Yan Yunyao quickly dodged to the side, coldly looking at Madam Xu, "Mother-in-law, are you going to resort to family discipline? But I don't know what mistake I've made that deserves your anger. If you can't explain yourself clearly, I'll have no choice but to seek justice from the authorities!"

Madam Xu's hand froze in mid-air, caught in a dilemma. She never imagined that Yan Yunyao, who was usually so timid and submissive, would be so difficult to deal with now.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door, and a dignified voice rang out: "What's going on here?"

The visitor was none other than Yan Yunyao's father-in-law, Master Xu. He frowned slightly upon seeing the scene inside.

Madam Xu, feigning malice, complained, "My lord, look at this daughter-in-law! She's becoming more and more outrageous, daring to talk back to me!"

A sly glint flashed in Yan Yunyao's eyes. She knelt down with a thud, tears welling up instantly: "Father, your daughter-in-law has been unfilial and has angered my mother-in-law. Please punish me, Father!"

Seeing this, Master Xu had already made up his mind. He glared at Madam Xu, helped Yan Yunyao up, and said, "That's enough, we're all family, why make things so unpleasant? Yunyao rarely comes home, so don't make things too difficult for her."

Madam Xu opened her eyes wide, as if she had seen a ghost.

Is this Yan Yunyao?

Her change of expression was so quick that her father-in-law immediately believed her.

The father-in-law forcibly took Madam Xu out of the house.

Yan Yunyao watched their departing figures, a barely perceptible smile playing on her lips. She had, for the time being, won this battle between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

She went to see Xu Qing again.

Xu Qing had just finished his shift and was planning to go to his concubine's courtyard.

He became impatient when he saw Yan Yunyao.

Yan Yunyao didn't want to stay with him any longer, so she bluntly stated her thoughts, which made Xu Qing's face turn very ugly.

"What do you mean by this? Are you trying to make the Xu family lose all face?" Xu Qing said angrily.

“I just wanted to fight for some benefits for myself and my daughter, what’s wrong with that?” Yan Yunyao retorted without backing down.

"Fine, you're getting more and more outrageous!" Xu Qing raised his hand, wanting to slap Yan Yunyao.

Yan Yunyao grabbed his hand. "You dare to lay a hand on me? I'm not the person you used to bully anymore!"

Xu Qing tried to move, but couldn't break free.

He was trembling with anger, as if he had seen a ghost.

Yan Yunyao finally let go.

Xu Qing knew that Yan Yunyao was no longer the gentle and kind wife she once was.

"Fine, go ahead! Since you insist on making a fool of yourself, then we'll see!" Xu Qing said, then turned and left.

He was filled with regret; why had he returned her dowry?

Yan Yunyao watched his departing figure, a sense of relief washing over her. She knew she had made the right move. From now on, she would live for herself and her daughter.