C5 You Have Something to Ask

Mrs. Lau wouldn't dare say that; Luo Tingye was her precious treasure, and she didn't have the courage to tell him to rest.

"Enough, don't say any more. If you have time, you should keep an eye on your two fine sons. Look at them, dressed like they have no care in the world. People might think the Luo family is all about appearances."

With that, Old Master Luo swept his sleeves and left.

Mrs. Lau called out awkwardly to his retreating figure, "But, sir..."

Yet, the master left without a backward glance.

Luo stepped outside, gazing at the sky with a distant and profound look, murmuring to himself, "Seems like Ye's wife is a good choice, she's quick-witted."

Banquet Night Courtyard.

She looked at her devilishly handsome husband with wide, curious eyes.

Luo Tingye couldn't help but chuckle. He'd never seen a woman so unabashedly fixated on a man, but he liked her gaze—clear and pure, unlike many others.

He raised a brow, "Do you have something to ask?"

Yan Li arched her brow in return, "Shouldn't you be explaining things to me? We're married now, aren't we? As they say, a couple is one unit. Shouldn't you tell me about the affairs of the Luo family?"

The sudden marriage was one thing, but the unexpected issues in the household were quite another.

Luo Tingye's smile deepened as he elegantly smoothed the fabric on his knee, speaking softly, "If you regret it, you can choose to leave. I'll tell my father it was my decision, not yours, so you don't have to worry about the Luo family troubling you."

Regret?

Did she regret it?

More importantly, these matters weren't for her to decide. Who she married, who she might remarry, what kind of lady she'd encounter—those were beyond her control. All she could do was face whatever came her way.

If she really leaves, who can guarantee her next marriage will be better? She's not one to gamble, just careful with every step she takes.

"I'm just wondering what's up with Mrs. Lau, that's all. You're overthinking it."

"Really?"

"As true as gold."

"Alright then. Actually, the Luo Mansion is pretty straightforward, and Mrs. Lau..."

Luo Tingye recounted the story of Mrs. Lau, leaving Yan Li increasingly stunned and speechless.

It turns out Mrs. Lau was just a concubine. Luo Tingye's real mother was Mrs. Mo, who tragically died in childbirth. Luo Tingye was raised by Nanny Mo, who was close to Mrs. Mo, but she passed away when he was six.

Luo Tingye was already frail, and with Nanny Mo's passing, Mrs. Lau became more brazen, taking over the household affairs without hesitation. Although Old Master Luo was the head of the family, his focus was mostly on the fields outside, leaving him little energy for household matters, which suited Mrs. Lau perfectly.

"Mrs. Lau, having gained power as the head of the household, naturally sought to benefit herself. She already had two sons, and over time, you became nothing more than a thorn in her side."

As Yan Li spoke, she poured a cup of tea for Luo Tingye and then for herself.

Luo Tingye accepted the tea without responding. She was right; this is human nature, after all. As the saying goes, "Look out for yourself, or the world will punish you."

Yan Li squinted slightly. Who says there's no conflict in the backyards of the wealthy? The larger the Luo Mansion, the more apparent the strife. If she wants to survive, she must plan carefully.

Meanwhile, at Willow Court...

Mrs. Lau was fuming. "Oh, what a Yan Li, what a farm girl! I thought she'd be easy to handle, but she's tougher than I expected. She even dared to talk back to me right in front of the Old Master. Does she really think marrying Luo Tingye makes her the Great Young Madam? I'll show her who's really in charge around here."

She had originally expected Miss Xie from the Xie family to become her daughter-in-law and had been plotting how to deal with her, given the Xie family's influence as one of the major landowners in Luo Town. But now, with a farm girl in the picture, she was pleased, thinking it would be much easier to handle than the Xie family. Yet, she had underestimated Yan Li and had to swallow her pride, which was hard to bear.

"Hmph, don't think this is all I've got. There's a long road ahead," Mrs. Lau muttered, her long fingers digging into her palm, determined to ruin Luo Tingye and his new wife.

...

Aware of Mrs. Lau's nature, Yan Li stayed on guard. Whenever Mrs. Lau made snide remarks, Yan Li would respond with reason and logic, leaving no room for criticism. With the support of Old Master Luo, Mrs. Lau found it hard to make any headway.

Today marked the beginning of spring, and during the Luo family's rituals, Mrs. Lau tried to make trouble. However, Yan Li quickly dismissed her plans with a well-placed argument.

"Mrs. Lau, your words seem a bit off. I may come from a farm, but I understand the importance of legitimacy. Please don't misunderstand; I'm not saying the two uncles aren't legitimate. But these rituals aren't just for the family; they're for outsiders too. We wouldn't want people to think the Luo family can't produce a proper heir, now would we? That would be truly laughable."

Yan Li's words were sharp yet wrapped in politeness, a skill she wielded expertly.

The Luo family is well-established and cannot afford to leave such an impression.

Old Master Luo nodded in agreement. "Let's go with the plan. This year, Ye will handle the ceremony."

Mrs. Lau: ...

Luo Town primarily focuses on agriculture, and the spring ceremony is crucial for all families, especially for a prominent landowner like the Luo family. It's of utmost importance.

Mrs. Lau is quite the strategist, always sending the two younger sons, Luo Tingbao and Luo Tingquan, to represent the family. It gives them a chance to shine in front of the elders. But as long as she's here, she won't let that happen again. At least Luo Tingye should have this opportunity.

Luo Tingye smiled silently, letting her take charge.

"Honey, do you mind that I took the initiative?"

"...No, I don't."

"That's good. Do you need any medicine for that day?"

Luo Tingye raised an eyebrow. Was he really that frail? He squeezed out two words, "No need."

Yan Li easily agreed, "Alright."

Yan Li genuinely wanted to be a good wife, but Mrs. Lau never gave her the chance, having oppressed the Eldest Young Master for over a decade. It was time for some relief.

A few days later, the spring ceremony went smoothly, and Luo Tingye made his appearance. However, due to his frail health, he only showed up briefly before returning home. Even though he didn't speak at the ceremony, it was enough for Yan Li. At least it showed some intent, but his health truly needed improvement.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Lau was genuinely upset.