Liu Qingsong spoke with a wretched look on his face, drawing close to her and saying, "Have you noticed too? Actually… Ran Yun is tormenting me."

"She hits you?" Ran Yan asked in surprise.

"Not exactly, but she doesn't give me any spending money, takes all my monthly salary, and I have to report my whereabouts to her. If I look at any woman on the street who's older than three but younger than thirty, when I get home, I have to carry her on my back and run around the courtyard twenty times. Early in the morning before dawn, she drags me out of bed. If I hide any private money, she deducts it from my meals. I only get twelve sets of new clothes every half a year, and I have to work for three hours every day without lying down or sitting…"

After listening to his long-winded complaints, Ran Yan fell silent for a moment before saying, "Aren't those things you should be doing anyway?"

Liu Qingsong opened his mouth, then said with a heartfelt pain, "I forgot, you're a devil too. Jiulang also has it tough."

Ran Yan gave him a sideways glance and said, "He's much more self-aware than you, and I think he actually enjoys it."

The reason why women in the Tang Dynasty could be tough was not only because marriage in the Great Tang was relatively free and equal, but also because Tang Dynasty women had their own independent personalities. They weren't hothouse flowers that depended on men to survive, but could live well without them.

"Marriage is a grave, truly a profound truth," Liu Qingsong sighed.

Ran Yan gave a faint smile. To her, marriage was the beginning of a deeper emotional connection. She had never been someone who pursued pure love. While one could have beautiful hopes for love, if one expected it to be the entirety of life, pure and flawless, it would wither prematurely. Because the world's environment would not allow every flower of love to bloom brightly.

"Having it is my fortune; not having it, my fate." Ran Yan always maintained this mindset, but she was fortunate to have it, though this feeling was not purely love. Yet as long as it was what she desired, it was flawless to her.

Xiao Song and Ran Yunsheng heard the noise over here and also came over.

Ran Yunsheng saw the wildly playful Ran Yun and laughed, "Ah Yun still acts like a child."

"She's no child, she's practically a devil," Liu Qingsong mumbled under his breath, but the next second, he put on a flattering smile and eagerly greeted them, "Eldest brother-in-law, Jiulang, it's been a few days and you look even more impressive!"

"Ye-ye, ye-ye," Ruoruo called happily when she saw Xiao Song.

Xiao Song smiled and bent down to touch Ruoruo's little face. Meanwhile, the eldest and second Xiao boys, taking advantage of their nanny's moment of inattention, started wrestling and crying, creating a ruckus.

The two nannies hurried over to soothe them.

It was either the infectiousness of their crying or children's love of joining in, but Qing'er and Ruoruo also joined the wailing.

The scene turned chaotic, and by the time everyone settled down, Ran Yan and the others were utterly exhausted.

After lunch, they soothed the children to take their naps and then went to the pavilion to enjoy some tea and play chess.

The afternoon passed in leisurely comfort.

Only when the evening sky was streaked with colorful clouds did they all disperse.

After taking a bath, Ran Yan propped herself against the bed, holding a checklist and verifying that everything needed for the journey was ready.

"What did my lady want to say today?" Xiao Song, freshly bathed at an unknown time, clad in a moon-white silk robe with his dark hair still dripping, asked.

Ran Yan had Wan Lu pass a clean towel, and while she helped him wring out his hair, she talked about Ran Pingyu's situation.

Xiao Song didn't appear very angry. Such incidents were not uncommon among families, and he wasn't surprised. However, it seemed foolish that the Ran Family still hadn't grasped the situation. Although they didn't need the Xiao Family's special favor once matrimonial ties were established since other prominent families would also treat them differently due to the relationship, giving up the connection with Ran Yan was indeed stupid.

Xiao Song thought this but since Ran Yan could criticize her own family, he would not do so. It was his way of showing respect to her.

"Do you intend to break ties with the Ran Family?" Xiao Song knew his wife well.

Ran Yan felt no affection for that family but chose her words carefully, "Mmm, what do you think? With such a family behind me, I can't feel assured; instead, I worry all the time about them tarnishing our reputation. You've seen yourself how they've treated me. The favors the Xiao Family has shown them over these two years should be enough to repay my upbringing, right?"

"They are still a family, after all, and can be of use when held tightly in your hand," Xiao Song pondered for a moment and then said, "I can help you spread the word, saying that Lady Xian of the Ran Family is heartbroken due to the coldness of her natal family. The reason… Details like the Ran Family treating your mother poorly, such as how they married a stepmother within a year of your mother's passing, should be emphasized. And now, they are treating you poorly as well, disregarding the face of the Xiao Family. First, drive them into a corner, then you extend a helping hand at the right moment, keeping them firmly under your control."

"While that does sound good, I truly…" truly do not want to have anything to do with that family.

Xiao Song turned to face her, looking at her with a smile, "My lady, sometimes, revenge isn't about completely obliterating the foe but about keeping them in your grasp. Display generosity and forgiveness outwardly, but oppress them internally. They must look to your face for approval in everything they do, and live a life of dependence, always at your mercy. Even so, make full use of them until the time comes when you want to let go, and they have no chance of ever turning the tables. By doing so, not only will people praise your virtuous tolerance, but they'll also see you as affectionate and righteous. What do you think, my lady?"

Ran Yan sighed, "Compared to you, I feel I'm kind and just."

Ran Yan was straightforward, resolving any matter swiftly. She returned favors, exacted revenge, and never considered such devious methods.

"It's just a small suggestion, and the execution still depends on what my lady thinks. But easing my lady's concerns is indeed my duty as a husband," Xiao Song said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and then added, "I fear we might not be able to leave this time."

"Why? Have you heard something?" Ran Yan asked.

"I received a letter from the main family this morning," Xiao Song said as he took out a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Ran Yan, then continued, "And when I was arranging affairs today, I don't know if it's because the court atmosphere has been too oppressive lately, but I sense an unusual feeling in the air." (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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