Gu Yunrui’s first thought was that Su Xiyue’s household management skills were certainly no match for Su Qingwan’s.
But since the two of them were currently in the midst of affectionate intimacy, he naturally wouldn’t say it directly. Instead, he said gently, “The New Year is approaching, and all matters in the estate have been wrapped up. After the New Year, I’ll have Father petition the court to have me reinstated as the Shizi. At that time, you’ll become the Heir’s Wife, and it would be more appropriate to have Mother hand over the household management to you then.”
Although Su Xiyue felt it was somewhat late, the thought that she would eventually become the Heir’s Wife while Su Qingwan would merely be a widow filled her with immense satisfaction.
She immediately wrapped her arms around Gu Yunrui’s neck and kissed him.
“Husband, when the time comes, I want to move to Linglong Yuan. This Haitang Courtyard is too small, and the scenery isn’t good either.”
Gu Yunrui smiled and nodded. “Mm, whatever you say.”
Although Su Xiyue had been placated, Feng Shi had heard Su Xiyue’s “grand declarations.” The next day, she angrily summoned her son alone.
“Ah Rui, no matter how much trouble you’ve caused because of your fondness for that Su Xiyue, I could turn a blind eye to it. I could even help you keep it from your father. But that Su Xiyue is too improper and certainly can’t manage this household well. I can’t treat the management of the Hou Manor as a joke—I absolutely will not give her the authority to manage the household!”
That wretched girl actually cursed her to die early—it infuriated her!
If it weren’t for the fact that she hadn’t paid much attention to her second son’s marriage back then, she would never have allowed Su Xiyue to enter their household.
But that little vixen actually bewitched Ah Rui when no one was paying attention, making him completely devoted to her…
Gu Yunrui quickly tried to calm Feng Shi. “Mother, I also think Xiyue is still too young. Her household management skills are certainly no match for yours.”
Feng Shi replied, “Even if I grow old, I still can’t give her the authority to manage the household—it should go to Qingwan! Ah Rui, Qingwan is well-educated, gentle, virtuous, and wise. Her household management skills are countless times better than that Su Xiyue’s. Moreover, in the future, if you give her a child, she will surely remain completely devoted to you and our Hou Manor.”
Gu Yunrui nodded. “You’re right, Mother. Qingwan is indeed more suited to manage the household. Besides, after some time, when Xiyue becomes pregnant, she will focus on resting during her pregnancy and won’t interfere with household management anymore.”
Mentioning grandchildren softened Feng Shi’s tone. “Our Hou Manor has never had a large family. Now that your younger brother is gone, you must work on having more children—whether boys or girls—so the estate can become livelier.”
Gu Yunrui said, “I will do my best. By the way, Mother, when will you speak to Father about having him go to the palace to petition for my reinstatement as Shizi?”
Since the nominal Shizi of the Zhongyong Hou Estate had passed away, the Zhongyong Hou could go to the palace to petition for his other legitimate son to inherit the title.
Feng Shi replied, “I’ll speak to your father in the next couple of days, but it might be too rushed before the New Year. We’ll have to wait until after the New Year.”
Before they could bring it up, however, the Zhongyong Hou gathered the entire family in the main hall that day. Seated in his wheelchair, his gaze swept over everyone before finally settling on Su Qingwan.
Although he had a somewhat intimidating presence and commanded authority even without anger, he treated Su Qingwan much more gently.
“Qingwan, although Ah Rui is gone, the title of our Hou Manor is hereditary. The elders of the Gu family have suggested that you may choose a child from a collateral branch to be adopted into Ah Rui’s lineage. This child will inherit the title and provide for you in your old age.”
As soon as Zhongyong Hou finished speaking, Su Qingwan raised an eyebrow slightly.
Before she could speak, Feng Shi couldn’t restrain herself and quickly said, “Marquis, although A-Rui is gone, we still have A-Ci. Why should we adopt a child from a collateral branch to inherit the title?”
Gu Yunci remained expressionless, but Su Xiyue couldn’t hold back and hurriedly added, “Father, A-Ci has already agreed to inherit two family lines. Whether it’s A-Ci himself or the children we bear in the future, any of them could inherit the title. How could it ever fall to those from the collateral branches?”
Zhongyong Hou frowned and shot her a glare before turning his gaze to Su Qingwan.
“Qingwan, what are your thoughts on this matter?”
All eyes fell upon Su Qingwan, who suddenly realized that they had kept the truth about Gu Yunrui and Gu Yunci swapping identities hidden from Zhongyong Hou.
Since she was already pregnant, she naturally didn’t want to adopt a child from outside. But even more so, she didn’t want Gu Yunrui, who was currently posing as Gu Yunci, to inherit the title and become Shizi again!
Since he had chosen to fake his death, he might as well be truly dead!
Su Qingwan lifted her head, “Father, are the clan elders pressuring you?”
“Regardless, it hasn’t even been a hundred days since A-Rui passed away. For them to be so impatient is truly disheartening…” As she spoke, Su Qingwan covered her reddened eyes with a handkerchief.
Zhongyong Hou sighed, “Your devotion to A-Rui is touching, but alas, his fate was too short. Let’s put this matter aside until after the New Year.”
The children filed out one by one, with only Su Qingwan lingering behind for a moment. She overheard Feng Shi speaking urgently behind her, “Marquis, although A-Rui is gone, we still have A-Ci. He is also our legitimate son, so wouldn’t it be rightful for him to inherit the title?”
Zhongyong Hou: “Haven’t you always disliked our second son?”
Feng Shi replied awkwardly, “I was stuck in my ways before, but our second son hasn’t committed any major mistakes. Although he isn’t as likable as A-Rui, he is still our own flesh and blood.”
Zhongyong Hou gradually softened.
Su Qingwan had already walked away and couldn’t hear what they said next. She looked up and saw Gu Yunrui and Su Xiyue walking ahead, their bodies pressed close together.
Qiyi supported her arm, “Miss, don’t bother looking at those unpleasant sights. A message has come from the Su family.”
Ever since Su Qingwan stopped mentioning Heli, the Zhongyong Hou Estate had indeed placed fewer restrictions on her.
Even so, Su Qingwan had found a reliable servant to discreetly deliver messages.
Back at Linglong Yuan, after reading the letter, Su Qingwan burned it over a candle.
“So my elder brother’s assignment outside the capital back then was also someone else’s doing.”
Su Qingwan had an elder brother named Su Zhengqing, who had just turned twenty last year. After excelling in the imperial examinations, he was originally assigned to fill a vacancy in the Hanlin Academy.
But later, he was sent to Jiangnan on official business.
Soon after, the tax silver case erupted in Jiangnan. Although Su Zhengqing had just arrived and could prove his innocence, the mastermind behind the scheme managed to shift the blame onto Su Changfeng, the Minister of Revenue, dragging Su Zhengqing into the turmoil as well.
Qiyi: “Miss, the master has said they will investigate this matter. He asks you not to worry too much and to remain safely in the Hou Manor for now.”
Su Qingwan nodded.
It seemed the list of those closely associated with the Hou Manor that she had previously sent to her father had indeed been of some use.
She gently stroked her lower abdomen. Nothing more would happen before the New Year, but after the celebrations, Zhongyong Hou would likely petition for ‘Gu Yunci’ to inherit the title of Shizi.
By that time, however, her pregnancy should be completely stable.
The New Year passed quietly and coldly at Zhongyong Hou Estate.
After the family reunion dinner, Zhongyong Hou distributed red envelopes and said to everyone, “It’s too cold tonight. All of you should return to your courtyards early to rest. There’s no need to stay up late.”
No one objected, and they all bowed in acknowledgment.
As they were leaving, Su Xiyue clung to Gu Yunrui’s arm and said to Su Qingwan, “Eldest sister-in-law, why don’t you come to Haitang Courtyard tonight? Staying up alone must be so lonely.”
These words were truly cutting.
Su Qingwan shook her head, “I won’t be going. Today happens to be the hundredth day since the Shizi’s passing. Perhaps he will return home to visit. I must wait for him in Linglong Yuan.”
Upon hearing this, Su Xiyue’s expression turned peculiar. She suddenly realized something and quickly glanced at the person beside her.
Gu Yunrui withdrew his gaze from Su Qingwan and squeezed Su Xiyue’s hand, “Xiyue, it’s cold outside. Let’s go back.”
Only then did Su Xiyue nod contentedly. Holding Gu Yunrui’s large hand, she coquettishly declared, “A-Ci, my hands are so cold. Warm them up for me quickly.”
Gu Yunrui: “Alright.”
He tightened his grip on Su Xiyue’s hand, raised his head, and instinctively looked over.
Su Qingwan had already returned to Linglong Yuan with her attendants.
As soon as they entered, Qinxin said, “Miss, the incense, candles, and spirit money you requested are all prepared. Shall we burn them here in the courtyard?”
Su Qingwan nodded, instructing them to set everything up. Expressionlessly, she lit the spirit money.
Qinxin whispered to Qiyi, “The Shizi isn’t really dead. Is Miss doing this to move him?”
Qiyi shook her head, “Miss has already been disappointed by the Shizi. She’s burning offerings for the Second Young Master.”
Indeed, the spirit money packets and a small memorial tablet placed nearby clearly bore Gu Yunci’s name.
Su Qingwan lifted her sleeve and poured the white liquor from the white jade cup onto the ground.
“Gu Yunci, although we had little connection before, now that fate has intervened and I carry your child, may you bless me in smoothly securing the Shizi position for your child.”
Since Zhongyong Hou Estate had schemed against her and the Su family, she would make sure they and Gu Yunrui understood what it meant to invite a god easily but struggle to send them away!
At that moment, a cold breeze swept through, causing the flames to flicker several times.
Qinxin felt a chill down her spine. She looked around and immediately approached Su Qingwan, “Miss, it’s too cold tonight. Be careful not to catch a chill. Why don’t you go inside to rest? I’ll burn the remaining spirit money for you.”
Su Qingwan nodded slightly. She didn’t insist, as her current health was most important.
On this New Year’s Eve, fireworks bloomed in the sky, casting the world in alternating light and shadow.
In an alley opposite the main gate of Zhongyong Hou Estate, two figures clad in black stood watching the vermilion doors from a distance.
Yun Qi hurriedly said beside them, “Master, His Highness said you must remain ‘dead’ for a while longer. You absolutely cannot return to the Hou Estate at this time.”
The person he addressed as master took half a step forward, fully revealing the handsome face that had been concealed moments before.
It was none other than Gu Yunci, who had previously been reported dead on the battlefield!