As Yan Changye exchanged pleasantries with the Liu family, he listened to Liu Xiyin muttering in her heart.
Liu Mingyue vomiting?
Trying to smear the little bride?
Yesterday, Yan Changye had ordered an investigation into everything Liu Xiyin had done at the Liu residence over the past month. The file stated that since returning to the Liu family, the little bride rarely went out. Occasionally, she would only go out to visit a few shops to buy New Year goods, fabric, and herbs, which she would then have sent back to her adoptive parents in the countryside.
As for her contact with Liu Mingyue, it was said there was hardly any. The few times they had crossed paths were accidental: once downstairs at the Huifeng Tea House, and another time when Liu Mingyue accidentally fell into the water at the Liu residence—it was said the little bride just happened to be passing by. Therefore, the rumors outside about the little bride bullying Liu Mingyue had no solid evidence.
The only incident occurred when Liu Mingyue’s jewelry was stolen. The little bride never even stepped forward; it was a servant who claimed that Liu Mingyue’s favorite red ruby hairpin was missing, and the next day, it appeared on the little bride’s head. When the little bride heard about this, she bought three red ruby hairpins and had them sent over. Liu Mingyue refused them, telling people it was just a misunderstanding.
The adjutant who investigated reported: “It was a hairpin from Dongbao Pavilion. The young mistress bought one the very first time she went shopping after arriving in Ancheng. The eldest Miss Liu had also custom-ordered one previously. The two styles were different, but they looked very similar at a glance.”
However, Madam Liu had not investigated thoroughly, and the inner household of the Liu family was like a sieve; even such a small matter could stir up a storm throughout the entire city.
At this moment, Bai Manman said, “Xiyin didn’t grow up in Ancheng, so her conduct is not as thoughtful as her sister’s. If she commits any mistakes, I hope the Young Marshal will be lenient when the time comes.”
Yan Changye’s brows furrowed, and his cold, sharp lips curled into a smile devoid of warmth. “Mother-in-law, I am not often in Ancheng, so how is it I heard the Liu family’s main branch only has one daughter? Since when did the young mistress acquire an elder sister?”
【Eh?】
Liu Xiyin looked up in surprise at Yan Changye.
The vast flower hall suddenly fell silent, and Bai Manman’s face turned even paler.
Naturally, the Liu family had more than one daughter. However, Liu Youcheng was the eldest son of the Old Master Liu, making him the head of the main branch. The marriage contract made between Old Master Liu and Marshal Yan was understood by default to be with the daughter of Liu Youcheng—that is, Liu Xiyin. Previously, it had been Liu Mingyue. It was impossible for Yan Changye not to know this. Everyone knew he said this because Bai Manman was elevating Liu Mingyue while stepping on Liu Xiyin, and the Young Marshal was angered.
Liu Youcheng hurriedly tried to smooth things over. “Young Marshal, my wife didn’t mean it like that, she…”
Yan Changye grasped Liu Xiyin’s hand, his aura cold and dense. “Father-in-law, no matter how much the Liu family’s affairs become a city-wide gossip, as a high-ranking official in the military government, even if your official duties are busy, you should have long ago come up with a plan to settle the disturbance.”
“Or was it because Father insisted the Liu family must take back the young mistress, and the Liu family felt put in a difficult position?”
Liu Youcheng hurriedly said, “How could that be? Ayin is the Liu family’s own flesh and blood. Since we know there was a mistake, even without the Marshal’s words, we would have had to take her back.”
Yan Changye: “Is that so?”
Liu Youcheng glared at Bai Manman, who was slumped in her chair, and forced a smile. “Of course. The Marshal and the Young Marshal value Ayin, and the Liu family is honored by this marriage. We were all anxious to prepare for Ayin’s wedding; perhaps there were some oversights, which is why there were discussions outside. I will have someone investigate this right now to see exactly what happened.”
【As expected of a top official, his words are airtight. Father, your ancestral home is in Shandong, isn’t it!】
Liu Xiyin tugged at Yan Changye’s sleeve, afraid he would continue to be a straight-male-bashing, stubborn person. “Young Marshal, Father and Mother have been very good to me; they haven’t made things difficult. Mother even set up a small kitchen for me.”
【Although the Liu family’s gratitude toward the Marshal has faded since Old Master Liu passed away, you still shouldn’t offend the Director of the Military Supplies Department like this.】
【Father Liu is in full control of the military supplies. If he harbors ill intentions and deducts your supplies before you go to the front line, you won’t even have a place to cry.】
【Compared to one’s little life, this breath isn’t something we absolutely have to vent.】
Liu Xiyin was broad-minded and hoped Yan Changye wouldn’t inexplicably vent his anger for her, only to get himself involved in the mess.
Yan Changye looked down at her clear eyes.
A coward. She was just whispering in her heart about self-defense and counterattacks, and now she had already wilted.
Yan Changye released her hand and smiled again. “So that’s how it is. I heard Mother-in-law start by saying you weren’t as good as others, and I thought they were bullying you.”
A mixture of red and white appeared on Bai Manman’s face as she forced a laugh. “I was just overly concerned and expressed myself poorly. I have made the Young Marshal laugh at me.”
Yan Changye could also speak very pleasantly, lifting his teacup. “I am used to being blunt on the battlefield. Please forgive your son-in-law for any offense.”
Liu Youcheng and Bai Manman hurriedly lifted their cups. “The Young Marshal is being too serious.”
The atmosphere in the flower hall became lively once again.
The winter sunlight poured in through the intricately carved windows, hitting Yan Changye’s face and outlining his three-dimensional, distinct contours.
Liu Xiyin stared at him blankly for a while, her mind wandering.
Yan Changye rarely heard her be so quiet for such a long time, and while chatting and laughing, he looked back at her.
Caught off guard, Liu Xiyin locked eyes with him, and suddenly her heart started chirping again.
【After divorcing the big villain, I will be remarried!】
【I can’t find anyone better-looking for a second marriage; will others laugh at me for having poor judgment?】
“…”
Very well. In the short time she was quiet, she had figured this out.
【No, it’s a new era now. Freedom of marriage, freedom of love. Great writers who abandoned their original wives are everywhere, and history books only criticize those great writers.】
【Yes, that’s right. I was abandoned by the renowned Young Marshal; it’s normal not to find anyone better-looking. I was originally on the ‘village girl original wife’ path anyway.】
【Maybe I can even get into the history books. Hehe.】
Yan Changye suddenly felt a headache from her noisy thoughts, so he said to Liu Youcheng, “Regarding the matters of Pingnan Street and other streets from yesterday, I just recalled some doubts. Father-in-law, would you be able to accompany me to the study for a small meeting?”
Liu Youcheng immediately said, “Naturally, Young Marshal, please.”
Everyone stood up with them.
Liu Xiyin also breathed a sigh of relief.
【Finally, it’s over. I want to go back to my own courtyard to snack in secret; I hope no one comes to disturb me.】
For the past two days, eating bitter salt had made Liu Xiyin’s tongue feel like it was turning bitter. She needed some normal salt to remind herself that she was originally born in a better era.
Yan Changye took Liu Youcheng away. Liu Xiyin bowed to Bai Manman and was about to leave, but heard Bai Manman say: “You come with me.”
【Ah, is it still coming after all?】
As soon as Bai Manman opened her mouth, Liu Xiyin knew things were going to go wrong. It was simply that Bai Manman’s eyes clearly carried a “looking for trouble” vibe, obviously convinced that she had done something bad again.
“Oh.” Liu Xiyin followed her with her head bowed, her heart completely calm.
Although the Liu family’s residence couldn’t compare to the Marshal’s Mansion, it was definitely one of the best in Ancheng’s upper-class society. The scenery after the snow, when the sky cleared, was comparable to a 5A scenic spot.
Liu Xiyin followed Bai Manman to the Biyu Pavilion. Excluding the main quarters, this was the attic with the best location and the best view in the Liu residence.
It was where Liu Mingyue lived.