Lou Qinshu was called over and sternly reprimanded, told to pay more attention to his new bride. Lou Qinshu busied himself agreeing.
Returning to his own courtyard, he found Gao Xuejuan in a surprisingly good mood, which left him speechless. She had just been beaten and was already out and about as soon as she felt a little better. He wondered if she was intentionally provoking him or not.
Initially, Gao Xuejuan had held some hope for her husband. After some time together, she realized he was purely a fraud, her beautiful fantasies shattered. Love turned to hate, but seeing as he had provided her with a good identity, she decided to ignore him.
"You've been quite the lady of the manor lately," Lou Qinshu said. "But as your husband, I must remind you of one thing: no matter what squalid affairs happen within these walls, not a single word should escape to the outside. Otherwise, you will have no place in this household." Lou Qinshu felt he had wronged her before and couldn't bear to see her step into an abyss, so he couldn't help but warn her.
Gao Xuejuan's hand paused on the swing. She understood what he meant, but she couldn't admit it. "I've been staying in the manor all this time and behaving myself. Besides, everything I've done is for the benefit of the Third Branch. You should thank me."
"I'm merely offering a kind reminder. Do you know where I just came from? Grandfather's study. Although Grandfather seems easygoing and uninvolved in everyday matters, when he truly gets angry, everyone listens to him. He is very displeased with you spreading rumors. You've already crossed his line this time. If anything like this happens again, you'll either be divorced and sent home or lose your life." Knowing she was being stubborn, Lou Qinshu laid out the consequences clearly. If she persisted in her folly, she would deserve whatever happened.
Gao Xuejuan watched his retreating back, quietly contemplating the truth in his words. After much thought, she realized Lou Qinshu had no reason to lie to her and felt a pang of fear.
Old Madam Lou was angered that despite her scolding, Gao Xuejuan had shown no improvement and still refused to send the money.
The other two branches, due to Old Madam Lou's lack of financial support recently, had seen their incomes drastically reduced and their living standards plummet. They had initially expected the situation to improve after the Old Madam's previous outburst, but it remained the same. They had long been dissatisfied with Gao Xuejuan and were now actively fanning the flames.
"The arrival of a new bride is usually a joyous occasion. We were quite happy for Qinshu, finally getting married after so many years. Who would have thought..." The First Madam trailed off, feigning tears with her handkerchief.
Her daughter, unable to stand it, continued, "Mother was overjoyed when she learned of his marriage. We didn't skimp on the betrothal gifts, and the wedding banquet was grand. Who would have imagined that as soon as the new bride entered the house, she would treat us like outsiders, shattering the peace of the household."
Before the Old Madam could speak, the Second Madam chimed in, "First Sister-in-law's hard work is evident to all, so I won't dwell on that. In the past, the Old Ancestor presided over household affairs. But it feels like after the new bride entered, she disregarded your words, challenging your authority. This is unacceptable to us. Regardless, you raised three sons diligently, and we should be filial."
"Indeed, indeed. The Old Ancestor manages the household most fairly. We don't want a change in management," the Second Branch's daughter added fuel to the fire. The women, who usually engaged in subtle rivalry, were unusually united against a common enemy.
The Old Madam, who was already eight parts angry, was now twelve parts so, suddenly feeling the urge to assert her authority. Seeing everyone looking at her with expectant eyes, she adjusted her robes and sat up straight, "Do any of you have any good ideas?"
The First Madam was quick to respond, feigning difficulty. "You usually make the decisions, and your mind is sharper. We are dull-witted, so we'll listen to you."
Everyone nodded frantically, agreeing. They had already thought of a plan but were reluctant to offend the Third Branch.
"Once you enter our family, you must abide by our rules. No matter how dissatisfied you are with our family, you should not spread things outside. The matter last time has been confirmed to be her doing. As the Old Madam of the Lou family, I must teach her a lesson on how to consider the bigger picture. It's been a long time since anyone has guarded the ancestral hall. It's time to find someone to pay respects to the ancestors." Seeing that no one was willing to step forward, the Old Madam finally revealed her long-held plan.
This naturally elicited a round of applause. Gao Xuejuan, who was tallying accounts in her bedroom, was startled by the commotion outside. As she stepped out, she heard her maid arguing with the intruders. "I've already told you, our young madam is resting. Anything you need to say to me is the same." Su Dan Novel Network.
The other party ignored her and pushed their way in. Seeing their determination, Gao Xuejuan had a bad premonition. Before they could approach, she quickly slipped out the back door to the Third Madam Lou's courtyard.
"Mother, save me, Mother, save me..." Her cries preceded her. Third Madam Lou exchanged a look with her personal maid; they both saw a "just as expected" expression in each other's eyes. Their playful expressions quickly turned to surprise and confusion as they hastily stood up to meet her. "What's wrong?"
Seeing her, Gao Xuejuan felt like she had found a lifeline. She quickly grabbed her hand. "The Old Madam has sent people to arrest me. I slipped out the back door. They mean business, and I fear I'm in grave danger."
"Is that so? Hide here with me for now. I'll go and plead with the Old Madam on your behalf later. Don't worry, I've got this," Third Madam Lou quickly comforted her.
Gao Xuejuan nodded gratefully, feeling reassured.
Soon, they arrived at Third Madam Lou's courtyard. "Third Madam, we are under orders to bring the young madam to the ancestral hall. We implore you not to make things difficult for us."
Third Madam Lou hesitated. After a moment, she seemed to make a decision.
"I know you are acting under orders, and it's not easy for anyone. Although I'm reluctant to see the young madam suffer with you, I can't just stand by and watch you be punished. How about this? You take her with you first, and I will immediately go to the Old Madam to plead for her. Please forgive her." Third Madam Lou looked at them with a compassionate expression, maintaining her usual image of kindness and benevolence.
"Thank you for your understanding, Third Madam." Having received permission, they no longer held back and pulled the reluctant Gao Xuejuan out of the room.
Carried by several people, unable to control her movements, Gao Xuejuan saw Third Madam Lou and anxiously called out, "Mother..."
Third Madam Lou quickly made a shushing gesture. "They are just following orders. Go with them obediently. I will go to the Old Madam to plead for you now."