The Flourishing Era of Female Merchants

Indeed, he came here specifically today. He ultimately listened to that woman's advice and decided to take the gamble. The woman was right; Madam Liu would not tolerate them, and he could not guarantee that Madam Liu would never discover their existence. He only had one path to take: to continuously make himself stronger, strong enough to protect his mother.

So he took the gamble. Just as he entered the door, he wasn't sure if his appearance would displease his father. As it turned out, his father was indeed unhappy, but his mother's snacks calmed his father's anger.

When he saw Madam Liu looking at him with such anger, he knew that he had made the right move today. Madam Liu knew of his existence. Just as that woman said, if he did not take this opportunity, he might only be waiting to die.

He wasn't stupid; he knew that perhaps his father hadn't initially intended for him to be recognized as a member of the family, but Madam Liu's reaction prompted his father to make such a decision.

Should he thank Madam Liu? A chill ran through him. He knew perfectly well that even if he and his mother returned to the Liu residence, Madam Liu would not let them have any peace. What he had to do was, as that woman had said, to become strong enough to protect his mother.

“Inappropriate? How is it inappropriate? You are my son, Liu Xuan, and you should be recognized as a member of the family. Even if it weren’t today, I would have already made arrangements for you and your mother. In a little while, I will send someone to bring your mother back. From now on, you will stay by my side.” Liu Xuan said loudly, his tone firm. There was no room for negotiation on this matter.

Even if it wasn't today, had he already made arrangements for that mother and child? Madam Liu's barely suppressed anger burned even more fiercely now. What were his plans for them? Would he bring them back sooner or later? Hmph, she knew this day would come, she knew that mother and child would become a threat to her and Zhan'er, but she hadn't had time to get rid of them yet…

Now, is the master going to bring that woman back?

"Congratulations, Master Liu! This is a triple celebration. Your second son is also a handsome and talented man, destined for great things."

"Yes, when the Second Young Master entered just now, I felt that he and Master Liu were like two peas in a pod. It turns out they are father and son. Congratulations..."

The male guests offered their congratulations, but the female guests' gazes towards Madam Liu changed.

"I thought Madam Liu was truly a blessed person, enjoying the exclusive favor of Master Liu, but now it seems that's not entirely true."

"Yes, wasn't Master Liu reluctant to see Madam Liu burdened by the scheming and infighting among the concubines? Now that a concubine has entered the household, and with such a grown son at that, hehe..."

"Tell me, does Master Liu favor Madam Liu more, or does he love his concubines more?"

Feeling the guests' watchful gazes, especially the whispers of the women reaching Madam Liu's ears, she felt her blood boil. Her resentment was overwhelming, and her face turned as black as could be. The face so strikingly similar to Liu Xuan's stung her eyes, and she could no longer contain her anger. "My lord," she cried, "I do not agree to let that woman and her son enter the Liu family!"

She was the matriarch of the Liu family, the rightful first wife. While her husband managed the outside business, she was the one who ran the household. She also had a say in the Liu family.

Anmi raised an eyebrow with interest. Ah! This is the first time I've seen Madam Liu so out of control and angry!

She slightly lifted her veil and took a small sip of tea.

Bai Yi watched all this with a smile, and he understood in his heart that it was probably not a coincidence that the illegitimate son of the Liu family suddenly appeared to celebrate his father's birthday!

Just how much has Anmi been doing behind the scenes? He frowned slightly. Perhaps he should let her know that there are some things he can handle, after all, they are friendly partners, aren't they?

Upon hearing Madam Liu's words, Liu Xuan's previously joyful expression suddenly darkened. What was she saying? She disagreed? Who did she think she was!

A hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes as he glared at Madam Liu. "This is not a matter for you to decide!"

He knew, of course, that she wouldn't let Yunniang into the Liu family; she probably intended to ensure they would never have the chance to enter the Liu family again!

Madam Liu was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting him to be so forceful in front of everyone, just to let that woman and her son enter the Liu family? The anger in her heart flared up almost instantly, burning away the last bit of reason. "I am the matriarch of the Liu family, why can't I make decisions? Don't forget how hard I've worked for the Liu family all these years."

For a moment, everyone watched as the confrontation between the couple intensified. Liu Zhan's expression was complicated, while Liu Jing stood aside with a slight frown, but his eyes were calm. The more intense the confrontation between his father and Madam Liu, the more advantageous it would be for him, wouldn't it?

An Mi's lips curled into a slight sneer, then she heard Liu Xuan coldly say, "The head of the household? You don't have to be the head of the household!"

With a loud bang, Madam Liu felt as if a muffled thunderclap exploded in her mind. Her body swayed, and blood surged in her chest, rushing straight to her throat. She could even taste an unpleasant metallic sweetness in her mouth.

What did he say? He said he wouldn't take the position of head mistress? Was he going to depose her?

A fierce resentment surged within her, her fists clenched tightly, her gaze fixed on Liu Xuan with an exceptionally ferocious intensity. "Old..."

"Mother!" Liu Zhan suddenly spoke, interrupting her. He quickly left his seat, bypassed his so-called younger brother and Liu Xuan standing beside him, and hurried to Madam Liu's side. He took her arm and whispered in her ear, "Mother, we can't anger Father. Today is a joyous occasion with so many people here. We can't let our Liu family become a laughing stock!"

Don't let the Liu family become a laughing stock? Ha, she already is a laughing stock in everyone's eyes!

“Mother, there’s plenty of time.” Liu Zhan whispered, then raised his voice a little, “Mother, it is indeed a joyous occasion for our Liu family that Father allowed my second brother to be recognized by the clan today. This is wonderful. In the future, my second brother will help me share Father’s burdens. It couldn’t be better.”

Liu Xuan's expression softened slightly. Madam Liu took a deep breath. Liu Zhan's words brought her back to her senses. Her expression flickered as she realized her impulsiveness and felt a pang of regret.

What's wrong with her? Where did her usual composure go?

Yes, Zhan'er is right. There's plenty of time. Her resistance today, openly going against the master, is unwise. She should endure it, but this endurance is making her heart bleed. What else can she do but endure?

Should she wait until she had completely angered the master, and then watch helplessly as he, in a fit of rage, stripped her of her power as the mistress of the house in front of everyone? Wouldn't that be handing the master over to that woman?