Madam Dai's final move is indeed ruthless. This move is a clever strategy that leaves us in a dilemma.

If we don't recognize the 7.8 million taels, then we must explain its whereabouts. From top to bottom, there could be embezzlement. If it is exposed, it will offend all the high-ranking officials and nobles. Where else in this capital city will we find a place to survive?

If we recognize the 7.8 million taels, it would be a grave crime of embezzling military funds. We should be grateful for the emperor's mercy even if we are dismissed and investigated. If you want to accept your misfortune and cover up this hole, it would require 7.8 million taels. Which family can provide such a huge sum of money?

I can't think of a solution no matter how hard I try.

At this moment, Madam Xue suddenly arrived at the mansion. General Xue was practicing at the drill ground, so I could only welcome this difficult mother-in-law alone:

"The general is at the drill ground. Madam, please wait here for a moment. I will send someone to fetch him."

Madam Xue waved her hand to dismiss the people around and said to me:

"I came here specifically to find you. There are rumors spreading within the Imperial Guard, have you heard about it?"

"Yes, I've heard. There are wicked people scheming against the general, using this wicked plan."

"Do you have any countermeasures?"

I shook my head and replied:

"I haven't come up with any yet."

"I have a plan that can ensure Huaiyi's safety. I will tell you, but only the two of us can know."

I felt puzzled. Since when did I become so close with this cold-faced mother-in-law?

With doubts in my heart, I still nodded.

"Let me take the blame for this. The 7.8 million taels were used by me without Huaiyi's knowledge, like this..."

"This is absolutely not possible, the general..."

Before I finished speaking, Madam Xue suddenly pulled down her collar, revealing the red lotus mark on her shoulder:

"Just like you, I am also reborn..."

Then, she told me about her past life.

After marrying into the Xue family and giving birth to a son, she was constantly targeted by her husband. Her son couldn't bear it and ran away from home to fight on the battlefield when he was twelve years old.

Many years later, her son returned triumphantly, but her husband was worried about his own position and the inheritance of titles, so he actually sent someone to assassinate his son in public. Her son was injured by a poisoned arrow and soon died.

Madam Xue was filled with grief and despair and was eventually forced to commit suicide, using the red lotus to be reborn and save everything.

"With the red lotus rebirth, I cannot prolong my life. I am reaching the end of my limit. Sacrificing my life to protect Huaiyi this time can be considered a fitting death. I don't care what your purpose for rebirth is, but after I am gone, I hope you can protect Huaiyi well and make sure that within six months, Huaiyi becomes the inheritor of the Xue family's title. In half a year, Xue will poison the father. By then, it will be too late for everything..."

I watched as a great mother prepared to sacrifice her life for her child for the second time, feeling a sourness in my eyes and a lump in my throat. But looking at her resolute gaze, I still nodded with tears in my eyes.

"Don't reveal anything that I told you today to Huaiyi..."