The eldest daughter's scheming, the crown prince's exclusive favor to the venomous concubi

Hua Xiangrong was still enjoying the meal, and just as Shangguan Hanque had said, Shangguan Zhi was indeed a very easy father-in-law to get along with.

After the meal, he called Hua Xiangrong aside and they chatted for a while in the study.

He was a soldier by training, quite orthodox, and strict in his daily work, but deep down he still had some romantic feelings for his children. However, in his era, tradition still oppressed everyone, especially soldiers like him.

Therefore, under the matchmaking of the organization and his family, he chose the woman who was most beneficial to him, and in the end, he forced himself to stop when he met the woman he liked.

Therefore, he basically left Shangguan Hanque's education to his own devices, especially after Shangguan Hanque's sudden change in temperament ten years ago, when he allowed him to go his own way even more freely.

Although You Min saw this as irresponsible, he saw it as respecting the child's choice.

He has failed himself; he must not let his child fail him as well.

There were many things he was embarrassed to say to Shangguan Hanque. After all, the title of "strict father" had been on his face since he was a child, and over time, he had forgotten how to be a good father when he retired and returned home.

The appearance of Hua Xiangrong was like a sudden return of pride for him as a father. Hua Xiangrong spoke in a cheerful and unruly manner, but she genuinely made him feel warm.

This is why Shangguan Hanque was certain that Hua Xiangrong would win his father's favor.

This home has long lost its warmth, and is filled with self-interest. What Shangguan Zhi longs for but lacks is precisely the natural and intimate feeling that Hua Xiangrong has.

In his study, Shangguan Zhi reflected on his life. Hua Xiangrong listened quietly, occasionally offering a few regretful words of agreement. Finally, the emotions that Shangguan Zhi could never express reached a balance, and he sighed, "I finally understand why Han Que chose you as my life partner. You two must be well, and live a good life together. Don't let others cause any rift between you."

Hua Xiangrong smiled and stood up, saying, "Dad, don't worry. Our relationship didn't develop overnight; it's been built up over time, and no one else can shake it."

Shangguan Zhi nodded and sighed, "That puts my mind at ease. That's just how your mother is. Don't take it to heart. By the way, she also found a woman for Han Que to meet on a blind date. She even brought her home to show me. I didn't like her. I don't know if Han Que has told you about it."

Hua Xiangrong nodded and said disdainfully, "Of course she said that, but it has nothing to do with me. She can use all her strength. I'll consider it impressive if she can even lift half a finger of Han Que. But if she comes after me, she's making a big mistake. I'm not someone to be trifled with and let her bully me."

Shangguan Zhi immediately burst into laughter and said, "As expected of my daughter-in-law, Shangguan Zhi! Good, such bravery, just like me. It's getting late, Han Que must be getting impatient waiting outside. You should pack up and go back with him!"

Hua Xiangrong blinked and asked, "We agreed to stay here tonight, and I'm going shopping with you tomorrow, Dad. How can I leave?"

Shangguan Zhi waved his hand and declined, saying, "No, I'm old, and my legs aren't as strong as yours young people. I'll skip the shopping. I appreciate your kind gesture."

Hua Xiangrong immediately objected, saying, "No, I promised to accompany you, and that means I'll accompany you. We're not going shopping in those women's places. This is my first time here too. I remember someone telling me that there's a teahouse in the city center with nice teaware, and supposedly some rare books that can't be bought anywhere else. Let's go take a look tomorrow and buy anything we like."

Shangguan Zhi paused, his eyes crinkling with laughter, and pointed at Hua Xiangrong, saying, "You're trying to win me over, aren't you! What young person like you would like a place like that?"

Hua Xiangrong immediately shook her head and said, "No, Dad, you don't know this. Although I have a young body, I have an old heart. I have no interest in those bars and dance halls for kids."

Teahouses are different. They are quiet, and the aroma of tea is soothing, allowing one to relax and cultivate oneself. Especially with the company of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, it's far more comfortable than shopping malls or bars.

Shangguan Zhi nodded in satisfaction and said, "You have a high level of awareness, not bad. But there's no need to trouble yourself. Your eldest sister always makes a fuss when Han Que comes back every day, and today will be no exception. If you stay here for too long, she will definitely cause a big scene."

After all, she's my daughter. As her parents, we can't bear to blame her, so we've had to trouble you and Han Que. But don't worry, she won't be allowed to run wild in the Shangguan family.

Hearing this, Hua Xiangrong smiled and said, "Dad, don't think of me as so vulgar. My values ​​are different from hers. I have plenty of money, especially since I have your son, who is a high-quality stock. Why would I only see such small benefits?"

"Don't worry, I definitely won't stoop to her level. But if she really messes with me, I won't be as lenient as you are, Dad. After all, I've never suffered any injustice in my life, so you can't be biased, Dad."

Shangguan Zhi nodded and was about to speak when they suddenly heard the sound of porcelain shattering outside. Immediately, the two of them opened the study door and looked downstairs.

Shangguan Hanque stared intently at the woman lying on the ground, his eyes as cold as ice. Hua Xiangrong hadn't seen this woman before. When Shangguan Zhi saw her, his brows furrowed slightly, and he said unhappily, "I didn't expect your mother to bring her here again."

Upon hearing this, Hua Xiangrong immediately understood that this woman was the one her mother-in-law had arranged for Shangguan Hanque to meet. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and the corners of her lips slowly curved upwards as she smiled and said, "It seems it's time for me, the legal wife, to go out and show off my power."

Seeing this, Shangguan Zhi instructed, "Don't get hurt. If she bullies you, just fight back. If anything happens, Dad will cover for you."

Hua Xiangrong smiled and nodded, then walked downstairs.

"Hey, hey, hey, what's wrong? Why are you so angry? Han Que, you finally come home, what's wrong with you?"

When Shangguan Hanque saw Hua Xiangrong come down, he grabbed her and tried to leave without saying a word. You Min was so angry that she slammed her hand on the table and said, "Shangguan Hanque, do you still consider me your mother?"

Sorry, ma'am, but that person's mother isn't you.

Hua Xiangrong inwardly grumbled, but outwardly smiled and pressed down on Shangguan Hanque's hand to stop him from leaving. She then smiled at You Min and said, "I say, old lady, don't get too agitated. Getting angry is bad for your health and will make you look several years older."

Shangguan Mingzhu immediately stepped forward and shouted, "How dare you speak like that? This 'grandmother' can't even call someone 'Mom'?"

Hua Xiangrong blinked innocently and said, "I did call her that. It's just that they don't allow me to. I just wanted to respect the elder's last wish and call her 'Grandma.' Isn't that right? Isn't she Shangguan Hanque's mother? If so, then she's my Grandma."

Yu Min immediately clutched her chest and cried, "I don't have a daughter-in-law like you! You vixen, you wicked devil! Give me back my son! Give me back my good, wicked son!"

The woman who had been lying on the ground got up and went to You Min's side to comfort her, saying, "Auntie, don't be angry. Brother Han Que was just temporarily infatuated. Maybe he will realize that you were doing this for his own good after he sobers up."

The woman was quite beautiful, but she had a pure and innocent look on her face, and her eyes were full of calculation. She was not a likable person at all, no wonder Shangguan Zhi was annoyed by her.

This is the kind of person soldiers hate the most.

Hua Xiangrong smiled and said slowly, "Young lady, may I ask who you are? What business is it of yours if we have a family quarrel? You said Han Que was enraged by my demonic fire? He'll be fine after a while. Please, it's been ten years. I was still a child when he tricked me into marriage. Why don't you say that he forcibly bullied men and women and abducted young children?"

"Oh! If that's the case, then we'll have to take this to the police. I need to ask what this is all about—being abducted and then falsely accused. I'm sure this will involve a lawsuit. Okay, let's put it this way. I have some international lawyer friends abroad; I'll ask them for advice on how much compensation I should sue to ensure I suffer no losses."

Upon hearing this, the woman's face turned pale, and she began to cry softly. She looked at Shangguan Hanque with tears streaming down her face and said, "Brother Hanque, look, this is the woman you brought back. Not only did she make Auntie sick, but she also spoke ill of me. I was just concerned about Auntie."

Shangguan Hanque didn't even glance at her, and sneered, "What does our family's business have to do with an outsider like you? You came to the family banquet today uninvited, and your purpose is obvious. Do you expect me to carry you in a sedan chair and have you all dressed up?"

"But I'm doing this all for your own good."

The woman sobbed softly, unwilling to accept her fate. Hua Xiangrong stood in front of Shangguan Hanque and smiled, "I'm sorry, my man doesn't need you to do this for him. He has me as his capable wife, which is enough for him. As for you, please step aside, lest you accidentally get splattered with blood, which would be a loss."

The woman glared at her: "You're threatening me."

Hua Xiangrong immediately shook her finger and said, "NO, NO, NO, this is not a threat, it's a warning. As a mistress, you're not worthy. Don't pretend you don't know what's going on and court death. As for you, Mom, don't waste your time. After all, you have to accept me as your daughter-in-law whether you like it or not. I'm already carrying your grandson. If you keep causing trouble, I might really lose heart and get rid of the child. Then your family line might end."

Shangguan Hanque stood behind Hua Xiangrong, his eyes flashing, and the corners of his lips slightly curled up. You Min was shocked by his words, while Shangguan Mingzhu still said, "Who knows if what you said is true or false? Besides, even if you lose your belly, my brother will still find another woman to have a child with."