The merchant's rebirth led to the complete downfall of the Marquis's mansion.

every other day

The news that the guests from the Marquis's residence had not arrived and that someone had been found to fill in had spread throughout the entire capital.

Before Jiang Su and Xia Qiutang could even begin their sweet romance, they had to face the gossip and rumors around them.

The entire Marquis's mansion remained closed, and the newlyweds, who had originally wanted to go out for a stroll, were forced to stay cooped up at home.

After the old lady intervened to save the day last night, she heard about what Liu had done.

She was so angry that she almost fainted. When she finally woke up, she had seen through it all.

Nowadays, apart from going to the Buddhist temple, he stays in his room to recuperate, waiving the greetings from his daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law, and not letting his nanny inquire about outside affairs, living his own life behind closed doors.

To avoid further chaos, they waited until everyone was more comfortable before calling Xia Qiutang over.

"This is the household token, you should keep it!" the old lady said weakly, leaning against the bed.

Anyway, she had this idea for a long time, to let her granddaughter-in-law manage the household, and now she has just changed her granddaughter-in-law.

Although she wasn't entirely satisfied with this granddaughter-in-law, she was still much better than Liu Shi. She couldn't control her anymore, so she didn't delegate authority and instead had someone else assist her.

Xia Qiutang, a new wife, did not want to accept the job. What use would it be to accept an empty shell?

However, on the surface, she still accepted it respectfully, saying, "Yes! Thank you for your trust, Grandmother. I will certainly live up to your expectations."

The old lady didn't care what she thought and continued, "Brother Su has taken over those two shops. You should keep an eye on them and keep an eye on them."

"Yes, Grandmother!"

Xia Qiutang also knew about the shop's situation. Business was very good, and Xia Qiutang had already made plans. Given the situation of the Marquis's mansion, she either had to find a wealthy concubine or expand the business.

She didn't want to let a wealthy concubine into the household anytime soon. She hadn't given birth to a legitimate son yet, and if a powerful concubine came along, she wouldn't have time to do her own things.

She planned to wait until business improved further before using her dowry to open two more shops to increase her income.

The old lady's arrangement suited her perfectly.

After giving a few more instructions, the old lady sent her head maid over to help Xia Qiutang get started quickly.

After Xia Qiutang left, the old lady leaned against the wall for a while, then felt a little sleepy. This illness had completely eroded her body, leaving her lacking energy and very weak.

"Does the matriarch wish to rest?" the nanny asked in a low voice.

"Help me lie down! Call me when you need to take your medicine."

With the help of her nanny, the old lady slowly lay down.

Just as I was about to go to sleep, something suddenly occurred to me, and I asked:

"By the way, how's that girl from the Qin family?"

"Reporting to the Old Madam, these days Miss Qin only goes out to check accounts, and spends the rest of her time at home, so... we can't see anything wrong with her."

"Alas! It's just that the Marquis's family is unlucky; this girl must be heartbroken."

Qin Yao adored her grandson, and the old lady knew it all too well. This marriage was a match made in heaven, but unfortunately, Su Ge'er was too dim-witted and missed out on such a wonderful wife.

“I’m getting old, and the Marquis’s mansion still needs Su’er. I hope Xia Qiutang can be more capable, so that Su’er can rely on his wife’s family to get back on his feet.”

The old lady spoke with her eyes closed, and soon her even breathing could be heard.

The old nanny knew she was asleep, so she lowered the curtain and went out.

Upon learning that the Old Madam had met Xia Qiutang in the main courtyard of the Marquis's residence, Madam Liu summoned the people over.

Xia Qiutang curtsied, but Liu pretended not to see it and calmly sat in the main seat drinking tea.

Xia Qiutang knew this was her mother-in-law's way of putting her in a difficult position, but she didn't dare to argue back. She could only pray that Jiang Su would come over soon.

Filial piety is of paramount importance. Even if she were a princess, she would still have to be filial, let alone someone who isn't!

As long as Liu talked about filial piety, she had no way to refute him.

Fortunately, Liu didn't really intend to make things difficult for her, and soon began to explain her purpose.

"Do you know what it means that the old lady gave you the pair of cards?"

Xia Qiutang patted her body and answered meekly, "Daughter-in-law knows!"

"It's good that you know. The expenses in this mansion are quite high. You should also show your appreciation when you come, so that everyone can trust you."

Xia Qiutang had just given the people in her courtyard a reward last night, and Liu Shi found out so quickly, which made her suspect that someone in the courtyard had tipped them off.

Let her say it! Isn't it just about getting her to pay?

Although her dowry was not small, what mother-in-law would covet her daughter-in-law's dowry?

Xia Qiutang didn't reply for a moment. Just then, the sound of a maid bowing came from behind. Xia Qiutang's legs went weak, and she fell to the ground with a cry.

Liu was stunned by this and didn't move for a moment. Jiang Su had already walked in and saw Xia Qiutang fall to the ground. He immediately rushed over and helped her up.

"Tang'er!"

Xia Qiutang raised her head, her eyes already filled with a misty haze, enough to make Jiang Su feel like he was drowning in it.

"It's not Mother's fault, it's Tang'er's fault for not standing properly," Xia Qiutang said aggrievedly.

Before Liu knew what had happened, Jiang Su had already spoken to his mother in an unfriendly tone.

“Mother, Tang’er has just married into the family and has just taken over Grandmother’s duties. She is already exhausted. Whether you want to set rules or do something else, please do not make things difficult for her for the sake of your son and for the sake of the Marquis’s mansion!”

"I...!" Liu wanted to retort, but Jiang Su didn't want to listen. He helped Xia Qiutang leave Liu's courtyard.

As Liu watched them leave, she felt a heavy weight pressing on her heart.

Did she make things difficult for Xia Qiutang?

Did she do anything excessive?

And what's wrong with her son?! How could he talk to his mother like that, and defend that little bitch like that?!

Is this still her son?

"Madam, please don't be angry!" The old nanny who was standing nearby tried to step forward, but Liu shoved her away.

She shouldn't have been so nice to Xia Qiutang!

Qin Yao used to be so easy to talk to; she didn't have to do anything or say anything, and people would just deliver the things. But this Xia Qiutang, even though she made herself perfectly clear, still pretends to be confused.

They even tried to sow discord between her and her son.

"No! I can't let her be so smug!" Liu threw down her handkerchief and went into the backyard.

The nanny behind her quickly followed, but was shut out by Madam Liu as soon as they reached the bedroom door.

After an unknown amount of time, Liu's scream rang out, startling the nanny and the maidservant guarding the door. They hurriedly pushed the door open and went inside.

Liu seemed to be frightened and fell to the ground.

The old nanny reacted quickly, instructing the maid, "Quickly, call the family physician!"

The maidservant ran out, and the nanny helped Liu Shi up, while the Marquis on the bed was foaming at the mouth and looked like he was about to die.

Seeing the Marquis like this, Liu was at a loss and repeatedly pulled the old nanny's hand:

"No! It wasn't me! It wasn't me!..."

She didn't say anything, but asked if the Marquis's mansion had any other assets. She had used all her dowry to fill the hole, and now she had to rely on her daughter-in-law, which made her very uncomfortable.

The Marquis was able to befriend the richest man in Qin, so he might have some private assets. She just wanted to ask him about it.

Unexpectedly, the Marquis suddenly became excited and asked her who she had married yesterday.

Liu then remembered that they hadn't told him about remarrying Xia Qiutang, so she stammered and made up some stories about Qin Yao.

Unexpectedly, he still angered the Marquis, and he couldn't catch his breath and that's how he died.

"Don't worry, Madam. I've been with you the whole time. The Marquis's illness was sudden and has nothing to do with you!"

……

When the imperial physician arrived, it was too late to save him.

When the imperial physician told Liu about it, Liu threw a huge tantrum, accusing the physician of being incompetent and harming the Marquis.

Upon receiving the news, Jiang Su rushed over with Xia Qiutang.

Upon entering, he saw Liu throwing a tantrum, so he had to pull his mother away first.

"Mother, let's find out what's going on before making a judgment!"

After comforting his mother, Jiang Su went to see his father on the bed. The Marquis's eyes were wide open in anger, clearly indicating that he had some unfinished business before his death.

"Where is the maid who is in charge of taking care of the Marquis?" Jiang Su turned his head, looked around, and didn't see anyone. Just as he was about to ask the servant to go look for her, two people came in through the door.

"Your Highness, this servant is here!" A maidservant of about fourteen years old knelt on the ground, while the old nanny who came in behind her stood behind Liu Shi.

"Where were you when the Marquis had his accident?" Jiang Su asked.

"Your Highness, I went to fetch the Marquis's medicine, and when I came back, I saw the Marquis... I really don't know what happened!"

The young maidservant prostrated herself on the ground, choking back tears as she spoke.

Jiang Su ignored her and turned to look at the royal physician.

"Dr. Li, how did my father die?"

"Your Highness, in my humble opinion, the Marquis must have suffered a stroke, and the white foam he vomited blocked his trachea, leading to his death."

The physician spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"Still not telling the truth!" Jiang Su kicked the maid on the ground, knocking her to the ground.

"Young Master! It must be this maid. When I accompanied Madam here, I saw her come out of the room. When Madam and I came in, we saw the Marquis like this." The old nanny behind Madam Liu suddenly spoke up.

"No..." The little maid looked at the old woman in shock, but she gave in under the old woman's fierce gaze.

"Slave...slave..."

"Guards! Drag her away and beat her severely. Let's see if she tells the truth!"

The servant behind Jiang Su immediately came out and had the maid dragged out.

Before long, the little maid confessed.

She let it slip, revealing that the marriage between the two families hadn't gone through, which caused the Marquis to suffer a stroke.

Enraged, Liu ordered his men to be beaten to death after hearing the story.

The Hou family, who had just finished celebrating a joyous occasion, immediately entered into a somber period of funeral preparations.