Volume One, Chapter Three: Leading Trouble Eastward-Falsa Filha Jura Não Ser Escrava, Reencarna Para Vencer a Mansão do Marquês(A Pequena Flor do Novo Céu Claro)

Lady Shen’s sobs faltered abruptly, her body shrinking back as if frightened and panicked. Her tear-filled eyes looked mournfully at Marquis Anle, and she whispered hoarsely:

“Marquis, you know the state of the household. It’s been running a deficit for years; there’s no way we could suddenly come up with that much silver to redeem a courtesan.”

She emphasized the words “courtesan” heavily, barely concealing her resentment.

Lady Shen had been Marquis Anle’s wife since youth, and their once deep affection had been the envy of all. After bearing him a pair of children, as she aged, her beauty faded and their love grew cold. Marquis Anle spent increasing time in the quarters of his concubines.

Later, as the Marquis’s estate fell into deficit, frequent quarrels arose between them. Naturally, Lady Shen was unwilling to provide funds for her husband to take another concubine.

Marquis Anle fixed her with a skeptical gaze. “The household deficit was years ago. I’ve heard that ever since Rui took over the estate’s business, the profits have been substantial each year. Don’t try to fool me.”

“Marquis, Rui is capable in business, but she’s still just a young girl. How much money could she possibly make?” Lady Shen wiped her tear-streaked eyes with a silk handkerchief and glanced at Jiang Rui standing respectfully aside.

“It’s only somewhat better than before. The household’s affairs are manageable now. If you don’t believe me, ask Rui. All the money she earns is kept with her for business turnover.”

Lady Shen shifted the blame subtly toward Jiang Rui, confident that her always obedient daughter would take the fall for her.

Jiang Rui lifted her eyes slightly, casting a glance at Lady Shen—who seemed frail but was in fact shrewd. No longer considering Lady Shen as her mother, Jiang Rui saw clearly the ruthless heart behind that gentle face.

A trace of self-mockery surfaced in her eyes. In her past life, she had been too sentimental, fooled time and again by Lady Shen’s tears. Now, she wondered what would happen if she stopped protecting her.

Marquis Anle’s attention was successfully drawn to Jiang Rui, his brow tightening.

“Rui, is all the household’s silver in your hands?”

Jiang Rui looked up innocently, meeting Marquis Anle’s sharp gaze, then shook her head in confusion.

“Father, I only help Mother manage the shop a little. I wouldn’t call it business. Moreover, I’m just a girl. How could I earn much money? And managing finances—that’s not my responsibility.”

She smiled sincerely and shyly at Marquis Anle, continuing, “Mother manages the household expenses, and any income from the shops only passes through my hands briefly before going to her.”

“Rui!” Lady Shen warned sharply, “Tell your father the truth!”

Jiang Rui looked at her mother’s anxious face, feigning ignorance. “Mother, I’m telling the truth.”

Feigning honesty, she held up three fingers and resolutely declared to Marquis Anle:

“I swear, all the shop profits are accounted for and handed over to Mother. I have never taken anything for myself.I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.