Chapter 162: Two Daughters

“I…”

Leng Qing Yu, in all her years, had never heard such an idea.

A woman’s role was to assist her husband, teach her children, and manage the household, wasn’t it?

Some women, born into lower stations, were destined to be maids or concubines, with no hope of rising above their circumstances. Compared to them, Leng Qing Yu had always believed she lived a fortunate life.

The Marquis loved her so deeply that he even refrained from taking concubines, a blessing many women could only dream of.

But just now, Xin Ran said that none of that mattered, that a woman should live for herself?

“Xin Ran, your perspective… could it be…”

Leng Qing Yu hesitated, wanting to ask if her daughter’s ideas were too unconventional or even scandalous.

But as she glanced at Xiao Huai’an’s expression, she swallowed her words.

It wouldn’t do to criticize her daughter in front of her son-in-law.

Even if Xin Ran’s words seemed off, they had to be treated as correct.

To her surprise, Xiao Huai’an didn’t seem bothered.

“Madam Lu,” Xiao Huai’an began calmly, “I think my wife is right.

Life as a couple should be about mutual understanding and mutual growth.

No one should be expected to live their entire life solely for someone else, constantly sacrificing.

If Xin Ran has dreams or aspirations, I will always support her.

Just because she’s a woman doesn’t mean she should live solely according to my wishes.

After all, before she became Mrs. Xiao Ye, she was first and fore most Ye Xin Ran.”

Xiao Huai’an’s words completely changed Leng Qing Yu’s impression of him.

His cold and aloof demeanor turned out to be just a facade. Deep down, he was an understanding and supportive husband, a stark contrast to the impression Lu Ting En gave.

Now that she thought about it, Ting En always appeared polite and attentive, showing care outwardly. But in truth, he rarely shared his inner thoughts with her.

In their early years of marriage, whenever Lu Ting En needed money for networking or bribes, Leng Qing Yu would learn about his difficulties through others, be it servants or elders, and then take the initiative to offer financial support.

It seemed he always showed concern for others openly, while hiding his own struggles deep within.

“Madam Lu,”

Ye Xin Ran’s voice interrupted Leng Qing Yu’s thoughts.

“I know that just this one instance might not be enough to convince you to doubt someone you’ve shared a pillow with for over a decade.

But perhaps you could try.

From now on, try observing him from the perspective of an outsider.”

“You’ll reach your own conclusion.”

Leng Qing Yu’s trust in Lu Ting En had already begun to waver the moment the test results were revealed.

Now, Ye Xin Ran’s words had completely awakened her.

Avoidance was not a solution. To escape this predicament, she realized she could only rely on herself.

“Alright, I’ll give it a try,” Leng Qing Yu said, composing herself.

She got back into the carriage and returned to the Wei Residence.

Along the way, she reflected deeply on her relationship with Lu Ting En, from the moment they met to their life together.

It seemed that Lu Ting En had always been the one leading, while she merely played a passive role, enjoying the life he arranged for her.

No wonder her younger sister often said she had been blinded by Lu Ting En.

Now, it was time for her to change her perspective and observe Lu Ting En from the viewpoint of an outsider.

When she arrived at the courtyard where they were staying, the Marquis was scolding his subordinates.

Upon seeing Leng Qing Yu return, he immediately dismissed them and turned to her with a smile.

“You’re back so soon, Madam. Why didn’t you stay and have lunch there?”

“I was worried you’d be concerned, so I hurried back,” Leng Qing Yu replied, her tone calm as she scrutinized his reaction.

Once doubt takes root, even the smallest things appear suspicious.

In the past, she would have considered his demeanor refined and scholarly.

But now, she felt his expression seemed somewhat artificial.

Just moments ago, he was furiously berating the guards, and now he was all tender and caring.

Wasn’t the shift in mood a bit too abrupt?

Marquis Lu, unaware of Leng Qing Yu’s inner turmoil, continued as always, taking her hand and saying:

“I’ve told you before, Madam. Your health is delicate, you need to eat properly and rest well. It’s already past lunchtime, and yet you rushed back.

Yan Qiu, prepare a bowl of red date and glutinous rice porridge for Madam, along with her favorite stuffed bamboo shoots and smoked goose breast.”

Yan Qiu quickly acknowledged the order and had the small kitchen begin preparations.

Leng Qing Yu, however, kept her gaze fixed on the Marquis’s face, lost in thought.

Could this tenderness really be an act?

Lu Ting En waved a hand in front of her face, snapping her out of her reverie.

“What’s the matter, Madam? What are you thinking about?”

“Oh, nothing,” she said quickly.

Leng Qing Yu shook her head. “Has the Marquis eaten? Would you like to join me for a little more?”

Lu Ting En smiled. “I already ate, all for the sake of coaxing your daughter and eating with her.”

“Zhi Yi? What happened to her?”

Leng Qing Yu couldn’t help but ask.

“You still need to ask?” The Marquis gently tapped her forehead. “You are far too biased! Early in the morning, you went to see your other daughter. Zhi Yi is still young, and it’s hard for her to accept that her mother favors her sister over her.”

Leng Qing Yu felt a bit wronged. “How could I not like her? They’re both my daughters.”

“Since you know Zhi Yi is your daughter, treat her better from now on.”

Seeing the Marquis’s attitude, Leng Qing Yu asked, “What about Xin Ran? The Marquis has never gone with me to see Xin Ran. Should we make some time to visit our daughter?”

Lu Ting En’s expression turned slightly awkward. “I mentioned going to see her with you before, but you said it might frighten her and asked me to wait.”

“So, the Marquis is willing to acknowledge this daughter now?”

Leng Qing Yu asked.

“I’ll acknowledge her as long as she’s my daughter,” Lu Ting En replied. Then his tone shifted. “But I need to confirm first that she truly is my daughter.”

“Do you insist on a blood test?” Leng Qing Yu asked.

“The bloodline of the Lu family cannot be casually claimed by anyone,” the Marquis replied, his expression turning serious. “Don’t take it personally, Madam. It’s just a drop of blood.”

“Very well. If it’s confirmed that Xin Ran is our daughter, the Marquis should treat her as kindly as you do Zhi Yi.”

“Of course. How could I not cherish my own daughter? But, Qing Yu, there are people in this world who resemble one another closely. I fear that if it turns out she isn’t our daughter, you’ll be heartbroken.”

“I won’t be,” Leng Qing Yu said firmly. “I’m not a person of indiscriminate compassion. I wouldn’t grieve for someone unrelated to me. But I believe that Xin Ran is definitely my child.”

The Marquis gave no clear response. Seeing that the food had been served, he scooped a bowl of porridge for Leng Qing Yu and said, “Once Xin Ran’s identity is confirmed, shall we return to the capital?

I still have official duties waiting for me, and your calming medicine is almost finished. I had Shun Yi Tang prepare a new batch for this year. Once we’re back in the capital, we can pick it up together.”

“Alright,” Leng Qing Yu replied softly, lowering her head to sip her porridge.

Lu Ting En watched her, a barely perceptible smile flickering across his lips.