A whirlwind marriage: The real heiress marries a warlord.

The press has been keeping a close eye on Du Rongfei lately.

The cabinet intervened and tasked Du Rongfei with handling the matter and quelling public anger.

But Du Rongfei didn't run off with the money from the bond company, so what should he do? His younger brother, Du Liangzhong, only took a small portion.

The Du family originally had a good relationship with the press.

Back when rumors were spread about Cheng Tianxun and Du Zhuojun's affair, Du Rongfei rallied a large following; money can move people's hearts.

But this time it didn't work.

Because Qin Yan was pressing down from behind.

When it comes to money, connections, authority, and prestige in the industry, Qin Yan is the clear winner.

"How could a woman have such power?" Du Rongfei was extremely worried and refused to believe that Qin Yan was behind this. "Could it be that the Xiang family no longer trusts me?"

His younger brother, Du Liangzhong, is currently missing.

Du Rongfei used his connections and sent people out to investigate, but they still couldn't find him.

The impact was significant; Du Zhuojun almost lost interest in running the newspaper. She couldn't just join the bandwagon and criticize the Du family.

She tried to explain and contradict, saying that the bond company's embezzlement had nothing to do with the Du family, but unfortunately, newspaper sales were poor.

"Du Zhuojun's newspaper is no longer a force to be reckoned with," Ling Manyun said to Qin Yan.

Qin Yan: "She missed the first issue on the first day of the Lunar New Year."

"It's bad luck," Ling Manyun said. "Her newspaper's chief editor isn't very capable either. If the chief editor is sharp and speaks against her, he can make a name for himself and even help her father get out of trouble."

He added, "This shows that skill must be practiced daily, not just at the last minute."

If they were to move to Qin Yan's newspaper, the chief writers would definitely have a chance to shine. They were always in a state of "preparation" and never let their guard down.

Qin Yan nodded.

Ling Manyun added, "It's a really good idea for Young Marshal Cheng to trap her printing factory on New Year's Eve."

Qin Yan: "Her cousin, Du Liangzhong, has been imprisoned, which is also related to Cheng Tianxun. In any case, there's no way he'll be released."

"Wasn't it said that Du Liangzhong is her uncle?"

"Du Rongfei was adopted out, so it doesn't count."

Ling Manyun: "..."

If you insist on saying it that way, then it counts.

Because of this excitement, Qin Yan's morning magazine sales rose again.

A new morning magazine, launched less than forty days ago, has achieved such stable sales. This is not only due to the abilities of Qin Yan and Ling Manyun, but also to the irresistible driving force of a "vernacular newspaper".

Nowadays, even with a little reading, or even just recognizing characters and knowing how to use a dictionary, one can read the vernacular version of the Times.

(Please remember the website 202s.tw for the fastest chapter updates.)

Newspapers truly served the general public.

"Qin Yan, are you going to celebrate?" Ling Manyun asked.

Qin Yan: "It's not time to celebrate yet."

Ling Manyun then recalled that she had guessed Qin Yan started this morning magazine to deal with Du Zhuojun. It wouldn't be a victory unless Du Zhuojun's newspaper continued to be published.

"It is indeed too early." Ling Manyun composed herself.

The news about the Du family is attracting citywide attention, as is that of the Lan family.

The Lan family spent the New Year in different places: Lan Zheng went to Beicheng in December to bring his young mistress back; Lan Changming went to his post in Yicheng and was not there for the New Year; before the New Year's Eve dinner, the old lady said she was not feeling well and insisted on going to the military hospital, but she couldn't explain what was wrong.

The group took her to a military hospital, where the doctor only said she should be hospitalized for observation.

It's now the ninth day of the first lunar month, and Lan Changming and Lan Zheng are both still away on business. The old lady is still in the military hospital, although the military doctor privately told the Lan family that she is fine.

Besides her daily social engagements and banquets, Madam Lan was also constantly occupied with rumors about her illegitimate daughter and Du Rongfei's affairs.

"Take everything away. They actually slandered my sister as an illegitimate child," said the third sister, Lanxiu.

Su Yuzhao disagreed: "The rumors about the illegitimate daughter came from the army and are related to Father. If you ignore it and make a scene, Father and Mother will fall out, and Muhe might be the one to benefit from it."

Lan Xiu immediately calmed down a bit.

"I get annoyed just seeing her now. She's really not like one of our family members!" Lanxiu said.

"Household chores need to be handled slowly and gently. Look, your mother hasn't said anything to hurt Mrs. Cheng."

My father has been away from home these days, and my wife and I haven't discussed this matter yet. As long as things don't get out of control, we'll take it one step at a time.

"Mother must have liked the young mistress quite a bit. Even after hearing about the 'illegitimate daughter,' she wasn't discouraged," Su Yuzhao said.

She added, "If you pick the fruit before it's ripe, it will be sour and astringent. My sister has suffered so much these past years, don't ruin a good thing."

Lan Xiu then said, "My sister is truly capable. She is indeed worthy of being a member of our Lan family."

He encouraged Su Yuzhao to visit Qin Yan during the New Year holiday.

Ask more questions to ensure everything goes perfectly.

Su Yuzhao said that since the Lan family had sent New Year's gifts to the warlord's wife, the Cheng family's old residence, and Qin Yan, it was indeed appropriate to visit them.

"Yu Zhao, you're so smart, can you resolve this matter this year?" Lan Xiu asked.

Su Yuzhao: "Okay."

"Are you so certain?"

"We went to burn incense on the first day of the Lunar New Year, and I asked for a divination regarding this matter. I drew a very auspicious one," Su Yuzhao said.

Lanxiu: "..."

"Man proposes, God disposes. The Bodhisattva said it will bring great fortune, so it will definitely succeed," Su Yuzhao said.

With the Bodhisattva being reliable and Su Yuzhao even more reliable, Lanxiu seemed to have found a pillar of support and was full of confidence.

Su Yuzhao indeed called Qin Yan's villa, intending to visit her.

Qin Yan was not home as usual.

She assumed Qin Yan wouldn't pay her any attention and didn't take it to heart, thinking she'd find another opportunity to talk to him. After all, with the Du family spreading rumors about an illegitimate daughter, Qin Yan might worry that Su Yuzhao would cause trouble.

But that evening, Qin Yan replied to Su Yuzhao.

Her attitude was indifferent, as usual, and her voice lacked warmth.

"My villa is currently undergoing renovations and needs to be re-defended," Qin Yan said. "I won't be able to invite you over while I'm setting up the defenses."

Su Yuzhao could understand.

She was very happy that Qin Yan was able to reply to her call.

"Could I invite you outside for coffee?" Su Yuzhao asked.

Qin Yan: "I've been very busy these days."

"Yes, you have two newspapers," Su Yuzhao said. "My husband and mother-in-law both speak of you with great admiration."

However, her father-in-law wasn't home for the Lunar New Year; he went to his post in Yicheng. Her grandmother wasn't feeling well and was hospitalized on New Year's Eve; she hasn't been discharged yet. Mu He stayed with her.

Silence on the phone.

But the call was not disconnected.

Su Yuzhao: "When are you free? Let's meet again?"

"We'll talk about it when we have time," Qin Yan said.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Su Yuzhao said she wouldn't disturb Qin Yan and told her to hang up first.

Su Yuzhao was very happy after hanging up the phone.

She told Lanxiu, "She doesn't dislike me, and she didn't get angry when we talked about trivial matters in our family."

"You can guess it just by talking on the phone?"

"Although she rejected me, she gave a reason," Su Yuzhao said.

Lanxiu: "..."

Although her husband occasionally doubted her explanations, he did not question her judgment.

"I suggest we talk to Father first; he should be returning to the city soon to rest," Su Yuzhao said. "After talking to him, this matter will probably be brought to light very quickly."