From cannon fodder villain to beloved heroine

"Heh, old man, what are you up to?" Yan Rugo chuckled, her eyebrows curving, but there was no hint of a smile, only a chilling aura.

"Do you think that having more people can cover up the truth?"

The male protagonist, Xu, stepped forward, shielding Yan Rugo behind him. His gaze was sharp as he looked directly at Old Master Xu: "Grandpa, you are truly vigorous for your age! This self-inflicted injury ruse was so well-acted, I admire you!"

Old Master Xu's expression changed drastically. His confident smile froze on his face. The servants around him looked at each other, seemingly also taken aback by this sudden turn of events.

"Ruge, what... what do you mean?" Old Master Xu tried to remain calm, but his voice trembled slightly.

Yan Rugo pulled out a stack of papers from her sleeve and waved them in front of everyone: "What does this mean? Old Master, do I have to explain your secret agreement with Zhang Fushang and the family assets you have secretly transferred over the years?"

"This...this is slander!" Old Master Xu's face turned ashen, and his finger pointing at Yan Rugo trembled uncontrollably.

"Slander?" Yan Rugo sneered, unfolding the papers in her hand one by one and reading out the terms on them, including the time, place, people, and amount, in great detail and with clarity.

As Yan Rugo continued her narration, Old Master Xu's expression grew increasingly grim, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

The servants around them began to whisper among themselves, their gazes towards Old Master Xu filled with suspicion and shock.

"And you, Second Young Master Xu." Yan Rugo's tone shifted abruptly, her gaze like a knife as she pierced the Second Young Master Xu, who was hiding behind the crowd. "You colluded with Zhang the Rich and encouraged the Old Master to betray the family's interests. Do you think you can escape responsibility?"

Young Master Xu's face turned deathly pale, and his lips trembled as he was unable to speak.

He never expected that Yan Rugo had so much evidence, exposing all his crimes completely.

"I...I..." Young Master Xu stammered, his eyes darting around, not daring to look Yan Rugo in the eye.

The family members were in an uproar. They never expected that the kind-faced old master and the seemingly honest second young master Xu would do such a thing behind the scenes.

"Enough!" Old Master Xu slammed his fist on the table and roared, "You...you're all spouting nonsense!"

"Slanderous accusations?" Yan Rugo sneered. "Old Master, you'd better save your energy. The evidence is irrefutable, and you can't deny it!"

She presented the evidence in her hand to everyone one by one. Each piece of paper was like a sharp knife, piercing deeply into Old Master Xu's heart.

Old Master Xu slumped into his chair, his face ashen, as if he had aged ten years in an instant.

He looked at Yan Rugo.

"Guards!" Master Xu commanded, his voice icy cold. "Take down the old master and the second young master of Xu and lock them in the ancestral hall to await further instructions!" Although the servants were shocked by this sudden turn of events, they were intimidated by Master Xu's authority and quickly stepped forward to subdue the limp old master and the ashen-faced second young master of Xu.

Old Master Xu seemed to age ten years in an instant. His once sharp eyes were now dull and lifeless. He was dragged along helplessly, muttering to himself, "How could this happen... how could this happen..." Young Master Xu was even more terrified. He struggled desperately, but it was like a trapped beast fighting for its life. It was all in vain, and he could only let out desperate sobs.

The family members, who had been completely silent, suddenly erupted into a buzzing discussion, as if a pot had been boiled over.

Their gazes toward Old Master Xu and Second Young Master Xu were filled with contempt and anger; some even couldn't help but shout curses, which was very satisfying!

"Silence!" Xu shouted, and everyone immediately quieted down, their eyes all turning to him.

He surveyed the room, his tone resolute: "Today's events are all due to the patriarch and the second young master's greed, which led them to betray the family. Now that the truth is out, as the head of the Xu family, I will not tolerate this!"

He turned to the two men who were being restrained, his eyes sharp: "Out of consideration for blood ties, I will not kill you all, but you must pay the price for your actions! From this day forward, you are stripped of all your rights in the family and expelled from the family!"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

Some people applauded, some whispered among themselves, but no one dared to question Xu's decision.

After all, the truth is right in front of us, and the crimes of Old Master Xu and Second Young Master Xu are too numerous to count. This punishment is already an extraordinary act of leniency.

The male protagonist, Xu, walked up to Yan Rugo, looked at her with deep affection, his eyes sparkling with love and gratitude: "Rugo, thank you. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid I would still be in the dark."

Yan Rugo returned the smile, her eyes sparkling and radiant.

He gently took her hand and, in front of all the family members, confessed his love once again: "Ru Ge, I love you. From now on, I will protect you with my life and never let you be hurt again."

A blush of happiness spread across Yan Rugo's face. She nodded gently and nestled in his arms.

A round of applause erupted around them, as if offering the best wishes to the couple who had endured so much hardship.

"Ahem," Yan Rugo lifted her head from Xu's embrace and cleared her throat, "Actually, besides this matter, I also want to talk to everyone about..." She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone, a mysterious smile playing on her lips, "...about the new direction for the future development of our Xu family..."

Yan Rugo gracefully stepped back from Xu's embrace, her eyes sparkling with confidence, like the brightest star in the night sky.

"Dear uncles and elders, I have a small idea regarding the future development of the Xu family..." She raised the corners of her lips slightly, keeping everyone in suspense and successfully whetting everyone's appetite.

She slowly recounted her story, outlining an unprecedented business blueprint—cross-sea trade.

She spoke eloquently, from route planning to cargo selection, from risk assessment to profit forecasting, every detail was carefully considered, and every step demonstrated her extraordinary wisdom and foresight.

The family members listened with rapt attention, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

They seemed to see merchant ships laden with treasures, sailing against the wind and waves to distant shores, bringing back endless wealth and glory.

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!" An elderly man with white hair and beard exclaimed excitedly, slapping the table in admiration. "Niece Ruge, your idea is simply a stroke of genius! If my Xu family can open up this trade route, how can we not prosper?"

"Yes, yes, Rugo's taste is far superior to ours, these old folks!" another elder chimed in, his gaze towards Yan Rugo filled with admiration.

The family members started discussing it all at once, and the atmosphere was so lively that it seemed like they were about to lift the roof off.

They envisioned a bright future, their faces beaming with joy, as if they could already see the day when their family would prosper.

Looking at the spirited Yan Rugo, Old Master Xu slowly stood up, walked to Yan Rugo, and solemnly announced: "From today onwards, Rugo will become one of the highest decision-makers of my Xu family's business, and will jointly manage the family's power with me!"

Yan Rugo smiled slightly and accepted the honor with grace and poise.

She knew that this was not just a power, but also a responsibility, a heavy duty to lead the Xu family to glory.

At this moment, she shone brightly, like a true queen, receiving everyone's admiration and worship.

Family members congratulated Yan Rugo, knowing that under her leadership, the Xu family would surely usher in an even more glorious future.

However, just as the family was celebrating, news came like a bolt from the blue—the imperial selection was about to begin, and Yan Rugo was recommended to participate because of her reputation in aristocratic circles.

Yan Rugo's heart sank suddenly, and an uneasy premonition surged into her heart.

She subconsciously looked at Xu, who was also worried. He held Yan Rugo's hand tightly, as if to give her strength.

In the distance, towards the palace, the majestic palace loomed in and out of sight, like a sleeping behemoth, quietly waiting for its prey.

“Ru Ge…” Xu’s voice was low and hoarse, carrying a hint of unease that was hard to hide.

Yan Rugo took a deep breath, trying to keep herself calm.

She gently patted the male protagonist's hand, gave him a comforting look, and then resolutely turned and walked towards the palace...