As the Villainess Daughter-in-Law

by Usui Takumii

not mine, asia novel dot net. Total: 112 Chapters and 2 Extras. Beware edited mtl. Waiting for the translator to update.

5. 21 to 25

Chapter 21: High Esteem for a Bride

◎ The moment Li Xiang laid eyes on our daughter, he was smitten and couldn't move. ◎

In the third courtyard of the Wei Duke's residence —

Yu Sanlang had been delayed by some business today, and by the time he returned from his duties, it was already late, with dinner already served. His wife and youngest son were seated at the table, awaiting him.

No sooner had he stepped inside than his wife pulled him aside before he could even taste the warm food.

"How can you still have an appetite?" she asked.

Yu Sanlang put down his chopsticks. "Why can't I?"

"You clearly don't care about our daughter. Today, the authorities sent people to the Hu residence to evict them, ordering the family to vacate their home. It was none other than Li Xiang, the legitimate youngest son of the Ru Yang Marquis, who led the operation."

"The Old Lady summoned me today and spoke to me for quite some time. She even gave me a rare kind expression. Can you guess what she said?"

Yu Sanlang understood his mother well and knew what was on her mind, but he was puzzled. "Didn't the marriage proposal from the Ru Yang Marquis household fall through after Lian'er left the residence? Furthermore, relations between our two households became strained. Now, why is Mother advocating for Lian'er to return to the Hu residence and remarry into the Ru Yang Marquis household?" He furrowed his brow as he finished speaking.

"That's because my daughter is blessed with beauty and grace. Li Xiang was smitten the moment he laid eyes on her. Initially, he came to provoke trouble, but he ended up proposing marriage on the spot, promising never to take a concubine and to marry only our daughter. It's just unfortunate that Lian'er has her heart set on Hua Ji and refused his offer."

"Thus, when the old lady saw an opportunity, she asked me to visit the Hua residence personally to persuade Lian'er to put aside her concerns for the Hua family and return home to await a proposal from the Ru Yang Marquis House."

"While the old lady's intentions for the Wei Duke House are genuine, there's also a selfish motive. But she does have a point. With the new emperor on the throne and the Empress Consort in favor, the power of the Ru Yang Marquis House is formidable. If Lian'er were to marry into that family, she would lead a life of luxury. Anything would be better than wasting her time at the Hua residence. When I heard about the soldiers coming to the door today, I was terrified, fearing that Lian'er might be mistreated."

"Husband, imagine if our Lian'er were part of the Ru Yang Marquis House. Would those soldiers dare to cause her trouble? No one would dare to give her a hard time even if she attended banquets. With her stunning looks, she deserves a life of fine clothes and rich food. It's not too late to reconsider and remarry while there's still time."

Yu Sanlang could no longer bear to eat. He put down the spoon he had picked up to sip soup and sternly lectured, "A gentleman understands righteousness, while a petty man understands profit. How can we let Lian'er become an unfaithful, disloyal, and dishonorable person for the sake of gain?"

"How could she live with herself, enjoying wealth and luxury, knowing she went back on her word? Nowadays, people all over the city praise Lian'er for her noble character and loyalty. If she reneges again, choosing wealth by marrying the Ru Yang Marquis House, how will she face others in the future? How will she hold her head high?"

"You may not feel ashamed, but I do!"

As a mother, Yu Niang only wished for her daughter to have a comfortable life and a reliable partner. She hadn't considered the consequences deeply. Upon hearing her husband's words, she felt ashamed. The previous incident had been so public, and if Lian'er remarried, especially to the influential Ru Yang Marquis House, how would society perceive her?

Wouldn't they label her as vain and deceitful?

Frustrated, Yu Niang slapped the table. "Has the old lady genuinely overlooked this aspect, or is she deliberately ignoring it? Is she willing to sacrifice Lian'er's well-being for the sake of the entire Wei Duke House?"

Yu Sanlang spoke sternly, "Don't go to the Huas and embarrass us. I'll talk to Grandmother about this."

"Did you send the silver notes today?" If they were to move out, they would need to find another place to live. All the manors and estates of the East Yuan Marquis had been seized by the emperor, leaving them nowhere to go. Finding a new residence would require money. Despite his lack of interest in material possessions, he knew that life in the capital was manageable except for the exorbitant housing prices. Many commoners could not afford a house even if they saved their entire lives, forcing them to share large compounds.

At this, Yu Niang sighed. "Lian'er has matured. She understands more now and cares for her parents. She knows we don't have much money, so she didn't dare ask for it. She even returned the money to Little Yu Shi."

Little Yu Shi raised his hand to report, "Father, I secretly put the money on the table for Sister, but I didn't expect her to be so clever. She put it back in my clothes, and I didn't even notice!"

Yu Niang glared at her husband. "The eldest branch controls the family finances and has no shortage of wealth. Second Uncle's wife comes from a rich family, so they also have no financial worries. Only our branch is poverty-stricken. Grandmother doesn't favor you; the household only provides food, clothing, and shelter. No additional allowances are given. Your meager salary isn't even enough for tea expenses, let alone supporting the family. If it weren't for my management of a few dowry shops over the years, we wouldn't have saved even a few thousand taels. Now, when our daughter needs our support, you, as a father, hold a minor position with no power or money, unable to lend a helping hand."

Yu Sanlang fell silent for a moment before putting down his chopsticks and walking out with his hands behind his back.

Yu Niang was taken aback, staring at her husband's departing figure. Suddenly, she felt regret and realized that she might have spoken too harshly.

Her husband was clearly talented and upright, yet he had been overlooked for promotion. He had been a sixth-rank official for years, while Second Uncle, who lacked any real knowledge or accomplishments, had become a fifth-rank official solely because his wife had donated a large sum of money. Their own master remained stagnant, hovering on the outskirts of officialdom, dealing with books instead of political affairs. How could he achieve anything or advance in rank?

She knew how much her husband had endured over the years, so how could she say such hurtful words?

Yu Niang quickly chased after him, and Little Yu Shi followed suit.

Yu Sanlang hadn't gone far, only standing in the courtyard, gazing at the sky.

Yu Niang tugged on his sleeve. "My lord, don't be angry... I apologize. My outburst wasn't aimed at you; it was just that I've been feeling frustrated with life. You're not receiving the recognition you deserve from the court, our third branch is suppressed within the household, and now Lian'er is in such a predicament. In my haste, I let my tongue run wild."

"I promise you, no matter what kind of person you are, whether you hold a high rank or not, even if you don't hold any position at all, you will always be my good husband, and a wonderful father to our children, wouldn't you agree, Shi?"

Little Yu Shi also hurriedly hugged his father's leg to console him. "Dad is the best dad! Don't be mad, Dad. Mom spoke badly, I'll scold her." With that, he playfully patted his mother. Yu Niang pretended to cry out in pain.

Yu Sanlang lifted his youngest son into his arms. Little Yu Shi took the opportunity to cling tightly around his neck, a rare moment since his father was usually strict and seldom held him like this. He had to cherish it!

Sighing, he said, "I wasn't angry. Madam speaks the truth. In a few days, find another opportunity to visit Lian'er and personally hand over the banknote. Since Lady Elder wants you to go personally, you can use this as an excuse. She won't criticize you for it."

"I'll talk to her again in a few days."

Yu Niang's eyes lit up. This way, she could openly visit her daughter without having to rely on her son to deliver the banknote. She would also have the chance to speak with Lian'er and offer her advice. These days, she had no idea how Lian'er was faring in the Hu residence, whether she could handle the social intricacies and household affairs, or if she was eating and sleeping well. As a mother, her heart pondered these matters every day... Being able to visit in person would be ideal.

She agreed on the spot, and the family happily returned indoors to continue their meal.

That night, Yu Lian couldn't quite fall asleep. After dinner, she was lost in thought.

Considering her father-in-law's and grandmother's health, as well as the issue of relocating, she knew that finding or purchasing a home in the bustling capital was no easy feat, given its high prices and scarcity.

With one hand supporting her left cheek, Yu Lian sat at a table with a sheet of paper before her. Lost in thought, she doodled aimlessly. Unwittingly, she ended up with a childlike drawing, using black ink to sketch simple lines depicting mountains, water, trees, and a small house. Staring at it, she chuckled and added a sun to the sky, then drew a small plot of land in front of the house, with tender sprouts emerging from the planted vegetables.

The sight brought a subtle sense of relief to her heart.

Initially, she had thought that everything would fall into place after marriage. However, reality often proved harsher than anticipated. She hadn't expected her father-in-law's health to be so fragile, nor the urgency from the authorities. To truly live the life she desired, these two issues needed resolution.

Looking at the drawing, Yu Lian recalled her past as a naive newcomer struggling in the workforce. Didn't she start with challenges and steadily make progress through perseverance?

Where there's a will, there's a way. Difficulties were but stepping stones, and solutions outnumbered problems. With patience and careful consideration, she was confident in finding a way out. Could things get any worse than they already were?

After this reflection, she put down her pen, extinguished the lamp, and returned to bed for the night.

The next day, Yu Lian noticed the drawing missing from the table, but she didn't give it much thought. As the spring chill had given way to warmth, she had left the window open while sleeping; perhaps the wind had carried it away.

Buoyed by her self-motivation and plans from the previous day, Yu Lian woke up energized. She sought out Yi Po's husband and son, instructing them to forego their usual tasks and assist her with some errands.

"Powerful and wealthy families reside in the northern and eastern parts of the city, making it difficult to secure properties there without connections, and they're also exorbitantly priced. We can rule those out. Today, I want you to explore the southern and western districts, inquire about the cost of a two-compound courtyard. Smaller ones would suffice, considering our modest family size. Additionally, visit the outskirts of the city for comparison. If you find something suitable, return promptly to report back to me, so we can decide quickly."

The two servants, swift on their feet, left the mansion promptly to attend to the task.

Yi Po expressed her concerns, "The southern part of the city is relatively safer. But the western district is inhabited by people from all walks of life, making it unsuitable for our large family. Our esteemed matriarch, lord, lady, and you, Lady Yu Lian, all come from noble backgrounds and would not tolerate the noise and disturbance. I've heard that the houses in the southern district are occupied by somewhat affluent commoners, but they come at a higher price. One would need more than ten thousand taels of silver to acquire one."

"If we were to move to the outskirts, a few thousand taels could buy a decent-sized property. However, the security there is not as good as within the city, so we'd need to hire bodyguards to protect the estate."

Yu Lian was astonished by the exorbitant cost of housing!

She thought about the two thousand taels of silver hidden in her small pouch and fell silent.

Including the existing cash in the mansion and the money from selling miscellaneous items, they wouldn't even reach three thousand taels.

Before her marriage, she had imagined that this sum could sustain her for decades if she didn't spend it elsewhere. Now, she couldn't afford a house. It seemed she would have to consider the modest dwellings on the outskirts.

"..."

Unconsciously, she twirled the bracelet on her wrist.

Noticing this, Yi Po hurriedly said, "This cannot be sold, my lady. You might not know, but this bracelet has been passed down through generations in the Hua family, only given to the head mistresses. It's always been with the old madam, and she never even gave it to the lady. Now that she has bestowed it upon you, it signifies her trust in you and her intention to entrust the management of the household to you."

Yu Lian looked down at the delicate and lustrous bracelet in her hand, aware that it was a valuable item, but she had never imagined its origin would be so significant. Recalling the day her grandmother gave her the bracelet without mentioning its importance, even encouraging her to marry someone else, she sighed.

"I'll go see my grandmother. Inform me when they return; this matter cannot wait," she said.

"Madam, don't worry. I'll have the gatekeeper keep an eye out. He'll come to you as soon as they're back," the servant assured her.

Just as Yu Lian took a few steps out of the courtyard, she saw the gatekeeper leading her mother from afar.

Regarding the update notice: Due to my health not being in the best condition recently, I've been adjusting my updates according to how I feel. Now that I'm feeling better, I've decided to start charging for the novel tomorrow (V-day). On V-day, there will be a 10,000-word update, and I'll maintain a stable schedule, beginning daily updates. Thank you for your support, my darlings! I love you all.

Chapter 22: A Visit

◎Your husband is the most promising prodigy in the capital.◎

Upon seeing her daughter's tears, Yu Niang couldn't hold back her own. However, being in someone else's mansion with servants watching, she didn't want to embarrass her daughter and thus held back her emotions.

Once the servants withdrew, the mother and daughter entered the room, and Yu Niang burst into tears, tears falling uncontrollably.

Yu Lian was delighted to see her mother, and while she hadn't felt it in the Wei Duke's residence, after being apart for so long, she now felt a genuine sense of warmth and reliance upon their reunion.

Wiping away her tears, Yu Niang held her daughter's hand and said, "Lian'er, how could you be so heartless? You left your parents without a word or a goodbye. Did you think about how worried I would be? I haven't had a good night's sleep since then, and my skin has even become rougher. It's all because of your mischief."

Yu Lian moved closer and hugged her mother's arm, apologizing and consoling her, "Mother, it wasn't that I couldn't tell you. If I did, would you really let me go? I didn't want to argue with you or cause you worry. Besides, if Grandmother and the others found out that you knew from the start, they wouldn't spare you. Then you'd be an accomplice in my actions."

Yu Niang tapped her daughter's forehead, "You're clever indeed!"

"On that day, when you suddenly did that, Mother was so flustered and heartbroken. If you had told me earlier about your feelings for Hua Ji, how could I have resisted fulfilling your wishes?"

Yu Lian smiled, "Of course you would. For your daughter's happiness, no matter how difficult it was, you wouldn't have allowed me to marry into the Hua family. I understand your intentions, Mother. Since things have already happened, please forgive me this once. Let's not dwell on it anymore, okay?"

"Enough, I won't discuss this with you. If I told you that your father not only didn't disapprove but actually admired your backbone, you'd be walking on air, wouldn't you?"

"Father is a nobleman, placing great value on loyalty, affection, and propriety. Yu Lian, it's no surprise to me. Now, tell me, how have things been these days? What did Grandmother say? Did she blame us?"

Yu Niang then recounted the details to her daughter: "After you left that day, Grandmother was quite upset at first. She pretended to be ill and refused to get out of bed. The next day, when I went to pay my respects, she made me stand outside for two hours, leaving my legs aching. Then, she summoned me to attend to her, keeping Mother busy all day."

"As your reputation spread, people throughout the capital began praising you. Some wrote stories about you, while talented scholars composed poems in your honor. Our Wei Duke's Mansion also benefited from this newfound admiration. Someone must have spoken well of you to Grandmother, acknowledging that although your actions were impulsive, they demonstrated your genuine feelings for Hua Ji. This won the hearts of the people. When she heard this, she was secretly pleased. She understood and didn't say anything more, though her face remained stern. Perhaps it's because you offended the Ru Yang Marquis's House."

Yu Lian wasn't surprised by her grandmother's reaction. This elder appeared to dote on her, but in reality, her affection was three parts genuine and seven parts strategic. The three parts were genuine because she was her granddaughter, but the seven parts were due to the importance of the Wei Duke's Mansion as a whole. For the sake of the family, what was a granddaughter?

Her sole aspiration was to restore the glory of her family, to uplift the declining Wei Duke's Manor and reinstall it at the pinnacle of power. Why would she concern herself with the fates or fortunes of a couple of junior family members?

Not only her, but none of her grandsons or granddaughters held a candle to the importance of the Marquis Manor in her eyes.

Despite her newfound understanding of the old lady, Yu Lian held no grudges. After all, she had freed herself from the woman's grasp and had no intention of reestablishing ties with the Wei Duke's residence. Their interests were unrelated, and thus, she had no expectations from this grandmother. Consequently, she felt no unnecessary emotions.

Speaking of the old madam, Yu Niang's tone turned sour as she said, "Yesterday, upon hearing that Li Xiang had arrived at the Hua Estate and was even expressing his desire to marry you, her mind became lively once again. She summoned Mother for a talk and sent me to persuade you to remarry."

Yu Lian: "…Are you truly here to advise? In that case, I advise you not to broach the subject."

Yu Niang glared at her daughter, "At first, I was half convinced, but then I thought about how my daughter pines for her late, unfortunate husband, so much that she neglected her parents and brother, even banging her head until it bled just to marry him. That made me hesitate. After discussing it with your father when he returned, we completely abandoned the idea."

"Really? What did Father say that convinced you?"

"He talked about the difference between gentlemen and villains. In short, since you've already married Hua Ji, you can't remarry for the sake of wealth from the Ru Yang Marquis' household. Otherwise, your character would be flawed, and you'd struggle to face society in the future. He asked me to tell you to live well with your choice, and he'll speak on your behalf to the old lady."

Listening to the beginning didn't surprise Yu Lian, but the last sentence tugged at her heartstrings. "Father may seem strict, but he truly loves his daughters."

"Need I say more? Your father hasn't had an easy time these years. Born into a duke's household, he grew up with silk and fine food, well-educated and ambitious, eager to contribute to the court. Unfortunately, shortly after our marriage, your grandfather suddenly fell ill and passed away, allowing the former emperor to seize the power of the Wei Duke's household. Our family was then suppressed, and your father and his two brothers, except for the eldest who inherited the title, were given powerless positions far from the center of power. That's why your grandmother was anxious, wanting to sell you for a good price to secure a prestigious alliance and lift our family's status."

"Back then, the East Yuan Marquis' household was powerful, and your husband was the most promising genius in the capital with a bright future and real authority. The old lady was envious and used your grandfather's past favor to convince the East Yuan Marquis to agree to this marriage. When your grandfather was in command of the military, Hua Ji was still young, serving under him. Not only did your grandfather save his life, but he also recognized his potential."

Yu Lian was slightly surprised. Her father-in-law was once her grandfather's subordinate?

Yu Niang chuckled, "The Hua family originally hailed from an educated background, starting as farmers who studied. By the time your father-in-law's generation came, he was tall and strong, skilled in martial arts, but not fond of literature. The previous East Yuan Marquis didn't want him to pursue a military career, so he disguised himself and ran away from home, pretending to be a wanderer and joining the army on the front lines. Fatefully, he ended up serving as a low-ranking soldier under your grandfather."

"It was over two decades ago; I was still unmarried back then..."

Yu Lian listened intently, but Yu Niang suddenly stopped, holding her daughter's face to examine it closely.

"I've somehow lost track of time in our conversation. It feels like only yesterday that I could chat with you anytime at home, even though it's been ages since we last met. I came here for two reasons: one is to see how you're doing, and the other is that your father personally asked me to hand this silver note over to you."

She then took out the silver note and placed it gently in her daughter's hand, her eyes filled with affection. "Yu Lian, don't refuse anymore. You silly child, you secretly returned the silver your brother brought over. He was mulling about it all day yesterday."

"Though your father and I don't have much wealth or influence, we are under the protection of the Wei Duke's residence, where there's no shortage of food and clothing. But you, Yu Lian, are in urgent need of money. I know you'll have to move soon and there will be expenses. So, take it for now."

After a moment of hesitation, Yu Lian looked into her mother's eyes and, recalling the exorbitant housing prices in the capital, she finally accepted it. However, she vowed silently to herself that she would return the money to her parents once she earned it.

Yu Niang then inquired about various matters in the residence, asking how the elders treated Yu Lian, how the household affairs were managed, how the servants behaved, and what their future plans were for moving.

Yu Lian replied to each question, mentioning that the elders were kind to her, especially her grandmother who was understanding and benevolent. The only issue was the lack of funds, but otherwise, there were no major difficulties. "As for the house, I've arranged for someone to look into it. We should have some news by the afternoon, so please don't worry."

"Properties in the capital are expensive. Though your maternal grandfather is honest, he did provide a house as part of my dowry on the southern Changde Street. It's not large, but it can accommodate ten people from the Hu family. Why not move there?"

Furrowing her brow, Yu Lian considered this but ultimately shook her head in refusal.

"Mother, please don't push it. If Grandmother found out, she wouldn't agree either." How could she, as a daughter-in-law, live in her mother's house? It would tarnish the reputation of the Hu family, inviting gossip even if they were going through hard times.

"Besides, Yu Lian can't burden you any further. If that person upstairs or Grandmother discovers this, you and Father would be implicated."

Yu Niang was well aware that she had spoken in a moment of confusion, but once the words left her mouth, she quickly regained her composure.

"When we find a place to stay, send a message to Mother to let her know. That way, she'll be reassured."

"I understand, Mother."

The mother and daughter chatted for a while before sharing a breakfast together. Yu Niang then suggested that her daughter take her to visit the elderly matriarch.

Since they had come to the residence, it was only proper to pay respects to the elders as a sign of courtesy.

The old lady had been bedridden for two days, but her spirits had significantly improved. Upon hearing from Yi Po that Lian'er's mother had arrived, she eagerly awaited their visit after breakfast. As expected, a fair-skinned woman entered the room alongside her granddaughter-in-law, her smile warm and gentle, exuding a profound familiarity.

What made the encounter even more remarkable was how she immediately addressed the matriarch, "Grandmother Lian'er, I have come to pay my respects to you."

Chapter 23 - Vouching for Her Happiness

◎Someone is vying for your wife!◎

The mention of 'Grandmother' brought a warm smile to the elderly lady's eyes, revealing no trace of estrangement but only intimacy. She had indeed pondered how Yu Lian's arrival at the Hua residence would be perceived by her parents and elders. Would they harbor resentment towards the Hua family because of this?

It would be understandable if they did.

But now, seeing Yu Lian's mother put her worries to rest.

She hurriedly instructed Yi Po to bring a chair for her daughter-in-law to sit on and offered her a cup of tea.

The two women seemed to enjoy each other's company immensely, as if they regretted not meeting sooner. The elderly lady praised Yu Lian's upbringing and fine qualities, attributing them to her mother. Yu Niang modestly dismissed the compliments, jokingly saying, "Oh, no, no. It's all thanks to fate. Her marriage was arranged long ago, but despite our concerns and heartache, we couldn't stop her. This child is full of love and loyalty; how could we, as her parents, stand in her way?"

They had wanted to intervene, but circumstances didn't allow it...

Sighing, the elderly lady patted her hand, "It's our Hua family who owes an apology to Yu Lian and to you. I hope for a smoother life ahead... Let me assure you, as long as I'm alive, I'll do everything within my power to ensure Yu Lian's well-being and protect her from being bullied, even by her own mother-in-law. Whatever she wants to do in the Hua family, she can do it. As her grandmother, I'll spoil and indulge her, making sure she leads a comfortable and joyful life. If in the future, she falls for a young and talented man, not only will I not object, but I'll also provide additional dowry to send her off with grace."

These words were spoken only when Yu Lian was not around.

Saying this, she whispered, "Lian'er doesn't like to hear such talk; she pouts and becomes unhappy at the mention of it. But Mother-in-law, those are my true feelings. Such a fine girl as Lian'er, I genuinely cherish her like my own granddaughter. All I wish for is her happiness—what else matters? Don't you agree?"

These words struck a chord with Yu Niang's heart. She had been polite at first, but now her smile became genuinely warmer, and all her worries faded away. She clasped hands with the old lady, their bond appearing even closer than that of a real mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

By the time Yu Lian returned from fetching almond milk at the small kitchen, she was met with this scene. She paused for a moment at the door. Setting aside other matters, her mother truly had a knack for social maneuvering.

"I feel relieved when you say that. To tell you the truth, the old lady in our house had a relationship with the Ruyang Marquis Mansion and wanted to get married there. Her father, aunt, second aunt, and II also looked at several other doors for Lian'er to look at. This girl disliked this one and didn't like that one. I felt strange at first. Then that day she cried and said she wanted to marry Hua Ji and enter his house to help taking care of a whole family, I even broke my head and broke away from my parents' house. Only then did I realize that Lian'er had long been pretending to be a human being and could not tolerate others."

"I am aware of this matter... Simple-minded lass."

"Recently, the matriarch of our household has decreed that your father and I are not allowed to visit you. I've shed many tears at home, worried about your well-being. Your father and I have only one legitimate elder daughter, coddled since birth and unused to hardship. But now, seeing how much you've matured and become responsible, just as you said, it's clear you can take care of yourself."

The matriarch spoke kindly, "She's still just a young lady."

The two mothers-in-law engaged in heartfelt conversation for some time, until it was almost noon. The matriarch insisted that Yu Niang stay for lunch before departing.

As Yu Lian bade her mother farewell, she smiled, "Your grandmother is wonderful, with a kind heart. She's a good person. If my own mother-in-law were like her, my life would have been easier. I wish I could trade your biological grandmother for this maternal grandmother, to have her as my own mother-in-law."

Yu Niang gave her daughter a few more words of advice before finally boarding the carriage to leave.

Hardly had she left the Hu residence when rumors spread around the capital that Lady Yu, the third wife, had gone to visit her daughter! It was said that she left with tears streaming down her face, desperately trying to take her daughter back home. But Yu Lian's love remained unwavering, and she refused to leave, resulting in a heated argument between mother and daughter at the entrance of the Hu residence. The tale was narrated with vivid detail.

Upon hearing this, Yu Lian thought, "..." Her mother's tears were clearly those of reluctance! What argument could they have had?

She had come to understand a lesson recently: Once the public had a starting point, they would invent the rest of the story as they pleased, regardless of the truth.

In the afternoon, Yi Po's husband and son returned.

"We found two houses in the southern part of the city. One is priced at ten thousand taels, while the other, larger one, costs fifteen thousand. In the western part, prices are twenty percent lower, but the security is much worse. It doesn't seem worth it. So, we explored the outskirts and discovered a property with a manor. Due to its remote location, the price is reasonable. They're asking for four thousand five hundred taels for a small estate where you can cultivate fruits and vegetables. It sounds quite liberating."

Upon hearing this, Yu Lian leaned towards the latter option.

A price tag of four thousand five hundred taels, with some negotiation and pooling of resources, could make it manageable. However, buying a house couldn't be rushed. With limited funds, a wrong choice would leave no room for regret. She instructed them to visit two more properties in the suburbs tomorrow for comparison. The city was out of the question; the prices were exorbitant, far beyond their means.

"Also, inquire further. Not just about the price, but ask the locals if the owner has any legal troubles or if their background is clean. Otherwise, if there are issues we're unaware of, it could cause problems later on."

"Madam's considerations are thorough. We'll go take another look tomorrow."

Yu Lian resolved to inspect the property herself before making a decision. She shared this plan with her grandmother, who had no objections.

"Yu Lian, you can decide. My good child, I know our household lacks funds, and it must be you, my foolish grandchild, who has been supplementing us. Grandmother says we should look further into the outskirts, somewhere smaller but more affordable. I'll sell off my jewelry; don't touch your own savings. If not, renting would also suffice for now."

Yu Lian understood that this was a viable option. She didn't have to buy immediately. If she couldn't find a suitable place, she would rent a courtyard in the city first. Once she figured out a way to earn more money, she would gather enough to purchase a house that suited her.

After Yi Po's family and the real estate agent spent two days finalizing three potential properties, Yu Lian disguised herself and accompanied Yi Po to view them.

All three houses were located on the outskirts of the capital. Though the locations were somewhat remote, the houses were much larger than those in the city, each with its own yard and vegetable patch for self-sufficiency.

The prices were 4,500 taels, 6,000 taels, and 8,000 taels respectively.

The one priced at 8,000 taels was the largest, with several acres of land. It would undoubtedly make them landlords, but the price was steep, and they couldn't afford it immediately. So, Yu Lian negotiated for the 6,000 tael and 4,500 tael options. The seller of the 6,000 tael property wouldn't budge on the price, whereas the owner of the initially favored 4,500 tael house was eager to sell, willing to lower the price to 4,000 taels. After further discussion, they settled on 3,800 taels, just within Yu Lian's budget, leaving a few hundred taels for daily expenses.

Thus, Yu Lian arranged to finalize the deal for the next day, to process the official paperwork with Ya Bao and sign a temporary agreement under his witness, paying the deposit.

With everything settled, Yu Lian felt as if a heavy burden had lifted from her heart. She felt like she had found a foothold in this unfamiliar era, a sense of belonging. Buoyed by her new status, she even took a personal tour, finding the small estate well-equipped despite its size. It had ample space for vegetables, fruits, and even rice and wheat.

She began fantasizing about her future idyllic life, picking daisies by the fence, gazing at the Southern Mountains in leisure. Her mood was lifted significantly.

Upon returning home, she shared her plans for the future with her grandmother, even deciding what to cultivate in the field.

The old lady looked at her with a warm smile, nodding approvingly to everything her granddaughter-in-law said.

When the young lady was not around, she confided in Yi Po, "Now this is how a child should behave. Yu Lian is still young and should live a carefree life. Seeing her so delighted makes me happy too. This innocent child is so easily pleased – a small manor is enough to make her ecstatic. If only..."

If only Hua'er were here. She would be lavished with fine clothes and abundant food, never needing to be so thrilled by such a small gift.

These thoughts remained unspoken, swallowed back into her heart.

It was useless to dwell on them; they would only bring more sadness.

With the silver finally gathered, Yu Lian carefully placed the remaining hundreds of taels in a chest, still feeling a twinge of regret. Be it modern times or ancient times, the price of real estate was exorbitant!

Her mother had mentioned that houses were not as expensive in previous dynasties, but prices had soared during their current era.

However, thinking about how this purchase would secure a home for her family for generations to come, she felt it was worth every penny. There were no time limits on property ownership in ancient times; once bought, the land and house belonged to the buyer, to be inhabited until the end of days, unless there was a change in dynasty.

The following day, she arranged to finalize the transaction at the local government office. Eagerly, she brought Yi Po and her family along. But after waiting for hours, the seller did not show up.

Yi Po accompanied the young lady back to their residence, furious. She instructed her husband to demand an explanation. Was this not a mockery?

Her husband returned with a grim expression, filled with frustration. "Madam, that family has gone back on their word. They now say they won't sell to us!"

"Inconceivable! A contract was agreed upon, and a deposit paid. How can they so casually break their promise?"

He produced the silver. "He returned the deposit, claiming the house cannot be sold. When I asked for an explanation, he hemmed and hawed for ages without giving a clear answer. Eventually, he simply asked me to leave."

"I sought out the broker, but even he changed his demeanor and wouldn't entertain me, dismissing me hastily."

Upon hearing this, Yu Lian understood that there might be more to the story than meets the eye.

The seller was initially eager to dispose of the item, willing to accept a lower price just to make the sale. Now that the deposit had been paid, his sudden change of heart could stem from only two reasons: either someone else offered a higher bid, or there were unforeseen circumstances preventing him from selling it to her. Judging from the agent's reaction, the latter reason seemed more plausible.

Teeth-keepers, due to their substantial commissions, would never forsake a negotiated deal; instead, they would always strive to advance it. Even if the house owner on one side retracts, they can easily promote another property without resorting to driving away potential clients.

There could only be one explanation: someone was pulling strings behind the scenes to prevent them from acquiring the property.

To test her theory, Yu Lian dispatched Yi Po and her family to various parts of the capital. Unfailingly, no brokers were willing to show them properties; instead, they hinted at private transactions. However, there were clear imperial laws stating that without a broker as an intermediary and guarantor, the transfer of property ownership was prohibited.

Yi Po returned with her report: "My husband consulted several property brokers, but they all wore grim expressions and were hesitant to reveal the reason. Eventually, one of them whispered to me, asking if we were from the Hu family, and if our young madam was the sixth miss from the residence of the Wei Duke. I confirmed it, and then that broker discreetly advised me that they had received instructions from influential figures not to sell the property to the Hu family."

With less than seven days remaining until the deadline for our departure, this incident occurs.

Promptly, Yu Lian orchestrated a dramatic scene at the entrance with Yi Po and her spouse. Since her marriage into the Hu household, the citizens of the capital had been greatly intrigued by her, often gathering around to catch a glimpse or gather gossip to share with others.

News of Yi Po and her husband's somber conversation at the entrance spread rapidly throughout the imperial city.

Have you heard? It seems that influential officials in the capital are targeting the former East Yuan Marquis Manor, now known as the Hu Manor. The authorities are not only forcing them to leave their estate but also preventing estate agents within the city from selling them a new residence. What a predicament, don't you think?

"The East Yuan Marquis... Is it the household to which the sixth young lady of the Wei Duke's mansion was married?"

"Nonsense! Pity this Sixth Miss, she hasn't known a single day of peace since her marriage. Her husband is gone, and her family, weakened by illness, is struggling. Now that they've finally managed to gather some funds to purchase a place to settle, someone is interfering. I've heard the house is in the outskirts, and the deal was almost settled, only to be reneged on the very next day!"

"Who do you think could be behind it?"

"Who else? Back when the East Yuan Marquis' residence held great power, they made many enemies. For a family like theirs, now in adversity, there are surely plenty waiting to push them further down."

"Could it be the Seventh Prince? Rumor has it that he betrayed the East Yuan Marquis and his son, leading to their capture. Otherwise, who would be sitting on the imperial throne today is anyone's guess."

"Dare you say such things? Are you not afraid of being arrested?"

"It's simply a matter of fact. Speaking of it, the real enemy of the Hua family could be when Prince Hua Ji was unrivaled in the capital, outshining countless young talents. Rumor has it that the current emperor, back then as the third prince, was his archrival. They even had a fight during their first encounter as children. Could it be the emperor's doing?"

"Brother, let me give you some advice. You should pack your bags and run today. You dare to say anything and even suspect the emperor. I admire your courage."

"The current Prime Minister Yu is also a possibility. As a prestigious prime minister, he has been suppressed by the East Yuan Marquis and his son for years, not daring to utter a single complaint. It's understandable if he's seeking revenge now."

"I've heard it's the Ru Yang Marquis' residence. Li Xiang, the legitimate youngest son of the Ru Yang Marquis, recently proposed to Miss Sixth, right? He might be intentionally making things difficult for her to force her into marrying him!"

"Sigh... Since ancient times, beauty has often fallen prey to power. Miss Sixth is lovely, virtuous, and accomplished. Who wouldn't be smitten with her? I heard that on that day at the Hua family's gate, Li Xiang initially brought soldiers with him but dismissed them after seeing Miss Sixth. He publicly declared that he would dismiss all his concubines just to marry her alone. Unfortunately, Miss Sixth has been devoted for a long time. How could she be easily swayed?"

"That's why Li Xiang is resorting to cunning tactics. He wants Miss Sixth to realize that only by marrying him can she find shelter, while without him, she'll be vulnerable to others' bullying. In the end, who could endure such pressure?"

...

In these times, freedom of speech is valued, and ordinary citizens are free to express their opinions without fear. The entire capital's residents were speculating wildly, implicating every prominent noble and official, even the emperor, albeit subtly. The rumors eventually reached the court.

On that same afternoon, Li Xiang went to visit the Hua residence.

The gatekeeper refused entry, explaining that the young lady was resting and unavailable, and the matriarch was unwell and couldn't receive guests. Despite this, Li Xiang forcefully made his way inside.

Yu Lian was watering the flowers in the courtyard when she noticed him standing afar. "Lian'er, I heard about that incident. It wasn't me. I know who sent the message."

She put down the watering can and looked at him.

The young man straightened up and quickly said, "It was the Seventh Prince. That cunning coward betrayed both East Yuan Marquis and Hua Ji. Now, he wants to eliminate them completely. Lian'er, marry me. As long as you're with me, he won't dare touch you. I'll also arrange for the people of the Hua residence to have a safe haven. I promise no one will dare to cause trouble!"

"Lian'er, trust me. I genuinely like you. I used to be wayward, but after meeting you, I finally understand what love feels like. I would never hurt you!"

Yu Lian replied coolly, "Who gave you permission to call me by my given name?"

Li Xiang hastily said, "I won't, I won't. As long as you agree to marry me, I won't use it."

Yu Lian: "Thank you for your offer. Send the guest away."

Li Xiang watched as the beauty closed the courtyard gate, effectively blocking him out. He shouted in frustration, "Am I, a living person, not worth more than a dead one?!"

Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his chest. A stone thumped onto the ground with a slap. Looking into the distance, he saw a pair of identical twin boys staring at him with wide, fierce eyes, like two little wolf cubs.

Li Xiang grinned and said, "Brats, do you know who I am?"

A boy brandished his slingshot menacingly, shouting, "You wicked one, get out of our home right now!"

Li Xiang strolled over, picked up the two boys with one hand each, swung them around in a circle, and laughed heartily. "Your big brother has turned to ashes, so both of you had better behave. Today, I'll spare you two on account of your elder sister-in-law."

After saying that, she dropped the boys on the ground, walked away with her hands behind her back, and let out a boisterous laugh.

The boys covered their bottoms as they sat on the ground, bursting into a wail that echoed throughout the heavens, unable to stop.

Yu Lian opened the door and found the twins bawling their eyes out.

She pulled the two children up from the ground. The older one clutched at her sleeve while sobbing, asking, "Is Big Brother really dead?"

The younger one also stared at her with reddened eyes.

Yu Lian took each boy by the hand and led them back into the courtyard. Initially resistant, the boys reluctantly obeyed when she scolded them.

She knew that during these days, the three children in the household had been confined to their grandparents' yard and were not allowed out. No one had informed them about Hua Ji's misfortune, so the three innocent children still believed their eldest brother had been sent to fight in a war by the imperial court.

She gave the two children some snacks to hold and eat.

The younger one tattled, "The bad guy said he'd turn to ashes only after my big brother does, and even his whole family would! All of them, into ashes!"

From the beginning, Yu Lian had not quite agreed with her mother-in-law's approach. Although the three children were young, they were already six or seven years old—old enough to understand things. Moreover, with such a significant event happening to their family, they should be growing up quickly. It was unreasonable for them to continue hiding behind their father and elder brothers to play as they did before.

So she sighed softly, holding her tea and staring blankly at its surface. "Yes, he's gone..."

The two children fell silent for a moment before wailing even louder. With teary, reddened eyes, they glared at her before stomping out of the room.

Yu Lian instructed Erya to follow them, gently brushing away a tear from the corner of her eye.

This body was unbelievable. When would she stop crying at the mere mention of Hua Ji?

The next morning, Li Xiang came again, this time bearing a deed to a house.

"Li... Lian'er..."

Yu Lian glanced at him, and Li Xiang corrected himself. "Sixth Miss, after thinking about it yesterday, I've decided to give you a three-section courtyard for free, to clear my name. You can move in whenever you're ready."

Yu Lian replied, "I cannot accept unearned gifts, Mister Li. Your kindness is appreciated, but I must decline."

Li Xiang had never experienced setbacks with beauties before. The more he was rejected, the more determined he became. Witnessing Yu Lian's unwavering devotion to Hua Ji while she remained cold towards him filled him with resentment. He wished desperately that she would divert her attention to him and transfer her feelings.

When his attempts to win her over failed, he hatched another plan. At noon, Erya rushed in to report, "Madam, there are many common folk gathered at our gate, calling for you."

"Mr. Li is also outside," she added.

Yu Lian opened the door.

Li Xiang was in the midst of his speech, "Citizens, there are wicked people bullying Miss Sixth and intimidating the estate agents and homeowners, preventing them from selling their houses to the Hua residence. They want this family to end up homeless. Despite her noble intentions, Miss Sixth has been mistreated by villains. Shouldn't we lend her a hand?"

"Help! I've been wanting to say this. A lady of Miss Sixth's integrity deserves our support!"

"But how do we help? We are just ordinary folk without power, influence, or wealth. What can we do besides using our voices?"

"I propose that we band together and mutually guarantee each other. According to the law, if ten people vouch for a transaction, it can proceed. The sellers won't have to fear any trouble. If anyone causes issues, we will all stand up for you. And if all else fails, I, Li Xiang, will be there!"

Upon seeing Yu Lian emerge, a man shouted, "Miss Sixth, my uncle is a wealthy merchant with two estates for sale. Let me take you to speak with him."

"My family also has a small two-compartment house to sell. I hope you won't disdain it."

"Come to my home and see for yourself!"

The onlooking citizens eagerly shouted, for they had an inherent fondness and admiration for Yu Lian. Even those who did not witness the events firsthand had, through the recent onslaught of storybooks and poems, developed a deep respect and sympathy for her.

Now, with Li Xiang, the legitimate youngest son of the Ru Yang Marquis, taking the lead, their pent-up resentment found a target, and their chivalry was stirred. More than twenty people offered to show her their homes on the spot, while over seventy volunteered to act as guarantors.

Li Xiang looked at Yu Lian with a smug expression, winking playfully at her.

Despite her lack of affection for this wayward young nobleman, Yu Lian responded with a smile, expressing her gratitude.

The black-clad spy watching from the shadows grew anxious. Having only recently informed their master of the situation, they couldn't resist scribbling another note: "My Lord, disaster strikes! Someone is vying for your wife! And she even smiled at him."

Chapter 24: Ancestral Origins ◇

◎ Let Hua Ji howl in despair underground! ◎

Yi Po's son was efficient, immediately jotting down the names of those willing to sell their houses to the Hua family and those who would serve as guarantors. He presented the list to Yu Lian.

Yu Lian glanced over it. In just a short while, her predicament had been resolved. Ten people were available as guarantors, and an impressive ninety-three law-abiding citizens on the list were willing to vouch for her. Moreover, twenty-six properties were up for sale to her.

Li Xiang still beamed with triumph, declaring, "That's how it should be, it should have been done long ago. No matter how powerful the villain is, if we unite, whoever sells their house to Miss Sixth, we'll protect them. We'll join forces as guarantors. I'd like to see if this villain can kill one or two, let alone all the people in the world!"

"Absolutely right! The imperial edict stated that only Prince Hua Ji will face punishment, not the rest. We are all ordinary, law-abiding citizens, just like them. As such, we are protected by the laws of our dynasty. Why should someone with power be allowed to manipulate others behind their backs? Forcing people out of their homes without allowing them to purchase new ones—what kind of injustice is this?"

"I say we don't even need to buy a house. When the authorities come to evict us, we'll tell them that someone at the imperial court is preventing the Hua family from acquiring a residence. Let them investigate and sort it out before they proceed!"

"That may be true, but the officials are only following the law. The crucial thing is to identify the culprit behind this mischief. Otherwise, if Miss Sixth and her family, with their elders, women, and children, are truly evicted, where will they live?"

"Miss Sixth, please rest assured. We've agreed here today that if you find a suitable house, send word to the Fu Lai Teahouse in the city, saying that you've chosen a residence. We'll come forward as your guarantors."

"It's worth mentioning that the owner of Fu Lai Teahouse holds Miss Sixth in high esteem. The storytellers there exclusively recount tales of Miss Sixth and Prince Hua, with multiple versions already told. They even started a new segment yesterday."

With the list in her hand, Yu Lian smiled gently and said, "Uncles, aunts, and elder siblings, I, Yu Lian, am deeply grateful for your efforts in seeking justice for our Hu family. I have yet to repay your kindness when you sent me to the mansion that day, and now you've shown me another favor. I don't know how to reciprocate."

As she spoke, she bowed deeply.

The crowd hurriedly waved their hands, insisting it was unnecessary. Some of those standing at the front also bowed, feeling embarrassed. How could they allow the daughter of a Duke's residence to bow to them? She had even addressed them warmly as uncles and aunts.

"One doesn't need to be so polite, Miss Sixth. We merely admire your character and wish to speak up for you. Your courteous gesture leaves us, simple folk, at a loss," someone replied.

Yu Lian smiled. "I am now married and have taken on a new role. Would it be alright if you call me Lady Hu?"

Some of the people present had witnessed Yu Lian's journey from the Wei Duke's residence that fateful day. Recalling the scene, the departure of Prince Hu, and the tragic fate of this star-crossed couple, they couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her as they observed the current state of the Hu family.

These days, the citizens of the capital were accustomed to addressing her as Miss Sixth, referring to Yu Lian, the sixth miss of the Wei Duke's residence. However, few had realized that she was indeed a married woman...

Someone called out, "Young Lady Hu."

Yu Lian nodded with a smile.

After the crowd dispersed, Li Xiang refused to leave and rushed to Yu Lian to claim credit for her actions.

"Surely you believe now that it wasn't me who did it?"

He then took the list of properties that Yu Lian had written out. "These residences are either in the southern or western part of the city. You don't need to consider the west, but the south might be viable. Ah, but if you're unwilling, I do have a house in the north that could suit you."

He pointed at two locations for Yu Lian's consideration. "Both of these are quite decent. Take your servants to view them tomorrow. Forget it, I'll come fetch you tomorrow. Would you like me to show you around?"

Yu Lian shook her head, asking him to return first. "Thank you for your help today."

Li Xiang stood where he was, watching her enter the estate until the gates closed before his lips curled into a smile.

As they say, perseverance will eventually break even the hardest stone. With more effort, he would sooner or later win Yu Lian's heart and divert her affections towards him!

Yesterday, Yu Lian had been cold towards him, yet today she spoke more and even smiled at him.

If this progress continued, he would one day be able to marry her, leaving Hua Ji weeping bitterly in his grave!

Feeling optimistic, the young man mounted his horse and left with a radiant expression.

In an unknown alleyway, a figure clad in black pleaded earnestly, "This is not a place for prolonged stay. You've lingered here too long after escaping danger. If the emperor discovers you, all your efforts will be in vain! I beg you, sir, to reconsider and evacuate as soon as possible!"

Beside the window, a man sat at his desk, with several sheets of paper before him. If Yu Lian were there, she would recognize them. One was the elegy she had written for Hua Ji, hastily composed with just a single line, which had been partially burned and then whisked away by the wind. Another was a sketch of a house nestled among mountains and waters, drawn carelessly yet with a simple warmth that contrasted starkly with the mournful words.

Two more letters had arrived from the black-clad spies who had been watching the Hua residence.

The man's starry eyes gazed intently at the papers, remaining silent for a long while.

Curiosity flickered in his gaze as if he sought to see through the papers to their author.

On the elegy, elegant regular script spelled out six characters: "Heaven may not grow old, but love cannot be extinguished."

The casual doodle beside it, however, exuded an innocent warmth, creating a striking contrast with the farewell's decisiveness, both emanating from the same hand.

Just then, a homing pigeon perched at the window sill. The man reached out to retrieve the message, which read, "Master, trouble! Someone is vying for your wife, and the young madam even smiled at him."

He recalled the previous letter: "Sir, the young madam has been secretly thinking of you again, and she shed tears."

After a moment of silence, he instructed, "Send Zhu Ying. Bring back Zhu Qing."

The black-clad spy knew full well that Zhu Qing was a talkative and dramatic person. With a hidden smile tugging at his lips, he replied, "Rest assured, I'll dispatch Zhu Ying immediately. But I must remind you, with important matters at hand, you shouldn't be entangled with the Hua family. If the emperor finds out, it might endanger the young madam, Lady Elder, and others."

After a moment, the man said, "Once they've moved and settled in, we'll leave."

"Should we still send Zhu Ying over?"

"Yes."

...

To everyone's surprise, Yu Lian didn't send anyone to inspect the house the next day, nor did she leave the mansion herself. Over the past few days, a vague idea had started to take shape in her mind.

The events that had transpired lately, especially the recent commotion over purchasing the house, made her realize something clearly: Beijing was not a peaceful place, at least not for her family.

Though the emperor hadn't sought to exterminate them entirely or cause them trouble openly, he remained a potential threat. As Li Xiang had pointed out, the Seventh Prince was the one manipulating matters behind the scenes to make things difficult for them. This Seventh Prince was a cowardly opportunist who, after betraying the East Yuan Marquis and his son, had become nothing more than a lapdog for the emperor, solely focused on currying favor. It wasn't impossible that he intended to gain the emperor's favor by causing trouble for the Hua family through his own actions, just as the original owner of this body had done before.

Everyone knew that the emperor used to be Hua Ji's archrival. He disliked Hua Ji and the Hua Mansion, but since he sat high on the imperial throne and had just ascended to power, he needed to demonstrate kindness and avoid leaving any openings for criticism. Therefore, he wouldn't openly deal with a small fry like the Hua Mansion.

This left the door open for those who were skilled at interpreting the emperor's intentions to take matters into their own hands.

The original owner had ridiculed her fiancé, Hua Ji, in an attempt to win the emperor's favor and become a palace concubine.

Prince Seventh had also given trouble to the Hua residence, hoping to curry favor with the emperor and gain advantages from him.

Adding to this, there were the rivals and enemies of the East Yuan Marquis House in the past. These people might not hesitate to make a move. Now that the Hua family held no official rank, they were just an ordinary family. It would be as easy for them to cause significant trouble as crushing an ant.

Some matters seemed insignificant until one delved deeper, revealing a chilling realization. Yu Lian deduced that the reason nothing had happened yet was likely due to the timing. She had just married into the Hua family, enjoying great prestige and public attention. They wouldn't strike at such a moment. Once they moved out of the marquis residence, the public's interest would naturally wane. As more time passed and new news replaced old topics, who would still remember a Hua family in the capital?

Then, they could do whatever they pleased without any constraints.

Since they had purchased a house and planned to leave the East Yuan Marquis Mansion, it signified settling down permanently in some part of the capital. This wasn't a matter of days, months, or even a year or two; it would take decades.

To survive in one place for a long time, stability was paramount. The common folk might lend assistance once or twice, but they couldn't be relied upon indefinitely. This time, they supported her due to her good reputation, but would they continue to help in the future? Not for countless times to come, surely?

Could they help her for a lifetime?

Over time, even the strongest goodwill would fade.

If not for the threats from those in the court and the emperor, Yu Lian would happily reside in a place where she was generally well-received. However, with these lurking dangers that couldn't be ignored, she needed to be much more cautious.

No reputation, no matter how impeccable, can withstand the crushing weight of power.

She understood this all too well.

It was precisely because of this realization that despite Li Xiang's assistance and the support of the common folk in securing a house, Yu Lian lost her desire to continue searching for one.

But living in the East Yuan Marquis's residence was no longer an option. In just a few days, the authorities would arrive to seal it off.

In this vast world, where should she go? Where should she take her family?

Recalling the small manor on the outskirts of the capital, Yu Lian felt a pang of regret. Losing her appetite, she decided to step out for a walk and catch some fresh air.

As she walked, she found herself subconsciously heading towards her grandmother's courtyard. It wasn't until she reached the entrance that she came back to her senses.

Yi Po had already spotted the young madam and greeted her warmly, calling out inside, "The young madam has come to visit you."

"You've arrived at just the right time. The old lady has just woken up to have her meal and was just talking about you."

"I saw the scene at the gate yesterday too. With your good reputation, the common people are willing to help you. This old servant thought you'd be out viewing houses today. Yet, you haven't taken a single step outside. Are you troubled by something?"

Yu Lian shook her head and sighed.

Silently, she entered her grandmother's room.

On a small round table were simple porridge and light dishes. The old lady was delighted to see her granddaughter and invited her to sit down. "My appetite is weak due to my age. Lian'er, tell Yi Po what you'd like to eat."

Yu Lian served herself a bowl of porridge but shook her head, saying she wasn't hungry.

The old lady looked at her for a moment. Seeing that she had taken the porridge but wasn't eating it, only stirring it aimlessly in the bowl, she asked with concern, "What's the matter?"

"Grandmother..." Yu Lian began, then paused. Encouraged by her grandmother's supportive gaze, she realized that her grandmother, with a lifetime of experience, would be someone to consult. So, she shared her concerns. "I didn't think about this before, but the recent house purchase has made me realize something. Grandmother, I have a premonition that this is just the beginning. In the capital... under the Emperor's feet, it's a prosperous era, with everything seemingly perfect. But there are too many influential figures, and we won't be able to stay here for long."

"I understand that my late husband and father-in-law were once too prominent, making countless enemies. Now that they're gone, those foes hold the upper hand and wield power. Our Hua family is like a fish on a chopping block, powerless to resist. Not only will the Emperor not protect us from their attacks, he might even turn a blind eye. How can we live peacefully in the shadow of the Emperor's throne?"

The old lady let out a long sigh and held her granddaughter's hand. "Lian'er, you're right. I've had the same worries, but I don't know what to do. I thought that in broad daylight, they might refrain from acting because of the consequences. But you're correct – we can't guard against danger forever."

Recalling the former glory of the East Yuan Marquis's household, the old lady couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow. Now, despite the vastness of the world, there seemed to be no place for their vulnerable family.

Yi Po entered at that moment and, noticing that Madam had not touched her food, said, "Madam, feel free to order whatever you desire. Erya's culinary skills were taught by me; she hasn't even mastered half of my techniques."

The elder lady chuckled. "She's excellent at preparing dishes from the Northwest. Yu Lian, why don't you give them a try?"

Yu Lian paused. "What did you call Yi Po just now?"

Yi Po was taken aback. "I said that if Madam wants something, I'll cook it for her."

"What about the next part?"

"I taught Erya how to cook..."

Suddenly, Yu Lian stood up, unable to remain seated any longer. She finally recalled the fleeting thought that had crossed her mind when she overheard Erya mentioning her family's origins in the Northwest.

Everyone has a lineage, whether they be nobles or commoners. One can always trace their roots back to an initial place, known as their ancestral hometown.

If Yi Po's family hailed from the Northwest, then where did her own family come from?

Where was the Hua family's ancestral home?

She had heard her mother mention that the Hua family's ancestors were farmers who later devoted themselves to scholarly pursuits, suggesting they weren't originally from the capital. In this area, the only Hua family she knew of was the East Yuan Marquis House.

The elderly lady spun her around so much that she became dizzy, urging, "Stop, stop! What has gotten into you, my little mischievous monkey?"

Yu Lian paused, unusually cheerful as she exclaimed, "Grandmother, I've just thought of where we should go!"

"I heard from Mother that our ancestors started as farmers and scholars. So, where is our ancestral hometown?"

The elder replied, "Your grandfather mentioned it once. Despite our former prosperity, our ancestral home is quite remote and poor, far away from the capital. According to your grandfather, before our ancestors prospered, their entire town had only one family producing scholars, with even the county having only a few educated men. How could that compare to the capital?"

Yu Lian's eyes lit up. The more remote, the better; the farther from the capital, the better. At this moment, that was the best condition!

She promptly suggested, "Grandmother, let's not look for a house in the capital anymore. How about we move back to our ancestral hometown as a family?"

The elder was hesitant. If they truly left the capital, it would mean taking a step backward, returning to being peasants. In the countryside, with twin babies at home, even if they wanted to hire a tutor, they wouldn't be able to find someone knowledgeable. Moreover, it would feel like completely accepting their fate, acknowledging their failure and retreat, stepping away from the center of power and becoming an insignificant ripple.

But she quickly came to her senses. She was being foolish. Even if they didn't leave, their family had already failed. Hua Ji had sacrificed his life to protect them and preserve the Hua lineage. How could she risk everything by letting her family continue living in fear and vulnerability in the capital?

Seeing the elder silent, Yu Lian tried to reason with her. "Grandmother, as the saying goes, 'the sky is high, and the emperor is far away.' You mentioned that our hometown is remote. If we move away, what can the emperor do to us? He can't possibly send people all the way there to silence us, can he? Besides, seeing us leave, he'll feel relieved knowing that we're just a family of elders, women, and children, honestly returning to the countryside to farm, with no chance of turning the tables. Would he really bother to make things difficult for us?"

The old lady was no fool. At first, she was just unaccustomed to the sudden change due to her lifelong habits. As the matriarch of the marquis' residence, she had always been fawned upon and admired. Now, her granddaughter-in-law suddenly suggested they return to their ancestral village to farm for a living, catching her off guard.

After some contemplation, she sighed, "Well, well, I should have accepted this a long time ago. Ever since Hua'er left, I should have foreseen this day. Yu Lian, you're right. We have neither power nor influence, and we're still under the watchful eyes of the emperor and our enemies. It's no longer suitable for us to remain in the capital. Moving back to our ancestral village is a good solution."

"In that case, the emperor and those people will see our wisdom and let us be. We'll avoid becoming the subject of gossip."

Yu Lian sat beside the old lady, holding her arm, and said joyfully, "Grandmother, you're so insightful. You're the wisest person in the world."

The old lady pinched her nose, "You silly child, why are you so happy about moving to the countryside? You could have lived comfortably in the Duke's residence and married into the Ru Yang Marquis family. Instead, you chose to suffer with us, and now you're willing to abandon your life in the capital and flee with us to the countryside. Do you know how remote and poor that place is? Your grandfather mentioned that it's mountainous, with inconvenient transportation. It's been a poor area since our ancestors' times, even through the changes of dynasties. The people there barely make ends meet by farming. As a young girl, you won't even find a place to buy makeup. I'm afraid you'll suffer there and won't be able to adapt."

Yu Lian shook her head with a smile, "How can that be? As long as there are green mountains and clear waters, how can we not survive? I actually yearn for a rural lifestyle, where we work during the day and rest at night, free from all the chaos. In the capital, one wrong move from an imperial prince or a high-ranking official could crush us. It's better to return to the countryside, where we can farm and raise chickens peacefully. As for you, don't worry too much. I've heard that the air is fresh in the countryside, and it will be good for your health. You can recover and live a long life, accompanying me for years to come."

The old lady was delighted and thoroughly convinced by her words. Her heart was moved.

"You're so sweet-tongued and skilled at cheering me up. Then, let's do as Yu Lian suggests. After lunch, I'll take you to see your father-in-law. Let's check if he's awake and discuss our plans. We shouldn't delay; we need to prepare to set out as soon as possible."

Yu Lian hadn't expected the old lady to be such a decisive person, taking action immediately after making up her mind without hesitation.

After finishing their meal, the grandmother and granddaughter-in-law went together. When they arrived, Yu Lian's mother-in-law was pacing anxiously. Seeing them, she cried, "Yan'er, Xing'er is nowhere to be found. I've searched everywhere but couldn't locate him."

In an instant, the old lady forgot everything. "The children are gone, why didn't you send someone to inform us? Why just stand there worrying?"

Mrs. Chen sobbed, "Mother, please don't be angry. I've just discovered this as well. I was about to ask Nurse An to bring the two children back for dinner when I realized they were missing."

"Today, Lord Chen seemed a little more energetic and stayed awake longer, so I accompanied him in conversation. In the blink of an eye, Yan'er and Xing'er disappeared."

Yu Lian instructed Erya to check with the other concubines as well. She reassured the old lady not to worry and to sit inside while she went out with her people to search. Seeing this, Mrs. Chen rushed after them in tears.

After searching for almost an hour, they couldn't find the two mischievous children. Just as Yu Lian was instructing her people to report to the local authorities, the two children returned.

They were covered in mud, with scratches and bruises on their noses and faces, suggesting they had fallen or collided with something.

Upon seeing their family and elders, they burst into tears.

"The young prince from the Duke of Old County's family sicced his dogs on us and had his servants catch us. He made us hold apples on our heads for his elder brother to practice archery," one of them cried.

"Wuwuwu, Grandmother, we were terrified. We managed to escape with great difficulty, but then we fell off the wall," the other twin wailed, their cries echoing loudly and tragically.

Yu Lian initially assumed it was merely children's play, but her expression darkened upon hearing this.

It was evident that they were being deliberately teased. How could they have escaped?

The elder matriarch, fuming with anger, drew her two grandsons into an embrace, consoling them with great affection. Seeing that her granddaughter-in-law was unaware, she explained, "The Old Duke is our neighbor, living right next door. He's just a leisurely member of the royal family, someone on the outskirts with no real power. Always trying to keep a low profile, he used to send his grandson over to our residence to play with Yan'er and Xing'er."

Yu Lian asked, "Our gates have been closed to visitors, and all exits are locked. How did you two manage to get out?"

Feeling guilty, the twins slunk behind their mother. Mrs. Chen had already been weeping in distress and had instructed Aunt An to fetch ointment for their wounds.

The younger one whispered, "There's a dog hole over there. We squeezed through it. Mother doesn't let us go out, so we're always confined within the courtyard. We were bored, and Little Fatty called us out, saying he had something fun to show us."

Yu Lian exchanged a glance with the elder matriarch, both of them now resolutely determined to leave as soon as possible.

A cough echoed from inside the room, followed by a weary voice, "Mother, please come in for a moment. I have something to discuss with you."

Chapter 25: Moving Out ◇

◎Cries for Help from a Sister-in-Law◎

"Mother, you've been through so much these days. I'm an ungrateful son, unable to lend a hand and instead causing you worry..."

As Hua Zhan spoke, he was suddenly seized by a fit of coughing. The old lady hurriedly patted his back, her eyes welling up with tears. Her son was a renowned military strategist, skilled in martial arts, and once hailed as a war god by the people. In his prime, he was robust and healthy. Yet, within just a month, his condition had deteriorated rapidly. Now, his face was pale, devoid of any vitality. Could there still be hope for his recovery?

At this thought, the old lady shed secret tears, quickly wiping them away, not wanting her son to see.

Yu Lian brought over a cup of warm water, which the old lady promptly took to help her son drink.

After he had somewhat recovered, the old lady's face lit up with a loving smile. She held Yu Lian's hand and introduced her to her son, "This is your daughter-in-law, Yu Lian, our Hua'er's wife. She's an excellent child."

Hua Zhan nodded, "Madam has mentioned you before." He looked at Yu Lian and managed a weak smile, "These past few days, thank you for taking care of your grandmother and mother. Father hasn't given you a meeting gift yet, please don't hold it against me."

With that, he reached for an amulet on the bedside table, "This was Hua'er's favorite jade pendant. He always wore it close to his heart."

Yu Lian extended her hand to receive it, "Thank you, Father. I will keep it safe."

Hua Zhan looked at his mother with guilt, "Mother, I'm afraid my body won't hold on much longer. Please take Mrs. Chen, my wife, and our three children with you. Leave me behind, there's no need to worry about me."

The old lady glared at her son in anger, "What kind of nonsense are you spouting? Who will take care of you if we leave you here? In a few days, the authorities will come to seize the house. Where will you live and how will you eat?"

"Mother, I was wrong, so very wrong from the beginning. I shouldn't have involved Hua'er in those matters, and I should never have let him shoulder it alone. He's still so young, he's the greatest pride of my life..."

"Enough, enough! Don't mention Hua'er again. It's in the past. As his father, you should understand the sacrifice he made. You can't act on emotion. With Hua Ji gone, if you abandon us too, who will help our family of widows and orphans?"

"Mother, I am Hua'er's father, the head of this household. I was supposed to guide the family, develop our ancestors' legacy, and protect our son. Instead, I not only lost Hua'er but also squandered our ancestral wealth. I am overwhelmed with regret and pain, I have no face to live on, no face to see Father."

The elderly lady observed her son's despairing expression and felt a pang of sorrow. She consoled him, "Although Hua'er is gone, we still have Yu Lian. Yu Lian entered our family for Hua'er and is now about to endure hardships alongside us. As a father, can't you gather your strength and move forward?"

The man lowered his eyes in guilt, refraining from voicing his thoughts of despair.

The atmosphere turned somber as the mother and son both immersed themselves in sorrow. Seeing this, Yu Lian sat beside her grandmother and spoke up, "Father, it's fortunate that you woke up today. Grandmother and I just discussed our plan to relocate the entire family back to our ancestral hometown. What do you think?"

Hua Zhan looked towards the elderly lady.

Recalling her granddaughter-in-law's joy at the mention of returning to their rural roots, the elderly lady smiled and said, "Indeed, that's what we've decided. We were just about to discuss it with you when your wife mentioned that Yan'er and Xing'er had disappeared. They were lured away by the young prince from the neighboring dukedom to play pranks. Look how even that powerless old Duke dare to humiliate our Hua Estate like this. It seems the situation in the capital is not favorable."

"You and Hua'er have offended many in the past. They're all waiting in line to push us down when we're in trouble. You should be aware of that."

Seeing her son's silence, the elder lady continued, "Are you still attached to the power and influence in the capital, hoping to rise again and reluctant to leave? Son, if you had been less competitive, you wouldn't have ended up like this. You've even corrupted Hua'er."

Hua Zhan gave a bitter smile. "It's my fault, Mother. With Hua'er gone, what else is there for me to hold onto? Who would inherit power and influence? Yan'er and Xing'er are still young, and their minds are far from being as mature as their eldest brother's. If they can live well and carry on our family's bloodline, I have no other desires."

"Very well, let's do as you say. But the journey will be long, and with me being an invalid, it'll cause much inconvenience if I come along."

Yu Lian said, "Father, if we're leaving, we should all go together. If my husband were here, he wouldn't want to see you so pessimistic. Besides, when we return home and need to interact with the village chief, there will be matters requiring your presence as the head of the family. Otherwise, others might take advantage of us, an orphaned family with widows and the elderly."

"Father, we need you."

Upon hearing this, Hua Zhan's brows knitted tightly together. He knew that no matter how much he suffered, he had to persevere. Otherwise, with no adult males in the family, their sudden return to their hometown and dealings with the authorities or fellow villagers would likely lead to disrespect and even make it difficult for them to establish themselves.

He eventually nodded and even took the initiative to ask for food and medicine.

The old lady's wrinkles at the corners of her eyes deepened with relief as she held her granddaughter-in-law's hand, nodding in approval continuously.

Mrs. Chen hurriedly fetched the warm meat porridge that had been prepared earlier from the kitchen and attended to him while he ate. After he had consumed half, she helped him take a bowl of medicine, and he soon drifted off to sleep.

The matriarch had taken her granddaughter-in-law's hand early in the morning and called the twins over for a scolding. She even ordered someone to hold them down while she personally administered a sound spanking on their bottoms, causing the boys to wail incessantly. At first, they cried out for their parents, but as they were not in their grandmother's courtyard, their cries were futile. Their eyes then landed on their eldest sister-in-law, and they began to call out for her help.

Yu Lian watched with a smile. When the matriarch seemed to have vented enough anger and grown tired, Yu Lian pretended to intervene, allowing the matriarch to gracefully cease her punishment. The twins, with runny noses and tears still streaming down their faces, glared at their grandmother, hiding behind their eldest sister-in-law and tugging at her clothes, "Wicked grandmother, wicked grandmother!"

The matriarch turned around and sat down, smiling warmly, "Even if I'm a wicked grandmother, I had to spank you today. Your elder brother is in trouble, and the household has been in chaos these days. Yet, you two continue to cause mischief? I've forbidden you from sneaking out to play, yet you didn't listen. You deserved to be bullied."

"If I let you off easily today, they might dare to abduct you and sell you to child snatchers tomorrow."

The twins, with swollen noses and tear-stained faces, looked terrified. Yu Lian moistened a handkerchief and wiped their faces clean.

Seeing their eldest sister-in-law's kindness and gentleness, the twins felt a sense of warmth and trust towards her. They no longer called her grandmother wicked, instead, they asked Yu Lian, "Sister-in-law, is what grandmother said true? Is Little Fatty really that bad?"

After wiping the boys' faces clean, Yu Lian smiled and replied, "Grandmother is quite right. Little Fatty wouldn't dare, but there's also Big Fatty and Second Fatty, plenty of people waiting to bully our family, especially you two who are so young and vulnerable."

The twins' faces flushed red, "We're not small! We're men!"

Yu Lian responded, "If you're truly men, you shouldn't be wandering around and playing recklessly. You need to stand tall and strong, protecting this family in place of your elder brother, do you understand?"

Upon hearing this, the twins nodded in agreement, thumping their chests and declaring, "We know martial arts!"

An Po came over to fetch them. The matriarch released the twins with a smile and said to her granddaughter-in-law, "Those two rascals don't even have the basic skills; their kung fu is mere child's play. They'd complain about being tired just from standing still or doing horse stance for a while. They always try to find shortcuts. Back then, with Hua Ji around, your father-in-law didn't have high expectations for the boys. He and Hua Ji spoiled them rotten, letting them run wild like mischievous monkeys, causing trouble everywhere they went. Their studies suffered, and they didn't learn any martial arts. They were incompetent in every way."

Thinking of her eldest grandson, Hua Ji, she couldn't help but sigh softly, "They can't compare to Hua'er."

"Hua'er has always been very resourceful. His talent is one thing, but more importantly, he never needed guidance or discipline from elders. He had his own mind from a young age, knowing exactly what he should do without needing anyone else's interference. If we had left these two boys unchecked like Hua'er, they would have turned out spoiled instead."

"Let's not dwell on that. Lian, start preparing today. Pack everything you'll need for our trip back home. Don't forget anything. Tomorrow, Yi Po will accompany you to go shopping for face powder, cosmetics, clothes, and fabrics. Once we're in the countryside, it'll be much harder to find such items, and even if we do, the quality won't match that of the capital."

She looked at Yu Lian lovingly, "Don't worry about our situation. Do your best to make yourself comfortable, and it will bring me joy and comfort."

Yu Lian nestled her head against the matriarch's shoulder, "Grandmother, you haven't heard my past reputation. I was terrible, arrogant, and indulgent. I fought with more than a dozen sisters in the Wei Duke's residence every day. I never backed down. Do you really need to worry about me?"

The matriarch laughed heartily, "That's what you call terrible? A good-for-nothing little troublemaker!"

Despite this, Yu Lian didn't buy much. First, the family was embarking on a long journey, and carrying too many things would be inconvenient. Second, having seen so many fine things in her previous life, she wasn't tempted by ancient cosmetics or fabrics. She only bought a few jars of face cream and medicinal ointments, along with menstrual pads. Additionally, she purchased two sets of fine cotton clothing and two bolts of cotton fabric for undergarments, as these were not readily available outside.

She reminded herself that she wasn't a native of this ancient world, and the original host's sewing skills were lacking. Her mother-in-law, however, was skilled. Yu Lian planned to ask her mother-in-law to sew a couple of ready-made clothes for her.

This was solely for her own use. Counting her grandmother, her mother-in-law, her twin aunts, and her younger stepsister, she had also purchased some essential items for them.

Yi Po still found it insufficient. She was accustomed to the extravagant spending of the East Yuan Marquis household and felt that this amount was too little, potentially causing discomfort to them. Yu Lian explained, "The journey is long, and carrying too many possessions may draw unwanted attention. If we attract bandits, it could lead to trouble."

"Young Lady makes a valid point…" Yi Po looked distressed. "There's something I'd like to consult with you about."

Yu Lian replied, "Please go ahead and tell me."

Yi Po sighed. "You know that I've served Madam Elder for most of my life. She's merciful and allowed my husband to register as a free citizen with our son ten years ago. Thanks to the grace of our masters, we've managed to save some money over the years. Two years ago, we purchased a plot of fertile land and a house in the outskirts of the capital. The house is tiny, with a leaky roof, but my husband has been repairing it slowly. It's almost fixed. Dazhuang recently got engaged, and we planned to have the bride move in by the end of the year, while he finds a small business to support the family."

She smiled sheepishly. "I understand that you come from an esteemed background and would likely not value these humble assets and simple plans. However, they represent what my husband and I have worked hard for our entire lives. With Dazhuang getting married and having children, our family will finally have a place to settle down, and we'll have fulfilled our duty to our ancestors. If Dazhuang manages the business well, our future will be secure. Madam Elder once said that after Dazhuang gets married, she'll let me retire and return home to enjoy my grandchildren. Now… with Young Lady and the family moving back to our ancestral village, which is far from the capital, I don't know what to do."

Yu Lian understood Yi Po's dilemma. On one hand, there was her master, Madam Elder; on the other, her own family. She and her husband had saved all their lives to establish a modest livelihood, looking forward to a comfortable retirement when their son got married and started a family.

Now, faced with this situation, Yi Po was torn and uncertain.

It was only natural for her to feel this way.

Yi Po was undoubtedly attached to her husband and son, who were already registered as free citizens with a small property. It was impossible for them to return to the countryside. Besides, she was no longer young. If she followed her master back to the village, returning to the capital would be challenging.

Yi Po's face was filled with guilt. "Our household is in crisis now, and Madam is not in good health. It's precisely the time when we need help, yet I had such thoughts. Indeed, indeed..."

Yu Lian didn't respond hastily. She said, "Grandmother is a reasonable person. Since the journey to the mountains is long and arduous, it requires careful consideration. Yi Po, just ask Grandmother for her decision."

The next day, the old madam indeed mentioned Yi Po's matter. She said calmly, "I didn't plan on letting them go anyway. In fact, I don't intend to take any servants with me from the mansion. When the time comes, I'll return their indenture contracts and let them be free. We've been master and servant, but all things must come to an end."

She handed several boat tickets to Yu Lian. "Once we leave the capital, taking a boat through the outer canal will be much faster. At Salt State, we'll switch to a carriage. These boat tickets are for a merchant ship that's also heading to Salt State. They depart early the day after tomorrow. We'll follow them. Once there, we'll inquire about other merchant caravans and switch to another one."

"The journey is long, and it may take more than ten days or even a month or two if the weather is bad. It'll be tough, so Lian'er, you must be prepared."

Yu Lian nodded. She was unfamiliar with the maps and transportation here, so she could only rely on her elders. Lowering her head to count the tickets, she exclaimed, "Why are there only eight?

"Our mansion has two concubines, right? Shouldn't there be nine tickets?"

The old madam shook her head. "My silly child, do you really think both concubines will come with us? Not everyone is as foolish as you, willing to endure hardships knowing full well the dangers. The moment they heard we're leaving the capital to return to our ancestral village, they were terrified."

Yu Lian pondered and said, "Since Concubine Wen has Guo'er, she should follow us. So, it's Concubine Mei who doesn't want to come?"

To her surprise, the old madam shook her head again. "You misunderstand. Concubine Mei came from the Palace Music Bureau and was bestowed by the late emperor. She has a humble background and is an orphan with no support. She has no choice but to follow us. Concubine Wen is the daughter of the acting mayor of Jingzhao Prefecture. That old man has already sent several letters urging her to leave the Hu family, fearing that our association might attract the emperor's attention. Now that we're moving, Concubine Wen packed her belongings last night and came to bid me farewell. Even the divorce letter your father wrote for her is ready."

"Father actually signed the agreement for her?"

"Indeed. This Concubine Wen was eager to leave in a hurry. Mrs. Chen mentioned that she even woke your father up. Given his disinterest in emotional bonds and current state of disillusionment, he agreed without any hesitation."

Yu Lian didn't anticipate that among the two concubines, the one with a child, Concubine Wen, would be the one to stay.

"Does Concubine Wen have a place to go?"

"That old dog, the Governor of Jingzhao, has already found her a new home. She's not too old, so she'll become the second wife of a Clerk-Captain serving under her father."

"Yet, to aspire for a comfortable life in the future would be nothing but a pipe dream. That Shihu Canjun official is already a man in his fifties, with grandchildren of his own. She would merely be a decorative figure in his life. As a stepmother, she would have to take on the role of a grandmother as well, and there would be no shortage of hardships to endure."

Let's not talk about her anymore. Have you packed everything, Lian'er? We'll be leaving in two days. Have you sent someone to inform your parents at the residence of the Wei Duke?

Yu Lian lowered her head, "When the time comes to leave, just have Erya come to my door and deliver a letter for me. Meeting in person would only add to the sorrow of our parting."

"Well then, but my dear Lian'er, you must ponder this carefully. You have barely a month before your wedding. If you stay in the capital, your parents are just a stone's throw away. Should you miss them, you can send a messenger to deliver letters or even arrange visits. Your parents could also come to see you. But once we return to our ancestral countryside, it will be a journey of tens of thousands of miles away from here. It may become exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to come back. Grandmother is afraid that you might regret your decision. You're still young and may not have considered all the implications. As time passes, it might be too late for regrets. So, Grandmother urges you to give this matter another thorough thought over the next two days before informing me of your decision."

Yu Lian understood that the elderly matron's intentions were genuinely for her own good; she spoke from the perspective of a seasoned elder who had witnessed the passing of many years and sincerely pondered over what was best for Yu Lian. However, the fact remained that Yu Lian was not native to this world; if she had been born into this era or was an indigenous inhabitant, perhaps she might have hesitated. But she was not.

From the very beginning, her plan was to find a secure haven in this unfamiliar era, whether it be amidst the bustling capital city or in a remote countryside. The location mattered little to her, as long as she could escape the intricate circumstances of her previous life, lead a peaceful existence, and avoid both marriage entanglements and the cutthroat intrigues of the ancient palace hierarchy.

Now, the Huafu has provided her a footing in society. She has successfully integrated into this prominent family and fulfilled several of her desired conditions - no internal power struggles within the household, and no need to face a stranger as her husband. This is more than satisfactory.

Yu Lian was content, but in response to the old madam's concern, she replied, "Grandmother, I understand, and you may rest assured."

Having packed away her belongings, she then had to deal with those items she couldn't take with her. Previously, she had sold off a portion of her possessions; this time, there were even more odds and ends. Yu Lian carefully assessed their value and believed they could fetch a decent sum. Therefore, she didn't simply discard them but called for someone to collect them, earning herself a small fortune in the process.

Li Xiang came again, persistently inquiring whether Yu Lian had gone to view the property yet. "I hear that you've been packing your belongings and even summoned people to collect sundries. Are you preparing to move? But where would you be moving to without having even seen the house?"

Yu Lian didn't mention leaving by boat the next morning; instead, she said, "Young Master Li, born into nobility and with the support of a concubine, your future prospects are boundless..." A breeze blew, causing peach blossoms to fall from the tree. She reached out to catch a petal, gently blowing it to the ground. "Do you see? I'm like this flower, born on this tree, falling onto this soil. My life is fixed here, unchangeable and unalterable."

Li Xiang, whose enthusiasm had been abruptly dashed, sneered. "Is Hua Ji that towering tree in your heart?"

"The tree is dead, how can it provide nourishment for you? Are you planning to dedicate your life to guarding a deceased person?"

"You'll remain here, decaying like this dead tree in the mud! But I'm willing to save you, to carefully lift you up, plant you in my home, and tend to you with great care. Why can't you consider me?!"

Frustrated, he turned and ran away.

She also considered that if it had been earlier, before she left the Wei Duke's residence, she might have given this young man a chance. In these few days, she'd seen that although Li Xiang was a bit of a playboy, his nature wasn't bad. At the very least, he was innocent.

But there was no turning back once an arrow was loosed. Yu Lian always knew one principle: one must be content. Her current choice was what she had hoped for, evolving as expected. That was enough. Encountering other surprises and landscapes on this path wouldn't sway her into making new choices.

No matter how appealing they seemed.

On the day of their move, to avoid attracting a crowd and potential trouble, the family woke up at dawn.

Yu Lian sat with the elderly matriarch, summoning the servants around them. She returned their indenture contracts, which, by custom, they should buy back with silver. However, the kindhearted matriarch, grateful for their loyalty in not leaving the Hu household during this time, returned the contracts free of charge, preserving their bond.

The servants' eyes welled up with tears.

Wen Auntie hugged her daughter, Little Guo'er, weeping uncontrollably. She repeatedly urged Guo'er to be obedient, to marry a good husband, and never become a concubine. The thought of her daughter becoming a peasant girl, even a peasant concubine, stirred a deep sorrow within her, causing her to cry even harder.

The matriarch grew impatient. If she truly cherished her daughter, would she have let her go?

She urged her to leave promptly, lest she cause Guo'er any more sorrow.

Little Guo'er clung tightly to her aunt's leg, weeping pitifully. Though deeply saddened, she dared not cry out loud, instead sobbing softly as she begged her aunt to take her along, not to abandon her.

Wen Yi'e wiped away her tears, gazing at their large family and the servants loading belongings onto the rented carriage. With a bitter smile, she realized that wealth and prosperity could vanish like clouds turning into mud in an instant.

She gently pushed away her daughter's hand and, with a resolute turn, left.

Little Guo'er finally cried out loudly, standing there in a daze, watching her aunt's departing figure.

She even took a few steps, attempting to chase after her.

It was almost dawn, and time was running out. Yi Po prepared one last meal for her masters, a warm repast to strengthen their stomachs before they continued on their journey.