Chapter 129: A Ruthless Character! (Part One)

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Madam Meng spoke kindly, her tone measured and calm.

But Lin Yanyao felt as if she had been struck unexpectedly in the chest.

She could tell, and had seen clearly, that Madam Meng was not negotiating with her at all.

This woman, though smiling softly, wore a smile so gentle yet chilling that it sent a shiver down her spine.

Lan Yu, standing behind, almost lost her composure at Madam Meng’s words and was eager to step forward to argue.

Lin Yanyao quickly gathered herself and with a sharp look, signaled her to step back.

Madam Meng noticed but remained impassive, sipping her tea as she said, "I know you are a sensible child. This matter is indeed for your own good. What do you think?"

Lin Yanyao clenched her hand resting on her knee tightly, forcing a calm expression as she met her gaze. "I am grateful for your concern, Mother-in-law, and I will obey your instructions. However—this is not solely my decision. We should ask Brother Yu’s opinion as well, shouldn’t we?"

"He doesn’t understand these things," Madam Meng said evenly, not pressing too hard. "If you doubt me, you can always ask your mother. As a woman, she should understand the stakes involved."

Lin Yanyao saw clearly through her attitude and chose not to engage further. Madam Meng was forcing her to comply—either she agreed directly or nothing else would matter.

Now that she was married into the Marquis of Dingyuan’s family, she was part of the Wu household. There was no reason to consult her natal family on every matter. Madam Meng was shutting her up with this argument.

Though their first direct conversation ended without raised voices, it was nonetheless an unhappy parting.

After finishing the tea, Lin Yanyao stood and said her farewells. "It’s late. I won’t disturb Mother-in-law any further. I will come to greet you another day."

"Mm, go on back," Madam Meng nodded and instructed Shu Qin to personally deliver those items to Luoyun Pavilion.

Lin Yanyao thanked them again and left the South Courtyard with Lan Yu.

Once she was gone, Madam Meng set down her teacup and went back inside.

Shu Rong helped her wash up and couldn’t help but ask, "Madam, if you don’t want the second young lady to have children so soon, why not secretly tamper with her food? She’s new here and at your mercy. But to say it outright—doesn’t that ruin the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship?"

"Tamper?" Madam Meng glanced sideways with a cold smile as she washed her hands. "If I did that behind the scenes and was caught, it would become undeniable evidence. Only a fool would do such a thing. I don’t care for that Lin woman, but I cannot disregard the mother-son bond with Yu’er. I know him too well. I spoke plainly because I wanted everything out in the open. Lin looks cautious enough; she knows I dislike her yet she shouldn’t defy me for the sake of the future. And was there a single word I said wrongly? Even if Yu’er learns of this later, he can’t blame me."

Madam Meng didn’t care how Lin Yanyao thought of her. But she knew her son’s temperament thoroughly—

If she resorted to underhanded tactics, Wu Qingyu would inevitably turn against her and hold a grudge. She could never risk that.

Now she was applying both pressure and persuasion, forcing Lin Yanyao to drink the fertility-suppressing soup herself. Even if Wu Qingyu found out later, Madam Meng’s words were not wrong, and he could not find fault with her.

Shu Rong knew Madam Meng disliked the match Wu Qingyu had made, so she didn’t find it improper to urge Lin Yanyao to delay childbirth. But reflecting on Lin Yanyao’s earlier attitude, it was clear she was unhappy.

Shu Rong worried aloud, "What if she tells the Lin family during the return visit? If the Lin family finds out, won’t they make trouble?"

Madam Meng’s eyes glinted with malice, unbothered. "That’s exactly why I told her to say it. She’s married into our Wu family now. Does the Lin family really think this is a free cleanup service for their mistakes? They reaped the benefits and convenience; now they must face the consequences. Since the girl belongs to us now, unless they want her back, she must obey me."

Lin Yanyao was already married in, so the Lin family was completely passive.

Even if Madam Li thought this demand excessive, what could they do? Lin Yanyao had already lost her reputation once; even if she were a pure girl, being divorced or dismissed would ruin her for life.

That was a woman’s fate: once married, she must accept her lot.

Madam Meng spoke with certainty, and Shu Rong shrugged, choosing not to argue further and focused on helping her.

Meanwhile, Lin Yanyao, after leaving the South Courtyard, sent Shu Qin to return the gifts, then took a stroll in the garden with Lan Yu to ease her mind.

Shu Qin obeyed and left promptly.

Once they were gone, Lan Yu couldn’t hold back her anger: "Miss, what do you think that Madam Marquis means? This is so unfair! Saying it’s for your own good is just an excuse to force you. Even in an ordinary family, when a daughter-in-law marries in, the priority is having heirs. Without sons, how can you stand firm in a big household like this? Her words sound polite, but it’s clearly to undermine you, to stop you from having children. Is she planning to put someone else in the young master’s room? What nonsense!"

Lin Yanyao was far angrier but kept silent with a stern face.

Lan Yu grew more furious: "At first, I thought Madam Marquis was generous, but she’s silently scheming. She waited silently for you to fall into the trap, then she’d control you completely."

"If you didn’t want your son to marry her, why not say so outright? Instead of playing the good person quietly and then acting up after the marriage is settled?"

Lan Yu was desperate and kept talking, but seeing her lady’s silence, she tugged on her sleeve: "Miss, say something! The Madam Marquis obviously means to bully you. If you don’t figure out a way to deal with her now, how will you live here in the long run?"

Lin Yanyao frowned and glanced sideways: "If you already know she’s deliberately targeting me, then what do you suggest we do?"

Madam Meng was her mother-in-law; that alone was enough to suffocate them.

Lan Yu hesitated, "Maybe—find a chance to mention this to the Old Madam?"

Lin Yanyao smiled wryly, cutting her off, "And what, go gossip about my mother-in-law behind her back just after I married in? Besides, you heard what she said earlier—it all sounded so polite, saying it’s for my own good. We know her intentions, but outsiders do not. If I complain, what will others think?"

Everyone already thought the Wu family had done the Lin family a great favor by marrying me in. Madam Meng was only concerned for her daughter-in-law’s safety. If I dared complain to the Old Madam, I’m sure Madam Meng would spread it everywhere the next day, and everyone would blame me for causing trouble right after marriage.

Madam Meng seemed to relish playing these underhanded games.

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Lan Yu was stunned and grew even more anxious. "Then what do we do? Only the Old Madam can officially oppose Madam Marquis and speak for you... What about asking Miss Biao?" But she immediately dismissed this idea. "No, no! Miss Biao is still unmarried and a junior. She can’t get involved, and she’s a younger generation."

Lan Yu was truly worried and pondered, finally settling on Madam Meng’s suggestion. "Maybe tomorrow when we return, tell our lady to mention it to our Mistress..."

Lin Yanyao sighed and interrupted, "Do you think she means well? She told me to ask my mother partly to use my words to upset her, and partly as a threat. She’s saying that even if I don’t comply, she can take matters into her own hands later."

This Madam Meng was not as plain as she seemed—she was a ruthless player!

Lin Yanyao had not thought this deeply at first, but after reflecting on her words along the way, she finally understood the real meaning behind them—

Yes! Since I am now in the Wu family, there’s no turning back. Even if Madam Li wanted to intervene, she couldn’t. And if she found out about this, knowing her daughter was suffering, she would only be angrier and more worried that Madam Meng might do more harm.

Lan Yu did not know the deep-seated hatred between the Lin and Wu families, but Lin Yanyao was very clear on it now.

If it were someone else, she might not think so maliciously, but Madam Meng was different!

Their families had old enmities!

Since Madam Meng couldn’t let go, this was a deadlock.

Hearing this, Lan Yu broke out in cold sweat. "Then what do we do now? All roads are blocked. Are you really going to listen to her?"

Lin Yanyao pressed her lips.

When she first came here, mentioning Madam Meng made her uneasy. But Wu Qingyu treated her well, and she had intended to repay his kindness and honor her mother-in-law. Who could have expected Madam Meng would start with such a display of power to knock her down?

"Why should I listen to her? I married into the Wu family, not for her!" After much thought, Lin Yanyao made up her mind. She took a deep breath, determination flashing in her eyes. "If she insists on fighting, then we’ll just keep up appearances and maintain a surface peace."

"That’s easier said than done; she is still our young master’s mother!" Lan Yu’s face was full of worry. "What are we going to do about this?"

Even for Wu Qingyu’s sake, Lin Yanyao did not want conflict with Madam Meng.

But the situation was as it was. It was no longer a matter of willingness; Madam Meng’s ruthless tactics left no room for easing tensions.

After careful consideration, she sighed, "I’ll take a gamble." She beckoned Lan Yu closer and whispered a few instructions.

Lan Yu frowned deeply. "What if the young master—"

Lin Yanyao smiled faintly. "I owe him one anyway. If he agrees, I’ll step back willingly." Then she reminded her again, "Don’t say anything about this at home tomorrow. They won’t help and might cause more trouble. Understand?"

"Yes, mistress," Lan Yu nodded, feeling a pang of sadness at the smile on her lady’s face.

What kind of trouble was this? The young master was such a good man; they thought their lady had found a good home, yet she ended up with such a mother-in-law. It was only the second day after the wedding, and already so troublesome. How would her days go from now on?

After strolling through the garden, Lin Yanyao resolved some things and returned to Luoyun Pavilion with Lan Yu.

Wu Qingyu, bored in the evening, had practiced swordplay in the back garden and came back sweating. Seeing her, he grumbled, "Why so late?"

"Just taking a walk in the garden," Lin Yanyao replied, pouring him a glass of water.

He didn’t notice any change in her mood, took the cup, and sat down to drink. "I thought you went to find Wu Tan."

"We have the return visit tomorrow; no time for that!" Seeing him drenched in sweat, she took a handkerchief to wipe his face.

Wu Qingyu pulled her into his arms and kissed her with a grin.

Lin Yanyao blushed and pushed him away. "You’re all sweaty. Go wash up first!"

He felt uncomfortable too and let go.

Lin Yanyao ordered bathwater prepared, helped him wash, then wrung out his hair.

Suddenly he remembered, turning to ask, "Hey! When I called you over tonight, did my mother say anything?"

Lin Yanyao’s expression dimmed briefly but quickly recovered, smiling. "She mentioned a few things. We’ll sleep early today and I’ll tell you tomorrow."

Wu Qingyu knew his mother’s temper and that she was unhappy about the marriage. He thought any displeasure would just be sulking. Seeing Lin Yanyao calm, he didn’t press and held her as they went to bed.

The next morning, the young couple woke early for their return visit.

In the Marquis of Dingyuan’s residence, only the Old Madam and Madam Meng were the elders. The younger family members were informal, and there was no custom of formal morning or evening greetings.

After breakfast in their room, the couple dressed and planned to greet the Old Madam before leaving. As they stepped into the courtyard, they met Wu Tan supporting the Old Madam out.

"Grandmother, are you going out?"

The Old Madam smiled warmly at the couple but was cut off by Wu Tan’s sharp remark, "It’s the first day of the month; grandmother is going to Xiangguo Temple to pay respects. Didn’t you know?"

She and Wu Qingyu were used to exchanging barbs.

"Uh..." Wu Qingyu, either more mature or in a good mood, didn’t retort and apologized to the Old Madam. "Yanyao and I are going for the return visit today and can’t accompany you. How about I come fetch you after lunch?"

The Old Madam laughed, "No need. I go every month; it’s not far, and I might not return today. Your return visit is important, focus on that. Tan will keep me company."

The Old Madam regularly went to Xiangguo Temple on the first day of every month, sometimes staying overnight if the abbot was giving sermons.

Wu Qingyu knew this and said nothing.

Lin Yanyao felt a little embarrassed. "Next time, we’ll accompany you."

"Good!" The Old Madam smiled. "You should get going; your family is surely waiting. Give my regards to your grandfather."

"Yes!" Lin Yanyao bowed.

Since they were all leaving, they went together.

Chang Tai and Lan Yu had already loaded all the gifts onto the carriage at the gate. The Old Madam’s carriage was ready too, and all waited at the entrance.

Wu Qingyu immediately noticed a strong, spirited horse pulling the Old Madam’s carriage. He lifted his robe’s hem and ran over. "Hey! Is this a new horse? Doesn’t look like one from the stables, more like a tamed wild horse. Such a horse pulling a carriage is a waste. Swap it for mine later!"

The coachman looked at Wu Tan standing on the steps and hesitated. "Second Young Master, this horse isn’t bought; it belongs to Second Young Miss!"

Wu Qingyu was affectionately rubbing the horse’s mane.

Wu Tan hurried over and swatted his hand away.

Wu Qingyu, fond of horses, laughed cheekily, "Oh, it’s yours? Where did it come from? You don’t need it anyway. I’ll get you two sets of fine tack in exchange for Second Brother."

"No way!" Wu Tan ignored him. "Go on, your father-in-law is waiting for you to join the feast."

Xiao Yue once looked down on these things but after seeing the horse’s spirit last time, she wanted to keep it. She instructed the coachman to harness it properly and hoped to take it for a ride in the wild soon.

At that moment, Wu Qinglin emerged from inside.

"Big brother!" Lin Yanyao, now calling him big brother after marrying Wu Qingyu, was the first to see him.

Wu Qinglin looked off, deep in thought, and seemed out of sorts. Hearing her, he lifted his head and saw everyone gathered.

"Oh! You’re going for the return visit today? Give my regards to the uncles," he said as he gathered himself.

Wu Qingyu, now married into the Lin family, no longer deliberately avoided his elder brother. Though still uneasy, he asked, "Big brother, are you going out?"

"Yes." Wu Qinglin nodded slightly. "I’ve been busy since the last mission. The emperor sent a summons for me to go today."

He noticed the two lines of carriages outside and remembered it was the first day of the month. Feeling guilty, he said to the Old Madam, "Grandmother, the emperor’s summons can’t be refused. I won’t be able to accompany you today."

"No matter! You all have your affairs," the Old Madam said.

After greeting one another, Wu Qinglin rode off with Mu Song. Wu Qingyu and Lin Yanyao boarded the front carriage, followed by a small carriage of gifts heading to the Lin family.

Wu Tan helped the Old Madam into her carriage and set off for Xiangguo Temple.

In the South Courtyard, Shu Rong watched the movements outside closely. Once the group’s whereabouts were confirmed, she hurried back to report to Madam Meng. "Madam! The Old Madam has left town, only taking Second Young Miss. The heir was summoned by the emperor to enter the palace today."

Madam Meng paused her calculations and looked up, giving a meaningful glance.

The opportunity today was rare and worth waiting for; Wu Qinglin was just called away by the emperor...

*

Spring was in full bloom, and the scenery outside the city was beautiful. It was the first day of the month, and many people were going up the mountain to offer incense. Though Xiangguo Temple was outside the city, the road was busy with carriages and pedestrians.

Wu Tan leaned against the window, enjoying the view.

The Old Madam sat inside the carriage resting peacefully, relaxed throughout the journey.

Xiangguo Temple was located halfway up Great Lonely Mountain, about ten miles from the city outskirts. It was the largest temple around the capital. Even palace nobles occasionally came here to pray. Due to its popularity, the mountain roads were well maintained.

Although carriages could reach the temple gate, the Old Madam, enjoying the good weather, ordered the coachman and guards to carry the monk’s robes and offerings ahead, while she and Wu Tan walked up the mountain on foot.

By the time they reached the top, it was nearly noon. The Old Madam met acquaintances who were also there to pray and went off with them to talk.

Wu Tan arranged for the temple’s steward monk to prepare a guest room for them to stay overnight.

Xiangguo Temple often had noble visitors, and a large courtyard at the back was set aside for guests.

A novice monk led the Wu family’s servants to unload their belongings into their assigned courtyard.

Wu Tan, rarely coming out, didn’t enter the house but stood on the small path outside, enjoying the sun and directing the servants.

She was just feeling comfortable when a small voice behind her said, "Hey, that courtyard opposite has someone staying today!"

Wu Tan turned to see someone pushing open the gate and stepping out from the opposite courtyard.

And then—

She recognized the visitor!

This book is originally published; please do not repost!

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