Father, who is both a heir and a descendant, is still biased; the bound system has gone berserk.

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, Ying Yufu was awakened by the noise outside.

She has discovered that since last night, not only has her strength increased, but her eyesight and hearing have also surpassed their previous levels, becoming exceptionally sharp.

"Your son-in-law greets his mother-in-law. Today is Fu'er's coming-of-age ceremony, and your son-in-law has come especially to take Tang'er and Fu'er back home."

Ying Nanyao's voice clearly reached my ears.

"Please don't call me mother-in-law anymore, I don't deserve it. Whose son-in-law are you, and who your mother-in-law is, it's really hard to say."

The old lady made no attempt to hide her disgust and disdain for Ying Nanyao.

Ying Yufu thought to herself, "It has to be my maternal grandmother!"

Ying Nanyao was stunned on the spot, his face showing embarrassment.

He subconsciously looked at Shangguan Tang. Shouldn't she stand up for him at this moment?

However, upon looking closer, he saw a bright and beautiful face.

Ying Nanyao's pupils dilated instantly. How could Shangguan Tang have become so young and beautiful overnight after just one visit to her parents' home?

Not only her face, he even felt that Shangguan Tang's back was straighter and her waist was slimmer than before. She was not exactly like a young girl, but she was more charming than a young girl.

This reminded him of the first time he saw her eighteen years ago. Back then, she was so unrestrained and radiant, as bright as the sun.

Standing there, one can shine.

He had never seen such a striking woman. She was so beautiful that he couldn't help but want to destroy her, suppress her, and humble her to the dust.

He's about to succeed.

Just as he was staring intently at Shangguan Tang, the old lady's voice entered his mind like a demonic sound.

"If you really wanted to inherit the family line, why didn't you speak frankly and openly with my Zhenguo Duke's Mansion back then?"

What's more, I only found out you got another woman pregnant after my daughter married you?

Since it wasn't mentioned beforehand that you wanted to inherit the family line, what else could it be but adultery if you had a child with that young lady Liu?

Although you saved my daughter's life back then, my Zhenguo Duke's Mansion offered you a generous reward, but you refused, insisting that you had deep feelings for my daughter.

Is my daughter determined to marry no one but you? My daughter from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion would have plenty of suitors even if she aborted her child. How could she possibly be a match for a destitute man from your Marquis of Weiyuan's mansion?

You first lured my daughter into marrying you by pointing to the heavens, but after the marriage, you showed a completely different face. How is this any different from fraud?

Your actions violate human ethics and morality; it is no exaggeration for you to be condemned by millions.

Forcing his wife to give in to other women, neglecting one for the other, a spineless coward who betrays his own family, is utterly despicable.

Although we, the Duke of Zhenguo's family, are of humble origin, we still possess the most basic sense of shame.

Don't take offense at my bluntness, but we common folk are simply ignorant and inexperienced, unlike your noble household who says one thing and does another.

Ying Yufu couldn't help but give a thumbs up. Then, remembering that her grandmother couldn't see, she quickly opened the door, went to her grandmother's side, and raised both thumbs up high, as if afraid that others wouldn't be able to see them.

The old lady couldn't help but laugh.

Ying Nanyao's face was extremely grim.

The old lady's words were undeniably venomous.

"Why do you say that, Mother-in-law? Did Tang'er say something to you? My husband and I did have a fight, but what couple doesn't argue? Don't you think so, Mother-in-law?"

"Our Zhenguo Duke's Mansion is in dire straits now, and we are not worthy of being called 'mother-in-law' by the Marquis of Weiyuan."

Ying Nanyao was embarrassed again.

He couldn't help but look at Shangguan Tang standing to the side.

In the past, no matter what, she would always stand by her side and speak up for herself.

But this time, she just watched without saying a word for herself.

Instead, his eyebrows and eyes lit up, and his face was full of smiles.

Ying Nanyao lowered his eyes, a deep sense of gloom and dissatisfaction flashing in them.

Shangguan Tang has been acting increasingly out of line lately.

It seems he needs to be re-trained.

And that rebellious daughter...

He looked at Ying Yufu again, and upon closer inspection, he couldn't quite put his finger on what was different, but he felt that Ying Yufu was somewhat different as well.

……

In the end, Shangguan Tang and Ying Yufu went back with Ying Nanyao, while Tan'er, still asleep, stayed at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion.

This was something that Shangguan Tang and Ying Yufu did intentionally.

Tan'er was already weak and young, so it was really not suitable for her to stay in the Marquis of Weiyuan's mansion, which had no kindness towards them whatsoever.

I'll avoid replying if I can avoid it.

Before leaving, the old lady said to Ying Yufu, "Fu'er, don't forget what your grandmother told you, your grandmother will take care of everything."

Ying Yufu gave the old lady a sweet smile: "Grandmother, don't worry, Fu'er won't suffer any losses!"

The old lady smiled.

Once inside the carriage, Ying Nanyao could no longer maintain his composure.

He sneered, "Shangguan Tang, now you've learned to tattle. Do you still have any semblance of a virtuous wife?"

"If Your Excellency wishes to reprimand me, then I will now take Fu'er and get off the carriage," Shangguan Tang said calmly.

Ying Nanyao's face was grim, but he tried his best to suppress his anger.

"Why are you staying at your parents' house for the night? Don't you know today is Fu'er's coming-of-age ceremony? Are you going to make everyone wait for you?"

"So, Princess Huaxi has already arrived at the Marquis's residence? It is indeed my fault for keeping the Princess waiting."

Shangguan Tang said calmly.

Qing Nanyao's face turned ugly again. "What Grand Princess? Fu'er, the Second Prince already told you that you don't need to invite Grand Princess Huaxi anymore."

It's just a coming-of-age ceremony; it's not appropriate to make it too elaborate.

"But I like grand occasions! I like Grand Princess Huaxi to be my honored guest. Could it be that Father has a problem with Grand Princess Huaxi and doesn't want her to come?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? How could I possibly have a problem with Grand Princess Huaxi?"

Fu'er, it's not good for a young lady like you to be so vain.

You should learn from your eldest cousin; on her coming-of-age ceremony, she only invited the wife of the Marquis of Chengen as the main guest.

The Earl of Chengen came from a scholarly family. After the founding of the dynasty, the late emperor wanted to win over scholars. Since his ancestors were somewhat famous and his family lived in the capital, the emperor chose to grant them a title.

It really was thanks to the Emperor's favor; it was just good luck.

As it turned out, the late Empress discovered that the Chengen Earl's family, despite being a scholarly family, knew nothing about governing the country or policy, but were skilled at writing flowery and pretentious poems.

Ying Yufu couldn't help but laugh.

"Did my cousin not want to invite Grand Princess Huaxi? Is she just naturally low-key?"

Father, are you getting senile? Don't you even know who my cousin is?

How can she compare to me? My mother is the daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo, and I am a legitimate son born in wedlock.

But what about my cousin? I'm too embarrassed to say what her background is.

I heard that the Second Prince tried to invite Grand Princess Huaxi to be the guest of honor, but Grand Princess Huaxi refused.

Not only did Grand Princess Huaxi object, but even the most prominent noblewomen in the capital city refused. After all, Father, you should know the true strength and influence of the Marquis of Weiyuan's mansion, shouldn't you?"

Ying Nanyao's face was so gloomy it looked like it was about to drip water.

It was so embarrassing. He never expected his daughter to be so sharp-tongued, always picking on his sore spots.

He stared at Ying Yufu with a sinister look in his eyes.

This daughter of his was becoming increasingly unfathomable to him.

Wasn't she very obedient and docile before?

Ying Nanyao said, "Fu'er, do you not even listen to the Second Prince?"

If you were to invite Grand Princess Huaxi to be your honored guest, the Second Prince would be displeased.

Animals trained from a young age can't be easily manipulated, no matter how much you try to train them.

She loved the Second Prince so much that she listened to everything he said since she was little. He didn't believe she could disregard the Second Prince.

"The Second Prince told you, didn't he? He's going to marry your eldest cousin as his principal wife."

Although you are engaged to him, your father still wants to remind you that whether you are the principal wife or a concubine, a man's favor is what truly matters.

All you need to do is be obedient and sensible, and win the Second Prince's favor; that's the way for a woman to survive.

Shangguan Tang's face twisted in pain upon hearing this.

She felt nauseous and wanted to vomit.

This is the man who knelt outside the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion for three days and three nights, vowing to marry no one but her and to take responsibility for her.

Ying Yufu suddenly realized: "Father, I understand now. This is what you mean by Aunt's way of surviving."

Indeed, no matter what her status is, as long as she captures her father's heart, she has everything.

Even her own mother, her lawfully wedded wife, has to defer to her!

"you……"

Ying Nanyao angrily rebuked, "Why are you so stubborn? Where is even a trace of your former obedience? How could the Second Prince possibly like someone as unruly and mean as you?"

Ying Yufu said, "Father, I used to be cute and obedient because I thought the Second Prince was clean and honest, so I was happy to coax him and listen to him."

But now... does he, a filthy man, deserve my continued sweet talk to make him happy?

"you!"

Ying Nanyao's eyes widened suddenly.

"Listen to what you're saying! Where's your manners?"

"Let's just say it was eaten by a dog," Ying Yufu said, shrugging.

puff!

Shangguan Tang couldn't help but laugh at his daughter's antics.

Ying Nanyao: ...

As soon as the carriage arrived at the Marquis of Weiyuan's residence, Ying Yufu and Shangguan Tang got out and saw another green carriage drive up from the side and stop not far from their carriage.

The carriage bore the insignia of the Marquis of Chengen.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Ying Yufu glanced at it indifferently as a beautiful woman stepped out.

Having never seen or recognized her before, Ying Yufu withdrew her gaze.

But Shangguan Tang's expression suddenly changed, his eyes sharpening.

She would occasionally attend banquets among the powerful and wealthy in the capital. Once, at the residence of the Marquis of Chengen, she had seen this woman.

Although it was only once, she remembered it because she had an exceptional memory since childhood.

This beautiful woman appears to be a concubine of the Earl of Chengen.

It was the Earl of Chengen who redeemed her from the brothel.

At the time, the Earl of Chengen's romantic escapades were the talk of the town and became a laughing stock.

If it were the Lady of Cheng'en who came to Fu'er's coming-of-age ceremony, she would have thought it was normal. But why was a concubine there?

"This humble servant is Fengxian. I greet Marquis Weiyuan, Madam, and Miss."

The beautiful woman bowed gracefully.

She was truly alluring and charming.

"Please excuse the formalities, Lady Fengxian. It is a great honor for you to be my daughter's honored guest today," Marquis Weiyuan said with a faint smile.