“There is no need.” Chen Qingyan slowly regained her composure as she said smilingly.
“Brother Ling, all the men out there have multiple wives and concubines. I am deeply thankful and blessed that you only have Sister Suyi and me by your side and have not gotten another concubine all these years. It is true that I am upset as you are getting another concubine. It’s because I truly love you. However, I respect your decision.”
Chen Qingyan paused for a while. She loosened her fists as she smiled helplessly.
“You are the most important thing to me. Don’t worry about me and don’t throw her out of the manor. I am not Sister Suyi. I love you and I will accept everything that you do. I will never be so ruthless and leave the manor just because you take a concubine.”
Mu Ling’s hand stiffened as he heaved a soft sigh.
‘You’re right. Suyi is truly ruthless.’ Mu Ling truly loved Suyi back then but Suyi had left him and now she had even spiked his drink.
“It would be extremely great if Suyi were half as sensible as you…” Mu Ling smiled wryly.
“Brother Ling, Sister Suyi… is not coming back?” Chen Qingyan pursed her lips as she asked fearfully.
“She will be back on the old master’s birthday.” Mu Ling shook his head as he said.
“That’s great! Brother Ling, don’t worry. I will move out after that. If Sister Suyi does not like Sister Shuangshuang, she could stay with me. I will take good care of her.” Chen Qingyan smiled brightly like a child.
Mu Ling stared at the lady who was smiling so brilliantly before him. He then closed his eyes, all the memories flooded his mind.
As the old master had always vented his anger on Qingyan, she had gone through so much struggle because of Suyi. Even her health had been declining all these years. Everything that Qingyan had done was to make Suyi come back to the Mu family. But what had Suyi done? She was nothing but a spoilt and bratty lady who had never respected her own husband and observed the three obedience and four virtues.[1]
“Qingyan, you don’t have to move out. Even if you moved out, Suyi might not be happy. Unless I divorce you…” Mu Ling opened his eyes slowly.
Startled, Chen Qingyan’s face was ghastly pale as fear crept into her eyes.
Seeing this, Mu Ling’s heart was broken.
“Don’t worry, I won’t divorce you. I won’t divorce Tan Shuangshuang either.”
Since Suyi wanted Mu Ling to stay with other ladies, he would do as she wished. Hopefully, Suyi would not regret the things that she had done.
“Brother Ling, I feel greatly relieved after hearing your words. You were gone for so many days, it’s time to visit the old master. Let me bring Sister Shuangshuang to get some rest.” Chen Qingyan smiled, faintly.
“Alright, I will leave her to you.
“Han Yi, let’s go,” Mu Ling said with a smile on his face as he trusted Chen Qingyan.
As soon as Mu Ling finished his words, he stroked his sleeve and walked away. He did not even spare a glance at Tan Shuangshuang.
Right after Mu Ling left, the smile on Chen Qingyan’s face disappeared immediately.
“Don’t you ever think that you are his wife just because you got into his bed. I am the master of the Mu family. Even Suyi is no match for me, much less you.” Chen Qingyan stared coldly at Tan Shuangshuang.
“Look at you now. You have promised to take care of me. Arent’ you afraid that I will let him know what you have done to me?” Tan Shuangshuang gritted her teeth tightly.
“You can give it a try. I want to know who he trusts—you or me?” Chen Qingyan laughed, scornfully.
Tan Shuangshuang had met people in her life. But she had never met someone who could act better than her.
[1] Confucian moral injunctions for women, namely: obey in turn three men; father, husband, and son. The four virtues are morality, physical charm, propriety in speech, and efficiency in needlework.
