Daily Life of the Main Lady

by Usui Takumii

not mine, asia novel dot net and wattpad by faye1203. Beware edited mtl. Also at ao3.

1. 00 to 20

Lu Lingyun and her legitimate younger sister, Lu Hanyi, both reincarnate.

In the previous life, she married the second son of a sixth-rank civil official, while her legitimate younger sister married the heir of a marquis house, and everyone said that her younger sister had made a good marriage.

But who knew that in the end, the second son of the civil official whom Lu Lingyun married became the Prime Minister and even obtained a first-class title for Lu Lingyun. On the other hand, her younger sister could not compete with the beloved concubine of the heir, forcing the two to elope, leaving her to live as a virtual widow for the rest of her life.

Having enjoyed a glorious life, Lu Lingyun opened her eyes again only to find herself back at the age of sixteen, right when marriage proposals were being discussed.

Her legitimate younger sister preemptively took her promising prospect, leaving the position of the lady of the marquis house to Lu Lingyun.

Lu Lingyun smiled faintly upon seeing this.

Take it, take it; she would realize later that Li Er's rise to become the Prime Minister and his ability to obtain a title for his wife were all due to the path she had laid out for him. Without her, Li Wenxun would be no more than an official of the sixth rank.

The title that her legitimate younger sister desires is even less likely to be obtained.

However, having snatched away the marriage prospects, Lu Lingyun decided that in this life, she would become the main lady of the marquis house, a more glorious main lady of the marquis house.

[This is a story about an ancient version of a Marquis House CEO.]

Chapter 1 Rebirth and Marriage Swap

After the Spring Banquet, her younger sister pleaded with their mother to switch the betrothal letters between the two families, and Lu Lingyun knew she had been reborn.

In her previous life, both she and Lu Hanyi were favored by high-ranking families at the Spring Banquet. One was the illustrious Ningyang Marquisate, whose lineage was marked by ancestral glory, and the other was the sixth-rank Ministry of Rites official, the Li family.

Their Lu family held the fifth-rank position of Imperial Historian, a respectable rank but one that lacked real power and influence. For their children, marrying a sixth-rank capital official would be considered an equal match.

The Ningyang Marquisate, a noble house of distinguished military heritage, was far beyond the reach of the Lu family's aspirations.

Of course, there was a reason why the Ningyang Marquisate was interested in the humble Lu family. Their young master had a beloved concubine whom he adored deeply.

This concubine came from a brothel, and the young master once smashed a restaurant in anger for her, spent lavishly to outbid others, and paid ten thousand taels to redeem her and bring her into the household. He had even declared his intention to spend his life with her alone, which infuriated the Marchioness of Ningyang to the point of illness several times.

Such behavior had already earned the Ningyang Marquisate the disdain of other noble families, who refused to marry their precious daughters into such a household.

Unable to find a suitable match among their peers, the Marchioness of Ningyang turned her attention to a lower status family, seeking a capable and virtuous daughter-in-law who could manage the household and be easily controlled.

At the Spring Banquet, the Lu family caught her eye.

Even so, this marriage was an excellent match for the Lu family.

Unfortunately, it was not meant for Lu Lingyun.

Lu Lingyun, as the eldest daughter of the Lu family, had lost her birth mother early on, and now the household was run by her stepmother. This prime opportunity naturally fell to her stepmother's own daughter, Lu Hanyi.

In her previous life, she was arranged to marry into the Li family, while her younger sister, Lu Hanyi, married into the Ningyang Marquisate.

Due to the young master's excessive favoritism towards his concubine, the Marchioness and Marquis of Ningyang treated Lu Hanyi exceptionally well, granting her control over the household and supporting her in all matters, even when conflicts arose with the young master.

For a time, Lu Hanyi basked in glory and lived a comfortable life.

However, it did not last long.

She relied on her in-laws' favor and increasingly could not tolerate the concubine, constantly provoking her in attempts to diminish her status. This only strengthened the bond between the young master and his concubine. After a particularly heated confrontation, the young master, in a fit of rage, eloped with his concubine.

Afterward, she became the pariah of the marquisate, with her in-laws losing faith in her and stripping her of her household management rights, leaving her to live as a widow within the courtyard.

Meanwhile, Lu Lingyun, after marrying the second son of the Li family, found her life improving year by year. A year later, Li Wenxun passed the imperial examinations and became the top scholar, earning the emperor's favor and being appointed as a county magistrate in Jiangnan.

This appointment as a county magistrate was not a sign of neglect but rather a promising path for further advancement, especially in Jiangnan.

Li Wenxun lived up to expectations, achieving significant accomplishments and rising through the ranks from county magistrate to prefect, then to governor of Jiangnan, and finally returning to the capital.

Upon his return, he was appointed as a fourth-rank censor, deeply trusted by the emperor, and eventually rose to become the prime minister, a position of great power and prestige.

Lu Lingyun accompanied Li Wenxun throughout his ascent, and he even petitioned for her to receive the title of Lady, bringing her unparalleled honor.

At that time, Lu Hanyi was still confined within the courtyard of the marquisate, living a solitary life and hearing daily about her elder sister's blissful marriage and prosperity. She often laughed maniacally and soon died suddenly.

Lu Lingyun did not have time to mourn; soon after, she succumbed to a bout of illness and passed away.

When she opened her eyes again, Lu Lingyun found herself back at sixteen, at the time of her betrothal discussions.

Just as she was stunned by her return to youth, her personal maid Zhiran reported to her.

"Eldest Miss, Second Miss just went to the lady and cried, saying she would rather die than marry into the Ningyang Marquisate and insists on marrying Mr. Li Er."

Lu Lingyun was momentarily taken aback, then smiled.

It seemed that this rare occurrence of rebirth was not unique to her; her younger sister had also been reborn.

"Eldest Miss, why are you smiling? Second Miss has always loved to compete with you, from cosmetics to jewelry, whatever she wants, she takes. Now she even wants to snatch your marriage!"

"The Li family specifically chose you. Although their status is not as high as the Ningyang Marquisate, Mr. Li Er is virtuous and talented. Even your father speaks highly of him. He will surely become a remarkable figure, without any of the messy household affairs. Everyone knows he is far better than the young master. She must see these advantages and is trying to take him from you."

Zhiran grew more and more upset as she spoke.

Lu Lingyun looked at her and smiled gently as she stood up. "If she wants to take him, let her."

"But... this is a matter of a lifetime!" Zhiran felt deeply for her mistress.

"As you said, a lifetime is long."

Gazing at the clouds above, Lu Lingyun smiled calmly.

Let her take it.

Because in the future, she would realize.

It was not Li Wenxun himself who achieved greatness and brought her the title of Lady; it was Lu Lingyun who paved the way for his success, earning all the glory for herself.

Did her good younger sister really think that snatching a man meant snatching a life?

If she wants to take him, she can. Let her see what happens when everything turns out differently from before.

Just the benevolent Li family alone would shatter her illusions.

And the Ningyang Marquisate.

She believed it was truly a hundred times better than the Li family.

With kind in-laws and a glorious household, this is what many people strive for their entire lives.

A husband with a beloved concubine? That would be even less troublesome.

She, Lu Lingyun, never sought love in her life; she only wanted to be the head of the household, the most glorious and prestigious head of the household.

"Alright, go back and check the accounts."

Lu Lingyun finished speaking and led Zhiran back to her room.

Several days passed in a blink.

Lu Lingyun acted as if nothing had happened, diligently managing the household accounts and tending to the flowers, unaware of how Lu Hanyi persuaded her mother or how the Lu family negotiated with the two families. The formal proposal was indeed exchanged.

By the time they informed her, the compatibility of their birth dates had been confirmed, all indicating great auspiciousness.

The three families joyfully prepared for the wedding.

"Lingyun, Ping Niang has treated you as her own since you were young, always caring for you. Now that your mother has found you a good match, the Ningyang Marquisate is a prestigious family, and the heir is an only son who will take you as his wife. You will become the future Lady of the Ningyang Marquisate. What do you think?"

Lu Lingyun's father spoke from his high seat.

Beside him, Stepmother Liu wiped away tears, looking gratified. "My hard work is a small matter. What matters is not letting down your mother's trust by finding you a good marriage. The Ningyang Marquisate is such a distinguished family, and their interest in our Lu family is truly a great blessing."

Listening to her father and stepmother's words, Lu Lingyun couldn't help but smile inwardly.

In her previous life, when they wanted her to marry into the Li family, they didn't speak like this at all.

They constantly belittled the Ningyang Marquisate, making it seem worthless, while praising the Li family, as if they were afraid of pushing her into a pit of fire.

Lu Lingyun showed no change in expression, responding obediently, "I leave it all to my parents' discretion."

Seeing her demeanor, Lu Lingyun's father and Stepmother Liu nodded repeatedly, both satisfied with each other's glances.

Lu Lingyun had always been sensible and well-behaved, never competing or quarreling. They felt assured sending her off wherever she went.

Of course, it was only because their precious daughter Lu Hanyi desperately refused such a good match that it fell on her.

Steppmother Liu stood up, taking Lu Lingyun's hand. "Lingyun, even though your sister wasn't always by your side, remember that the Lu family will always be your home. After marriage, you must look after your sisters and support the family. We must always stand together, sharing glory and prosperity."

"Yes."

Lu Lingyun remained obedient.

Her compliance delighted her father and Stepmother Liu. On the spot, Stepmother Liu gifted her several valuable pieces of jewelry for her dowry, and her father openly stated that he would provide her with the most generous dowry, ensuring her a grand wedding.

Lu Lingyun's lips curved slightly, gazing at the exquisite green jade bracelet on her wrist, genuine happiness finally appearing in her eyes.

Everything else was superficial; only real wealth mattered.

Gaining some advantage and securing tangible benefits for herself.

After all, in her previous life, her dowry was far less than Lu Hanyi's. Today, her respectful behavior ensured that the Lu family wouldn't shortchange her in terms of her dowry.

It would only be more than before, never less.

Smiling softly, she sensed a gaze upon her. Looking up, she met Lu Hanyi's eyes.

Chapter 2 Wang Qiluo

Upon leaving the room, Lu Hanyi led a group to block Lu Lingyun's path.

She glanced at Lu Lingyun with a meaningful smile on her lips, "Sister, you've been given quite a lot of good things by Mother for your marriage into the Marquis's Mansion."

"Do you like them?" Lu Lingyun smiled sweetly, as if she would give them away if Hanyi wanted them.

Seeing Lingyun act just as usual, Lu Hanyi's eyes gleamed with even more triumph.

"Hmph, indeed, only someone like me, destined for greatness, can be reborn."

In this life, everything that belongs to Lu Lingyun will be hers!

"No need. Keep those worthless trinkets for yourself; they might come in handy when you're starving in the Marquis's Mansion."

"Why would you say that? The Marquis's Mansion is vast and prosperous; how could I starve there?" Lu Lingyun's smile faded, replaced by a look of confusion.

Seeing this, Lu Hanyi felt even more triumphant. She glared at Lu Lingyun, "Heaven's secrets cannot be revealed. Just marry Cheng Yunshuo obediently. Don't think too much about it, because no matter what, this is your fate."

With that, Lu Hanyi left with her entourage.

Lu Lingyun: "..."

Watching her leave with an air of superiority, Lu Lingyun gave a wry smile.

Her simple-minded sister hasn't improved one bit, even after being reborn.

"Fate," huh? Fine, she'll wait and see what fate has in store for Lu Hanyi.

Let's see if she can pass the Li Family's test with her so-called knowledge of fate.

Lu Lingyun returned to her courtyard.

These past few days, her small courtyard had been bustling with activity.

Tutors, bridesmaids, and seamstresses came and went, teaching her etiquette, taking her measurements, and preparing for the grand wedding.

Since this time she was marrying into the Marquis's Mansion, all the protocols were elevated compared to her previous life.

In her previous life, Lu Lingyun had been granted a noble title and had attended court ceremonies, mastering etiquette and demeanor long ago. The tutor nodded approvingly after just one lesson, thoroughly pleased.

Lu Lingyun praised the tutor's excellent teaching and ordered a large red envelope to be given to her.

The tutor, sent by the Marquis's Mansion, reported back to the Marquise that Lu Lingyun was naturally intelligent and possessed the grace of a true lady, making her a perfect match.

Even before the wedding, the Marquise already held Lu Lingyun in high regard.

In her previous life, Lu Hanyi never seized this initial goodwill, relying solely on the Marquise's sense of obligation towards her daughter-in-law.

Lu Lingyun's lessons ended quickly, giving her several days of peace. While sorting through her dowry and personal assets, someone approached her.

"Madam, the young lady from the General's Mansion is here to see you."

Lu Lingyun, who was writing something down, paused and looked up, "Please bring her in!"

Soon, a young woman dressed in a yellow gown was led in.

"Lingyun! Did your sister bully you again? How could they make you marry that wastrel Cheng Yunshuo!" A bright voice rang out.

It was Wang Qiluo.

Wang Qiluo was Lu Lingyun's close friend. Her mother and Lu Lingyun's mother were also close friends. After Lu Lingyun's mother passed away, she stayed with the Wang family for a while, where Wang Qiluo's mother treated her like a daughter.

Unfortunately, after Lu Lingyun's stepmother entered the picture, Wang Qiluo's mother couldn't visit often but instructed Wang Qiluo to visit Lu Lingyun frequently to support her.

In her previous life, a year after Lu Lingyun married into the Li Family, Wang Qiluo also got married. She married the son of a junior judge in the Supreme Court, only to discover that he was abusive. General Wang was embroiled in a political scandal and couldn't protect his daughter, leading to Wang Qiluo's death within half a year.

At that time, Lu Lingyun was in Jiangnan and could do nothing. By the time she returned to the Imperial City with the power to help, the Wang family had fallen, and Wang Qiluo's mother had passed away years earlier.

This was Lu Lingyun's lifelong regret.

Seeing Wang Qiluo, Lu Lingyun's eyes welled up, and she embraced her tightly, "Qiluo?"

"Don't cry! Tell me, my parents heard you're marrying that wastrel Cheng Yunshuo and are furious. They said if you have any reluctance, we'll reject this marriage on your behalf!"

Lu Lingyun smiled through her tears, holding Wang Qiluo tightly without a word, her wet eyes fixed on her.

Wang Qiluo felt even more anxious under her gaze, "Stop looking at me and say something! Was it your wicked stepmother and sister who did this? I remember clearly that the Li Family was interested in you, and my mother said it was a good match!"

"If you don't speak up, I'm going right now! Don't think you're alone!"

Lu Lingyun released Wang Qiluo, took her hand, and finally spoke, "I'm willing."

"Lingyun, you've always been too soft." Wang Qiluo looked unconvinced.

"It's true." Lu Lingyun smiled even wider.

It felt warm to have someone stand by her side.

She held Wang Qiluo's hand tightly, leading her to sit down, "The Marquis's Mansion is a prestigious household. Both the Marquis and the Marquise are kind-hearted people who will surely treat their daughter-in-law well. Isn't this a good match?"

"But Cheng Yunshuo is a wastrel! His affair with a courtesan is notorious throughout the Imperial City. Even my father says he's beyond redemption due to his obsession with women."

"In this world, how many men don't have multiple wives and concubines? Even your father, despite his harmonious relationship with your aunt, still has two concubines."

Wang Qiluo fell silent.

Indeed, even her father had two concubines.

Her mother had only given birth to her and had injured her body, unable to bear any more children. To prevent the family line from dying out, her mother-in-law had forced her to take two concubines to expand the family.

"But... I remember that at the time it was clearly the Li family who had taken a fancy to you. If someone else took your place, it must have been your sister."

"The Li family can't compare to the marquisate," Lu Lingyun said with a smile. "Li Wenxun is the second son in his family, with an able elder brother above him, who married the second daughter of the Minister of Rites and took charge of household affairs upon entering the house. On the other hand, Cheng Yunshuo is the only son in his family, and after I enter, I will be the only daughter-in-law. How could the Li family compare to the marquisate?"

Wang Qiluo nodded, seemingly understanding.

It seemed to make perfect sense.

She hadn't expected Lu Lingyun to see things so clearly. In terms of family background, the Li family truly couldn't match up to the marquisate.

But...

"Do you really not mind that Cheng Yunshuo already has a concubine?"

Her father had a concubine because of the need for offspring, and he couldn't go against the elders' wishes. But how could a normal man take a concubine before marriage?

And to cause such a commotion—it was a humiliation to the new bride!

Lu Lingyun held up her teacup. "In this world, if a couple can treat each other with respect and courtesy, it's already a great blessing. I only hope for that kind of relationship with him."

Hearing this, Wang Qiluo had no more objections. Looking at Lu Lingyun, who appeared calm and composed, she changed her mind.

"Let me tell you, his concubine is not an ordinary woman. My younger brother told me that he once heard her singing at a brothel. Her melodies were all incredibly novel, and her behavior was bold and audacious. She even talked about gender equality and freedom of life in the brothel. Every man who has met her says she is a remarkable woman."

Chapter 3 Sending Wedding Gifts

Lu Lingyun's eyes brightened at this.

She recalled how in her previous life, the young lord had been willing to abandon his family and business for her, daring to elope.

That concubine was indeed no ordinary person.

But it didn't matter.

"She doesn't provoke me, I won't provoke her," Lu Lingyun said with a faint smile.

It was just adding another canary for Cheng Yunshuo to keep; she didn't care at all.

She wasn't like Lu Hanyi, that foolish woman, who insisted on competing with the concubine.

She married him to be the head of the household, not to vie for his affection.

As long as that canary knew her place and didn't overstep, she naturally wouldn't make things difficult for her.

"Alright," Wang Qiluo, relieved, looked at her servant, "Cuixin, bring the items."

"What is it?"

Lu Lingyun looked up and saw Cuixin carrying a heavy makeup box forward.

Wang Qiluo smiled as she opened the makeup box, revealing a full set of accessories.

A jade hairpin, a pair of red jade butterfly hairpins, a pair of auspicious cloud-embedded pearl long hairpins, a gold and pearl hair ornament, a central ornament, a pair of Sichuan brocade gilded jade ear covers, a pair of jade earrings, a pair of jade bracelets, a pair of ruby cloisonné rings, several small hairpins and floral decorations.

Opening the lower compartment of the makeup box revealed a package of gold leaves and a stack of silver notes.

There were a full thousand taels.

"This is what my mother sent you as a wedding gift."

Seeing the abundance of items, Lu Lingyun's eyes welled up again.

In her past life, while preparing for her wedding, she never had time to see Wang Qiluo, nor did anyone come to visit. She only heard from Zhiran that Wang Qiluo had brought something, which her stepmother Liu Shi had seen and invited her into the side hall. Liu Shi then helped deliver the items.

When they arrived, there were only a thousand taels of silver notes.

She had no idea that there were so many other items.

"Qiluo..."

"Don't get emotional. When I came in, I ran into your stepmother. She offered to help me deliver these items. If not for your maid running over, I wouldn't have known whether to give them to her or not. Don't tell them."

Lu Lingyun smiled through her tears, "Thank you and Auntie."

"My mother always treated you like a daughter. We are like sisters. Since you've made up your mind, we support you. If you suffer any injustice in the marquisate, come to us."

"Thank you." Lu Lingyun nodded.

She silently resolved that in this life, besides living well herself, she would protect them.

She would not let the tragedies of her past life repeat.

After bidding farewell to Wang Qiluo, Lu Lingyun had the gifts from the Wang family placed at the bottom of the chest.

In the evening, Lu Lingyun went to Liu Shi's courtyard with Zhiran, bringing some inexpensive jewelry and silver.

Liu Shi's courtyard had been bustling lately.

Her relatives and some of the Lu family's students' families had been visiting in rotation.

With two daughters getting married, those close to the family would come to send wedding gifts.

"Mother."

After reporting, Lu Lingyun stood in the room with Zhiran.

At this moment, there was a middle-aged woman sitting in Liu Shi's room, whom Lu Lingyun recognized as Liu Shi's sister-in-law.

"This must be Lingyun! It's been so long since we last met. You've grown into such a graceful young lady. Your demeanor truly befits someone who will become the lady of the marquisate!" Liu Shi's sister-in-law said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shi's smiling face turned slightly displeased.

This marriage was originally intended for her own daughter. The future lady of the marquisate should have been her daughter. Who knew that the girl insisted on marrying Li Er, claiming she had a long-term vision and that Li Er would rise to great heights, becoming a noble lady.

Initially, Liu Shi thought she was just being unreasonable, but couldn't resist her constant insistence, even threatening to die if forced to marry the marquisate. After much contemplation, she believed that perhaps the young lord wasn't a good match, especially after Lu Hanyi swore that Li Er would succeed. Thus, she agreed to switch the marriage.

No way could this great fortune fall upon Lu Lingyun.

Hearing her sister-in-law's flattering words, Liu Shi felt a knot in her heart.

How could Lu Lingyun, of all people, deserve to marry into the marquisate and surpass her daughter?

However, Liu Shi's sister-in-law didn't care. If Lu Lingyun became the lady of the marquisate, she would be powerful someday, and it was beneficial to flatter her now.

"Auntie." Lu Lingyun said obediently.

"You're such a good child. I've always thought Lingyun was special, smart and sensible, far more mature than Hanyi. Ping Niang, don't you agree?"

Liu Shi rolled her eyes inwardly and changed the subject, "Lingyun, why are you here?"

Lu Lingyun glanced back at Zhiran, who handed her a small box.

"Today, I received some wedding gifts from my sister Wang. I thought of sharing half with my sister." Lu Lingyun opened her jewelry box, revealing an array of beaded and jeweled accessories, along with some gold and silver ingots.

The gold and silver ingots filled the bottom, making it look abundantly full, with large and eye-catching items.

But in reality, it amounted to only about a hundred taels of silver, and the jewelry was all for show—pretty but not valuable.

It looked impressive on the surface.

"Wow, so much!" Liu's sister-in-law's eyes lit up at the sight of the full jewelry box.

"Sister and I have the same wedding date. By right, Sister should also receive wedding gifts. So when I got these, I thought of sharing them with Hanyi," Lu Lingyun said with a charming smile.

"You're such a considerate child!" Liu's sister-in-law praised Lu Lingyun effusively. "Since they are getting married on the same day, relatives and friends should give equal gifts. It's really commendable that she has this thoughtfulness."

Her words made Liu's face even more unpleasant.

What did she mean by that!

If Lu Lingyun could share half of her gifts with Lu Hanyi, then Lu Hanyi should also share half of hers with Lu Lingyun!

She was no fool. The things Lu Lingyun brought were not cheap, but upon closer inspection, they were just ordinary items worth only about a hundred taels. Meanwhile, the gifts her own daughter Hanyi received were worth hundreds or even thousands of taels!

But Lu Lingyun had taken the initiative, bringing the gifts herself. How could she refuse?

"Yes, yes." Liu gritted her teeth silently. "Are all these gifts from the Wang family?"

"Of course," Lu Lingyun lied without batting an eyelid.

Liu couldn't possibly run to the Wang family to verify.

Just like in her previous life, she couldn't ask Wang Qiluo what she had sent.

She had used underhanded tactics; today, she would repay her in kind!

Liu couldn't find another word to say. Even if the gifts were ordinary, they were still gifts. What could she say? Accuse them of being stingy or sending junk?

She couldn't scold them; she could only swallow her anger.

Beside her, Liu's sister-in-law chimed in, "Lingyun, your aunt also prepared wedding gifts for you. She gave them to your mother, who will send them over later, right, Ping Niang?"

"That's right," Liu said, feeling aggrieved. "Your sister also received quite a few wedding gifts today. I was planning to send some to you anyway. You came at just the right time."

Lu Lingyun took the opportunity to say, "Thank you, Mother. Zhiran, take these back and store them away. These are precious gifts from our closest relatives. Later, we need to ask Mother's maidservant to record who sent each item, ensuring nothing is missing. Each piece carries the heartfelt wishes of our family."

Chapter 4 The Grand Wedding

Lu Lingyun came out of Lady Liu's room with a sense of satisfaction.

She had exchanged one box of items for a pile of wedding gifts.

Her last remark about registering every item was deliberately said for outsiders to hear.

The gifts were in Lady Liu's hands, and ultimately, the amount given was her decision. But by saying that everything would be recorded, she was speaking to those who had sent the gifts.

They would all know that they had given something to Lu Lingyun.

Given that Lu Lingyun was marrying into the Marquisate and would become its lady, everyone wanted to show their goodwill.

This way, even if Lady Liu couldn't divide the gifts equally, she could at least distribute them sufficiently.

In the future, no one would hesitate to remind Lu Lingyun, "When you got married, we did give you gifts."

In her previous life, Lu Lingyun didn't want to compete with Lu Hanyi over such matters. She always believed in not offending others unless they offended her first, so they each received their own wedding gifts.

In this life, knowing these grievances, she wouldn't hesitate to act.

To be a good head of the household, the first rule was to retaliate against anyone who plotted against her.

The gifts flowed into Lu Lingyun's small room like water.

Soon, the wedding day approached.

The day before the wedding, the dowry from the Marquisate and the gifts from her family filled Lu Lingyun's courtyard.

There were a total of one hundred and eight sedan chairs of dowry.

The Lu family prided themselves on being upright and never concealed their daughters' dowries; they returned a considerable portion as part of the dowry.

To treat all their daughters equally, each was given twenty sedan chairs of gifts.

With the additional wedding gifts, it added up to nearly two more sedan chairs.

Lu Lingyun had six sedan chairs of gifts from her late mother, making a total of one hundred and thirty-six sedan chairs of dowry.

On the other hand, Lu Hanyi had a total of one hundred sedan chairs of dowry.

The Li family, being only sixth-rank officials, provided sixty-eight sedan chairs, while the Lu family gave twenty, relatives added three, and Lady Liu contributed nine from her private treasury, totaling one hundred sedan chairs.

In appearance, Lu Hanyi didn't lose much to Lu Lingyun.

Of course, every sedan chair of Lu Lingyun's dowry was substantial.

Many of Lu Hanyi's sedan chairs were empty.

A single quilt counted as one sedan chair, a few benches counted as another, and seven or eight porcelain basins counted as yet another.

Lu Lingyun knew this well; half of the sixty-eight sedan chairs from the Li family were empty.

In this life, her dowry far exceeded that of her previous life.

It was truly enough to last from birth to death, and if converted to the common people's standard, it would suffice for a hundred families for a lifetime!

Moreover, the Lu family also arranged for a new well to be dug at both the Marquisate and the Li residence.

In this era, when wealthy families married off their daughters, they not only prepared a lifetime's worth of necessities but also dug a separate well at the daughter's new home.

This was to ensure that everything their daughter used, including water, came from the maternal family.

Everything she needed for a lifetime was provided by her family.

The new well was also ready.

After preparing food, drink, clothing, and daily necessities, the Lu family also arranged several maidservants to accompany her.

Lu Lingyun originally had a personal maid Zhiran, a general servant Shuang Hong, and a wet nurse Zhang, whom she had assigned to oversee the estate.

Lady Liu selected two pretty maidservants, four general servants, and two wet nurses for her.

The two pretty maidservants were essentially her dowry maids.

If she wished to elevate any of them to concubines in the future, they would be the candidates.

In wealthy households, it was common practice to bring one's own people, whether as concubines or managers, for peace of mind.

However, cunningly, Lady Liu did not provide Lu Lingyun with the indentures of these people.

Lu Lingyun looked at the maidservants before her, "What are your names?"

"Your servant Chunxing."

"Your servant Chunhe."

The two pretty maidservants lifted their heads to speak.

Both had pleasant appearances, with red lips and white teeth, clear and delicate features, and were around sixteen or seventeen years old, at the prime of their youth.

The remaining four general servants kept their heads down. They were around thirteen years old, with ordinary looks, and were named Little Wei, Little Qin, Little Yue, and Little Rui.

One of the two wet nurses was Lady Liu's long-time attendant Nurse Wan, and the other was newly hired, called Nurse An.

"Miss, Madam has instructed us to follow you and ensure you are not wronged in the Marquisate," Nurse Wan said.

Lu Lingyun smiled and nodded at them, "Very well. Since you are now with me, you are my people. As long as you do your work well, I will not mistreat you."

"Yes, Miss."

Lu Lingyun asked Zhiran to give each of them a red envelope, sending them on their way.

As they left, Mama Wan's eyes couldn't hide her smug satisfaction, as if she had Lingyun firmly in her grasp.

"Miss, those people are definitely sent by Madam to keep an eye on you," Zhiran said after they had gone.

Lingyun gave a faint smile, only two words escaping her red lips, "Not afraid."

She knew, of course she knew.

Except for Chunxing and Chunhe, the others were exactly the same as the ones assigned to her in her previous life.

She knew them inside out and was well aware of all their weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

Rebirth truly was wonderful; it felt like having a divine insight, with everyone laid bare before her.

Chunxing and Chunhe weren't given to her in her past life, probably because this time she was marrying the young lord, and even a concubine needed to be presentable.

Seeing Lingyun remain so calm, Zhiran felt that her Miss had changed quite a bit recently.

Was her Miss too indifferent?

Would this really work?

Could she be bullied?

No, she would have to watch more closely and be more vigilant, ensuring no one could bully her Miss!

Red wedding decorations adorned the Lu residence, Ningyang Marquis's mansion, and the Li family home.

All the miscellaneous pre-wedding preparations were completed, but late into the night, the Lu residence became even livelier.

Because the wedding preparations were officially underway.

Lingyun only managed a few hours of sleep before being woken by the bridal attendants. They washed her face and performed the hair-opening ceremony, using fine threads to remove the downy hair from her face and neck, revealing smooth skin.

The hair-opening ceremony signified that she was no longer a child but a true adult.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror—her willow-like eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and skin as smooth as jade—Lingyun couldn't help but smile.

She was getting married again.

After the hair-opening ceremony, they began applying makeup and styling her hair. Several bridal attendants worked tirelessly from dawn until the rooster crowed.

By daybreak, she was dressed in the most vibrant red wedding gown, adorned with heavy jewelry, and covered with a red veil, sitting quietly in her room amidst the complex rituals and blessings, waiting for the bridal sedan chair to arrive.

Lingyun was carried onto the sedan chair by her younger half-brother, whom she knew well.

Picking up the bride, boarding the sedan chair, alighting, crossing the fire basin, entering the door, performing the wedding ceremony... finally being escorted into the bridal chamber.

Unfortunately, this time she felt none of the excitement and anticipation she had experienced the first time.

She was manipulated like a doll all day long, and when the ceremony was finally over, she was finally taken into the bridal chamber.

The marquis's mansion was bustling with noise that didn't subside until late into the night.

Finally, the door to Lingyun's room was pushed open.

Still under the red veil, Lingyun saw a pair of bright red men's boots in her limited field of vision, illuminated by the flickering candlelight.

"Are you from the Lu family?"

Chapter 5: Winning Over the Qin Family

The male voice was clear and vibrant, indicating a young man full of vigor, but his tone was cold and impatient.

She nodded gently, "I am Lu Lingyun."

"I don't care what your name is; you were brought here by my mother, not by me."

The man's voice in front of her remained icy, and he didn't even lift her red veil.

Lu Lingyun stared at the red boots before her and responded without any sign of surprise, "Mm."

"I will never accept you. Don't expect anything from me!"

Lu Lingyun: "Mm."

"I will never touch you, nor will I have children with you!"

Lu Lingyun almost laughed, "Mm."

Her compliance caused Cheng Yunshuo's aggressive demeanor to soften slightly, and he paused before continuing his tirade, making any further anger seem unreasonable.

In the end, marriage is a matter decided by one's parents and arranged by matchmakers.

He did not want to marry Lu Lingyun, and she had no choice in the matter either.

If he had married someone with a bad temper who argued with him, he would have had ample reason to turn his back on her tonight.

But Lu Lingyun's good nature made it difficult for him to continue his hostility.

However, accepting her tonight was out of the question.

Cheng Yunshuo stared at her for a long time, then changed his tone and spoke clearly.

"I have promised Dairong that I will be with her alone for the rest of my life. I will never accept another woman. If you behave properly, you will remain the nominal wife in this household, and I will give you some respect. But if you misbehave, don't blame me for being harsh!"

Lu Lingyun listened patiently and responded, "Alright."

This response left Lu Lingyun satisfied.

Because this was exactly what she wanted.

Her calm and respectful tone made Cheng Yunshuo frown deeply.

He looked more closely at the quiet red veil before him and said after a moment, "I won't spend the night here. This is my promise to Dairong. You can lift your veil yourself."

With that, he turned and left without looking back.

On their wedding night, the groom left after issuing warnings, clearly showing that the new bride was not favored.

But Lu Lingyun knew that this beginning was already a significant victory.

In her previous life, when Lu Hanyi married into the marquisate, Cheng Yunshuo acted similarly. Lu Hanyi, with her spoiled nature, argued fiercely with him that night.

On their wedding night, they broke dishes and pots in the bridal chamber, and Cheng Yunshuo took the opportunity to completely sever ties with her. When the Qin family questioned them later, he had every reason to call Lu Hanyi a shrew, leaving the only person who could support her, Lady Qin, with less leverage.

Three days later, when Cheng Yunshuo refused to accompany her back to her family, Lady Qin had no recourse.

But she was different.

She did not make things difficult for Cheng Yunshuo, which made him feel somewhat indebted to her.

Lady Qin's goodwill and confidence would be stronger as a result.

In this household, the person she needed to win over was not Cheng Yunshuo, but her mother-in-law, Lady Qin.

"Clean up and get ready for bed."

Lu Lingyun lifted her red veil herself, stretched, and said to the silent servants in the room.

The next morning.

News that the groom did not spend the wedding night in the bridal chamber had spread throughout the entire household.

Another piece of gossip was that Cheng Yunshuo went directly to his beloved concubine Dairong and stayed with her all night.

It was said that Cheng Yunshuo spent the whole night comforting her until she calmed down.

While Lu Lingyun was washing up, Zhiran relayed the news, causing her to smile.

"Miss, how can you still laugh..." Zhiran was angry on her behalf.

Lu Lingyun looked at Zhiran's puffed-up face in the bronze mirror and shook her head. Her gaze then fell on Chunxing and Chunhe behind her.

"Zhiran, stay in the room later. Chunxing, come with me to serve tea to my in-laws."

Zhiran had been by her side since childhood, always caring for her, but sometimes too much so.

Seeing her suffer, Zhiran would jump to her defense first. In her previous life, in the Li family, where she was suppressed by her brother and sister-in-law, Zhiran's straightforwardness was useful.

But in the marquisate, it was unnecessary.

Everything was out in the open, and her people being too assertive would only annoy Lady Qin.

She needed to rearrange the people around her and send Zhiran out.

"Miss..."

Upon hearing that Lu Lingyun did not want her to follow, Zhiran's eyes immediately turned red.

"Alright, alright, you stay inside and inventory the storeroom for me. That's more important, understand?" Lu Lingyun gave her a look, and Zhiran's simple mind immediately stopped.

Indeed, indeed, now the young lady only has her as a true confidante, and the household items still require someone to keep an eye on them.

"Yes, Miss!"

Beside, Chunxing, who was called out, also stepped forward with a cheerful and delighted air, "Yes, Madam!"

"Nanny An, you come with me too," Lu Lingyun glanced at the two nannies.

"Madam, please allow this old servant to accompany you. Yesterday, you were wronged greatly at the Marquis's Mansion. Such mistreatment is a complete disregard for you and the Lu Family! I must seek justice for you in this matter!" Mammy Wan interjected.

Lu Lingyun glanced at her indifferently, "Nanny Wan, am I not wronged if my elders at home are not wronged? You keep saying it's not a big deal, implying that my elders at home are bullying me. What kind of intentions do you have?"

Upon hearing this, Granny Wan's expression changed.

Lu Lingyun continued, "Nanny Wan, you came with me from my natal family when I married into the Marquis's Mansion. I know you're concerned about me being wronged, but once we entered the Marquis's Mansion, it became our home. In our own home, we should speak up when there's an issue, not dismiss things so lightly. Don't you agree?"

At this point, Granny Wan no longer dared to retort, for to say another word would not be to feign protection of Lu Lingyun, but to incite discord between the two families.

She nodded vigorously, "Yes, yes, yes."

"Tidy up the room, Nanny An, and come with me."

"Yes, Madam."

Lu Lingyun led Chunxing and An Mama away.

Ningxin Courtyard, the courtyard of the Qin family.

"Did she really say that?"

"Yes, Madam," the nanny by Lady Qin's side said with eyes full of approval.

Lu Lingyun hadn't arrived yet, but the words she had spoken in the morning had reached Mrs. Qin's ears.

Upon hearing Lu Lingyun's remark that it was not the elder bullying her, Qin's eyes immediately brightened. She twirled the emerald Buddha beads in her hand and nodded, "This truly is a child who understands manners and knows the bigger picture."

At that moment, the voice of a maidservant could be heard from outside the house.

"Madam, the young mistress has come to serve tea."

Mrs. Qin immediately stood up, "Hurry and let her in."

Lu Lingyun led the person into the house, and Lady Qin walked straight toward her.

"Mother."

Lu Lingyun tried to bow, but Lady Qin took hold of her hand.

"Good child, you've suffered."

Lady Qin gently touched her hair, looking at her with the affection of an elder.

At first, she had only felt a third of her fondness for Lu Lingyun, mostly valuing her as a daughter-in-law. But now, during this formal meeting, she genuinely cared for her.

This daughter-in-law was perceptive and well-mannered, more respectful and compliant than she had ever hoped for.

Chapter 6 Standing Up for Lu Lingyun

"Mother, it's my fault."

Lu Lingyun lowered her stance, giving Lady Qin a way out.

"You must stop saying that. That ungrateful son of mine, Yunshuo, completely disregarded propriety and abandoned you on your wedding night. Today, I must make him come here to apologize!" Lady Qin glared at her servants. "Where is the Young Master?"

"The Young Master is still with Miss Xing," the maid replied.

Lady Qin was enraged. "Still with that vixen! If I don't deal with that vixen today, I'll be disgracing our ancestors!"

In the previous life, Lady Qin had also stood up for Lu Hanyi.

She only called Cheng Yunshuo, not touching Xing Dairong.

Everyone knew that Xing Dairong was the Young Master's weakness, and she couldn't be easily moved.

When Cheng Yunshuo brought her into the mansion, it caused quite a stir, and the Young Master even threatened with his life, leading to a freezing of relations. Eventually, Lady Qin relented.

Usually, Lady Qin turned a blind eye to that woman, pretending not to see her.

But in this life, Lu Lingyun clearly pleased her greatly, far more than Lu Hanyi did.

After her words, Lu Lingyun interjected, "Mother, there's no need to call that girl over. The Young Master's affection for her has been well-known. He already harbors resentment towards me for marrying him. If I start causing trouble right after entering the house, it will only provoke the Young Master's defiance. His temper is such that it would embarrass everyone and hurt you, Mother."

Lu Lingyun's heartfelt and magnanimous words struck a chord with Lady Qin.

No matter how unruly and dissolute Cheng Yunshuo was, he was still her son, the only heir to the entire marquisate. She didn't want to estrange him and hurt their mother-son relationship.

"Lingyun, but we can't let you suffer..."

"Mother, I'm not suffering," Lu Lingyun smiled.

"Good!" Lady Qin clapped her hands together, gripping Lu Lingyun's hand tightly. "I truly have a wonderful daughter-in-law! Mama Wen, bring the keys to the household seals. From today onwards, the management of the Ningyang Marquisate will be in the hands of the young lady. Everyone, support her fully. Anyone who disrespects her will be severely punished."

"Yes!"

With a chorus of replies, a set of keys fell into Lu Lingyun's palm. "Mother, isn't this too soon..."

Lady Qin smiled and pulled Lu Lingyun to sit down. "Your father-in-law is unwell. We arranged Yunshuo's marriage to find someone to manage the household for me. With you here, I can be completely at ease."

Lu Lingyun accepted the responsibility graciously. "I will not disappoint you, Mother."

Lady Qin was extremely satisfied with Lu Lingyun.

The more she looked at her, the more she liked her.

Lu Lingyun was composed, dignified, and capable. Initially, they just wanted someone to manage the household and relieve some of her burdens, but now she had high hopes.

This new daughter-in-law might truly be able to uphold the Ningyang Marquisate.

She held Lu Lingyun and talked for a long time. When the old marquis woke up in the back courtyard, she led Lu Lingyun to serve him tea as a daughter-in-law.

The old marquis was unwell, seemingly due to Cheng Yunshuo's behavior.

After drinking the tea and seeing his son absent, his face turned grim again.

Lu Lingyun quickly diverted his attention, soothing him, and soon the old marquis's expression improved. Lady Qin watched with even greater satisfaction.

She called for the nanny to fetch the valuable Cloud Crown and Floating Light Brocade from her dowry, adding them to the original red envelope for the tea ceremony, and gave them to Lu Lingyun.

"Keep these well," Lady Qin said with a smile.

Lu Lingyun was slightly taken aback by the precious items. "Mother..."

"Wear these when you return to your family in three days," Lady Qin said with a kinder smile.

These were the same items she wore when she returned to her family, bestowed by the palace.

Extremely precious.

Lu Lingyun took them. "Thank you, Mother."

Just then, someone came from Ningxin Courtyard.

"Lord Marquis, Lady, Young Lady, the Young Master has arrived."

As the announcement echoed, the cheerful atmosphere in the room froze.

Lu Lingyun turned her gaze and saw the door open. A young man in a deep blue Sichuan brocade robe stepped in.

He had a face like jade, a straight nose, thin lips tinged with red, and long phoenix eyes that slanted upwards, exuding an air of carefree elegance even without a smile.

It was widely acknowledged in the capital that the Young Master of Ningyang Marquisate was dissolute, but he was indeed very handsome.

A true beauty, far more attractive than Li Wenxun, whom Lu Lingyun married in her previous life.

The beautiful youth entered with a cold expression, his gaze pausing slightly upon seeing Lu Lingyun before becoming even colder.

"Clang!"

A blue-and-white teacup shattered beside Cheng Yunshuo.

"You insolent son, you dare to come here!"

Cheng Yunshuo pursed his lips tightly, remaining silent.

The old marquis's anger flared up, and he started coughing violently.

Lu Lingyun hurried to comfort him, "Father, don't get upset. Your health is the most important thing. Why let trivial matters make you uncomfortable?"

Under her gentle coaxing, the old marquis gradually calmed down, lying on the bed with his eyes closed, looking as if he didn't want to see Cheng Yunshuo.

Lu Lingyun exchanged a glance with Lady Qin and asked Cheng Yunshuo to step back while they soothed the old marquis to rest. As they were leaving, the old marquis held Lu Lingyun's hand, "Lingyun, if that disobedient son angers you again, I'll beat him to death!"

"The heir wouldn't do that."

Lu Lingyun was gentle and respectful, and only then did the old marquis's demeanor fully relax.

After they left the inner chamber, upon turning around, they met Cheng Yunshuo's sneer.

"What are you still smiling about!" Lady Qin said indignantly.

"Mother, I'm laughing at some people's pretense and insincerity in front of you."

Lady Qin looked at him, "How is Yun'er being insincere and pretentious?"

"He just came in here, acting obediently in front of you, trying to please you—isn't that pretense and insincerity?"

Lady Qin was even more infuriated, "Someone who is respectful and courteous, serving their parents-in-law, is not being insincere! Should everyone be like that courtesan you keep, always spouting nonsense and behaving recklessly, claiming it's genuine?"

"Dairong is genuine; it's you who have a bias!"

"It's us who have a bias, or is it you? On your wedding night, you abandoned your wife, such humiliation, yet she doesn't argue with you at all. During the day, she serves you diligently, and despite your constant hostility, she remains uncomplaining. Tell me, isn't this your own bias?"

Cheng Yunshuo indeed had a bias against Lu Lingyun.

After meeting Xing Dairong, he believed that a woman who showed her emotions openly and boldly was genuine.

A lady like Lu Lingyun, no matter how faultless she was, was still wrong in his eyes.

Cheng Yunshuo glared at Lu Lingyun, stubbornly saying, "But she still went to you to complain about me and Dairong. Isn't that hypocrisy?"

At this point, Lu Lingyun didn't need to speak. Lady Qin already looked at Cheng Yunshuo with disappointment, "Since we came in, Yun'er hasn't said a single bad word about you, nor has she spoken ill of your pet. Cheng Yunshuo, you've really lost your mind."

Hearing this, Cheng Yunshuo was taken aback, clearly disbelieving as he looked at Lu Lingyun.

She hadn't even complained?

Upon seeing Lu Lingyun's calm and composed gaze, Cheng Yunshuo instinctively looked away.

Indeed, she hadn't argued with him at all.

She had been obedient like a gentle breeze, just as she had been last night, quietly listening to all his accusations without uttering a single word of protest.

Cheng Yunshuo wasn't entirely rebellious and disrespectful; on the contrary, he used to value rules very much.

With Lu Lingyun's behavior, he had nothing to say.

"No matter what, three days from now, you must accompany Yun'er back to her family's home!"

Chapter 7: Governing Subordinates

Mrs. Qin looked at her son, whom she had raised with great care, in disappointment. After uttering her final words, she ignored him and led Lu Lingyun away.

Lu Lingyun stayed in Mrs. Qin's room for a long time, patiently comforting her.

When she left, Mrs. Qin treated Lu Lingyun as if she were her own daughter, becoming much closer to her.

She also instructed Mama Wen to provide Lu Lingyun with whatever she needed in the future.

From now on, if there was anything Lu Lingyun didn't understand or needed help with, she could go directly to Mama Wen. The servants under her would also learn from Mama Wen.

This meant that Lu Lingyun had been given true control over the household.

Unlike the previous arrangement with Lu Hanyi, who only held a token key to manage the household.

In a large family, people are the core of power, while token keys and account books are merely superficial symbols.

Those controlling the family's core assets were Mrs. Qin's people. Lu Hanyi only had the right to oversee but not to act.

The vast estate of the Lord Marquis was divided into territories belonging to different masters.

The servants in the Lord Marquis's residence were divided into two main factions. One faction consisted of generations of house-born servants whose ancestors had served the Lord Marquis's family faithfully. They were the mainstay of the household, typically managing external properties such as estates and shops, which belonged to the old Lord Marquis.

The other faction comprised Mrs. Qin's people, mostly her dowry attendants. They gradually took over the management of the inner courtyard, including the head maids, tutors, accountants, storeroom managers, and personnel supervisors—essentially, those controlling the inner courtyard's core operations.

Now that Mrs. Qin had released her authority and allowed Mama Wen to assist her in training others, it meant that Lu Lingyun was being given the opportunity to gradually bring her own people into the Lord Marquis's residence.

This was genuine recognition of her.

Of course, Lu Lingyun couldn't replace everyone immediately; she wasn't at that stage yet.

The Lord Marquis's residence wasn't hers yet.

Lu Lingyun was smart. She sincerely thanked Mrs. Qin and promised her, leaving Mrs. Qin's room to a chorus of respectful bows from the servants.

They all acknowledged her as the new mistress of the Lord Marquis's residence.

In this world, a husband's affection is not absolute, but regardless of the time, a woman with real power and sufficient wealth commands genuine respect wherever she goes.

Looking at the respectful servants, Lu Lingyun said to Mama An, "Mama An, when we get back, prepare some small red envelopes. Have each courtyard come to our courtyard to collect their share. Everyone has worked hard for my arrival. Also, order two hundred pounds of pork and one hundred live chickens for the kitchen. Take the money from our storeroom and add an extra dish for everyone today."

As Lu Lingyun spoke, the servants in the residence responded in unison.

"Thank you, Young Lady!"

Amidst the joy of the crowd, Lu Lingyun left with her entourage. In the afternoon, her courtyard became bustling.

Servants from various courtyards in the Lord Marquis's residence came to collect their share and express gratitude.

The Lord Marquis's residence had few generations and thus few courtyards.

Apart from the storeroom, kitchen, and utility rooms, there were the Ningxin Courtyard where the old Lord Marquis and Mrs. Qin resided, the courtyards of three concubines, and the Yaoguang Pavilion where the heir lived.

The three concubines were the old Lord Marquis's mistresses, but they had no children and were now sent to pray in the temple.

The heir's beloved concubine did not have a separate courtyard because she was not even a concubine, entering without formal marriage or title, and was kept in the Yaoguang Pavilion.

No one in the residence knew how to address her, so they called her Miss Xing.

It was said that the woman was quite content, feeling no shame about her lack of status, claiming she didn't care about titles.

This attitude made everyone in the residence look down on her.

Everyone in the Lord Marquis's residence came to Lu Lingyun for their share, especially those from the temple, who were delighted by the extra feast.

As they left, they praised the new young lady.

"Our young lady is truly generous."

"Indeed, she seems kind-hearted!"

"Just entering the residence and giving us such big red envelopes—she truly lives up to her noble upbringing."

"Who can deny that? Look at the one in the Yaoguang Pavilion, sneaking in and being kept by the heir without any status."

"Speak softly."

"What's there to fear? No one from the Yaoguang Pavilion came, probably because they weren't allowed! How petty, not sharing with us servants. I feel sorry for them."

Those in Lu Lingyun's courtyard exchanged glances silently, and a few went to gather more information.

This distribution of red envelopes not only earned Lu Lingyun the goodwill of the servants but also helped her establish a preliminary network of contacts across the residence.

Mrs. Qin had given her authority, and now she needed to show her skills.

By distributing gifts to the servants, Lu Lingyun quickly became familiar with the people from each courtyard.

"Mama An, Mother entrusted me with managing the household affairs. You've listened well today and handled the red envelopes and meals excellently. From now on, learn from Mama Wen how to manage the household and become my chief steward."

Lu Lingyun gave these instructions to Mama An in front of Mama Wan.

Mama An was stunned by Lu Lingyun's decision to entrust her with such a significant responsibility.

Her?

Mama Wen was the top manager of the inner courtyard, and Lu Lingyun was giving her such an important task!

"Are you unwilling?"

"No, no, no, Young Mistress! I am willing! I can definitely do it!" Mama An nodded repeatedly. She had never been treated with such importance in her life and quickly agreed.

Mama Wan's face changed beside her.

That Mama An was just an old maid brought back by Lady Liu from the estate, with no family at all. But she had always been Lady Liu's chief maid. How could she get such a good assignment!

"Young Mistress, managing the household is a major task. Perhaps it should still be entrusted to this old servant. I used to manage the household for Lady Liu," she asked, following closely.

Lingyun gave her a faint glance, "Mama Wan, I have other tasks arranged for you. This courtyard has just opened and needs someone to oversee it. From now on, you will help me watch over the courtyard."

Telling her to watch the courtyard was no different from treating her like an old guard dog!

Mama Wan's face turned ghastly, "Young Mistress, watching the courtyard is such a minor task. Mama An can do it too. I think..."

Lingyun shot her a look, "You think? When I assign you tasks, you start thinking. Who is the mistress here, you or me? Or do you think my affairs are not worthy of your attention? If that's the case, you can go back to the Lu family!"

Mama Wan immediately lowered her head, "This old servant dares not."

Lingyun glanced at them indifferently, a slight smile curling at the corner of her mouth.

Lady Liu played tricks, deliberately not giving her the indenture papers. Perfect; it was an excellent way to control them.

Mama An was alone, with no family. Having the indenture papers in Lady Liu's hands made no difference.

If she gave her a little power and ensured she lived well by her side, Mama An wouldn't want to return to the Lu family and would fear being sent back by Lingyun.

Controlling her would be effortless.

Mama Wan, on the other hand, had a large family and her heart was with Lady Liu. Such people couldn't be cultivated but were perfect for doing dirty work. In the future, give her some dirty and laborious tasks, and if she doesn't perform well, send her back. Her loyalty to Lady Liu was her biggest weakness, always ready to be dismissed.

Moreover, there was no need to treat her kindly. She could be handled roughly without worrying about hurting her feelings.

The second step to being a good mistress is to use people wisely.

Chapter 8: First Encounter with Xing Dairong

After Lu Lingyun finished reprimanding the two maids, she went straight back to her room.

Once she left, the faces of the two maids were filled with varied expressions.

Mama Wan looked at Mama An's smug expression and couldn't help but sneer, "Don't be too pleased with yourself; don't forget whose hands your indenture is in."

Mama An, emboldened by Lu Lingyun's support, rolled her eyes, "And don't forget where we are now."

With that, she left, leaving Mama Wan alone, seething with anger.

Lu Lingyun first settled the two maids, then returned to her room and called for the four maids who had accompanied her as servants.

She elevated their status, making them first-class maids in the Marquisate.

These four maids were originally born into the Lu family, and their parents and siblings' indentures were still with Lady Liu, but this did not control Lu Lingyun.

As long as she found good matches for them and married them off to the Marquisate's own servants, she could secure their loyalty.

Lu Lingyun instructed the four maids to establish connections with the other courtyards, make friends, and gather information on daily activities within the Marquisate. If they found anyone they liked, she would arrange marriages for them in the future.

Lu Lingyun's words made the young maids blush, embarrassed and hesitant to respond.

Lu Lingyun's heartfelt words made it clear that once they came with her, there was no going back. The Marquisate was their true home for life. If they worked hard, they could become head maids in the Marquisate, a position the Lu family could never offer them.

Lu Lingyun promised them that if they remained loyal to her, she would return their indentures when they got married.

Moved by her sincerity, the four maids cried and pledged their loyalty to Lu Lingyun.

Lu Lingyun knew that their loyalty was not yet fully formed, and many still harbored thoughts of the Lu family. However, absolute loyalty did not exist.

Only when everyone's interests aligned could there be lasting and genuine loyalty.

Time would take care of everything. As they stayed longer in the Marquisate and worked closely with her, true loyalty would naturally develop.

Lu Lingyun was not in a rush. She just needed to steer them in the right direction.

Of course, she had considered recruiting new people and training confidants, but that was the worst option.

The people who came with her were still part of the Lu family, and their interests fundamentally aligned with hers.

Recruiting outsiders meant having to thoroughly vet their backgrounds and identities, and even then, their loyalty was uncertain, whether they were orphans or had families.

Lu Lingyun had learned from past mistakes about trusting outsiders.

Large families trusted those born into servitude because their entire families were under the master's control, ensuring no divided loyalties. Outsiders hired into the household always held the lowest status and performed the hardest tasks, while only a few chosen as personal attendants enjoyed better treatment.

This was because they were raised alongside the young masters and mistresses.

Managing subordinates required not only accurate judgment but also stability.

Whenever possible, one should use trusted individuals rather than outsiders.

After settling the four maids and two maidservants, Lu Lingyun thought about the two chief maids.

Chunxing and Chunhe were still unknown quantities, and she needed to observe them carefully.

As for Zhiran.

"Zhiran, starting today, you will go out and learn from Mama Chang. You will manage all my shops and estates outside."

Lu Lingyun quietly called Zhiran into her room and entrusted her with this crucial task.

Hearing that Lu Lingyun wanted to send her away, Zhiran asked, "Miss, are you tired of me...?"

"Don't be so shortsighted and unambitious," Lu Lingyun scolded, poking her forehead.

Besides being the new mistress of the Marquisate, Lu Lingyun had her own properties and estates, which were part of her dowry.

Previously, her wet nurse Mama Chang managed these assets, but now it was time for Zhiran to take over.

"Miss, I..." Zhiran felt wronged.

She understood that Lu Lingyun was giving her an important task, but she didn't want to leave Lu Lingyun.

"If you haven't improved by the New Year, don't blame me for marrying you off!" Lu Lingyun threatened.

Zhiran immediately wiped away her tears, "But Miss, who will attend to you if I leave?"

"Shuang Hong," Lu Lingyun said.

Her original servant maid.

"Shuang Hong is clumsy; how can she take care of you properly!"

Lu Lingyun poked her forehead again, "Even Shuang Hong's clumsiness is better than your recklessness. Learn well from your mother outside, or else see if I'll still need you."

Zhiran rubbed her forehead, "No, no, Miss, I'll learn well."

Lu Lingyun smiled softly, took off a bracelet from her wrist, and placed it in Zhiran's hand, "Zhiran, you were chosen by my mother. In this world, I trust no one more than you, so you must become my greatest helper."

Zhiran held the bracelet, her eyes welling up, "Yes, Miss."

As night fell, the busy first day came to an end.

The next morning, it was Shuang Hong who helped Lu Lingyun wash up.

Chunxing and Chunhe were also in the room serving.

As Shuang Hong was combing Lu Lingyun's hair, she heard Chunxing say beside her,

"Yesterday, Yaoguang Pavilion stirred up again. I heard that a servant boy unknowingly took the roasted chicken and pork we gave him, and when he returned, he was discovered by that lady. She angrily punished the servant boy in public, saying he disrespected her by bringing the food back, as if he didn't see her at all. But do you know what she did next?"

"What did she do?" Chunhe asked.

Chunxing looked both amused and exasperated, "She took the roasted chicken and pork and ate them with her maid. While eating, she said that the chicken and meat hadn't done anything wrong, so not eating them would be wasteful and foolish."

"Is there something wrong with her head?" Chunhe blurted out.

Realizing her mistake, Chunhe immediately covered her mouth.

Lingyun, looking at Chunhe through the bronze mirror, glanced at her. At that moment, Little Wei's voice came from outside the door.

"Madam, Miss Xing from Yaoguang Pavilion is here."

"Well, speak of the devil, she still knows her place and came to serve tea to the mistress." Chunxing adjusted her eyebrows.

Lingyun, after observing Chunhe and Chunxing's expressions, calmly instructed, "Have Miss Xing wait in the flower hall. Prepare tea and snacks, and don't neglect her."

"Yes."

In no time, Lingyun had changed into her clothes and finished her hairstyle. She was still in her honeymoon period, wearing a bright red gown embroidered with gold, adorned with a golden phoenix hairpin with tassels, and a few jade hairpins given to her by Wang Qiluo. Though her appearance wasn't breathtakingly beautiful, she had a face that symbolized peace and prosperity.

Her features were serene and elegant, her attire luxurious and regal, making her resemble a blooming flower of wealth and nobility.

As soon as she entered, she saw a woman sitting in the flower hall, pulling her maid down to sit with her, both of them devouring the snacks on the table.

The young woman, around sixteen or seventeen years old, wore a light pink dress and had her hair styled in an unmarried girl's bun, adorned with only a pearl hairpin. She sat lazily in a square armchair, one leg crossed, leaning heavily on the small tea table.

Just by looking at her posture, it was clear that the rumors were true—she was indeed carefree and unbridled.

The young woman was sitting with her back to Lingyun. The maid opposite her noticed Lingyun's arrival and quickly jumped up from her chair.

"Why are you getting up? We haven't finished yet," the girl in the pink dress pulled her back.

The little maid hurriedly signaled to her, shaking her head vigorously.

Realizing someone had arrived, the girl in the pink dress turned her head lazily and saw the elegantly dressed Lingyun.

Her eyes showed a noticeable pause, but then she frowned deeply, her gaze filled with arrogance and a hint of pity, "Don't you get tired of dressing up like this every day?"

Chapter 9: The First Confrontation

"Presumptuous!" Shuang Hong shouted from behind.

Lu Lingyun gave a faint smile and waved her hand at Shuang Hong, signaling that it was fine.

The woman in the pink robe scoffed and rolled her eyes, "You people are so old-fashioned. Always shouting about being bold or not, it's boring."

Hearing this, Lu Lingyun felt relieved that she had sent Zhiran out of the manor yesterday; otherwise, Zhiran would have acted by now.

She still smiled faintly as she looked at Xing Dairong, "So what do you think is not old-fashioned?"

"Of course, everyone should be equal. People are inherently equal. I'm no worse than you, why should I listen to you?"

Lu Lingyun looked at the arrogant and confident woman before her, "Your ideas are quite novel."

"That's right. I'm different from you old-fashioned types." Xing Dairong pulled the maid beside her, "I treat my subordinates like sisters, unlike you who treat them like slaves, like dogs!"

Lu Lingyun remained calm and walked to the main seat, sitting down composedly.

As she sat down, Xing Dairong also sat down with her maid, "Why don't you sit? Why stand there all the time? Aren't you tired?"

The little maid was originally the personal attendant of the Prince. After Xing Dairong entered the manor, she started serving her. But ultimately, she was still part of the manor. Upon meeting Lu Lingyun's gaze, she immediately became uneasy and dared not sit down.

"Miss, I'll stand."

Xing Dairong tried to pull her a few times, but to no avail, "Ugh, you feudal women are hopeless. You can never learn!"

Lu Lingyun listened to the new words occasionally slipping out of her mouth and scraped the teacup, "What do you mean by feudal?"

"Feudal means being bound by rules, unable to resist, and having no freedom—pitiful creatures."

"Is having rules bad? As the saying goes, without rules, there can be no order." Lu Lingyun scraped the teacup calmly.

"That's oppression! That's backwardness! Forget it, you wouldn't understand anyway."

Chunxing rolled her eyes, "Only you understand. No rules, no manners—that's just being uncivilized. Anyway, you came from a brothel, who would teach you manners?"

Upon hearing the word "brothel," Xing Dairong immediately got angry, "I had no choice when I was in the brothel! But your madam, a proper lady, rushed to be someone's mistress!"

"Mistress?" Lu Lingyun repeated the word.

"A third party who interferes with others' relationships! And knowingly so!"

"You're talking nonsense! Our young miss was married properly, carried into the marquisate in an eight-man sedan chair!" Shuang Hong said angrily.

Xing Dairong sneered, "Your madam knew I was already with Yunshuo, yet she still married him. What else could that be if not knowingly being a mistress?"

Lu Lingyun couldn't help but want to laugh, "According to you, what should I have done?"

"You could have refused the marriage and pursued true love!"

"Marriage is arranged by parents and matchmakers. How could I refuse?"

"Then you could have run away! Who tied your feet? There's a whole world out there. You women poisoned by feudal morals aren't just bound by small feet but by small minds, lacking any spirit of resistance."

Lu Lingyun held the teacup and watched the talkative Xing Dairong without showing any anger. However, Shuang Hong, Chunxing, and Chunhe were all visibly upset.

Refuse the marriage? Run away? Flee?

Aside from whether they could escape, why would these women leave their family's protection in this era?

Families might not be perfect, but the outside world was far more dangerous.

Those with money risked having it stolen or taken outright. How could a woman protect her wealth?

Those without money would struggle even more, becoming easy prey for others to exploit, sell, or harm.

In this era, everyone needed to band together in families, clans, and factions to survive in a harsh environment. Living alone as a woman was a pipe dream.

How could she make fleeing the family sound so easy and enjoyable?

Lu Lingyun patiently listened to her and then put down the teacup, "So you came here today just to tell me this?"

"Sort of," Xing Dairong looked at Lu Lingyun with a pitying expression, "Actually, you're also a victim of feudal morals. I don't blame you. But Yunshuo has promised to be with me forever, and I absolutely won't accept polygamy. Just behave in the manor, and we can coexist peacefully."

"You're... presumptuous!" Shuang Hong shouted angrily, her face flushed red.

Lu Lingyun suddenly regretted sending Zhiran away last night.

Shuang Hong, stop just getting angry! Go tear her apart!

Just then, a voice came from outside.

"Dairong!"

A young man in brocade robes rushed in impatiently.

"Cheng Yunshuo, I'm here."

Xing Dairong waved at him with a smile.

"Are you alright?"

"What could happen to me?"

Seeing her lively and energetic, Cheng Yunshuo clearly relaxed.

This scene did not escape Lu Lingyun's eyes.

Indeed, as the rumors say, he truly loves this concubine deeply.

"Is His Highness worried that I might make things difficult for your sweetheart?" Lu Lingyun, seated above, stood up and smiled gently.

Hearing Lu Lingyun's voice, Cheng Yunshuo turned his head. When he met her calm and indifferent gaze, he instinctively looked away.

It was as if he had been caught with a small-minded suspicion of a noble person.

Yes, he was indeed worried that Lu Lingyun would take advantage of his absence to cause trouble for Xing Dairong.

But he never expected that Lu Lingyun wouldn't show the slightest bit of anger when she encountered Xing Dairong, nor would she overstep any boundaries.

For a moment, he felt completely deflated in front of her.

"Dairong, let's go," Cheng Yunshuo said, avoiding Lu Lingyun's words and directly pulling Xing Dairong away.

As Xing Dairong was being led away, she turned back to remind Lu Lingyun, "Don't forget what I just told you."

Lu Lingyun merely smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying.

"What did you tell her?" Cheng Yunshuo asked once they were outside the flower hall.

"I was reminding her that you belong to me, so don't even think about making a move on you."

Cheng Yunshuo's pleasant expression suddenly changed, and he released Xing Dairong's hand, scolding sternly, "Nonsense!"

"What's wrong with you?" Xing Dairong, seeing the man who had never before raised his voice at her, became angry herself. "Didn't you promise me? Are you going back on your word?"

"That doesn't mean you have to say it in front of her!"

"Hmph, if you won't say it, who knows if you will!" Xing Dairong pouted, clearly unconvinced.

Cheng Yunshuo looked at her deeply, feeling for the first time that the woman he loved most seemed a bit foolish.

Feeling tired, he didn't want to placate her anymore and simply started walking back.

After taking several hundred steps, Xing Dairong, still standing where she was, realized he wasn't coming back to comfort her and sensed that he was genuinely angry. She bit her lower lip and quickly ran up to him, hugging his arm in front of everyone in the courtyard and cooing.

"What's wrong with you? I'm just afraid you don't love me anymore."

Her coquettish voice softened Cheng Yunshuo's anger considerably. "Dairong, I promised you, and I will keep my word. Don't interfere in this matter, and don't come here to cause trouble again."

"Alright, alright, as long as you always love me, I won't cause any more trouble."

Cheng Yunshuo's frown immediately smoothed out, and he said indulgently, "Let's go back."

The two left, laughing and chatting, like a newlywed couple.

In the courtyard, Lu Lingyun led the servants out.

Seeing Xing Dairong's behavior, Chunxing spat, "She's truly a vixen from a brothel!"

"If His Highness likes such women, we can learn from them," Chunhe said.

"Right, otherwise she might end up riding roughshod over us!"

Lu Lingyun smiled faintly and shook her head slightly. "Novel, but limited. No wonder."

With that, she returned to her room, leaving Chunxing and Chunhe staring at each other.

From their two meetings, she had a clear understanding of what kind of person Xing Dairong was.

Indeed fresh and interesting, but also shallow.

Such a person is undoubtedly attractive at first, but over time, one realizes that beneath the novelty lies nothing but shallowness.

Just as she had seen in her previous life, after running away with Cheng Yunshuo, their lives were not filled with romance but rather with chaos.

Indeed, Lu Lingyun first met Xing Dairong in her previous life in Jiangnan.

The two had settled in Jiangnan after running away together. By chance, Lu Lingyun witnessed Xing Dairong publicly arguing with Cheng Yunshuo on the street, demanding money. Cheng Yunshuo, wearing old brocade clothes, looked annoyed and embarrassed as he dragged her back into their house, only for Xing Dairong to start crying and causing a scene.

It was quite a spectacle.

Later, she learned that the two were the scandalous young couple from the Ningyang Marquis's mansion in the capital.

Lu Lingyun thought about it for a long time, wondering why the two, who had defied convention and run away together, ended up like this.

Now she understood: First, Xing Dairong was indeed novel and attractive upon first meeting, but she lacked substance beyond her surface-level uniqueness. Second, her younger sister had pushed the two together during their most passionate days, leading to an impulsive elopement.

Over time, they soon discovered that life is not just about romance and love; it also involves daily necessities and mundane details. A fanciful woman and a sheltered nobleman could hardly sustain a lasting romance.

Understanding this, Lu Lingyun smiled faintly. The challenges in this marquisate were indeed much lower than those she faced in the Li family in her previous life.

Chapter 10: Returning to Her Family

The next day.

It was the third day of the marriage, the day for returning to her family home.

As Lu Lingyun was getting dressed and doing her makeup, she heard Chunxing talking about the affairs of the mansion in the room.

Nowadays, she was becoming more adept at gathering information within the mansion.

"Yesterday, after His Highness and that woman returned, they were so lovey-dovey. I heard that their door didn't open until dinner time. When the servants brought in the food, His Highness personally fed her bite by bite right beside the bed. It was so disgusting that the servants wanted to gouge out their eyes," Chunxing said with a sour tone.

Chunhe couldn't help but spit, "How shameless!"

"It gets worse! While eating, she kept asking His Highness if he loved her, only agreeing to eat when he said he did."

"Eek!" Chunhe blushed, "Stop it, this is too embarrassing!"

"You're not wrong. Everyone in the courtyard says she's a reincarnated fox spirit, always asking about love, bewitching His Highness into a daze."

Only Shuang Hong frowned after hearing this, "His Highness is so devoted to her, will he not accompany Madam back to her family today?"

The room fell silent as Chunxing and Chunhe, filled with jealousy, remained quiet.

They could be jealous and laugh, but they couldn't forget their positions.

Lu Lingyun was the legitimate wife of His Highness, and being overshadowed by a concubine was unacceptable!

Today was an important day for returning to her family, and if Lu Lingyun went alone, she would surely be ridiculed.

"It won't happen."

Lu Lingyun relaxed her brows, utterly confident.

Lu Lingyun had a keen eye for people.

Although her interactions with Cheng Yunshuo were brief, she had a good grasp of him. Cheng Yunshuo was indeed rebellious and daring, but he wasn't lawless or selfish.

If he hadn't explained himself on their wedding night, having already promised Xing Dairong a lifetime together, he wouldn't have accepted her.

Nor would he have been upset yesterday when Xing Dairong came to cause trouble.

He was a man who understood principles and right from wrong.

Since entering the mansion, she had never provoked him, always yielding and never causing him any trouble. Even if Cheng Yunshuo felt no affection for her, he should still respect her.

With just this respect, he would definitely accompany her back to her family.

Not long after Lu Lingyun spoke, Little Wei's joyful voice rang out from outside.

"Madam, His Highness has come to escort you for the return visit!"

Everyone in the room was surprised, except for Lu Lingyun, who smiled calmly as if everything was under control.

Soon, Lu Lingyun finished dressing.

Today, she was exceptionally well-dressed.

After finishing her attire, she put on the Cloud Crown given to her by the Qin family. The large silver-threaded floral headpiece was adorned with top-grade jade and various gemstones, each one dazzling and captivating.

She wore a new Floating Light Brocade robe, its material like cloud silk, shimmering with an extraordinary glow under sunlight. Every step she took radiated brilliance, exuding elegance and grandeur.

"Madam looks stunning," Chunxing couldn't help but say.

Unlike her usual sour tone, her voice now held admiration and awe.

She could look down on Xing Dairong, mock her, and envy her, because Xing Dairong was someone like her, even of lower birth.

A mere concubine, a servant of the mansion.

But Lu Lingyun was different.

She was the mistress, fundamentally different from them.

No matter how much Chunxing wanted to compete or stand out, she couldn't dare to overstep with Lu Lingyun.

"Who else could our Madam be? With such grace, everyone knows she is the legitimate wife of the Prince of the prestigious Marquisate!" Chunhe admired.

"Exactly!" Shuang Hong nodded in agreement.

Lu Lingyun tapped their foreheads, "You three are just sweet talkers."

Amidst laughter, they slowly opened the door.

Sitting in the main hall drinking tea, Cheng Yunshuo looked up to see a dazzling figure appear before him.

A woman emerged from the light, adorned in utmost luxury, yet her elegance surpassed the richness, complementing her aura perfectly.

Her delicate eyebrows resembled crescent moons, her phoenix eyes like twin stars, her face radiant with joy, her crimson lips slightly curved, neither fawning nor stern, exuding an air of divine nobility like a celestial deity, and her beauty akin to a blooming peony.

For a moment, Cheng Yunshuo thought only of the words "golden and jade body, incomparably noble."

He had always admired Xing Dairong's uniqueness and wit, but in this moment, even her individuality seemed shallow and frivolous.

After all, in the face of absolute grandeur, all other charms fade away.

"Our Madam is truly a celestial being, perfectly matched with His Highness!" Cheng Yunshuo's attendant Qingfeng exclaimed.

Hearing Qingfeng's voice, Cheng Yunshuo snapped back to reality, realizing he had been staring at Lu Lingyun for a while. Meeting her calm smile, he quickly looked away and scolded Qingfeng, "What nonsense are you spouting!"

Qingfeng immediately fell silent, muttering softly to himself, "I didn't say anything wrong. A noble like His Highness clearly matches a celestial maiden like Young Lady Lingyun."

Though his voice was low, everyone present heard him.

Cheng Yunshuo's expression darkened even more. At this moment, Lu Lingyun spoke up.

"His Highness, it's getting late. We should set off now."

"Mm."

Cheng Yunshuo responded indifferently and turned to walk away.

Lu Lingyun followed him, pausing slightly as she passed Qingfeng. "You're called Qingfeng?"

"Yes! Young Lady, I'm Qingfeng, always by His Highness's side."

"You didn't come to collect my wedding gift last time."

"At that time..."

Without waiting for Qingfeng to explain further, Lu Lingyun gave Chunxing a look, and Chunxing handed Qingfeng a red envelope.

"You've worked hard serving His Highness."

Lu Lingyun smiled warmly at him before turning to leave.

With the money in hand, Qingfeng was overjoyed, looking at Lu Lingyun's back. "Young Lady is Young Lady! She's the one who should be our future mistress!"

At this moment, in the Lu residence.

In Madam Liu's courtyard.

The room was filled with people, bustling with activity.

"Our Second Miss is back!"

"Being married really does make a difference; you can tell she's grown up!"

"Just by looking, you can see she's married well!"

The aunts and uncles who had watched Lu Hanyi grow up teased her.

The woman at the center of attention wore a bright red robe embroidered with golden peonies, adorned with sparkling jade and pearls. She covered her mouth with an embroidered handkerchief, her smile revealing her satisfaction.

She had indeed married well this time.

Not only would Li Wenxun become a prime minister and grant her the title of First Rank Noble Lady, but even now, Li Wenxun was a real, normal man.

After two lifetimes, she finally experienced what it meant to be a woman.

During their first three days of marriage, they lived in blissful harmony.

This husband she had fought for was perfect!

As everyone continued teasing her, one of the aunts asked, "Why hasn't our Eldest Miss arrived yet?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Hanyi's smile grew even wider. She put down her handkerchief and said confidently, "She won't come."

Chapter 11 Reuniting with Lu Hanyi

"Why?"

Everyone in the room asked.

"Could it be that she's supposed to return alone?" Lu Hanyi's eyes sparkled with smug satisfaction. "On their wedding night, Cheng Yunshuo abandoned her for a lowly concubine. She is treated worse than a concubine in the Ningyang Marquis's residence. How could Cheng Yunshuo accompany her back to her family home?"

Lu Hanyi's words silenced all the women in the room, and they all turned to look at her.

The Ningyang Marquis's residence was tight-lipped, and since Lu Lingyun hadn't caused any trouble, the scandal of Cheng Yunshuo abandoning her on their wedding night had not spread.

After all, in those days, if a woman suffered mistreatment at her husband's home, the only place she could seek help was from her own family.

As long as Lu Lingyun didn't speak up or cause a fuss, the Lu family would have a hard time knowing how she was faring in the Ningyang Marquis's residence.

"Second Miss, is this true?"

"Did Lingyun tell you this privately?"

The aunties and maternal relatives all asked.

Even Lady Liu said, "How do you know?"

Lu Hanyi glanced around at everyone. She knew exactly how she found out.

In her previous life, she had gone through the same ordeal.

On their wedding night, Cheng Yunshuo came to humiliate her, declaring he never wanted to marry her and that he loved only that lowly woman. Enraged, she threw pots and pans, fighting with him.

The next day, when the matter reached Lady Qin, she proved to be just as hypocritical an old hag.

She claimed to support her but did not even call the concubine over. Who wouldn't demand that the lowly courtesan be beaten to death on the spot upon encountering such a situation!

Instead, she merely gave her the keys to manage the household, which she couldn't see through at the time due to her youth.

Later, she realized it was all a deception!

Giving her the keys without giving her authority, requiring her to seek permission for everything—what kind of respect was that?

Cheng Yunshuo, that scoundrel, continued to humiliate her repeatedly. The Ningyang Marquis's residence, that vile place, couldn't possibly treat Lu Lingyun well!

Today, she was prepared to humiliate Lu Lingyun and watch her suffer.

Looking at everyone present, Lu Hanyi certainly wouldn't reveal her rebirth and the supernatural events surrounding it. Her eyes flickered, "Do we need to spell it out? Everyone in Imperial City knows what kind of person the wastrel of the Ningyang Marquis's residence is. He dotes on a courtesan like she's royalty. Lu Lingyun, that silent bottle, has no chance against her. I'm sure Cheng Yunshuo hasn't touched her since she married into that house! She has no status there!"

Lu Hanyi spoke animatedly, but just then, Lady Liu's chief maid announced from outside the room, "Madam, the eldest miss has returned for her visit."

With these words, the elated Lu Hanyi's face froze.

Lu Lingyun was back?

She still had the nerve to return?

Her face slightly stiffened, Lu Hanyi pouted, "She's probably here to complain!"

"Hanyi, stop talking."

"What's wrong with saying it? I guarantee she'll come in crying and complaining. Just wait and see!"

Lu Hanyi leaned back against the chair, her gaze fixed on the door, waiting for Lu Lingyun's pitiful appearance.

Lady Liu, sitting beside her, didn't understand why her daughter was so certain, but honestly, she too hoped to see such a scene.

Lu Lingyun wasn't her biological daughter; her mother died early, and she grew up under the care of the matriarch. After the matriarch's passing, she lived independently, barely interacting with Lady Liu. If not for her usual obedience and caution, Lady Liu would have long tormented her.

This time, both girls were being considered for marriage. She was reluctant to give away such a good match to the Ningyang Marquis's residence, fearing that Lu Lingyun might fare better than Lu Hanyi. But if things were truly as her daughter described...

If she suffered such mistreatment after marriage, then her marriage would serve as a shield for her own daughter!

The worse she fared, the more balanced Lady Liu felt.

Her eyes now held a hint of anticipation for the drama to unfold, and the aunties and maternal relatives in the room also looked towards the door with curiosity and skepticism.

At that moment, the door opened.

Wearing a colorful cloud crown and draped in shimmering brocade, Lu Lingyun entered with her maidservants.

The bright morning sunlight illuminated her, making her appear like a celestial being descended from the clouds, captivating everyone's attention.

After a long pause, one of the aunties spoke, "Is this... Lingyun?"

Lu Lingyun glanced at the speaking auntie, who was her father's concubine, Lady Meng. It was Lady Meng's illegitimate son who helped her leave the residence during her marriage.

"Hasn't it been just a few days, Auntie? Don't you recognize me anymore?" Lu Lingyun smiled charmingly.

The room suddenly came alive.

"We really can't recognize you!"

"With your current demeanor, we wouldn't dare to!"

"Who would have thought! When you walked in just now, I thought you were a celestial being or a grand noble from the palace!"

"I had the same feeling. Your demeanor is something I've only seen in princes and dukes!"

"No wonder they say noble houses nurture people! Look at Lingyun; she's only been married for a few days, yet she's already completely different from us!"

All the relatives in the Lu family were of similar status, small, upright families, and even some poor relatives back in their hometown still struggled to make ends meet.

Of all of them, Lu Lingyun had married the highest and best.

She had married into the marquis's mansion.

A genuine noble family, creating an insurmountable gap between them.

The group flattered Lu Lingyun, while Lu Hanyi, sitting above, watched this scene with wide eyes. She twisted her handkerchief, not even hearing her mother call out to her several times.

At this moment, Lu Lingyun stepped forward gracefully, "Greetings to Mother."

Lady Liu quickly rose, pulling her towards the couch with a warm expression, "Lingyun, you're always so polite. Come closer, let Mother have a good look at you."

Lu Lingyun followed and moved forward.

The main seat was a long couch, and Lu Hanyi was already seated on the right side. Lady Liu pulled Lu Lingyun to sit on the left.

Throughout the entire time, Lu Hanyi stared fixedly at the shimmering brocade and the cloud headdress she wore.

"Where did you get the shimmering brocade and the cloud headdress!"

"Given by my mother-in-law."

Lu Lingyun spoke casually, but the jealousy in Lu Hanyi's eyes was burning fiercely.

In her previous life, she had spent over a decade in the marquis's mansion and had seen these two prized possessions of Lady Qin.

The first time she saw them, she liked them immensely, but Lady Qin had never given them to her.

Even when she hinted several times that she wanted them, Lady Qin never relented.

How could she give them to Lu Lingyun as soon as she entered the house!

Why, why!

This was simply infuriating her!

At this moment, Lady Liu's maid whispered a few words into her ear. After a brief moment of surprise, Lady Liu turned to look at Lu Lingyun with delight, "Lingyun, I heard your mother-in-law has already entrusted you with managing the household?"

In the marquis's mansion, news didn't easily reach outside. As soon as Lu Lingyun returned, the news spread quickly from the maidservants around her.

Lu Lingyun showed no change in expression, glancing indifferently at Chunxing, Chunhe, and Shuang Hong, who had accompanied her back, "Yes, my mother-in-law is kind and values me, asking me to learn how to manage the household first."

As her words fell, the room filled once again with flattery.

"Oh! Our Lingyun truly married into a wonderful family!"

"Who could disagree? A newlywed bride just entering the house, and the mother-in-law entrusts her with managing the household—what a remarkable family!"

"After all, it's the marquis's mansion; wealthy families do things differently!"

"It's also because our Lingyun is capable. Not many could handle such responsibility!"

The flattery continued, but a jealous sneer cut through the air, "Enough."

Chapter 12 Slapping Lu Hanyi's Face

"Second Sister, what's wrong?"

Lu Lingyun took a sip of tea and asked calmly.

"We're all family here, Elder Sister, no need to pretend everything is fine when you're suffering in the marquisate. If you're being wronged, just say so; no one will mock you." Lu Hanyi spoke with a sarcastic tone.

"What makes you say that?"

"Everyone knows Cheng Yunshuo married a courtesan from a brothel and spoils her rotten. Elder Sister, you can't possibly be unaware of this!" Lu Hanyi looked at Lu Lingyun as if watching a play.

Could anything be hidden from her?

In her previous life, she was driven to death by Xing Dairong, that wretched woman.

Now, the tables have turned. Lu Lingyun is experiencing the same humiliation and frustration she felt in her past life. Just thinking about it made her want to laugh.

Lu Lingyun still wanted to put on an act in front of her. She didn't realize that she had been reborn!

No one could fool her!

If she didn't make fun of her and trample her into the mud this time, she would have come back for nothing!

Sure enough, everyone in the room looked at Lu Lingyun with different expressions.

"Lingyun, you must be suffering since your marriage!"

"I heard that the heir of Ningyang Marquis favors his concubine so much that he even angered the old marquisess."

"It seems that life in a wealthy household isn't easy. It's better to marry someone of equal status."

"Lingyun, you're always so passive. If you're being wronged, you must tell us. Your aunts and uncles will definitely stand up for you!"

The women in the room spoke one after another.

Their expressions ranged from sympathy to curiosity. Few genuinely wished others well. They were more interested in seeing the chaos in a wealthy household than Lu Lingyun's happiness.

"Yes, yes, just speak up. Your family is here for you!"

"We may not match the marquisate, but we won't let them bully our girl like this!"

Lu Lingyun scanned their faces, her lips curling slightly. "It's just a concubine. There's no need to exaggerate. Which household doesn't have a concubine?"

Her casual remark immediately quelled the gossip.

The third rule of being a proper mistress: keep your mouth shut and don't easily share your grievances.

If there were truly caring family members, seeking help would be acceptable. But if one couldn't discern who was genuine and only sought temporary relief by venting, the resulting scandal would ultimately harm oneself.

One would end up in a miserable state, becoming a laughingstock.

Lu Lingyun knew she had no true family support. Instead, there were plenty of opportunists ready to take advantage of her.

Especially Lu Hanyi.

She was proud and foolish, relying on her rebirth to try and humiliate her.

Unfortunately, she was about to be proven wrong.

Lu Lingyun brushed off the issue lightly, but Lu Hanyi immediately revealed her trump card and pressed on, "Stop pretending! Just admit it—on your wedding night, did Cheng Yunshuo abandon you for the concubine?"

Lu Lingyun lifted the lid of her teacup, half-closing her eyes and smiling through the steam. "Second Sister, where did you hear these things?"

Lu Hanyi, caught in the heat of the moment, suddenly faltered and couldn't respond.

"I..."

"Enough," Lady Liu quickly intervened. "Lingyun, Hanyi is just concerned about you."

"Mother is right. Fortunately, it's my own sister saying this; otherwise, people might think someone envies my good fortune." Lu Lingyun smiled and set down her teacup.

Her words were simple yet direct. Everyone present understood the implication.

Wasn't Lu Hanyi simply envious of her good fortune?

Indeed, Lu Hanyi had claimed from the start that Lu Lingyun wouldn't return home. Yet, Lu Lingyun returned in glory.

She kept insisting that Lu Lingyun suffered in the marquisate and that her husband abandoned her on their wedding night, but she had no evidence.

All her talk boiled down to envy of Lu Lingyun's happiness.

The crowd's gaze toward Lu Hanyi changed.

Lu Hanyi, never having faced such humiliation, stood up abruptly. "Lu Lingyun, stop pretending! No matter how well-dressed and eloquent you are, I don't believe Cheng Yunshuo would accompany you back home!"

This was her ultimate trump card.

She was absolutely certain that Lu Lingyun would return alone.

Cheng Yunshuo would never accompany her back!

With this, she left everyone stunned.

Lu Hanyi's chest heaved as she looked on with certainty and glee, relishing the thought of humiliating Lu Lingyun.

A person's presence or absence couldn't be faked, and Cheng Yunshuo would never come with her.

How could she continue to pretend now?

She had to trample Lu Lingyun under her feet!

However, instead of the panic she expected to see in Lu Lingyun's eyes, she saw Lu Lingyun smiling faintly.

Lu Hanyi suddenly frowned.

No, it couldn't be...

Just then, the door was knocked on, and a servant girl announced from outside, "The two grooms have arrived."

As the words fell, all the women in the room stood up, and the door was pushed open.

One man in a crimson purple gold-threaded Shu brocade robe and another in a lake blue silk robe entered the room one after the other.

Their attire already showed a difference; the man in the lake blue silk robe wore an expensive Jiangnan silk robe, but the man in the crimson purple brocade robe wore Shu brocade of imperial tribute quality, with only a few hundred pieces supplied to the capital each year, most of which went to the palace, leaving only a small portion for the outside world.

Only aristocratic families could wear such garments.

The arrivals were Cheng Yunshuo and Li Wenxun.

Lu Hanyi was shocked to see Cheng Yunshuo appear.

At that moment, she heard Lu Lingyun put down her teacup with a light smile, "Second Sister, what did you say? If the Prince doesn't accompany me back to my family, how can I return alone?"

For a moment, Lu Hanyi stood there, stunned and disbelieving.

Cheng Yunshuo had accompanied her back!

He actually came back with Lu Lingyun!

"It's getting late; let's go back," Cheng Yunshuo said, glancing at the people seated above and turning to Lu Lingyun.

"Alright."

Lu Lingyun gracefully descended from the platform and stood beside Cheng Yunshuo, bowing to Lady Liu.

Lady Liu, realizing the situation, hurriedly instructed her maid, "Quick, quick, the red envelopes."

Her maid hastily took out two red envelopes.

Lu Lingyun smiled at Cheng Yunshuo, gesturing for him to take them. Though not particularly enthusiastic, Cheng Yunshuo cooperated and had his servant accept them.

Since they were here, there was no need to make a fuss.

It was about maintaining appearances; Lu Lingyun gave him face at home, so he wouldn't embarrass her in front of her family.

Together, they said, "Thank you, Mother."

"Good, good, good!" Lady Liu repeated, rising to please Cheng Yunshuo, "Your Highness must have had a long journey. Let's go have some food."

"No, I have some matters to attend to and need to leave early," Cheng Yunshuo replied without showing any emotion.

"Yes, there are many things to do at the mansion. Mother, we won't stay longer," Lu Lingyun added with a smile, understanding that Cheng Yunshuo had done enough and didn't need to push further.

"Well, your father..."

"We've already greeted him."

Lady Liu couldn't persuade them to stay and politely said, "Do come visit often when you have time. My daughter has always been gentle and kind-hearted, not very worldly-wise. Your Highness, please bear with her."

Rarely, Cheng Yunshuo glanced at Lu Lingyun and replied, "Lu... Xiao Jun is very good, well-raised by her mother-in-law."

Chapter 13 The Return Visit Ends

Cheng Yunshuo's words silenced the room, and Lady Liu was overjoyed, unable to hide her delight.

She humbly thanked them repeatedly, portraying a deep bond with Lu Lingyun, pulling her close and recounting how she had raised her from a young age with utmost care, treating her better than her own daughter.

Lu Lingyun found it tiresome.

She responded perfunctorily and then left with Cheng Yunshuo.

As they were leaving, she glanced back at the room.

Lu Hanyi stood there, still stunned, her expression a mix of disbelief and shock.

Her current husband, Li Wenxun, called out to her several times, but she remained unfazed.

Lu Lingyun withdrew her gaze and smiled lightly.

"This is just the beginning. Wait until Lu Hanyi realizes that the husband she schemed so hard to marry is not on the same path as her. She'll be in for a rude awakening."

The first step of winning the imperial examination, which she had meticulously planned, involved her spending nearly half of her dowry, exchanging gifts with the wives of various scholars, and even a bit of luck, to secure the right questions for him to ace.

If she hadn't done anything, Li Wenxun would never have become the top scholar!

After Lu Lingyun left, the women in the room gradually dispersed.

They had witnessed quite a spectacle today.

At least now they knew that Lu Lingyun's marriage into a wealthy family was indeed a good one, both in terms of status and appearance.

It was truly baffling why Lu Hanyi chose to marry a mediocre second son of a sixth-rank official.

After everyone left, Lu Hanyi kept repeating, "Impossible! It can't be true!"

"Hanyi, what's wrong with you?" Lady Liu looked at her daughter, genuinely worried she might be possessed.

"Mama! Lu Lingyun cannot possibly be favored!"

"Enough. Stop obsessing over her and focus on your own life," Lady Liu sighed.

Today, Lu Lingyun had taken the spotlight, but things had reached this point, and there was no turning back.

"Mama, I will treat Hanyi well in the future," Li Wenxun said.

Lu Hanyi then remembered something, "Yes, Mama, just wait and see! Wenxun will definitely pass the exams! Then we will live better than Lu Lingyun!"

Even if Lu Lingyun's current behavior differed slightly from her previous life, the fact remained that the marquisate was still in shambles, Cheng Yunshuo would eventually run away with a concubine, and she would rise with Li Wenxun!

Her true happiness lay with Li Wenxun!

There was no escaping it!

Lu Hanyi's certainty made Li Wenxun blush slightly, "I will work hard."

"My lord, I believe you will definitely become the top scholar!"

Li Wenxun blushed even more.

He had prepared for the spring examinations next year and felt confident about becoming a scholar-official, but he never dared dream of being the top scholar.

Fortunately, these were private words, showing his wife's support.

Lady Liu, seeing her determined daughter, thought, "Well, let's see. Perhaps my daughter has chosen the real gem."

Otherwise, she feared she might die of frustration.

Lu Lingyun and Cheng Yunshuo boarded their carriage, which moved slowly.

Inside, they were silent.

Lu Lingyun quietly read her book, as if Cheng Yunshuo wasn't there. Indeed, he showed no interest in her, maintaining a wide distance between them, enough to fit two people.

Suddenly, the carriage stopped.

No unexpected contact occurred; Lu Lingyun sat firmly, gripping the carriage pole steadily.

Cheng Yunshuo also remained seated, keeping his distance.

"What's going on?"

Cheng Yunshuo asked irritably.

"Your Highness, there's a pair of siblings selling themselves to bury their mother up ahead," came Qingfeng's voice from outside.

Cheng Yunshuo waved his hand, "Ignore them, keep going."

Lu Lingyun, however, lifted the curtain and looked outside. She saw a thirteen- or fourteen-year-old boy and an eight- or nine-year-old girl. The boy was kneeling, while the girl clung to the body of a woman on a mat, crying loudly.

Both children were emaciated. Lu Lingyun noticed that only the boy had a straw marker on his head, indicating he was for sale, while his sister did not.

This meant they were selling only him, not his sister.

Slavery was the lowest status, and once sold, they often could never buy their freedom back.

For some reason, Lu Lingyun sighed.

She took out the bag of silver given to her by the Liu family today, "Shuang Hong, have him bury his mother and take good care of his sister."

"Yes."

The carriage curtain was lowered, and she turned to meet Cheng Yunshuo's eyes.

Lu Lingyun thought for a moment and explained, "In this world, life is hard without a mother."

She feared that too much explanation would make Cheng Yunshuo think her hypocritical.

After all, he didn't have a good impression of her.

Sometimes doing good deeds can feel quite false.

After saying this, she quietly sat back down, but then she heard Cheng Yunshuo say,

"Hmm, I heard you lost your mother at a young age too."

Lu Lingyun looked up, and Cheng Yunshuo said to someone outside, "Give them more money; they don't need to follow us."

After saying this, Cheng Yunshuo lowered his head and played with his prayer beads.

At this moment, Lu Lingyun felt that although her husband in this life was a bit rebellious and wayward, he was a rare honest and straightforward person.

His character wasn't bad.

Soon, the carriage returned to the marquis's residence.

As soon as it stopped, Cheng Yunshuo got out impatiently.

Seeing that Cheng Yunshuo was about to leave, she simply said, "Thank you."

Hearing the thanks, Cheng Yunshuo turned to look at her, thought for a moment, and said, "Let's do things like this from now on."

Lu Lingyun smiled and nodded, "Okay."

Cheng Yunshuo was telling her that today had been a pleasant cooperation, and in the future, they should respect each other as guests. Lu Lingyun would give him face at home, and he would also give her face outside, cooperating with her actions.

What Lu Lingyun wanted was exactly this.

She got out of the carriage, and Cheng Yunshuo had already headed towards Yaoguang Pavilion.

"Let's go back."

"Yes."

After returning from the Lu family, Lu Lingyun first went to see Lady Qin.

Lady Qin was already well-informed about her visit to the Lu family today.

After all, she had brought many people from the marquis's residence.

When Lady Qin learned that her son had gone obediently today and hadn't done anything outrageous, she couldn't stop smiling.

After Lu Lingyun returned, she praised Cheng Yunshuo again, making Lady Qin feel very pleased.

She held Lu Lingyun close, expressing her affection, and only said that she had married a good daughter-in-law.

She believed that if it were another daughter-in-law, things wouldn't be handled as well as Lu Lingyun did.

She gave Lu Lingyun many gifts, and when parting, she held Lu Lingyun's hand tightly and whispered her instructions.

Chapter 14 Another Provocation

"Lingyun, by now you must have a clear understanding of the current state of affairs within the Marquis's Mansion. The Hou family has been bequeathed with single-line descendants for generations, and our ranks are significantly diminished. My son is utterly inadequate, and I have resigned myself to that fact."

Madam Qin looked at Lu Lingyun and advised her, "You are a wise one. You should pay more attention to having children. As long as you bear a son, no one will be able to touch you in the future."

Lu Lingyun smiled understandingly, "Mother, I understand."

Madam Qin looked at Lu Lingyun with satisfaction and instructed Nanny Wen to personally escort her back.

When they arrived at her courtyard, Nanny Wen stopped her and whispered, "Young Lady, Madam has prepared quite a few folk remedies for you."

Lu Lingyun nodded at her and had Chunxing take the items, "Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Nanny."

She calmly accepted everything and saw Nanny Wen off.

Although she accepted the items, Lu Lingyun felt no pressure to bear a child.

Even if Cheng Yunshuo had no interest in her, everyone knew it well.

Lu Lingyun truly didn't see it as an issue.

After all, who in this household wasn't called "mother" by their children?

Since Cheng Yunshuo disliked her, it was better for her to avoid the suffering of childbirth.

In her previous life, she had endured enough childbirth pain.

She married at sixteen, still growing, and got pregnant that same year. But she had to worry about Li Wenxun's future, even while heavily pregnant, planning his career so he could stand out in the Li family.

During childbirth, she suffered from obstructed labor and hemorrhage, enduring two days of agony before losing the child.

After that, she struggled with fertility and never had any children.

Her early childbirth complications led to chronic illnesses, causing her premature death. Later, she learned that women in her maternal lineage all faced similar issues during childbirth, none surviving to raise their children.

Lu Lingyun had made up her mind: in this life, she would not bear children if she could help it.

If she had to choose, she would choose to live.

And she wanted to live a rich, healthy, and peaceful life until old age.

To be a wealthy and carefree person for a lifetime.

Lu Lingyun had just seen Nanny Wen off and was about to enjoy her afternoon tea when the noise outside suddenly intensified.

"Let me in!"

"What's going on?" Lu Lingyun had just picked up a small bowl of red bean pudding when Little Wei rushed in.

"Young Lady, it's the lady from Yaoguang Pavilion again."

"Xing Dairong, how convenient." Lu Lingyun was thinking about her anyway.

"No, Young Lady," Little Wei walked up to Lu Lingyun and whispered the news she had gathered earlier.

It turned out that today, Cheng Yunshuo accompanied her to visit her family without telling Xing Dairong.

He had secretly gone with her.

Upon returning, Xing Dairong initially hadn't noticed, but later discovered the wedding gift money Cheng Yunshuo received from Lu Lingyun through Qingfeng and immediately interrogated him.

After learning that he had accompanied Lu Lingyun to visit her family, she started a huge argument with Cheng Yunshuo, driving him away.

Unexpectedly, even after Cheng Yunshuo left, Xing Dairong dared to come to her place to cause trouble.

"Young Lady, she's not right in the head. Let's not see her," Little Wei suggested.

"No, let her in."

Lu Lingyun waved her hand, instructing them to let Xing Dairong in.

She wanted to hear what other outrageous things she had to say.

Soon, the agitated Xing Dairong burst in with her maid Qiukua following behind, trying to hold her back.

Qiukua looked nervous and reluctant upon entering Lu Lingyun's courtyard.

"Miss, forget it, forget it."

"Forget what!" Xing Dairong shoved her aside, "Who are you working for? How dare you side with outsiders when your mistress is being wronged?"

Lu Lingyun watched Qiukua, who looked hurt and couldn't speak, "Didn't you tell me yesterday that everyone is equal and that you treat your maids like sisters?"

Xing Dairong was taken aback by this, staring at the calm Lu Lingyun, "But I'm not like you!"

"How are you different?"

"I'm not as shameless as you!"

"You're being outrageous!" Shuang Hong scolded from behind Lu Lingyun.

"You're the one being outrageous! Can't you see your mistress is speaking? What business do you have, a lowly servant, interrupting!"

"What kind of mistress are you!" Shuang Hong retorted angrily.

This person is what kind of master! A concubine at most counts as half a master, and Xing Dairong isn't even that in this household!

Lu Lingyun waved her hand, looking at Xing Dairong with interest. "Go on."

"Why did you make Cheng Yunshuo accompany you back to your natal home!"

Lu Lingyun smiled, finding it amusing. "He is my husband."

"He doesn't love you at all!"

Lu Lingyun blinked, still unperturbed. "So what?"

Her indifferent demeanor infuriated Xing Dairong. "He doesn't love you; he only loves me! Why do you insist on coming between us and affecting our relationship!"

Lu Lingyun looked at her, a hint of mockery creeping into the corners of her mouth. "We have already bowed before heaven and earth; he and I are married."

"You can divorce him!" Xing Dairong said indignantly. "If you had any self-respect, you would divorce him. There are so many men in this world; why must you cling to the taken Cheng Yunshuo! Can't you live without a man!"

"You're utterly disrespectful! Someone, get her out of here!" Shuang Hong finally took action.

Hearing Xing Dairong's audacious words, she trembled with anger.

Does she know who she is!

A prostitute from a brothel with no parents, no family, no friends, speaking more arrogantly than a princess or empress.

What gives her the nerve to bark like this!

At this moment, another group rushed into the courtyard.

"Xing Dairong!"

Cheng Yunshuo arrived just in time to save her.

When he arrived, he heard Xing Dairong's words and met Lu Lingyun's eyes, his gaze carrying an apologetic look.

He pulled Xing Dairong over. "What nonsense are you spouting again! Go back!"

"What nonsense am I spouting? Who promised me yesterday they would distance themselves from her, only to turn around today and go back to her natal home with her! Cheng Yunshuo, what else do you have to explain!"

Cheng Yunshuo felt a momentary weariness. "Let's talk about this back home."

"Why can't we settle this here? Could it be that you've had your eye on her for a long time, thinking of having two wives!"

"Don't talk nonsense!"

"Then divorce her today! Get rid of this mistress!"

"Slap!"

A loud slap echoed through the courtyard.

Xing Dairong stared in shock at Cheng Yunshuo, who had slapped her.

After delivering the slap, Cheng Yunshuo quickly reacted. "Dairong..."

"Cheng Yunshuo! You scumbag!" Xing Dairong shoved him away, covering her face and ran off crying.

Cheng Yunshuo immediately chased after her.

Throughout the entire incident, no one paid attention to Lu Lingyun.

Lu Lingyun scooped a spoonful of red bean pudding with a porcelain spoon. The texture was smooth, soft, and neither too sweet nor bland—just right.

"Madam, that woman is simply outrageous! The Prince didn't even give us an explanation and only cared about her! He'll probably continue to pamper her, which will crush us!"

"Mmm." Lu Lingyun sipped the pudding, her expression still calm.

"Madam, are we just going to let her get away with this?"

"Jingle"

The porcelain spoon clattered into the bowl. Lu Lingyun stopped eating, lifting her pale neck, her usually gentle eyes now tinged with frost.

Let her get away with it?

Impossible!

"Find the lady Qiu Ling who used to serve the Prince in Yaoguang Pavilion."

Chapter 15: Elevating a Concubine

As expected.

After Xing Dairong was slapped by Cheng Yunshuo, her status soared.

Cheng Yunshuo doted on her every day, showing deep remorse.

Xing Dairong cried and threw tantrums, but eventually forgave him after he swore countless oaths, promising never to harm her again and to cut all ties with Lu Lingyun.

After they reconciled, they enjoyed a period of blissful intimacy, seemingly even better than before.

During this time, Lady Qin sent Nanny Wen to inquire about Lu Lingyun, but Cheng Yunshuo did not give her any instructions.

Lady Qin had taken the old Lord Marquis to their country estate for recuperation and was not in the mansion.

Lu Lingyun gave a message to Nanny Wen to pass along to Lady Qin.

"The Prince does not favor me; the mission entrusted by Mother may be difficult to accomplish soon."

Nanny Wen quickly brought back Lady Qin's reply.

"Eryn, do not worry. Always prioritize your own well-being."

Seeing this, Lu Lingyun smiled faintly and then proposed to obtain Qiu Ling's indenture, intending to elevate her as a concubine for the Prince.

Qiu Ling was once Cheng Yunshuo's bedchamber maid.

In large families, men usually did not take concubines before marriage, but having bedchamber maids was common.

Before Xing Dairong appeared, she was the only one in Yaoguang Pavilion who had been favored.

After Xing Dairong arrived, Cheng Yunshuo stopped touching her, and when Xing Dairong entered Yaoguang Pavilion, he sent Qiu Ling to serve the elderly ladies in the temple.

She had already brought Qiu Ling back, and the next step was to elevate her to a concubine.

Indeed, she was settling scores with Xing Dairong.

Xing Dairong had repeatedly provoked her, and if she didn't retaliate, it wouldn't be like her.

After all, dealing with a concubine without any status would not require much effort; elevating a concubine would show how Xing Dairong would react.

She was no saint.

Not long after Lu Lingyun sent her request, Qiu Ling's indenture arrived along with Lady Qin's message.

Lady Qin told her to handle everything herself.

Upon receiving Qiu Ling's indenture, Lu Lingyun smiled lightly, "Where is His Highness now?"

"He went to play ball with the two sons of the Chancellor this afternoon; he might return by evening."

"Good."

In the evening, Lu Lingyun found Cheng Yunshuo before he returned to Yaoguang Pavilion.

Cheng Yunshuo kept his distance, trying to avoid any suspicion.

But ultimately, Lu Lingyun had done nothing wrong, and he felt guilty towards her.

Lu Lingyun also maintained an appropriate distance, standing in a place where he would not feel uncomfortable, and mentioned elevating Qiu Ling as a concubine.

"I recently learned that Qiu Ling used to serve the Prince. Now that I am in the mansion, it is proper to give her a title. I want to elevate Qiu Ling as a concubine."

Cheng Yunshuo frowned slightly upon hearing this.

Elevate a concubine?

Marriage alone had already upset Xing Dairong; adding another concubine...

"Your Highness need not worry. I am thinking that Qiu Ling is getting older, and if she is not elevated as a concubine, she will have no other prospects. Without a title or the Prince's protection, life would be hard for her."

Lu Lingyun lifted her handkerchief, showing genuine sympathy and compassion.

This immediately evoked Cheng Yunshuo's memories of Qiu Ling.

Qiu Ling was once his bedchamber maid.

Before Xing Dairong came, she served him diligently.

After Xing Dairong arrived, he stopped touching her and sent her to another courtyard for Xing Dairong's sake.

Cheng Yunshuo was not a heartless man, and recalling the past, he felt some guilt towards Qiu Ling.

Lu Lingyun then played her trump card, "Moreover, I heard that Miss Xing is very progressive and does not care about titles. I just want to give Qiu Ling a title so she can live better and keep me company in the mansion."

Her words were sincere and selfless, which further intensified Cheng Yunshuo's sense of guilt towards both her and Qiu Ling.

"Alright, you decide."

He agreed and then strode towards Yaoguang Pavilion.

Before entering Yaoguang Pavilion, he sternly instructed everyone not to tell Xing Dairong that he had met Lu Lingyun.

Even though they barely spoke and kept a distance, Cheng Yunshuo still feared Xing Dairong's misunderstanding.

His actions were observed by Lu Lingyun and Shuang Hong.

"Young Mistress, the Prince truly treats that woman excessively well," said Shuang Hong.

"Indeed, the Prince is a rare and deeply affectionate man." Chunxing's tone was tinged with jealousy and envy.

They had been in the mansion for some time now.

Day by day, it must be said that from another perspective, Cheng Yunshuo was truly an excellent man.

Unfortunately, not for their mistress.

In Lu Lingyun's eyes, there was a serene and carefree demeanor. "Ask about the cause and effect of orchid seeds and floating willows; flowers bloom and fall in their own time."

In this world, falling in love is easy, but living together is hard.

Countless deep affections drown in the trivialities of daily life, and countless deep affections are consumed by fundamentally different worldviews.

At the end of the day, love comes down to how people interact with each other.

Beyond the initial dazzling heartbeats, once all the core aspects are revealed, most relationships end up being described as "orchid seeds and floating willows."

Lu Lingyun watched calmly.

After the concubine matter was settled, the next day, she drank the concubine tea.

Qiu Ling presented the tea to Lu Lingyun with utmost respect, looking at her as if she were a reborn parent.

"Your kindness, I shall never forget. In the future, I will serve you wholeheartedly, doing anything for you."

Qiu Ling said, moved.

"As long as you serve the Prince well and bear him a son soon," Lu Lingyun smiled as she accepted the tea, giving Shuang Hong a nod to hand over a large red envelope.

Qiu Ling happily accepted the red envelope. Not only did Lu Lingyun elevate her to a concubine, but she also gave her a separate courtyard.

The courtyard was close to Yaoguang Pavilion.

"You don't have anyone to serve you yet, so let me assign Chunxing from my courtyard to assist you. If you see any suitable maidservants in the future, let me know, and I'll arrange them for you."

"Yes, thank you, Mistress," Qiu Ling said, deeply moved.

From today onward, she would have a maidservant!

No longer just a servant girl!

Chunxing exchanged a glance with Lu Lingyun, showing no objections, and walked to Qiu Ling's side.

Lu Lingyun also bestowed two sets of clothes and some jewelry on her, ensuring they left her courtyard with grandeur.

As soon as they stepped out of Lu Lingyun's courtyard, Chunxing spoke to Qiu Ling.

"Aunt Qiu, remember, to establish yourself in this mansion, you need to please not the young mistress, but the Prince."

Chapter 16: Aunt Qiu Confronts Xing Dairong

After listening to Chunxing, Qiu Ling clenched her handkerchief and said, "I know that."

With that, she raised her head and headed towards Yaoguang Pavilion.

Qiu Ling was now twenty, a year older than Cheng Yunshuo.

She was born into the marquis household and had been by Cheng Yunshuo's side since childhood, taking care of him.

Her father served the old marquis, while her mother attended to the late matriarch.

When the matriarch was alive, their family held significant influence in the household.

Even Lady Qin treated them with respect.

As an elder servant, Qiu Ling used to be the top maid in Yaoguang Pavilion.

She grew up with Cheng Yunshuo, and they were considered childhood sweethearts. Since childhood, Cheng Yunshuo called her "Sister Qiu Ling," and she personally sewed his undergarments and socks. Whenever he got something new and interesting, he would think of giving it to her first.

As they grew older, it was natural for her to become Cheng Yunshuo's only bedmate.

Qiu Ling knew her status was low, but once the future lady of the house entered, she could at least become a noble concubine.

With her past relationship with Cheng Yunshuo, no new lady would dare touch her easily.

But what was Xing Dairong?

On the very first day Xing Dairong entered Yaoguang Pavilion, she expelled Qiu Ling and forbade her from returning to Lady Qin. She made Cheng Yunshuo send her to the prayer hall, where she was grouped with the old marquis's praying concubines.

Xing Dairong said that was where someone like her belonged.

Qiu Ling had long harbored resentment, but she had no choice but to endure in the prayer hall as the old marquis and Lady Qin could not handle Cheng Yunshuo and Xing Dairong.

She never expected to be released one day, let alone be elevated to the rank of concubine.

Now that she finally saw the light, she did not need Chunxing to remind her; she had long wanted revenge!

Lu Lingyun allowed her to choose her own courtyard, and she immediately picked the one closest to Yaoguang Pavilion.

Just to deal with Xing Dairong!

"Let's go!"

It was early autumn, and the afternoon sun was bright.

The garden pond shimmered with ripples.

A few pairs of colorful mandarin ducks swam on the lake, and the willow branches reflected in the clear water.

A woman in a pink robe led by two maids strolled along the lakeside, enjoying the scenery, when she encountered a woman dressed in a slightly red formal attire.

Red was a color with significance in this era.

Women wore red only on important occasions, such as weddings, major festivals, or children's weddings.

Only the main wife could wear true red; concubines and secondary wives could only wear slightly red.

From a distance, Xing Dairong immediately noticed the woman in slightly red formal attire.

She wore a silver hairpin and a gold-plated hair ornament.

Having lived in this era for a few months, Xing Dairong could tell at a glance that she was not a maid.

Just as she wondered who it was, Qiu Ling approached her with a fierce demeanor.

Xing Dairong recognized her face but couldn't recall where she had seen her. The two maids behind her exclaimed in surprise.

"Qiu Ling!"

"Qiu Ling?" Xing Dairong repeated the name, her expression suddenly changing as she remembered, "Who let you out?"

"You still remember me," Qiu Ling said sarcastically. "I thought all the women in Yaoguang Pavilion had been forgotten by you."

Xing Dairong's face turned stern. "Why aren't you in the prayer hall with those lowly concubines? What are you doing here?"

"Lowly?" Qiu Ling sneered. "We are lowly concubines, but what about you? You're not even a concubine in this household! Living with our young master without marriage, without any status, aren't you even lower than us?"

"You! I'm different from you!"

"Yes, you are indeed different. We are not as lowly as you. At least we are decent commoners. You, on the other hand, are just a cheap courtesan who sells herself to men! Who knows how many men have slept with you! You're filthy!"

"I haven't! In the brothel, I sold my art, not my body!"

"Oh, selling your art in a brothel, how novel! Who would believe that? Do you think you're a fairy or a princess? In the end, you're just better at seducing men!"

Xing Dairong trembled with rage. "I'll tear your mouth apart!"

At that moment, Qiu Ling caught sight of several people hurrying towards them.

As Xing Dairong lunged at her, Qiu Ling did not dodge. Just as Xing Dairong's hand touched her face, Qiu Ling cried out, "My lady, I was wrong! Please forgive me!"

In the next instant, splash!

Qiu Ling fell into the pond.

Xing Dairong was momentarily stunned, and then a voice roared from behind her, "Stop!"

Cheng Yunshuo rushed over with his entourage.

Xing Dairong saw him come and instinctively called out, "Yunshuo."

"Prince! Save me!"

In the not-so-deep pool, Qiu Ling flailed about, desperately pleading for help from Cheng Yunshuo.

Cheng Yunshuo did not look at Xing Dairong but immediately ordered someone to pull Qiu Ling out of the water.

As she was lifted out, wet and pitiful, Qiu Ling threw herself into Cheng Yunshuo's arms and sobbed, "Prince, Prince, I almost didn't see you again!"

Qiu Ling cried with tears like pear blossoms in the rain. Her hair, disheveled and sticking to her face, made her appear even more fragile and pitiable.

At this moment, Xing Dairong finally realized that she had been set up.

She looked at Qiu Ling, who was crying and complaining in Cheng Yunshuo's arms, anger surging within her, "Cheng Yunshuo! She is framing me!"

Cheng Yunshuo, holding Qiu Ling, glanced at her, "I saw it with my own eyes; what else do you have to argue about?"

"You...!"

"Prince, don't be angry. Miss Xing must have been shocked to learn that I was raised to the position of concubine..." Qiu Ling reached out with her delicate hand, clutching Cheng Yunshuo's robe pitifully.

Hearing this, Xing Dairong's eyes widened in shock, "You promoted her to be your concubine?!"

Cheng Yunshuo had originally planned to explain the matter of promoting Qiu Ling to concubine to Xing Dairong.

But today, he did not want to say a single word to her.

After all, he was a man, the heir to the marquisate, and in this era, having multiple wives and concubines was not uncommon. There was no need to explain everything to everyone. He had promised Xing Dairong a lifetime of devotion, and he intended to keep that promise.

But giving his former woman a title—what was so unreasonable about that?

Xing Dairong became jealous and caused a scene over him granting Qiu Ling a position. Such jealousy only made him tired of her.

He had fought against so many people for her sake and endured so much pressure. Why couldn't she show any understanding?

Was he the only one making efforts and compromises for her? Couldn't she make a single concession!

"Yes."

Cheng Yunshuo picked Qiu Ling up and spoke to Xing Dairong in a harsh tone for the first time, "I have decided to promote Qiu Ling as my concubine. Whether you like it or not, I don't need your approval!"

Chapter 17 Testing Each Other

Cheng Yunshuo finished speaking and then carried the soaked Qiu Ling away from there.

Only Xing Dairong was left standing there in a daze, looking at Cheng Yunshuo as he coldly and heartlessly carried someone away.

She trembled with anger.

He, he, how could he treat her like this!

This man had clearly promised to love her for all eternity!

That night, Cheng Yunshuo did not return to Yaoguang Pavilion.

He stayed at Aunt Qiu's Autumn Fragrance Courtyard.

That night, Xing Dairong smashed a pile of things in Yaoguang Pavilion.

She cried and made a fuss until late into the night.

When Lu Lingyun found out, it was already the next day.

"Madam, last night, His Highness stayed at Aunt Qiu's place, but no matter what tricks Aunt Qiu used, His Highness only slept in a separate room," Chunxing reported back to Lu Lingyun.

"Why is that?" Chunhe asked in confusion. "Logically, didn't His Highness break ties with her?"

Lu Lingyun swayed in her small chair in the courtyard, smiling faintly. "There's no real break; they're testing each other."

"Testing each other?"

"Testing who will give in first." Lu Lingyun smiled.

Between men and women, if there isn't a common enemy to fight together against, the rest of the time is spent battling within the marriage.

Either one will overpower the other, or the other will overpower one.

Previously, Cheng Yunshuo indulged Xing Dairong in everything. He loved her so much that he would disregard rules and propriety, far more than she loved him, which meant Xing Dairong had the upper hand.

But now, when they encountered a significant boundary test, Cheng Yunshuo no longer wanted to give in.

He wanted Xing Dairong to give in.

Last night, he stayed at Aunt Qiu's place but refused to share a room with her, which explained everything.

As for Xing Dairong, Lu Lingyun had noticed during their interactions that she had an inexplicable arrogance, not knowing where her pride came from. Her words and demeanor were filled with disdain and contempt for everyone.

She looked down on everyone, even Cheng Yunshuo.

So she kept pushing Cheng Yunshuo to give in, making him accommodate her in every way.

The two were locked in a standoff.

"Madam, who do you think will give in?"

"It has to be her!" Chunhe said disdainfully. "Last night, she smashed things in Yaoguang Pavilion and went to sleep. According to her usual temper, shouldn't she have gone to make a scene?"

Lu Lingyun smiled gently. "No, it will still be Cheng Yunshuo."

"Why?" everyone asked in unison.

Why?

Because Cheng Yunshuo still loves her deeply.

It is always the one who loves more who gives in.

But in this world, there is no one who will always give in. If only one person keeps retreating, eventually the feelings will fade.

Lu Lingyun smiled without saying anything. Soon after, Little Wei ran in to report, "Madam, His Highness has returned to Yaoguang Pavilion."

Everyone present looked at Lu Lingyun.

For a moment, everyone felt that Lu Lingyun was truly divine; their Madam seemed to grasp everything effortlessly.

Lu Lingyun simply smiled at their gazes.

She wasn't that capable; she just had more experience and had seen more, living a lifetime more than them.

"Send Aunt Qiu some fabric and some ginger tea with brown sugar. She fell into the water yesterday; it must have been hard on her," Lu Lingyun instructed calmly.

"Yes," Chunxing acknowledged.

After Chunxing brought the items back to Autumn Fragrance Courtyard, Qiu Ling was sitting in the courtyard cursing.

"What tricks does that vixen have to bewitch His Highness!"

"She came from a brothel, so naturally, she's good at seducing people!"

Hearing these words, Chunxing smiled. "Aunt Qiu, don't be angry. Madam sent me here with some things for you."

Qiu Ling looked at the items in Chunxing's hands.

There was ginger tea with brown sugar and a fine piece of fabric.

"Madam said you suffered yesterday when you fell into the water; it must have been hard on you."

Qiu Ling's expression immediately improved. "Still, the mistress is kind."

"Who would say otherwise? Our young mistress is a kind-hearted person, but that one always talks nonsense in front of our young mistress and has never been punished."

Hearing this, Qiu Ling felt even more frustrated. "Such an ungrateful and arrogant vixen, relying on a bit of favor to offend everyone. Just wait and see how I'll deal with her!"

Chunxing looked at Qiu Ling and smiled slightly. "What other tricks does Aunt Qiu have up her sleeve?"

Qiu Ling thought seriously for a moment. "Right! The Prince loves the osmanthus cakes I make. Now that the osmanthus flowers are in bloom, let's make some osmanthus cakes for the Prince!"

Chunxing's eyes lit up. "Good idea!"

Meanwhile, Cheng Yunshuo returned to Yaoguang Pavilion, already extending a significant olive branch.

But Xing Dairong had no intention of accepting it.

She locked herself in her room, refusing to eat or drink.

Cheng Yunshuo sent food several times, but Xing Dairong threw everything away.

After seeing this happen repeatedly, Cheng Yunshuo lost his patience.

"Eat if you want; don't if you don't."

He was deeply troubled.

She had done something wrong, yet she still had such a temper!

Every time, he had to coax her, and even his affection couldn't withstand such treatment.

He stayed in Yaoguang Pavilion until the afternoon, feeling suffocated, and finally left.

Just as he stepped out, he saw two women shaking osmanthus trees to collect the flowers.

Seeing this, Cheng Yunshuo was reminded of his childhood, when he and Qiu Ling, along with others in the courtyard, used to shake osmanthus trees together.

He loved osmanthus cakes, and Qiu Ling would always make them for him with the collected flowers.

Thinking about this, he spotted Qiu Ling among the women shaking the trees.

"Qiu Ling?"

"Prince, you came just in time. I've collected many osmanthus flowers and will make osmanthus cakes for you later." Qiu Ling gave him a sweet smile.

This immediately evoked memories from the past.

"You fell into the water yesterday and haven't fully recovered from your cold. Take good care of yourself," Cheng Yunshuo said.

"I'm not that important. Now that I can leave the prayer hall and see the Prince again, I cherish every moment." Qiu Ling held the osmanthus flowers and approached Cheng Yunshuo with gentle care.

Hearing this, Cheng Yunshuo compared her to Xing Dairong, who only knew how to throw tantrums and refused to be consoled. He immediately saw the difference and, recalling how he had expelled Qiu Ling for Xing Dairong, said, "Sister Qiu, don't be angry with me."

Moved by this title, Qiu Ling's eyes welled up with tears. "How could I be angry with the Prince? As long as the Prince still cares about me, I am content. I have no one else to rely on in this world except the Prince."

That night, Cheng Yunshuo rested in the Autumn Fragrance Courtyard.

Xing Dairong finally panicked.

"The Prince hasn't come back again!"

"Yes, the Prince stayed with Sister Qiu Ling last night."

"Smack!"

Xing Dairong slapped Qiugu harshly. "Who is your sister? You traitorous thing! Who is your master?"

Qiugu looked at Xing Dairong in shock. Was this the same Xing Dairong who, upon their first meeting, held her hand and told her that everyone was equal and that she wasn't anyone's slave?

"What are you still doing here? Go and bring the Prince back!" Xing Dairong said angrily.

Chapter 18: Venting Frustration

In the Autumn Fragrance Courtyard.

Qiu Ling served Cheng Yunshuo dinner with joy and enthusiasm.

The small courtyard was lit by flickering lamps, and Qiu Ling kept telling Cheng Yunshuo amusing stories from the past.

As they talked, Cheng Yunshuo, who had initially maintained some distance from Qiu Ling, gradually relaxed.

After all, the weight of old friends in one's heart is different.

At first, Cheng Yunshuo had driven Qiu Ling away out of sheer passion.

He had just spent ten thousand taels of gold at the Fragrant Drift Courtyard, competing with a group of aristocratic sons to redeem Xing Dairong forcefully. At that moment, he truly felt ready to defy the world for her sake.

When Xing Dairong said she wanted to be his only love forever, he immediately sent Qiu Ling away upon returning home.

Without any hesitation or consideration.

Now that Qiu Ling had returned to his side, their past affection slowly resurfaced, and he couldn't help but feel that he had indeed been too passionate about Xing Dairong back then.

There is no lasting fiery passion in this world. If there isn't shared adversity, the initial fervor will eventually fade.

"Would you like to stay here tonight, Your Highness?" Qiu Ling asked gently.

Cheng Yunshuo responded indifferently, "Mm."

Qiu Ling couldn't hide her delight. Just as she was about to serve him more food, she heard Qiu Kuai's voice from outside.

"Your Highness..."

Qiu Kuai entered with her head bowed low, lowering it even further when she saw Qiu Ling. She spoke softly, "Sister Qiu Ling."

Qiu Ling noticed the slap mark on her face. "What happened to your face?"

Cheng Yunshuo also looked at Qiu Kuai's face.

Qiu Kuai hurriedly covered her face. "Nothing, I accidentally bumped into something."

"Sure! You can't bump into something and get a slap mark. Did the person in your room do this?" Qiu Ling saw through her lie instantly.

Qiu Kuai dared not say more. "No, no, it was just an accident."

"Don't speak for her anymore. We're all our own people here; the Prince should know what kind of person she is!"

"Sister Qiu Ling, please stop. Miss Xing was just upset when she heard the Prince wasn't coming back," Qiu Kuai said, covering her face in embarrassment.

Hearing this, Cheng Yunshuo threw down his chopsticks. "With that temper, she wants me to go back!"

"Tell her I won't go back! If she dares to make things difficult for you again, she'll never see me again!"

Qiu Ling's joy was evident once more.

That night, the Prince indeed did not return and stayed in the Autumn Fragrance Courtyard.

However, he still did not share a room with Qiu Ling. It was as if he was sulking with Xing Dairong, both of them in a huff.

Finally, on the third day, Xing Dairong could no longer bear it. She left Yaoguang Pavilion and rushed to the Autumn Fragrance Courtyard.

"Cheng Yunshuo!"

Xing Dairong shouted outside the gate of the Autumn Fragrance Courtyard.

Soon, the door opened.

But only Qiu Ling came out, fanning herself with a round fan. "Oh, who's this?"

"You bitch!" Xing Dairong's anger flared up at the sight of Qiu Ling, and she lunged at her.

Qiu Ling stood tall, presenting her face. "Hit me, hit my face. Hit me so the Prince can see clearly."

Xing Dairong's rage subsided at these words. Damn, this bitch used the same trick last time to frame her.

Fortunately, Qiu Kuai intervened from behind, and Xing Dairong stopped, pointing at Qiu Ling and cursing, "You bitch, framing me twice! How dare you be so cheap! Cheap, cheap, cheap! You're dead cheap!"

"Haha, really, someone so cheap doesn't even realize it. I may be cheap, but I'm not as cheap as you. When you can't win, you resort to violence. Do you really think you're the mistress? Take a good look at yourself; the Prince used to pamper you, making you arrogant. Everyone in the mansion sees you as a joke!"

Xing Dairong couldn't argue with Qiu Ling, her chest heaving with anger. "How dare you talk to me like this! I'll have Cheng Yunshuo kill you!"

"Oh, go ahead, go ahead. Oh, wait, I almost forgot to tell you, the Prince left early this morning. He left so early, it's clear he didn't want to see certain people who think too highly of themselves! Certain people should really reflect on whether their favor has run out!"

"You're lying! Cheng Yunshuo promised me he would only have me for life! He's mine! No matter how much you talk, you can't hide the fact that you stole my man! You're a cheap mistress! A cheap mistress!"

"Stop acting crazy in front of me!" Qiu Ling shoved her aside, glaring and pointing at her nose. "You keep saying the Prince is yours, as if you were the real mistress of the mansion! You're nothing but a bed warmer, not even a concubine! If you can't see your place, I'll show you myself!"

Qiu Ling went back inside, grabbed her chamber pot, and threw its contents at Xing Dairong.

Xing Dairong dodged just in time.

The stench filled the air, and she trembled with rage.

Just as she was about to rush at Qiu Ling, Qiu Ling slammed the door shut.

"What kind of thing are you? Thinking you're the mistress, coming to my room to show off!"

Xing Dairong trembled with anger, her mind blank. She kicked the closed door fiercely.

But the kicks only hurt her feet. Filled with anger and resentment, she ran back to Yaoguang Pavilion.

Just as she ran back, the last two sentences from Qiu Ling suddenly enlightened her.

The mistress of the household?

Lingyun?!

At this moment.

The autumn wind rustled, and the sun was just right.

In the small parlor where the through-breeze felt comfortable, Lu Lingyun was looking at the account books.

"Relieving, relieving, truly relieving!"

"Just now, Aunt Qiu took the chamber pot from the room and splashed it out, drenching Xing Dairong so thoroughly that she couldn't even let out a single word."

Chunhe and Shuang Hong were both laughing uncontrollably, and Little Wei, who came to deliver the message, was laughing so hard that tears flew from her eyes.

"Young Lady, people like her deserve this treatment! Let her go mad in front of us every day!"

Lu Lingyun, flipping through the account books, smiled faintly.

She hadn't expected Aunt Qiu's ability to infuriate others to be so great.

In just a couple of days, she had made Xing Dairong so agitated that she couldn't sit still, and had tormented her severely.

"Alright, Shuang Hong, you should go out of the estate later and tell Zhiran to start stockpiling charcoal extensively during this period. It's just the beginning of autumn, so the acquisition price is better."

"Yes." Shuang Hong stopped laughing and responded while holding her stomach.

After becoming familiar with the affairs of the estate, Lu Lingyun was about to start managing the manors and properties under her name.

As a reborn person, she had to seize some crucial time points. She clearly remembered that this winter would be particularly cold, causing the price of charcoal to skyrocket, making it difficult to buy even with a lot of money later on.

In her previous life, she was in the Li family estate at that time, and the Li family didn't have enough charcoal, prioritizing the head of the household and the eldest brother's family. She suffered greatly from the cold following Li Er, and her health deteriorated then.

This life, she would take the initiative early and stockpile charcoal first.

Just as she arranged these tasks, another report came in.

"Young Lady, the one from Yaoguang Pavilion has come again!"

Chapter 19 Who Is the Third Wheel?

The one from Yaoguang Pavilion?

Xing Dairong is here again?

Lu Lingyun closed the ledger and smiled faintly, "She's not too foolish."

"Let her in."

The ledger was just removed from the table when Xing Dairong barged in with an entourage.

Before anyone could speak, she demanded, "It's you! It must be you, deliberately elevating a concubine to upset me!"

"Miss Xing takes herself too seriously!" Little Wei said coldly.

"How dare you interrupt when your mistress is speaking!" Xing Dairong glared at Little Wei.

Little Wei stood firm, "Miss, you know our mistress well. She has never said a word about this. What right do you have to speak?"

Hearing this, Xing Dairong looked furious but ignored Little Wei, turning to Lu Lingyun, "Are you going to say this has nothing to do with you?"

Lu Lingyun sat on a bamboo stool, smiling lightly, "Miss Xing, I remember hearing from the servants that you don't care about titles or vanity. If that's true, why do you mind Qiu Ling being elevated to concubine?"

"How can it be the same! That wretched woman is stealing my man! You, as a third wheel, are not enough; now you're arranging a fourth!"

Lu Lingyun listened to these new terms, knowing they were meant to insult. She shook her head gently, "Miss Xing, you're wrong again."

"Where am I wrong? As soon as she appeared, she stole the Prince. Isn't that stealing my man?"

Lingyun looked at her, "You call me a third wheel because Cheng Yunshuo and you are together, right?"

"Of course! We are together, so you are the third wheel!"

"Brazen!"

"Arrogant!"

Little Wei and the others exclaimed angrily.

Lu Lingyun waved her hand, still looking calm, "If you say that anyone who comes after you is a third wheel, then Qiu Ling arrived before you. By your logic, you are the third wheel between her and the Prince."

Lu Lingyun spoke softly but firmly, and everyone cheered.

That's right!

Xing Dairong always claimed she was first with Cheng Yunshuo, so she boldly called Lu Lingyun a third wheel. But by her own logic, she was also a third wheel!

And a third wheel who came first!

How dare she keep shouting at Lu Lingyun.

"You! It's not like that!"

"If not, then what is it?" Lu Lingyun smiled at her.

She would use Xing Dairong's own logic against her.

Xing Dairong bit her lip, feeling both embarrassed and angry, and shouted, "The one not loved is the third wheel!"

Lu Lingyun was slightly taken aback, then laughed.

"You previously said that the one who comes after a couple is a third wheel, and now you say the one not loved is a third wheel. I understand: no matter what, you are not a third wheel, and everyone else is, right?"

Xing Dairong couldn't refute this and stubbornly said, "Anyway, Cheng Yunshuo promised me he would love only me for life!"

"Hmm, very good." Lu Lingyun nodded, "So, back to the beginning, if you only want his love, why are you questioning others becoming concubines?"

Xing Dairong was left speechless.

Indeed, if she only wanted Cheng Yunshuo's love, she should focus on him. She had said herself that she didn't care about titles, only their genuine love.

Now, coming to argue with Lu Lingyun made her look hypocritical and unreasonable.

Xing Dairong took deep breaths, "Then control that wretched Qiu Ling! Make her stop stealing my man!"

Lu Lingyun smiled again, "No, according to your logic, you should make sure the Prince always loves you. If he stops loving you, you become the third wheel."

Xing Dairong couldn't utter another word and stormed out of Lu Lingyun's presence.

Xing Dairong's hasty retreat made many in the room feel relieved, but they also thought Lu Lingyun was too lenient.

"Madam, you're too kind. In other households, someone like her would be directly punished!"

"Exactly! In stricter families, someone so unaware of her place and so arrogant would have been beaten to death!"

Lu Lingyun listened to Chunhe and Little Wei and said calmly,

"Compared to killing, I prefer to break the spirit."

Killing is meaningless; breaking someone's spirit is far more satisfying.

After returning from Lu Lingyun, Xing Dairong locked herself in her room.

Qiu Ling worried she would throw a tantrum and anxiously waited outside, fearing she might offend her again.

By nightfall, the door opened from the outside.

As the door opened, Xing Dairong, dressed in white, appeared before her.

"Miss Xing..."

"Where is the Prince?"

Xing Dairong asked in a gentle voice.

This soft tone only left Qiu Ku surprised, and she replied cautiously, "The Prince has gone to the Autumn Fragrance Courtyard again."

As she spoke, she kept her back stiff, fearing another slap.

But in the next moment, she heard the same gentle voice, "Oh, then accompany me there and bring him back."

With that, Xing Dairong strode out.

Qiu Ku looked at the transformed Xing Dairong in disbelief.

In her memory, Xing Dairong was a bold woman who dared to say anything and do anything, even argue and throw tantrums with the Prince. She had many words and ideas that Qiu Ku did not dare to agree with, but sometimes she couldn't help but admire her. If she were a man, she would be attracted to her too.

But now... this didn't seem like the lively and spirited Xing Dairong anymore.

Qiu Ku didn't say more and followed Xing Dairong to the Autumn Fragrance Courtyard.

This time, Xing Dairong didn't cause a scene. Upon entering the Autumn Fragrance Courtyard, she stared straight at Cheng Yunshuo.

Within three breaths, Cheng Yunshuo stood up from the dining table.

"How did you come here?"

Xing Dairong said nothing, still looking at him with watery eyes.

After another breath, Cheng Yunshuo left behind Qiu Ling, who was patiently serving him, and carried Xing Dairong away in his arms.

Qiu Ku watched this scene in shock throughout. It wasn't until she saw Xing Dairong give Qiu Ling a victorious, taunting look when Cheng Yunshuo wasn't looking that she found a bit of the old Xing Dairong in her eyes.

She did it on purpose.

And used tricks to win the man over.

And succeeded.

Xing Dairong had truly changed.

After Cheng Yunshuo carried Xing Dairong back to Yaoguang Pavilion, she didn't throw any more tantrums. It was as if all the anger from before had vanished. The two reconciled overnight, and that night they were disgustingly affectionate.

Qiu Ling was furious and cursed the entire night, calling her a vixen.

The next day, the refreshed Xing Dairong deliberately held Cheng Yunshuo's hand and wandered in front of Qiu Ling.

This infuriated Qiu Ling so much that she ran to Lu Lingyun to complain.

Chapter 20: Swift and Decisive

In the small reception hall, many people were waiting.

Several senior housekeepers had come as usual to report household affairs to Lu Lingyun, while Aunt Qiu sat beside her, sobbing.

Lingyun listened to the crying while calculating accounts on an abacus.

Her fingers paused, stopping at one account book.

"One hundred taels for repairing a wall?"

"Yes, Young Lady. It's based on the previous repair cost for this wall."

Lingyun became even more alert. She hurriedly waved at Aunt Qiu beside her, asking her to stop crying, "This wall was repaired before?"

Today, she received a report from the housekeeper that a wall on the west side of the estate had collapsed.

The housekeeper came to report about the wall repairs.

Originally, such matters were reported to Lady Qin, but now that Lady Qin was resting, all matters except the most significant were handled by Lingyun.

She immediately sensed something fishy about the wall repair.

"Three months ago, during heavy rain, it was damaged and repaired once, costing one hundred taels," the housekeeper replied.

Lingyun heard this and said, "Bring me the person responsible for the previous repair along with the original account book!"

"Yes!"

The senior housekeeper left, and Lingyun instructed Shuang Hong, "Go to the west side and take a look at the broken wall, then bring back a few pieces of broken bricks."

"Yes!"

Soon, the senior housekeeper brought the housekeeper in charge of the previous repair and the account book.

The housekeeper's surname was Cui, and he was a born servant of the estate. His parents used to serve the old Lord Marquis but now lived in retirement on the estate's farm. He was responsible for purchasing within the estate, and everyone called him Cui Da.

Cui Da walked over with a smile, greeting Lingyun, "Good fortune to you, Young Lady. May you live long and prosper."

"Don't flatter me, Cui Da. Let me ask you, did you handle the repair of the wall on the west side three months ago?" Lingyun asked gently.

Lingyun's voice was very gentle, making her seem easy to talk to.

Moreover, she had been in the estate for almost a month and always maintained a good temper. Even when the dancer from the Prince's quarters came to her, she never punished her, which made Cui Da lower his guard. "Yes, Young Lady. Rest assured, I will ensure the wall is repaired well this time, to your satisfaction."

Lingyun continued in a soft tone, "Show me the account book from the previous repair."

Unaware of any issue, Cui Da handed over the account book.

Lingyun flipped through the messy handwriting and read aloud, "Five cash per piece of blue-and-white brick, you bought ten thousand pieces?"

"Yes, Young Lady, these blue-and-white bricks are the best quality, sturdy and durable."

"Ten workers hired for a month, thirty taels in wages?"

"Yes, that wall is several dozen feet long. It takes time to do a good job."

"Twenty taels spent on mixing mortar and other miscellaneous expenses?"

"Yes, these materials are quite expensive."

Cui Da looked sincere, smiling with a glint of cunning in his eyes, lying without any hesitation.

Even someone experienced like Lady Qin would not have noticed the discrepancies. How could Lingyun, a young lady raised in seclusion, know the prices of bricks and walls?

For those handling purchases, special funds were the easiest to embezzle. As long as there were legitimate entries, they could be approved.

He tried to deflect with his smile, but the next moment, the account book was slapped in his face.

"You really have some nerve!"

Lingyun suddenly stood up, her usually gentle demeanor changing instantly. She stared sharply at the kneeling Cui Da below her, "I'll give you one chance. How much did you embezzle last time you repaired the wall?"

Seeing this, Cui Da immediately felt guilty, but he still couldn't gauge how much Lingyun knew. "Young Lady, I didn't... I didn't embezzle anything..."

With a loud clatter, a few broken bricks were thrown at him.

Lingyun looked down at him from above, "Tell me, are these the best blue-and-white bricks? They look like ordinary clay bricks to me."

"Young Lady..." Cui Da's face turned pale.

Lingyun continued, "On the market, these ordinary clay bricks cost half a cash each. Even blue-and-white bricks only cost three cash each. With bulk purchases, there should be discounts. How much did you embezzle on the bricks?"

"And the labor costs, thirty taels for ten workers for a month? That's enough to build an entire courtyard, yet you only repaired a short wall!"

"You even dared to exaggerate the cost of mixing mortar. If you paid thirty taels for labor, no foreman would ask for extra money for mixing mortar!"

"One hundred taels for such a shoddy wall repair, Cui Da, you really have some nerve! You must have embezzled at least eighty taels!"

He had no idea that Lingyun not only knew the basic prices but also had extensive life experience.

In her past life, she worked with Li Er to govern the region, rising through the ranks. She had personally handled everything related to the people's livelihoods, knowing not just brick prices and labor costs but also the prices of various crops and the processes of different industries.

Trying to deceive her with such trivial matters was laughable.

Hearing Lingyun pinpoint every discrepancy in the wall repair and accurately calculate how much he had embezzled, Cui Da broke out in cold sweat. "Young Lady, this servant, this servant really didn't..."

"Didn't?" Lingyun sneered. "Are you trying to tell me you didn't embezzle or were deceived?"

"I've been deceived! They tricked me! Our family has served the estate for generations; how could I dare to deceive the masters? They must have profited from it themselves!" Cui Da sobbed uncontrollably, his emotions genuine.

How could Lu Lingyun be so easily fooled? She looked at Cui Da and said, "Fine, go and bring every shopkeeper who sold bricks for the wall repairs and every worker who did the job here! I'll give you a chance to confront them face-to-face. If there's even the slightest discrepancy, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

If he is to die, let him die with a clear conscience!

Hearing this, Cui Da could no longer pretend. He knelt down and confessed, "Young Lady, Cui Da was wrong, and I won't dare do it again! Please consider our family's dedicated service to the marquisate and forgive me this time! I will repay the money!"

Lu Lingyun looked coldly at Cui Da, "Repay the money? That's not all! Guards, drag Cui Da out and give him twenty strokes of the cane. Remove him from all duties, and within three days, return every penny of the embezzled funds. If you're short by even a single coin, you'll regret it!"

As she spoke, Cui Da wailed pitifully, and the servants in the courtyard immediately dragged him away.

Lu Lingyun's swift and decisive handling of Cui Da intimidated everyone else in the courtyard.

She had always been gentle and unassuming, but after this, everyone knew that their new mistress was far from a sheltered young lady. Trying to deceive her would get them nowhere!

The others immediately became more respectful toward Lu Lingyun.