Exile after Divorce? Empty the Scumbag Husband First!-Chapter 233 - 230: "Has He Really Returned?

As if he were buying these things for Ruan Mian last time, he was generous in spending, without a word of complaint.

This made the shopkeeper smile widely.

So, the two of them packed many large and small bags to take back. But this time, Ruan Mian’s storage would carry all of it.

Upon returning, they planned to bring them out early as a surprise for Ruan Zhiyao.

Unexpectedly, before the items were revealed, Qing’er brought them good news first.

"Ah-mei! Aunt! General Huo has returned!"

"Really back?"

"Yes, yes, Major General Yu came specifically to deliver the message."

Major General Yu was Huo Zong’s capable assistant, Yu Sun.

This man was handsome, and Ruan Mian had seen him a few times, but it was aunt’s first time meeting him.

She was immediately captivated by Major General Yu’s face, and after examining him with her eyes, nudged Ruan Mian’s arm, unable to contain her curiosity.

"This Major General is so handsome, Mianmian, what do you think?"

As expected, being reborn, aunt no longer hid her obsession with young men.

Sometimes when they were walking, she would suddenly pull Ruan Mian and say a gentleman resembling Pan An had passed by.

The clerk at the medicine shop joked with Ruan Mian two days ago, suggesting she remind aunt not to stare at young gentlemen so openly, as it embarrassed them.

Ruan Mian had long grown used to it and echoed her aunt.

"Major General Yu is indeed a handsome man, but unfortunately, he has a troublesome and annoying brother, and if he marries in the future, his wife might have a hard time."

This was something Ruan Mian had accidentally heard before; Yu Sun’s elder brother was also in the military, but was notoriously a ruffian, though heroic in battle, and had earned merits.

Thus, despite his rogue behavior, he wielded authority in the army camp.

If it weren’t for Huo Zong’s willingness to keep Yu Sun close, his brother might have sold him to a brothel as a gigolo long ago.

Aunt was shocked upon hearing this: "So, Major General Yu was saved by General Huo? Otherwise, he’d be sold off by his own brother?"

"Oh dear, his brother is utterly worthless; after all, they are siblings. If I saw him, I’d make sure to teach him a lesson!"

While aunt was sympathizing with the handsome man, a thought occurred to Ruan Mian.

Since General Huo had returned, why not visit the military camp with aunt and Qing’er?

As Qing’er’s sister, there were matters she wished to understand in advance.

Qing’er was eager to go, but Major General Yu hesitated slightly: "Miss Ruan, this... the journey isn’t close, and you might get exhausted..."

"No worries, no worries." Aunt smiled warmly, patting Major General Yu’s shoulder: "We’ll bring Qing’er over, and your general will surely be happy. Let’s go, let’s not waste time."

Seeing this, Yu Sun couldn’t refuse and could only escort them to the military camp.

The roads leading to Wuheng City were now repaired, making the carriage journey faster.

After a while, they reached the military camp area.

However, upon meeting Huo Zong, Ruan Mian noticed something was amiss with General Huo.

Mr. Huo seeing them didn’t display the anticipated joy, even when Qing’er greeted him with a blush, he lacked his usual enthusiasm.

He seemed preoccupied, as if words he held back lingered unspoken.

Qing’er and aunt didn’t notice much, as aunt immediately teased the two, making Qing’er’s face as red as a boiled shrimp.

"Oh dear aunt, stop teasing me!"

"What’s wrong with some teasing? You’re close to good news with General Huo, yet you’ve told nothing to aunt, and won’t let her speak of it?"

"Aunt has spent quite a bit, preparing things for you and General Huo’s marriage!"

Upon hearing this, Qing’er became even more embarrassed and couldn’t lift her head.

But Huo Zong’s gaze grew deeper. Even his smile seemed forced to Ruan Mian.

Seeing this, she couldn’t help but ask, "General Huo, is there something you wish to say?"

Her sudden query made Huo Zong pause.

He glanced at Ruan Mian, then at aunt and Qing’er, opened his mouth, but said nothing.

Aunt saw his hesitation and difficulties, likely guessed something, and smiled.

"General Huo, we’re all family in the future; if there’s something to say, feel free to speak. Our Mianmian is here, and whatever it is can be resolved." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Huo Zong was straightforward by nature, not cunning.

Yet because of Qing’er, he didn’t know how to speak of certain matters, but... but imperial orders couldn’t be disobeyed.

Moreover, Qing’er was a weak lady; how could he put her in danger?

Thinking of this, he took a deep breath and spoke slowly.

"Miss Ruan, Aunt Jun Lan, I fear the matter with Qing’er will disappoint you."

Finished speaking, he knelt before them with a thud, and spoke directly.

"Although I hold fond feelings for Qing’er, I’ve never acted inappropriately towards Miss Qing’er, not even harboring any improper thoughts. I hoped to formally visit and propose upon returning from fulfilling duties in the Capital City."

"However... upon going to the Capital City, I received an Imperial Decree commanding me to marry the daughter of Lanqiang’s General Hu Lie, Princess Buhui."

"An Imperial order cannot be defied; I truly have no choice, and do not wish for Qing’er to marry beneath herself. Therefore, the marriage prospect, I have never disclosed to anyone, leaving Qing’er entirely unfettered, never associating with unclean individuals..."

Before finishing, Qing’er’s expression had changed starkly.

Ruan Mian also furrowed her brows: "Whom are you marrying? The Emperor instructs you to wed General Hu Lie’s daughter, Nabuhui?"

"Do you know Nabuhui was previously betrothed to Prince Yong’s son, Heir Mu Ren?"

Huo Zong nodded and spoke truthfully: "Ministers mentioned this in court; precisely because of this matter, the Emperor was furious. General Hu Lie, observing my proximity to Lanqiang, was informed by Lanqiang’s Prince, who personally wrote to the Emperor and named me."

Ruan Mian scoffed; didn’t expect Ruan Jiao to be publicly humiliated yet stubbornly insisting on marrying into the Capital City.

Ignoring other noble heirs, deliberately provoking their people.

Isn’t this intentional?

However, beside her, Qing’er lowered her head suddenly, eyes red revealing a forced smile.

"Since... since that’s how it is, I cannot trouble General Huo. Imperial orders cannot be defied, and it concerns the relationship between two nations; thus, the betrothal aspect, let... let it be as if it never existed."

Her voice trembled as she struggled to say these words, then hurriedly turned and left the tent.

Huo Zong instinctively rose; before taking a step, aunt and Ruan Mian already pursued her.

After all, Qing’er was young; harboring such hopes, suddenly receiving such news, it was surely difficult.