The legitimate daughter returns, and everyone in the Marquis's mansion regrets and begs for for

Su Muya stopped Su Muyang and said, "Brother, don't be in such a hurry. I've already told Mother to keep this a secret."

Su Muyang looked at Li Shi: "Mother, I can help cover it up, but what about Sister Muya?" Su Muyang knew that his mother always doted on Muya, and he only hoped that his mother would agree.

After hesitating for a moment, Li said, "I've already thought it through. I'll tell your grandmother that you're sick and need to rest, and have Muya move in with your aunt."

She had anticipated that her daughter wouldn't give up, so she pretended to be sad and suggested that they move in together.

Su Muyang frowned and said, "Is this appropriate?" Since Sister Ruo Muya moved out, it's just the three of them at home. This will make it much easier for him to visit Zhao Ling each time. However, this also means Zhao Ling will notice him.

Madam Li nodded and earnestly advised Su Muyang, "Muyang, you must remember that you will have to rely on yourself in the future. As long as you can pass the imperial examination and enter officialdom, your mother will be overjoyed. As for your aunt, your mother believes she is intelligent and will definitely take good care of you and your sister."

Su Muyang fell silent after hearing this, and after a long while said, "Mother, Muya is the eldest legitimate daughter, and I am just a son born out of wedlock."

Madam Li said, "Muyang, I know you feel wronged. But our family is poor. Even if we had money, I wouldn't be willing to give you a decent betrothal gift."

"Mother, I'm not wronged." Su Muyang's eyes reddened; he truly wasn't wronged. His father came from a merchant family, and this relative's family was much better off than the Su family. His father earned a lot of money and gave his mother a considerable amount. They had always lived a comfortable life.

Su Muya ran away crying.

Madam Li sighed and said to Su Muyang, "Son, I know you've been wronged. But be patient for a few years, and once I've completed my mourning period, I'll prepare a generous dowry for you."

Actually, Li felt guilty about this. After all, she didn't like Su Muya and hadn't prepared a dowry for Su Muyang. She wanted to save some money for her son, but Su Muyang was sensible from a young age and knew how to be filial to her, never complaining.

Su Muyang wiped away his tears and said, "Mother, I know my limits, I won't blame you."

Su Muyang wiped away his tears and said, "Mother, I know my limits, I won't blame you."

He knew Li was also saddened, after all, he was her only son. However, he felt his mother's actions were correct; if they had accepted the brocade box, they would have angered the Prince Zhao's mansion, and the Su family would have been finished. He wasn't afraid of that; what he feared was implicating the Su family. The Su family had been incredibly kind to him, and he couldn't let them suffer.

Mrs. Li was overjoyed, knowing that she had raised a sensible and considerate child.

Su Muya went back to her room, picked up a pillow, and slammed it against the wall: "Mother lied to me, you lied to me. You don't need to worry about my dowry, I can earn the money myself." Her maid, Xiangcao, had also said she would work hard to save money for her dowry, but she didn't believe her. Now, it's all gone.

The maid Xiangxue brought in the food and, seeing her so distraught, called out worriedly, "Miss, what's wrong?"

Su Muya gritted her teeth and cursed, "Bitch, they're all bitches! They stole my fiancé and caused me to be jilted."

Upon hearing this, Xiangxue's face turned pale. She whispered, "Miss, you can't say that about Madam. She didn't harm you; she was just looking out for you."

"You're talking nonsense. If she wasn't going to harm me, why didn't she prepare a dowry for me?"

"You are the eldest daughter, and even if Madam is confused, she will not mistreat you." Although Xiangxue despised Su Muya, she had to admit that Su Muya was far superior to her. Apart from being slightly better in appearance, she was far inferior to Su Muya in everything else.

Su Muya snorted coldly and said, "You were raised by her, so of course you'll speak up for her. Let me ask you, my mother said our family is the richest in Kaoshan Village. Where did all that money come from to buy fields, shops, land, and grain over the years?"

Xiangxue gave a wry smile and said, "Miss, I'm not speaking up for Madam, but you know what kind of people the eldest young master and the eldest young lady are. No matter what Madam does, it's all for our own good."

That's not entirely untrue. For the past two years, my grandmother has been working tirelessly outside, and the family's food, clothing, and daily necessities all depend on her financial support.

“Grandma has always treated everyone equally, but she just happens to favor you.” Su Muya finished speaking and started crying again: “Father doesn’t like me, Grandmother despises me, and both Mother and Father look down on me. What hope do I have left to live?”

This world is very harsh on women.

Li didn't want to argue with her about it: "Don't overthink it. Go wash up and go to bed. Your father has to go to the yamen first thing tomorrow morning."

Su Muyang didn't want to continue the topic: "Mother, I'll keep watch with you tonight, so those people won't break in and take us away."

Li shook her head and said, "No need, you go and rest. Aren't you going to the market in town tomorrow?"

Su Muya's given name was Muyang, chosen by her father. Li Shi's given name was Mu Wanxi. Both Li Shi and Su Muyang were sons born out of wedlock; Su Muyang's father was born out of wedlock, and her grandmother was born to a concubine, while her mother was originally a courtesan. Unfortunately, Su's grandmother was too domineering, and her daughters were spoiled and willful, creating chaos in the Su family.

Later, all the men of the Su family died in battle, and Li Shi fled the capital with Su Muyang and his three siblings. She returned this time because her mother had passed away, and she was worried about leaving Su Muyang alone in the capital. No matter what, he still bore the surname Su.

Su Muya wiped away her tears and said, "Mother, I'm fine. You should go to sleep! I'll go get some hot water to wash my feet."

After washing up, Su Muyang lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. He felt his mother was right; the Su family was not trustworthy.

Early in the morning, Madam Li saw them off at the door. She instructed them, "Muyang, you and your younger siblings must be careful when you are out."

Su Muya nodded and said, "Mother, I understand, don't worry!"

The worse the Su family treats her, the safer she is; she's not a fool. Her only worry now is Zhao Ling; she's experienced his methods firsthand.

After the two carriages drove out of the Su family courtyard, Su Muya stood by the window watching them disappear around the street corner. She clenched her fist and said, "Zhao Ling, one day, I will definitely trample you under my feet."

Li glanced at her retreating figure and said, "Mu Ya doesn't know what's good for her. I'm not going to take care of her anymore."

Su Muyang said, "Mother, don't worry, I will definitely protect my brother and sister-in-law from now on."

"Well, now that your father's gone, I can only rely on you."

Su Muyang felt a little heavy-hearted. If only his father were alright! The house they were living in now was rented with his father's help. If his father were still alive, the family could get by no matter how difficult things were.

Upon arriving in the county, Su Muya found an embroidery shop to order her wedding dress. She wanted a lavish dowry, so she first needed to secure it. Her jewelry box was already full; all of these items were bought with her father's earnings.