Remarried to a top-tier playboy, her reborn ex-husband is filled with regret.

Completely oblivious to Gu Jinghuai's scrutiny, Su began to pace back, lowering her voice slightly, yet still carrying an undeniable firmness:

"Furthermore, Yun Shuyao's maternal family is the richest in the capital. Although her status is a bit low, as long as she is devoted to you, she will definitely become a great help to you."

My mother, who managed the Marquis's household, understood this best.

You see, your father isn't actually very satisfied with me as his wife.

It was only because I was always able to get money and solve the practical problems in the household that your father looked at me differently.

So don't blame your mother for misappropriating Yun Shuyao's money beforehand. Wasn't I doing it for the sake of our Marquis's reputation?

Gu Jinghuai remained silent, still feeling very awkward, as if he were being exploited by a woman.

Madam Su immediately saw through her son's thoughts, and continued to persuade him:

"You have absolutely no reason to feel ashamed for spending some of her dowry."

If Yun Shuyao marries you, she will enjoy the dignity of being a marquis's wife for the rest of her life, thanks to your noble family's status.

You're just getting what you need; you give her a title, and she provides some money—it's a fair exchange.

If you can win her over and make her willingly spend money on you, you'll have more money than you can spend in the future.

"What's wrong with you just being a peaceful and content prince?"

Su's words finally persuaded Gu Jinghuai.

Today, he only felt a slight financial strain, yet he was already so overwhelmed with worry.

He absolutely could not accept being forced to run around for money or even bow down to such mundane things for so long.

In his past life, Yun Shuyao managed the Marquis's mansion perfectly, and he never had to worry about anything. He lived a very comfortable life.

Although Yun Shuyao is a bit stubborn and not very romantic, when it comes to managing household affairs, no one can compare.

"But now... she's making such a scene, and my son can't understand it."

These past few days, Gu Jinghuai has been wondering about this question.

Yun Shuyao's actions were completely different from those in her previous life.

He didn't know where the problem lay; he only remembered many things that hadn't happened in his previous life.

"What's so hard to understand?"

Yun Shuyao dares to make such a fuss because you've been giving her too many smiles lately!

If you continue to treat her coldly as before, see if she still makes a fuss!

Su's words seemed to pierce through the thick fog in Gu Jinghuai's heart.

So that's how it is. No wonder Yun Shuyao is different from her previous life; the reason is actually myself.

It was because I made a decision different from my previous life that things went astray.

During the marriage negotiations in his previous life, he didn't even show up; he was only focused on taking care of his cousin.

In his past life, Yun Shuyao had a fight with him because of his cousin. Not only did he not explain to her, he even ignored her for seven days.

In the end, Yun Shuyao didn't cause any trouble. She still married him and willingly accepted the confiscation of the Marquis's mansion.

Observing her son's expression, and seeing that he gradually shifted from resistance to acceptance, Mrs. Su secretly breathed a sigh of relief and then spoke again to persuade him:

"Listen to your mother. Spend more time with her before the wedding. Once he's married, you can set rules for him later."

Upon hearing this, Gu Jinghuai smiled and shook his head.

His voice, which had been relatively gentle, inexplicably took on a sinister tone.

"No matter how much trouble she causes now, she can't turn the tide!"

Gu Jinghuai suddenly stood up, a fierce glint in his eyes.

"Marriages have always been arranged by parents and matchmakers; how could she, an unmarried girl, have the right to decide?"

Su leaned closer to Gu Jinghuai, eager to hear what idea he had come up with.

"My son will stop trying to coax her, lest she become more and more demanding!"

We can ignore her and contact the elders of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion directly.

On the previously agreed date, the betrothal and naming procedures were carried out.

"By then, the situation will be settled. Let's see how she tries to use the annulment of the engagement as an excuse!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Su's eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly, urging:

"Yes, let's leave her hanging and push forward with the wedding arrangements as soon as possible. On the day of the wedding, can she really disobey her father's orders?"

"Okay, son, I'll take care of it right away."

Gu Jinghuai's lips curled into a mocking smile.

"Didn't she keep saying she wanted to break off the engagement?"

"I'll see what she does once the betrothal gifts are exchanged and the signed marriage certificates are registered with the authorities!"

"That's right, this is how you should treat an ungrateful woman."

Su breathed a sigh of relief, her smile revealing obvious smugness.

"Once she enters the house, I will personally teach her the manners."

A daughter-in-law of a marquis's household must behave like a wife of a high-ranking family; how can she be allowed to do as she pleases?

"Then I'll have to trouble Mother to take care of things."

Gu Jinghuai responded, his tone full of heartache for his mother.

"Yun Shuyao is indeed too immature and needs to be taught a lesson."

Madam Su smiled with satisfaction. She didn't say anything more, but waved her hand, signaling Gu Jinghuai to go and do his work.

She turned and walked into the inner room, her back looking much straighter than before.

Gu Jinghuai strode out, not even waiting for the servant to harness the carriage, and led a horse himself towards the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.

The panic from before had completely subsided, leaving only an unshakable sense of victory.

Gu Jinghuai felt increasingly wise, and thought Yun Shuyao's little tricks were not worth mentioning.

Once the marriage is arranged, Yun Shuyao will simply accept her fate.

Gu Jinghuai had even decided that if Yu Yan dared to give her attitude again after she married into the family, he would simply take Yu Yan as his concubine.

Just like in the previous life, he will have his confidante in his arms, leaving her aside and letting her taste the bitterness of being neglected again!

However, if Yun Shuyao is sensible, then he will treat her well as he promised in his previous life.

The Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion.

Yun Shuyao leaned against the soft couch by the bamboo grove, twirling a glistening grape between her fingers, listening to Chunzhi read aloud the account book she had just finished calculating.

"Miss, the profits from the nine shops we just took back have been handed over this month, and the income is 30% higher than before."

Especially at Jinxiu Manor, six of the newly arrived Suzhou embroidery screens were ordered by the wife of the Vice Minister of Revenue.

Chunzhi's voice was filled with joy.

"At this rate, in less than six months, we'll be able to..."

Yun Shuyao opened her mouth and ate the grapes that Chun Tao fed her. Listening to Chun Zhi chattering away, the sweet and sour juice spread, and she couldn't stop the corners of her lips from curving into a smile.

In her previous life, she was trapped in the Marquis's mansion, where even breathing felt suffocating. She had never experienced such joy and comfort, having used her dowry on herself.

"Um."

She responded indifferently.

"Tell Fu'an to keep an eye out for good locations in the market and to buy a few more, preferably close together."

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from the courtyard gate. The servant Fu'an, his face flushed, ran and shouted through the bamboo curtain:

"Miss! Congratulations!"

Yun Shuyao raised an eyebrow and let Chun Tao help her up.

Laifu smiled so broadly that his eyes disappeared from his grin.

"Congratulations, Miss! Congratulations! Your good fortune is just around the corner!"

Yun Shuyao was taken aback upon hearing this, then realized what she meant and frowned coldly.

"The young master Gu from the Yong'an Marquis's mansion has arrived in person! He even brought a matchmaker, saying he's here to formally propose marriage!"

Fu'an was only thinking about the reward money and didn't pay any attention to Yun Shuyao's expression.

"The front hall is bustling with activity; the Duke and his wife are both there!"

Fu'an rubbed his hands together, clearly waiting for a reward from his master.

Looking up, I saw that the young lady's eyes, which had just been warm, had instantly turned as cold as ice.

"understood."

Although Yun Shuyao's voice was devoid of emotion, anyone could tell that she seemed to be angry.

"Go down."

Fu'an was stunned. Instead of receiving the expected reward, he felt a chill run down his spine from that gaze. He meekly agreed and left.

Yun Shuyao tightened her grip on the grape, breaking the skin and letting the purplish-red juice drip down her fingers.

"OK!"

She muttered to herself, her words chilling.

"Gu Jinghuai, the Marquis of Yong'an's mansion, do you really think you have me cornered?"

Chun Tao was too frightened to make a sound. She could only watch as her young mistress slowly got up, all the languor in her eyes vanished, leaving only a chilling aura.

"Spring branches, spring peaches, bring the account book."

"No need to wait three days, let's go to Shuntian Prefecture now!"