The Concubine Strikes Back: The Marquis Insists on Me to Be His Wife

In the quiet and peaceful Yilan Courtyard of the Hou Mansion, the sun shone through the mottled leaves, casting tiny shadows. Su Qing was sitting on a carved pearwood chair with a focused look, listening to Xiao Yu reporting to her on the progress of the renovation.

Xiao Yu stood by respectfully, describing every detail in a clear and logical manner. After listening, Su Qing showed a satisfied smile on her face, which was as bright and moving as a flower blooming in spring. She said softly, "Xiao Yu, thanks to you, these things can go so smoothly."

"Madam, you are embarrassing me by saying that. I grew up in the Marquis's Mansion, so why shouldn't I serve you?" Xiao Yu said, his face full of humility and respect, lowering his head slightly, not daring to look directly at Su Qing. He bent his waist even lower to show his respect for Su Qing.

Just as Su Qing was about to praise Xiao Yu, Wu Yanran hurried in with a look of anxiety on her face. Her steps were flustered, and her skirt swayed with her movements. She said in a hurry: "Madam, the servant in the Marquis's study came to report that the Princess of Jin went to the study."

When Su Qing heard the news, her brows knitted together and her face instantly became gloomy, like a dark cloud. A trace of anger flashed in her eyes, and her words were filled with anger and confusion: "Why did she go to the study? I can't go in without the Marquis's permission, so how did she go in? Go and get someone to bring her out."

"Madam, it was the Marquis who let her in!" Wu Yanran said timidly, her face full of confusion and worry. Her eyes were filled with uneasiness, as if she was worried that Su Qing would get angry because of this.

However, when Su Qing heard that it was the Marquis's intention, her expression instantly returned to calm, and her expression was indifferent, as if the anger just now had never appeared. She sighed slightly and said, "Oh~~ That's okay." Although she looked calm on the surface, there were still ripples in her heart.

Seeing Su Qing so calm, Wu Yanran stamped her feet anxiously, her face full of anxiety, and said loudly: "Madam, aren't you worried?"

Su Qing glanced at Xiao Yu, then reprimanded Wu Yanran with a serious face: "The Marquis must have his reasons for letting her in, so don't gossip. By the way, I haven't thought of a name for the store yet. Go and ask the Marquis what name should I give to the store?" Her eyes were firm and her tone was unquestionable.

When Wu Yanran heard Su Qing's words, her frown immediately relaxed, and a bright smile bloomed on her face. She said cheerfully: "Yes, madam, I will go and ask the Marquis right away. It would be best if you can ask the Marquis to copy it out for your reference." After she finished speaking, she turned around and walked out with a smile. Her steps became much lighter, as if the burden on her shoulders had suddenly become a lot lighter.

Xiao Yu listened to every word of the conversation between Su Qing and Wu Yanran. He thought to himself, "Otherwise, Madam would have been able to overcome all the difficulties along the way! She is really amazing!" At this time, Xiao Yu's face was full of admiration and praise, and his respect for Su Qing increased a little more.

Su Qing looked at Wu Yanran's receding back, the corners of her mouth slightly raised, and a look of relief revealed in her eyes. She sighed in her heart: "What a smart girl!!! She understands everything at once. It would be great if Shui Lian and Ling Er were as smart. I would have more capable people around me, and things would go more smoothly." She shook her head gently, with a hint of expectation in her eyes.

At this time, Xiao Yu saw that Su Qing was thinking about something with a faint smile on her face, so he asked carefully: "Madam, can you draw the style of the shelves for me? I can find someone to make it." His voice was very soft, for fear of disturbing Su Qing's thoughts.

Su Qing came back to her senses, waved her hand gently and said, "Go downstairs and eat something, drink some tea, and come back to get the blueprint in a quarter of an hour."

"Yes, ma'am." Xiao Yu responded respectfully and retreated. His steps were light, and his heart was full of gratitude to Su Qing.

After Xiao Yu left, Su Qing picked up a piece of paper and a pen, frowned slightly, and looked focused. Her eyes were meticulous, as if she was completing an extremely important task. She carefully drew the required style of the shelf and the counter, stroke by stroke. Every line was filled with her hard work and expectations.

Meanwhile, Wu Yanran hurried to the door of the study. Rufeng was standing by the door. Seeing that it was Wu Yanran instead of Madam, he couldn't help but get curious. He frowned and asked in confusion, "Why are you here? Where's Madam? Why didn't she come?"

"Is the Princess of Jin still inside?" Wu Yanran asked anxiously, not bothering to answer Rufeng's question. Her breathing was rapid, and beads of sweat oozed from her forehead.

"They've already left." Rufeng answered truthfully. He looked at Wu Yanran, trying to understand why she was so anxious.

"Do you know what she is here for?" Wu Yanran looked anxiously at Rufeng, as if she wanted to see the answer from his face.

"I don't know. She just said that there was something about the diplomatic relations between the two countries that she wanted to inform the master. What are you doing here?" Rufeng looked at Wu Yanran with a puzzled look on his face, his heart full of questions.

"Ah, he's leaving! I'm here~~By the way, it was Madam who asked the Marquis to name the new store. Since the Marquis is busy with government affairs, I'll come and ask him another day. Madam is not in a hurry anyway." After Wu Yanran finished speaking, she turned around and left, her steps hurried. Rufeng watched from behind, and the figure seemed to be afraid of being called by him.

"Hey~ You were in a hurry when you came here, are you sure there is nothing wrong?" Rufeng raised his voice and shouted at Wu Yanran's back.

"You're mistaken. I always walk very fast!" Wu Yanran didn't even dare to turn her head. There was a hint of panic in her voice, for fear that Rufeng would see the flaw on her face. Her heartbeat accelerated, and she just wanted to leave this place as soon as possible.

"Rufeng~~What are you shouting outside the door?" Jiang Weiyang's majestic voice came from the study. The voice was full of energy and carried an irresistible momentum.

When Rufeng heard the Marquis' question, he quickly bowed and replied, "My Lord, it was Wu Yanran from Madam's side who came. I asked her a few questions."

Jiang Weiyang didn't say much after hearing this, and continued to focus on the matter at hand. Outside the study, Wu Yanran had already left in a hurry, leaving only a flustered sound of footsteps echoing in the air.

After returning to Yilan Courtyard, Wu Yanran reported to Su Qing.

"Madam, the Marquis is busy, so I just asked Rufeng a few questions. I didn't dare ask more. When I went there, the Princess of Jin had already left, so I didn't enter the Marquis' study and told Rufeng that you were not in a hurry to get it." Wu Yanran lowered her head and said nervously.

Su Qing nodded gently, "It's okay, I think the Marquis will let me know when he's done."

At this time, Xiao Yu also came back at the agreed time.

"Madam, I'm here to get the blueprints." Xiao Yu said respectfully.

Su Qing handed the finished drawing to Xiao Yu, "You must be careful and follow the pattern above. There can't be any mistakes."

Xiao Yu took the blueprint and looked at it carefully. "Don't worry, Madam. I understand."