He's courting disaster! A coward forced himself on a tyrannical warlord.

Two hours later.

Accompanied by Aunt Xiang, Ruan Mianmian arrived at the Li family's old residence.

Although the old house is quite old, it is very well maintained and exudes the heritage and prestige of a prominent family.

Song Chunyi was already waiting in the flower hall and greeted Ruan Mianmian warmly.

"Mianmian's here! Come in and sit down."

"Greetings, Madam." Ruan Mianmian bowed respectfully.

"We'll be family soon, why be so formal?"

Song Chunyi warmly took her hand and said, "Call me Aunt Song. We haven't given her the red envelope yet, so let's not call her Mom for now."

Ruan Mianmian blushed slightly and obediently changed her address to "Aunt Song".

"That's right!"

Song Chunyi patted her hand with satisfaction and suggested enthusiastically, "This is your first time visiting the old house. Come on, Aunt Song will show you around."

The old house is very large, with pavilions, terraces, and winding paths leading to secluded spots.

The two strolled through the corridors and courtyards.

Song Chunyi laughed, "Mianmian, you have no idea, Chen Zhou was like a rocket when he was little!"

"Was Brother Chenzhou very naughty when he was a child?" Ruan Mianmian found it hard to imagine what that cold and dignified man was like when he was a child.

"He's more than just mischievous!"

Song Chunyi couldn't help but chuckle and pointed to a spot on the wall next to her that clearly showed signs of repair.

"Look, see that wall? That's something he and Yichuan did when they were kids."

"During the Lunar New Year, the two of them collected all the fireworks they bought and tried to make their own explosives. With a loud bang, they blew up half of this wall, which terrified my dad and me!"

Ruan Mianmian imagined that scene and couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"I never imagined that Brother Chenzhou could be so mischievous and naughty."

Song Chunyi smiled and shook her head.

"What's so special about that? They'll climb on roofs, blast fish in rivers, raid bird nests, and disturb hornet's nests... there's nothing they wouldn't dare to do!"

"Every time his father came back, he would grab a stick as thick as his wrist and beat him. Later, when the boy got a little older and stronger, he even fought back against his father once and managed to beat him to the ground."

"His father was furious at the time, but then he thought that the boy had a ruthless streak and was a good candidate for fighting, so he sent him to the army camp to train without saying a word."

At this point, a complex look flashed in Song Chunyi's eyes.

"Over time, his personality became increasingly cold, hard, and ruthless, and he eventually took over his father's job naturally."

Song Chunyi's voice gradually lowered, and tears welled up in her eyes, "It's just a pity... alas, if only his father were still here..."

Ruan Mianmian sensed her sadness and gently comforted her.

"Aunt Song, my eldest sister once said that people become stars in the sky after they die. Uncle Li is definitely still here, only he has become the brightest star, protecting you and the warlord from heaven."

Touched by her words, Song Chunyi gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and revealed a relieved smile.

"Girls are so considerate and know how to comfort people. If Chen Zhou were here, he would just sternly say that I'm too idle and think about all sorts of nonsense."

She chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Look at me, how did I end up talking about these sad things again?"

She composed herself, took Ruan Mianmian's hand, and spoke in a serious tone.

"I asked you to come here for two reasons. First, to show you around this old house. When I get old and can't move around anymore, this house will eventually be handed over to you. Second,..."

She paused for a moment, then led Ruan Mianmian toward her living room. "Aunt Song will show you something."

"Butler Chen, please bring up the gift I prepared for Miss Ruan," Song Chunyi instructed.

Soon, Butler Chen came in carrying a sandalwood box.

Song Chunyi took the box and opened it herself.

Ruan Mianmian peeked inside and saw a stack of land deeds and a stack of banknotes.

Song Chunyi carefully spread the money and documents out on the table and pointed to them as she spoke.

"This is part of my dowry that my mother prepared for me when I got married. Over the years, I have gradually added more with the profits from the shop."

"Here are five shops in good locations, two houses, and 100,000 silver dollars. Mianmian, I know your mother passed away early, and there's no one in your family to arrange these things for you. Aunt Song has taken the liberty of adding some dowry for you, and I hope you won't find it offensive."

Ruan Mianmian stared at the stack of land deeds in front of her, speechless with shock.

Li Chenzhou had already given her five land deeds and a box of money, and now Song Chunyi has taken out seven more land deeds and 100,000 silver dollars.

This is not just a heavy burden of wealth, but also a heavy burden of goodwill and trust.

But her marriage to Li Chenzhou was, after all, a sham.

How could we possibly accept it?

She quickly waved her hand, her voice filled with gratitude and fear.

"Aunt Song, this is too precious, I can't accept it. Besides, Brother Chenzhou has already given it to me."

Without saying a word, Song Chunyi stuffed a stack of land deeds and banknotes into her hand.

"Please accept this, Mianmian. This isn't entirely for your sake; it's also for the sake of the Li family."

"For the sake of the Li family?" Ruan Mianmian asked, puzzled.

Song Chunyi shook her head helplessly and sighed.

"The Song and Li families were both wealthy merchants whose ancestors amassed enormous fortunes. And what happened? They squandered almost everything on that father and son!"

Ruan Mianmian's eyes widened in surprise: "Ah!? Brother Chenzhou doesn't seem like the type to be a spendthrift!"

Song Chunyi: "You have no idea, I originally prepared even more for you than this, but that boy took your portion! He thought he could hide it from me, but what mother in the world doesn't know her son?"

Seeing that Ruan Mianmian still didn't understand, she explained.

"He uses family money to subsidize military expenses every year, just like his father."

"It makes me so angry! Other officials line their own pockets when they become officials, but these two, father and son, are different. As military governors, they practically emptied their savings to fund their positions!"

She patted her chest to catch her breath, then leaned closer and whispered.

"So, Mianmian, you'd better keep this box safe and well hidden, and make sure he doesn't find it."

"If he sees this, he might find all sorts of excuses and use all sorts of sweet talk to trick you into giving it to him."

"I was swindled out of a lot of good things by his father. Although I used them all honestly and didn't squander them on drinking, gambling, and whoring, it still makes me feel resentful."

Ruan Mianmian was both touched and amused to see Song Chunyi giving her advice on avoiding scams.

She thought that even if it was a fake marriage, she could treat it as giving the Li family some hidden money. She could return it when they separated in the future.

So she nodded seriously.

"Yes, Aunt Song, I understand. I'll definitely hide it very well!"

The two chatted amicably for a while longer, and before they knew it, it was lunchtime.

The table was laden with exquisite dishes, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Just then, the system's voice sounded.

[Forced Love Mission Issued: Host, please whip Li Chenzhou three times in bed. Upon completion of the mission, progress will increase by 5%]

Ruan Mianmian: "!!!"