Because of the previous night's endeavors, the outcomes were immensely rewarding for Yun Si, whose sweet smile and bright eyes reflected her joy. When Lan Qing, her husband, expressed his intention to visit her parents' manor with her,

    she knew she had to accompany him, acknowledging it as his way of reciprocating her meticulous care. Yun Si leaned against the window frame in her bedroom, her gaze drifting aimlessly across the vast sky, contemplating the relentless passage of time. Time waits for no one, and neither did her own aspiration for freedom.  

    In the morning, when she went to pay her respects to the Elder Madam, the latter had detained her for a conversation. Yun Si then let out a mocking smile as she recalled the dialogue she had with her mother-in-law.

    “Furen”

    Xiao Ying and Xiao Yuan stood by, observing their mistress with concern, unsure how to offer comfort, thus showing their hesitation. Xiao Ying blamed herself, feeling inadequate compared to Xiao Xiang's wit, thus unable to alleviate her mistress’s suffering. Initially, she thought someone clever like Xiao Xiang would be of use for Furen; unexpectedly, she turned out to be both useless and harmful.

    Snapping out of her reverie upon hearing her name, Yun Si glanced at her maids for a moment before offering a thin smile, not as practiced as her usual one, fully aware of their thoughts. Xiao Ying and Xiao Yuan's loyalty was so profound that they would not hesitate to die if commanded, making Yun Si see no reason to let them struggle unnecessarily on her behalf.

    Xiao Ying had been appointed by the elderly Furen to handle the accounts, deemed the most suitable for maintaining power within the manor. However, the elderly Furen was unaware that Xiao Ying's proficiency extended beyond calculation, excelling in service as well.

    "Do you want to go?"

    Yun Si asked generously, always willing to encourage her own people. Xiao Ying shook her head fervently; for Xiao Ying, if she had a choice, she would never want to leave her mistress. But if she took on this responsibility, her master would benefit, though she would no longer be able to follow her.

    "Then don't bother," Yun Si responded indifferently, dismissing any concerns over mere accountancy role when Xiao Ying could serve more valuably by her side.

    The concerns of others mattered little when she was the Furen.

    Acknowledging with a nod, Xiao Ying harbored inner conflicts. How could she not care when her mistress was so stressed? Her small face revealed a faint smile. How could the mistress not understand the concerned expressions of her two maids? However, it was not Xiao Ying’s matter that weighed heavily on her mind.

    “The Elder Madam called me in to discuss the matter of children. She is worried about the fact that I have not yet conceived.” The elderly Furen perfectly pretends to care, appearing concerned about her status as the Furen. But what really matters to her is all about the heirs for Lan’s family.

    "The elderly Furen suggested if necessary, adopting a child from one of the concubines if they conceive," Yun Si recounted with a hint of mockery. She had no intention of raising another's child whose bloodline wasn't hers. When they grow up and they learn about their birth mother, it is hard to predict whether they will still respect her. The important thing is not that she cannot have children, but that she refuses to.

    Xiao Ying's reassured nod was marred by lingering doubts, prompting her to question the absence of pregnancy not only in Yun Si but also in the other wives and concubines. “Could it be an issue with her master himself?”

    Yun Si laughed softly, dismissing the notion. It wasn’t her husband’s lack of potency but the strategic acumen of his mother, ensuring her position as the chief wife remained unchallenged by the pregnancy of others.

    Furthermore, she also placed importance on the chief lineage's attitude towards the secondary lineage. The elderly Furen wouldn’t let other wives of her son give birth to her heirs before the chief wife. She feared that this might happen, as Yun Si showed no signs yet. Therefore, the mother-in-law has to come up with a plan to accommodate this possibility.

    She truly lives up to the saying that old ginger is the spiciest. Even at her age, she is still fiery and sharp.

    Initially, Yun Si had planned childlessness as leverage for a potential divorce. But after today's conversation, she realized additional strategic considerations were necessary.

    For now, the impending return to her family home promised entertainment. When her father and the hopeful Third Furen would face her, their expression would be unexpected at her arrival.

    The following day, a grand carriage emblazoned with the Lan family crest awaited, brimming with gifts and servants. Yun Si, adorned in elegant attire, gracefully joined her husband, their procession making its way to Master Yun’s manor. As the lavish carriage journeyed to the manor, Yun Si and Lan Qing shared tender words, swiftly arriving at their destination.

    Yun Si maintained her charming smile as she stepped out, supported by her esteemed husband, amidst jealous glances, noting that her married life was filled with affection. The young woman allowed her husband to hold her without any hesitation. Her presence was intended to showcase her favored status not only to her father but also to others, before provocatively flashing a practiced smile at the hostile gazes of the onlookers.

    The hearts of some people just aren't right; they can't bear to see others happy... truly bizarre.

    Master Yun stood, welcoming his son-in-law with a brimming smile. Next appeared the slender, fragile figure of the Great Furen Zhang Si, followed by various subordinate Furens and other concubines. Yun Si greeted her birth parents, scanning the assembly. She felt relieved that only legitimate concubines were asked to welcome them; otherwise, her father’s vast manor might not accommodate all the remaining bed-warming servants.

    Her eyes, shimmering with indigo brilliance, met those of ill-wishers. They remained envious, longing to snatch what was hers—a ludicrous lack of foresight indeed. Remember, the man you gaze upon covetously, breathing your every breath for, is your brother-in-law. Do you not realize your position, dear step-sister?

    Yun Han’s gaze sharpened in response, clenching her teeth to suppress her envy. Despite her father's favoritism toward her and her suitability for Lan Qing over her older sister, she was bested by Yun Si due to her birth status as the daughter of the Third Furen. If not for the elderly Furen's bias since she was the daughter of the Third Furen, how could her detested older sister marry into the Lan family?

    After a prolonged cordial exchange post-dinner, her father led her husband to view the latest acquisitions. Watching her father's back, Yun Si maintained a composed facade; the performance was about to commence.

    Behind two men, the Third Furen broke the silence and spoke first, "I never thought a girl as plain as you could maintain the Great Furen position in the Lan family for so long. Your capabilities are indeed commendable."

    Yun Si smiled gracefully before replying softly, "I must thank the Third Furen for the lessons taught. You provided me with ample experience." Her words weren't excessive. Her time in this manor had been so struggle, especially dealing with the two women in front of her—Ling Ji, the Third Furen, and Awin Han, who was younger than her by just a month.

    The mother's thwarted ambitions for the Great Furen and the daughter for marital preference stemmed from Yun Si and her mother’s interference. Observing their eager mannerisms, Yun Si felt tired on their behalf. Why do they have to compete for those men's attention? Unless it was clear her mother still idolized those men, Yun Si would have handed them both over.

    "I may have underestimated you," the Third Furen sneered, eyes gleaming with resentment. "Supporting you to marry Lan Qing yet you're ungrateful, daring to bite back."

    Yun Si raised an eyebrow slightly. Was the other recounting favors? Despite being coerced into submission then, "I learned it from you, the Third Furen, how to use one's body to gain men's favors."

    Her open acknowledgment caused a stir, prompting many to glance up in shock, some even turning away in embarrassment. Yet, when Ling Ji cast a disapproving look, none dared meet her gaze again.

    "So, you admit for using deceit to ensnare my dear Lan Qing,"

    Yun Han stood abruptly, accusing with blazing eyes.

    Yun Si chuckled lightly. Was her stepsister naive from too much ease in life? She seemed to forget the relationship she had with Lan Qing. Why should her own affair bother her stepsister? "Little sister, disrespect me if you must, but remember your earlier address to your brother-in-law. You're no child. Behave appropriately, otherwise people say you're desperate for my man."

    "Yun Si,,, don't be too proud as the Lan family's Furen to threaten us," the Third Furen snapped back, seeing her own daughter's nearly tearful face. Her tone was harsh, her action of slamming the table overly assertive.

    Yun Si observed with a faint sneer. It was remarkable that the Third Furen would exhibit such behaviors towards the Furen and her own daughter. It suggested that Ling Ji was either very bold or her mother was overly weak. Despite holding power, she hesitated to wield it. Yun Si’s gaze drifted to a woman sitting head-bowed at the table's end, her posture so meek her face nearly touched the ground. A wave of fatigue washed over Yun Si. What more could she expect? Up to present, this woman has never earnestly shielded her.

    In the past, Yun Si had faced her father's indifference, enduring harm from his favored women to survive. Yet, none hurt as much as seeing her mother bowing in apology, blameless as she was.

    'Have you ever, mother... thought to stand for me?'

    Disappointment from her daughter left Furen Zhang Si with nothing but a bowed head. Regardless of her remorse, she couldn't hold the courage to meet her daughter's eyes, her eyelids fluttering rapidly. What expectations could she harbor when she had known the truth from the start? As the Third Furen and Yun Han looked on smugly, Yun Si merely offered a smile masking her true feelings.

    "You're not naive, the Third Furen. You should realize by now that as long as I, Yun Si, remain the Lan family's Furen, your coveted position of chief wife is merely a joke. It's a pity, isn't it? If your daughter could captivate Lan Qing, my mother wouldn't stand as securely as she does."

    With a subtly triumphant smile and a gleam in her eyes, she silently challenged them, 'Act quickly, utilize your daughter effectively. As long as I am the Furen, neither the elderly Furen nor Lan Qing will allow your dreams to come true. So, make haste and deploy your beloved daughter to capture that man's heart!'

    Standing up to leave, an unappetizing situation didn't invite her appetite. Eating alone in her quarter seemed preferable. Without anyone urging her to stay, Yun Si left, supported by her loyal maids. Even as she walked away, there was still no call from her mother. Until now, her mother has remained voiceless, unchanged...

    Approaching the front hall, Yun Si paused slightly, as did the man approaching her. With a warm smile, she greeted him:

    "Father."

    Master Yun frowned deeply. In the past, this daughter was nearly invisible to him. If not for the insistence of the Lan family's elderly Furen that she be the daughter from the chief wife, he would have preferred to send Yun Han instead. Yet today, the once insignificant daughter could cause him such inconvenience, masking her true capabilities.

    "So, it's you who interfered with the Furen’s change by using the Lans..., wasn't it?"

    Her smile persisted, replying softly, "Yes, Father."

    Yun Zhan’s anger surged. This ungrateful child was the reason Lan Qing proposed, forcing him. Despicable! She was as contemptible as her mother.

    Yun Si overlooked her father's fury, continuing indifferently,

    "As long as I remain the Furen of Lan family, your wife’s position won’t change. Otherwise, the money you siphoned for your indulgences would vanish. Reflect well, Father. Even if you don’t change the Furen position, my stepbrother will continue our lineage."

    Walking away, she left her father, a man not so foolish. He knew what mattered more between the favored Furen and Lan Qing’s support. She departed with grace, unfollowed, her lips curling into a scornful yet elegant smile.

    Sometimes, her mother's coldness was astonishing. Before her plan has been accomplished, she disengaged, unconcerned.

    That night at the Lan’s manor, the Great Furen caught a chill during her parent’s visit, having to send her husband to other concubines’ quarters, while Concubine Jiao, favored by fortune The latest news spread to everyone.

    Yet, in the serene quarter of the Great Furen, a figure believed to be ill was gazing at the sky, alone with her cup of liquor.

    In this vast and grand world, why was there no place for her to stand...