Starting with a blind date with a female constable, you acquire the Nine Swords of Dugu.

Chapter 206 Cousin

Upon returning to the capital, Gu Guanqi's first impression was of the oppressive atmosphere, but this was quickly followed by a sense of rebirth after facing certain death. The major reshuffling of officials in the court had clearly brought a renewed sense of vitality.

However, none of this has much to do with Gu Guanqi.

Aside from waiting for Shen Qingqiu to come home each evening and then going out for a stroll together, he rarely went out. However, news of his return to the capital spread in a very short time.

Many people wanted to visit, including court officials, martial arts practitioners, and members of prominent families.

Gu Guanqi refused to see them, only meeting with two people in total: Emperor Zhao Mingce and Yan Wangchuan.

Five days passed like this.

That evening.

Gu Guanqi was lying in the courtyard drinking tea when Shen Qingqiu walked in from outside, dressed in an official robe and with two swords at his waist, looking very imposing.

However, the moment she saw Gu Guanqi, her imposing aura vanished, replaced by a smile as she said, "Didn't you go out for a walk today?"

Gu Guanqi lay on the recliner, saying casually, "What's the point of me going sightseeing alone!"

Shen Qingqiu walked to Gu Guanqi's side, slowly squatted down, took Gu Guanqi's hand, and said softly, "I'm sorry you've had to suffer these past few days. I had too many things to hand over to, and I didn't have time to come and keep you company."

Gu Guanqi smiled and said, "What's there to feel wronged about? I'm eating and drinking well here. I don't know many people in the capital, and I don't like going out."

Shen Qingqiu said, "I've finished handing over the work today, and we can set off for Yanzhou tomorrow. I'll accompany you along the way. Hmm, what do you think? Should we go with the main group, or should they go their own way and we'll go our own way?"

At this point, Shen Qingqiu's cheeks suddenly flushed slightly, and she whispered, "I—I'll do whatever you say!"

Gu Guanqi raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Then naturally it would be best if the two of us were together without being disturbed."

"Alright," Shen Qingqiu said. "I'll have the others set off for Yanzhou first tomorrow, while the two of us will choose another route, so we can visit the scenic spots along the way as we travel."

Gu Guanqi asked, "Do you have enough time for your trip to Yanzhou this time?"

Shen Qingqiu said, "Although my main purpose in going to Yanzhou was to reclaim my mother's belongings and seek justice, the reason given by the imperial court was to deal with the affairs of the Six Doors in Yanzhou."

Gu Guanqi asked, "Is there some problem with the Six Doors in Yanzhou?"

Shen Qingqiu said, "It's not that there's a problem, it's always been a problem. Previously, the Six Doors in Yanzhou were all under Zhang Jiexi's command. Now that His Majesty is in power, it's natural to settle accounts with them."

However, the situation in Yanzhou is special. It has the Tianyi Sect, one of the eight major sects, and the Tie family, one of the five great families. In addition, there are the Gong, Qin, Hu and Xiang families, which almost monopolize all aspects of the Yanzhou government.

My purpose in going there this time was actually to break the deadlock. I could use my conflict with the Tie family as a pretext to intervene legitimately, and then smoothly take control of the Six Doors in Yan Prefecture. Then, by using the Six Doors to break the deadlock, I could gradually draw the imperial court into taking over the Yan Prefecture government.

Gu Guanqi said, "You're going through too many roundabout ways."

Shen Qingqiu chuckled and said, "Not everyone is like you, capable of overcoming obstacles by force. The imperial court is also different from you; it has too many factors to consider."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly.

Shen Qingqiu continued, "Therefore, I can send my men to Yanzhou first, and you and I can travel around together until they get there and understand the situation. Then I can figure out a way to break the deadlock. This is actually much better than me going there directly."

"Okay," Gu Guanqi replied.

"Alright," Shen Qingqiu said, standing up. "I'll go change my clothes first. After I'm done, let's go for a walk. It's cool now that the sun has set."

Gu Guanqi took Shen Qingqiu's hand and said with a smile, "I'll help you change your clothes."

Shen Qingqiu rolled her eyes and said, "Don't try anything funny in broad daylight."

"I'm just helping you change your clothes, what bad things could I possibly do!"

As he spoke, Gu Guanqi pulled Shen Qingqiu into the house, and the two of them did not come out until it got dark.

The next morning, Shen Qingqiu went to the Six Doors and returned home around noon. Together with Gu Guanqi, the two chose another route, leaving the capital and heading to Yanzhou.

The distance between Yanzhou and the capital is not far.

After leaving Tianzhou, we entered Yanzhou.

However, Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu both wanted to enjoy some time alone together, so they walked very slowly, just like an ordinary young couple, not thinking about anything else, and only enjoying the pleasure of sightseeing.

At noon that day, the two came down from a mountain, and it started to rain as soon as they reached the main road. The rain came down quickly and heavily, and large raindrops pounded on the dirt road, splashing up muddy water droplets.

Shen Qingqiu opened the umbrella and said with a smile, "Oh dear, husband, the umbrella is a bit small. If the two of us squeeze together, we'll probably get wet!"

Gu Guanqi smiled and cooperated, saying, "Then what should we do?"

Shen Qingqiu chuckled and said, "Husband, you carry me on your back, and I'll hold the umbrella from above. That'll do."

Gu Guanqi didn't know if there was any difference between sharing an umbrella and carrying someone on your back, but he knew that Shen Qingqiu was just making excuses to get him to carry her.

Gu Guanqi immediately replied, "Alright, then I'll carry my wife on my back!"

97

"My dear husband, you are so good to me!"

Shen Qingqiu covered her mouth and chuckled softly, then leaned over Gu Guanqi, holding the umbrella over their heads to shelter them both, and called out crisply, "Husband, run! The rain is getting heavier!"

In reality, this little bit of rain had absolutely no effect on the two of them. Not to mention this little bit of rain, even if it were a torrential downpour, the two of them could easily use their protective qi to keep the rain away.

But the two enjoyed this ordinary couple's fun, and kept finding new ways to play and joke around along the way.

Gu Guanqi carried Shen Qingqiu on his back and walked quickly forward, raindrops hitting his face.

Shen Qingqiu lay on Gu Guanqi's back, her face pressed against Gu Guanqi's neck, occasionally laughing out loud, her laughter ringing out clearly in the rain.

As we passed through a mountain hollow, we saw several tents ahead. The tents were neatly pitched, and several horses were tied up around them, indicating that a group was temporarily resting and taking shelter from the rain there.

Inside one of the tents in the middle, a woman with a gentle demeanor sat at the entrance, watching the rain outside. She was about thirty years old, with soft features and dressed elegantly yet with a touch of understated sophistication.

She was watching Gu Guanqi carrying Shen Qingqiu as they ran through the rain, and she became so engrossed that she couldn't help but smile, a smile tinged with envy.

Just then, a refined-looking man approached from behind her. He was also about thirty years old, with a handsome face, wearing a moon-white brocade robe, and exuding an air of scholarly elegance. Seeing the gentle woman gazing absently at the rain, he softly asked, "What are you looking at, Madam?"

The gentle woman pointed at Gu Guanqi and his companion, her voice tinged with a soft sigh: "Look at that young couple, though they're soaked to the bone, they're happy to be with their loved ones!"

The refined man followed the gentle woman's gaze and saw the figure running in the rain carrying someone on her back. He smiled and said, "I could carry my wife like that too."

Upon hearing this, the gentle woman merely chuckled softly, her tone tinged with self-deprecation: "If you dared to be so intimate with me outside, I'm afraid my mother-in-law would scold me for disgracing the family."

The refined man's face stiffened, and he said somewhat awkwardly, "It's not that bad. Although my mother is old-fashioned, we are husband and wife. It's nothing to be a little close."

The gentle woman's gaze remained fixed on the rain, her voice calm as she said, "Of course she wouldn't want to scold you, but she will scold me. What can I do? My family is humble; how could we possibly understand the rules of you high-class families?"

The refined man was speechless for a moment. He opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say, so he fell silent.

The gentle woman said no more. Seeing Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu getting closer, she turned her head and said, "My lord, why don't we help them? Let them come in and take shelter from the rain. It doesn't look like the rain will stop anytime soon, and there's nowhere to take shelter here."

The refined-looking man nodded quickly and said, "I will do as my wife says."

A short while later, Gu Guanqi came running over carrying Shen Qingqiu on his back.

The refined-looking man called out to them, "Gentlemen, there's nowhere to take shelter from the rain for miles ahead. If you don't mind, why don't you come in and take shelter from the rain?"

Gu Guanqi thought for a moment and then replied, "Then I'll take my leave."

Then, he carried Shen Qingqiu into the tent.

The tent wasn't large, but it was clean and tidy. A thick felt blanket was laid on the ground, and a small charcoal stove burned in the corner, with a copper kettle boiling water on it. The charcoal fire made the tent warm and cozy, isolating it from the wind and rain outside, creating two separate worlds.

As soon as they entered the tent, Gu Guanqi gently put Shen Qingqiu down.

After they stood still, they faced each other and tidied each other's messy hair. Their actions were natural and intimate, without any hesitation, just like any young couple deeply in love.

As the two brushed the hair away from each other's faces, their features were fully revealed.

Both the refined man and the gentle woman had an undisguised look of amazement in their eyes.

At this moment, Gu Guanqi straightened his robes, cupped his hands to the refined man and gentle woman, and said, "Thank you both, I'm sorry to have bothered you!"

The refined-looking man quickly waved his hand and said, "You're welcome, you're welcome. Everyone has inconveniences when they're out in the world. Helping others is helping yourself!"

The gentle woman looked Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu up and down, and sighed softly, "You two are truly a perfect match, a match made in heaven."

Upon hearing this, Gu Guanqi smiled and accepted the compliment, saying with a chuckle, "Yes, that's what everyone says!"

The gentle woman was slightly taken aback, not expecting Gu Guanqi to answer like that. After all, in her mind, most people would say something humble when praised.

She couldn't help but chuckle, then added, "There's a charcoal fire here, come and warm yourself up, don't catch a cold."

.

"Thanks."

Gu Guanqi didn't refuse and pulled Shen Qingqiu to sit down by the charcoal stove. Soon, the tent was filled with the crackling sound of charcoal fire, mixed with the sound of rain pouring outside.

The gentle woman and the refined man also sat down.

For a moment, the tent fell silent.

The refined-looking man spoke up, "Where are you two headed?"

Gu Guanqi said, "Let's go to Baiyi City to visit relatives."

Baiyi City is the county seat of this area. After passing Baiyi City, the next stop is the territory of Yanzhou Prefecture.

Upon hearing this, the refined-looking man said, "Going to Baiyi City? That's quite far, at least three or four hundred li. Are you two planning to walk there?"

Gu Guanqi said, "Once we get to the county town, we'll find a vehicle and take it as far as we can. Otherwise, we'll walk. We're not in a hurry."

.

The refined-looking man said, "Then it's best to take the official roads. Baiyi County hasn't been very peaceful lately." As he spoke, he looked at Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu and said, "However, since both of you are carrying weapons, you must be martial artists, so there's no need to worry too much."

Gu Guanqi said with a smile, "Yes. I'm quite skilled in martial arts; I can protect my wife!"

The refined man and the gentle woman exchanged a glance and both chuckled softly to themselves.

Both of them were martial artists, and they knew very well that martial arts training was not something that could be accomplished overnight. It required consistent practice, enduring the sweltering heat of summer and the freezing cold of winter, to achieve even a little success.

Gu Guanqi, on the other hand, had fair and plump skin, slender fingers without any calluses, and was clearly not someone who practiced martial arts for many years.

Immediately, the two men had a rough idea of ​​what was going on. This was probably a rich young master, well-protected by his family, who had never experienced hardship or the dangers of the world. This trip was most likely a decision made by the two of them themselves, without their families' knowledge.

The refined-looking man glanced at Shen Qingqiu again.

Seeing the calluses on Shen Qingqiu's fingertips, his subconscious glances around as he sat on the stool, and his posture as if he could draw his sword at any moment, one could see the calluses on Shen Qingqiu's fingertips.

He was certain that this was the person who truly possessed martial arts skills.

In an instant, he had some guesses in his mind, and some information filled in his imagination:

A rich young master married a woman from the martial arts world. The woman was very accommodating to the young master, and her family also doted on him. So, the young master was clearly just a pretty face with no substance, but he didn't realize it.

Thinking of this, the refined man lost interest in exposing Gu Guanqi's bluff. He thought to himself: That woman is clearly a seasoned traveler in the martial world and should have some experience. Since she's also fooling around with this young master, she must be confident.

Immediately, he followed Gu Guanqi's words and said, "It's a good thing that you are skilled in martial arts, but you should know that the martial world is dangerous, so you should be more careful in your daily life."

Gu Guanqi said, "What you say makes sense, brother. I am usually very cautious."

The refined-looking man smiled slightly.

Just then, the gentle woman suddenly stared intently at Shen Qingqiu, then frowned slightly, hesitated for a moment, and asked, "May I ask if this lady's surname is Tie or Shen?"

Shen Qingqiu was slightly taken aback and said, "My surname is Shen. How did you know that, Madam?"

The gentle woman quickly asked, "Is your name Qingqiu?"

Shen Qingqiu was even more puzzled and asked, "My name is indeed Shen Qingqiu. Who are you?"

The gentle woman's eyes instantly reddened. She stood up abruptly, grabbed Shen Qingqiu's hand, and choked out, "Qingqiu, I'm your cousin, Shen Li! Don't you remember me? You loved playing with me when we were little!"

Shen Qingqiu exclaimed in surprise, "You're Cousin Shen Li? I didn't recognize you at all!"

Shen Li wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and said, "It's normal that you didn't recognize me. We haven't seen each other for almost twelve years. You were only thirteen or fourteen years old then, so you wouldn't have much of an impression of me. I only guessed it was you because you look similar to my aunt, and it really is you!"

Shen Qingqiu hesitated for a moment, then said, "Yes, it's been almost twelve years since I left Yanzhou. I never expected to run into you here, cousin!"

Shen Li's eyes reddened as she asked, "Qingqiu, where is Aunt? Is she alright?"

Shen Qingqiu said, "My mother's health is not very good, but my husband is a doctor. He has treated her and she is fine now. She just needs to rest."

Shen Qingqiu's mother has always lived in Qingyang County.

When Gu Guanqi returned to Qingyang County before, he visited her. At that time, he had obtained the Divine Scripture of the Medicine King and his medical skills had reached their peak. He then treated Shen's mother and cured her long-standing illness.

However, Shen's mother was too weak and needed to rest. She was not suited for long journeys. In addition, there were undercurrents in the capital. Therefore, Shen Qingqiu did not take her mother to the capital. In Qingyang County, with the protection of the Qingzhou Martial Arts Alliance, she did not need to worry about her mother's safety.

"Is your brother-in-law a doctor?" Shen Li asked Gu Guanqi.

Gu Guanqi nodded and said, "My primary profession is indeed that of a doctor."

Shen Li said, "Doctor, healing the sick and saving lives is a truly meritorious act!"

Shen Qingqiu glanced at Gu Guanqi, then looked at Shen Li and asked, "How are Grandpa and Uncle? Are they in good health?"

'

"Everything is fine, but I miss you and your aunt, especially Grandpa. Just thinking about your aunt makes him sad," Shen Li said. "Back then, you left Yanzhou with your aunt without even saying goodbye. Grandpa and my father searched for you for a long time after they found out, but there was no news. They've been worried about you two all these years. They would be so happy to know you're both doing well!"

Shen Qingqiu said, "Back then, I left a letter and left in a hurry. I had no choice. Cousin, you should also know that someone from the Tie family was pressuring my mother. My mother and I only managed to escape the Tie family's control with great difficulty."

I dared not linger, fearing they might change their minds again. I also dared not take my mother to the Shen family; after all, the Shen family wasn't solely under my grandfather and uncle's control. Furthermore, I worried that my actions might bring misfortune to the Shen family. Therefore, I left in a hurry.

Shen Li nodded and said, "I know. Grandpa and Father also know what you're thinking. They don't blame you for leaving without saying goodbye. They're just worried about you."

But now things are better. We've heard from you, and you've even started a family. Grandpa and Dad can finally rest easy. You're not in a rush to leave Yanzhou this time, are you?"

Shen Qingqiu nodded and said, "There's no rush."

"Then you must go back to the Shen family," Shen Li said, holding Shen Qingqiu's hand. After thinking for a moment, he said, "How about this, you wait for me in Baiyi City for a few more days. Your brother-in-law and I are also going to visit our relatives. It will only take three to five days at most. I will take you back to the Shen family then, okay? You haven't been back for so many years, you probably don't even know the way anymore."

"No, cousin," Shen Qingqiu said, "After my husband and I go to Baiyi City, we still have some things to do in Yanzhou City. Once we've finished our business there, I'll go to the Shen family to visit my grandfather and uncle."

Shen Li asked, "Is there any urgent matter in Yanzhou City? Your brother-in-law's family lives in Yanzhou City and has some influence there. If you need anything, you can ask him for help."

Shen Qingqiu shook his head slightly and said, "It's nothing major, just some personal matters, but it needs to be dealt with."

"I see," Shen Li said. "That works too. We'll be going back to Yanzhou City soon, so we can go back to the Shen family together. It's been a while since I've been back."

"Okay," Shen Qingqiu replied.

Shen Li smiled slightly and said, "Since you're going to Baiyi City, we're going the same way, so we can travel together for a while—"

Just then, a guard holding an umbrella appeared at the tent entrance, bowing and saying, "Young Master, Young Madam, the Old Madam requests your presence!"

Shen Li was slightly taken aback, then looked at the refined man.

The refined-looking man quickly said to Gu Guanqi and Shen Qingqiu, "Cousin, brother-in-law, please rest here for a while. My wife and I will be right back!"

Shen Qingqiu quickly said, "Cousin, brother-in-law, you're busy with your own things, don't worry about us."

Shen Li released Shen Qingqiu's hand and said softly, "I'll be back soon."

After saying that, Shen Li stood up.

The two then went out of the tent with their umbrellas.

As Gu Guanqi watched the two leave, he said to Shen Qingqiu, "Wife, your brother-in-law's family is quite extraordinary. There are many martial arts masters in that group."

Shen Qingqiu said, "Indeed, they are extraordinary; they are the Qin family, one of the four great families of Yanzhou."

"You know?" Gu Guanqi asked, puzzled.

Shen Qingqiu said, "Don't underestimate the intelligence capabilities of the Six Doors. My maternal grandfather's intelligence information is already on my desk."

My cousin married well. Her husband, Qin Lang, is the leader of the second branch of the Qin family. Currently, the head of the second branch is his mother, Madam Yu, who was a formidable figure in the martial arts world in her youth, a first-rate female knight-errant.

Gu Guanqi asked, "How come it's an old lady in charge?"

Shen Qingqiu said, "There's nothing we can do. The men died young, and the second branch of the Qin family has no one else capable of taking the lead. The first branch is also eyeing us covetously. If the old lady doesn't leave the mountain, the second branch will be devoured until there's not even a bone left."

My brother-in-law is capable, but he's too indecisive. He's over thirty now and still can't stand on his own, so my mother-in-law is still the one running the household.

"I see." Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "However, it seems that your brother-in-law treats your cousin quite well."

"That's right, the two got married because of true love." Shen Qingqiu said, "According to my intelligence, Madam Yu originally wanted Qin Lang to marry into the Gong family, which is also one of the four great families."

However, Qin Lang fell in love with my cousin, and for once, he stood up for himself, defying the pressure from the old lady and the entire second branch of the Qin family to marry her. Afterwards, the old lady disliked my cousin, but Qin Lang always protected her, so my cousin lived a relatively good life in the Qin family.

Gu Guanqi said, "But in this kind of environment, relying solely on your brother-in-law to maintain it isn't a long-term solution!"

Shen Qingqiu waved his hand and said, "There's no need to worry. Don't let my cousin's gentle appearance fool you; she's actually quite shrewd. She's just acting this way to please the Qin family."

I've been playing with her since I was very young; her martial arts skills and demeanor are quite good. Also, there's something quite interesting in the intelligence the Six Doors received.”

"What?" Gu Guanqi asked.

Shen Qingqiu smiled slightly and said, "My cousin's chance encounter with Qin Lang was actually deliberately arranged by her. So—how much of the influence do you think my cousin played in enabling Qin Lang, an indecisive person, to stand up to the entire second branch of the Qin family for my cousin's sake?"

Gu Guanqi gave a thumbs up and said, "Our cousin is amazing! She's got Qin Lang completely under her thumb."

Shen Qingqiu sighed and said, "I can't judge whether her methods are right or wrong, but for her, they have indeed changed her life. If she didn't use these schemes, her life now would probably not be so good."

Although the Shen family wasn't considered a top-tier clan, internal power struggles were severe. She wasn't an undisputed leader within the family and didn't receive many family resources. Marriage was her best chance to change her fate.

Gu Guanqi said, "It's indeed difficult to comment on this kind of thing. However, I still have to say, our cousin is really quite capable. With Qin Lang's status, what kind of women hasn't he seen? The fact that our cousin was able to win him over is enough to demonstrate her ability!"

On the other side, inside a large tent, several maids and servants were waiting.

Beside the central fireplace, an old woman sat on a cushion, her head full of silver hair in a bun, wearing a dark-patterned brocade robe that was solemn and dignified. She held a scepter in her hand, and her eyes and brows exuded a commanding presence when she lowered her gaze.

It was none other than Madam Yu, the current head of the second branch of the Qin family.

Qin Lang and Shen Li walked in.

-

Qin Lang closed his umbrella and called out, "Mother, what did you call us here for?"

Shen Li bowed respectfully and called out, "Mother."

Madam Yu glanced at Shen Li expressionlessly, then said, "I just heard that you took in two outsiders into the camp?"

Qin Lang quickly explained, "Mother, they are not outsiders. Those two are Shen Li's cousin and cousin-in-law."

"Really?" Old Madam Yu asked, "Was it because they were Shen Li's cousin and cousin-in-law that you took them in, or did you take them in first and then recognize them later?"

"This—" Qin Lang was speechless.

Shen Li quickly said, "Mother, it's my fault. I felt sorry for them when I saw them getting wet in the rain. I know I was wrong."

"Hmph," Old Madam Yu snorted coldly and said, "They really have no vigilance at all. Now, the eldest son's family is eyeing us covetously, wishing they could put us to death, and the Gong family is also being aggressive from the outside."

Don't you know why we're going to the Hu family this time? There's no room for error. Whether we can withstand the pressure from the eldest son's family and the Gong family depends on this trip, and you're still acting recklessly here."

Qin Lang wanted to say something, but Shen Li stopped him.

Shen Li quickly said, "Mother, I know I was wrong, and I will never do it again."

Qin Lang quickly said, "Mother, it's not Shen Li's fault. I was the one who felt sorry for her first, and then I asked Shen Li. So, if anyone is to blame—"

"Shut up, you talk too much!"

Madam Yu gave a reprimand.

Qin Lang shut his mouth.

Shen Li also lowered her head and dared not speak.

"Alright," Madam Yu waved her hand and said to Shen Li, "Who are you trying to fool with this pitiful act? Can't you give me a break every day?"

After saying that, she beckoned, and two maids came forward with trays, which were filled with fresh fruits and some fine snacks.

Madam Yu said, "Take these things over and treat your cousin and cousin-in-law well, so that word gets out that my Qin family is ill-mannered and mistreats your family! I will have someone prepare a carriage to take them wherever they want to go."

"what?"

Qin Lang was somewhat surprised, not expecting that Old Madam Yu would pull such a stunt.

"What 'ah'?" Old Madam Yu said in a deep voice, "My Qin family is not some lowly family that doesn't know the rules. Go on, don't keep them waiting."

Shen Li quickly bowed and said, "Thank you, Mother!"

"Hmph." Old Madam Yu snorted softly and said nothing more.

Qin Lang and Shen Li then led their men out of the tent.

"Madam," Qin Lang said softly, "Don't take it to heart. My mother is just that kind of snob. Her dislike for you isn't your problem, it's hers. You're a very good person!"

Shen Li raised her head slightly, looked at Qin Lang, chuckled, and said, "Husband, I think Mother likes me quite a bit."

"Uh—" Qin Lang was slightly taken aback, then said, "I know you're trying not to put me in a difficult position, but it's alright, Madam. You don't need to wrong yourself. Anyway, if Mother makes things difficult for you, just tell me, and I'll protect you!"

Shen Li smiled slightly and said, "I truly believe that Mother likes me."

Qin Lang: "

Meanwhile, inside the tent, Madam Yu took a sip of tea and said softly, "Shen Li is becoming more and more mature, but she still has a bit of a girlish temper sometimes."

An old woman standing next to Madam Yu said, "It's just that the eldest young master doesn't seem to understand your good intentions!"

Madam Yu said, "That silly boy, he's just lucky to have found such a capable wife like Shen Li. He still thinks I've mistreated Shen Li!"

The old woman said, "The young master will understand later. In order to marry the young mistress, he openly refused the marriage alliance. To put it bluntly, this shows that he disregarded the interests of the family and will make the family members feel disheartened."

If you don't show any harshness towards the eldest young mistress, then others will target her. It will also discourage others, and if they all follow suit, our second branch of the family will be completely broken up.

Madam Yu laughed and said, "However, fools are sometimes lucky. The more I look at my daughter-in-law, the more satisfied I am. She looks just like me when I was young. If it weren't for our poor family background, my silly son wouldn't have been qualified to catch her eye."

Over the past few years, she and I have worked together very well. I played the wicked mother-in-law, and she played the understanding and capable eldest daughter-in-law. Now, who in the second branch still cares about that brat Qin Lang refusing the marriage proposal? Everyone thinks that Qin Lang got a good deal, and that our second branch got a good deal. On the contrary, more and more people think that I am too harsh.

Once this matter is resolved, I can create an opportunity for this wicked mother-in-law to be won over by her daughter-in-law's understanding and reasonableness, and then let her take charge of the household.

The old woman said, "Madam is wise!"

Madam Yu said with a smile, "This silly son is a bit silly, but he's really lucky. He even used tricks to marry such a shrewd wife."

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