She got pregnant after the swap marriage, and the scumbag's family regretted it so much they cr

Madam Li was busy with household affairs and had been nagging Lu Ruyi for most of the day, leaving both of them starving. When it was time for dinner, someone from the kitchen came and said they would have to wait a little longer.

Lu Ruyi immediately exploded: "Wait? Wait for what? I've noticed that since the kitchen manager was replaced, he's become even less respectful of my mother!"

What terrible thing could have happened? My mother, the matriarch of the household, has to wait for us to have dinner!

The maid who came to deliver the message had her head bowed low: "The head steward said that since the eldest young lady rarely comes back, the master said that he wanted to add more dishes to the front yard, so he used a few of them."

"Great-aunt?" Lu Ruyi didn't realize who was being referred to at first, but then she screamed shrilly, "Lu Huan! Why is she back!"

Li couldn't help but pick at her ear, then waved to the maid, "You can go down now! Bring it up together when it's done."

After everyone left, Madam Li said with exasperation, "What did I just tell you? Why did you lose your composure again as soon as you heard that Lu Huan was here!"

Ms. Li felt a slight soreness and swelling in her temples.

She thought that after Lu Huan got married, the entire Lu family would belong to her and her son, but she never expected to be betrayed by her daughter.

"The head steward is your father's confidant and always listens to him. His actions must be at your father's behest. Don't provoke him at this time."

"Your dad's been acting strangely lately, selling off several shops in a row. The people I planted there haven't gotten away with it."

Lu Ruyi retorted, "Mother, are you just going to swallow this insult just because Lu Huan is riding on your head?"

"What nonsense are you talking about! Is this how I taught you before?!"

Looking at her daughter's red eyes, Madam Li finally softened: "How many times have I told you before, a woman's outward appearance is that she should submit to her husband. Once you have your husband under your control, you can do whatever you want in his family."

You just won't listen, and you even changed your marriage plans. Your mother has given in to your every whim, but you're still living a chaotic life!

Lu Ruyi tugged at Li Shi's sleeve: "Mother, I just can't stand seeing Lu Huan so smug!"

Madam Li stroked Lu Ruyi's face, gazing tenderly at her daughter who resembled her most: "I'm the same way. I thought I could send her to the Li family and keep her under my nose. I never expected her to have such cunning and climb up to the Prince of Yan's mansion. For the time being, I can't do anything to her."

"That's right, Mother. You take such good care of her, yet she keeps it a secret from you."

Li poked Lu Ruyi's head hard: "You're even trying to sow discord between your mother and your husband! You should use that energy on your mother-in-law!"

Lu Ruyi pouted, "Mother, do you think I'm useless? I only have a hundred or so taels of silver, what can I do with that! Lu Huan has been buying people and food, and she's won over the Gao family. Now, only that idiot Gao Manting is on my side!"

Li was almost driven to her death by her daughter's behavior; how could she belittle her ally like that!

"She's an idiot, so what are you!"

Lu Ruyi was speechless for a moment, pursed her lips, and said nothing more.

Holding Lu Ruyi's hand, Li's thoughts were churning: "Perhaps your idea has some merit. But Ruyi, after leaving the North, you'll be practically all alone in Jinling."

Mother... Mother can't bear to part with you!

Lu Ruyi's eyes lit up, and she thought to herself: This is promising!

"Mother, you should also persuade Father to leave with us!"

Li was amused by her naive words: "The Lu family can be considered wealthy merchants in Yanjing, but what are they in Jinling?"

Nanjing is a wealthy and prosperous city where every inch of land is incredibly valuable!

In her previous life, after Lu Ruyi was rescued by Lu Huan's men, she was also sent to Jinling. However, by then she had been blind for a long time, and there was no possibility that her eyesight would ever be restored.

She lived in Nanjing for several years, but she never actually witnessed the city's prosperity firsthand.

"Mother, have you ever been to Jinling?"

Li scoffed, "I don't have that kind of luck."

She paused, then said, "This is how my life is; I can only go wherever your father goes. But it's different for you; you can still travel around with Gao Zhongbao!"

Lu Ruyi looked at her mother, and some words almost slipped out.

Since they were planning this for me, wouldn't sending me to the Li family have been the best option at the time?

But she will never find the answer to this question in her lifetime.

Her eyes flickered, and she asked again, "If Father dies, will Mother only need to persuade Brother?"

Li immediately slapped Lu Ruyi and looked around. Remembering that she had already sent everyone away, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"You're getting bolder and bolder! You dare to say such outrageous things!"

Li pulled Lu Ruyi into her arms and whispered in her ear, "Your father isn't as amiable as he seems on the surface. Although your brother is capable of handling things independently, he hasn't fully taken over your father's business yet."

"Besides, Lu Huan is involved. Her maternal family's affairs aren't so simple; your father will need to mediate."

Lu Ruyi's eyes became unfocused, staring blankly and aimlessly behind Li Shi.

Only then did she understand why, despite the devastating blow to the north and the loss of most of his business, Lu Chengde was still able to maintain his life in Nanjing.

She pursed her lips: "Am I destined to always give in to Lu Huan?"

Li sighed, and after thinking it over, she finally relented and said, "When you've convinced Gao Zhongbao to prepare for the southward relocation, come back for a visit."

really!

Lu Ruyi grasped Li Shi's shoulders, sat up straight, and her eyes gleamed with unusual excitement: "Mother! You really were hiding something from me!"

Just then, a maid's voice came from outside: "Madam, Second Aunt, dinner has been served."

Madam Li patted Lu Ruyi on the shoulder: "This matter can't be rushed. Let's talk about it after you've convinced the Gao family!"

"mother!"

"There's no point in acting coquettishly!"

On the other side, in the study in the front yard.

Lu Chengde and his son-in-law Gao Yan were already quite drunk. Their cheeks were flushed, especially Gao Yan, who had a silly grin on his face.

Lu Huan kept pouring him more wine, as if afraid he wouldn't get drunk.

"Huan'er, don't pour it out for me!"

Gao Yan covered his cup, and Lu Huan almost spilled the wine on the back of his hand.

Lu Chengde stroked his beard and looked at the young couple with a smile: "Huan'er, this son-in-law is quite good. If he can pass the imperial examination, I'll have the face to face your mother after I die!"

Lu Huan lowered her head to hide the disdain in her eyes and said cheerfully, "How old is Dad? He already wants to see Mom. What will you say when Mom asks you what my child looks like?"

Hahaha--

Lu Chengde burst into laughter: "Yes, yes, yes! Huan'er is right!"

Gao Yan held Lu Huan's hand, his doe-like eyes fixed intently on her: "Huan'er, are you really willing..."

Lu Huan's face flushed, and he slapped Gao Yan on the forehead.

These words were clearly meant to appease Lu Chengde, but how could Gao Yan, that simpleton, have taken them to heart!