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CHAPTER 1 - AUTUMN RAIN FALLS
When Du Jingyi woke up, it was the season of falling autumn rain.
She heard occasional footsteps outside, as if someone was moving things around.
Shortly after, her personal maid, Sakura, deliberately lowered her voice to instruct.
"Madam is still napping. Be quiet and careful not to disturb her."
"Yes."
The responses varied in tone, indicating there were several people present.
Sakura directed the activities outside, organizing the recently delivered items before quietly entering the main room.
Originally planning to add a thin blanket for her mistress, the commotion unexpectedly awakened Du Jingyi.
She found herself leaning on the southern edge of the heated kang, with her elbow resting on the mahogany small table.
In front of her was a thick ledger, densely filled with numerous entries.
Upon hearing the movement, Du Jingyi muttered something and slowly opened her eyes.
Seeing this, Sakura approached with a hint of apology.
"Did the noise outside disturb Madam? I'll have them stop immediately," she said.
Du Jingyi waved her hand, and her slender, fair arm, resembling spring onions, swayed gently.
She showed no sign of anger; instead, her arm felt a bit numb from supporting her while she slept.
Furrowing her brows, she moved her wrist slightly. Sakura noticed and immediately approached, gently massaging her for a while.
Perhaps just awakened from a short nap, a slight blush adorned Du Jingyi's face, enhancing her already radiant and tender skin.
With round deer-like eyes, she exuded a rare clarity, yet if observed closely, a playful cunning hid within.
Bright-eyed and white-toothed, she had a graceful figure, with flowing black hair.
Clearly a pampered beauty since childhood, she carried a hint of worldly innocence.
However, within the grand estate of the Duke, a trace of melancholy lingered.
The autumn rain outside was light, a drizzle that barely soaked the ground, emitting a sultry warmth.
They say a fall rain is often fleeting.
This was already the third autumn rain Du Jingyi had witnessed within the Duke's residence.
Not much different from previous years, yet the falling autumn rain signaled the end of the vibrant summer days.
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"No harm done. It's time to wake up," she said, pointing outside and curiously asking, "What's happening out there? Why so many people?"
Seeing no blame from Du Jingyi, Sakura explained, "Madam Wei sent someone to deliver goods. She said that in two days, the Grand General will be returning home, so there are arrangements to be made and things to be replaced."
"She sure knows how to plan."
Ever since the victorious news from Cezhou reached Suian City, the entire Duke's residence had been celebrating.
Not just the people of Suian City, but everyone in Daxing knew that a powerful Grand General was emerging within the Duke's residence.
After three years of fierce battles with the enemy country of Jin, he reclaimed thirteen border cities, leading a formidable army of four hundred thousand.
He confronted a menacing force of seven hundred thousand Jin soldiers and ultimately received an imperial decree.
On behalf of the current emperor, he signed the "Ceyan Alliance" with Jin, ensuring a century of peace along the borders and prosperity for the people.
With such remarkable achievements, the Grand General in Daxing Dynasty could be considered unparalleled.
Naturally, the entire Duke's residence would celebrate extensively.
In theory, as the "official" wife of this Grand General, it would be most fitting for her to manage such affairs.
Unfortunately, since the Grand General left hurriedly three years ago without lifting the bridal veil, she became a negligible figure within the Duke's residence.
After all, no one knew if he would safely return.
Either Du Jingyi was the newlywed and widowed young wife of the Duke's residence, or she was the Grand General's wife envied by the entire Daxing Dynasty.
Unfortunately, she held neither title because this unexpected marriage had nothing to do with her.
Du Jingyi hailed from a merchant family, pampered and raised in comfort.
With only one elder sister who was already married, the plan was to bring in a son-in-law to continue the family line.
However, due to a twist of fate, her birth chart was mistakenly revealed by a matchmaker.
This caught the attention of the Duke and Duchess of the Duke's residence.
They personally came to propose, causing a sensation throughout Suian City.
They couldn't refuse such an opportunity, as it brought unprecedented wealth and glory to the Du family.
Thus, amidst envy and jealousy, she entered the Duke's residence under the gaze of many.
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She thought it was the beginning of a new life, but the dream shattered quickly.
With the departure of the Duke's young master, her position at home deteriorated day by day.
Initially facing challenges from uncles, aunts, and sisters-in-law, their interest gradually waned.
Thus, the Xi Tang Courtyard in the Eastern Garden became a place ignored by all.
As the daughter-in-law, apart from paying respects to the Duke and Duchess on the first and fifteenth of each month, she had little interaction with the vast household.
Even during regular family banquets, she spoke little, her demeanor detached.
Closing the ledger, she instructed Sakura, "Move things as needed, but guard the storage room. Also, the main hall and study must not be disturbed."
"Madam, rest assured. Aunt Dou and Mama Cai are watching carefully. They won't let them act recklessly."
As they conversed, they heard light footsteps approaching.
It was the maid Lí Zhū, younger than Sakura but equally charming.
"Madam, have some pear water to moisten your lungs and heart," she suggested.
Du Jingyi took the celadon bowl, stirred it gently, revealing the tender pear slices.
With a refreshing and mildly sweet taste, it was her favorite.
"Dàn Ruò's culinary skills have improved. This tastes sweeter than what's bought outside."
Lí Zhū smiled and explained, "Master sent some fragrant pomelos, and Dàn Ruò added a bit to enhance the flavor."
"No wonder. Father is considerate."
Initially in a good mood, her tone suddenly became somber.
With a hint of helplessness, she complained, "In the past, during this season, I used to help Father with the autumn harvest. It was much more relaxed than now. Since entering this Duke's residence, I can count the number of times I've gone out on one hand. It's quite boring."
While Du Jingyi expressed her discontent, Sakura comforted her.
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