The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family-Chapter 1204 - 278: Time to Repay_2

Jun Suxue glanced at her hand, hidden within her sleeve, likely clenched into a fist and gritting her teeth. She indifferently withdrew her gaze and invited her to have some tea, "Because the piece I need to paint is large and will take a long time, Ms. Wei, if you wait here, I’m afraid it might be four hours." By then, the Marquis would be back.

Wei Shu was quite observant and understood the feeling of being kept at a polite distance, "If it takes that long, I won’t wait the entire time. Once the General is free and the painting is done, have someone inform me, and I’ll come to pick it up."

Pei Qin glanced at her, "Su Xue, see the guest out."

Jun Suxue responded and went out to escort her.

Halfway there, her arranged servant girl came over, "Miss Su Xue! The bamboo shoot soup that the Marquis loves and the ingredients for Madam’s medicinal soup are all ready; you just have to prepare them, and the Marquis will be back soon."

"Okay." Jun Suxue replied and saw Wei Shu to the carriage.

Wei Shu did not ask further and directly bid farewell and left in the carriage.

Jun Suxue watched as the carriage departed, her eyes icy cold. This Wei Shu seemed much more tactful than Xie Yi. Yet her not asking didn’t mean she didn’t ponder. Given her awkward status, there was also an upside to it! Did Wei Shu dare to seek a divorce and then come here to seduce the Marquis because she thought the General couldn’t have children and that she could? What if the General no longer had to worry about heirs? Relying on some old affection she thought she had?

Sitting in the carriage, Wei Shu fell into contemplation. News about Jun Suxue was somewhat known outside, but most widely spoken was that she had been held hostage as Pei Qin’s fiancée and had followed her here after being rescued. Outsiders were spreading rumors, and some were keen on gaining favor with Jiu Heng. Pei Qin knew she couldn’t bear children anymore, then Jun Suxue... presumably, she was preparing her for Jiu Heng. Even the servants in the house referred to her as "Miss." Did Jiu Heng fancy such a type of delicate beauty?

Then thinking about the wedding picture that Pei Qin had drawn, her face uncontrollably distorted slightly. Jiu Heng was supposed to be her husband! Not hers, Pei Qin’s! She had enjoyed the happiness that should have belonged to her for so many years; it was about time to return it to her!

After Pei Qin finished the draft and added the base colors, she left it there, "Time to cook!"

"You’re not painting anymore, Madam?" Huang Qiu asked with a smile.

"Of course, I am! I like to do it all in one go, I’ll continue after eating!" Pei Qin nodded and went to wash her hands to cook.

Seeing her humming a tune, seemingly in a good mood, the servants working in the kitchen were a bit speechless. Lady, this is really generous of you! Even when Ms. Wei came knocking, you helped with the painting and still have to endure others coveting your husband, yet you still manage to keep a good mood!

Jiujiu also came over after finishing her homework, "Mom, what are you cooking tasty? I’ll help you!"

"Let’s have something light, make a beef soup and stir-fry a few dishes." Pei Qin waved at her to watch by her side. Now that her daughter was still so young, and the situation at home wasn’t like before, it wasn’t just her struggling at the forefront alone anymore; she couldn’t do everything and needed to get Pei Yuan and Pei Qian to start working too.

Jiujiu helped by picking vegetables and passing her things.

After a while, Mo Heng came back, holding Xixi in his arms.

Xixi wriggled out of his arms, "I’ll help mom too!" Her spirited little figure was full of excitement.

Once the soup and other dishes were ready, Pei Qin didn’t make much more, just a few light dishes, and the family of four began their meal.

After eating, Jiujiu grabbed her parents and sister for a walk in the garden to digest. frёewebnoѵēl.com

Jun Suxue took her painting supplies to the study, as the day again turned overcast and the side hall was cold.

Deputy General Zhou came looking for Pei Qin regarding matters at the Manufacturing Bureau.

"Deputy General Zhou, please wait a moment! The General and the Marquis took the young lady to the garden; they should be back soon." Jun Suxue instructed and offered him some tea, asking him to sit for a while.

"... Then I’ll wait a while longer." Zhou Jian responded. Seeing her pack up Pei Qin’s painting supplies and other items before leaving, he couldn’t help but call out, "Miss Jun!"

Jun Suxue stopped in her tracks, "Does Deputy General Zhou have any directives?"

Old Master Zhou and Madam Zhou had seen quite a few candidates over the years and after all considerations, felt most satisfied with Zhou Jian. Although he had no parents or brothers to rely on and had no family burdens, and he was also interested in Jun Suxue and followed Pei Qin, they wanted to facilitate this marriage.

Jun Suxue did not reject but neither did she agree, allowing her parents to explain her situation to Zhou Jian fully.

Zhou Jian knew of her circumstances; a General at the Manufacturing Bureau, she carefully prepared meals daily to nourish the General, personally made clothes, and though she shouldn’t have resided in Tiance Mansion to avoid gossip, she still insisted on staying and not leaving. Looking into her clear bright eyes, Zhou Jian moved his lips, "Miss Jun is a person of deep feelings and sincerity. If you are willing to give me a chance, I will wait for you." He had no parents, joined the military to ensure a warm meal, and followed the General to achieve some modest success. If she would support the General, he was willing to wait for her!