Chapter 177 Lu Zhaoruo: Subtle yet sharp, unyielding.

Upon hearing this, Madam Xiao's expression suddenly darkened.

She never expected that her daughter-in-law would dare to talk back to her in public like that, and even elevate Lu Zhaoruo's "stain" to the level of "loyalty, courage, benevolence and righteousness".

This is practically slapping this old lady in the face!

A surge of foul air rushed to her head, and she was about to shout a rebuke, but when she met Madam Xiao's unyielding gaze, she remembered that this new bride was no ordinary lady from a high-ranking family; she was a true mountain tyrant who had fought her way through countless battles!

If things really come to a head, given her reckless nature, who knows what kind of embarrassing situation she might cause.

Madam Xiao suppressed her anger, letting out a sneer through her nose, a sinister glint flashing in her eyes.

Madam He was so shocked by Madam Xiao's sharp rebuttal that her face turned deathly pale.

He pretended to adjust his cuffs to hide his panic, but dared not utter another word.

She had intended to please Madam Xiao, but she hadn't expected such a direct counterattack.

But who can blame her when she's the matriarch of the Xiao family?

Who told her to be the second-rank Lady of Wuyang County?

In the end, she was just a distant relative, living under someone else's roof. Although she helped manage the mansion, her status was still inferior to that of Madam Xiao.

Dongrou stood behind Lu Zhaoruo, her head bowed low, her heart filled with excitement for her mistress, almost to the point of tears.

Madam Xiao's words were so satisfying and cathartic!

What gives you the right to look down on my wife?

As Lu Zhaoruo listened to Madam Xiao's unreserved words of protection, her eyes welled up with tears, and her heart softened and burned.

For the past twenty-two years, has her biological mother ever shown her any such unconditional protection and defense?

Ironically, even a kind word has become a luxury.

This warmth now comes from an elder with whom I have no blood relation.

However, she knew that the current conflict was caused by her, and there was no reason for Madam Xiao to bear the burden alone.

She took a slow breath, suppressed the turmoil in her heart, calmly stood up, walked to the hall, and gave a proper bow to Madam Xiao. Only then did she raise her eyes, her voice gentle and clear: "I will remember what Madam He said. A woman's virtue, appearance, speech and work are indeed the foundation of her character."

She paused slightly, her tone turning calm and resolute: "However, Zhaoruo believes that the greatest virtue lies in caring for one's country and family, and in having a clear conscience. When Jizhou was in danger, although I was just a merchant, I knew that every man has a responsibility. Therefore, I did my best to protect the people and donate funds to support the front line. My heart is as clear as the sun and moon."

"The past ties are severed. All I seek in this life is to do business to help the world and settle myself. I would never dare to disgrace my family."

"I am deeply grateful for the kindness shown by the Madam and the Lady. However, marriage is a serious matter and not a child's play. I have never forgotten the past, nor do I dare to aspire to the future. I leave everything to the wise decision of the elders and the General, and I will have no complaints."

The hall was completely silent.

The veins on the back of Madam Xiao's hand, which was resting on the table, were slightly visible.

Having lived most of her life, how could she not understand the underlying meaning in those words?

His words were all reasonable and humble, making it difficult for her to find fault with them.

She felt a tightness in her chest and could only grip the prayer beads in her other hand tightly.

Wang Miaoyin felt like she was sitting on pins and needles, her body trembling slightly uncontrollably.

She had thought Lu Zhaoruo was just an ordinary businesswoman, and even if she had some knowledge, she wouldn't be so composed and articulate.

At this moment, I saw her so composed and dignified, turning the difficulties her mother and great-aunt had caused into nothing but smoke with just a few words, making me look cowardly and timid, like a clown.

She originally thought that Brother Ming would never be moved by any woman in his life, and that she only needed to wait quietly, and she would eventually win his pity.

But now, Brother Ming has cut off his finger for her sake.

Her aunt protected her so fiercely.

How could she not be nervous and scared?

Although she knew perfectly well what was going on in her heart.

There is absolutely no possibility that Lu Zhaoruo will become the principal wife.

Because there is also a Lady Yunxiu above her.

But with Madam Xiao's favoritism towards her, she'll likely be destined for the title of "noble concubine"... What will she do then? Even if she becomes Ming-gege's concubine thanks to her great-aunt's favor, she'll still only be a lowly concubine...

She instinctively turned her head and cast a pitiful, pleading look at her mother.

Having just been publicly refuted by Madam Xiao, He Shi was now being contradicted by Lu Zhaoruo, her face flushed red and pale with shame and indignation.

Seeing the helpless look in my daughter's eyes at that moment, my heart ached.

Lu Zhaoruo has quite the sharp tongue!

He seems quiet and unassuming, but he's actually quite shrewd and doesn't back down an inch.

She secretly vowed: "If she ever takes my son's title of concubine and rides on my and my daughter's heads... I will fight to the death to make sure she has no choice but to obey!"

Madam Xiao, however, was very pleased with Lu Zhaoruo's words.

In the letter, he couldn't help but sigh, "It's no wonder I chose it."

Seeing that everyone was silent, she turned her gaze to Wang Miaoyin. Unexpectedly, when Wang Miaoyin met her gaze, her hand trembled, and the teacup made a soft "clang" as she almost dropped it. She shrank her shoulders like a frightened rabbit, her eyes filled with fear.

Madam Xiao turned to look at Lu Zhaoruo, who had returned to her seat, and saw that her eyes were calm and she gave her a gentle smile.

Madam Xiao felt relieved and said loudly, "Zhao Ruo is so generous and proper, and she's much more pleasing to the eye. Unlike Miao Yin, who always looks like I'm afraid I'll devour her, making others think I'm mistreating her."

She felt really aggrieved.

Normally, she had always been kind and considerate to this cousin-in-law, providing her with everything she needed, including food, clothing, and other necessities, in accordance with the standards for a legitimate daughter of the Xiao family. She had never shortchanged her in the slightest.

But every time this child saw her, he would act like a mouse seeing a cat, his eyes darting away, his shoulders hunched, looking exactly like a doormat.

If word gets out that she is mistreated by her relatives, wouldn't she be unable to clear her name no matter what?

Upon hearing this, Wang Miaoyin lowered her head even further and dared not utter a word.

When Madam Xiao saw her daughter-in-law belittling Wang Miaoyin in public, she was displeased. She immediately beckoned to Wang Miaoyin and deliberately softened her tone: "Miaoyin, good child, don't sit so far away, come over to your great-aunt."

Wang Miaoyin felt as if she had been granted a pardon, and hurriedly and cautiously moved forward to nestle beside the old lady.

The old lady warmly grasped her hand, glanced at Madam Xiao, and raised her voice slightly, clearly speaking to her: "In my opinion, if you could stay by Ye Ming's side and become his concubine, it would be an extremely beautiful marriage."

How could she not know Madam Xiao's intention to elevate Lu Zhaoruo?

But the more this was the case, the more she wanted to publicly express her stance, defend Wang Miaoyin, and suppress her daughter-in-law's arrogance.

Wang Miaoyin's cheeks were flushed, and her head was so low that it was almost buried in her collar.

Fortunately, her great-aunt was biased towards her.

Mrs. He breathed a sigh of relief.

Upon hearing this, Madam Xiao slammed her teacup heavily on the table: "Mother, you are mistaken! Ming'er's marriage is naturally up to him to decide! As his grandmother, don't you know his temperament better than I do?"