Chapter 3: Watching the Play

Lu Shuyao looked at the mother and daughter before her with a glint of amusement in her eyes, as if watching a play unfold.

“No! I want to marry into the Xie family!” Lu Yuerong clung to her mother-in-law’s sleeve, pouting like a spoiled child.

Though the Xie family seemed to be in decline, it would rise to glory again once Xie Liwen returned victorious from the battlefield, and he would become one of the youngest and most promising military generals in the court.

By then, a wife’s status would rise with her husband’s, and Lu Yuerong was certain her life would not be worse than Lu Shuyao’s in her previous life.

Having lived a second time, Lu Yuerong did not wish to enter the palace, but she desired wealth and honor.

Xie Liwen’s future was boundless, and if she, as the legitimate daughter of the Lu family, married into his household now, given his reputation and cultivation from his past life, he would surely cherish her even more.

Rumor had it that the Xie family was a century-old noble clan with strict rites and customs. Xie Liwen was known for his gentlemanly demeanor and unwavering loyalty.

He was not only a good minister but also a good husband.

Most importantly, she knew everything about his future.

If she married into another family, it would be a blind marriage, and who knew how things would turn out.

“Mother, I want to marry Xie Sanlang! I have admired him for a long time!”

Upon hearing this, the matriarch’s face changed.

She cast a subtle glance at Lu Shuyao, then glared fiercely at her daughter. “Shuyao, since you’re willing to enter the palace, go back and prepare.”

“Yes.”

Lu Shuyao replied, a faint smile playing on her lips as she walked away.

Once Lu Shuyao left, the matriarch couldn’t help but scold her daughter, “What’s wrong with you? Were you kicked in the head by a horse? How can you be so foolish? Do you want to ruin your reputation by saying such things?”

Lu Yuerong, already full of grievances after being reborn, was overcome with sorrow at her mother’s words. Tears welled up and streamed down her face. “Mother, I beg you. I don’t want to enter the palace. I just want to marry into the Xie family. If that can’t happen, what meaning does my life have?”

The matriarch’s face darkened at her words. “I can’t decide this matter. Wait until your father returns, then we’ll discuss it.”

…

The decision for Lu Shuyao to enter the palace in place of Lu Yuerong was soon settled.

The Xie family came to inquire.

Xie Liwen arrived with his father, both wearing grim expressions.

The Lu family servants served tea silently, lowering their heads and standing dutifully at the sides.

The matriarch entered the room with Lu Yuerong, her face radiant with satisfaction.

Seeing their demeanor, the Xie family’s displeasure grew.

Xie Liwen’s father spoke bluntly, “Where is Lord Lu?”

The matriarch smiled. “Please don’t be upset, Lord Xie. The master is receiving guests and will arrive shortly.”

“I heard you intend to send the second young lady into the palace?”

“That is true.”

“Then what about the marriage between the Xie and Lu families? You didn’t inform us first and acted so abruptly. You clearly don’t regard us at all.”

The matriarch replied, “This matter was quite sudden, so we haven’t had time to prepare proper wording. It’s the fault of the Lu household.”

Xie Liwen’s father was not convinced.

The Xie family was currently at a loss financially and had already spent a great deal on this marriage. His visit was to reclaim his investment, with interest.

The matriarch wore a composed smile, confident that what she was about to say would delight the Xie family.

Soon, Lord Lu arrived. After brief greetings, he directly told the Xie family they planned to swap the marriages of the first and second daughters.

Xie Liwen’s father was momentarily stunned before he regained his composure.

He looked toward Lu Yuerong, who stood silently by the matriarch’s side.

The Lu family’s eldest daughter had a good reputation and could easily secure a better match than their Xie family. He never expected such a fortunate event to benefit his son.

“Is this true?”

“Of course it is!”

Xie Liwen’s father stood happily, shaking Lord Lu’s hand with great satisfaction.

In the entire room, only Xie Liwen, seated quietly in the guest chair, furrowed his brows.

The eldest daughter was indeed an excellent match but not suitable to be his wife.

She was perfect in every way but held herself aloof, proud and arrogant.

He wanted a wife who could manage the household quietly and maintain a peaceful homefront—not someone to be worshiped like a goddess.

Moreover, with her temperament, if she learned the truth about Zhen Wan, wouldn’t she torment her endlessly?

Yet, Xie Liwen found it hard to refuse. A woman of such renown in the capital agreeing to marry him stirred a rare sense of pride within him.

He glanced at Lu Yuerong, who held a round fan partly covering her face, quietly looking at him.

Xie Liwen felt a stir in his heart and smiled.

…

Within Qingfeng Garden, Lu Shuyao was trying on golden hairpins and silver rings sent by her stepmother’s servants.

Her delicate and radiant appearance was made even more stunning by the enchanting gold and silver jewelry.

“Second Miss, I hear the marriage between the eldest young lady and Lord Xie has been finalized,” said Peilan, Lu Shuyao’s personal maid.

Her face held a hint of regret; over the years, she had completely regarded Xie Sanlang as her future brother-in-law.

Peilan glanced at Lu Shuyao’s expression and found no sign of sadness.

She breathed a sigh of relief. “Miss, you truly have a carefree heart.”

She had feared the second miss would be upset.

Lu Shuyao smiled at Peilan. “This is good news, so I should be happy. Help me dress up; I want to see how these ornaments look.”

At such a young age, she had seldom bothered with such finery.

Later, after marrying into the Xie family, which was not wealthy, Xie Liwen had never taken the initiative to buy her adornments.

“All right.”

After dressing up, Lu Shuyao looked at herself in the copper mirror.

The woman in the reflection had clear, glowing skin, dark green hair ornaments, and a rosy complexion—gracefully enchanting.

Suddenly, a messenger’s voice came from outside.

“Second young lady, peace be with you. Lord Xie wishes to see you,” said Binglian, a maid beside Lu Yuerong, her gaze sharp as if watching a thief.

Lu Shuyao turned her head, and Binglian cursed silently, thinking perhaps Lu Shuyao knew the Xie family would come today and had dressed up intentionally.

“I won’t see him,” Lu Shuyao said, adjusting the hairpins by her side. “Lord Xie is no longer my fiancé, and meeting him again would be improper.”

Binglian looked at her. “Second Miss, rest assured, the eldest young lady knows about this. Lord Xie wishes to personally return the betrothal gifts to you.”

“Peilan, fetch the jade pendant,” Lu Shuyao ignored Binglian’s words and turned to have Peilan bring her the jade pendant.

The token was soon delivered to Xie Liwen by the maid.

Xie Liwen glanced around the empty corridor, then at the jade pendant presented by the maid, and couldn’t help but ask, “Second Miss is unwilling to come in person?”

Binglian had worried that Lu Shuyao might still have feelings for Xie Liwen, but now it seemed she should be more worried about Xie Liwen himself.

“Second Miss is preparing to enter the palace and has no time to meet Lord Xie.”

Xie Liwen held the jade pendant with a hint of disappointment. He actually liked Lu Shuyao and had always treated her as his fiancée.

Lu Shuyao was pure, kind, and easy to manage. He had thought she would come crying, expressing her reluctance to part with him. He never expected her to be so cold-hearted.