From cannon fodder villain to beloved heroine

Yan Rugo took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the surging emotions in her chest.

She raised her head, her eyes sharp as if tempered with ice, a cold smile playing on her lips that didn't reach her eyes. If she was going to play, she might as well play to the end.

She's not someone to be trifled with; she's determined to get her revenge!

The path leading to the lady's room seemed to be covered in frost, and every step carried a chilling coldness.

The shadows of the trees on both sides swayed like menacing ghosts, silently mocking her current predicament.

Ignoring the oppressive atmosphere, Yan Rugo's steps were steady and firm, each one like a hammer blow to the hearts of those waiting to see her fail.

Pushing open the door, a sense of oppression rushed in. The lady sat upright in the main seat, her face so gloomy it seemed as if ink could drip from it.

She slammed her hand on the table and angrily rebuked, "Yan Rugo, do you know your mistake! How dare you do such a scandalous thing and ruin the reputation of my household!"

“Madam,” Yan Rugo said, her voice neither humble nor arrogant, with a hint of stubbornness in it, “I believe I have acted uprightly and honestly, and I beg you to see for yourself!”

"Clear observation?" The lady sneered, her eyes sharp as knives. "Rumors and gossip, the power of public opinion! What else do you have to say for yourself!"

"Madam, please give me a chance to explain!" Yan Rugo tried to explain, her tone tinged with anxiety, and fine beads of sweat were already forming on her forehead.

"No need for further explanation! Guards, slap her twenty times!" The lady gave Yan Rugo no chance to explain and gave the order directly, her tone filled with unquestionable authority.

The maids around them were trembling with fear, not daring to even breathe loudly, for fear of getting into trouble.

They approached Yan Rugo cautiously, but dared not meet her gaze, for fear of being hurt by the coldness in her eyes.

Just then, a familiar voice rang out, carrying a hint of barely perceptible anger, "Wait!"

The male protagonist, Xu, descended like a god. His voice carried a hint of coldness, like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, instantly severing the oppressive atmosphere in the room.

He strode forward, shielding Yan Rugo behind him, his gaze sharp as he scanned everyone present.

His appearance was like a steadfast flag raised on a lone boat tossed about in the wind and rain, bringing Yan Rugo a strong sense of security.

“Madam,” the male protagonist said calmly, but with an undeniable air of authority, “there are probably other hidden circumstances in this matter. Please take a look.” He handed a secret letter to his wife. The envelope was stamped with an unfamiliar seal, carrying a somewhat eerie aura.

Yan Rugo took the letter; her fingertips trembled slightly, but her eyes were unwavering.

She opened the envelope, her eyes flashing, and read the contents of the letter aloud, word by word.

As she spoke, Young Master Zheng's conspiracy was gradually revealed, exposing his ugly face of colluding with other forces to frame Yan Rugo and then control the entire mansion.

Everyone was stunned, and the air seemed to freeze.

Young Master Zheng's face turned deathly pale, as if all his energy had been drained away. His legs went weak, and he collapsed to the ground like a plucked rooster, his previous arrogance completely gone.

His expression was contorted.

Upon hearing this, the lady turned deathly pale, and the teacup in her hand fell to the ground with a crash, shattering into several pieces.

She looked up, her face a complex mix of shock, regret, and disbelief, making her appear even older.

Throughout this ordeal, the male protagonist, Xu, held Yan Rugo's hand tightly. His palm was warm and strong, as if telling her, "Don't be afraid, I'm here for you."

His eyes were filled with love and determination, as if telling his heart: no matter what happens, he will be her strongest support.

Yan Rugo felt the power he was transmitting, and a warm current surged in her heart.

She turned her head, tears welling in her eyes, and looked back at him with deep affection, her gaze filled with gratitude and love.

The two looked into each other's eyes, as if the whole world had shrunk to just the two of them.

People around them were watching them.

“You…you…” The lady raised her trembling hand, pointed at Yan Rugo, but couldn’t say a word.

Her lips trembled, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she just sighed.

“Madam, Rugo…” Yan Rugo was about to speak when Xu, the male lead, gently grasped her wrist. He shook his head slightly, signaling her not to speak yet.

He stepped forward, looked directly into the lady's eyes, and slowly asked, "Madam, how do you intend to handle this matter?"

The anger on the lady's face gradually faded, replaced by deep remorse.

Her lips trembled, her voice hoarse: "Ru Ge, I misunderstood you, I... I apologize to you." She bowed deeply, her posture humbled to the point of being utterly subservient.

This sudden turn of events caused everyone present to gasp in shock, frozen in place as if they had been struck by acupuncture.

Yan Rugo's lips curled up slightly, revealing a bright smile, like a ray of sunshine in winter, warm and dazzling.

“Madam, you are too kind,” she said in a gentle voice, which was like a spring breeze that instantly dispelled the chill in the room. “To know one’s mistakes and correct them is the greatest virtue.”

The servants around them instantly came to life, cheering and exclaiming in unison, as if a pot had exploded.

"Madam is wise!" "Young Miss is indeed innocent!" "I knew it! How could Young Miss do such a thing!" They all bowed to Yan Rugo.

The lady then summoned all the nobles and, in full view of everyone, exposed Young Master Zheng's conspiracy.

Young Master Zheng's face turned ashen. Like a stray dog, he tucked his tail between his legs and slunk away, leaving behind only a pathetic silhouette.

The nobles congratulated Yan Rugo, praising her intelligence and resilience.

Surrounded by the crowd, Yan Rugo seemed to be standing in a star-studded night sky, shining brightly.

Just as Yan Rugo was immersed in the joy of victory, a letter from her family shattered the beautiful atmosphere.

The bright red stamp on the envelope, like a bleeding wound, was shocking to behold.

Yan Rugo unfolded the letter, her expression instantly turning solemn. The letter contained only a few short sentences: "Return immediately, for the life and death of the family is at stake!"

The air around them seemed to freeze, and an inexplicable sense of oppression enveloped everyone.

Yan Rugo gripped the letter tightly, her knuckles turning white. Her words were, "Prepare the horses!"