The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

The Old Madam of the Yuan Family was certainly going to take Mrs. Luo to the banquet. Mrs. Luo entered the family in such a manner that people held her in high regard. The Old Madam was very satisfied with this daughter-in-law; now that her son had returned, there was even less reason to cast her aside.

Otherwise, what would become of the Yuan Family? With the son back, things should return to their proper course.

She said as much to Mrs. Luo, patting her hand and saying, ”Rest assured, in my eyes, and in the eyes of many others, you are the legitimate wife of the Eldest Son of the Yuan Family.”

Mrs. Luo forced a smile and lowered her head. As the supposedly legitimate wife of the Eldest Son, what could she do?

She had grievances against Yuan Liren. In the past, seeing the smaller households quarrel and play, she envied them, but she dared not express it. Since entering the family, she had worshiped Buddha and lived a semi-monastic life — from a bright young girl to a middle-aged woman with a calm heart.

Until Yuan Liren returned. She thought her heart would remain calm, but upon seeing him, she knew it was shattered.

Clearly, they were the same age, but he appeared to be ten years younger, accompanied by a loving wife and beautiful children, while she had spent countless long, lonely nights.

She couldn’t help but recall what Yuan Liren said to her upon his return: suggesting they could separate, that she could find another good match to remarry. Wasn’t that telling her to die?

He couldn’t wrong Mrs. Li by sharing his room with her, so could he wrong her?

How cruel.

Thinking of Li and of herself, Mrs. Luo’s heart was filled with sorrow. She truly wished he had died instead of returning in such a manner, especially not to live in a threesome.

The same situation was occurring on Li’s side.

Li was reluctant to see Yuan Liren put in a difficult position and said, ”Why don’t I just not go? After all, I just came back to the capital. I could claim illness from acclimating to the new environment.”

Yuan Liren shook his head, ”If you concede this time, you’ll have to concede everything in the future. Furong, I’ve already put you through enough; if this situation makes you suffer, then...”

Li replied, ”It’s not a big deal. It’s better than you having a hard time.”

”It’s not hard at all. Furong, listen to me, there will definitely be nobles and women with Imperial Decrees at the Song Family’s annual banquet. Especially now that Prime Minister Fan is in mourning, those wishing to curry favor with the Song Family are more numerous. Since I am entering officialdom, Madam will inevitably need to socialize among the women with Imperial Decrees. If you back down now, what about later? Letting Mrs. Luo deal with the socializing is possible, but then how will Cao and the others manage? They’re at the age to discuss marriage.”

Li’s heart tightened.

Yuan Liren was her beloved; she didn’t want him troubled. However, her children were even more of her weakness. She could step back for herself — but for the children?

Li felt bitter inside.

Yuan Liren pulled her into his arms and said, ”Furong, I am also at fault. Perhaps if I hadn’t returned back then, there wouldn’t be difficulties today.”

Li reluctantly replied, ”The children, after all, carry the surname Yuan, destined to return to their roots. I understand your thoughts for the Old Master and Old Madam, but who could have foreseen things turning out this way?” She pursed her lips and said, ”What if you and Sister Luo...”

”Don’t say it.” Yuan Liren covered her mouth, ”I have already wronged you both. If I were to be with her, then how could I face you? The only thing I can give her is that status.”

Li’s eyes welled up; none wanted to push their own husband out, and she was no exception. Yet under these circumstances, she felt troubled, just as Mrs. Luo did.

She really wanted to ask heaven if there is a way to achieve happiness for all.