"It’s normal for Su Chengmin to develop feelings for Gu Taohua when he was down and out; it doesn’t mean he’ll always like Gu Taohua. Now that he’s the Commander of the Imperial Guard, there are better girls willing to marry him than Gu Taohua, and how could he not be tempted? I’m telling you, men are like that, they have their eyes on the ones they have and the ones they don’t. No matter how good the girl at their side is, they catch the olive branches thrown from outside faster than anyone."
"Gu Taohua is feisty enough to make Princess Ming Yue bow her head; it’s inevitable that she’s like that with men too. What man wants to be subservient in front of a woman? Her way of acting must reflect the coarseness of her family. I’ve heard her mother is also a businesswoman; otherwise, who would allow a girl to show her face in public? Deep down, men don’t like girls like Gu Taohua; they prefer gentle and caring ones. Su Chengmin is a man; he has all the faults a man should have."
Lu Family analyzed for Lu Yiner where she had advantages over Gu Taohua.
Min Baozhen and Gu Taohua have similar personalities, and she feels that her act of humility helped her beat Min Baozhen.
Therefore, Lu Yiner could also defeat Gu Taohua.
After listening to Lu Family, Lu Yiner said, "But the words cousin said to me today were really unpleasant."
Lu Yiner then recounted to Lu Family what Su Chengmin had said about her. If it weren’t for her aunt, she wouldn’t know how to repeat Su Chengmin’s words that compared her behavior to that of a brothel.
It was truly hurtful!
Lu Family scolded Su Chengmin, then scolded Lu Yiner for being useless, crying over minor issues.
"He naturally said that in front of Gu Taohua. Men say one thing and think another. Why did he insult you like that? Isn’t it because he’s afraid of losing control and venting his anger on you? He curses his way; you seduce yours." Lu Family prided herself on knowing men well.
Su Shihang was just like that.
Back in Shengjing, so many noble girls were there, yet he chose Min Baozhen, wasn’t it because Min Baozhen pursued him relentlessly back then.
Lu Yiner hung her head slightly, sensing her aunt’s words were off.
The way Su Chengmin looked at her was completely different from how he looked at Gu Taohua.
The gaze he directed at her never carried any hint of flirtation, nor did it have any warmth.
Seeing Lu Yiner silent, Lu Family asked, "Do you want to be the Commander of the Imperial Guard’s wife or not? If you do, then pull yourself together. What’s a few harsh words? Back then when your uncle abandoned me, I managed to reconcile with him by being humble and submissive, and now I’m living well because of it."
Of course, Lu Yiner wanted to be the Commander of the Imperial Guard’s wife.
Becoming the Commander of the Imperial Guard’s wife, she’d be equal to her aunt, her parents would have her as a support and wouldn’t be constrained by her aunt anymore.
Lu Yiner said, "But what if cousin doesn’t like me?"
"Did I just waste my breath? If he doesn’t like you, you have to figure out a way to make him like you. You’ve been by my side for so many years, I’ve invested so much in you, raised you delicately, taught you many tactics, why won’t you use them? Put away your pride, block his way every day, show him care and warmth, and he’ll definitely lose control."
"Lu Yiner, you have to strive hard. I could defeat Min Baozhen, and you can surely handle her son. If you fail to handle Su Chengmin, once he becomes more influential than your uncle, Chengji and I will be stomped by him, and you’ll have no backing then."
Lu Family was somewhat angry and disappointed.
Chengji from Lu Family was her own son, Su Chengmin’s half-brother.
"Mother, cousin."
Speaking of Su Chengji, in walked Su Chengji from outside.
Because of Su Chengji’s birth, Lu Family had the capital to contend with Min Baozhen in Su Mansion, thus Lu Family cherished Su Chengji as everything, indulging him since childhood.
Now Su Chengji had become a proper playboy of Shengjing.
"My son, where have you been stirring up trouble?" Lu Family smiled broadly.
Su Chengji said, "I found a cricket I liked, Mom, help me get two thousand taels of Silver."
Lu Family said, "You’re swindled again? What cricket is worth two thousand taels?"
Su Chengji rolled into Lu Family’s arms, saying, "This cricket’s nickname is the Great General, undefeated in battles. Mom, I’ll buy you Black Pearl after I win money with this cricket, there’s rare Black Pearl at the pearl shop on East Market Street, I heard it’s quite expensive."
Lu Family was amused by Su Chengji’s words, instructing the head maid to go fetch the money with Su Chengji.
Su Mansion’s money was meant for her son to spend; if her son didn’t spend it, how could Su Chengmin?
Su Chengji stood up from Lu Family’s lap and met Lu Yiner’s gaze.
Not wanting anyone else to see her eyes red from crying, Lu Yiner slightly bowed her head, revealing a long neck, coupled with a slender waist, exuding charm. Su Chengji narrowed his eyes, the cousin he never paid attention to suddenly matured.
This scene fell in Lu Family’s eyes, who quietly sent Su Chengji away.
After Su Chengji left, Lu Family coldly lashed out at Lu Yiner: "Use your seductive charm on the right person; if you dare ruin the men in the family, you can go back to the countryside Lu Family."
Lu Family’s sudden burst of anger made Lu Yiner bewildered.
She’s accused of seducing cousin Su Chengji?
Heaven and earth witness, she never had any thoughts about cousin.
Let alone seducing, she didn’t even see cousin as desirable.
Not in appearance compared to Su Chengmin, nor in accomplishments.
Lu Yiner’s chest tightened in anger, yet she dared not retort.
She knew Lu Family cherished Su Chengji above all else.
Lu Yiner weakly explained, "Aunt, what kind of person is cousin? Not to mention he’s genuinely a gentleman from Su Mansion, how could a country girl like me match him? Also, I only see cousin as a real brother, I swear I have absolutely no bad intentions towards cousin."
Lu Family examined Lu Yiner, finding her weak posture strikingly eye-catching.
In fact, Lu Yiner had never changed, but in front of Su Chengmin, Lu Family felt it was justifiable; when it came to her son, she branded it as seductive.
Lu Family’s face turned ugly, planting a seed of suspicion in her thoughts.
Lu Yiner might fail to seduce Su Chengmin and turn to enticing her own son. Her son’s innocent character might easily fall for it.
No, Lu Yiner must hurry to win over Su Chengmin.
Lu Family made up her mind, saying, "Next month is the old lady’s birthday, Su Chengmin should come to celebrate for his grandmother; when the time comes, I’ll arrange it, follow suit and I guarantee you’ll become the Commander of the Imperial Guard’s wife."
Lu Yiner guessed her aunt’s plan.
Nothing more than using her purity as a bargaining chip.
Her heart cooled a bit, wondering how Su Chengmin would see her after the event.
Lu Family sneered, "Don’t act like you’re wronged. Without certain tactics, how could a girl from Lu Family win over Su Chengmin? Remember the principle that thick skin gets meat, face is for showing outsiders, but true benefits are for oneself."
"When you become the Commander of the Imperial Guard’s wife, your parents will also be happy for you."
Lu Yiner’s eyes flickered.
Could she refuse?
No.