The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Chapter 1110 - 1084: Prestige in Chaotic Times 152

Mrs. Liu was truly angered by Lu Shan.

She slammed the table and said, "Really now, showing off the airs of the Madam managing the household, don’t forget that you’re just a concubine. My mother is the legitimate wife, and you need to pay respects as a concubine before my mother’s tablet. What right do you have to manage me? Trying to match me with someone, stop dreaming."

Mrs. Liu startled Lu Shan a lot.

She shrank back, wanting to say a few nice things to Lu Shan, but then recalled the words Liu Cai had told her.

Liu Cai threatened her that if she didn’t assert herself, he would stop supporting her.

Mrs. Liu definitely couldn’t lose the backing of her maiden family, so she gritted her teeth and decided to completely offend Lu Shan.

"Bah, legitimate wife? She has already been dead for so many years. People say nurture is greater than birth; Mrs. Gao gave birth to you, but I’ve raised you to this age, only to raise such an ingrate. It’s ridiculous you say I have no right to manage you, then are you not planning to marry? If I don’t step in to arrange a match for you, I wonder who else would."

The more Mrs. Liu spoke, the more relieved she felt.

For all these years, she’d been upholding Lu Shan, but it wasn’t out of genuine reason; it was out of necessity. She’d already had enough of Old Madam and Lu Shan’s attitudes.

Now, having turned her fortune, she confronted them with no fear.

The more she thought this way, the bolder Mrs. Liu felt.

She saw Lu Shan standing with defiance and walked over, reaching out to slap Lu Shan twice across the face.

The sound of the slaps echoed loudly.

Lu Shan was stunned.

She held her face in disbelief and stared at Mrs. Liu, "You dare hit me?"

"I hit exactly you! You unfilial girl, defying your mother, how can I not reprimand you?"

Mrs. Liu sneered, "So you say a mother can’t discipline her daughter? If you won’t accept my authority, from now on, I will disregard your affairs. Let me tell you, never seek help from me in the future."

Lu Shan screamed, reaching out to hit back.

Several companions beside Mrs. Liu, such as Mrs. Yu, quickly held Lu Shan back, "What is Miss doing, does she wish to strike the Madam? If this spreads, does Miss still hope to be anyone?"

Unable to reach Mrs. Liu, Lu Shan ran away crying, holding her face.

She ran to Old Madam’s room to complain.

When Old Madam saw Lu Shan’s face reddened from the slaps, she was furious, "Summon Mrs. Liu for me, this is outrageous, bring her over, I’ll deal with her."

Mrs. Liu felt relieved after gulping down a cold tea. Shortly after, a maid from Old Madam’s quarters came to summon her.

Mrs. Liu, bringing Mrs. Yu, went over assertively.

Mrs. Liu had endured for long, almost becoming meek, but now having turned the tables, her daughter becoming the Crown Princess Consort, and her brother supporting her suppress Old Madam and Miss. She felt emboldened, and since confronting Lu Shan made her feel good, she feared nothing now, planning to cause a stir to suppress Old Madam.

Why did Old Madam cherish Miss so much? Why had she always suppressed Mrs. Liu? Wasn’t it because she sought benefits for the Gao family?

It’s known Old Madam came from the Gao family, and was the biological aunt of Gao’s daughter who passed away. Naturally, her heart was set on the Gao family. Initially, when Gao married into the Lu family, Old Madam and Gao jointly controlled the household, continually benefiting their maiden family.

After Gao’s passing, Old Madam, along with the Gao family, arranged for Lu Wang to marry Mrs. Liu, finding her birth lacking, merely a merchant’s daughter, inherently lesser in front of official families like the Gao and Lu families. Moreover, they eyed the wealth of the Liu family.

After marrying into the Lu family, permitted by Old Madam, the Gao family frequently caused trouble, with Old Madam stepping in just enough to keep Mrs. Liu subdued.

If Mrs. Liu wanted to survive, she had hopelessly to favor Miss.

It being for a day or two was one thing, but as time passed, her habit of favoring Miss became entrenched. She became accustomed to pleasing Miss, Old Madam, and even the Gao family.

If it hadn’t been for Liu Cai’s advice, she might’ve lived her life the same way.

Liu Cai hadn’t advised Mrs. Liu earlier because at that time, he couldn’t stand against the Lu or Gao families. Lacking support, to ensure his sister’s survival, he had to endure some grievances.

Back when Lu Zhen was frequently bullied by Lu Shan, Liu Cai upon knowing arranged for servants to protect Lu Zhen and convinced Lu Wang to take Lu Zhen with him, allowing her to live freely for those years.

The circumstances have changed now; the Gao family is weakened, and with Lu Zhen poised to become the Crown Princess Consort, the Liu family is on the rise. Liu Cai naturally no longer fears them, advising Mrs. Liu, and even threatening her to suppress Mrs. Lu thoroughly and vent years of grievances.

Mrs. Liu didn’t understand these complexities but always followed her brother’s lead. Accompanied by others, she reached Old Madam’s quarters. Upon entering, Old Madam slammed the table and cursed, "Are you such a shrew? Look at how you beat Miss. How is she supposed to go out and face others?"

Mrs. Liu walked to the chair and sat down, directing the maids to serve her tea.

"I beat her exactly to prevent her from disgracing us. Old Madam, you can’t imagine, our house’s Miss is highly capable. Previously, she even tried to seduce the Heir of Marquis Zhennan. This matter, I fear is known inside the palace. The Empress surely disdains our Miss’s conduct, coupled with her reckless chatter, saying things unfit for a young lady. If this spreads, how will others speak of us? Remember, Miss was raised by me; should I not care for my reputation?"

Mrs. Liu patted her face, "Old Madam, Miss truly needs proper discipline. With your advanced age, you lack the energy, it’s only natural for me, her mother, to take on this burden. Think about it, since I can mother the Crown Princess Consort, educating Miss should be a sure success."

She spoke fluently, overwhelming Old Madam, "You, Mrs. Liu, kneel before me."

Mrs. Liu remained seated firmly, "Old Madam, you must know, I am the mother of the Crown Princess Consort. Are you certain you want me to kneel? Not only can’t you make me kneel, but you must uphold me to preserve the Crown Princess Consort’s honor, to please the Crown Prince and the Empress. Otherwise, if they get displeased, it won’t just be us facing consequences; even Lord Lu may not fare well."

Old Madam huffed at Mrs. Liu’s words, "Well, well, it’s clear now what kind of person you are; earlier you pretended to be honest, now why don’t you pretend anymore."

Mrs. Liu stood up, glanced faintly at Old Madam, "What pretense? I never pretended; it was merely the Old Madam relying on the Gao family’s power to suppress me. You drove us mother and daughter nearly to a dead end; as a Madam without household authority, everywhere bearing grievances. Now enlightened, I’m no longer afraid. With only one daughter ready for marriage, I have nothing to lose; we can just split. I still have my daughter, my brother, no one can ignore me, much better than enduring in the Lu family."

She laughed, "Oh, seeing Old Madam and Miss irritates me. Earlier Miss claimed I’m unworthy to arrange her match; hence, I truly will not bother. I’d like to inform Old Madam, shortly I’ll move to my dowry manor. Along with my possessions and dowry, those will be moved too, let Old Madam manage the house if she’d like."

Her tone was carefree, she brushed her clothes, bowed slightly to Old Madam, and walked out.

Leaving Old Madam’s room, Mrs. Liu felt relieved.

She called over Mrs. Yu, "Mrs. Yu, have your son wait at the Lin Xiang Mansion for Uncle, when he comes out, inform him I’ve moved to the manor, let him come directly."

Mrs. Yu agreed and went to find someone.

Mrs. Liu then summoned Sister-in-law Qin, "Sister-in-law Qin, have Brother Qin gather more house servants and guards to drive several carts and transport my dowry to the manor, as well as the possessions accumulated in my private stores."