The Ace Bigshot Becomes A Farmgirl

Of course, there are advantages to marrying into a lower status; a powerful maternal family can suppress the husband’s family, making them naturally cautious about bullying Miss Cen.

But the premise is that the maternal family must remain influential, yet the Marquis Yongchang Mansion got involved in the Third Prince’s rebellion at the end of the year before last.

The Marquis Mansion did not participate, but was still implicated.

Nowadays, Marquis Yongchang Mansion has lost its former glory, sitting on the sidelines for more than a year.

In contrast, the Assistant Minister of Personnel has accomplished many remarkable deeds over the past year and is gradually being favored by the Emperor.

The maternal family lost its power while the husband’s family gained influence. Miss Cen’s situation is imaginable.

But no matter if Miss Cen is doing well or not, it has nothing to do with Shu Yu; why is she seeking her at this juncture?

Madam Hou frowned and whispered, ”Could she be here to cause you trouble? I heard her temper’s not good. Did she come to warn you because she knew the person she had her eyes on was marrying you back then?”

Shu Yu’s forehead was dotted with exasperation; she thought Madam Hou might not go out often, but her gossip-collecting skills were certainly not lacking.

She didn’t know what the other party wanted, but since they were here, might as well meet them.

”Bring them in.”

Ying Xi left, and shortly, came back with two people.

One appeared to be in her early twenties, likely the eldest daughter Miss Cen. Following behind her was a nanny, whose sharp demeanor was apparent.

Yet what surprised Shu Yu was that she had seen this Miss Cen before.

It was during the morning when she escorted Meng Yunzheng to the Examination Hall, that gaze which suddenly turned when hearing Yun’s name.

So that was it... She thought, who would react so intensely to just a name.

Shu Yu studied Miss Cen, and the other party was also examining her.

While they were scrutinizing one another, Madam Hou whispered beside Shu Yu, ”Indeed, it seems Miss Cen isn’t faring well.”

Shu Yu could see, a rather deep furrow marked the space between her brows—resulting from long-term frowning.

Indeed, her troubles seem many.

After looking her over, Shu Yu smiled and asked, ”I wonder, Madam, what brings you here?”

Cen Yi pressed her lips; although she briefly glanced at her outside the Examination Hall, now looking carefully, she realized the other’s demeanor was unyielding, not at all like someone from a small town. No wonder Meng Yunzheng was drawn to her.

Her brow instinctively furrowed briefly, then quickly made a bow, saying, ”I’ve long heard of County Lord Lu’s renown. I’m sorry for the intrusion, please forgive me. My surname is Cen, I’m from the Marquis Yongchang Mansion, my husband is the fourth son of the Assistant Minister of Personnel household. I wonder if the County Lord has heard of me.”

Shu Yu glanced at Madam Hou; wasn’t she supposed to have a bad temper, here to show off? Didn’t seem that way.

”Ah, the Young Madam Zhou, please sit. I’ve heard a bit about you. But I don’t know what you’ve come here to discuss with me today.”

Cen Yi sat down, took a deep breath, ”Since you know, County Lord, I won’t elaborate. I’ve come today to propose a trade with County Lord Lu.”

Shu Yu, ”...”

A trade?

Madam Hou winked at her: How about it? I said, she must be here to cause trouble. What else could there be between you two aside from Young Master Meng; most likely she’s offering money to make you leave Young Master Meng.

Though Shu Yu didn’t hear what Madam Hou was thinking, from her expression she could guess mostly.

She mused: Things shouldn’t be as melodramatic as she imagined.

Shu Yu sipped her tea, chuckled, ”I’m curious, what trade do you propose?”