Daily Life of the Main Lady

by Usui Takumii

not mine, asia novel dot net. Beware edited mtl. Also at ao3.

4. 61 to 80

Chapter 61 Liu Qingping Seeks Lu Lingyun

"Lingyun, you've truly risen to become a phoenix now. I envy you so much!" Liu Qingping didn't think much of it and continued along with her mother's words, staring at Lu Lingyun as if she wished she were her.

"I also envy Sister Lingyun's life now. At home, we don't even have charcoal; only a few hot water bottles to warm our feet at night. If I could sleep in Sister Lingyun's room, I wouldn't get out of bed!" The other cousin, Liu Qingshuang, said with a grin, clinging to her.

"If you wish, you can stay here for a few days."

"Yes, yes!" Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang nodded eagerly.

Liu Qingping's mother saw this and said, "You two shameless girls, not even married yet, wanting to stay in someone else's marquis mansion. What will others think?"

"We're all family, what's there to fear!"

The two of them often visited the Lu residence with their mother when they were young, always staying with Lu Hanyi, whom they had a good relationship with.

Due to Lu Lingyun's quiet nature, they were merely acquaintances.

Now that Lu Lingyun was married into the marquis mansion, they were more affectionate towards her than they were with their own sister, Lu Hanyi.

"Mother, if they want to stay, let them stay for a few days. In a few days, I'll personally send them back to the Liu family."

Hearing this, Liu Qingping's mother's eyes flickered with a hidden light, but she couldn't help but chide, "You just spoil them!"

All these subtle expressions did not escape Lu Lingyun's notice, but she didn't say anything more and invited everyone to sit down. "Sit down and talk. Little Wei, Little Tao, bring tea."

"Yes."

One by one, steaming cups of tea were served. Liu Qingping's mother took her cup and casually asked, "By the way, Lingyun, where is your aunt?"

"They are all in their respective rooms."

"What about the one surnamed Xing?"

Liu Qingping's mother wanted to inquire about Xing Dairong.

"Aunt Xing is resting."

"She was made an aunt?"

Lu Lingyun smiled faintly and nodded. The promotion of Xing Dairong to concubine was kept low-key; she hadn't even told her own family.

"Why would she be willing?"

"Why wouldn't she?" Lu Lingyun countered.

Liu Qingping's mother's face turned quite strange.

She had heard from her daughter that Xing Dairong was not someone to be trifled with, and Cheng Yunshuo loved her deeply. She would never accept being a concubine, and anyone who married Cheng Yunshuo would be bullied by Xing Dairong.

But Lu Lingyun seemed to handle it perfectly!

Xing Dairong was made a concubine without causing any trouble and was well-disciplined.

This only intensified Liu Qingping's mother's jealousy, resentment, and regret.

Her daughter must have been foolish to let such a good life go to Lu Lingyun!

"Mother, did you come here for something specific?"

Lu Lingyun cut straight to the chase, no longer bothering with pleasantries.

"It's nothing, just wanted to see how you're doing."

"Mother, rest assured. The marquis mansion treats me very well. Both my father-in-law and mother-in-law treat me like their own daughter, and there's nothing to worry about in the household."

Lu Lingyun spoke each word deliberately, piercing Liu Qingping's mother's heart.

Piercing her with jealousy.

How could she live so well!

"You're living well, but your sister isn't doing so great." Liu Qingping's mother couldn't help but speak sourly.

"Oh? Is it Hanyi?"

"You still remember your sister." Liu Qingping's mother felt increasingly frustrated. "She's pregnant now, and at the Li family, she's being bullied by her mother-in-law and sister-in-law."

"Really?" Lu Lingyun feigned surprise. "How could the Li family treat her like that!"

"Who would have thought otherwise? Before the marriage, everyone thought the Li family was good, but it turns out they favor the eldest son's family. The household authority is given to Hanyi's sister-in-law, Wei, who is a smiling tiger. Your sister is straightforward and simple, and Wei bullies her terribly."

Liu Qingping's mother held her teacup tightly, looking indignant.

She never expected the Li family to be like this—looking respectable on the outside but chaotic within. If she had known, she wouldn't have let Lu Hanyi marry into the Li family.

Lu Lingyun found Liu Qingping's mother's anger amusing.

So her mother could be angry too. In her previous life, when she married into the Li family and suffered, Liu Qingping's mother, hearing from the nanny, advised her to endure and understand, saying that any conflict was her fault and that she shouldn't argue with her sister-in-law or mother-in-law.

Only when something happens to oneself does one truly feel the pain.

"Mother, please give me some specifics so I can address them," Lu Lingyun said lightly.

Liu Qingping's mother's eyes immediately lit up. "Your sister's belly is big now, but there's no charcoal in her room. Isn't that infuriating!"

Lu Lingyun nodded. "Indeed, it's unacceptable. But I remember the Li family has always been frugal. Perhaps the entire household doesn't use charcoal."

"Even if the whole household doesn't use it, Hanyi is pregnant! How can she bear the cold!"

Lu Lingyun sneered inwardly, "Mother must be worried and confused. I visited the Li family once before, and that sister-in-law Wei was quite proper in her manners. She is the eldest son's wife and has been in the family for a long time, so it's natural for her to manage the household. You also manage our home and know how difficult it can be, so there might be some oversights. It doesn't seem like they're deliberately bullying Hanyi."

When she had no charcoal, Lady Liu kept quiet, but as soon as winter came and Lu Hanyi had no charcoal, she rushed over to complain. Was she going to indulge her?

"You!"

"Alright, Mother, I'll send someone to bring some charcoal to Hanyi later. After all, she is pregnant and can't rely on her in-laws. As her family of origin, we should definitely help her out."

Lu Lingyun directly silenced Lady Liu.

And by using the word 'help,' wasn't she slapping Lady Liu in the face?

Her own daughter had no charcoal, and since she couldn't rely on her in-laws, shouldn't she have gone to help her immediately instead of coming to the married-off Lu Lingyun to complain? This was clearly relying on Lu Lingyun to step in!

Lady Liu was thoroughly blocked by Lu Lingyun and could not refute her because she needed something from her. Only then did she realize that she didn't truly understand Lu Lingyun. She used to think Lu Lingyun was gentle and easy to manipulate, but now it was clear that she was far from a naive little rabbit; she was the one hiding the deepest!

She had been biding her time, waiting for the right moment to turn the tables and gain control, never allowing anyone to manipulate her!

"You are sisters, so helping each other is only natural," Lady Liu said, suppressing her resentment, "There's another matter you need to help your sister with."

"What is it?"

"Your brother-in-law is taking the spring examinations next year, and he asked if you could help him find some connections. You know, the exams are..."

"Mother, please stop." Lu Lingyun abruptly interrupted her, speaking earnestly, "Mother may not know this, but my prince recently uncovered a case involving a servant selling exam questions. They are currently investigating it. If your brother-in-law has any leads, I hope he will report them to my prince to avoid getting implicated."

"Your brother-in-law is well-versed and knowledgeable. He can surely pass the exams on his own merit. Don't take the wrong path!"

Lady Liu: "..."

She came to ask for favors, and Lu Lingyun told her to distance herself.

And what was this about not taking the wrong path? If you won't help, just say so; don't hide behind such pretenses!

Lady Liu was extremely frustrated.

Chapter 62: Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang

The Liu matriarch didn't get any advantage over Lu Lingyun.

She tried to manipulate her with family ties and interests, but Lingyun deftly dismissed her with even smoother words.

Not leaving the slightest gap for her to exploit.

This infuriated the Liu matriarch, making her feel deeply aggrieved.

At dinnertime, Lingyun formally invited her to stay for dinner, but the Liu matriarch couldn't eat a thing. She immediately made an excuse about having matters at home and left with her entourage.

Of course, Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang stayed behind with Lu Lingyun.

As she was leaving, she glanced at the two of them meaningfully and said, "You two, don't cause trouble for your sister here. Make sure to get along well with your brother-in-law."

"Understood, Aunt."

The two girls responded in unison.

Hearing this, the Liu matriarch suppressed the malice in her eyes. Looking around Lingyun's house filled with luxurious warmth and charm, she felt nothing but resentment.

Why did this damned fate give such a good life to her own daughter instead of that dead girl, Lu Lingyun?

How could Lu Lingyun be living so well, getting better every day!

This made her hate her even more!

"Hmph, I can't let Lu Lingyun have it all. I just need Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang to show some spirit. If one of them catches Cheng Yunshuo's eye, I can take half of Lu Lingyun's good fortune."

After all, they were her nieces; their happiness would be better than Lu Lingyun's.

Lingyun noticed the glint in her stepmother's eyes and smiled without saying anything. After sending someone to escort her away, she looked back into the house.

Inside, Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang were like tourists in a treasure shop, marveling at each ornament one by one.

They exclaimed at every item they saw.

Just then, Qiu Ling arrived.

"Madam, Aunt Qiu is here."

Lingyun smoothed out the sleeves of her peony-patterned robe. "Let her in."

The Liu sisters, who were examining the ornaments, turned curiously toward the door. They saw Qiu Ling enter, dressed in orange-red silk embroidered with auspicious persimmons, adorned with gold hairpins and tassels.

Everything she wore was given to her by Lingyun, all top-quality items.

Raised in the marquisate as Cheng Yunshuo's first-class maidservant, she was fair-skinned and radiant, looking every bit like a lady from a wealthy household.

Her elegant appearance left the two girls staring in awe.

Good heavens, who is this?

"Sister, is this a lady from your marquisate?" Liu Qingping moved closer to Lingyun, unable to take her eyes off Qiu Ling.

"That's not right; I remember there are no ladies in the marquisate," Liu Qingshuang interjected.

"Misses, this is Aunt Qiu from our household," Chunhe reminded them with a smile.

Upon hearing she was just an aunt, the two girls blushed.

They were fifteen and fourteen years old, respectively, and their father's side consisted of minor officials. The largest relative they had was their aunt married into the Lu family. This was their first time entering such a grand residence.

In their minds, concubines were only slightly better than maids, perhaps able to eat a bit more meat and wear clothes without patches, but still required to do household chores.

They had never seen a concubine dressed as well as a proper lady!

Aunt Qiu smiled at their words and looked at Lingyun. "Madam, these are..."

"These are my cousins from my maternal family."

"Ah, Misses, may you both be blessed." Aunt Qiu bowed to them.

Qiu Ling's graceful bow left Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang flustered. They clumsily tried to mimic the demeanor of noble ladies, stammering, "No need, no need."

Everyone in the room laughed, making the two young girls blush even more.

Lingyun intervened, "Alright, we're all family here, no need for formalities."

She rescued Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang, and the two girls gravitated towards her like birds finding a branch to rest on.

There weren't many mature and composed young girls at their age, especially from small households. They might be shrewd and calculating in familiar circles, impressing elders with their potential, but in unfamiliar grand settings, they became timid.

Lingyun knew their worth just by looking at their embarrassed faces. It was laughable that the Liu matriarch thought sending these two young girls could compete with her.

"What brings Aunt Qiu here?"

"I made a pair of knee warmers for the cold weather, fearing Madam might catch a chill." Aunt Qiu presented the rabbit fur knee warmers she had personally embroidered.

Qiu Ling had gotten the materials through her parents.

Previously, she made these for Cheng Yunshuo, but now, heh.

"Please don't disdain them, Madam." Aunt Qiu looked at her with sparkling eyes.

"How could I dislike it?" Lu Lingyun took it immediately and tried it on. The knee guards fit perfectly, warm and cozy inside, clearly made with care by Qiu Ling.

"I am very satisfied."

She smiled at Qiu Ling.

Receiving a smile from Lu Lingyun made Qiu Ling immensely happy.

"It's good that Young Lady is satisfied. Since you have guests, I'll take my leave now."

"Go ahead."

Lu Lingyun nodded at Qiu Ling.

After Qiu Ling left, Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang looked at the knee guards on Lu Lingyun and couldn't help but feel strange. "Goodness, there's actually a concubine who makes things for the main wife."

"How rare is that?"

"Of course it's rare," Liu Qingshuang added. "Sister Yun, why do you treat the concubine so well?"

"What else should I do?"

"Shouldn't you make her stand in line and serve you!"

Lu Lingyun looked at them. "In wealthy families, it's not common to mistreat concubines. Only small households behave that way."

Hearing this, Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang were as if they had heard something new, their eyes wide with disbelief.

Growing up, no one had ever taught them this.

Their mother had always told them that concubines were lowly and should be harshly treated. Their aunt also treated concubines similarly. How could it be different in wealthy families?

Their horizons were broadened by what they learned from Lu Lingyun.

For a moment, they felt their behavior here was petty, and their words sounded laughable.

At that moment, someone came into their courtyard.

"Young Lady, the Prince has arrived."

"Alright, let's have dinner."

Cheng Yunshuo had been coming to Lu Lingyun's place for meals recently.

Hearing that Cheng Yunshuo was coming, they both perked up.

As Lu Lingyun spoke, a young man around seventeen or eighteen years old, dressed in the uniform of the Imperial Guards, with a handsome face and his hair tied back, walked in.

Seeing Cheng Yunshuo, both of them couldn't help but turn red-eyed.

Chapter 63: Lending Money Privately

"Who are they?" Cheng Yunshuo looked at the two new faces in Lu Lingyun's room.

"They are my cousins from my maternal side, here to keep me company for a few days."

After the earlier embarrassment, Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang had both become more reserved, emulating Lu Lingyun's dignified demeanor, not daring to speak rashly.

Cheng Yunshuo glanced at them and merely nodded. "Let's eat then."

"Alright."

During the meal, Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang competed in their decorum. Coming from humble backgrounds, they were unfamiliar with proper etiquette. The abundance of delicacies on the table made them feel even more constrained, fearing ridicule from Cheng Yunshuo, they ate quietly like quails.

Once he left, Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang visibly relaxed.

After the meal, Lu Lingyun smiled at them. "What's wrong with you two? Feeling uncomfortable?"

Liu Qingping's eyes darted around. "A little."

Liu Qingshuang added, "The rules in this household are really strict."

Lu Lingyun chuckled. After all, they were just young girls who hadn't experienced much; such a small scene had already made them nervous.

If they were to visit an even grander household or even the presence of the emperor, they would likely be too frightened to lift their heads.

Lu Lingyun spent two days with them, showing them around the Marquisate. They saw the courtyard with its own large garden, the numerous servants outnumbering the masters, and a plethora of rare items, broadening their horizons significantly.

They only saw Cheng Yunshuo on the first night; he didn't come over the second night knowing there were female guests. This made them feel even more at ease.

They ate more heartily as well.

After a couple of days, Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang were sent back, along with many gifts from Lu Lingyun.

Upon their return, their aunt immediately asked how they fared.

"How was your stay at the Marquisate?"

"Aunt, it was wonderful!"

"Lingyun sister gave us so many gifts!"

Excitedly, Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang recounted their experiences at the Marquisate and the gifts Lu Lingyun had given them.

"Look, this jade hairpin on my head is made of real jade!"

"Aunt, Lingyun sister gave me a gold bracelet, bigger than my mother's!"

Their aunt looked at them, focusing on the useless items they were showing off. "Did you see the Prince?"

"Yes, we did."

Liu Qingping and Liu Qingshuang nodded vigorously.

"Then what happened with the Prince?" Their aunt's eyes sparkled.

"Our brother-in-law is quite nice. When we left, Lingyun sister gave us red envelopes, saying they were from our brother-in-law."

Their aunt looked at the red envelopes they produced. "Why do you want red envelopes? I asked if the Prince took notice of you two!"

Hearing this, the enthusiasm on the faces of the Liu sisters faded. "Aunt, what are you talking about?"

"We didn't even talk to our brother-in-law. Why would he take notice of us?"

"That's right. We were just guests. Why would we do something like that?"

Their aunt was speechless.

Hearing that neither of them had spoken a single word to Cheng Yunshuo and kept referring to themselves as guests, their aunt felt her heart ache with frustration.

How could she have chosen these two simpletons!

They seemed clever enough at home, always competing for favor, but once outside, they were utterly useless!

Absolutely hopeless!

Fuming with anger, their aunt berated them for being stupid and ordered them to return to their shabby home immediately.

Useless things!

After sending them away, Lu Lingyun didn't get any rest. She had accumulated accounts to review over the past two days.

With the year-end approaching and Lady Qin returning to the household, she needed to clear up the accounts and report to Lady Qin.

As she reviewed one account book, using the Arabic numerals she learned from Xing Dairong, she quickly noticed something.

"Why are the transactions in this account so frequent?"

Lu Lingyun frowned at the ledger with no clear entries, only records of debits and credits. "Who brought this account book?"

"Madam, it was delivered by Chief Steward Qian," Nurse An replied.

Currently, the Marquisate had four chief stewards:

Nurse Wen, Nurse Li, Chief Steward Qian, and Nurse An.

Nanny Wen and Nanny Li are both people of the Qin family, while Nanny An is Lu Lingyun's person, and Steward Qian is a household slave of the Hou Mansion.

Nanny Wen and Nanny An manage the inner quarters, while Nanny Li oversees some of the Qin family's private assets and part of the Hou Mansion's private assets. As for Steward Qian, he specifically manages the Hou Mansion's properties.

"Call Steward Qian here."

"Yes."

In a short while, a middle-aged man in his forties or fifties walked in.

"Madam, you called for me," Steward Qian said with a smile, looking at Lu Lingyun.

"Steward Qian, where is this ledger from?" Lu Lingyun asked politely.

Facing the four major stewards of the household, Lu Lingyun was always very courteous.

The head stewards, minor stewards, and those lowest-ranking servants were different; they were the pillars of the Hou Mansion and confidants of the masters.

None of them could be easily moved.

For Lu Lingyun to truly take control of the household, she needed to gradually reclaim power from these major stewards.

Steward Qian glanced at the ledger. "Madam, this is the Hou Mansion's gray market assets."

"Gray market assets?"

Lu Lingyun frowned as she looked at the numbers on the ledger, tentatively asking, "Usury?"

Steward Qian's eyes immediately lit up, looking at Lu Lingyun with approval. "Yes."

Their young madam even knew about usury; it was no wonder she managed the household so well.

Lu Lingyun, of course, knew about usury.

Usury referred to lending money at high interest rates.

Many wealthy households secretly engaged in usury to earn extra income. The interest rates were high, with nine out of ten loans being profitable, and the returns were quick with minimal risk.

One reason was the collateral, and the other was that no one dared to default on debts owed to large households.

Therefore, usury, as a gray market asset, was highly favored by some wealthy families.

However, Lu Lingyun shook her head.

"We cannot continue with usury."

Engaging in usury was against moral principles and involved despicable deeds. Those who borrowed the money were often gamblers, desperate individuals who would sell their children, wives, and even themselves when driven to extremes, leading to frequent lawsuits.

Once there were lawsuits, they involved human lives.

In her previous life, Lu Lingyun had accompanied Li Wenxun in Jiangnan during his official duties and despised those who engaged in usury; few were clean.

She never expected that the Hou Mansion also engaged in usury privately.

"Madam, but..."

"I will speak with Father and Mother. From today onwards, we will not engage in usury anymore."

Lu Lingyun closed the ledger firmly.

Seeing Lu Lingyun's attitude, Steward Qian did not say anything more and took the ledger on usury. "Alright, Madam. I will settle the remaining accounts."

"Go ahead."

Chapter 64: Lack of Money Makes Everyone Vulgar

Lu Lingyun had explicitly forbidden the marquisate from lending usury money. Firstly, because usury was dirty and earning such money was truly against heaven and conscience. Secondly, she knew that there would soon be a major scandal involving usury.

This winter was extremely cold, and the number of people borrowing money increased significantly. Many families could not make ends meet and turned to wealthy households for usury loans to survive the winter. The following year, they could not repay the loans, leading to numerous cases of selling children and causing tragedies.

The matter caught the attention of those above, and the court thoroughly investigated it, discovering that it was usury that caused these problems. They harshly punished those who lent usury money, and at that time, all the households involved were penalized.

Not only were they prohibited from collecting their debts, but their careers also suffered.

Lu Lingyun did not know how the marquisate was affected in her previous life, but she knew that the Li family was investigated then.

Wei Shi secretly lent usury money, which implicated her husband and father-in-law, resulting in the forfeiture of half a year's salary and damage to their careers. The entire Li family fell into a shadow.

Fortunately, the spring imperial examinations were approaching, and Lu Lingyun helped Li Wenxun rise to prominence. With his success in the exams, she indirectly aided the Li family, allowing them to recover.

Without her support this time, the Li family's usury scandal would definitely not be so simple.

She dismissed Manager Qian and did not rush to inform Lady Qin. Lady Qin would return in a few days, and then she would discuss the issue of usury with her face-to-face.

Lu Lingyun continued to review the accounts and manage household affairs. In the back courtyard, Xing Dairong had also been busy lately.

"Yunshuo, the child has been kicking me these past two days."

As soon as Cheng Yunshuo returned home, he was pestered by Xing Dairong.

During this period, Lu Lingyun was too busy to pay attention to the two concubines, and Qiu Ling ignored Cheng Yunshuo, leaving Xing Dairong without any competition.

She clung to Cheng Yunshuo every day.

Under her constant coquettishness, Cheng Yunshuo had to accommodate her quite a bit.

"Then you should rest well and don't come out so often," Cheng Yunshuo said as he accompanied her into the room.

Her room had three charcoal basins, the same standard as Lu Lingyun's. Normally, a concubine's room would have only one basin, but since she was pregnant, Lu Lingyun made an exception and gave her an extra basin. The third basin was obtained through Cheng Yunshuo's persuasion.

Thankfully, Cheng Yunshuo now held an official position and received a monthly salary from the court; otherwise, without the monthly allowance from the marquisate, he wouldn't know where to get the money for the charcoal.

"It's not that. The child misses its father," Xing Dairong said coyly in Cheng Yunshuo's ear.

"How old is the child? It can't have thoughts yet," Cheng Yunshuo replied bluntly as he sat down.

"Mother and child share a heart. Feel here and see if you can sense anything," Xing Dairong grabbed his hand and placed it on her chest.

Cheng Yunshuo: "..."

"Alright, I heard it," Cheng Yunshuo said dismissively.

"What else did you hear?"

Xing Dairong pressed further, still holding his hand.

Cheng Yunshuo: "...He said he's very happy."

"No! The child said he wants gold."

Cheng Yunshuo: "..."

A child barely two months old wanting gold!

Seeing the gleam in Xing Dairong's eyes, he sighed helplessly, "What do you want now?"

Immediately, Xing Dairong smiled broadly and pulled Cheng Yunshuo to sit down. "Yunshuo, I want to make a gold hairpin."

"A gold hairpin?"

"Yes, I saw that Qiu Ling... Aunt Qiu has a gold hairpin, but I don't." Xing Dairong had seen Qiu Ling wearing a gold hairpin several times.

Its style and quality were beyond her reach; her own items were basic designs. Xing Dairong gradually realized this.

Lu Lingyun rewarded her with the most ordinary and inconspicuous items.

Anything better was never given to her.

If she wanted something, she had to rely on herself.

After saying this, Cheng Yunshuo helplessly spread his hands, "I have no money left."

"How can you not have money? Didn't you say you got promoted? You receive a salary from the court!"

Cheng Yunshuo looked at Xing Dairong, "You've asked me for charcoal, clothes, dried fruits and snacks from the East Street shop, and various delicacies from outside restaurants. My salary has long been spent on you."

Xing Dairong immediately became unhappy, "What do you mean? I'm carrying your child! This isn't spending money! Two basins of charcoal aren't enough. Do you want to freeze the child? I'm pregnant, and my appetite is poor. Look at what we eat in the marquisate. If you don't buy me some food I like, do you want to starve the child?"

Cheng Yunshuo: "..."

He felt annoyed.

Extremely annoyed.

Every time he came to Xing Dairong's place recently, she would nag him for things. Whenever he couldn't satisfy her, she would use the child as an excuse. His meager salary was already spent on her, and she kept asking for more. He couldn't possibly ask Lu Lingyun for money!

"I'm not refusing you; I just don't have any money right now. You'll have to wait a few more months," Cheng Yunshuo said, suppressing his impatience.

He was prepared to save up his salary for a few months or see if Lady Qin would give him some extra money during the New Year. Then he would make a gold hairpin for Xing Dairong.

"A few more months?" Xing Dairong was quite dissatisfied, "Why don't you say a few years? Men always make empty promises, putting off today until tomorrow, and tomorrow until later. There's never a real 'later'! You're just a noble prince, and you don't want to give it. Don't use the excuse of having no money."

"How much money I have, you don't know? How much I've spent on you, you don't know!"

"I don't know! I knew you wouldn't buy it for me. You said you'd be with me forever, and look how long that's lasted! I just want a gold hairpin, not those big jade and marble pieces that Lu Lingyun has. Why are you pretending!"

Xing Dairong didn't believe Cheng Yunshuo was broke.

He was the crown prince; the entire marquisate belonged to him. How could he be out of money?

He just didn't want to spend it on her!

Back when he loved her, he would spend lavishly. Now, after such a short time, he won't even buy her a gold hairpin. Cheng Yunshuo is just putting on an act!

When Cheng Yunshuo heard Xing Dairong say this, he was so angry he could barely breathe, looking at her more strangely by the second. "How did you become like this?"

"I've always been like this!"

Xing Dairong huffed heavily, her face filled with undisguised resentment.

Sure enough, all men are the same. No wonder her mother always told her from a young age, don't listen to what men say, watch what they do. Her father had always promised to buy her things later, but there was never a 'later.'

Now it seems Cheng Yunshuo is no different!

And Cheng Yunshuo stared intently at the angry woman before him, feeling increasingly estranged.

He clearly liked her initially because she was different, someone who treated wealth as dirt. How could she now seem like any other vulgar woman, endlessly demanding and only seeking material things from men?

Is this really the Xing Dairong he once loved?

How could she be so vulgar!

He didn't know.

Passionate love eventually returns to calmness, and after calmness comes the reality of the world, which is money.

Without money, everyone becomes vulgar.

Chapter 65: The Prince Still Cares for You

Cheng Yunshuo left Yuerong Pavilion.

This time was different from when he was usually driven away by Xing Dairong's anger.

His face wasn't filled with rage; instead, it showed suspicion and an unsettling calmness.

It felt as if he had seen through everything and found it meaningless.

Xing Dairong watched Cheng Yunshuo turn and walk away, and she shouted, "Ouch! My stomach hurts!"

Cheng Yunshuo didn't stop walking.

Seeing his resolute departure, Xing Dairong felt a surge of frustration in her chest.

Fuming, she smashed a porcelain bowl inside the room.

"Miss Xing," Qiu Kui sighed helplessly.

In private, Qiu Kui still called her Miss Xing because Xing Dairong only pretended to yield on the surface, submitting to Lu Lingyun and the Marquisate, but not in her heart.

She forbade Qiu Kui from calling her Aunt Xing and did not want to feel any hint of being a concubine in Yuerong Pavilion.

Relying on their past affection, she slowly lured Cheng Yunshuo back. With his renewed affection, her sense of dissatisfaction grew even stronger.

She realized that she needed to find another way to turn things around. After all, Cheng Yunshuo treated her differently; he truly loved her, and she also had a child to rely on. With these two advantages, she was confident she could live well.

"You're really going to drive the Prince away."

Qiu Kui said, approaching Xing Dairong.

"What do you know!" Xing Dairong glared at her fiercely. "I just asked him for a gold hairpin, and he kept making excuses, clearly lying to me!"

"How could you not know how the Prince treats you? If he had any money left, would he refuse you?"

"The entire Marquisate is his; how could he be broke?"

"Indeed, the Prince is the master of the Marquisate, but now it's managed by the Young Lady. He has to ask her for money. Are you asking him to beg the Young Lady? He's a Prince, a man; how can you expect him to do that?" Qiu Kui looked at her with exasperation.

Her words made the furious Xing Dairong calm down.

Qiu Kui continued, "How much money has the Prince spent on you? He emptied his private treasury to redeem you and even owes some friends money. Last time, when you hosted a banquet, he covered your expenses and lost a year's monthly allowance. Now, he only has his salary from the Imperial Guards. How much does he earn per month..."

"Enough!"

Xing Dairong interrupted her, realizing belatedly that Cheng Yunshuo might truly be broke.

But he, he...

Xing Dairong bit her lip, still feeling resentful.

If he had no money, couldn't he find a way to earn more!

Isn't it always the men who earn money for women to spend?

Why should he be so angry with her!

He dared to show her such disdain...

Watching Cheng Yunshuo's departing figure, she finally settled down. Fine, I'll placate him tomorrow.

After leaving Yuerong Pavilion, Cheng Yunshuo passed by Qiu Ling's Autumn Fragrance Courtyard on his way back to Yaoguang Pavilion.

Qiu Ling had been cold towards him for a while, and he knew it was due to the punishment last time.

At the time, he was too angry to care, but now, reflecting on it, he suddenly felt her grievance.

He seemed to have shown favoritism.

Without even questioning her, he had directly punished her.

At this moment, the gate of Autumn Fragrance Courtyard opened, and a servant girl came out carrying a bucket of burnt charcoal.

Upon seeing Cheng Yunshuo, she exclaimed joyfully, "Prince! Are you here to see Aunt Qiu? Please come in; it's cold outside."

Cheng Yunshuo thought for a moment, "No, I'm going back."

Hearing this, disappointment flashed in the servant girl's eyes. She said, "Going back to Yaoguang Pavilion is fine. Our Autumn Fragrance Courtyard doesn't have much charcoal, unlike Yaoguang Pavilion."

"How many pots of charcoal does Qiu Ling have?"

"Aunt Qiu only has one pot," the servant girl answered honestly.

Qiu Ling had no special status and could only receive one pot of charcoal according to the rules.

Cheng Yunshuo's eyes flickered, and he instructed Qingfeng, "Qingfeng, add one more pot of charcoal to Aunt Qiu's room this year."

"Prince, this..."

"Move one pot from Yaoguang Pavilion."

"Yes!"

After giving the order, Cheng Yunshuo returned to his own room.

Soon, the servant girl from Autumn Fragrance Courtyard excitedly brought the charcoal to Qiu Ling.

"Aunt Qiu!"

Qiu Ling was still sewing when she heard a sound and turned to look. She saw the charcoal she had brought back and was shocked. "Where did you get this charcoal?"

"Just now, I met His Highness outside the door, and he gave it to Auntie as a gift!"

"His Highness?"

"Yes! His Highness said that he would add another pot of charcoal to your room for this winter. This is even from his own share!"

Qiu Ling was stunned for a moment upon hearing this. "Where is His Highness now?"

"He went back." The young maid stoked the charcoal fire as she spoke. "If you ask me, His Highness still cares about you, Auntie!"

Qiu Ling, holding her needle and thread, pursed her lips slightly, finally letting out a pleased hum.

The next day.

As Qin's return to the mansion approached, a thorough cleaning began throughout the estate.

Maids and servants were busy cleaning the courtyards and paths.

Xing Dairong, seeing that the weather was particularly good today, dressed neatly and came out with a hot water bottle in hand.

Just as she reached Yaoguang Pavilion, she saw Qiu Ling there with her maidservant.

"Oh, isn't this Aunt Qiu?"

Xing Dairong spoke with a sarcastic tone.

Qiu Ling glanced at Xing Dairong but ignored her.

She had learned her lesson and truly ignored Xing Dairong.

She only instructed her maid, "Xiao He, take the used charcoal back."

"Yes."

In the mansion, one needed to return the used charcoal sticks for record-keeping.

Cheng Yunshuo had allocated some of Yaoguang Pavilion's share, so he would need to exchange the used ones for new ones.

Qiu Ling, familiar with the rules of the mansion, brought the used charcoal back.

Seeing that Qiu Ling ignored her, Xing Dairong frowned slightly. Then, noticing that she was bringing something into Yaoguang Pavilion, she became puzzled. "What are you doing?"

Qiu Ling continued to ignore her and even took a step back, putting some distance between them.

"Are you mute? Or are you afraid that speaking will get you scolded by Yunshuo?" Xing Dairong looked at her with disdain.

Qiu Ling endured the insult, but her little maid Xiao He could not. Xiao He retorted, "His Highness wouldn't scold Aunt Qiu! Last night, he even added another pot of charcoal to our Autumn Fragrance Courtyard, showing how much he cares for our Auntie!"

"Xiao He!" Qiu Ling tried to stop her, but it was too late.

Upon learning that Cheng Yunshuo had added another pot of charcoal for Qiu Ling, Xing Dairong flew into a rage. "What did you say? Cheng Yunshuo added charcoal for you?"

"I have nothing to say to you."

Qiu Ling glanced at Xing Dairong, collected the new charcoal from Yaoguang Pavilion, and left with Xiao He.

Seeing this, Xing Dairong could no longer contain her anger.

How dare you, Cheng Yunshuo! Yesterday, you said you had no money, yet you give extra charcoal to another woman.

Where did you get the money for the extra charcoal!

She felt foolish for feeling sorry for him yesterday. A surge of intense anger rose within her, and as she watched Qiu Ling carrying the charcoal away, she felt that Qiu Ling was deliberately showing off.

Immediately, she rushed forward.

Chapter 66 Aunt Qiu Is Also Pregnant

Lu Lingyun was checking the accounts in the courtyard when a servant rushed in to report.

"Madam, something terrible has happened!"

"What now?"

"Aunt Xing and Aunt Qiu got into a fight in front of Yaoguang Pavilion!"

Hearing this, Lu Lingyun angrily threw down the ledger.

They still dare to cause trouble!

She stood up and led her people towards Yaoguang Pavilion. Along the way, the maidservant hurriedly explained the situation.

It turned out that Aunt Qiu had come to return the used charcoal to Yaoguang Pavilion and bumped into Aunt Xing. They exchanged a few heated words, but Aunt Qiu barely responded and left after collecting new charcoal. Xing Dairong then rushed forward and started tearing at Qiu Ling.

The ground was slippery from cleaning, causing both of them to fall.

Lu Lingyun quickly asked, "Where is Xing Dairong? Is she hurt?"

"Aunt Xing is fine, but Aunt Qiu seems to have bled."

Hearing this, Lu Lingyun's face turned ashen. "Has the doctor been called?"

"The doctor has already been summoned."

After hearing the whole story, Lu Lingyun arrived outside Yaoguang Pavilion.

Several maidservants and servants were gathered there, and she could hear the commotion from afar.

"Aunt Xing, you should get up!"

"I won't get up; let everyone see this!"

Xing Dairong refused to get up. She had fallen and was lying on the ground, refusing to move until Qiu Ling did so as well.

She would blame everything on Qiu Ling later.

"Aunt Xing, our aunt is bleeding!" Xiao He said anxiously.

"Hmph, your aunt is an expert at this kind of act!"

Xing Dairong sneered. She thought Qiu Ling was even better at acting than herself.

She must have known that pushing her would lead to punishment, so she was putting on a show.

Although she had initiated the fight by pushing first, it didn't matter because she was pregnant with Cheng Yunshuo's child.

As long as she stayed on the ground, Qiu Ling would definitely be punished today!

She smirked, thinking about the upcoming punishment for Qiu Ling.

At that moment, a clear and cold voice rang out, "Xing Dairong!"

Hearing Lu Lingyun's voice, Xing Dairong immediately toned down her attitude. She turned around and saw Lu Lingyun approaching with a group of people.

Immediately, she started moaning, "Ouch, ouch."

"Stop whining and get up!" Lu Lingyun commanded coldly.

With that, Xing Dairong stopped moaning and reluctantly stood up with the help of a maid.

Lu Lingyun glared fiercely at Xing Dairong before turning to check on Qiu Ling. "Aunt Qiu!"

Qiu Ling looked disheveled, her face pale, clutching her stomach, with a large pool of blood beneath her.

"How can there be so much blood!"

Xing Dairong, who had just gotten up, pouted. "It has nothing to do with me. We both fell; she tripped herself!"

Lu Lingyun turned to look at her, meeting her eyes. Xing Dairong nervously looked away and, to avoid punishment, puffed out her belly. "I also fell and my stomach still hurts."

Lu Lingyun cursed inwardly but ignored Xing Dairong for the moment and ordered the servants, "Quickly carry Aunt Qiu inside!"

The pale-faced Aunt Qiu was carried back to Autumn Fragrance Courtyard.

Soon, the doctor arrived.

The doctor's expression grew increasingly grave. Lying on the bed, Qiu Ling's face remained terrifyingly pale, her brows furrowed tightly, indicating severe injuries.

Seeing this, Xing Dairong suddenly panicked.

Oh no, oh no, did I really hurt her badly?

All I did was bump into her, pull her hair, and tear her clothes. Could she be that badly hurt?

Besides, Qiu Ling, that wretched woman, is good at acting. She pretended to fall into the water before Cheng Yunshuo to frame me. This time, it's probably the same.

Thinking this, Xing Dairong decided to take the initiative.

"Ouch!" she cried out in pain.

She had the protection of her unborn child. With the baby, Lu Lingyun wouldn't dare do anything to her!

"What's wrong with you now?" Lu Lingyun, sitting nearby, turned to look at Xing Dairong.

"My stomach hurts," Xing Dairong said with a pained expression. "She must have pushed me and disturbed my pregnancy."

Lu Lingyun heard this and sneered, "Tell me again, who pushed whom?"

Xing Dairong, upon hearing this, knew that Lu Lingyun was not Cheng Yunshuo and thought she could easily fool her. She immediately clutched her stomach, "But I really did fall. At the time, it wasn't just Qiu Ling who fell."

At this moment, the doctor had finished examining Qiu Ling.

Lu Lingyun directly said, "Doctor Zhang, please examine her as well."

"Yes."

Doctor Zhang came over to take Xing Dairong's pulse.

Xing Dairong frowned and kept giving hints to the old man with a white beard and long eyebrows in front of her, while complaining about her stomach pain.

She knew these old Chinese doctors well.

Unlike Western medicine, which has advanced instruments to determine a patient's condition, all she needed to do was insist that her stomach felt uncomfortable, and he would surely say something about her losing her pregnancy energy.

Sure enough, under Xing Dairong's complaints, Doctor Zhang frowned and said, "This lady seems to have lost her pregnancy energy."

Upon hearing this, Xing Dairong became more agitated, "The child in my belly is Yunshuo's only child. If anything happens to the child, what will Yunshuo do!"

Seeing Lu Lingyun's face turn colder, she knew she had hit the right spot.

With a child involved, Lu Lingyun absolutely wouldn't dare touch her.

Even if she caused the incident today, both Lu Lingyun and Qiu Ling would have to bear it!

However, just as her scheming and smugness began to rise, she heard Doctor Zhang calmly say, "This lady has lost her pregnancy energy, but the other lady shows signs of miscarriage."

Miscarriage?!

Xing Dairong's smugness abruptly stopped, and Lu Lingyun was instantly shocked, "Qiu Ling is also pregnant!"

"Yes, Young Lady. The other lady is also expecting, around two months along."

Two months... That means she got pregnant around the same time as Xing Dairong!

Lu Lingyun suddenly remembered the time when Lu Hanyi told her about her pregnancy.

It turned out that, intentionally or unintentionally, she had brought another child into the Marquisate!

"Qiu Ling, how could you not know you were pregnant!"

Lu Lingyun walked urgently to Qiu Ling's bedside, looking at her anxiously.

Qiu Ling slowly woke up, listening to their conversation, "Young Lady, am I also pregnant?"

"You've been pregnant for two months! How could you be so careless!"

Lu Lingyun scolded her gently.

"My periods are irregular, so I didn't notice." Qiu Ling was both surprised and delighted, yet anxious; she was actually pregnant.

Thinking back, Lu Lingyun had previously told her that the Marquisate would soon welcome a new child. Counting the days, it was indeed during that period.

After hearing about Xing Dairong's pregnancy, she had lost hope, and later, she had given up on Cheng Yunshuo. She never expected this.

Her Young Lady truly was prophetic!

She was also going to have a child!

"From now on, you must take good care of yourself and ensure the safety of the child," Lu Lingyun said to Chunxing, "Chunxing, go pick two more maids from the household. From today onwards, no one is allowed to disturb Aunt Qiu!"

"Yes!"

Chapter 67 Cheng Yunshuo Regrets

After giving Qiu Ling detailed instructions, she called for Doctor Zhang and asked him to come every day for seven days to check her pulse until it stabilized.

The moment Doctor Zhang prescribed the medicine, she had someone fetch it immediately, determined not to let anything happen to Qiu Ling.

Once everything was settled with Qiu Ling, she turned around and saw Xing Dairong still in Qiu Ling's room.

She was sitting there, stunned, looking as if she had been struck by a blow she couldn't believe, her eyes empty.

No one knew what she was thinking.

Lu Lingyun didn't care what she was thinking.

"Xing Dairong, come out here."

Hearing Lu Lingyun's voice, Xing Dairong snapped back to reality. She looked at Qiu Ling, who was surrounded by people, with a complex expression, then followed Lu Lingyun to the outer hall.

"Is she really pregnant?" Xing Dairong asked, disbelieving after they went outside.

Lu Lingyun gave a cold laugh. "What do you think?"

Xing Dairong pursed her lips, her face showing a mix of disbelief and the frustration of having her only shield and armor shattered.

Her disbelief stemmed from Qiu Ling's pregnancy.

She couldn't believe that Cheng Yunshuo, who once professed his love for her alone, had also made another woman pregnant.

And the timing was almost the same, just half a month later.

That was blatant infidelity!

At the same time, she felt threatened.

With Qiu Ling pregnant, she was no longer the only one in the residence, losing her absolute leverage. Even Lu Lingyun would no longer need to indulge her.

Her greatest support was gone.

"You should know that the child in your belly is far more important to you than to me or the entire marquisate. You should cherish and protect this child more than anyone else."

Lu Lingyun's cold voice echoed.

Xing Dairong looked up, meeting her clear and deep gaze.

Lu Lingyun was right; without the child, she was nothing.

"From today on, if you dare to cause any trouble for the child or use it against me, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Lu Lingyun issued her final warning.

Before, she had no choice, but now, if Xing Dairong behaved herself and took care of the child, it would be fine. Otherwise, she would be expelled.

She still had Qiu Ling and her child.

Xing Dairong lowered her head; she had never stood a chance against her.

Xing Dairong was confined to Yuerong Pavilion for a month.

In the evening, when Cheng Yunshuo returned to the residence, he learned about Qiu Ling's pregnancy and Xing Dairong's confinement.

He immediately went to the Autumn Fragrance Courtyard to see Qiu Ling.

There were now three charcoal braziers in Qiu Ling's room, warming it up due to Lu Lingyun's additional provisions since she was also pregnant.

Additionally, there were three maidservants attending to her, one more than those serving Xing Dairong.

As for nourishing foods, medicines, jewelry, and fabrics, Lu Lingyun had given Qiu Ling the same allowances as Xing Dairong.

Qiu Ling was currently drinking the ginseng soup sent by Lu Lingyun, her complexion improving after an afternoon of rest.

"Qiu Ling, how are you feeling?"

"Your Highness."

Seeing Cheng Yunshuo, Qiu Ling smiled and tried to get up, but he stopped her.

"Don't move, rest well."

"I'm almost recovered, Your Highness. I didn't realize, otherwise, this wouldn't have happened." Qiu Ling gently touched her belly, smiling warmly at Cheng Yunshuo.

Seeing her like this, Cheng Yunshuo's heart softened, and he felt guilty.

Qiu Ling had always been understanding and never troubled him, even after such a major incident.

He sat beside her and placed his hand on her belly. "How is the child?"

"Madam had Doctor Zhang check on me for seven consecutive nights, and I felt much better by nightfall."

Hearing that Lu Lingyun had taken care of everything, Cheng Yunshuo felt reassured.

He stayed with Qiu Ling for a long time, talking to her until she needed to rest, then left.

Exiting the Autumn Fragrance Courtyard, he stood at the crossroads leading to Yaoguang Pavilion and Yuerong Pavilion, pondering for a moment before heading to Yuerong Pavilion.

Despite everything, he still cared for Xing Dairong and wanted to see her.

Entering Yuerong Pavilion, he found it unusually quiet tonight.

"Your Highness, you're here," said Qiukui.

"How is she?"

"Miss Xing has been confined to her room and didn't even have dinner."

Cheng Yunshuo frowned upon hearing this. She hadn't eaten again.

How can she be so unreasonable?

"Miss Xing isn't in a good mood today. Perhaps you should come another day." Qiu Ling saw Cheng Yunshuo about to enter and couldn't help but stop him.

Having served Xing Dairong for so long, she knew her temper well.

After the blow she received today, she would surely take it out on Cheng Yunshuo.

Cheng Yunshuo thought for a moment, "I'll still go see her."

He pushed open the door, and as Qiu Ling had said, Xing Dairong was sulking under the covers.

He sighed deeply, "Dairong."

"Dairong."

"Xing Dairong." He called her three times, then walked to her bedside and pulled back her covers.

Xing Dairong, with her swollen eyes from crying, started to thrash at the sight of him, "You still have the nerve to show up!"

"You pushed someone down, almost causing Qiu Ling to miscarry, and I didn't punish you. Why are you still making a scene!"

"You dare to punish me? You heartless scoundrel!"

"You've had enough! I haven't provoked you!"

"If you haven't provoked me, how did that slut Qiu Ling get pregnant? She's two months along, just ten days behind me. You promised to love only me, to have only one woman in your life. But now Qiu Ling is pregnant. What do you have to say for yourself!"

Xing Dairong felt so aggrieved.

So incredibly aggrieved.

No matter how much they argued normally, it was always over trivial matters, never principles.

Even if Cheng Yunshuo had other women.

She knew she was different to him compared to those other women.

Lu Lingyun was his forced marriage, a choice he couldn't make. Qiu Ling was his former concubine, whom she begrudgingly accepted.

Only she was his true love; Cheng Yunshuo truly loved her.

But now, Qiu Ling's pregnancy felt like a slap in the face, making her doubt everything.

He promised to love only her, yet turned around and got another woman pregnant. Cheng Yunshuo was nothing but a scoundrel!

Cheng Yunshuo furrowed his brow tightly.

He did indeed sleep with Qiu Ling, but it was after Xing Dairong left the marquisate and went with Luo Heng that he accepted her.

Suddenly, Cheng Yunshuo didn't want to explain. He looked at Xing Dairong coldly, "What do you want to say?"

"You still have the nerve to ask! Cheng Yunshuo, this is your undivided love! Your lifelong commitment to one person!" Xing Dairong lashed out at him, hitting and punching fiercely.

The blows hurt and annoyed Cheng Yunshuo, and he shoved her away, "You're acting like a madwoman. How could I have ever liked you!"

"Cheng Yunshuo! I'm the one who's blind, falling for a liar, a heartless scoundrel, a bastard, a villain, a rotten cucumber! Men are all scum!"

As Cheng Yunshuo listened to Xing Dairong's insults, the light in his eyes grew colder. For the first time, he truly regretted ever liking her.

Chapter 68: Xing Dairong Filled with Hatred

In Xing Dairong's verbal abuse, Cheng Yunshuo did not respond and left Yuerong Pavilion with a cold face.

Seeing him leave, Xing Dairong cried even harder.

She threw pillows and blankets, wailing loudly, but it did nothing to stop his departure or elicit any response from him. All she received was his increasingly cold demeanor and disdainful heart.

Qiu Ling watched this scene, feeling utterly helpless. She entered the room to console Xing Dairong, "Miss, Miss."

Xing Dairong, still sobbing uncontrollably, threw herself into Qiu Ling's arms, grabbing her robe and pointing at the man leaving outside, crying in anger and hurt, "It's clearly his fault! He betrayed me! How could he treat me like this!"

"For him, I gave up everything. For him, I made countless compromises. When he married his wife, I endured it. When he took Qiu Ling as a concubine, I endured it. Even when he wanted me as a concubine, I endured it. What more does he want from me! He promised to love only me, but he's a liar, a liar, a liar!"

"He wronged me!"

Xing Dairong cried until her heart broke.

Listening to these words, Qiu Ling sighed helplessly.

She didn't know how to comfort her.

When she first saw Cheng Yunshuo bring Xing Dairong here, he doted on her, even defying Lord Marquis Qin for her sake. With just one word, he sent Qiu Ling away, showing that he would stand against the world for her.

Back then, their relationship was as sweet as honey. As a maid, Qiu Ling was moved by their touching love story and always felt envious of them.

But now, one harbored resentment, and the other despised.

Xing Dairong was left with nothing but cries and complaints, filled with bitterness, while Cheng Yunshuo remained silent, his disgust growing.

Everyone had lost their former selves.

Days passed.

Cheng Yunshuo never entered Yuerong Pavilion again.

Xing Dairong was confined to her quarters, forbidden to leave.

The cruelest thing between lovers is not confrontation but the cold treatment.

Xing Dairong couldn't go out and see Cheng Yunshuo. She cried half the night on the first day, and then didn't see him the next day or the day after.

She stopped crying, calling, and making a fuss, and calmed down.

"Where did His Highness go today?"

Qiu Ling swept the courtyard, "Autumn Fragrance Courtyard."

"Autumn Fragrance Courtyard again." Xing Dairong heard this name and quietly leaned against the door frame.

Seeing her hollow eyes, Qiu Ling felt an unprecedented sense of desolation and sorrow. Looking at her belly, she said sympathetically, "Miss Xing, it's cold outside. Please come inside. I'll bring you some food soon. If you continue like this, you might harm your child."

Xing Dairong, leaning against the door frame, placed her hand on her belly. The nails of her other hand, gripping the door frame, dug into the wood inch by inch. Her eyes suddenly sparkled with determination, "Yes, I can't harm my child. I won't let those bitches gloat! My child will be the future Lord Marquis. Everyone must wait and see! Bring me some food quickly; I need to eat!"

As she said this, her eyes were filled with hidden hatred and desire, and her expression twisted.

Seeing her like this, Qiu Ling truly felt she no longer recognized her.

She had lost all the liveliness and freshness she once had, like a celestial being who descended from heaven, untouched by worldly affairs, carefree and joyful.

But now, Xing Dairong was full of hatred, as if everyone owed her, waiting for the day she would rise and make everyone repent.

How did she become like this...

Qiu Ling no longer recognized the current Xing Dairong.

Days passed again.

Cheng Yunshuo really never went back to Yuerong Pavilion.

He ignored everything happening there. Every night, he stayed in Autumn Fragrance Courtyard with Qiu Ling.

Qiu Ling's pregnancy stabilized, and their relationship improved significantly. She even sewed him a pair of knee protectors made of rabbit fur.

Holding the knee protectors, Cheng Yunshuo couldn't help but think of Xing Dairong.

He remembered that Xing Dairong had never given him a single gift.

Nothing at all.

All she ever did was ask him for things, whether during their passionate phase or their later arguments. It was always him giving, never receiving anything from her.

When he held the knee protectors, he couldn't help but reflect on why he had fallen for such a woman.

There were so many people around him who cared for him, yet he had chosen her. What was it about her that made her worth it?

The next day, Lady Qin and Lord Marquis Qin returned to the mansion.

Under Lu Lingyun's management, the entire mansion was beautifully arranged, welcoming Lady Qin and Lord Marquis Qin with warmth and joy.

For this occasion, Cheng Yunshuo even took a day off to wait at home.

Lady Qin and Lord Marquis Qin, who had been away for over half a year, were pleased to see the well-organized household. Seeing their son's transformation, they were even happier.

Finally, Lu Lingyun told Lady Qin and the old marquis about Qiu Ling's pregnancy. Both were stunned for a moment before bursting into joy.

"Lingyun, you mean Qiu Ling is also pregnant?" Lady Qin's eyes sparkled with delight.

"Yes." Lu Lingyun stood before her, calmly reporting the achievements under her management.

When she first married in, the marquisate was in chaos. Cheng Yunshuo was at odds with the family, and the scandal with Xing Dairong had become a laughingstock throughout the Imperial City, putting the marquisate in jeopardy.

In just half a year, Xing Dairong had settled down and been elevated to the rank of concubine, now quietly residing in her courtyard without being summoned out.

Cheng Yunshuo had taken up an official post and even received a promotion. He seemed extremely satisfied with his work, completely changing his previous frivolous demeanor.

The household affairs, both internal and external, were now well-organized, and the accounts were crystal clear.

What delighted them even more was that both concubines were pregnant, bringing two new lives to the marquisate.

All of this was accomplished by Lu Lingyun!

"How many months along is she?" Lady Qin could hardly contain her joy, standing up and calling over Qiu Ling.

"Two months, my lady."

"You must take good care of yourself and the baby." Lady Qin was overjoyed, giving her a reward from Nurse Wen and urging her to sit down so as not to strain herself.

Aunt Qiu responded with utmost gentleness and compliance, "With Young Lady here, this servant will surely take good care of the pregnancy."

Hearing this, Lady Qin's smile grew even wider. She turned to Lu Lingyun, walked up to her, took her hand, and exclaimed three times, "Lingyun, you truly... wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!"

Too excellent, too satisfying, too surprising!

How fortunate they were to have married Lu Lingyun into the marquisate.

This daughter-in-law exceeded all expectations!

"This is what your daughter-in-law should do," Lu Lingyun smiled.

"Award! Must be awarded!" Lady Qin and the old marquis said in unison.

Immediately, Lady Qin summoned Steward Qian.

"Yunshuo, Steward Qian is the chief steward of our marquisate. He oversees all expenditures and the income and expenses of all the marquisate's properties."

Chapter 69 Lu Lingyun's Trophies

Lu Lingyun saw that it was Steward Qian who had entered and smiled, "Your daughter-in-law knows."

"Kneel to Young Lady and from today onward, all the financial records will be handled by her. All arrangements should be made according to her instructions."

This was the greatest reward that Lady Qin could give Lu Lingyun.

Another delegation of authority!

The first time she delegated authority, it was only to allow Lu Lingyun to place one of her trusted people in charge.

But this time, she handed over something significant—the most important financial matters of the estate!

Of course, this did not mean that the Marquisate was entirely given to Lu Lingyun.

There were four major stewards in the Marquisate, three of whom were loyal to Old Lord Marquis Qin.

Although Steward Qian would now report to Lu Lingyun, he was still ultimately Old Lord Marquis Qin's man.

Only when he was completely replaced by someone loyal to Lu Lingyun would the Marquisate truly be under her control.

Moreover, there was still Nurse Li who did not directly report to her, which meant that Lady Qin had not fully handed over management to Lu Lingyun. Nurse Li managed both internal and external household affairs.

Even so, it was an immense amount of power.

Lu Lingyun looked at Steward Qian, who was bowing on the ground, and gave him a faint smile.

"Steward Qian, please rise. You will have much hard work ahead."

"Young Lady, what are you saying? This old servant will do everything possible to serve you and the Marquisate."

Lu Lingyun then casually mentioned to Lady Qin and Old Lord Marquis Qin about discontinuing usury.

Both Lady Qin and Old Lord Marquis Qin were in high spirits and satisfied with Lu Lingyun's management, so they readily agreed without hesitation.

"Eryu, as you say, if we don't lend, we won't lend."

Steward Qian then said, "Lady, Lord Marquis, many families have been borrowing usurious loans recently. If we stop lending, others will quickly take our market share."

"Steward Qian, lending usurious loans is against heaven and reason; it invites disaster. We should avoid such things," Lu Lingyun said with a smile.

Lady Qin clapped her hands, "Eryu is right. Lending such money always harms the family's fortune. Our Marquisate has finally welcomed two children, so we must accumulate virtue for them."

Lady Qin believed in these principles to some extent.

With the sudden arrival of children in the childless Marquisate, it was seen as accumulating virtue for the Marquisate.

Hearing this, Steward Qian remained silent.

Stopping usury would mean that competitors would quickly take their market share.

Rich families were not kind-hearted; any quick-profit business was something they would engage in.

Usurious loans were one of the key gray areas that wealthy families focused on.

The annual profits from usurious loans were substantial, and they could also seize properties and shops, making it a highly profitable venture.

Their Ningyang Marquisate's exit from the market was immediately seized upon by others, causing Steward Qian considerable distress.

It was all their hard work.

But since Lady Qin and Old Lord Marquis Qin had agreed, there was nothing else to be done.

At this moment, Lu Lingyun looked at Steward Qian and said, "Steward Qian, rest assured, my choice will not be wrong."

Steward Qian was slightly taken aback but then nodded and smiled, agreeing.

After Steward Qian left the room, Lady Qin's rewards for Lu Lingyun were not limited to delegating authority.

She also received a pile of gold and silver.

Lady Qin bestowed upon Lu Lingyun a family heirloom jade pendant encrusted with emeralds, a top-grade Hetian jade necklace, five rolls of fine Jiangnan soft silk, a box of gold and silver ingots, a bag of exquisitely crafted gold leaves, deeds to a piece of farmland and a forest, and the profits from a pawnshop.

Gold and silver, along with the real delegation of authority, were given to Lu Lingyun.

Lu Lingyun accepted these items and thanked Lady Qin and Old Lord Marquis Qin repeatedly.

"Silly child, we're all family, why thank us?" Lady Qin pulled Lu Lingyun to sit beside her, "We only have Yunshuo as our son. Your dedication to this family means that everything in the Marquisate will eventually be yours."

Her eyes curved into a smile, and Lu Lingyun understood, "Your daughter-in-law will certainly manage the Marquisate well."

Lady Qin spoke very plainly.

The Marquisate had only Cheng Yunshuo as an heir. As long as Lu Lingyun managed the Marquisate well and aligned with its interests, it would be hers in the future.

Marrying an only son had its advantages.

Lady Qin, Old Lord Marquis Qin, Lu Lingyun, and Cheng Yunshuo chatted for a long time. At dinner, they called Aunt Qiu to join them for the meal.

Why didn't they call Xing Dairong? Of course, it was because Lady Qin and Old Lord Marquis Qin disliked her.

If she were the only one pregnant, perhaps out of consideration for the child, Lady Qin and Old Lord Marquis Qin might have called her to meet and dine together.

But now that Aunt Qiu was also pregnant, the child in her womb was no longer as precious.

Moreover, considering Xing Dairong's past actions, which nearly destroyed the entire Marquisate, it was fortunate that Lady Qin and Old Lord Marquis Qin did not make things difficult for her.

Everyone enjoyed a lively dinner, thus concluding the first day back at the Marquisate.

After finishing the meal, Cheng Yunshuo accompanied Qiu Ling back to the Autumn Fragrance Courtyard.

Seeing her son leave with the concubine, Lady Qin pulled Lu Lingyun aside to whisper to her.

"Lingyun, now that Aunt Qiu and the other one are both expecting, you should also hurry up."

Lady Qin's words were not just about urging her to have children; they carried a hint of genuine concern for Lingyun.

"Mother," Lu Lingyun smiled at her, "having children is a matter of destiny, and it cannot be forced. Now that the Ningyang Marquisate has two potential heirs, I already feel blessed. Ensuring their safe arrival is what matters most to me."

Hearing this, Lady Qin looked slightly surprised, then sighed and looked at her approvingly, "Having a good daughter-in-law like you is truly a blessing for our Ningyang Marquisate."

Lu Lingyun was telling her that having children in the marquisate had always been difficult, and it wasn't due to her lack of effort—a point Lady Qin understood well.

Furthermore, she was assuring her that she would take good care of both children and treat them as her own.

How could Lady Qin not be satisfied?

Which main lady of the house could do any better!

Immediately, Lady Qin secretly gave her a jade bracelet from her dowry box.

Lu Lingyun smiled as she accepted it, bid farewell to Lady Qin, and returned to take stock of her spoils from the day.

All the valuable items were locked in her dowry chest. Over the past half year since her marriage into the marquisate, her dowry had not diminished but rather increased.

Moreover, she had replaced many ordinary and inexpensive items with better ones. Now, every piece in her dowry chest was of high quality.

Lu Lingyun sorted out some lesser-quality items to give away later, locked everything else up, and then fell asleep in her warm room.

The next morning.

When Lu Lingyun woke up, she went to pay respects to her in-laws since they were at home.

"Lingyun, you've come at just the right time," Lady Qin said with a full smile upon seeing her.

"What is it, Mother?"

"Today, I'm taking you out to meet some of my friends."

Chapter 70 Duke Xu's Mansion

Lu Lingyun put on the peacock fur cloak and the Hetian jade hairpin given to her by Lady Qin before leaving.

Lady Qin came from a prestigious family, the House of Duke Zhao, one of the four major dukes in the dynasty.

However, Lady Qin's father had backed the wrong side during the current emperor's ascension, leading to their downfall.

After Old Duke Qin passed away, the emperor delayed granting the title of Duke to the new Duke Zhao and expelled him from the Imperial City, assigning him to guard his fief.

The current head of the House of Duke Zhao, the Duke's heir, was already in his forties but still held only the title of heir.

Everyone knew that the House of Duke Zhao had fallen from grace.

Due to this, Lady Qin, who could have married into the imperial family, ended up marrying into the Ningyang Marquisate.

Their family's decline continued, and they kept a low profile.

On the way, Lu Lingyun listened quietly as Lady Qin spoke about her family. She had heard vague rumors about her mother-in-law's background.

But because of Lady Qin's noble status, it wasn't easy for her to gather detailed information, so she didn't delve too deeply.

She never imagined her mother-in-law came from such a prestigious family.

No wonder Lady Qin was generous and had an air of elegance in managing the household.

Lu Lingyun listened quietly, speaking only when Lady Qin wanted to hear her thoughts, without asking or commenting further.

Hearing Lu Lingyun's measured and considerate words, Lady Qin's approval grew even stronger.

"You, my dear, are truly a pity, born only into a fifth-rank scholar's family. If you were from a duke's or marquisate's house, you could have married into the imperial family."

"Mother, please don't belittle your daughter-in-law. Being able to enter the marquisate and become your daughter-in-law is already a great blessing."

"You, my dear." Lady Qin affectionately poked her forehead.

Just then, the carriage arrived.

Lu Lingyun got off with Lady Qin and saw the grand sign "Duke Xu's Mansion."

The four major dukes in the dynasty were the Houses of Duke Zhao, Duke Liu, Duke Xu, and Duke Zhao.

Originally, the Houses of Duke Zhao and Duke Zhao were equally powerful, with Duke Xu's Mansion just below them, and Duke Liu's Mansion being the weakest.

But after Duke Zhao's side won, they gained significant favor and remained influential. Duke Liu's Mansion, once indecisive, eventually aligned with Duke Zhao and now thrives.

Duke Xu's Mansion has always been low-key and reserved, not participating in any struggles. This neutrality neither harmed nor benefited them much, and they gradually lost favor with the emperor.

Even so, the imposing gates of the duke's mansion were not easily accessible to ordinary people.

"Lady Qin, you're here!" An elderly lady's maid in her forties greeted Lady Qin warmly at the door.

"Sister Jiang, how have you been?" Lady Qin smiled upon seeing her.

"Thank you for your concern, my lady. I am doing well!" Sister Jiang beamed, then looked at Lu Lingyun behind Lady Qin. "This must be the young lady!"

Lady Qin nodded, holding Lu Lingyun's hand. "Yes, this is my daughter-in-law, Lady Lu."

Sister Jiang scrutinized Lu Lingyun closely, her kind eyes filled with admiration. "The young lady truly exudes grace, reminiscent of Lady Qin's youth."

Sister Jiang's compliment flattered both Lu Lingyun and Lady Qin.

By noting Lady Qin's affectionate gesture of holding Lu Lingyun's hand, Sister Jiang accurately gauged Lu Lingyun's importance and praised her accordingly.

Lady Qin couldn't stop smiling. "Indeed, I was immediately drawn to our Lingyun. She is smart, capable, and understanding. Now, I treat her like my own daughter."

Knowing she hit the right note, Sister Jiang added, "I can see why. The young lady is truly remarkable, with a face that signifies great fortune and blessings."

"Maid, you flatter me too much; I cannot bear it," Lu Lingyun responded modestly.

"You deserve it. Come, let's go inside; our lady has been waiting."

Sister Jiang led Lu Lingyun and Lady Qin into the mansion with a group of servants.

The duke's mansion was twice as large as the marquisate's.

Passing through several carved corridors and two courtyards with rockeries and ponds, they finally reached the inner courtyard.

Furong Garden.

The courtyard of the head lady of Duke Xu's Mansion.

The courtyard gate was open, and maids were already waiting outside the main room.

Seeing the guests arrive, the maids quickly lifted the heavy curtains. As Lu Lingyun stepped onto the stairs, a wave of warm air greeted her.

The temperature inside must be at least five brazier fires!

Sure enough, as Lu Lingyun entered with Lady Qin, the warmth from the floor heating extended from the main hall to the inner chambers.

It wasn't just braziers; it was floor heating!

The warmth made Lu Lingyun and Lady Qin sweat, and the maids promptly helped them remove their outer garments.

"Jingyu! You're finally here!"

The beaded curtain in the main hall was lifted, and a middle-aged woman, around Lady Qin's age, wearing a light and expensive silk gown, walked out.

She wore few accessories, only an Hetian jade hairpin in her hair, cloisonné flowers with kingfisher feathers on her temples, a long string of red gemstone beads around her neck, and a single full-jade bangle on her wrist.

The decorations were not excessive, but they were immediately noticeable.

They exuded opulence.

Even though Lu Lingyun had been the young lady of the marquisate for some time and had previously held the rank of First-Class Dame, she rarely saw such ostentatious elegance.

This Duke Xu's Mansion truly surpassed the marquisate by tenfold, even a hundredfold!

"Ninghui!" When Qin saw someone approaching, her face lit up with a rare enthusiasm, and she grabbed the hand of Lady Duke Xu who was coming to greet her.

"I've missed you so much! Good thing you returned before the year's end; otherwise, I would have surely come to your country residence to see you."

"We definitely had to return; how could we let you travel so far?"

"By the way, how is your Lord Marquis? How is his health?"

"After half a year of rest without any worries, he has improved greatly."

The two women conversed back and forth, holding hands as they entered the inner room.

Lu Lingyun followed behind them, and upon entering the room, she saw a woman of about her own age inside.

The young and beautiful woman smiled at her kindly, and Lu Lingyun returned the smile.

At this moment, Lady Duke Xu spoke, "Is this the good daughter-in-law you mentioned?"

Lu Lingyun turned her head and met the smiling eyes of Lady Cui from Duke Xu's Mansion.

Cui Ninghui looked at Lu Lingyun with bright eyes, her gaze different from Nurse Jiang's. It was not one of flattery or calculation but rather curiosity and a hint of pressure.

"Yes, her name is Lingyun. She is the daughter of the scholar Lu from the Hanlin Academy, and she is indeed my fortunate daughter-in-law!"

Qin looked at Lu Lingyun along with her, praising her without reservation.

Chapter 71: Household Matters

Qin's praise of Lu Lingyun was on an astronomical level.

It made everyone in the room brighten up.

Especially Cui and the young woman who had just smiled at Lu Lingyun.

She looked at Lu Lingyun with sparkling eyes.

"Mother always praises her daughter-in-law. If you keep it up, my face will turn as red as a monkey's bottom," Lu Lingyun said.

"You still know shame? I thought even if I praised you to the heavens, your face wouldn't show a hint of red," Qin laughed heartily.

Anyone could tell from their conversation that they had an extremely close relationship.

It was far from the typical formal mother-in-law and daughter-in-law dynamic.

Qin genuinely liked Lu Lingyun from the bottom of her heart—her character, the things she did, everything pleased her. She was composed, rational, and balanced. Such a woman truly satisfied her every expectation, and now she regarded Lu Lingyun as her own daughter.

Hearing her best friend speak so highly, Cui also developed a favorable impression of Lu Lingyun, "Alright, stop showing off your daughter-in-law to me as if no one else has one."

As she spoke, she looked at the young woman standing nearby, "Niyue, come here."

The young woman named Niyue stepped forward gracefully and bowed to Cui and Qin, "Lady Li greets Lady Qin."

"Niyue, you're such a good girl. How is your health these days?"

"Thank you for your concern, Lady Qin. Niyue is much better now."

"A woman must take good care of herself after childbirth. Mama Wen, bring the items," Qin said.

"Yes."

Mama Wen brought forward a box containing top-grade ginseng that was over a hundred years old.

"I collected this while staying at another residence, thinking it would be perfect for you since you are still recovering."

Li Niyue didn't dare accept it without looking at her mother-in-law first. Seeing Cui nod, she then said, "Thank you, Lady Qin."

"Don't mention it." At this moment, Qin remembered the child, "Where is your little Qian'er?"

As soon as she spoke, the sound of a baby crying came from the inner room.

Cui laughed, "He must have sensed his godmother coming to see him."

A wet nurse from the inner room carried out a half-year-old boy, and both Cui and Qin immediately surrounded him, cooing and smiling.

Standing to the side, Li Niyue watched the child with longing in her eyes but didn't dare to hold him.

"Sister-in-law, is this the young master?"

Lu Lingyun asked at this moment.

"Yes, he's my child, Xu Zhengqian."

Cui Shi held the child and called for Lu Lingyun to come closer, "Lingyun, come here too, hold our little master."

"Yes, Aunt," Lu Lingyun called affectionately. She stepped forward carefully and held the half-year-old child, her movements somewhat stiff. She couldn't help but ask, "Sister-in-law, is it like this?"

Seeing this, Li Niyue hurriedly came over to help adjust her hands, "Place your hand here, supporting the child's back."

With Li Niyue's assistance, Lu Lingyun adjusted her position and managed to hold the child steadily, "Why is holding a child so difficult?"

Her words made Cui Shi and Qin Shi laugh.

"After all, you haven't given birth yet!"

"Lingyun, you need to hold more often. Hold a child, and soon you'll have one!"

Cui Shi joked.

Qin Shi then said mysteriously, "Indeed, we're about to have a child in our family."

"Oh? Is it Lingyun?"

"Xiao Jun's fortune is a bit lacking; she has given all her good luck to our family. Both of Yunshuo's concubines are expecting." Qin Shi explained.

Hearing this, Cui Shi quickly pulled Qin Shi to sit down, "Such a big matter, and you didn't tell me."

"I wanted to surprise you today."

"You really did surprise me." Cui Shi glanced at Lu Lingyun and Li Niyue standing inside the room, "You two are young; go into the inner room with the child and chat. I'll talk with your aunt."

"Yes, Mother."

"Yes, Aunt."

Lu Lingyun, still holding the child awkwardly, bowed and entered the inner room with Li Niyue.

Once inside, she handed the child back to Li Niyue.

Li Niyue was taken aback.

"Sister-in-law, aren't you going to take him? Do you want me to hold him until my arms ache?"

Upon hearing this, Li Niyue, after her initial shock, immediately felt touched and hugged the child tightly.

"Qian'er, it's Mama."

Lu Lingyun looked at her and knew she had guessed correctly.

Li Niyue was not allowed to hold the child.

Indeed, Li Niyue was not allowed to hold the child. She had a difficult childbirth, suffering from postpartum hemorrhage and nearly losing her life. It took her several months to recover from her weakened state. As soon as the child was born, her mother-in-law, Cui Shi, took the baby to raise. One time when she held the child, her hands and feet were weak, almost dropping the baby. Since then, her mother-in-law strictly forbade her from holding the child again.

Li Niyue held the child tenderly, sitting by the bed and soothing it gently. Soon, the child fell asleep.

Even after the child was asleep, she refused to let go.

Lu Lingyun did not mind; she sat quietly nearby, sipping her tea.

As the warm tea settled in her stomach, she heard Li Niyue speak, "Thank you."

Lu Lingyun looked up, "What do you mean, Sister-in-law?"

"You actually know how to hold a child," Li Niyue said, looking at Lu Lingyun. Her eyes were clear, revealing Lu Lingyun's little trick just now.

Lu Lingyun had pretended to be awkward to deceive Cui Shi and Qin Shi, but Li Niyue noticed that she held the child very steadily when she took over.

Yet, she said nothing about it.

She simply coaxed Cui Shi into letting her hold the child.

"Sister-in-law, don't think too much. I just find Qian'er adorable," Lu Lingyun smiled calmly.

Li Niyue looked at her smile, "Now I understand why Lady Qin speaks so highly of you. You truly are someone likable."

"If Sister-in-law likes me, then I like Sister-in-law too."

Li Niyue chuckled, instantly bridging the gap between them.

She held the child and asked Lu Lingyun to sit beside her. They chatted for a while, quickly finding common ground.

They were around the same age and both married into wealthy families, which gave them plenty to talk about.

As they chatted, the conversation turned to household management.

"Is the marquisate now under your management?"

"Yes, my mother-in-law has entrusted all household affairs to me," Lu Lingyun replied.

Li Niyue looked at her with envy, "In our duke's residence, my mother-in-law still manages everything. She mentioned wanting someone to share the burden, but I have a sister-in-law who is her niece. She wants both of us to manage together."

"How do you manage together?"

"She wants us to compete to see who can manage the household better until the end of the year. Whoever does well will take over."

Li Niyue sighed.

Having two sons in the family made things complicated.

Although the eldest son usually inherits the title and the eldest daughter-in-law is groomed as the future matriarch, Cui Shi favored the younger son and his wife, who was also her niece. If Li Niyue hadn't given birth to a son first, the balance in the duke's residence would have tipped towards the younger branch.

Hearing Li Niyue's troubles, Lu Lingyun held her hand, "Sister-in-law, don't worry. If you encounter any problems managing the household, come to me. I'll help you come up with ideas."

Li Niyue's eyes immediately lit up.

She had heard about how well Lu Lingyun managed her household.

Chapter 72: The Snowy Pine Painting

Lu Lingyun had made a new friend.

She spent a considerable amount of time at Duke Xu's Mansion and enjoyed a sumptuous lunch with Lady Qin.

The standard of the meal at the mansion opened her eyes, second only to the imperial banquets she had experienced in her previous life.

Dishes like steamed lamb with milk, bear paw, mutton soup, venison ham slices, wine-brewed steamed duck, sour bamboo shoot chicken skin soup, and stir-fried seasonal vegetables were served. Even the side dishes—dumplings with tofu skin, sugar-filled rose buns, Laba porridge, and chicken oil rolls—were exquisite.

A household of Duke Xu's status would not serve out-of-season dishes. For instance, now that winter had arrived, there were no crabs or fresh fish. It wasn't that they couldn't get them; it was simply that they preferred to eat what was fresh and in season.

They ate the best when it was at its peak.

Outside, snowflakes were gently falling, while Lu Lingyun and the ladies of Duke Xu's Mansion enjoyed their meal in a warm room.

The maids and elderly servants attended to every detail meticulously, ensuring no discomfort.

Lu Lingyun, having been through grand occasions and trained in palace etiquette, showed no signs of awkwardness or impropriety during the feast, behaving just as gracefully as the other noblewomen.

Lady Cui, who observed her several times, looked pleased and surprised.

Initially, Li Niyue had sat next to Lu Lingyun, intending to assist her if needed, but soon realized it was unnecessary.

After the meal, the family chatted for a while longer. Under the reluctant farewells of Lady Qin and Lady Cui, Lu Lingyun finally left the mansion with Lady Qin.

As they were leaving, Lady Cui held onto Lady Qin. "Dear sister, do visit me more often."

"Of course," Lady Qin smiled.

Lady Cui then turned to Lu Lingyun, extending her hand. Lu Lingyun, understanding the gesture, reached out. Lady Cui laughed heartily. "Your daughter-in-law comes from a scholarly family and is graceful and poised. She truly is delightful."

"It's all thanks to your kindness, Auntie."

Lady Cui clasped Lu Lingyun's hand and signaled to Nurse Jiang. "Since this is your first visit, I must give you a gift. I recently acquired a painting by the great artist Ning Song from the previous dynasty. We are all uncultured folk and can't appreciate it properly, so it's better suited for someone like you to keep."

Ning Song, the painter from the previous dynasty?

Lu Lingyun's eyes lit up. "Is it the Snowy Pine Painting?"

"Look at that! As expected of someone from a scholarly family. You knew right away. This painting should indeed be in the hands of someone like Lingyun!" Lady Cui laughed.

Everyone else in the room also chuckled.

Lu Lingyun's heart raced.

She knew too well about Ning Song's Snowy Pine Painting. In her previous life, she had missed an opportunity to bring Li Wenxun back to the capital because of it.

At that time, Grand Tutor Zhao Jue had a nomination for a position in the capital. If he recommended someone to the emperor, they would almost certainly be selected.

Zhao Jue loved Ning Song's paintings, especially the Snowy Pine Painting. After learning about the opportunity, Lu Lingyun had tried hard to find it but failed. Other artworks she sent were returned, causing Li Wenxun to miss his chance to return early.

He had to spend years accumulating merit in Jiangnan before finally returning.

Never did she imagine that the treasure she had sought in vain in her previous life would be found at Duke Xu's Mansion.

And it was being given to her!

Nurse Jiang brought out the Snowy Pine Painting, and Lu Lingyun received it with great joy, repeatedly thanking Lady Cui.

Lady Cui laughed heartily. "If you enjoy these things, come visit often. I have many such treasures here for you to admire."

"Lingyun will definitely come often."

Lu Lingyun glanced at Lady Qin and Li Niyue, holding the painting tightly as she spoke.

Lady Cui and Lady Li saw Lady Qin and Lu Lingyun off, bidding them farewell with reluctance. Lady Qin noticed Lu Lingyun still clutching the painting in the carriage. "So you like these things."

"I love the jewelry and silk robes Mother gave me as well," Lu Lingyun smiled.

Lady Qin tapped her forehead. "How did I not realize you're a money-grubber?"

Lu Lingyun smiled without a word.

Indeed, she was a money-grubber.

What could compare to wealth and glory in this world?

In the fleeting decades of life, Lu Lingyun wanted nothing more than to live each day in increasing prosperity and splendor.

After death, everything is empty; living each day to the fullest is what matters.

Back at the marquisate, life continued comfortably.

Old Lord Qin did not impose any pressure on Lu Lingyun within the household.

Every evening, Cheng Yunshuo would join her and Old Lord Qin for dinner.

After dinner, Cheng Yunshuo would retire to Autumn Fragrance Courtyard or Yaoguang Pavilion.

During the day, Lu Lingyun would chat with Lady Qin, discuss household matters, and review ledgers, which strengthened their relationship.

By December, preparations for the New Year were in full swing, and Xing Dairong's confinement was lifted.

Lu Lingyun was aware of Xing Dairong's recent situation.

After imposing the confinement, Cheng Yunshuo visited once, and according to Lady Autumn, Xing Dairong cried half the night but settled down the next day, eating her meals properly thereafter.

Lu Lingyun had never been harsh to Xing Dairong in private. When she heard that Dairong had become honest, she even sighed with emotion.

After all, she was a simple young girl, whose eyes only saw love, devoid of any other complexities. When this love faced setbacks, it felt like the end of the world. Hopefully, she would grow up a little.

While Lu Lingyun was chatting and embroidering with Lady Qin, Nanny Wen spoke up.

"Madam, Young Madam, Aunt Xing is here."

"Aunt Xing? Which Aunt Xing from our household?" Lady Qin couldn't recall at first.

Indeed, everyone usually avoided mentioning Xing Dairong, finding her unworthy of discussion. After she was confined, she became even more inconspicuous. This sudden visit from Xing Dairong left Lady Qin bewildered.

"The one who used to be in the Prince's chambers."

"Oh, her." Lady Qin put down her embroidery, which she had been using to pass the time, and her face turned stern. "What does she want?"

"She came to pay respects to Madam and Young Madam."

Lady Qin's expression darkened further, her disdain evident. Yet, remembering that Xing Dairong was pregnant with the family's heir and now elevated to the position of aunt, she coldly said, "Let her in."

"Yes."

Soon, Xing Dairong entered Lady Qin's room with Qiukui.

In just a month, Xing Dairong had gained a bit of weight, and her three-month belly showed a slight curve. Seeing her belly, Lady Qin's expression softened somewhat.

"Dairong greets Mother and Young Madam."

Xing Dairong behaved more obediently than usual.

"Don't call me Mother," Lady Qin interrupted coldly. "Don't you know your own status?"

Chapter 73: Xing Dairong's Strategy Against Lady Qin

Just the sight of Xing Dairong is annoying.

Back then, because of her, Lady Qin had several confrontations with Cheng Yunshuo. How could she possibly have a good attitude?

If Xing Dairong didn't have a child, she would have long since been kicked out, no, directly killed.

Someone who can't see their own status and position.

Hearing Lady Qin's harsh tone, a trace of hatred flashed in Xing Dairong's eyes, and her lowered face became even more respectful. "Lady Qin is right; it's Dairong's fault."

"Since you're wrong, stand for half an hour as punishment."

Lady Qin gave her no way out and continued to tidy up.

She wasn't treating Xing Dairong like Lu Lingyun; she was truly treating her as she should be treated.

She picked up her embroidery again, pretending that Xing Dairong wasn't even in the room, and continued chatting and embroidering with Lu Lingyun.

"Lingyun, your embroidery skills are truly remarkable."

"In the past, I used to embroider to pass the time."

"I can't learn it. Even when I was a young lady at home and they hired someone to teach me, I couldn't learn it." Lady Qin could only manage the simplest patterns; anything more complex was beyond her.

However, Lady Qin was the daughter of a national duke and would eventually become the mistress of a household. Embroidery was merely a pastime for her.

There was no need to put much effort into it.

If she could easily embroider something, it would make her sufficiently happy.

Her words reached Xing Dairong's ears, and a glint flashed in her eyes.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Xing Dairong let out an "ouch," and her body swayed slightly. Qiukui hurriedly went to support her.

Their commotion caught Lady Qin's attention, and she looked up with dissatisfaction. Before she could speak, Xing Dairong said,

"I'm fine. I can still stand. Don't let Lady Qin think I'm being overly dramatic."

Lady Qin sneered. This little trick wouldn't fool her, but Xing Dairong was a concubine of the next generation, carrying her son's child. She glanced at Xing Dairong. "Fine, sit down."

Xing Dairong quickly thanked Lady Qin. "Thank you, Lady Qin."

After sitting down, Lady Qin began lecturing her. "You are now a concubine in this household. I won't hold your past against you, but you must acknowledge and correct your mistakes."

"Yes, Dairong understands."

"As a concubine, you must follow the rules. You are not allowed to seduce the Prince anymore."

"Yes, Dairong understands."

"You must respect the young mistress and never defy her."

"Yes."

Several affirmative responses surprised Lu Lingyun.

How could a month of confinement really change her so much?

Lu Lingyun looked at Xing Dairong, who was now sitting properly, and realized that she no longer saw any trace of her former self.

But the tight grip of Xing Dairong's hand hidden under her sleeve betrayed a hint of her inner resentment.

Lady Qin was also surprised by Xing Dairong's temperament.

She hadn't seen her often before, as Cheng Yunshuo had protected her closely. The few times she tried to discipline her, she remembered Xing Dairong as a rebellious woman who openly defied her.

Her crude and rebellious nature made Lady Qin frown deeply, especially since she came from a brothel. Lady Qin despised her greatly.

But now, seeing Xing Dairong's obedient demeanor, Lady Qin was quite surprised.

After agreeing to everything, Lady Qin lost interest in making things difficult for her. "Fine, you're pregnant, so go back and rest. Don't cause trouble anymore."

"Yes, Lady Qin." Xing Dairong rose gracefully, bowed to Lady Qin, and left with Qiukui.

After they left, Lady Qin frowned slightly. "I really don't know what Shuo sees in her."

"Perhaps the Prince just likes her," Lu Lingyun said with a faint smile.

The next day, Lu Lingyun went to Lady Qin's room as usual. Before entering, she heard laughter and Xing Dairong's voice inside.

A maid lifted the curtain for Lu Lingyun and informed her, "Concubine Xing is here again."

Lu Lingyun nodded. Upon entering, she saw Lady Qin sitting on a soft couch in the main hall, with Xing Dairong standing nearby.

Xing Dairong was close to Lady Qin, who was working on embroidery. Xing Dairong pointed at the pattern and said, "Yes, yes, exactly like this."

"Lady Qin, look, isn't this method convenient?"

Lady Qin looked at the handkerchief. "It is quite interesting."

At that moment, she noticed Lu Lingyun approaching and called out, "Lingyun, you've come just in time. Come take a look."

"What is it?"

Lu Lingyun walked up to Lady Qin and leaned in to take a closer look. She saw an unusually novel embroidery piece. The fabric was covered with grids, each containing a pattern, and Lady Qin was embroidering them in a cross-stitch manner. With just a few stitches, she had already formed the shape of a flower.

This looked playful and simple, quite different from traditional embroidery, yet it was straightforward and intriguing.

"This is called cross-stitch, something I developed specially," Xing Dairong said proudly.

Lu Lingyun lifted her head and met Xing Dairong's sparkling eyes.

Her eyes had regained some of their former vitality—arrogance, pride, and disdain.

"Chunhe, this seems suitable for me," Lady Qin said.

Lu Lingyun agreed, "I think so too. It's simple and much better than those complicated stitching techniques."

"That's for sure," Xing Dairong chimed in.

This time, Lady Qin didn't scold her for talking back; instead, she asked her to come over and show her how to do it. "How should I stitch this part?"

Hearing Lady Qin engage with her, Xing Dairong leaned down to demonstrate, guiding her hands and fingers. "Madam, you can jump to the back like this, like this."

Lady Qin listened attentively.

While teaching, Xing Dairong shot Lu Lingyun a glance filled with pride and challenge.

She had improved significantly, hiding it well, but still couldn't escape Lu Lingyun's notice.

Lu Lingyun smiled at her gaze. "Mother, I have accounts to review. If there's nothing else, I'll go back and sort them out."

"Go ahead."

Lady Qin didn't even look up.

Xing Dairong's smug expression grew stronger.

After leaving Lady Qin, Chunhe followed Lu Lingyun.

"Madam, that vixen seems up to no good. She probably sees Madam has returned and wants to gain some favor."

Lu Lingyun responded, "Let her be."

She remained indifferent.

Because, after all, tricks and schemes were only temporary; true strength lay in one's own capabilities.

No matter how likable Xing Dairong was, she would always be seen as a mere plaything by others.

Returning to her courtyard, Lu Lingyun resumed her duties, firmly holding onto the power within the marquisate. Then, a maid came to report.

"Madam, Lady Li from Duke Xu's Mansion has sent a message."

Lu Lingyun had previously told Li Niyue to seek her help if she faced difficulties managing the household.

It hadn't been long, and here it was.

"Let me see."

Lu Lingyun took the letter from the maid and unfolded it. It was Li Niyue's handwriting.

Apart from the initial pleasantries, she mentioned a significant problem she was facing.

She lacked charcoal.

Chapter 74: Taking a Fancy to Liu Shuhui

Mrs. Cui had given her eldest daughter-in-law the same task of managing the household, and it was up to who could complete it better.

Now, with the biting cold of winter, each day grew colder than the last, and soon the test of managing the household would come.

Duke Xu's Mansion was a major user of charcoal, with the most expensive ground-heating systems burning in the main residences, and the charcoal basins in the maids' and concubines' rooms were twice as large as those in ordinary homes. Even the guest halls had to be supplied with ample charcoal, ensuring a warm environment.

The Xu family, being wealthy and influential, could afford to burn such quantities of charcoal, but the problem was that charcoal was hard to come by these days!

This winter was particularly severe, and the city's demand for charcoal had skyrocketed. Several heavy snowstorms outside the city had blocked the roads, leading to insufficient supplies within the city. Li Niyue had instructed the stewards to spend more money on buying charcoal, but even that didn't help.

With the charcoal supply at Duke Xu's Mansion running critically low, the rooms were getting colder by the day. She thought of Lu Lingyun.

Perhaps Lu Lingyun had a solution.

Seeing Li Niyue's predicament, Lu Lingyun smiled suddenly.

Charcoal shortage, just what she needed.

"Prepare the carriage; I'm going out," Lu Lingyun said to Shuang Hong.

"Yes."

Fifteen minutes later, Lu Lingyun, holding a warm foot warmer and wearing a thick peacock fur cloak, sat in the carriage heading west to the city.

Xike Lai General Store.

Business at the general store was booming, especially with the New Year approaching. Customers flocked to buy their holiday goods, and Xike Lai was the only store in the surrounding streets selling charcoal.

Their charcoal was of medium quality in the city, neither the cheapest nor the most expensive.

However, Xike Lai limited the sale of charcoal both in time and quantity, selling only about a hundred pounds daily, providing a steady supply to the neighborhood.

"Miss, you're here!" Dong Sheng, dressed in thick cotton clothes, saw Lu Lingyun's carriage enter the courtyard and hurriedly greeted her excitedly.

"Mm." Xia Mei lifted the curtain, and Lu Lingyun stepped down from the carriage. She looked around the bustling courtyard where people were moving various goods in and out. "It's been busy these past few days?"

"Very busy! Business is excellent," Dong Sheng said happily, his eyes gleaming as he noticed Xia Mei's new, thick clothing and her rosy, plump face, unable to hide his satisfaction.

"Are you here to inspect?"

"Yes, call Zhiran over."

"Right away."

In no time, Dong Sheng brought Zhiran from the front yard.

Seeing Lu Lingyun, Zhiran's face lit up with joy. "Miss, why did you come? Come inside, it's freezing out here."

Zhiran quickly ushered Lu Lingyun into a room heated by charcoal in the front of the shop.

This room provided a view of the bustling business happening outside the store.

"Miss, our business has been fantastic lately. With a steady supply of charcoal, everyone comes to our store for their purchases. Other general stores nearby have been asking us about our source. We should take advantage of this situation and put more charcoal on the market; we'll make a fortune."

As Zhiran spoke, she added two more pieces of charcoal to the single basin in the room, ensuring Lu Lingyun wouldn't feel the cold.

Lu Lingyun smiled slightly. "No need to sell to others. Send twenty carts of charcoal to Duke Xu's Mansion, specifically to the eldest madam, Lady Li."

Zhiran was taken aback. "Sell to the Duke's Mansion?"

"Yes," Lu Lingyun nodded.

After giving instructions regarding the delivery to Duke Xu's Mansion, Lu Lingyun reviewed Zhiran's accounts and arranged the subsequent sales of charcoal. Then, she heard a familiar voice.

"Send the charcoal to Room No. 2, Wing D, Zhaoji Inn."

Lu Lingyun looked up and saw a familiar face.

"Cuicui?"

Lu Lingyun called out, and Cuicui, who was purchasing goods outside, glanced in and saw Lu Lingyun sitting inside.

"Miss Lu!"

Cuicui was Wang Qiluo's personal maid.

Lu Lingyun called Cuicui into the room. "Why are you buying charcoal here? Is your house short on it?"

Cuicui's face turned red, and she waved her hands hastily. "No, no, we have enough charcoal."

General Wang's residence wasn't large, and General Wang, having a military background, disliked excessive use of charcoal. Only the ladies and concubines used some, and they had prepared plenty before winter, thanks to Lu Lingyun's reminder.

"Then why are you buying charcoal?" Lu Lingyun frowned. "And sending it to Zhaoji Inn?"

"Miss Lu, there's really nothing to it."

Lu Lingyun's expression turned stern. "If you don't tell me, I'll go to your aunt's place."

"No, no, no!" Cuicui quickly waved her hands. After a moment of hesitation, she whispered to Lu Lingyun, "It's for Miss Qiluo. She wants to send some charcoal to Scholar Liu at Zhaoji Inn."

"Liu... Shuhui?" Lu Lingyun blurted out.

"Yes," Cuicui lowered her flushed face. "Our miss has met Young Master Liu a few times and admires his talent. She asked me to send him some charcoal privately to support him."

Lu Lingyun: "..."

Goodness gracious, Wang Qiluo had actually taken a fancy to Liu Shuhui.

She should have seen it when they went to the theater last time.

How dare that girl!

"Miss Lu, please don't tell anyone. My miss will be upset if she knows." Cuicui pleaded softly with Lu Lingyun.

Lingyun huffed, "Hmph, go back and tell your miss to come see me when she has time."

"Yes, yes, yes," Cuicui repeated quickly.

"And also, stop sending charcoal to that scholar Liu."

"But how can we not?"

At that moment, the young delivery boy returned and asked, "Where is the girl who asked me to deliver the charcoal? The inn refused to accept it; they said it wasn't what they ordered!"

"As you can see," Lingyun said irritably, "just go back and don't bring any more charcoal."

Liu Shuhui, that stubborn and upright man, would never accept charcoal from Wang Qiluo.

If this got out, Wang Qiluo wouldn't even need to show her face anymore.

"Yes."

Cuicui left Xi Ke Lai grocery shop.

Lingyun also left.

As she stepped out, she saw Dong Sheng and Xia Mei standing under the eaves, chatting. Dong Sheng held his sister's hands in his own, warming them with his breath.

"Sis, I'm not cold. Look, I haven't gotten any frostbite this year. Working in Madam's room keeps me warm."

Dong Sheng smiled warmly, "That's great!"

His eyes were filled with affection and joy.

Then he noticed Lingyun coming out, "Miss, you're here."

"Why aren't you inside?"

"I need to keep an eye on things," Dong Sheng said with a simple smile. "These items are for Madam Li at Duke Xu's Mansion, right?"

"Yes, tell her I have whatever amount she needs, whenever she wants it."

"Understood, you can count on me." Dong Sheng patted his chest.

Lingyun smiled gently, "Good, when the New Year comes, you'll go back to the mansion with Zhiran."

"Sure thing!"

Dong Sheng personally delivered the goods to Duke Xu's Mansion, while Lingyun led her people back.

Chapter 75 Resolving the Charcoal Crisis

Twenty carts of charcoal were delivered to Duke Xu's Mansion.

Upon receiving the news, Li Niyue was startled.

She personally went outside to check and saw twenty full carts of charcoal, her eyes widening in surprise.

"My lady says that whenever you need more, just send someone to let us know, and we will deliver it immediately," Dong Sheng relayed the message.

Hearing this, Li Niyue could hardly contain her excitement.

Lu Lingyun, it really was Lu Lingyun who had arranged this for her.

She had only sent a plea for help to Lu Lingyun in the morning, and by noon, twenty carts of charcoal had arrived.

This... was simply amazing!

She repeatedly thanked Dong Sheng, giving him ten taels of silver as a reward in addition to the payment for the charcoal. She felt deeply grateful to Lu Lingyun.

Li Niyue organized the delivery of the charcoal into the mansion and ran into her sister-in-law, Xiao Cuishi.

"Sister-in-law, you managed to get charcoal! And so much of it!" Xiao Cuishi exclaimed upon seeing the abundance of charcoal.

Li Niyue took this opportunity to assert herself, smiling gently, "It's not a big deal. From now on, I'll handle the charcoal for the mansion; there won't be any shortage."

Xiao Cuishi's face turned green with envy.

What did she mean by that?

Wasn't she just showing off her ability to secure charcoal?

And saying there wouldn't be any shortage—how capable she thought she was!

Li Niyue left feeling triumphant. After she was gone, Xiao Cuishi vented her frustration at her servant, "How are you doing your job!"

"Second Young Lady, charcoal is scarce throughout the Imperial City right now, and our household needs a lot. It's truly hard to come by."

"But how did she manage to get it? So much of it!"

"We don't know either..."

"Enough! You're all useless for not being diligent enough!"

That day, Li Niyue received praise from her mother-in-law, Cui Shi.

The mansion's charcoal crisis was resolved, ensuring that the temperature would not drop.

Cui Shi looked at her eldest daughter-in-law with genuine surprise, realizing that she was quite capable and had handled the situation better than her younger daughter-in-law.

After returning home, Lu Lingyun received Li Niyue's letter of gratitude in the evening.

Upon reading the letter, she smiled faintly and put it away.

After all, selling charcoal to Li Niyue not only meant a sale but also earned her goodwill.

The next day.

Lu Lingyun was reviewing accounts in the courtyard.

Xing Dairong, as usual, went to Qin Shi's room.

Qin Shi had recently become fascinated with the cross-stitch embroidery invented by Xing Dairong, and Xing Dairong spent most of her time in Qin Shi's room.

Lu Lingyun didn't bother competing with her, enjoying the peace and quiet.

Just as she finished going through the accounts, Shuang Hong came to report.

"Young Lady, Miss Wang has arrived."

Hearing Wang Qiluo's name, Lu Lingyun closed the account book, "Please invite Miss Wang in."

Soon, Wang Qiluo was ushered into her room.

Unlike before, when Lu Lingyun met her gaze, Wang Qiluo immediately looked away.

"What's wrong with my dear little sister?" Lu Lingyun teased, smiling as she stirred the tea leaves.

Wang Qiluo, having taken off her outer cloak, blushed deeply and stomped her foot, "Lingyun, you're so mean."

"Am I mean? Then I should go talk to Auntie about it."

"Oh, my dear sister!"

Wang Qiluo rushed to Lu Lingyun, hugging her arm with a coquettish tone, "What are you going to do?"

"Hmph, none of that. Tell me the truth, when did this happen!" Lu Lingyun's expression turned stern.

Wang Qiluo's face flushed even redder, "Oh, nothing happened."

"Nothing happened, yet you sent him charcoal?"

"I saw that Young Master Liu was wearing thin clothes and his place wasn't warm."

"Look at what you're saying." Lu Lingyun reached out and poked her head hard.

"Alright, alright, anyway, I swear nothing happened between us." Wang Qiluo lifted her head, looking very serious, "I just went to listen to a few performances at Liu's troupe, but I didn't see him perform. I only ran into him twice."

"When?"

"After the opera, I invited Sister Qiao for tea, but some local bullies came to the door, and Young Master Liu stepped in to drive them away."

"On another occasion, after watching a play, I was chased by a dog on my way back and ran into Young Master Liu, who came to my aid."

Lu Lingyun: "..."

Why does Wang Qiluo always encounter such misfortunes?

"Did you not bring anyone with you?"

"How dare I, I just took Cuicui there secretly, my mother doesn't even know I went to the west of the city to listen to the opera."

Lu Lingyun: "..."

"Dear sister, I truly have a spotless relationship with Young Master Liu. He is as bright and clear as the moon after a storm, and of the utmost integrity. He has saved me three times in a row, and when I offered to treat him to a meal, he declined. He even told me that men and women should not be too intimate. I was just thinking of the cold weather and wanted to give him some charcoal as a token of gratitude."

"Is it really that simple?"

"I swear," Wang Qiluo extended her finger, swearing solemnly and meticulously.

"Don't bother, I don't need you to swear." Lu Lingyun put away her teasing attitude; she could still see through Wang Qiluo's little schemes.

Indeed, as she said, they are now innocent and she trusts that Liu Shuhui has no ulterior motives. However, with each visit Wang Qiluo makes to the west of the city, it's impossible not to notice her intentions.

She sipped her tea, "That Liu fellow has quite a stubborn temper."

"Yes, I've noticed too, Young Master Liu is truly a rare individual of integrity and incorruptibility, with the spirit of a scholar in his very essence," Wang Qiluo said, her eyes sparkling as she spoke.

Lu Lingyun said leisurely, "His family's conditions are not good at all, poor, very poor, extremely poor."

"Sister! How can you judge people like this too? I believe Young Master Liu will have a boundless future ahead."

That's true indeed.

Liu Shuhui had the capability and, through his own efforts, managed to become the Governor of Grain Transport in Jiangnan.

Wang Qiluo has quite the discerning eye.

"But you must understand, it's not easy to get along with such a person; marrying him would surely lead to a tiring life."

In any case, Lu Lingyun detests such stubborn mules the most; they cannot be tamed, and no matter how skilled or patient she is, her efforts are all in vain when faced with such obstinacy.

Over the long and short decades, Lu Lingyun wouldn't seek any frustration.

"How could that be? Young Master Liu has an upright character, as firm as a pine, and living with someone like him is very secure."

Lu Lingyun: "..."

"Do you still claim you don't like him?"

"Lingyun! You tricked me!" Wang Qiluo, realizing what had happened, covered her blushing face and said.

"Alright, alright, I'm on your side. What's there to be shy about?"

"Really?" Wang Qiluo's eyes lit up. "Do you also think Young Master Liu is quite good?"

"Hehe." Lu Lingyun smiled without saying anything.

"Lingyun, Lingyun, sister, I really think Young Master Liu is great. I don't like the rough warriors my parents arranged for me; I prefer scholars."

Lu Lingyun sighed. "Alright, stop it. I understand."

With Wang Qiluo being so straightforward, there was nothing more to say.

She looked at Wang Qiluo steadily. "But from today onwards, don't interact with him anymore. I'll find a chance to talk to your parents. Even if you want to pursue this, wait until after the results are announced."

Snatching a husband right after the list is posted isn't a bad idea either.

Wang Qiluo blinked and nodded vigorously.

Chapter 76: Seeing His Deadpan Face Makes Me Angry

Wang Qiluo left with a smile after talking to Lu Lingyun.

Dinner time arrived soon after.

Lu Lingyun went to Ningxin Courtyard to eat with everyone and was surprised to find that besides Qiu Ling, Xing Dairong was also present at the table today.

It wasn't unusual for Qiu Ling to be called to dine together from time to time.

But it was quite surprising to see Xing Dairong standing there as well.

Xing Dairong stood by the side, serving dishes to the old Lord Marquis as his concubine. The old Lord Marquis showed no expression towards her, but perhaps Lady Qin had said something nice about her, as he accepted her presence.

Lu Lingyun couldn't help but brighten her eyes; Xing Dairong seemed quite skilled at pleasing people.

Sitting beside them, Qiu Ling looked uncomfortable, clearly not used to Xing Dairong being there.

Lu Lingyun didn't say anything else and sat down warmly.

Not long after, Cheng Yunshuo returned from his duties.

With heavy snow outside and low temperatures, Cheng Yunshuo went to work every day with great enthusiasm.

Initially, Lady Qin felt sorry for her son and wanted him to skip work during this period, as it was an idle position. However, the old Lord Marquis disagreed. The Cheng family had risen from the borderlands beyond the pass, with generations of small generals fighting their way up until Cheng Yunshuo's grandfather finally received a marquis title and moved to the capital. If not for the family's meager offspring, all descendants would have been sent to the borderlands for training.

Seeing Cheng Yunshuo's eagerness to work, the old Lord Marquis wouldn't let Lady Qin spoil him and encouraged him to continue working.

"Father, Mother, I..." Cheng Yunshuo greeted the elders upon entering, but stopped mid-sentence when he saw Xing Dairong in the room.

Xing Dairong smiled warmly upon seeing him return. "The Prince is back."

She approached him affectionately to remove his outer robe. They hadn't seen each other for over a month, and Cheng Yunshuo instinctively recoiled when she touched him.

"What are you doing here?"

Xing Dairong stood still, looking at Cheng Yunshuo with watery eyes.

"Lady Qin asked Aunt Xing to stay for dinner," Lady Qin answered on her behalf.

They were still standing by the door when Xing Dairong reached out again to remove his coat. This time, Cheng Yunshuo didn't avoid her and let her take off his outer robe.

Cheng Yunshuo's face was unreadable, showing a mix of indifference and impatience. He seemed reluctant to look at her or engage with her.

There was a sense of a couple who had grown tired of each other over decades, lacking any affection and merely going through the motions of living under the same roof.

But Xing Dairong wasn't like that towards him, at least not outwardly.

Xing Dairong wore a warm, ingratiating smile as she followed Cheng Yunshuo to the table. "Prince, you must be tired after a day out. I made a special dish for you tonight. Please try it."

Cheng Yunshuo responded rather dismissively, "Mm."

Lu Lingyun noticed that she no longer called him Yunshuo but addressed him as Prince, following the others' lead.

These two...

Everyone sat down, but Xing Dairong remained standing, busily serving dishes.

"Prince, you love fish. Have more fish."

"Prince, these bamboo shoots are my specialty. Try them."

"Prince, how does it taste?"

"..."

Xing Dairong was very busy, serving dishes to Cheng Yunshuo one by one. He only responded to two or three of her ten remarks, and eventually, even the old Lord Marquis couldn't bear it anymore.

"Alright, Aunt Xing, sit down and eat. Don't keep moving around."

Xing Dairong put down her chopsticks and respectfully replied, "Yes, Lord Marquis."

She wanted to sit next to Cheng Yunshuo, but both sides of him were already occupied by Lu Lingyun and Aunt Qiu, so she had to sit next to Aunt Qiu.

After sitting down, she stretched her hand across Aunt Qiu and placed a serving of food into Cheng Yunshuo's bowl.

"Prince, you haven't tried this dish yet."

Her sleeve brushed against Aunt Qiu's utensils, irritating Qiu Ling.

Unfortunately, this was a family dinner, and she couldn't react, so Qiu Ling endured it silently.

As Xing Dairong continued to serve dishes, Qiu Ling's face grew increasingly pale.

Finally, Qiu Ling put down her chopsticks and rose, apologizing to Lady Qin and the old Lord Marquis. "Lady, Lord Marquis, I've been feeling nauseous lately. I might need to leave."

"Alright, go ahead," Lady Qin said, noticing her poor complexion.

Qiu Ling left, making room for Xing Dairong.

Xing Dairong's eyes sparkled, but just as she was about to sit next to Cheng Yunshuo, he stood up. "Father, Mother, I'm done eating. There are some documents from the Prefectural Commandant Manor that I need to review. I'll head back now."

"Alright, you can go too."

Cheng Yunshuo followed Qiu Ling out.

He left, and Xing Dairong couldn't sit still either. Just as she was about to get up and find an excuse, she heard the old Lord Marquis say, "Go, go, go. If you want to leave, then leave."

Xing Dairong thanked him with a bow and hurriedly went after Cheng Yunshuo's footsteps.

After these three had left, the old Lord Marquis put down his chopsticks in a huff. He glanced in the direction of the people outside the door and coldly snorted, "Back then, he caused such a ruckus over that woman, saying it was true love. How long has it been? And now this dead look! Weren't you supposed to be madly in love? Why don't you go love each other!"

Lu Lingyun: "..."

"Enough, Yunshuo has grown up."

"Just looking at that deadpan face of his makes me angry!"

Lu Lingyun: "..."

A father, indeed a father.

Cheng Yunshuo walked on the road, and halfway through, Xing Dairong caught up to him.

"Prince."

"What do you want!"

Without any elders around, Cheng Yunshuo didn't bother with pretenses and spoke even more coldly.

Under the dim moonlight and lantern glow, Xing Dairong stared at Cheng Yunshuo's expression, "Do you really have no feelings for me anymore?"

Cheng Yunshuo didn't want to talk, nor did he feel like saying anything.

Xing Dairong slowly approached him, "Yunshuo, I'm not the same Xing Dairong anymore. From now on, whatever you want me to be, I will be. I'll listen to you obediently."

Her voice was soft, laced with a tone of self-pity and pleading.

She was like a weak little rabbit.

Shaking slightly, she began to sob, "You know, besides you, I have no family in this world. Are you really going to abandon me?"

Cheng Yunshuo: "..."

Looking at Xing Dairong, who was completely different from before, even her crying had changed. Cheng Yunshuo couldn't quite describe his feelings, "Go back and rest well."

Xing Dairong sniffled and wiped her tears, "Mm, okay."

This time, unlike her previous stubborn crying, she actually listened and obediently stepped out of Cheng Yunshuo's embrace, wiping her teary eyes and leaving with her head down.

Cheng Yunshuo softened again.

Chapter 77 Yunshuo, I'm So Cold

Cheng Yunshuo stood under the lantern, watching Xing Dairong walk back alone, her lonely figure piercing his cold heart like a needle.

He couldn't quite explain what he felt for Xing Dairong.

At first, he had loved her so deeply that he was willing to defy everyone for her, but now...

Seeing her walking back alone, he didn't want to go up and hug her.

He didn't want to, yet his heart ached inexplicably.

Between them, it seemed as if a great chasm had opened at some point, impossible to cross or overcome, making it hard to return to how things were before, yet still too difficult to let go.

Watching Xing Dairong's slender silhouette about to disappear into the dim lights, Cheng Yunshuo sighed, "Qingfeng, follow Aunt Xing and make sure she doesn't have any mishaps on the way."

"Yes."

Xing Dairong returned to Yuerong Pavilion alone. Halfway there, when she sensed Qingfeng following her, a slight smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

In the snowlight, Xing Dairong gave a cold laugh.

Cheng Yunshuo, she would make him regret this.

She would!

"Miss Xing, you're back. Why didn't you call me to follow you?"

"What for!" Xing Dairong glanced at Qiukua, "Go prepare more food; I didn't eat enough. My baby can't go hungry!"

After saying this, she strode back into the house.

Her face was filled with the satisfaction of revenge.

Yes, she was doing it deliberately, putting on an act to win Cheng Yunshuo's pity, only to stab him in the heart.

If she could make Cheng Yunshuo feel bad every time, she would feel good.

Not only that, she wanted him to fall in love with her again, never be able to leave her, and then tell him that she never loved him, stabbing him deeply in the heart!

She wanted to be like the protagonist in a palace drama, making a comeback, using the child in her belly to make all those who wronged her pay the price!

Qiukua watched Xing Dairong's vengeful back, sighing inwardly.

Sigh, sigh, sigh, why can't she just let it go?

Wouldn't it be better to live a peaceful life?

This marquisate has plenty of food and drink, and the mistress is kind-hearted. If Xing Dairong had a bit of sense, she could lead a comfortable life. What's not good about that?

But no, she insists on causing trouble.

The next day, Xing Dairong continued to curry favor with Qin Shi.

Under her deliberate pretense, she won some favor from Qin Shi.

She received several gifts from Qin Shi.

After all, Xing Dairong was a time-traveling woman, and though she lacked profound concepts, she was full of minor innovations that surprised Qin Shi on numerous occasions.

Moreover, because of the child in her belly, Qin Shi's view of her changed significantly.

"Madam, today I'll go back and draw a new design for you, ensuring that there's nothing like it in the entire Imperial City."

"Alright, your designs are always fresh and new."

Xing Dairong's eyes flickered, "However, I need something."

"Just tell me what you need, and I'll have someone send it to you."

"That's not necessary," Xing Dairong waved her hands, "I already have it, it's in Yaoguang Pavilion."

Hearing "Yaoguang Pavilion," a light flashed in Qin Shi's eyes. She looked at Xing Dairong, "Since it's there, just go and get it from Yaoguang Pavilion."

Xing Dairong feigned embarrassment, "I thought since I moved out of Yaoguang Pavilion, it wouldn't be appropriate to enter the Prince's courtyard again, fearing that it might displease the Prince."

Qin Shi chuckled, "Fine, consider it my order. Just go."

"Thank you, Madam." Xing Dairong hurriedly thanked Qin Shi with a look of surprise.

Then she left happily.

After she left, Lady Wen said, "Madam, that Aunt Xing has too many tricks up her sleeve."

Qin Shi sipped her tea, "Just tricks, they won't cause much trouble."

Having been the head of the household for decades, Qin Shi could see through Xing Dairong's intentions.

But after all, Xing Dairong was just her son's concubine, and her schemes wouldn't harm Qin Shi's interests. Finding her somewhat amusing, Qin Shi turned a blind eye.

However, such people revealing their machinations would soon exhaust Qin Shi's patience.

If Xing Dairong had behaved properly without other thoughts, relying on her creativity to serve Qin Shi, she might have found another path in this marquisate over time.

Her eagerness only diminished Qin Shi's goodwill, and her constant scheming would eventually become tiresome.

"What is Yun'er doing?"

"The young mistress is overseeing the New Year's goods in the residence."

Mrs. Qin smiled and said, "Lingyun has worked hard. Later, send her some tonics so she doesn't tire herself."

"Yes."

To Mrs. Qin, Lu Lingyun was one of her own; to Xing Dairong, she was merely a plaything.

Xing Dairong, with Mrs. Qin's approval, entered Yaoguang Pavilion openly.

Tonight, she did not dine with everyone else. Cheng Yunshuo noticed her absence in the dining hall and asked about it.

Apart from another sarcastic remark from the old Lord Marquis, he received no answer.

Yesterday, when Xing Dairong was present, he was unhappy. Today, with her absence, he seemed somewhat unsettled.

What a mess.

Cheng Yunshuo did not ask further. After finishing the meal with everyone, he returned alone to Yaoguang Pavilion to review the documents he had brought back. As soon as he entered the study, he saw someone sitting in his chair.

"What are you doing here?"

Xing Dairong, dressed in light clothing, sat at Cheng Yunshuo's desk, engrossed in drawing something.

Caught off guard, she hastily stood up, "Your Highness, I came to draw patterns for Madam and lost track of time. I'll leave now."

Her legs had gone numb from sitting too long, and she nearly fell as she stood up. Cheng Yunshuo quickly caught her.

Soft and warm, she fell into his arms, and he felt her cold hands and feet.

"Why are you so cold!"

"I was too focused on drawing and forgot the time," Xing Dairong said, looking like a child who had done something wrong.

"Ridiculous! Don't you know you're pregnant!"

"I'm sorry, I'll go back now." Xing Dairong lowered her head, like a little white rabbit, and tried to push away from Cheng Yunshuo, but immediately stumbled again.

"Look at yourself!" Cheng Yunshuo could no longer hold back. He lifted her up and placed her on the soft couch in the study, then ordered the servants, "Bring charcoal and hot water bottles."

At that moment, Xing Dairong, still in his arms, tightly hugged him, "Yunshuo, I don't want those. Just hug me."

Cheng Yunshuo: "..."

"Yunshuo, I've thought a lot these days. I was wrong before. I shouldn't have coveted your wife's position, I shouldn't have been jealous of Qiu Ling, and I shouldn't have been so aggressive. Now I understand that you are the only one who truly cares for me. Without you, I am nothing."

"Don't leave me. If you love me, I'll do anything you want."

Cheng Yunshuo looked down at Xing Dairong, who seemed like a completely different person, her watery eyes staring straight at him. Finally, she delivered the ultimate line, "Yunshuo, I'm so cold."

Chapter 78: The Marquis's Caravan

That night, Xing Dairong slept in Yaoguang Pavilion.

Everyone in Yaoguang Pavilion felt a mix of emotions seeing Xing Dairong return.

She really knows how to stir things up.

After all that trouble, she still ends up coming back here.

But for Xing Dairong and Cheng Yunshuo, the two parties involved, it was different.

In the past, it was always Cheng Yunshuo who indulged and pampered Xing Dairong, trying to please her at every turn. Now, it was Xing Dairong who was carefully and gently serving Cheng Yunshuo day and night.

Every morning, she would get up early to help him dress, and at night, she would trim the lamp wick and grind ink, adding fragrance with her red sleeves.

Xing Dairong seemed like a completely different person, no longer throwing tantrums or demanding things from Cheng Yunshuo—no more requests for gold or silver. She was obedient and attentive, serving him with utmost care.

Over these few days, Cheng Yunshuo had gradually restored a subtle emotional connection with her.

Neither of them mentioned their past troubles, acting as if they never existed. Xing Dairong smiled at him every day, and Cheng Yunshuo became more restrained and polite, always deliberately holding back when speaking to her.

In short, he wasn't as relaxed with her as before.

They had become distant but managed to maintain a facade of peace.

News of their reconciliation spread quickly throughout the entire household.

The old marquis scoffed, disapproving of this recurring drama.

He couldn't understand where his son got such indecisiveness; none of the ancestors in the Cheng family had ever produced someone like Cheng Yunshuo, always blinded by emotions.

When Lu Lingyun learned that the two had reconciled again after their quarrel, she simply smiled.

She didn't have time to dwell on it.

With only three days until the New Year, she was incredibly busy. Apart from the estate managers from various parts of the marquis's household bringing in silver and goods to report their harvests, the shopkeepers also came with ledgers to settle accounts. Additionally, two caravans had returned.

The estates of wealthy families were extensive.

The marquis's household had thirty-five estates, covering nearly ten thousand acres of fertile land and forests, along with twenty-one shops, sixteen of which were in the Imperial City, and the remaining five scattered across the country, mainly in Jiangnan.

In addition, the marquis's household maintained two caravans.

One belonged to the marquis's household, while the other was brought over by Lady Qin from her natal family.

"Madam, Captain Qian and Captain Qin have returned! Lady Qin has requested your presence."

"Who are Captain Qian and Captain Qin?" Lu Lingyun put down her abacus and asked the messenger.

"Captain Qian is the son of Steward Qian and manages our western caravan. Captain Qin is from Lady Qin's natal family, the son of Nurse Wen, and manages the caravan traveling to Jiangnan."

"Oh." Lu Lingyun understood and followed the person to Ningxin Courtyard, where she saw two men who had just returned, looking weary from travel, standing inside Lady Qin's room.

One was in his twenties, the other in his thirties.

Both wore thick dark gray cotton coats and yellow-gray fur vests, their faces weathered from long journeys. Upon seeing Lu Lingyun, they did not need further introduction and immediately bowed to her.

"Greetings, Madam."

"Captain Qian and Captain Qin, you must be tired. Please rise."

Lu Lingyun said.

"Erya, these are the managers of our two caravans. They've come to report their work. You should listen too," Lady Qin said, smiling from her seat.

"Yes."

Lu Lingyun gestured for them to rise and gave a nod to Shuang Hong, who promptly handed each of them a red envelope.

"A gift from the young madam."

"Thank you, young madam. May you have good fortune."

Lu Lingyun sat beside Lady Qin and saw a pile of rare items and specialties on the table between the couches.

"Mother, what are these?"

"These are the items they brought back. Take a look and see if there's anything you like."

Among the items were dried grapes, various fruit preserves, rare spices, large patterned wool blankets, carpets, fur coats, silk dresses, and uniquely styled hairpins and jewelry. There were plenty of edible, wearable, and usable items.

"Captain Qian, did you bring these from the west?"

"Yes, I specifically manage the western caravan, taking our tea, silk, salt, and kitchenware to exchange for goods from there. This year, we made a triple profit, and these are the best items I selected for the household."

After hearing this, Lu Lingyun suddenly recalled an event from the neighboring country in the west that she heard about in her previous life.

She vaguely remembered that after the heavy snowfall this year, war was likely to break out there.

All trade routes would be blocked.

However, after the heavy snowfall this year, the south experienced a bountiful harvest, with abundant supplies and low prices, making it an ideal time to trade in the south.

"You shouldn't go to the west next year. Instead, follow Captain Qin to Jiangnan," Lu Lingyun said.

"Change the route?" Captain Qian frowned and looked at Lady Qin.

Lu Lingyun also turned to Lady Qin. "Mother, after the heavy snowfall this year, many areas suffered disasters. Many small countries in the west will face crises. I estimate that something will happen in the west next year."

After hearing Lu Lingyun's words, Qin's eyes lit up slightly, "You have studied these matters as well?"

Lu Lingyun quickly came up with an excuse, "I often heard my father talk about it in the past. People always say that after a great disaster comes a great epidemic. This year's snow is not ordinary; the situation must be worse in the west."

"Madam, what you say is very true," said Team Leader Qian at this point, "We were considered early to return this year. Several merchant teams that traveled with us and returned later were trapped in the snowy lands beyond the pass. They said the snow there was really heavy."

After hearing this, Qin took a sip of tea and said leisurely, "Then let's follow Lingyun's advice."

"Madam!" Team Leader Qin spoke up, "I've always been the one running to Jiangnan. Usually, our team is enough; there's no need for both teams to go to Jiangnan."

"Team Leader Qin, this year Jiangnan will definitely be prosperous. Sending another team will earn us more," said Lu Lingyun.

Upon hearing this, Team Leader Qin wanted to say something else, but Qin put down her teacup, "Let's follow Lingyun's advice. Next year, both merchant teams will go to Jiangnan."

With Qin's decision, both team leaders agreed.

Lu Lingyun turned to look at Qin, who supported her, "Thank you, Mother. My judgment won't disappoint you."

"I believe so too."

Qin smiled. She had no other thoughts; she simply trusted Lu Lingyun and believed her insights were always accurate.

After arranging the affairs of the merchant teams, various supplies were gradually stored and recorded. Lu Lingyun received a pile of rare blankets, fabrics, and jewelry from Qin and carefully selected a few items to send to Qiu Ling and Xing Dairong.

The two team leaders left Qin's courtyard and returned to their parents' homes.

Their parents were all major stewards in the mansion, with high status and wealth, each having purchased a residence outside the mansion, not far from the marquisate. They all reached their homes within a few steps.

As soon as Team Leader Qian entered his home, he saw his mother giving him a scolding.

Chapter 79: The New Year

"Mother, please don't hit me, it's me!" Team Leader Qian saw his mother and hurriedly said.

"I'm hitting you precisely because it's you!" Team Leader Qian's mother, Wang, was also from the Marquis's household. She had been a maid who accompanied the late matriarch, and she married the household's chief steward, Qian. After the late matriarch passed away, Lady Qin dismissed many of her people, including Wang.

Wang, now a free woman, lived with her husband, the chief steward of the Marquis's household, and her son, who managed a merchant team. Their life was comfortable, and she often walked around the streets. Because her family served the Ningyang Marquis's household, their status was higher than that of the commoners around them.

Her only concern was her son's marriage.

"You're already in your late twenties, and you'll be thirty soon. Why aren't you getting married? Are you trying to drive me to my grave?" Wang scolded him fiercely.

"Mother, I'm always on the road; where do I have the time?"

"You need to hurry up! Or ask for the Lord Marquis and Lady's favor and get a year off!"

"How could I do that? No one else can do my job."

"If no one else can do it, do you want our old Qian family to die out?" Wang raised her broom and started hitting and yelling at Team Leader Qian.

Just as he was dodging her blows, there was a knock on the door.

"Mother, stop hitting me, someone's here!" Team Leader Qian rushed to open the door. As soon as he opened it, he saw a young, fresh-faced girl holding several yards of fabric standing outside.

He recognized her; she was the maid who had given him a reward today.

"Are you by Lady's side?"

"Yes, Team Leader Qian, I am Lady's maid Shuang Hong." Shuang Hong stood at the door, peeking inside and seeing Wang with the broom, "Am I interrupting something?"

"Not at all, not at all, you're my savior!" Team Leader Qian smiled at her, "Please come in, my little savior."

Shuang Hong blushed, "No need, I just came to deliver a message."

Shuang Hong handed the fabric to Team Leader Qian, "Our Lady said that when you go to Jiangnan next year, try to find these types of fabrics for resale. They will be popular next year."

"Sure thing!"

Team Leader Qian agreed immediately. After taking the fabric, he saw Shuang Hong about to leave, but his mother was still glaring at him from inside. He quickly called her back.

"Wait a moment."

Shuang Hong looked at him, "Is there anything else?"

"If you're not busy, why don't I treat you to some tea? You can tell me about what's happening in the household this year."

Shuang Hong: "..."

"Come on, let's go." People who travel for business tend to be more outgoing. Unlike others in the household, Team Leader Qian didn't follow many rules. Seeing his mother ready to continue scolding him, he threw the fabric at Wang, "Mother, I'm going out for a bit."

With that, he pulled Shuang Hong out.

Shuang Hong: "..."

Shuang Hong returned to Lu Lingyun with a flushed face.

"Why are you back so late?"

Lu Lingyun asked, noticing that Shuang Hong wasn't acting like her usual self.

Hearing this, Shuang Hong's face turned even redder, and she lowered her head, speaking in a muffled voice, "Team Leader Qian treated me to tea."

"Hmm?"

Treating her to tea wasn't unusual, but why was Shuang Hong acting this way?

"Did he hit you after treating you to tea?"

"No way!"

"Then why is your face so red?" Lu Lingyun asked with a smile.

"Lady, I'm not!" Shuang Hong's face turned even redder.

Lu Lingyun pulled her closer, "How old are you this year?"

"After the New Year, I'll be fourteen."

"At fourteen, you're of age. It's time to think about a marriage."

"No, I want to stay by Lady's side!" Shuang Hong's blush faded, and she spoke with determination.

Shuang Hong wasn't born into the Lu family; she was sold to them.

Her parents were poor, her father was a gambler, and her mother was ill. They also had an older brother. In a year of famine, she was sold, small and thin, and many places wouldn't take her. Fortunately, she ended up in the Marquis's household and was chosen by Lu Lingyun to be a servant maid. Otherwise, her fate would have been much worse.

Her contract, like Zhiran's, was held by Lu Lingyun.

"Even if you marry, you can still stay by my side," Lu Lingyun said with a smile. "I'll find a good match for you within our household."

Hearing Lu Lingyun's words, Shuang Hong's determined face turned red again, "Lady, how can you say such things!"

"Does that mean you agree?"

"I do not agree, I don't want to."

Lu Lingyun looked at the anxious Shuang Hong and decided not to tease her anymore. "Alright, I won't joke with you anymore. Look how red your face is; I thought you already had someone in mind."

"Madam, you... you're so mean." Shuang Hong covered her face, stomped her foot, and ran away.

Watching Shuang Hong, Lu Lingyun smiled without saying anything.

In the blink of an eye, two days passed.

Lu Lingyun's workload also slowed down because it was time to celebrate the New Year.

Zhiran returned to the marquisate with Dong Sheng for the New Year.

On New Year's Day, the entire marquisate was festively decorated, bustling with activity.

Lu Lingyun had given her servants an early New Year bonus, and everyone gathered together, full of joy and excitement.

Lu Lingyun went to Qin's courtyard to have the reunion dinner with everyone.

During the New Year's Eve dinner, she received big red envelopes from Lady Qin and the old Lord Marquis, and Cheng Yunshuo also received one of the same size.

Qiu Ling and Xing Dairong each received smaller red envelopes.

Everyone wore happy expressions.

Lu Lingyun had been married into the marquisate for almost a year, and no matter what this family was like before, it was much more comfortable than her previous life.

Under her management, their lives would only get better.

While she was living well, things were not going well for Lu Hanyi.

On New Year's Eve, Lu Hanyi, heavily pregnant, went to her in-laws' courtyard with Li Wenxun for the New Year's Eve dinner.

Her sister-in-law Wei, along with her children and husband, sat beside Li's parents, who lavished praise on them and gave them generous red envelopes and rewards.

Their second branch of the family was ignored and treated coldly.

Lu Hanyi only received a small red envelope, which paled in comparison to Wei's.

She directly confronted them, "Mother, you're too biased! Why do we, the second branch, get so little? Why does my sister-in-law's family get so much?"

Lady Li smiled falsely and said, "Your sister-in-law received the same amount as you. The rest is for Little Huan. When you give birth to a son, Mother will give you the same amount. You can't be competing with a child, can you?"

Hearing this, Lu Hanyi felt a surge of resentment. Compete with a child?! Using the child as an excuse was just a way to brush her off, but she lacked the skill to argue back and was dismissed.

Wei also chimed in with a smile, saying that when she first married in, she received the same amount as her sister-in-law, implying that Lu Hanyi was being greedy and unreasonable. Everyone joined in, making fun of her.

Unable to refute these insincere words, Lu Hanyi turned angrily to her husband.

Li Wenxun simply kept eating, acting as if it had nothing to do with him.

Feeling even more aggrieved, Lu Hanyi became even angrier.

Chapter 80: The Impoverished Li Family

Halfway through the New Year's Eve dinner, Lu Hanyi excused herself, claiming she had a stomachache and returned to her room in a huff.

She dragged Li Wenxun, who was still eating, back with her.

Eat, eat, eat! What more is there to eat!

Snowflakes were drifting outside as Lu Hanyi trudged back to her courtyard with a sullen face. Even after returning, the single charcoal brazier in her room did little to warm it up.

The Li family was poor, and they were miserly to boot.

The financial control was firmly in the hands of Lady Wei and his mother-in-law. Only Li's father, mother, and the eldest son's household had charcoals burning since winter began.

The charcoal brazier in her room was even sent by Lu Lingyun.

Thinking about this, Lu Hanyi's anger flared up.

"How dare you treat your wife and child like this!" Lu Hanyi turned to shout at Li Wenxun.

"What have I done now?" Li Wenxun frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure in his eyes.

"In such cold weather, you only let me have one charcoal brazier in my room!"

Li Wenxun didn't see anything wrong with it. "Father, Mother, and my sister-in-law also only have one charcoal brazier. Many people in this house can't afford even that."

It was only because Lu Hanyi had an elder sister from the marquisate who could help her, sending some charcoal. Others didn't even have that!

The Li family was large, with two sons, three daughters, and four more children from secondary wives. Besides Li's parents, there was also Li Wenxun's grandmother, two married uncles, and an aunt who had divorced and returned home with her child. The entire clan lived here.

Li Wenxun's two uncles were not doing well; neither had passed the imperial exams and only managed to secure low-level positions in the Ministry of Revenue thanks to Li Wenxun's father's help.

Their monthly salary was only two taels of silver, and even with side income, they couldn't earn more than five taels.

Their rooms had no maids, just their wives and children, relying on dowries to make ends meet. With the soaring price of charcoal, they couldn't afford to burn any.

The divorced aunt with her child was even poorer, relying on her mother-in-law's presence to curry favor with Li's mother and Lady Wei, spending most of her time in their rooms, fawning over them to survive.

Everyone in the house was poor except for the eldest daughter-in-law, who maintained a decent appearance. Lady Wei tightly controlled the household finances, claiming that due to high charcoal prices, no one in the house would burn charcoal except for her and Li's parents.

But damn it, who knew whose money she was using!

She controlled the household finances, and no one else could see the accounts. Everyone knew she was manipulating things, but there was no evidence.

Lu Hanyi had been angry about this many times, especially when winter first arrived. She complained to her family, and Liu went to Lu Lingyun for help.

Although Lu Lingyun didn't intervene directly, she did send some charcoal for winter, settling the matter.

Thinking about this, Lu Hanyi grew even angrier. "This charcoal was sent by my family! Why should I care if others can't afford it? Why should I compare myself to them? According to you, if my family couldn't afford charcoal, I'd deserve to freeze too!"

Li Wenxun's expression remained unchanged. "What are you fussing about? You have what you need. People should be content."

That was all he cared about. If there was something, fine; if not, so be it. He wouldn't bother himself with it.

In the previous life, Lu Lingyun had no one to rely on and suffered through the cold.

Lu Hanyi eagerly sought out this marriage and eagerly endured this hardship.

Lu Hanyi was so angry that tears welled up in her eyes. "Li Wenxun! I am your wife, carrying your child, and you let me live like this! At the dinner table, you saw how your mother favors others. Why didn't you say anything!"

Li Wenxun's eyes grew colder. "What our parents want to do is their business. We, as children, have no right to interfere."

He spoke of filial piety, but it wasn't true.

Lu Hanyi's every struggle was visible to him, but he chose to remain silent.

He hoped Lu Hanyi would be capable enough to win something, which would secretly delight him.

If Lu Hanyi lacked the ability, he would feel contempt and disappointment towards her.

Asking him to help her fight or speak up against his parents, causing conflict, was out of the question.

"So you can watch me be bullied! Am I not your wife? Are you even a man!" Lu Hanyi shouted angrily.

"Enough, stop making a scene. I need to study." Li Wenxun coldly interrupted Lu Hanyi and went to the side room to read.

From start to finish, his face remained indifferent, never taking Lu Hanyi seriously, never caring about her.

Lu Hanyi wanted to argue further, but seeing him go to the side room to study, she swallowed her anger.

She assumed Li Wenxun was absorbed in his studies and had no interest in household matters.

But she didn't know how selfish, cold, and hypocritical Li Wenxun truly was.

Under his gentle demeanor lay a heart devoid of emotion.

If his wife was useful to him, he would tolerate her more. If not, he would discard her without hesitation.

He needed someone to help him, not cause trouble.

He never cared about the injustices his wife faced.

Li Wenxun went to the side room to study, leaving Lu Hanyi so angry that she couldn't sleep half the night. On the first day of the New Year, she returned directly to the Lu family.

Lu Lingyun managed the marquisate until the third day of the New Year.

During these days, visitors came and gifts were delivered, keeping her busy and happy.

On the fourth day, it was time to return to her family home.

Cheng Yunshuo woke up early without needing any reminders and dressed himself before heading to Lu Lingyun's courtyard.

"Why are you here?" Lu Lingyun asked upon seeing him.

"Today is the fourth day. I'm going to accompany you back to your family home."

Lu Lingyun: "..."

Lu Lingyun actually didn't want to go back to the Lu family and had been thinking of an excuse to say that the Lord Marquis's affairs were busy to avoid it. Neither Lady Qin nor the old Lord Marquis had asked first, but Cheng Yunshuo was the first one to eagerly show up.

Lu Lingyun gave him a smile, "Alright then, thank you, Prince."

In response to Lu Lingyun's smile, Cheng Yunshuo returned one as well, "It's you who has been working hard."

After nearly a year of living together, Cheng Yunshuo had not a single complaint about Lu Lingyun. She handled all kinds of matters for him, managing both the internal and external affairs of the household, all of which he had seen firsthand.

As he grew over the past year, he increasingly realized that a woman like Lu Lingyun was very comforting.

She did not have a face that could captivate hearts or the novelty that could make one's head spin, but she possessed a gentle, water-like demeanor that made her more comfortable to be around the longer they interacted.

He might not necessarily be attracted to such a person, but having someone like her as his wife was something he was very satisfied with.

Lu Lingyun gave him dignity, so naturally, he would give her the respect she deserved.

For today's visit, he had prepared everything early.

Lu Lingyun put on the fox fur cloak given to her by Lady Qin, wrapped a white fox fur scarf around her neck, and held a hand warmer as she returned to her family home in style.