Chapter 2: Fanning the Flames, Trapping the Scoundrel and the Vile Woman

“Mother, can you really bear to let me go live in the General’s residence, enduring constant fear and anxiety? I’ve heard that after General Lu’s two elder brothers died in battle, those children were all raised there. Doesn’t that mean if I marry in, I’ll have to raise their children for them?”

In her previous life, those children had given her so much trouble that she had wished she could crush those little brats.

Madam Qin glanced at her cherished daughter, pampered since childhood, then hesitated at the thought of the General’s residence. But the Su family wasn’t a favorable option either.

Linyan Yun tugged her mother’s arm and said, “Mother, if you’re worried I’ll suffer in the Su family, then prepare my dowry well. I have silver in hand—why should I fear not living a good life?”

“Given the current state of the Su family, if I marry in with a proper dowry, both the Su household and Scholar Su will surely be grateful. Besides, I’ve heard their family discipline is very strict. Unless the main wife bears no children, no concubines are permitted.”

Madam Qin was shocked. “Is that true? And how did you find out?”

Linyan Yun nodded firmly. “Of course it’s true. I… had someone inquire.”

She had heard it firsthand from Su Jincheng in her previous life.

At first, she only wanted to become Su Jincheng’s concubine, but he said he would never take a concubine. Because of this, she had resolved to poison Lin Wanqing.

If I can’t be a concubine, then I’ll be the main wife.

Madam Qin poked her forehead with a finger. “You shameless girl! Aren’t you afraid people will find out and say you’re desperate to marry?”

Linyan Yun shrugged, unfazed. “As long as I live well later, who would dare to gossip? Mother, I will marry no one but Su Jincheng!”

Madam Qin fell silent, her thoughts swirling.

After a moment, she said, “Although the Su family is indeed no match for the General’s residence now, what you say isn’t without reason. Don’t rush; I’ll have someone investigate further…”

But Linyan Yun couldn’t wait. She feared Lin Wanqing would consent to the Su family match.

“Mother, I’ve already investigated everything. Su Jincheng is talented and full of ambition, with a bright future. As for General Lu, who knows when he’ll be called to the battlefield. The sword is merciless—I don’t want to become a widow so young!”

“Besides, if you send someone out to inquire now, no matter which family I choose later, I’ll be at a disadvantage.”

Madam Qin thought it over and agreed. “Then, it will be as you wish.”

Linyan Yun jumped up excitedly. “Thank you, Mother! Just wait and see—Su Lang will top the imperial exam, and I’ll become Lady of the Imperial Decree!”

Madam Qin smiled, infected by her confidence, imagining Su Jincheng’s success, but she still poked her again. “You shameless girl! Don’t shout before the marriage is settled!”

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Playfully sticking out her tongue, Linyan Yun replied, “Got it, Mother, I’ll be careful.”

The mother and daughter made their plans and happily returned to the flower hall arm in arm.

Lin Wanqing sipped her tea absentmindedly. Seeing their cheerful looks, she knew Linyan Yun had persuaded Madam Qin.

Good. It spared her the trouble of finding a way.

But she had to make sure this pair stuck firmly to the Su family proposal.

So she put down her teacup and said, “Madam, I’ve thought carefully. Although the General’s residence was first agreed upon for marriage, the Su family is poor and populous. Linyan Yun is young and has been pampered by you; she might not endure that hardship. So I should marry into the Su family.”

“Don’t even think about it!” Linyan Yun immediately objected. “The one who marries into the Su family must be me.”

Lin Wanqing softened her tone. “Linyan Yun, don’t be stubborn. The Su family is large, with many chores. You’ve grown up spoiled—how could you bear such hardship? The General’s residence is simpler. If you marry there, you’ll be the General’s wife and live worry-free. If you can have a child early, even if General Lu falls in battle, you’ll have a child to rely on…”

“Shut up!”

Linyan Yun’s face darkened fiercely, as Lin Wanqing had struck a painful nerve.

In her previous life, she had married into the General’s residence for ten years and remained a virgin! Lin Wanqing’s words hurt more than any slap.

Lin Wanqing turned helplessly to Madam Qin. “Madam, please persuade my sister. I had someone investigate recently—as talented as Scholar Su is, the Su family is too complicated. As the eldest sister, I can’t bear to see my younger sister suffer.”

Her words immediately aroused Madam Qin’s suspicion.

That little brat had also secretly investigated the Su family!

It seemed she didn’t favor the General’s residence and was aiming for the Su family instead.

Her face darkened. “Enough! Since ancient times, children’s marriages are decided by parents and matchmakers. How can you two argue recklessly here? Your marriages will be decided by your father and me. You are not to interfere further!”

Lin Wanqing quickly lowered her head in apology, but inwardly she knew Linyan Yun’s marriage to Su Jincheng was settled.

Leaving the flower hall, Lin Wanqing walked back to her own courtyard with her maid Banxia, pondering matters as she went.

After all she had been through in her past life, she had lost all hope of marrying happily.

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But she had to marry.

She had several younger sisters. If she didn’t marry, the other girls in the Lin family would be delayed as well. The Lin family would never allow that.

Therefore, the General’s residence was a decent option.

The Lu family was small; those who could die had mostly done so. The rest were old, weak, or women. The only pillar was young General Lu Jinxiao.

In her previous life, Lu Jinxiao was summoned to the battlefield on his wedding night and gone for years. When he returned, he was gravely wounded, barely clinging to life.

As far as she knew, Linyan Yun was still a maiden when divorced.

That was cruel for other women, but for her, it was a blessing.

As for the three children in the General’s residence, she paid them no mind.

If they behaved, she would care for them diligently. If not, she would feed them and treat them with formal respect.

Expect them to be filial and support her in old age?

Don’t be ridiculous. Even her own children might not be reliable, let alone others’.

Having lived a lifetime, she knew best—anyone could betray her, but her wealth never would.

With her plan settled, Lin Wanqing felt calm, without the slightest anxiety about the future.

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But Linyan Yun was uneasy.

In the previous life, the Su family had sought Lin Wanqing’s hand.

Although unwilling to admit it, Lin Wanqing was indeed more beautiful and had a scholar’s family backing.

That was why the Su family had reluctantly agreed to the match.

So Linyan Yun felt uncertain and intercepted Lin Wanqing midway.