The atmosphere shifted from stiff to strange. Yan Hui’s calm expression met Li Suyu’s slightly cold gaze, and a faint smile rose in her heart. What was this man trying to prove?
That woman who bore inexplicable hostility toward her, did she harbor feelings for Li Suyu?
“Sister‑in‑law.” Jiang Xiao’s steady voice broke the odd silence.
Yan Hui smiled and nodded, ignoring the look from the woman beside him.
The next moment, a hand pressed lightly at her waist, and the man’s firm voice leaned close: “Don’t keep Grandmother waiting.”
Yan Hui was momentarily startled, then followed Li Suyu’s steps toward the ornamental gate.
Their figures disappeared from Jiang Xiao and Jiang Yun’s sight.
“Elder Sister, what do you think? Is she a threat to you?” Jiang Xiao’s expression was shadowed. “I just think—if Second Brother’s heart isn’t with you, let go. Why torment yourself?”
Jiang Yun gave a soft laugh, tinged with endless bitterness and grievance: “Then whose heart is it with? That Yan woman’s?”
“That’s impossible,” Jiang Xiao said, troubled. “Even after all these years, it’s hard to fathom Second Brother’s thoughts.”
Jiang Yun smoothed her expression and said, “This time, I won’t see you off to the frontier.”
In the main hall.
Li Suyu and Yan Hui knelt together on the prepared prayer mats.
“Grandson greets Grandmother.”
“Granddaughter‑in‑law greets Grandmother.”
The Old Madam sat firmly in the main seat. At her side sat the second daughter‑in‑law, Madam Tao, wife of Li Junshan. Beside her was a delicate young girl, bearing six parts resemblance—her only daughter, Li Qingqing.
On the other side sat an elderly woman, Madam Zhou, the madam of the Li family’s second branch. Her face was etched with the marks of time, her eyes heavy with sorrow. She had endured the loss of her husband, son, and grandson. If not for today, the day of meeting Li Suyu’s bride, she would not have left her chambers.
Beside Madam Zhou sat the widows of the second branch, three daughters‑in‑law and four granddaughters.
Over the years, Madam Zhou and the Old Madam had supported each other. The second branch now relied entirely on the main branch, for the main branch still had two sons.
The whole northern frontier was borne on the shoulders of the Li family’s sons.
Hearing Nanny Yuan’s introductions, Yan Hui could not deny her shock. In the capital, the Li family’s deeds were mentioned only briefly, whose death in battle was but a line in a bureaucrat’s record. But here, the Li family had truly lost their sons. Mothers, wives, and daughters lived on in endless longing.
Unconsciously, Yan Hui glanced at the man beside her. If something happened to him, would the ruler in the capital oppress this household of women, just to seize the army the Li family had raised over the years?
The Old Madam’s gaze lingered on Yan Hui’s face, then shifted to Li Suyu.
A maid stepped forward with a tray. Yan Hui offered tea. The Old Madam did not make things difficult—she sipped lightly, then set the cup down. She took a brocade box from Nanny Yuan, opened it to reveal a jade bracelet, and personally placed it on Yan Hui’s wrist: “From now on, take good care of Suyu. As husband and wife, your husband is your sky. In all things, he must come first.”
Yan Hui found nothing improper in this and immediately replied: “Yes. As granddaughter‑in‑law, I will take good care of my husband.”
Li Suyu’s brows lifted slightly, just as he was about to speak—
Madam Zhou spoke: “Just by looking, one can see Miss Yan is virtuous. However, today is only the second day of your marriage to Suyu. As Second Grandmother, I must speak of our Li family’s matters. You must have heard—most of the Li men have died on the battlefield, leaving only Suyu as the sole heir. Now that the fighting has calmed and the northern frontier is stable, your Grandmother and I hope that this sole heir will have many descendants. So, when will you help Suyu choose a few concubines?”
Li Suyu’s gaze instantly turned cold.
The Old Madam and Madam Zhou exchanged a glance—this unpleasant task had fallen to the younger sister‑in‑law. Soon, however, their eyes settled on Yan Hui.
Yan Hui curved her lips and said calmly: “Granddaughter‑in‑law understands Grandmother and Second Grandmother’s worries and expectations. But as I have only just arrived in Yuncheng, I do not yet know the local women. This matter should be decided by Grandmother and Second Grandmother. As long as they enter my husband’s chambers, I will take good care of them.”
Neither the Old Madam nor Madam Zhou had expected Yan Hui to agree so calmly. They had thought that if she opposed, they would have more reason to arrange women for Li Suyu themselves. But Yan Hui’s easy acceptance made them seem overly aggressive.
Li Suyu’s eyes narrowed, his tone mocking: “I did not expect you to be so magnanimous.”
Yan Hui heard the chill in his voice and smiled: “When I left the capital, my uncle instructed me to be virtuous and not earn the reputation of jealousy. Men having three wives and four concubines is common. A principal wife should not let trivial matters harm the bond between husband and wife.”
The Old Madam rubbed her nose and coughed lightly: “Enough, enough. This matter can be decided after you two discuss it. Madam Yan, in the future, you must also pay attention to your husband’s heirs.”
Yan Hui smiled brightly: “Yes.”
“Return to your courtyard.” The Old Madam had intended to warn Yan Hui further, but seeing her so compliant left her feeling stifled. Truly, as Nanny Yuan had said, she was not to be underestimated.
“Grandson takes his leave.”
“Granddaughter‑in‑law takes her leave.”
Once Li Suyu and Yan Hui had departed the hall, Madam Zhou chuckled: “Sister‑in‑law, you worry too much. Madam Yan clearly understands things well. Better this way—speaking openly rather than playing dirty tricks behind the scenes.”
The Old Madam gave a cold hum: “A little fox.”
“Grandmother, Sister‑in‑law is so beautiful. May I go play with her later?” Li Qingqing asked tentatively.
Madam Tao scolded softly: “Don’t cause trouble.”
Li Qingqing’s cheerful face fell at once: “Alright then.”
Nanny Yuan then placed the pouch Yan Hui had gifted her onto the small table beside the Old Madam: “This is what Young Madam rewarded me with. And also…” She gestured, and a maid stepped forward carrying a wedding cloth.
The Old Madam immediately understood, glanced at the maid, who withdrew. Her eyes fell on the pouch, where golden melon seeds gleamed. Her expression shifted.
Madam Zhou stepped forward, gasping: “This… this was given by Madam Yan?”
“Yes. At first, Second Master said Young Madam rewarded servants with golden melon seeds, and I did not believe it. But it is true—she is that generous.” Nanny Yuan was shaken. Even the wealthiest families in Yuncheng would not reward servants so lavishly.
At that moment, Li Suyu and Yan Hui walked side by side, his face still cold.
“Is the General displeased with what I said just now?” Yan Hui asked softly.
Li Suyu gave a faint sound of assent, unwilling to speak further.
Yan Hui frowned, glancing at him: “I thought the General would be pleased.”
Li Suyu raised his brows: “Should I be happy?”
Yan Hui was somewhat puzzled: “The General has already passed his coming‑of‑age, surely there must have been someone you admired. But because of the marriage contract with the Wang family, you could not give that person the position of principal wife. Now, with Second Grandmother speaking as she did, I am giving the General and his beloved a chance. Moreover…”
“Moreover, aren’t men all like this? Three wives and four concubines are common.” Li Suyu cut her off, his gaze deepening, a faint smile at his lips. “It seems Madam is even more virtuous and proper than I imagined.”
The autumn wind swept in. For the first time, the two faced each other directly, each with their own thoughts.
Yan Hui looked deeply into Li Suyu’s eyes, uncertain how to approach this man before her. In business, one begins cooperation by offering what the other most desires. But this man was far harder to fathom. Better to go out and think about how to start her ventures in Yuncheng.
“Then… how can I make the General happy?” Yan Hui asked patiently.
Li Suyu’s brows shifted slightly: “You agree with me in everything—what is your aim? Do you seek something from me?”
Behind them, Suiqiu worried Yan Hui might say something reckless. Just then, the woman they had seen earlier at the Old Madam’s courtyard appeared.
Li Suyu also saw Jiang Yun, and his irritation deepened.
“Suyu.” Jiang Yun did not step closer. She glanced at Yan Hui. “I hope I’m not disturbing Young Madam and you.”
Yan Hui bowed slightly toward Li Suyu: “Then I shall return to my courtyard.”
Under his gaze, she disappeared around the corridor’s corner.
“Suyu, can we talk?” Jiang Yun asked.
Li Suyu arched a brow, his tone indifferent: “About what?”
He turned to leave, but Jiang Yun’s words halted him.
“Li Suyu, if not for your elder brother, would things between us be different?” Jiang Yun’s gentle mask fell away. Had she not seen Yan Hui, she would not have feared. She believed the entanglement between her and Li Suyu would eventually resolve. But after seeing Yan Hui, she thought the Li family might one day change their view of her.
She knew the Old Madam too well. Her current prejudice against Yan Hui was only because of the imperial household—perhaps only temporary.
Li Suyu looked at Jiang Yun’s angry face: “Enough.”
“Do you have no heart?” Jiang Yun hated most his lofty demeanor, always beyond her reach. “The matter of the past had nothing to do with me, yet you blame your brother’s death on me. Is that fair?”
“Just because your brother admired me? So you’ve avoided me ever since?”
Li Suyu’s gaze was icy. “I don’t know what I did to make you think I had feelings for you. Let me be clear today: the woman my brother loved, I would never touch. I have never harbored improper thoughts.”
Jiang Yun’s pupils contracted. She was already deeply entangled—why did Li Suyu still act as though he were outside the play? She wanted him to suffer as she did, to love without gain, to lose what was held; only then would she feel joy.
She laughed bitterly: “My brother was right. You are a stone. I cannot warm you.”
Li Suyu gave her a faint glance, then strode swiftly toward the ornamental gate leading out of the residence.
Back in the courtyard, Yan Hui looked around uneasily. This was Li Suyu’s domain, and she felt constrained. Entering the main house, she began to sort through the books in her chest.
At that moment, Suiqiu hurried in: “Miss, the imperial envoys departed Yuncheng today. They said they would not bid you farewell. Please take care of yourself.”
Yan Hui murmured: “I wonder… how Ah Shi is faring in the capital.”
Suiqiu knew Yan Hui was thinking of the young master and said: “Miss, why not write him a letter? Ask how his studies are going, and whether anything interesting has happened in the capital.”
“This northern frontier is three months from the capital. By the time a letter goes and returns, it will already be next year. Forget it—no news is good news.”
As Yan Hui spoke, her hand paused over the booklet she was holding. Seeing the word *medicinal herbs*, her thoughts began to stir.
“Suisui, if I want to leave the estate, must I ask Grandmother’s permission?” Yan Hui frowned.
“If the General takes you out, Grandmother likely won’t object.” Suiqiu frowned as well. Back in the Wang household, leaving the gates openly had been nearly impossible—Miss always had to disguise herself and slip out the back. Now, in the Li household, unfamiliar as it was, how could she leave?
“And the General?” Yan Hui asked.
“I don’t know,” Suiqiu admitted, troubled. Life in the Li household was complicated.
“Find a suitable chance. I must leave the estate once.”
Just as Yan Hui finished speaking, a voice sounded outside: “Second Madam, Young Madam is here. Please, come in.”
When Madam Tao entered, Yan Hui rose to greet her. Meeting her eyes, Yan Hui smiled: “Second Aunt, please sit.”
It was Madam Tao’s first time in Li Suyu’s main residence. She glanced around before sitting.
“Just now, Grandmother said it is late autumn and time to add winter clothes. We must go out to purchase them. I thought, since you’ve just arrived in Yuncheng, would you like to come with me?” Madam Tao’s voice was gentle, cautious, probing.
“Of course.” Yan Hui’s lashes fluttered, her gaze bright. This was exactly what she wanted.
“Then let’s go now.” Madam Tao, seeing that Yan Hui was not difficult to get along with, finally relaxed. The Old Madam distrusted Yan Hui, but MadamTao did not—she only saw a woman married into a family and mistreated by her in‑laws.
At the Li household’s gate, a girl in goose‑yellow brocade—Li Qingqing—brightened at the sight of Yan Hui.
“This is Qingqing. She was just clamoring to come play with you,” Madam Tao said warmly.
Yan Hui glanced at Li Qingqing, realizing it was likely thanks to this girl that Madam Tao had invited her out.
“Little Sister‑in‑law,” Li Qingqing greeted sweetly, then walked familiarly to Yan Hui’s side, lowering her voice: “Little Sister‑in‑law, Second Brother has a cold temperament. If you ever feel bored, you can come play with me.”
Yan Hui looked at her, then slipped the white jade bracelet from her own wrist and placed it on Li Qingqing’s: “I don’t have anything finer—consider this a meeting gift.”
“This won’t do!” Madam Tao tried to stop her, but seeing Li Qingqing’s joy, she only patted her lightly: “Thank your Second Sister‑in‑law.”
Though Madam Tao had never seen such fine jade, the flawless white bracelet was surely valuable. Yan Hui’s generosity was not to be underestimated.
“Thank you, Little Sister‑in‑law. Second Brother has never given me a gift. You’re much better.” Li Qingqing immediately linked arms with Yan Hui. “You’re so kind.”
Yan Hui smiled faintly. Children were like this—delighted by gifts. Li Qingqing had helped her, and this was a fitting return.
“It’s getting late. Let’s go,” Madam Tao said, smiling for once.
The carriage rolled slowly into the streets. Yan Hui’s heart stirred with excitement. This was where she would put down roots, and she was determined to carve out her own place here.