Of course, such matters cannot leave any evidence; dead men tell no tales.
The only loophole was Qiao'er in the side courtyard.
For the past few years, he had been sending people to closely monitor Qiao'er, ensuring no problems arose.
"Looking at her, she seems to be a sensible one. I hope she doesn't make any mistakes," Steward Li thought to himself.
At this moment, a figure approached him.
"Hmm? Not dead?" Steward Li was startled.
Only then did he see clearly that the person was not the maid, but Ling'er.
"You…"
Before Steward Li could speak, Ling'er said, "Steward Li, Qiao-furen wants you to come over."
Seeing the arrogance on Ling'er's face, Steward Li's brows furrowed slightly.
This was the first time he had seen a maid like Ling'er dare to speak to him in such a manner.
"Where does she get her confidence?"
Steward Li quickly reviewed recent events in his mind, confirming they had nothing to do with Ling'er.
Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him, and he thought of an almost impossible possibility.
"Could it be!" His pupils contracted.
"I understand," he said, steadying his emotions.
In his heart, he still didn't want to believe this possibility.
Because this possibility was too minuscule.
So minuscule that there were only two such individuals in the entire Lu Family currently!
In the courtyard, Qiao'er sat on a chair.
Song Daifu was carefully taking her pulse, but his trembling hands betrayed his inner turmoil.
At this moment, Steward Li, led by Ling'er, arrived before her.
Without any hesitation, he immediately looked at the strand of hair behind Qiao'er's ear.
And Qiao'er did not hide it; in fact, she seemed to deliberately reveal it, letting the strand of hair show from behind her ear.
The unusual light yellow color on that strand of hair reflected in Steward Li's pupils.
"It's true!" Steward Li's heart was greatly shaken.
He hadn't expected that the child in Qiao'er's womb had actually advanced to a Yellow Rank High Grade Bloodline!
"The Lu Family is about to be shaken!" He took a deep breath, barely suppressing his emotions.
"Song Daifu, what is your diagnosis?" he asked.
"As Steward Li sees, everything is true!" Song Daifu's words were conclusive.
"Phew!" Steward Li let out a long breath.
"Qiao-furen, please follow me to see the Lu Family Matriarch."
"Alright," Qiao'er said.
On the way, Steward Li suddenly stopped.
Qiao'er calmly looked at him, making no move.
"Qiao-furen, please forgive my previous actions," Steward Li bowed, speaking respectfully.
Before Qiao'er could speak, he added, "Qiao-furen, please let me finish."
"The young master in your womb now possesses a Yellow Rank High Grade Bloodline. A child of this caliber is a treasured jewel in the Lu Family, and his future is bound to be boundless."
"And your status will also rise accordingly."
"Currently, the Lu Family only has two young masters with Yellow Rank High Grade Bloodlines, so your becoming the Lu Family's Third Madam is practically a certainty."
"However, the Lu Family Matriarch, needless to say, comes from a powerful maternal family, so much so that even the Lu Family has to defer to her."
"And the Second Madam comes from a merchant family, also with a strong foundation, but you alone come from a humble background with no backing."
"I can help you."
After speaking, Steward Li looked at Qiao'er.
"Are you finished?" Qiao'er was expressionless.
"Madam, I know you have issues with me." Steward Li shook his head slightly.
"But even if you don't think for yourself, you must think for the young master in your womb."
"If he hadn't advanced to Yellow Rank High Grade, it would be one thing, but now that it's a certainty, the Lu Family only has one, and in the future, he will inevitably be targeted by the other two young masters."
"At that time, without anyone to support him, what kind of situation will the young master be in? Have you ever considered that?"
Steward Li's words made Qiao'er lower her eyes slightly.
Seeing this, Steward Li breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that Qiao'er still held a grudge against him, and he had also judged correctly: Qiao'er was indifferent to other matters, but when it came to the child in her womb, it was different.
"There are nearly two dozen stewards in the Lu Family; you're just one of them. Can you really help me?" Qiao'er said.
Hearing this, Steward Li knew that Qiao'er had already agreed to the transaction, and now he needed to state his terms.
"Madam, please rest assured, I possess power you cannot see." Steward Li smiled.
"Tomorrow, I will give you an offer you cannot refuse."
Qiao'er looked at Steward Li; he showed no fear, seemingly very confident.
"I'll wait to see your sincerity," Qiao'er said.
Then the two continued on their way.
Arriving at the familiar garden.
Here, two maids stood guard nearby.
Among the flowers, a richly dressed woman was watering.
Only, her method of watering was different.
In her hand was not a watering can, but a jade bottle, and the 'water' was not clear water, but a strange blue liquid.
This person was none other than the Lu Family Matriarch.
"Lu Family Matriarch~" Steward Li said softly.
The Lu Family Matriarch did not respond, but patiently continued watering.
A moment later, she stopped her movements and softly said, "What is it?"
Steward Li did not speak, but stepped back, revealing Qiao'er behind him.
The Lu Family Matriarch noticed this, and also saw Qiao'er's strand of hair.
She paused for a moment, then a smile appeared on her face.
"Qiao'er, come here~"
"Yes~"
Qiao'er walked into the flower garden and came to the Lu Family Matriarch's side.
"It has been four years since we last parted." The Lu Family Matriarch held Qiao'er's hand.
"I didn't expect you to give me such a surprise."
"I truly didn't misjudge you; very good."
The Lu Family Matriarch smiled, her expression kind.
"Lu Family Matriarch…"
Before Qiao'er could speak, the Lu Family Matriarch stopped her.
"Call me elder sister. This is the Lu Family's rule. From now on, you will be the Lu Family's Third Madam."
"Yes~" Qiao'er responded.
Then the Lu Family Matriarch looked at Steward Li again and instructed, "Pass down the order: the Lu Family wedding will be in three days. Let the entire Yun City know this news."
"Yes, Lu Family Matriarch!" Steward Li replied.
"Little sister Qiao'er, you'll stay with me these two days," the Lu Family Matriarch said with a smile.
"Yes~"
Within three days, the Lu Family gained a Third Madam.
This news spread throughout Yun City, shocking countless people.
Some envied her rise to a high position, some were amazed by the continuous emergence of Geniuses in the Lu Family's younger generation, and some resented why the Lu Family's good fortune was endless.
Each had their own thoughts, their own intentions.
But no one dared to cause trouble or disrupt this wedding, which was a wedding in name.
Thus, amidst a lively atmosphere, the Lu Family orderly concluded this wedding.
At night, the guests were all enjoying themselves.
The guests had all left, and the servants busied themselves tidying up.
In a large courtyard, red lanterns hung high.
A figure slowly walked in; wherever he passed, servants all bowed in salute.
This person was the Lu Family Patriarch, Lu Tingyu.
Dressed in a red robe, he entered the inner room, and the others immediately closed the door and dispersed, not daring to disturb him.
Inside the room, Qiao'er, dressed in new clothes, sat on the bed.
Having been pregnant for several years, her belly was quite prominent, but the new dress was tailored well and did not emphasize her pregnancy.
Lu Tingyu approached, picked up the ceremonial scepter, and lifted Qiao'er's red veil.
Under her new attire, Qiao'er appeared both beautiful and dignified.
"Qiao'er, from now on, you are my, Lu Tingyu's, officially wedded Third Madam."
"From now on, we shall support each other."
"Yes, Master," Qiao'er said softly.
