Gu Yunrui quickly drew Su Xiyue into his arms, soothing her gently. “I’m only helping the main branch secure an heir. The one I love most is you, and I will only ever be your husband. Su Qingwan is nothing more than a concubine at best. You will be the future mistress of this Hou Manor. Xiyue, don’t you understand my heart?”
Having said this, he leaned in to kiss her.
Perhaps hearing that she would be the wife while Su Qingwan was reduced to a concubine, Su Xiyue was in high spirits and responded to Gu Yunrui passionately.
Listening to the indecent sounds coming from behind the rockery, Qinxin’s eyes reddened with anger. She looked worriedly at Su Qingwan, who remained calm, holding the Imperial Edict.
About a quarter of an hour later.
The indecent sounds from behind the rockery gradually ceased, followed by Su Xiyue’s coquettish complaints.
“You’ve promised—she absolutely cannot get pregnant before I do! The legitimate eldest grandson of the Zhongyong Hou Estate must come from my womb!”
Gu Yunrui’s voice was filled with doting affection. “Don’t worry, I won’t touch her until you’re pregnant.”
Seeing that the two were about to emerge from the rockery, Su Qingwan turned and left with Qinxin.
Back at Linglong Yuan, Qinxin said happily, “This is good. The Second Young Master won’t touch you, so your pregnancy won’t be exposed.”
Su Qingwan resumed reviewing the account books and said softly, “Qinxin, are you quite close to the kitchen supervisor, Granny Zhang?”
Qinxin nodded. “A young servant was bullying Granny Zhang’s daughter, and I stepped in to help. Since then, Granny Zhang has grown much closer to me.”
Su Qingwan said, “Continue to maintain that closeness with her.”
As long as her pregnancy remained undisclosed, Su Xiyue must not get pregnant either, because that would keep Gu Yunrui focused on her side…
However, that evening, Gu Yunrui still came to Linglong Yuan.
To impersonate his younger brother, he wore a dark brocade robe. When the servants in the courtyard bowed to him, he merely nodded slightly, maintaining a cold demeanor.
But as he reached the doorstep, Qiyi blocked his path at the stairs, her voice clear and resolute: “Second Young Master, my mistress has said that inheriting two family lines is neither proper nor in accordance with the late Shizi’s wishes. It is absolutely impossible to agree to it. Please return tonight; Linglong Yuan does not host unrelated men overnight.”
The warmth on Gu Yunrui’s face instantly faded, his brows furrowing tightly. He had thought Su Qingwan was merely saving face, but he hadn’t expected her to be so resolute.
“What is Qingwan doing inside?”
“The mistress is transcribing Prayer Sutras for the late Shizi, hoping he may be reborn swiftly and live a peaceful, fortunate life.”
A flicker of emotion passed through Gu Yunrui’s eyes, and with mixed feelings, he turned and headed for Su Xiyue’s courtyard.
In the bedchamber, Su Qingwan was not transcribing sutras but was instead looking down at the account books.
With the year-end approaching, the harvests and earnings from the shops and manors under the Hou Estate were due to be reported. Previously, Feng Shi had managed these matters in a conventional manner, resulting in modest profits.
To quickly and thoroughly take control of the household management, Su Qingwan needed to accomplish something that would astonish and convince everyone.
Additionally, it was an opportunity to discreetly place her own people where needed.
Qiyi whispered, “Miss, by pretending to mourn the Shizi, I saw just now that the Shizi was genuinely moved. In the future, he might truly come to appreciate your virtues, rein himself in, and transform back from the Second Young Master into the Shizi.”
Su Qingwan lifted her head. “What does it matter to me whether he mends his ways? Though I’m now a widow, I’m no soft persimmon to be squeezed at will. I carry the Hou Manor’s bloodline in my womb. My priorities are to firmly grasp control of the manor’s finances, uncover who Gu Yunrui has allied with, and determine why they’re trying to bind the Su family.”
“If they think they can use me to scheme for titles and climb through the Su family, they should consider who ultimately holds the reins. To restrain me, they’ll have to play by my rules.”
“Gu Yunrui wants to inherit the title? He’ll have to ask my unborn child first. From now on, I’m the one who decides matters in Hou Manor!”
Early the next morning, Feng Shi sent someone to summon Su Qingwan to the main courtyard for breakfast.
Lifting the curtain to enter, Su Qingwan found only Gu Yunrui seated in the main courtyard. She understood immediately – her mother-in-law hadn’t given up yet, intentionally leaving them alone together.
Though nausea rose in her stomach, her expression remained composed as she took her seat opposite him according to propriety.
Noticing Su Qingwan had only taken a few small bites, Gu Yunrui said with concern, “Qingwan, why are you eating so little? You’ve grown so thin… my elder brother would be heartbroken if he knew.”
Without looking up, she replied calmly, “Thank you for your concern, Second Brother. I’ve had little appetite lately, worrying about my father. How could someone who’s been honest and upright his entire life be involved in corruption?”
Gu Yunrui stated firmly, “Rest assured, Su Shangshu is innocent. The official presiding over the tax silver case will certainly investigate thoroughly.”
Su Qingwan nodded slightly, concealing the cold glint that flashed in her eyes. This essentially confirmed her suspicions – his confident tone suggested her father would likely be fine.
Gu Yunrui gazed at her thin face and instinctively reached to hold Su Qingwan’s hand, wanting to comfort her further.
But Su Qingwan quickly withdrew her hand. “It’s getting late, Second Brother. You should go to your duties.”
Gu Yunrui awkwardly retracted his hand and nodded. “Take care of your health. With year-end approaching and fewer matters to handle, your wellbeing is most important.”
After speaking, he turned away somewhat flustered, his chest still tight with agitation even after reaching the main gate. For some reason, Su Qingwan’s image kept lingering in his mind.
Just as Gu Yunrui boarded his carriage, a figure threw herself into his arms.
Su Xiyue had rushed into his embrace the moment he entered the carriage, her fingers clutching his lapel. “You had breakfast alone with Su Qingwan in the main courtyard this morning?”
Gu Yunrui held her, his fingers brushing her cheek. “Mother arranged it. Could I refuse? It was just an ordinary meal – we didn’t talk much.”
Su Xiyue pushed his hand away, eyes blazing. “Didn’t talk much? You seemed to be enjoying yourself! Was she pretending to be pitiful again, trying to win you back?”
Suppressing his impatience, Gu Yunrui pulled her back into his embrace. “When will you ever temper this temperament of yours? You’re the only one in my heart. She’s merely the Su family’s legitimate daughter – useful to keep around.”
Su Xiyue snorted. “I don’t care. From now on, you can only have breakfast with me…”
As she spoke, she began unfastening Gu Yunrui’s garments, and soon the two were tangled together.
Moments later, completely immersed in the moment, Gu Yunrui pressed Su Xiyue tightly against his chest and closed his eyes.
I truly prefer the bright, lively, and adorable Su Xiyue. As for that flicker of emotion toward Su Qingwan, it might just be pity for her plight.
Once Xiyue becomes pregnant, considering how Qingwan has been managing the household affairs for Hou Manor and how the Su family is compelled to align with the Hou family because of it, he will give Qingwan a child to secure her position.
This would fulfill the bond of their marriage, and he would have done his utmost in benevolence.
After her reckless behavior, Su Xiyue only remembered to pay respects to her mother-in-law at the main courtyard upon returning to Hou Manor.
In the main hall of the principal courtyard, Su Qingwan was discussing matters of New Year’s gifts and banquets with Feng Shi.
Su Qingwan said, “Mother, perhaps our Hou Manor should not host a banquet this year, as the Shizi has passed away less than a hundred days ago. However, we still need to send New Year’s gifts. I’m just unsure which families our manor usually maintains close ties with.”
Feng Shi nodded, “We won’t hold the New Year’s banquet. As for the gifts, we won’t send them to everyone—only select those who are close and important. Later, I’ll give you the list and past records. Try drafting a list for my review.”
Su Qingwan replied, “Yes.”
It was at this moment that Su Xiyue entered. Her eyes were seductive, and she walked while supporting her waist… she had bumped it during the earlier recklessness in the carriage. Su Xiyue cast a triumphant glance at Su Qingwan before curtsying to Feng Shi.
“Mother, I was late because I went to the main gate to see A-Ci off. I hope you’re not upset?”
The carriage had been parked at the main gate for half an hour—it was impossible for Feng Shi not to know.
Her son was on his way to his duties, yet he indulged in such impropriety in the carriage. What respectable main wife would be so indiscreet?
She increasingly disapproved of Su Xiyue but held her tongue for her son’s sake, merely saying, “Sit down quickly, and don’t let it happen again.”
“Thank you, Mother.” Su Xiyue smiled brightly and sat beside Su Qingwan. She craned her neck to look at the account books on the table and said, “Mother, I usually have nothing to do in the manor and can’t bear to see you and sister-in-law toiling. I’d like to share the burden of managing household affairs.”
She was asking for authority over the household.
Feng Shi slightly furrowed her brows, “There’s little to do at year-end, so we don’t need your help for now. We’ll discuss it after the New Year. You and A-Ci are newlyweds—attending to him is your primary duty for the time being.”
These words displeased Su Xiyue, but she wasn’t foolish enough to press further. She obediently acknowledged and then sat quietly nearby, listening as Feng Shi instructed Su Qingwan on household matters.
When they left the main courtyard, Su Xiyue quickly caught up with Su Qingwan. “Elder Sister, do you know what A-Ci and I did in the carriage earlier? Tsk, tsk, he’d rather be intimate with me there than touch you.”
“Although Mother-in-law still entrusts you with managing the household, she dotes on her son above all. Where her son’s heart lies, her favor will follow in the future!”
Su Qingwan retorted, “If that’s the case, why are you so anxious?”
Su Xiyue was left speechless. She snorted, “I’m not anxious at all. I’m just telling you that I will be the mistress of this Hou Manor in the future!”
Su Qingwan said, “Mother-in-law is still alive and well. Be cautious with your words, Sister-in-law.”
With that, she turned and left.
Only then did Su Xiyue realize something. She glanced around and noticed the maids and matrons from the main courtyard avoiding her gaze.
Meanwhile, Su Qingwan returned to Linglong Yuan. Not long after, a maid from the main courtyard delivered a list of families with close ties to Hou Manor.
Su Qingwan was searching for clues above, trying to determine exactly who Gu Yunrui had attached himself to.
Qiyi asked curiously, “Miss, wasn’t Third Miss too impatient just now? With those words of hers, isn’t she worried that the Lady of Hou Manor might hear and punish her?”
Su Qingwan replied, “Su Xiyue isn’t foolish. She’s deliberately testing Feng Shi’s limits to see how far Feng Shi will retreat for her son’s sake. Su Xiyue’s ultimate goal is the authority to manage Hou Manor.”
As expected, when Gu Yunrui returned in the evening, Su Xiyue was bound to make a scene.
Sure enough, as dusk fell, Gu Yunrui returned to the manor. He was to stay at Haitang Courtyard that night. Su Xiyue employed all her skills, and the two were deeply affectionate, tumbling like passionate phoenixes in joyous union.
After calling for water and lying back on the bed, Gu Yunrui contentedly stroked Su Xiyue’s long hair. For some reason, his thoughts drifted to Su Qingwan, who always maintained such dignified grace and elegance.
At that moment, Su Xiyue spoke up: “Husband, you said that I would eventually become the mistress of Hou Manor. Could you speak to Mother and ask if I could take charge of the household affairs from now on?”