Chapter 24: And You Think You're Worthy?

“You useless wretch, was it you who knocked my maid unconscious?!”
This was a blatant insult to her dignity as the general’s wife!
The saying goes that even when beating a dog, you must consider its master—this was nothing less than slapping her own face!
“And who might you be?”
Baili Tianchang raised her brows indifferently, letting out a cold, dismissive snort.
“You don’t know who I am?!”
Qian Yue Shuang’s fury surged as if oil had been poured onto fire.
“Madam, please don’t be angry. This worthless, ugly girl just returned to the manor. It’s no wonder she doesn’t recognize you. She’s merely a rustic village girl, ignorant and inexperienced. Madam need not stoop to her level.”
The matron beside Qian Yue Shuang quickly steadied her mood, then addressed Baili Tianchang, “This is the general’s wife. Now that you’ve returned to the general’s manor, you should address her as your mother.”
“Oh? The general’s wife? My mother?”
Baili Tianchang remained seated, unmovable, yet her eyes sparkled with amusement.
“My mother passed away ten years ago. If you care so much for her, perhaps you’d like to pay her respects in the underworld on my behalf?”

“You!”
Qian Yue Shuang was so enraged she nearly spat blood.
What on earth had happened in these ten years? Wasn’t she supposed to be just a rustic country girl? When did she become so sharp-tongued?!
“Madam, please calm yourself. Don’t forget the Fourth Prince is waiting for us. We can deal with her later, when there’s time.”
The matron hurried to soothe Qian Yue Shuang.
“Miss, on the day you left the general’s manor ten years ago, Mistress Yue Shuang was promoted to the position of wife. Enough. The general is waiting for you in the main hall—come with us to see him now.”
This matron was clearly more composed and sensible than Qian Yue Shuang, immediately stating their purpose to Baili Tianchang.
“And who are you to tell me where to go? Do you still think I’m the ignorant child from ten years ago, who let you throw me into the river to drown?”
“You—worthless, ugly girl! Not only did you knock out my maid, now you dare show disrespect to me as well!”
Qian Yue Shuang could bear it no longer and gave the order, “What are you all standing around for? Drag her to the hall, even if you have to pull her! Insolence!”
At her command, the maids and matrons surged forward, surrounding Baili Tianchang, who remained seated.
A crowd stretched out their hands to drag her up.

Baili Tianchang glanced at them. Among them, the matron who spoke for Qian Yue Shuang was the strongest, possessing first-tier cultivation.
A first-tier cultivator—Baili Tianchang’s martial arts from her previous life were more than enough to deal with her.
She kicked out swiftly, striking the matron in the abdomen.
The matron was sent flying, crashing against the courtyard wall, instantly unconscious like the maid before her.
“I won’t trouble you further. Since the general wishes to meet me, let him come ask in person. What business do you lot have dragging me around? Are you even qualified?”
Baili Tianchang withdrew her leg, still seated calmly on the battered chair.
Qian Yue Shuang watched in disbelief as her most capable, first-tier matron was kicked unconscious by Baili Tianchang.
Fear crept into her heart.
Years of pampered living and careful maintenance had made her cautious—she dared not risk a clash with this wild, crazy girl. Otherwise...