"As members of the General's Manor, we come from a strict and disciplined lineage. Since you have entered our manor with such status, you must adhere to our rules and avoid offending your master."

Su Tang responded softly, lowering her head and following Zheng Mama forward.

In two more days, her elder sister Su Yuqing would marry the master of this house, but she, the concubine daughter, had arrived at Qin's residence as a maidservant today.

It wasn't that she had ulterior motives to get closer to him, but her elder sister was frail and sickly, fearing that this General Qin, with his rough nature, would be too much for her. Yet, she didn't want to give up this marriage opportunity, so she proposed a "trial marriage".

"Right ahead is my master's courtyard. He has many friends who visit, all prominent figures from the imperial court. You should be aware and make way for them so that no one says our household doesn't understand propriety."

Su Tang responded again, following Zheng Mama's words forward, but before she could see the courtyard, she saw two young men walking together.

One of them was clad in armor, with a robe over it. His brows and eyes were filled with a grim and cold look, and there was even a scar on the corner of his forehead. He was the master of the Qin residence, the newly rich and powerful Marquis Wuwei Qin Xie, who had returned to the capital a few days ago after his wedding.

Zheng Ma Ma also saw it, and immediately whispered, "Turn around, get out of the way."

Su Tang followed her and turned around, bowing her head in silence, but Qin Xie still saw them. He quickly dismissed his friend and walked towards them.

"Is this the person sent by the Su family?"

Grandmother Zheng hurriedly responded and whispered to Su Tang to call for help.

Su Tang felt awkward and didn't know how to speak. After hesitating for a moment, she said: "My humble self is Su Tang, paying respects to you."

Qin Xie seemed to still remember her. Upon hearing the name, his face sank: "It's you... You haven't even passed through the door yet, don't call out randomly."

This was said very rudely, as if she wasn't even looked at. Zheng Mama's gaze became strange, and Su Tang felt her face burning hot, but she dared not show her displeasure, so she could only lower her eyebrows even further: "Yes, General."

Qin Xie turned and strode away, his voice echoing from afar: "Come in."

Then, Zheng Ma ma brought Su Tang forward, but as soon as they entered the main hall, Qin Xie sent them away. Only the two of them were left in the main hall.

The man strode forward and sat down heavily. When he turned to look again, his brows furrowed in displeasure: "A concubine is half a slave. How could you, as the daughter of the Su family, do this? If you weren't willing, I would discuss it with your stepmother and find you another suitable match."

Su Tang's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected Qin Xie to say that. People said he was ruthless and killed without mercy, while those at home described him as a rough and uncouth warrior. It turned out he also had a touch of kindness and consideration, but she couldn't agree.

She lowered her eyes: “The general is valiant, I have long admired him. This is my own volition.”

Qin Xie's brow furrowed deeply: "Admiration? We've only met twice, how can you speak of admiration?"

Su Tang clenched her fingers to ease the tension of lying: "The general sent a New Year's gift to our house two years ago, a wooden carved little eagle. That was the first time I received such a unique thing..."

That's for the older sister. You're just passing by.

Su Tang was blocked, she knew they were just taking the opportunity.

Qin Xie and Su Yuqing were cousins, engaged since childhood. He never missed an opportunity to show his affection during festivals and holidays. For the sake of her reputation, he always brought other sisters from his family, but the gifts they gave were vastly different.

Su Tang wouldn't be without that kind of discernment, but what could she do about it?

She had to come.

"I understand, General, please rest assured. I won't overstep my bounds. Once I enter your home, I will be dutiful and never cause trouble for you or your sister. Please keep me."

Qin Xie's face darkened: "Su Tang, I remind you, this is a chance for you to choose again. Once I really let go, you'll be ruined for life."

Su Tang's fingertips were clenched until they hurt, but she still replied: "Thank you for your kindness, General. Please grant me this."

Qin Xie fell silent, and after a long while, he let out a low sneer, his voice dripping with sarcasm: "Such a well-born young lady, choosing to be a concubine instead of a legitimate wife... how degrading."

Su Tang's heart ached, she was almost stung to tears by these words, yet she could only grit her teeth and endure.

"Get lost."

Qin Xie spoke again, Su Tang was startled and then reacted to the meaning of his words. She subconsciously tightened her collar, a little flustered: "Here, here?"

Qin Xie's eyes were filled with undisguised coldness: "What else? Do you want me to set up a dragon and phoenix double happiness candle for a concubine, and prepare a bed for thousands of grandchildren?"

Su Tang hadn't expected such treatment, but...

She looked around. This was the main hall; even with the doors shut, you could still hear what was happening outside. There wasn't even a bed: "General, shall we go inside?"

"I like it here. If you can't handle it, go back."

Su Tang's face turned pale, her fingertips trembled, and finally, with a closed eye, she raised her hand to rest it on her belt. "I can bear it..."

She slowly unbuttoned her clothes, Qin Xie's face showing disappointment: "You don't even intend to leave? You really surprise me."

He recalled the events from two years ago. He had gone to the Su family that day with the intention of meeting Su Yuqing, but unfortunately, the other party was ill and did not appear. Instead, at a family banquet, he caught sight of Su Tang at first glance. At that time, she was only fourteen years old, thinner than everyone else. Among the chattering and flattering crowd celebrating the Lunar New Year, she was so gentle and well-behaved, it was endearing.

I couldn't have imagined that in just two years, she would change so drastically. She became obsessed with power and wealth, even forgetting about her own family.

She's just a lowly daughter, with ulterior motives.

(Editor in charge:the apothecary diaries light novel)