Madam Shen hadn't paid much attention to her granddaughter who had fallen into poverty in the past. Although she had some skills, she couldn't really make any waves. But she never expected that she would misjudge her.
This little girl, whom she looked down upon, not only tricked her carefully groomed granddaughter, but also damaged the reputation of the Marquis's mansion.
Today, I called Song Zhiyu over for two reasons. First, to give her a warning and make her understand what she should and shouldn't do.
The most important thing is to put the honor of the Marquis's mansion before personal gain and not to act willfully or recklessly.
Secondly, he also wanted to use this opportunity to establish a relationship with the Princess, which would benefit the development of the Shen family's descendants in the court.
With Song Zhiyu as a pawn, the Marquis's mansion should soon be able to restore its former glory.
Madam Shen had planned everything meticulously, but she never considered Song Zhiyu as a potential variable.
Song Zhiyu pursed her lips, her deep, cold eyes devoid of any emotion. "Grandmother, rest assured, I will treat the Princess's illness alone. Whether it is better or worse, it has nothing to do with the Marquis's mansion."
If she hadn't already died once and seen through the true colors of the Shen family, she might have been deceived by Old Madam Shen's seemingly benevolent but actually treacherous nature, and devoted herself wholeheartedly to the Shen family.
Those who want to climb over her to become the eldest princess and pave the way for the Shen family should first consider whether they are worthy.
Upon hearing this, the smile on Madam Shen's face froze instantly, replaced by deep displeasure. Her plans were thwarted by Song Zhiyu's words.
Song Zhiyu didn't give Old Madam Shen a chance to refute. She took the account book from Lu Bai's hand and said to herself, "I came here today to ask Grandmother to be my witness. I will officially hand over those shops in the east of the city to Third Aunt."
Those shops in the east of the city were once the most profitable businesses in the Marquis's mansion. However, due to the Third Madam's mismanagement, they were on the verge of closing down. It was only after she returned to the mansion and devoted herself to saving them.
From then on, she was in charge of these shops, and the business became increasingly prosperous, making a fortune every day.
The third wife was resentful and always wanted to seize power, but she had no opportunity.
When one plan failed, she came up with another: she sent her relatives from her maternal family to the shop.
Unfortunately, those people lacked ability but were arrogant, always pointing fingers and making a mess of the shop.
In her past life, out of consideration for her family ties, she didn't make things too difficult for them. She simply used a scheme to drive them out, which incurred the wrath of the Third Madam, who made things difficult for her at every turn.
Looking back now, she was really foolish back then. She put in so much effort and energy, but ultimately didn't get any benefit.
She saved the shop, she found the embroiderers, and she earned the money; there's no reason for these people to reap the benefits without contributing anything.
Moreover, the people that the Third Madam had put in the shop were all bullying others because of their kinship, and had already offended many customers. They were doomed sooner or later, and she was unwilling to take on this hot potato again.
Those embroiderers are all truly skilled; each one has exceptional embroidery techniques. It would be a waste of their talents for them to continue working under those incompetent women.
Before returning the shop to the Marquis's mansion, she had already found them a better place to live.
In this life, she wants to see if the Shen family, who want to have their cake and eat it too, can still live so comfortably without her sacrifices.
"Are you serious?" The Third Madam's eyes widened as she snatched the account book with great joy, completely ignoring Old Madam Shen's unpleasant expression.
She had long wanted to take back those shops, but her mother-in-law thought she was not as capable as Song Zhiyu, this wild girl from the countryside, and refused to agree no matter what.
Unexpectedly, Song Zhiyu was actually willing to hand over such a profitable shop. Is he a fool?
The expressions of the people present varied. Apart from Shen's mother, who was unable to manage things due to health reasons, everyone else knew that these shops were now highly sought-after, and there was a lot of money to be made from them.
The fourth wife was furious, only hating that her husband was useless. His official position was not high, and he was not as favored by the old lady as the third son, so the good thing of managing the household affairs did not fall to her.
That idiot from the third wife's family, how can she compare to her?
"Of course." Song Zhiyu didn't hesitate for a moment; she didn't want to be a slave to the Shen family anymore.
Madam Shen cautiously glanced at Old Madam Shen's obviously gloomy face, and seeing that Song Zhiyu hadn't given her a single look since arriving at Tingxue Courtyard, she couldn't help but feel dissatisfied and resentful. She hesitated, about to speak.
Having achieved her goal, Song Zhiyu was unwilling to stay any longer. "Grandmother, I still need to see the Princess, so I'll take my leave now."
This reason left Madam Shen with no choice but to reluctantly agree.
*
“Miss, you spent so much effort saving those shops. If we just return them like this, wouldn’t that be letting them off easy?” After hesitating for a long time, Lu Bai finally asked the question that was bothering her.
Song Zhiyu smiled mysteriously and gently patted Lu Bai's head. "Don't worry, I won't be foolish again. They took advantage of me before, and they'll have to pay it back little by little from now on."
To reap the benefits of her, one must first be alive to enjoy them.
She rescued this young girl who had sold herself to bury her father from several纨绔子弟 (sons of wealthy and powerful families). After that, Lu Bai followed her, went to the capital with her, and entered the Marquis's mansion with her, remaining loyal to her wholeheartedly.
If she hadn't been blinded by so-called family affection in her past life, and hadn't been so focused on pleasing her parents and her scumbag brothers, she wouldn't have ended up dying a miserable death on the street, and Lu Bai wouldn't have been killed trying to save her.
Then there's the third brother, Su Jinyang, the young general who served his country and people and fought bravely on the battlefield, but was falsely accused of treason by the Prince of Li and died with ten thousand arrows piercing his heart.
The Su family was full of loyal martyrs, yet after their deaths they were stigmatized and despised by everyone. How ridiculous!
Thinking of this, Song Zhiyu's heart suddenly ached, and a heavy sadness enveloped her.
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