Contentment with modest wealth

Chapter 288 Taking Charge for You
Faced with her questioning, Yan Liang didn't take it seriously, smiled, and sat down on the stone: "Everyone knows that your sister-in-law and I help your mother manage the household affairs. If you have been wronged, I will naturally take responsibility. That's what I promised Uncle Lu when I came to propose marriage."

Lu Ying twitched the corner of her mouth and turned to leave.

A rose thorn snagged her skirt. Yan Liang picked up the scissors that had fallen to the ground, cut off the flower, and threw it into the flower basket in her hand: "From yesterday to today, the outer courtyard has been bustling with activity, while the women in the inner courtyard remain as leisurely as ever. I find this very comforting."

Lu Ying glanced at the flowers in the basket, then looked up: "Now that you've said that, it wouldn't be right for me not to ask. I wonder what has happened in the manor that has caused you such distress, young master?"

Yan Liang sighed: "The Yan family has been deeply favored by the Emperor for many years and is extremely wealthy. Countless people in the court are envious and jealous. Taking advantage of the military report delivered by Hu Yucheng, Grand Commandant Shen also urged the Emperor to put pressure on the Yan family while the Yan family was busy saving the Liu family. Now we have no choice but to join forces with the Ministry of Revenue to solve this problem."

"So it's a matter of the court. Then it seems I shouldn't ask any more questions." Lu Ying picked up the flower basket and truly stopped talking there.

Yan Liang said, "The difficulty lies with Uncle Lu. Yesterday, Father went to the Lu family in a moment of panic, which may have offended Uncle Lu, leading to the current difficulties in handling matters. Third sister-in-law, you are both the aunt of the Lu family and the young mistress of the Yan family. You really should know about this matter."

Lu Ying sneered, "I thought I could only suffer my husband's neglect and beatings, and my mother-in-law's harsh words. I never thought I would have this much dignity?"

“Sister-in-law,” Yan Liang stood up and said solemnly, “your marriage to the third brother is related to the future of both families. It is also a testament to the alliance between the Yan and Lu families. A harmonious relationship between the two families is also of great benefit to you.”

"Let's not beat around the bush. I'd like to ask you to go back to your parents' home so that we can make peace on your behalf."

When Yan Liang saw Lu Ying just now, it was almost a flash of inspiration.

The fact that Wei Ting was proven to be the prime suspect means that Yan Shu misunderstood Lu Jie and that his actions yesterday had completely offended Lu Jie.

Now, in order to resolve the current predicament, the Yan family needs Lu Jie's cooperation. At this juncture, Lu Jie must still be angry, so who can persuade him?

Nobody has that ability.

Nobody has that kind of dignity.

That's why Yan Shu said he would go to apologize in person.

This trip will cost me face.

Whether Lu Jie can agree is still a question. Even if he does agree, he might bring up other conditions, and the Yan family will inevitably have to cede territory and pay reparations in the end.

In short, we have once again fallen into a passive position.

Ever since the affair between Wei and Yan Song was exposed, the Yan family has been on the defensive. One or two times is fine, but if it happens every time, it will definitely not be good.

But it's different when Lu Ying steps in.

She is Lu Jie's biological daughter. Although she has a mother like Jiang Shi, Lu Jie's attention to her is not as great as before. But as long as this identity exists, there will always be constraints.

Entrusting this matter to Lu Ying and letting her act as the mediator is much more dignified than having Yan Shu personally come to apologize.
But his suggestion was met with Lu Ying's indifferent rejection: "The affairs of the outer courtyard are naturally decided by you men. What does it have to do with me?"

"Furthermore, under your guidance, young master, I don't even know how I will face my mother in the underworld after I die. What dignity will I have left in the Lu family?"
"Young Master, you don't think that my father really knew nothing about this matter, do you?"

"To be honest, when my sister returned to her parents' home last time, my father privately warned me that if I continued to get involved in these matters regardless of my status, he might not even acknowledge me as his daughter. Please forgive me for being powerless to help."

She curtsied and prepared to leave.

Yan Liang stepped in front of her, blocking her path. "I know you still harbor resentment because of what happened last time. It was my fault; I acted rashly and caused you suffering. I promise you, I will never allow Lao San to hurt you again." "Promise?" Lu Ying sneered. "What promise do you have?"

“If you ever encounter any injustice in the future, you can come directly to me!” Yan Liang said, glancing back. “That’s my personal attendant. If I’m not in the manor, you can go directly to him.”

“Words are meaningless. Why should I believe you? You’re family, but I’m an outsider. Who knows if you’ll betray me when things come to a head?” Lu Ying sneered again.

Yan Liang smiled at her, looked around, then took off the jade pendant from his waist and placed it in her hand: "If I betray you, just take this out. I've carried this with me since I was a child. With it, you'll have enough to blackmail me."

Lu Ying held the jade and examined it repeatedly, then glanced at him again.

Yan Liang said, "I've already inquired, and Uncle Lu is currently in the manor. You should go now; things are urgent, and the sooner it's done, the better."

Lu Ying: "You actually believe I have that ability!"

“Of course.” He smiled. “I’ve known you since you were a child, watched you grow up. How could I not know your intelligence and wit?”

After saying that, he took two steps back, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and then turned and left.

Lu Ying stared at his retreating figure, clutching the jade, and remained in a daze for a long time.

Yingzi, who had already stepped aside to avoid the situation, stepped forward and said, "How can the young master give his personal belongings to his grandmother? What if people find out...!"

Lu Ying withdrew her gaze and glanced at her: "Shut up!"

She clutched the jade in her hand, slowly turned around, and walked towards the third house.

A gentle breeze blew across her face on her way back to her room, subtly illuminating the corners of her mouth.

Once inside the room, she looked at the clothes in Li Mama's hands: "Are they all ready? Then let's change."

When Li Mama saw the jade in her hand, she immediately understood: "Madam's move is brilliant."

The bronze mirror reflected Lu Ying's indifferent and aloof face. Layers of rouge were applied, instantly making her incomparably radiant once more.

The Liu family's affair has been making headlines for a day or two, how could she not know? Now she's fighting alone, with no one to rely on. If she doesn't gather more information, she might end up like before, where even the Jin family could ruin her.

Yesterday, Yan Shu led a group to the Lu family to protest and even beat up Lu Rong. She found out about it afterwards!

How could Lu Jie possibly suffer such a loss?
He's the kind of person who can keep such a thing—his own daughter killing his wife—to himself without revealing it at all!
She knew everything that was known to outsiders, including the news that the Liu family had received at the palace early in the morning!
This time, even Grand Commandant Shen got involved, which made things quite lively!
How could the Yan family not panic?

As long as they panic, they will inevitably have to win over Lu Jie. And as long as they want to win over Lu Jie, her value will become apparent!

That's right, she chose the Yan family as a pit of fire.

But she would never sit idly by and wait for her fate.

This is the Yan family, the most powerful and influential family in the world! As long as she gains a foothold here, how can she not make her way in the world?

Why worry that she won't be worshipped by thousands when she goes out?
She won't lose!
We will not lose to anyone!
Ah, I'd like to ask for your monthly votes!