Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 283 - 35: Reunion (Part 1)

As a Commander, Hong Sheng naturally couldn’t always stay in the training field with the soldiers, so the five hundred soldiers were divided into five hundred-man teams, each managed by a Hundred Commander; a hundred-man team was further divided into ten ten-man squads, each led by a Squad Leader.

Every Hundred Commander and Squad Leader was personally appointed by Hong Sheng, and he appointed wisely without avoiding friends or family—either they were his confidants or elite soldiers he had already won over.

Even Ruan Yu was made a Squad Leader, under the command of Yang Xiaoshan’s hundred-man team.

Hong Sheng held a "round table meeting" for the Hundred Commanders and Squad Leaders, which was essentially just for everyone to get to know each other.

"From now on, we are like brothers, comrades in arms. I hope in the Vanguard Camp, everyone can trust each other with our backs, feast together in times of joy, and endure hardships together. Facing the enemy, we are knives; facing comrades, we are shields."

These words were spoken with passion and vigor, and such a charismatic personality made even someone like Ruan Yu, who instinctively harbored hostility towards him, admit that Commander Hong was a strong and admirable man.

After the meeting ended and people were about to leave, Hong Sheng seemed to remember something, slapped his forehead, and said, "Oh right, Ruan Yu, stay behind. It’s about Ruan Jiu and Tie Dan—my wife is very fond of these two kids, so I’m thinking about having them run errands directly under me."

Hearing this, everyone naturally thought of the two little boys in the Vanguard Camp. Knowing Hong Sheng’s generous nature, they understood he was trying to look after them.

Yet, there was a hint of envy in their hearts. Starting under Commander Hong’s wing at such a young age, wouldn’t they easily rise to become his trusted aides as they grew older?

As the saying goes, even a seventh-rank official near the Prime Minister’s door holds some sway. Look at the four personal guards of Leng Xiao now—they were once just like them, ordinary soldiers. But because they became the personal guards of Hong Sheng, who was then the Left Thousand Households, they now enjoyed better clothes, better food, and first picks of spoils.

It’s fortunate that Ruan Jiu and Tie Dan are indeed young; gaining significant responsibilities would take another five to six years, which is why this did not spark public resentment.

Once only Hong Sheng and Ruan Yu remained, Hong Sheng revealed a slight smile, rubbing his hands, unsure of how to begin.

Was he really going to say, "Ruan Yu, you might not believe this, but my wife is your cousin, and you are my wife’s cousin"?

But before Hong Sheng could speak, Ruan Yu said, "Walls have ears, there’s no need to say it, Commander Hong. I already know."

Hong Sheng was bewildered, "You already know? What exactly do you know? I haven’t said anything yet!"

Ruan Yu shook his head, "Please tell Madam Su to just consider us strangers! No need to give us special treatment, lest it causes trouble for you."

Hearing this, Hong Sheng, unsure of how Ruan Yu knew, insisted, "What are you saying, cousin!"

Ruan Yu subtly raised an eyebrow, "What kind of nonsense is this ’cousin’? What role has my sister given him?"

The plan wasn’t to meet privately, but hearing this, it seems a meeting is necessary. If not, they might not get the stories right, disrupting my sister’s plans.

"If Commander Hong has a way, then arrange for me to meet with Madam Su!"

This time, it was Hong Sheng’s turn to be curious, "Did you know Susu before, cousin?"

Ruan Yu deliberated for a while, making sure not to reveal any flaws before saying, "Madam Su somewhat resembles my biological mother!"

This was something Susu had mentioned to Hong Sheng before, so he didn’t think much of it.

"Susu heard from the Second Young Madam of the Annan Earl Mansion that she still had a cousin, and she’s been thinking about it ever since. This trip to the Northwest was specifically to meet you. But cousin, your situation is quite dangerous, so forgive me for my selfishness—I’m not in favor of Susu acknowledging you!"

Upon hearing this, Ruan Yu felt a deep bitterness. He originally didn’t wish to acknowledge his sister, but hearing this now, he felt desperately uneasy—who are you to say this? I’m Thirteenth Lady’s full-blooded brother, and I haven’t even called for a separation, yet you’re denying our relationship!

Of course, this was Ruan Yu’s inner complaint; outwardly, he feigned indifference and said, "This is only proper!"

Seeing Ruan Yu as a sensible person, Hong Sheng felt relieved and spoke again, "Cousin, Susu only has you as her relative left, and I’m bereaved of my parents, with no relatives alive; you are our only kin. Though I’m explaining this, it’s not because I don’t want to claim you, but for Susu’s safety’s sake, even acknowledging you can only be done privately, please bear with us, cousin."

Ruan Yu felt slightly relieved upon hearing this—this brother-in-law wasn’t without merit after all; at least he was considering Thirteenth Lady.

Yet their identities were a massive issue, watched even in secrecy. Ruan Yi still planned to refuse after meeting once; avoiding future contact was best.

As he pondered this, a dull ache filled his heart, only to hear Hong Sheng say, "Susu and I thought of a plan, as mentioned before—because Ruan Jiu and Tie Dan are young, we have better care for them, bringing them closer as my trusted aides. This way, any matters can be passed through Ruan Jiu, and I can provide more welfare and care for you both."

Before Ruan Yu could refuse, Hong Sheng quickly added, "Cousin, please don’t refuse. When we came from the Capital, the Second Young Madam of the Annan Earl Mansion entrusted Susu with earnest, even providing future expenses. You wouldn’t want us to appear unfaithful or untrustworthy, right?"

Previously, Ruan Yu heard Hong Sheng was of a silent nature, but the Hong Sheng he saw was completely different.

On the dueling platform, Hong Sheng exuded power and prestige; at meetings, he was approachable and diplomatic, whereas he appeared honest and direct in front of him.

None of these traits aligned with being silent; rather, they spoke volumes.

Though the Thirteenth Lady he met yesterday was vastly changed from her once timid self, in Ruan Yu’s mind, his sister was still that sweet, gentle little girl.

Can a person like Hong Sheng really be with his silly sister for a lifetime, as one?

If not, with Thirteenth Lady’s timid yet extremely stubborn nature, could she truly compromise?

Ruan Yu hadn’t been planning to acknowledge his sister—not even meeting her was best. But now he wanted to, even if it was as cousins, meaning Thirteenth Lady wasn’t entirely without family.

Even though they couldn’t rise now, as long as they lived, they would have their day.

The madman repressing them so harshly only did so because they were young with time on their side.

When that madman perishes, the Ruan family will rise again like grass enduring the fierce fire, reborn in the spring breeze.

"Regarding Ninth Son, I must meet with Madam Su to decide. Even if we can’t publicly acknowledge each other, my status as her cousin cannot be changed." So please, do not bully my sister.

Hong Sheng understood Ruan Yu’s implied meaning, choosing to ignore it—avoiding his wife bullying him was enough.

"I will arrange for you to meet Susu as soon as possible. I’m also short of a few secretaries under me, cousin—what do you think...?"

Hong Sheng, not being foolish, knowing buttering up to his cousin could lead to his wife giving him some rewards...