Although the Su family wasn't happy with this decision, Old Master Lu's authority was unchallengeable, and even Father Lu was helpless.
He was feeling conflicted. On the one hand, he naturally didn't want Su Ning'an to marry Lu Shiyan, given the negative reputation.
But on the other hand, seeing that Old Master had given me the jewelry, it was clear that he was leaning towards Lu Yanchen.
If I were still pregnant, the question of inheritance would be a no-brainer; it would definitely go to Lu Yanchen.
So Father Lu's intention was to kill the mother and keep the child, allowing Lu Shiyan to secure more shares.
Lu Shiyan, on the other hand, looked listless. With even the last veil of self-preservation stripped from him, how could he have the heart to fight for power?
He was seriously injured and immediately sent back to his room, with the family doctor to attend to him.
The Su family members were sent away, and Old Master kept me. "Wanwan, you really hate Shi Yan, don't you?" He didn't mince words, simply stating the answer.
I was the one who led everyone here this time. The old man would have found out with a simple investigation, so I didn't dare hide it.
"Yes, I heard about Lu Shi Yan's actions earlier, and then I discovered he and Su Ning'an were secretly having an affair. I felt bad for Miss Su's death. And tonight, in such a setting, they were actually doing it. I couldn't help myself and…"
This body of mine is young and impulsive, so outsiders can't see the problem.
"You're a good child, Wanwan, but I must warn you. Once you become Mrs. Lu, your words and actions will represent the Lu family. If you encounter such a situation, you must not act rashly. Today was fine; we were all family. If outsiders were present, wouldn't it be embarrassing for both the Lu and Su families?"
The old man was quite pleasant to me and didn't say anything harsh. I nodded. "Dad, I understand. I'll be careful with my words and actions from now on."
"I've heard a little about your life in the Jiang family. Now that you're married into the Lu family, if anyone in the Lu family dares to wrong you, just tell me or Yanchen. Don't underestimate him, he's actually kind-hearted and a good kid."
Perhaps it's because I look like Su Wan, but the old man wasn't on guard against me. He spoke to me heartfeltly even before we'd met.
"Okay, Dad."
"By the way, plan the dinner well. Consider it a practice session. From now on, the man will be the breadwinner, and the woman will be the homemaker. You'll be the one running the Lu family."
The old man's subtext was that Lu Shiyan had been kicked out of the inheritance game.
He had wanted to give him another chance, but who knew he wouldn't seize it.
Maybe it was because of their love, but he let me die in obscurity. He didn't even step forward to defend Su Ning'an after she was discovered. How could he, with his indecisive and irresponsible personality, lead the Lu family to a higher position?
He's also too soft-hearted. Su Ning'an plays with him like a dog. If someone else were to set him up in the future, the Lu family's century-old legacy would be shattered.
Last night's drama was like a mirror that revealed the true nature of things, forcing the old man to make up his mind.
I didn't refuse. "Dad, don't worry. Brother Yanchen is a good man. I will be with him forever." By the way, what's the theme of this dinner?"
"You and Yanchen got married without an engagement. There was a recent family funeral, so it's not convenient to hold a wedding. So, we can only use this dinner to announce to everyone that from now on, you, Jiang Wanwan, will be Mrs. Lu."
After hearing the old man's words, I felt a touch of emotion.
The Jiang and Lu families' marriage must have been known to the wealthy families long ago. They would collaborate in certain areas and announce their relationship through public announcements.
But the old man chose to hold a dinner for me to show everyone how much the Lu family cares for me. I was a little flattered. "Yes, I won't let Dad down."
"Be good. If you need anything, just talk to the housekeeper. He'll tell you what to do."
"Okay."
I quietly left the study. The snow had stopped, but the weather was still cold. Breathing the cool air, I didn't feel the slightest chill.
Perhaps the meaning of rebirth isn't just revenge, but a sense of the beauty of life.
It turns out I, too, am loved.
In my final moments, I saw no hope, and every day I thought about being buried with that unborn child.
But now, besides hatred, I also feel a surge of beautiful emotions.
The housekeeper was also very patient. He spent the entire afternoon teaching me how to manage the Lu family, even handing me the keys to the Lu family warehouse.
I felt it was too valuable, considering the warehouse contained valuable calligraphy and paintings, porcelain, and antiques from the old man's collection.
Some were for collection, and some were for gifts to various families.
The position of Mrs. Lu may seem prestigious, but it also carries risks and responsibilities. I sorted through the documents and, watching the sky darken, decided it was time to meet Su Ning'an.
I deliberately carried a bowl of chicken soup and led the servant into her room.
The servant pushed open the door, and I stepped inside.
Su Ning'an sat on the sofa, looking a little haggard, clearly having not slept well the previous night. She was in stark contrast to my radiant self.
You know, she used to irritate me every day around Lu Shiyan, and I was driven crazy by her. Meanwhile, she was well-fed and well-maintained, and looked even more beautiful than me.
Now, we've switched places.
"What are you doing here?" She glared at me coldly, her pretense gone.
I feigned my usual kindness and approached her. "This is the chicken soup freshly brewed in the kitchen. I heard you haven't eaten all day, so have some."
Although she felt unhappy, she still had to put on a show, so she endured it and prepared to take it. I added in a low voice, "After all, you're about to have a miscarriage. If you don't take care of yourself, I heard you have a heart condition, right? It would be a disaster if you both died on the operating table..."
No mother in the world would allow someone to harm her child. Even if that person is as vicious as a scorpion, she still has a natural maternal instinct.
So, as soon as I finished speaking, Su Ning'an, furious, overturned the chicken soup.
"What nonsense are you talking about, you bitch?" The scalding soup splattered all over my hands, and I fell onto the carpet and screamed, "Ah ... Her yell brought the servants and the Lu family members rushing over.
Su Ning'an hadn't expected her single action to cause such a stir.
"Stop pretending! Get up!"
With everyone present, the drama was about to begin.
"What happened?" Father Lu asked gravely.
My eyes welled with tears, and I looked pitiful. "Brother, I was worried Ning'an hadn't eaten all day, so I brought her some chicken soup. Who knew she'd throw the scalding soup on me..."
Lu Shiyan also came out of the room, looking at my red hands and the residual juices on my body.
He had already been blaming Su Ning'an for this situation, and with his anger rising, he raised his hand and slapped Su Ning'an hard in the face.
"Bitch, what else do you want?"