Rebirth: Find a General as Your Backer

Time slips away like sand through one's fingers, and before they knew it, the one-month deadline given to the Su family had arrived.

On that day, dressed in a gorgeous gown, with an elegant demeanor, she naturally led Granny Su and a group of attendants towards the Su residence. One reason was to find out what the Su family was planning regarding her dowry, and the other was to see how they would handle the generous dowry left by her mother.

Su Lianxue knew very well that she would not easily give up the mountains of gold and silver that she had obtained.

Lately, people have been whispering and gossiping in the streets and alleys. What they're talking about is that Princess Rui's purpose in claiming kinship is simply to ask for money.

Meanwhile, the winds within the palace walls were also stirring, commenting on Su Lianxue's actions. The rumors, like wild grass growing rampant in spring, began as mere speculation about her obsession with her dowry, but as they spread, they veered completely, evolving into the unbelievable narrative that His Highness Prince Rui was secretly manipulating things behind the scenes, as if a shocking conspiracy was slowly unfolding.

In the imperial court, memorials impeaching Prince Rui piled up like a heavy snowfall in winter, with the court officials all filled with righteous indignation and speaking earnestly, determined not to give up until Prince Rui was brought down.

However, the emperor on the dragon throne remained as calm as a meditating monk, suppressing all the memorials without uttering a word. The officials below, seeing this, had various thoughts.

Some quick-witted individuals discerned the hidden meaning behind the emperor's calm demeanor and thus remained silent, pondering his intentions. Others, however, were like headless flies, only knowing how to shout and clamor, blindly following the crowd, as if they could not demonstrate their loyalty and patriotism by doing so.

In contrast, His Highness Prince Rui and Su Lianxue seemed completely oblivious to the rampant rumors and gossip.

Those unaware of the truth might think they were genuinely foolish, failing to grasp the destructive power of rumors, which can transform baseless accusations into something as solid as ironclad fact. In reality, His Highness Prince Rui now commands a large force of city defense troops; how could any disturbance within or outside the capital escape his notice? This couple, however, are simply astute enough to see through the schemes of those with ulterior motives behind it all, and have decided to let them run wild, waiting to see how this farce will end.

On the sixth day of the ninth lunar month, the autumn sky was clear and the air was crisp. The main streets of the capital were bustling with people. Everyone tacitly agreed that they were all eagerly waiting to see if the Princess Consort of Rui would step into the Su residence that day.

Sure enough, a large group of people came in from afar, their imposing presence and grandeur attracting the attention of passersby.

At this time, Minister Su had already gone to the morning court. On the eve of his departure, he specially summoned his mother and wife to his side, repeatedly instructing them to make sure that the formalities were carried out perfectly. He knew that Su Lianxue's status was no longer what it used to be, and with Prince Rui backing her, the Su family would not be able to receive her if anything went wrong. However, he had discussed the dowry for a long time.

In short, the dowry exists, but the amount is not up to Princess Rui.

Therefore, as dawn broke, Old Madam Su and Madam Su got up early, dressed themselves meticulously, and waited for Su Lianxue to come to their door.

The moment they saw Su Lianxue, the two hurriedly bowed according to custom, and after bowing, they greeted her with beaming smiles, warmly inquiring about her well-being. Madam Su followed closely by, like a dutiful echo, agreeing with everything she said.

This scene, witnessed by the onlookers, naturally drew admiration. "Look at this," they thought, "the Su family truly lives up to its reputation as a prestigious clan. Their magnanimity is astounding. Even with their daughter's 'disobedience' and subsequent return demanding money, the family remains amiable and tolerant, treating her like their own daughter. Such refinement is unmatched by ordinary families; they would likely have already descended into chaos and become bitter enemies."

Su Lianxue stood there, a faint, cold smile playing on her lips. How could she not fathom the thoughts of these people? The old lady Su before her, seemingly dignified and authoritative, in charge of the entire Su household, appeared to be fair and selfless, but in reality, she was a corrupt and hypocritical woman.

Back in Mofang City, she tossed and turned countless times, filled with confusion, always wanting to ask her father and grandmother why they had so cruelly sent her away for a political marriage. But now, back in the capital, having seen their ugly faces, she no longer had that thought.

Reborn into this life, she felt as if she were waking from a dream, her former naivety gone. In her past life, she was oblivious to many things, seemingly untouched by worldly concerns. Now, she saw through their clumsy acting; their masks of pretense were askew, and their greedy and selfish nature was easily discernible.

If she hadn't been given a second chance at life, those around her would still be suffering under the oppression of the Su family. Meanwhile, the Su family members were living a life of luxury and ease in the capital. If it weren't for Heaven's mercy in giving her a second chance, those loyal people would probably have silently withered away under the Su family's oppression.

During the long nights in Mofang City, she had clung to a sliver of hope, longing to return to the capital and get some answers from her relatives. But now, looking at the greedy faces of the Su family members, she understood everything.

Perhaps the marriage alliance was orchestrated by them, and it wasn't just about Su Lianyi and her mother. Their reason for doing this was simply to covet the enormous wealth left by the mother and attempt to seize it for themselves.

The ugliness of human nature is laid bare in the face of money; even family ties can be trampled on for the sake of money.

Su Lianxue secretly vowed that she would make the Su family return every single penny of the wealth left by her mother.

However, this sum of money is too large, and any action taken could have far-reaching consequences. Therefore, we must be extremely cautious in our actions and must not arouse the emperor's suspicion.

After all, although His Highness Prince Rui had made great contributions in conquering the Canglang Kingdom, he was also abandoned in Mofang City as a child, which made the emperor feel guilty and thus showed him much favor.

But the heart of an emperor is unfathomable. How could the emperor allow Prince Rui to grow stronger, knowing that this was a matter of great importance that threatened his empire?

Thinking of this, Su Lianyue slightly raised her eyes, her gaze sweeping coldly over everyone in the Su family.

Since that's the case, then she'll play along with their act. If they want to put on airs, she'll play along to the end. However, this play will eventually come to an end. When the truth comes out, they'd better have enough resilience to withstand the backlash and be shattered to pieces.

Let them be smug for now, but know that the higher they climb, the harder they fall. When the time comes, they will pay a heavy price for their greed today.

So Su Lianxue responded warmly, "Is Grandmother's health alright? Last time, Lianxue was being inconsiderate and upset Grandmother. I'm sure Grandmother has kept Mother's dowry safe and sound."

Upon hearing her princess speak like that, Granny Zhang immediately chimed in.