In the past, whenever he heard about a pretty girl, married or not, he’d rush over like a dog catching the scent of meat buns!
Because of this, the already tarnished reputation of the Ling family had only worsened, yet the man showed no signs of restraint.
Rumors had it that before his divorce with his current wife was even finalized, he had already lined up his next target.
Yu Changqing pondered to himself—how could such a notoriously shameless person suddenly become so proper?
Meanwhile, Zhang Yaqin frowned beside him, her eyes filled with poorly concealed worry.
As soon as the Ling family left, she pulled Yu Changqing into their bedroom.
“Changqing, what exactly are you thinking this time?”
Zhang Yaqin couldn’t make sense of her husband’s sudden change in attitude.
While the Ling family’s status was indeed impressive, and their younger son-in-law, Yun Xiang, was undeniably handsome, there was a catch.
The Ling family had long made it clear that the eldest branch would inherit control of the family.
And after today’s gathering, Zhang Yaqin had noticed something else.
The eldest son, Ling Yunfei, had turned out so utterly disgraceful—not just because of his own flaws, but also due to the glaring issues with the Ling family’s elderly couple.
“You always said I spoiled our children too much, but compared to Madam Ling, I’m practically an amateur.”
Zhang Yaqin rambled on for a while but received no response from Yu Changqing.
When she looked up, she found him lost in thought.
“What are you thinking about? I’ve been talking to you this whole time.” She waved a hand in front of his face.
“Nothing.”
Yu Changqing’s eyes flickered. “What were you saying?”
“I said, isn’t this engagement being decided too hastily?”
Zhang Yaqin sighed. “The elders are so blatantly biased, and Ling Yunfei is downright despicable. I’m worried that if Manli marries into that family, she’ll be constantly oppressed by the eldest branch.”
“Why worry so much? It’s not like our son-in-law is the disgraceful one.”
Seeing that Zhang Yaqin hadn’t grasped his implication, Yu Changqing elaborated.
“Haven’t you heard the saying ‘He who commits injustice will perish’? The more of a scoundrel he is, the more enemies he’ll make.”
“Do you really think the higher-ups are unaware of his actions all these years?”
Zhang Yaqin hadn’t considered this angle. “But if their family falls, what happens to Manli?”
“They’ve already split the family assets. If the eldest branch collapses, what does it have to do with the second branch?”
After calling her foolish, Yu Changqing continued,
“The Ling family’s contributions are undeniable. No matter what, the higher-ups won’t completely destroy them.”
Based on his years of experience, he predicted that the authorities would likely strike a balance—punishing the eldest branch while rewarding the second.
That was the art of political equilibrium.
Zhang Yaqin was both shocked and delighted. “So, you’re saying the Ling family will eventually fall into our son-in-law’s hands?”
Yu Changqing didn’t answer, but his expression was confirmation enough.
“No wonder you chose the Ling family for Manli.”
Relieved, Zhang Yaqin smiled before adding with admiration,
“When it comes to scheming, no one beats you political operatives.”
“Watch your mouth.” Yu Changqing snapped coldly.
If only the Yu family had someone else to shoulder the burden, he wouldn’t need to strategize so meticulously.
After a pause, he reminded her sternly,
“The election is just a few months away. Whether our family’s legacy continues depends on this.”
“Be careful these days—especially with the Huo Family. Don’t provoke them.”
“Yes, yes, you’re always right.”
Too pleased to argue, Zhang Yaqin simply nodded.
“By the way, have you called Manli yet?” Yu Changqing suddenly asked.
“I did, first thing this morning.”
At this, Zhang Yaqin’s smile faded.
“Her hospital said she’d gone with a medical team to the Dan City military sub-district.”
“But I told our son to make sure she’s back in Capital City by the fifth.”
Worried about complications, Yu Changqing pressed, “You didn’t mention the engagement, did you?”
“No.”
Zhang Yaqin shook her head. She knew her daughter’s temper—if Manli heard it was an arranged marriage, she’d refuse to come back at all costs!
“Don’t worry, I didn’t even tell our son. I just said I wasn’t feeling well.”
Still, she dreaded the inevitable backlash. Once Manli realized they’d tricked her into returning for a marriage alliance, the fallout would be explosive.
The mere thought gave Zhang Yaqin a headache.
But Yu Changqing, absorbed in his own thoughts, didn’t notice his wife’s concern.
Originally, he’d planned to use the wedding as an opportunity to orchestrate a “chance encounter” between the Ling boy and a certain young lady from the Huo Family.
Nothing too serious—just enough for the Ling boy to glance at her a few times.
Knowing the Huo Family’s temperament, they’d never let such a slight pass.
The two families would inevitably clash, becoming sworn enemies.
Yet despite his meticulous planning, he never expected Ling Yunfei to show zero interest in the girl—even sounding somewhat repulsed.
Where had he miscalculated?
Meanwhile, at the Huo residence…
Jiang Si never imagined that her offhand action would save her so much trouble.
The two families had finished dinner and were now happily discussing wedding arrangements in the living room.
She’d had no idea how many details went into a wedding—everything from ceremonial customs for fetching the bride to whether banquet tables should be round or square.
Fortunately, the elders handled it all, leaving her free to focus on being a radiant bride.
After weeks of hectic work, her project was finally complete, and the interviews were wrapped up. Now, she could finally relax.
Time flew, and soon it was New Year’s Eve.
Early that morning, Ninth Master sent over eight freshly fluffed quilts.
The covers were made of embroidered silk brocade, adorned with peonies, phoenixes, and cranes in vibrant reds and greens—a riot of festive colors.
Jiang Si had assumed Third Elder would recruit a few nimble-fingered aunties to help assemble them.
But by the time she changed clothes, Uncle Zhong had already laid out the bamboo “quilt frame.”
Watching the two men work in perfect sync—one smoothing out the lining and batting while the other threaded needles—Jiang Si was stunned.
“Third Elder, when did you learn to sew quilts?”
Slipping a thimble onto his finger, Third Elder chuckled.
“What’s so hard about it? You just watch and learn.”
Watch and learn?
Even Ninth Master, who’d just returned from unloading supplies, gaped in disbelief.
Who’d have thought that the once-feared overlord of Hu City would now be crouched on the floor, stitching quilt covers with a needle in hand?
