaojiao dabbed her wounds with liquor-soaked cloth.

At the sting, Pei Ji let out a muffled groan.

“Sorry. I didn’t notice the cut. I’ll be gentler,” Jiaojiao murmured, genuinely apologetic.

Pei Ji froze. Her long lashes flickered, shadowing the light in her eyes.

Something about her seemed… different.

“Miss, the hot water is ready.” Qingyao returned from behind the screen.

“Good. Leave us for now,” Jiaojiao said. “I’ll call you if I need you.”

Once the maid had gone, Jiaojiao clapped her hands, straightened, and looked at Pei Ji.

“All right—take it off.”

Pei Ji blinked, startled. “What?”

“Mm… for a bath, of course.” Jiaojiao said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world.