A Clever Scheme
Marquis Valor Estate
Night had already fallen, and the lamps were lit. Marquis Weiyuan and Madam Lou sat inside, sipping tea and talking.
"So, how did it go at the Prince of Qin's Manor today?" Marquis Weiyuan asked.
Madam Lou looked displeased. "That wretched Su Li kept pulling a long face! I'm her mother-in-law, after all, but she didn't show me a shred of respect—even in front of Alex. Just outrageous."
Marquis Weiyuan frowned, "Enough, enough. I'm not asking about Su Li, I'm asking about Alex. How was he?"
Madam Lou coughed lightly, her expression turning smug. "Alex may look cold on the outside, but his attitude was soft. I specially made his favorite pastries and brought them over—he kept them all! Eating those cakes, of course he'll remember his dear mother. Oh, Marquis, you have no idea. Alex has loved my pastries since he was little. I didn't make them often before, but this time I gave him a whole bunch. He must be so moved!"
As Madam Lou spoke, she covered her mouth and laughed. "No one knows Alex better than I do. He may act cold, but if I lower my head just a little, he always forgives me. It's always been this way—he went to the military camp so young, just hoping for a word of approval from us. Now, if we show him a bit of kindness, he'll be overjoyed."
Marquis Weiyuan stroked his chin, agreeing with Madam Lou. "You're right, dear. Alex has always craved our attention and care. Now that we're giving him what he's always wanted, he'll surely be grateful and cherish it."
Madam Lou sighed, "What worries me is that Su Li is probably speaking ill of us to Alex, trying to drive a wedge between us and him."
Marquis Weiyuan slammed his hand on the chair. "That village girl is nothing but trouble! She holds a grudge against us, and as long as she's around Alex, you can bet she's badmouthing us."
Madam Lou said, "Don't rush, Marquis. Let's take it slow and coax Alex back to our side first, then we can figure out how to deal with that village girl. I've realized that whoever has Alex's heart has the advantage—just like those social climbers in the capital. Back when Alex lived at the estate, he was so filial and respectful, and those people would flock here, fawning over him like lackeys. Now that he's gone and doesn't get along with us, none of them come around. They're all just opportunists!"
Marquis Weiyuan glanced at Madam Lou. "Glad you've figured it out! The priority is to win Alex back. For now, you'll have to make the effort and visit the Prince of Qin's Manor more often. You're his real mother—Alex won't turn you away. With enough face-to-face time, he'll start coming back to us. When the time is right, we'll have him move back to the estate. Then, all the rewards from the Emperor and the gifts from those sycophants will end up in our pockets, and we won't have to live so tightly anymore."
Madam Lou replied, "Fine, fine. I'll just have to put up with it and make more visits these days. Hmph, I swear I'll deal with that wretched Su Li and drive her out!"
The more Madam Lou talked, the more she found Su Li intolerable. If Su Li was miserable, Madam Lou would be delighted.
Madam Lou's mind was filled with schemes against Su Li. Suddenly, her eyes lit up—she'd thought of a brilliant plan that would make Su Li feel as if she'd swallowed a fly!