Chapter 227: Chapter 227: Qu Fulan Sets the Stage
Cheng Ru’s complexion changed dramatically.
No one, regardless of who they are, wants others to see their aggressive side.
Especially since Cheng Ru has always worked hard to portray herself as virtuous and kind.
Being caught off guard like this, she was inevitably embarrassed and simultaneously angry.
But she quickly adjusted her mindset.
So what if they know?
As long as the Marquis and Marchioness favor her, what does anyone else’s sentiments really matter?
Besides, the reputation of Prince An and these people is even more notorious; they themselves aren’t much better, on what grounds do they have to criticize her?
What if they don’t like her? What if they disapprove? She’s just a housewife, are outside men really going to meddle in other people’s homes?
Thinking this, Cheng Ru calmed down instead, "So it’s Prince An, Mr. Wei, Mr. Chu, and Mr. Ge. What are you gentlemen doing at an unmarried girl’s home? It might not affect your reputation, but it certainly impacts Miss Qu’s reputation greatly."
If someone else heard these words, they might be worried or frightened, but unfortunately, whether it’s Qu Fulan or Prince An and the others, they just don’t care.
"A normal friendship is turned foul by Miss Cheng’s mouth. Is everything foul because the heart is foul? It’s no big deal, anyway, we won’t say anything foolish. If a bad reputation spreads, it’s from Miss Cheng’s mouth, and then a bad reputation about Miss Cheng will also spread. Others won’t care if it’s true or not, right?" Prince An spoke playfully.
What a joke, does she dare to threaten these playboys? This Cheng woman chose the wrong target, didn’t she?
Don’t think they treat Qu Fulan nicely just because of the camaraderie of playing ball together. The key is that Prince An even owes her a life-saving grace; such a relationship naturally surpasses ordinary people.
They would defend Qu Fulan, but that doesn’t mean they’d treat others the same way. They have harassed virtuous women before.
Men can have two different faces, facing friends and facing outsiders.
Sure enough, how could Cheng Ru’s skills compare to these playboys? Her complexion changed immediately.
She fully believes these playboys can slander others easily; sacrificing her own reputation for Qu Fulan is unnecessary.
"I was just saying casually, just a reminder, why did Prince An take it seriously?" Cheng Ru laughed.
Her change in demeanor so quickly left Prince An and the others impressed yet confused about why Marquis Pei would be satisfied with such a daughter-in-law? This two-faced woman, whether in character, appearance, or family background, has nothing worth showing off.
It’s really a case of seeing clearly as a spectator, but becoming befuddled as a participant.
With a spectator’s mindset now, and having heard it firsthand, they naturally see clearly, but Cheng Ru isn’t like this in front of the Pei Family, which makes it hard for others to notice.
Moreover, Prince An’s family also has roles like these, such as the maneuverings between concubines, and even the main wife uses various means to deal with concubines, they just haven’t seen it.
Even if we take a step back, the wives they marry also involve a gamble. After all, marriage is dictated by parents and matchmakers, sometimes becoming married without even having met, how could you know their character?
"What’s real or fake doesn’t matter; what matters is you manage Pei Mansion’s inner quarters and that’s it. As for outside affairs, you’re neither qualified nor have the right to manage," Prince An reminded.
Cheng Ru’s confidence stems from her current management of Pei Mansion’s inner quarters, trusted by the Pei Family, allowing her to play queen behind its doors.
But outside, that’s men’s business; Cheng Ru has overstepped her bounds.
Cheng Ru doesn’t see it this way, "I disagree with Prince An. I currently manage all aspects of the estate’s books. Matters of business, naturally I can oversee, including property, which one hasn’t passed through my hands? You men struggle outside, women handle the inner quarters; having not married before, Prince An naturally does not understand."
Damn it, this woman’s skills are indeed not low, with just a couple of words, she has made everything clear.
Unfortunately, Prince An and the others came prepared.
"I don’t care to argue with you over so much. You want to manage Pei Mansion’s internal affairs, go back and manage them, but you have no right to manage the Heir Pei’s personal affairs. Even if one day you marry in, without permission, you lack qualification. This house, along with all related business and stores, are the Heir Pei’s private properties, not counted as Pei Mansion assets. Even Marquis Pei would need permission to intervene; otherwise, even in a courtroom, you’d have no valid claim, understand?"
Heir Pei’s words were considered courteous; otherwise he’d feel like cursing her, wondering what she really amounts to, coming from a petty family, she truly doesn’t understand the rules.
Prince An, fearing she truly became the boss’s wife one day, although displeased, couldn’t say much, reserved a bit of restraint.
Surely they wouldn’t drift apart from brothers over a woman, not worth it.
How wouldn’t Cheng Ru understand this? It’s just claiming authority to oppress others, knowing there wouldn’t be anyone to stop her, who knew these people would obstruct her.
Knowing there’d be no gain today, Cheng Ru didn’t stay longer, as she couldn’t do much in front of outsiders, yet there’s still a long way to go.
After Cheng Ru left, Prince An and the others approached to ask Qu Fulan if she was affected.
"I’m fine, thank you for coming to my aid," Qu Fulan said.
Prince An sighed, "Continuing this way isn’t a solution, one can be a thief for a thousand days, but never guard against thieves for a thousand days? Living here ultimately isn’t a solution."
This time they arrived just in time, but that doesn’t promise the next time would be the same.
Mr. Wei and others also advised.
Before the boss returned, this place indeed wasn’t safe.
It wasn’t particularly feared that the Cheng woman would do something serious, but rather the low-grade sneaky tactics, which are truly worrisome.
Frankly, Qu Fulan was considering moving; even if not because of Cheng Ru, maybe one day some Marquis or Marchioness would come, complicating matters.
But moving isn’t easy, can’t just decide and move.
"I can handle it. After all, I’m not as fragile as other girls. If I ever really encounter trouble, I’ll seek your help." Qu Fulan said.
Prince An and the others listened and thought she made sense; knowing Qu Fulan’s abilities, yet before leaving, they repeatedly reminded her, if any trouble arises, be sure to contact them.
But in actuality?
Qu Fulan never contacted them.
Why would she?
There are many women in the world, many who could become the princely heir’s wife, why must it be Cheng Ru?
Knowing perfectly well that once this woman becomes the young lady, she’ll threaten her career. Qu Fulan would be foolish to enjoy watching it unfold.
Ministers know to support a Crown Prince that benefits them, why shouldn’t she?