Chapter 002: During the Qingming Festival, the rain falls in a continuous drizzle

What is even more remarkable is that, as a frail woman, she was able to perfectly conceal the fact of her elopement with just a few earnest words of admonition, demonstrating a notable ability to turn passivity into initiative. Even when analyzed through the lens of modern negotiation techniques, one cannot help but admire Su San's skills.

If it were not for being entangled by Lin Rong, she would never have accepted the proposal from the Su family. In her heart, she only harbored prejudice against Su San, and there was no possibility of any affection. At this moment, it would be a great kindness for her not to add fuel to the fire.

After a gentle blessing, she naturally walked to his side and effortlessly linked her arm with Su San's. It was as if there was no barrier between them, just like an old married couple who had been through many years together.

At the very least, Master Su still harbored a glimmer of hope for Su San. For Su San's sake, Master Su even agreed to her using certain means to escape the marriage, which can be seen as a sincere effort on his part

Given Li Yue'er’s reputation in Wuling, it stands to reason that the two should not be meeting for the first time. Logically speaking, she should be most aware of one’s character, yet he fails to perceive even a hint of disdain in the woman’s eyes towards him.

How has your young master been these past few days

Li Yue'er returned to the Su family, which is not really something to be overly surprised about

Being dismissed, although the reputation is not pleasant, I have preserved my integrity and may still find someone who understands and knows my heart

Secondly, although Su San is inferior, he is still somewhat better than Lin Rong. He flirts without being predatory; he is idle but does not commit heinous acts. Although he has already sunk to a point of no return, there are actually very few truly reprehensible deeds that can be publicly acknowledged. It is merely that he is a bit youthful and reckless, and has a greater fondness for women.

Is it a misunderstanding of the rumors? Or is it an illusion

Her recent actions were neither rushed nor slow, neither flustered nor hurried. Although there was a hint of concern in her eyes that he might act recklessly, overall, her demeanor was appropriate and poised, truly befitting a lady of refinement.

Her thoughts are not bad at all

Her words, if casually spoken to anyone in Wuling City, would likely be met with disbelief by most. However, in her effort to spur herself towards reform, those words can be considered a sincere endeavor.

Yuer, Lu'er, you two must not speak carelessly in the future. He is now your uncle by marriage, my husband. Speaking ill of him does not reflect well on me. The past is the past; since the marriage, he has not been reported to have engaged in any misconduct. Those rumors and hearsay cannot be taken as truth. Perhaps, my husband is not as the rumors in the streets suggest

The key point is that Su San may not be beyond salvation after all

"Is your name Yuer?" The woman, who had been married for only three days, smiled as she looked at Yuer

During the Qingming Festival, the rain falls in a continuous drizzle; travelers on the road feel as if their souls are being severed. I ask where there is an inn, and the shepherd boy points distantly to Xinghua Village.

The eldest son of the Su family, Su Yi, holds an official position in the court, and his rank is not insignificant. With this layer of protection, even the Lin family would not dare to recklessly retaliate against the Li family; this is one reason.

Is the young master composing poetry? Yu'er is sitting sideways behind the cloth curtain, her figure faintly visible within.

When her father said he would marry her off to Su San, she did express her opposition. Who in Wuling does not know Su San?

She thought to herself this way, yet did not express this meaning. However, judging from his behavior during their earlier meeting, it seemed that his feelings had indeed changed.

With a smile and a shake of the head, I calmly gazed ahead. In the distance, mist began to rise, indicating that I would need to fully immerse myself in adapting to this world.

Yuer accompanied him back to the small building of the Su family, indignantly mentioning the conversation on the carriage, and also bringing up the words of the young mistress scolding the two maidservants

After the Qingming Festival and the ancestral worship, Li Yue'er indeed returned directly to the Li family.

But what is it

If one can endure these few days, I fear that after a few more days, the old habits will surely resurface

"Yes, young lady!" Yu'er gently replied, following the curve of her brow.

Such thoughtfulness is certainly not driven by the desire to one day enter his room. I fear that there may also be some secret agreement between her and the old master

You! Yuer's face turned bright red, "I won't talk to you anymore."

I hope he will change from this point onward

"Yuer, do not speak carelessly." Although she said this, there was no hint of reproach in her tone towards Yuer

... ...

Beauty is indeed beauty, especially that pair of dimples, which makes one feel captivated at first glance. Even that old fellow, whose mindset is already in his seventies or eighties, cannot help but feel moved; no wonder the young men of Wuling are vying for her attention and feeling jealous.

Oh, young master, your injury has healed. However...

The fact that Li Yue'er is able to come indicates, at the very least, that she is well-mannered, possesses a sense of propriety, and is a woman who understands the ways of the world

This scene left the daughters-in-law, who originally intended to step forward and offer some words of advice, at a loss for words. They were completely overwhelmed by a sense of futility, as if their fists had struck nothing but air

In saying this, she is also making her own efforts to save Su San. And the Yuer before her should convey these words to his ears.

It feels very strange

In order to prevent her from falling into a pit of fire, the father naturally had to marry her off before formally proposing to the Lin family. This method was the most prudent and the safest.

"Oh, my lord, it would be better not to visit those flower streets and willow lanes. If you have time, it is advisable to read more books; if you truly cannot focus on reading, you should at least learn some economics. Having a skill to rely on will make life easier in the future, preventing others from gossiping. Even I, as a concubine, would have a means of support." She spoke with a charming smile, not knowing whether her words were directed at Su San or the several aunts who had gathered around.

Yu'er came upstairs to call him, and the two of them walked together towards the front yard. The front yard had already gathered many family members, and there were also many carriages parked in the yard, which were presumably prepared as transportation for going out of the city to pay respects at the graves.

With a graceful figure, beneath her clear feather-like brows, a pair of deep black eyes, and red lips with a hint of a smile, her cheeks adorned with two sweet dimples, she converses with the maid beside her while gazing at her approaching self.

I will teach you, but before I do, we need to find some materials to make the playing cards first

Qingming Festival is a significant event during the Feng Dynasty, where filial piety is paramount. In name, Li Yue'er is indeed the daughter-in-law of the Su family, thus a member of the Su family. Therefore, during this time, even if she is extremely reluctant, she must make an appearance.

However, the oath she made is unlikely to be revoked just three days after the marriage; she certainly will not enter Su San's room. After today, she will still have to return home.

However, she cannot avoid marrying

She only sees herself as the target of oppression, isn't that akin to brandishing a large knife in front of Guan Gong? Upon reflection, it truly seems somewhat amusing; he too has had moments of being schemed against in front of others, hehe

It does not matter; if he can change, that would be best, but if he does not change, it has nothing to do with me. In any case, Old Master Su has already promised me, with a limit of one year, regardless of the outcome, he will allow me to part ways with him.

He has nothing much to complain about; given his reckless behavior in previous years, being treated this way is perfectly normal. In fact, he does not really care about these matters.

Indeed, the wives, the servants, and the other maids in the courtyard all say that the young master has changed.

I don't want to think about it anymore, I don't want to think about it anymore. "Shall we play poker?"

I initially thought that by taking the initiative to get closer, someone like him, a lecher, would at least display a flirtatious demeanor in front of these family members, even if he couldn't act on his impulses. However, I did not expect that he maintained a smile throughout, showing no special expression due to my actions, as if nothing could affect him at all

The maid holding the umbrella snorted and muttered, "Your young master taught you to say that, didn't he? In fact, he is a great villain, a lecher."

Why has it changed?

The actual effect was that after hearing her words, several aunts all turned their eyes towards Su San, displaying an expression of disappointment as if they were lamenting her lack of progress. They were completely unaware that they should have been on her side instead.

Yuer is a newly arrived maid in the residence, assigned to serve him only after his marriage. Therefore, she is unaware of Su San's wickedness. If she were to know the true nature of Su San, who has always been rough and brutal with little girls like her, she would likely avoid him at all costs, let alone be so close to him

A commotion ensued as the old gentleman entered the front courtyard with Su Er. At a command, all the womenfolk boarded the carriages, while the men rode alongside their women, making their way towards the villa outside the city.

However, everyone says that the young master seems to be a bit different now

He listened with a smile, saying nothing. To be able to listen to the little girl recounting these family stories on a rainy night is indeed a unique experience

Sigh, why do I always find myself involuntarily lost in thought? What is the point of thinking about these things? Have I not yet had enough of the days filled with scheming and intrigue?

If he possessed some genuine talent and knowledge, he would indeed be a charming and talented individual. However, he is merely a good-for-nothing who lacks learning, a vulgar person with no decorum in his speech, which is why the words that come out are not very pleasant.

Yuer has just arrived and is unsure what is different! However, Yuer feels that the young master is quite nice, speaking in a gentle and friendly manner. When Yuer makes a mistake, the young master only smiles and does not scold anyone

Everyone is talking about it

Yuer led him to stand before her

It must be so, otherwise she would not go to such lengths. Old Master Su, unexpectedly collaborating with outsiders to design his own fate

Is it really true that one's own beauty possesses such great allure that it can genuinely lead someone to reform their ways? ... Speaking in a gentle manner, not hitting or scolding others ... Perhaps it is with ulterior motives towards young girls that one deliberately resorts to using charm to attract attention

The sky was overcast, and it truly seemed like it was going to rain. However, the pedestrians on the road did not appear to be in despair. He sat steadily on his horse, not urging it on, allowing the steed to follow the carriage at a leisurely pace. Yu'er occasionally poked her head out of the carriage, quite excited about leaving the city

In fact, she is still quite fortunate that things have evolved into what they are today

Ah! Poker? Yu'er widened her eyes

In front of Yu'er, although she spoke politely, she actually held a negative view of her own words. Su San's character is not merely a matter of hearsay; it is indeed based on true events

Eighteen-year-old Li Yue'er sat sideways in the carriage, her long black hair casually tied up with a square scarf, draping from one side of her neck in front of her. Two maidservants sat opposite each other, one holding an umbrella and the other holding a cloak. The one sitting closest to the outside, Yu'er, stuck out her tongue at Su San's back and shrank back in her seat.

At the edge of the crowd stood three women, with the foremost wearing a white dress and draped in a black cloak, making her particularly conspicuous among the throng. At a glance, she exuded an air of distinction, reminiscent of a crane standing among chickens, suggesting that she was indeed the one.

As she approached, she first lightly loosened her cloak and calmly handed it to the maid. Then, facing him, she performed a graceful bow, and her clear, melodious voice naturally uttered two words, "My husband"

The governor of Lin County is inherently greedy, and Lin Rong is deeply malicious to the core; it is only a matter of time before the Lin family faces disaster. To avert this calamity, she cannot allow the Lin family to make their intentions of proposing marriage overtly known.

This Su San is undoubtedly the nightmare of any unmarried young woman's heart