The He family’s ancestors once produced a great general, and the old mansion was originally the general’s residence, covering an area comparable to that of the famous royal palace in the capital.
However, the royal palace belongs to state property, while the He family’s old mansion is private property, owned entirely by the He family.
Most members of the He family clan live in this old mansion.
After all, with such a vast area and numerous rooms, there is more than enough space to accommodate everyone.
Of course, not everyone enjoys living in the old mansion, especially the younger generation.
For one, they genuinely aren’t fond of ancient-style architecture.
Secondly, the old mansion is crowded with people, and most of the elders reside there. With many rules and traditions, young people naturally dislike living in such a place, feeling as though their souls are constrained.
Even before arriving at such a place, Xu Zhiyuan already felt the pressure. Upon arrival, she wondered which foot to step out with first, where to place her hands—in short, her mind was in a bit of a mess.
In the novel’s plot, the original host had never visited the old mansion, while the female lead had been there a few times. Due to her competence, she was quite appreciated by Grandfather He.
How did the female lead behave during her first visit to the old mansion?
Xu Zhiyuan desperately tried to recall, but the usually clear plot now seemed hazy.
Sensing the dampness in Xu Zhiyuan’s palm, He Jiayu had no choice but to hold her hand tighter.
“Relax, there are no man-eating monsters in the old mansion. Just act as you normally do at home. I’m here with you,” he whispered reassuringly. “You are He Jiayu’s wife. You have every right to be confident. Even if you make mistakes, they are still acceptable. If anyone dares to laugh at you, fight back.”
“That’s easy to say, but how can I face so many people alone?” Xu Zhiyuan’s voice trembled weakly.
Yuan Yuan couldn’t help but glance at her through the rearview mirror, feeling surprised.
The young mistress is impressive—she actually wants to take on everyone alone?
He wouldn’t dare entertain such a grand idea.
He Jiayu was also taken aback by her statement and chuckled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her into his embrace.
“How can you be alone? Am I not here with you?”
Xu Zhiyuan looked up. “Is that really okay?”
He Jiayu replied confidently, “What’s wrong with it? Would it be right if I didn’t stand by my wife’s side and instead sided with them?”
Xu Zhiyuan felt comforted and was pleased with his words, but her nervousness persisted nonetheless.
As the car entered the main gate, her body tensed up with anxiety, and her heart raced. However, when the car stopped and He Jiayu led her out, she suddenly calmed down.
Noticing the change in Xu Zhiyuan, He Jiayu was pleasantly surprised.
“Young Master, Young Mistress.”
The butler stood waiting at the entrance. The moment Xu Zhiyuan stepped out of the car, his gaze fell on her, carrying an intensity as if trying to see right through her.
Xu Zhiyuan instantly felt her scalp tingle, and her nervousness returned. However, this time, it didn’t last long before she sensed a hint of malice from the butler. Her anxiety quickly turned into confusion and vigilance.
She had never met the butler before, and the original host had only encountered him briefly at the wedding. Where did his malice toward her come from?
Puzzled, Xu Zhiyuan thought that since the butler didn’t like her, there was no need to pay him any mind. In fact, she should keep her distance from him.
Xu Zhiyuan averted her gaze, no longer giving the butler any unnecessary attention and treating him as a stranger.
The butler noticed the change in Xu Zhiyuan’s attitude and was surprised, but he felt even more disdain for her.
“Young Master, the master and the others are already waiting for you,” the butler said. “Also, the old master asked you to go to the study first when you return.”
He Jiayu’s gaze lingered on the butler for a moment. Although the butler hid it well, He Jiayu was not blind, nor had he failed to notice Xu Zhiyuan’s reaction. A chill rose in his heart.
“Go and tell Grandfather to wait a while.”
With that, He Jiayu took Xu Zhiyuan’s hand and brushed past him, heading toward the living room.
The butler was stunned for a moment. By the time he regained his composure, He Jiayu and Xu Zhiyuan had already left. He couldn’t help but look back at their retreating figures, which appeared remarkably well-matched.
A strange glint flashed in his eyes. Was He Jiayu protecting Xu Zhiyuan? Had he fallen for her?
That seemed unlikely. When the arranged marriage was first changed, although He Jiayu hadn’t refused, it was clear he was very displeased. If not for Grandfather He, He Jiayu would likely have turned and left immediately. The wedding proceeded, but He Jiayu went abroad on a business trip right after it ended. Even after returning, he was mostly busy, though he did go back every day during that period.
But based on his understanding of He Jiayu, he would absolutely never fall for Xu Zhiyuan.
Yet now, something unexpected seemed to have happened.
The butler’s shock and suspicion were known only to himself.
Xu Zhiyuan followed He Jiayu toward the living room, too preoccupied to take in her surroundings, her attention entirely focused on him.
“Is it really okay for you not to go see your grandfather?”
It seemed that Grandfather He was a very domineering and autocratic man. His words were rarely challenged, even by He Jiayu. However, Grandfather He would listen to He Jiayu’s cousin, partly because he favored that grandson more, and partly because listening was one thing—the final decision still rested with him.
“It’s fine. It’s not like I’m not going to see him. I’ll just make him wait a little while,” He Jiayu said indifferently.
Xu Zhiyuan nodded and didn’t press further. He Jiayu understood the dynamics of the He family best, while she knew nothing. It was better for her to just watch and listen quietly.
What she needed to focus on now were the people she was about to meet.
She knew she would see many people, but when she entered the living room and saw those seated inside, Xu Zhiyuan still felt her scalp tingle and even wanted to turn around and leave.
There were at least twenty people in the living room. Fortunately, the room was spacious enough; otherwise, it wouldn’t have accommodated everyone.
He Jiayu held her hand and led her forward step by step.
In an instant, everyone looked over. Xu Zhiyuan felt dizzy for a moment, her breathing growing rapid. But feeling the warmth in her palm, she took a deep breath to calm herself, though her palms continued to sweat.
“Dad, Mom,” He Jiayu greeted politely, yet with a hint of distance. He wasn’t particularly close to his parents.
It could be said that within the He family, emotions between members weren’t very strong. There might be deeper feelings within individual households, but among those surnamed He, relationships were generally quite reserved.
Xu Zhiyuan was both surprised and unsurprised. She quickly followed He Jiayu’s lead and greeted them. “Dad, Mom, we’re back.”
He Hongjie’s gaze swept past He Jiayu and settled on Xu Zhiyuan, his eyes filled with scrutiny and curiosity.
He noticed that Xu Zhiyuan seemed to have changed. Previously, she appeared to be a very introverted and insecure person—she rarely looked up at people, let alone dared to meet their eyes directly. She didn’t seem like a wealthy heiress at all. At the time, he thought it was no wonder the Xu family favored Xu Zhixiao more; there was a reason for it.
Now, Xu Zhiyuan no longer kept her head down. She dared to look into your eyes, and her gaze was clear, allowing one to clearly see the nervousness within them.
Could it be that she had been replaced by someone else?