The Return of the Seventh Young Lady-Chapter 69 - 68

Chapter 68

Late that same night, Mu Yingying had someone bring back the servant who had been sent to infiltrate the Cheng family five years ago to inquire about the Cheng family’s affairs over the past four years. When the shadow guards brought the servant to her quarters, Su Su went outside to guard the door as usual, leaving only Mu Yingying and the servant inside to talk.

"How has the Cheng family been since they moved to the capital?" Mu Yingying asked casually, her small hand flicking the brush to write something on the paper while listening to the servant’s report.

"Miss, since the Cheng family moved to the capital, initially, the Second Furen, who gave birth to a son, still held the authority to manage household affairs. However, as Cheng Patriarch fully integrated into the high society, maintaining an image became important. The Second Furen, being of common origin, seemed unsuitable."

"Cheng Patriarch decided to return the power to manage the household to Cheng Furen, who comes from a noble family. Although the Second Furen remains favored because of her son, Cheng Furen has regained her authority. They have had both overt and covert conflicts, but neither dares to act too aggressively."

Mu Yingying smirked slightly. She had originally thought that with Mian Li’s cunning and the birth of the Cheng family’s only son, she would have secured her position as the Furen of the household. However, she had overlooked the fact about Mian Li’s commoner background.

It was a significant embarrassment for Master Cheng, who would not want an ordinary woman as his principal wife. Given the custom that the principal wife should hold the power, it was not surprising that Master Cheng changed his mind and returned the household management to Cheng Furen.

As for why neither Cheng Furen nor the Second Furen dared to act boldly against each other, it was likely because they both held different cards. Cheng Furen had her noble birth and status as the principal wife, while the Second Furen had the only son of the Cheng family, the future heir!

Seeing that her mistress did not comment, the servant continued her report. "Additionally, a year ago, the eldest young miss of the Cheng family became engaged to the third young master of the Gu family. The two families have agreed to hold the wedding in two years. This marriage alliance was orchestrated by Cheng Patriarch himself. If the wedding goes smoothly, the Cheng family will gain more power from the Gu family’s support."

"The Gu family?" Mu Yingying raised her eyebrows slightly, trying to recall the Gu family in the capital. "Don’t tell me it’s the Gu family of the Right side Deputy Chancellor..."

"Yes, Miss."

Upon receiving confirmation from the servant, Mu Yingying let out a soft laugh, filled with mockery. It was truly fitting for Master Cheng to devise such a cunning plan. If he could form an alliance with the Gu family, not only would the Cheng family gain power, but he would also have the chance to replace the Right side Deputy Chancellor in the future.

No wonder...Cheng Fuyuan seemed so arrogant and fearless when she encountered her earlier today. It turned out she was emboldened because she was engaged to the third young master of the Gu family!

But did Mu Yingying intend to let her enemy get what she wanted?

Certainly not!

Mu Yingying smirked coldly and said, "Go back and send a message to Mian Li. Tell her to find a way to mention this morning’s altercation between Cheng Fuyuan and the Mu family to MasterCheng. After that, have her subtly talk about Cheng Fuyuan’s ’good’ behavior to her father."

"Yes, Miss," the servant replied respectfully. Seeing her mistress wave her hand, she bowed and left immediately.

Once the servant was sent back to the Cheng Manor, Su Su returned to the room with some snacks and tea. She placed the tray on a small wooden table beside the daybed before coming to assist her mistress with grinding ink.

"What will you do next, Miss?"

"Since Cheng Fuyuan feels emboldened by her backing and dares to provoke us so brazenly, I will shatter her dreams..."

Mu Yingying said with a sneer. Her delicate hand continued to write a letter leisurely. When she finished one, she waited for the ink to dry before folding it and placing it in an envelope. "Send this letter to Miss Fei Yang."

"Yes, Miss." Su Su carefully took the letter.

Mu Yingying set the brush down on the stand and took the teacup Su Su handed her. Her big, round eyes sparkled with amusement. "Send our people to spread rumors among the high society about what Cheng Fuyuan did in Qingyun City. Also, talk about the good deeds she did to me and Miss Fei Yang."

"If it’s the high society, it might be hard to make them believe all the rumors," Su Su said, frowning slightly.

If it were ordinary townsfolk, even small rumors could blow up. But among the high society, without solid evidence, credibility would be hard to establish.

"Don’t worry. These are real events, not fabricated ones,"

Mu Yingying said with a sinister smile. The letter she sent to Meng Liting was to inform her to cooperate with the plan. When the rumors started spreading, it would undoubtedly cause suspicion among the high society. Even if many might not believe it outright, if Meng Liting, who frequently attended social gatherings, showed signs of suspicion,

It was a sign that confirmed those truths. The result would inevitably be different. Alone, the issue of Cheng Fuyuan having problems with her was not much. However, if word got out that Cheng Fuyuan had conflicts with Miss Fei Yang, who would dare to approach Cheng Fuyuan? Because that would mean disrespecting Duan Wang Palace!

The same applied to the Gu family. If the Right side Deputy Chancellor were wise enough, he would have to abandon the Cheng family and annul the engagement with Cheng Fuyuan to save face with Duan Wang Palace! If Cheng Fuyuan were to be rejected, Mu Yingying wondered if she would still be so emboldened...

Over the past four years, she had let Cheng Fuyuan live too comfortably. It was time to settle the score!

Cheng Manor

The following night, Master Cheng chose to spend the night in the quarters of his Second Furen. While he was playing with his youngest son, Mian Li prepared some snacks for her husband. Once the child started to feel tired, Master Cheng had the nanny take him to bed, and he returned to the room.

"Here’s your tea, my dear,"

Said a sweet voice as a fragrant woman in her thirties walked in smilingly with a tray of tea. She poured the tea into a cup and gently handed it to him, aiming to relax him.

Master Cheng accepted the tea and sipped it slowly, closing his eyes to enjoy the comfort while his beautiful wife massaged his shoulders. "Li’er, you always take such good care of me. With your kindness and attention, how could I be interested in any other woman?"

"You are my husband, the man I’ve given my heart to. How could I not take care of you?" Mian Li replied with a smile, her face full of gentleness. Her delicate hands alternated between strong and light pressure to relieve his tension.

"I’m so lucky. After a tiring day at work, I still have you to look after me at home with my adorable son," Master Cheng opened his eyes to gaze at her lovingly. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her onto his lap, inhaling the fragrance of her body.

"Oh, my dear..." Mian Li pretended to be shy, resting her head on his chest. Her beautiful face showed a deep sigh, as if she had something troubling her, prompting Master Cheng to ask.

"What’s the matter?"

"I... just have something worrying me," she replied softly, her face showing concern.

Master Cheng raised his eyebrows upon hearing that. "What could be troubling you so much?"

"Today, while I was out buying jewelry in the commercial district, I heard people talking about how the eldest young miss got into another fight yesterday..."

Mian Li said with a worried tone, her eyes clearly showing concern. Master Cheng’s face showed exasperation. "Don’t worry about Fuyuan. She’s always causing trouble. If she’s not fighting with one family’s daughter, she’s quarreling with another. I’m at my wit’s end with her."

"But this time is different, my dear," Mian Li looked up at her husband, then continued, "I heard that this time, the eldest young miss scolded the seventh young miss of the Mu family in front of a crowd. She even led other young misses to harshly criticize her, which enraged Master Mu, her elder brother, who then publicly reprimanded them in front of the crowd."

Master Cheng immediately turned to his wife, his eyes wide with a mix of shock and panic. "The Mu family?"

"Yes, my dear. Now, many families are starting to distance themselves from us because they don’t want trouble with the Mu family."

Bang!

Master Cheng slammed his palm down on the table in fury, his face contorted with anger. He couldn’t believe that his troublesome daughter had once again caused conflict with the Mu family!

"How dare she! Of all people to provoke, she chose the Mu family again! And she made Mu Gongzhen lose his temper too!"

The good mood he had had moments ago vanished, replaced by a seething anger. He couldn’t believe his daughter had caused such a big issue. The Mu family alone wouldn’t be much of issue, but Mu Gongzhen was untouchable because of his close relationship with the Emperor.

Everyone knew how dangerous it was to provoke a courtier close to the Emperor!

Just a word from Mu Gongzhen in front of the Emperor could change the fate of many officials!

Heaven!

His daughter had chosen the worst possible person to antagonize!

Mian Li watched her husband’s furious reaction with satisfaction. She had fulfilled the order given to her, although she would have gladly done it even without being told. Seeing that wretched girl’s own father lashed out at her brought immense satisfaction to her heart.

"I’m going to teach her a lesson!"

Master Cheng, who was racking his brain for solutions, decided to vent his anger on his troublesome daughter first. He quickly stood up, ready to leave the room, but Mian Li stopped him.

"Wait, my dear!"

She quickly moved to block his path and reminded him, "It’s very late now. Let’s discuss this tomorrow. You have to work early in the morning. Your body won’t be able to handle the strain."

Master Cheng, brought to his senses by her words, suppressed his anger. As much as he wanted to vent, his beautiful wife’s reminder was not without merit. He had to attend court early tomorrow to present his report to the Emperor. If he didn’t rest properly and made a mistake in the ceremony, it would be disastrous.

"Thank you for reminding me."

He took a deep breath to calm himself and reluctantly followed Mian Li back to their room to rest. However, while walking, he failed to notice the cunning gleam in her eyes.

The next morning, Master Cheng left for work early. Mian Li continued her usual routine, not involving herself with the matters of Cheng Furen. However, she discreetly sent people to gather information about the outside world, keeping an eye on the shifting tides in the capital.

As expected, the rumors spread rapidly among the upper class, like a rushing stream, following the banquet at the residence of the Right side Deputy Chancellor that morning. The news about the eldest young miss of the Cheng family having a conflict with Miss Fei Yang was told and retold without cease.

At the banquet, Miss Fei Yang’s lack of denial regarding the rumors only fueled the gossip among the women present. The Furens hurried back to their homes to inform their husbands of the events, and several noble families began distancing themselves from the Cheng family to avoid any potential trouble with the Mu family.

Having an issue with Miss Fei Yang was akin to having an issue with Duan Wang Palace!

Everyone in the capital knew how much Duan Wang adored and cherished Miss Fei Yang, willing to do anything to grant her desires, even though it meant going through hell and high water.

The residence of the Right side Deputy Chancellor, the Gu family, also had discussed and quickly decided to annul the engagement between the two families. They chose to sever ties with the Cheng family rather than let Duan Wang think they were being associated with them, ensuring the prevention of any unexpected events in the future.

When Master Cheng finished his work at the treasury, the Right side Deputy Chancellor sent someone to invite him for a talk at the Gu manor, handing over an official letter of annulment and declaring their disassociation with the Cheng family!

Master Cheng was shocked, confused, and bewildered. Just moments ago, everything seemed to be going well. The engagement between the two families had been proceeding smoothly, so why had it all suddenly fallen apart like a mere dream!?

Not long after, when Master Cheng learned the full truth, his pent-up anger exploded uncontrollably. He gritted his teeth, suppressed his rage, and ordered to be taken home immediately.

Meanwhile, Cheng Furen, who had received the annulment letter from Gu Furen, fainted on the spot. With her daughter publicly humiliated by the broken engagement, who would dare propose to her Yuan’er now?...

In Cheng Fuyuan’s quarters, many items, including vases and teacups, were smashed to pieces on the floor amidst her continuous, furious screaming.

Crash!

"Aaaah! Why! None of this is real! This can’t be true!"

Cheng Fuyuan screamed shrilly, throwing a vase from the table to the ground, shattering it into pieces. Her eyes were bloodshot like those of a demon, and she stormed around, knocking over everything in her path to vent her anger.

Crash!

Boom!

Bang!

“That wretched Liting! It’s all because of that wretched Liting! Everything is ruined because of that slut! Aaaah!” Cheng Fuyuan swept the teacups off the table nonchalantly, her beautiful face contorted with rage. She had learned about the annulment at the same time as her mother, and upon sending a servant to gather information, she discovered the source of the trouble.

It was all because of that slut Liting!

Her dreams of becoming the Furen of the Gu family were shattered because of her!

Because of her!

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