Song Yulian was quite pleased.
While this wasn't exactly what she had envisioned, becoming a concubine to Xie Chen's father wasn't too bad.
He was a bit old, but older men knew how to cherish their partners.
In an older husband, younger wife dynamic, the younger one was always doted upon.
After the incident, though she hadn't had a chance to speak with Xie Chen's father, his agreement to the Second Elder Master's proposal indicated he was a responsible man.
She, in her youthful beauty, was surely more captivating than Xie Chen's mother.
Therefore, Song Yulian was confident that Xie Chen's father would cherish her.
At that time, Xie Chen and that Qin Tingxue would have to obediently call her "auntie."
Just thinking about it made her want to laugh.
She had easily delivered a beautiful counterattack to Xie Chen's humiliation.
If Xie Chen remained ungrateful, she would subtly influence his father to make Xie Chen's life difficult.
She heard Xie Chen was a filial son, so making his mother suffer would be enough to torment him.
Ultimately, Xie Chen would have to bow to her will.
Song Yulian paid no mind to the malicious, veiled mockery from other members of the Xie family. They might marry handsome husbands, but that was their only advantage.
What other merits could they possibly have?
At least, their official positions couldn't compare to Xie Chen's father's.
They were simply jealous of her.
"Miss, the Second Elder Master sent this over," Song Yulian's personal maid handed her a booklet.
This was the list of betrothal gifts from the Second Elder Master.
It included everything from gold and jewelry to estates and shops.
The value of these gifts surpassed even the dowry of a Xie family daughter marrying out.
Song Yulian was very satisfied. She handed the booklet back to her maid, "You check the items, and I'll personally thank the Second Elder Master."
Since the Second Elder Master was so generous, he must have expectations of her.
In the future, at the Xie mansion, she might still need the Second Elder Master's help.
Therefore, she was willing to maintain this relationship.
"Yulian, it's been hard on you," the Second Elder Master Xie sighed as soon as he saw Song Yulian.
Song Yulian calmly paid her respects to the Second Elder Master Xie. "Elder Master, what are you saying? Before, Yulian... now, this is a tremendous fortune for Yulian. Yulian knows that none of this would have been possible without your care for me."
These words pleased the Second Elder Master greatly.
"I knew you were always sensible. While Qingsong is a bit older, rest assured, he is a man who cherishes beauty. He will surely not mistreat you," the Second Elder Master Xie said. "You will have a comfortable life from now on."
"Thank you for your guidance, Elder Master," Song Yulian replied.
"Although you are joining the Xie family, I hope you remember that the Xie family is also your maternal home," the Second Elder Master Xie said meaningfully.
"Elder Master, you are truly good to Yulian," Song Yulian said with a show of deep gratitude. "Please rest assured, from now on, I will properly honor you and Auntie."
The Second Elder Master Xie had always appreciated Song Yulian's tact and understanding. She could grasp his intentions without him needing to explicitly state them, making her much more useful than the young ladies in his household.
"You are about to go to Qingsong's residence. Your aunt misses you. Spend more time with her," the Second Elder Master Xie said.
"Yulian takes her leave."
Leaving the Second Elder Master's courtyard, Song Yulian curled her lips. Auntie missed her? Of course, she would miss her, especially since the Second Elder Master had given away so many things. If he hadn't given them to her, his own daughters would have received more.
Her aunt had treated her well enough before, but that was only when her interests weren't affected. Now...