Chapter 2 Wang Qiluo

Chapter 2 Wang Qiluo

Upon leaving the room, Lu Hanyi led a group to block Lu Lingyun's path.

She glanced at Lu Lingyun with a meaningful smile on her lips, "Sister, you've been given quite a lot of good things by Mother for your marriage into the Marquis's Mansion."

"Do you like them?" Lu Lingyun smiled sweetly, as if she would give them away if Hanyi wanted them.

Seeing Lingyun act just as usual, Lu Hanyi's eyes gleamed with even more triumph.

"Hmph, indeed, only someone like me, destined for greatness, can be reborn."

In this life, everything that belongs to Lu Lingyun will be hers!

"No need. Keep those worthless trinkets for yourself; they might come in handy when you're starving in the Marquis's Mansion."

"Why would you say that? The Marquis's Mansion is vast and prosperous; how could I starve there?" Lu Lingyun's smile faded, replaced by a look of confusion.

Seeing this, Lu Hanyi felt even more triumphant. She glared at Lu Lingyun, "Heaven's secrets cannot be revealed. Just marry Cheng Yunshuo obediently. Don't think too much about it, because no matter what, this is your fate."

With that, Lu Hanyi left with her entourage.

Lu Lingyun: "..."

Watching her leave with an air of superiority, Lu Lingyun gave a wry smile.

Her simple-minded sister hasn't improved one bit, even after being reborn.

"Fate," huh? Fine, she'll wait and see what fate has in store for Lu Hanyi.

Let's see if she can pass the Li Family's test with her so-called knowledge of fate.

Lu Lingyun returned to her courtyard.

These past few days, her small courtyard had been bustling with activity.

Tutors, bridesmaids, and seamstresses came and went, teaching her etiquette, taking her measurements, and preparing for the grand wedding.

Since this time she was marrying into the Marquis's Mansion, all the protocols were elevated compared to her previous life.

In her previous life, Lu Lingyun had been granted a noble title and had attended court ceremonies, mastering etiquette and demeanor long ago. The tutor nodded approvingly after just one lesson, thoroughly pleased.

Lu Lingyun praised the tutor's excellent teaching and ordered a large red envelope to be given to her.

The tutor, sent by the Marquis's Mansion, reported back to the Marquise that Lu Lingyun was naturally intelligent and possessed the grace of a true lady, making her a perfect match.

Even before the wedding, the Marquise already held Lu Lingyun in high regard.

In her previous life, Lu Hanyi never seized this initial goodwill, relying solely on the Marquise's sense of obligation towards her daughter-in-law.

Lu Lingyun's lessons ended quickly, giving her several days of peace. While sorting through her dowry and personal assets, someone approached her.

"Madam, the young lady from the General's Mansion is here to see you."

Lu Lingyun, who was writing something down, paused and looked up, "Please bring her in!"

Soon, a young woman dressed in a yellow gown was led in.

"Lingyun! Did your sister bully you again? How could they make you marry that wastrel Cheng Yunshuo!" A bright voice rang out.

It was Wang Qiluo.

Wang Qiluo was Lu Lingyun's close friend. Her mother and Lu Lingyun's mother were also close friends. After Lu Lingyun's mother passed away, she stayed with the Wang family for a while, where Wang Qiluo's mother treated her like a daughter.

Unfortunately, after Lu Lingyun's stepmother entered the picture, Wang Qiluo's mother couldn't visit often but instructed Wang Qiluo to visit Lu Lingyun frequently to support her.

In her previous life, a year after Lu Lingyun married into the Li Family, Wang Qiluo also got married. She married the son of a junior judge in the Supreme Court, only to discover that he was abusive. General Wang was embroiled in a political scandal and couldn't protect his daughter, leading to Wang Qiluo's death within half a year.

At that time, Lu Lingyun was in Jiangnan and could do nothing. By the time she returned to the Imperial City with the power to help, the Wang family had fallen, and Wang Qiluo's mother had passed away years earlier.

This was Lu Lingyun's lifelong regret.

Seeing Wang Qiluo, Lu Lingyun's eyes welled up, and she embraced her tightly, "Qiluo?"

"Don't cry! Tell me, my parents heard you're marrying that wastrel Cheng Yunshuo and are furious. They said if you have any reluctance, we'll reject this marriage on your behalf!"

Lu Lingyun smiled through her tears, holding Wang Qiluo tightly without a word, her wet eyes fixed on her.

Wang Qiluo felt even more anxious under her gaze, "Stop looking at me and say something! Was it your wicked stepmother and sister who did this? I remember clearly that the Li Family was interested in you, and my mother said it was a good match!"

"If you don't speak up, I'm going right now! Don't think you're alone!"

Lu Lingyun released Wang Qiluo, took her hand, and finally spoke, "I'm willing."

"Lingyun, you've always been too soft." Wang Qiluo looked unconvinced.

"It's true." Lu Lingyun smiled even wider.

It felt warm to have someone stand by her side.

She held Wang Qiluo's hand tightly, leading her to sit down, "The Marquis's Mansion is a prestigious household. Both the Marquis and the Marquise are kind-hearted people who will surely treat their daughter-in-law well. Isn't this a good match?"

"But Cheng Yunshuo is a wastrel! His affair with a courtesan is notorious throughout the Imperial City. Even my father says he's beyond redemption due to his obsession with women."

"In this world, how many men don't have multiple wives and concubines? Even your father, despite his harmonious relationship with your aunt, still has two concubines."

Wang Qiluo fell silent.

Indeed, even her father had two concubines.

Her mother had only given birth to her and had injured her body, unable to bear any more children. To prevent the family line from dying out, her mother-in-law had forced her to take two concubines to expand the family.

"But... I remember that at the time it was clearly the Li family who had taken a fancy to you. If someone else took your place, it must have been your sister."

"The Li family can't compare to the marquisate," Lu Lingyun said with a smile. "Li Wenxun is the second son in his family, with an able elder brother above him, who married the second daughter of the Minister of Rites and took charge of household affairs upon entering the house. On the other hand, Cheng Yunshuo is the only son in his family, and after I enter, I will be the only daughter-in-law. How could the Li family compare to the marquisate?"

Wang Qiluo nodded, seemingly understanding.

It seemed to make perfect sense.

She hadn't expected Lu Lingyun to see things so clearly. In terms of family background, the Li family truly couldn't match up to the marquisate.

But...

"Do you really not mind that Cheng Yunshuo already has a concubine?"

Her father had a concubine because of the need for offspring, and he couldn't go against the elders' wishes. But how could a normal man take a concubine before marriage?

And to cause such a commotion—it was a humiliation to the new bride!

Lu Lingyun held up her teacup. "In this world, if a couple can treat each other with respect and courtesy, it's already a great blessing. I only hope for that kind of relationship with him."

Hearing this, Wang Qiluo had no more objections. Looking at Lu Lingyun, who appeared calm and composed, she changed her mind.

"Let me tell you, his concubine is not an ordinary woman. My younger brother told me that he once heard her singing at a brothel. Her melodies were all incredibly novel, and her behavior was bold and audacious. She even talked about gender equality and freedom of life in the brothel. Every man who has met her says she is a remarkable woman."