Chapter 3: The Bride Begins to Blend In

Qin Luoli’s heart pounded like a drum, thudding fiercely against her chest.

What exactly were Old Lady Xiao’s “three family rules”? She racked her brains, wondering if she was to recite the Xiao family’s ancestral precepts or perhaps be tested on her needlework or culinary skills. Various possibilities flashed through her mind, each one making her more nervous.

A thin layer of sweat formed on her palms, which she wiped discreetly with a handkerchief, striving to maintain a composed facade.

The air in the room seemed to freeze, the silence almost suffocating.

Only the faint sound of breathing pierced the stillness with unusual clarity.

Old Lady Xiao’s gaze was sharp as a blade, as if it could pierce through her soul.

Qin Luoli felt like a rabbit caught in the sights of a leopard, utterly exposed.

“The first rule,” Old Lady Xiao began slowly, her voice low and commanding, “is to respect the elderly, cherish the young, and maintain harmony among sisters-in-law.” Qin Luoli exhaled slightly; this did not seem too difficult.

“The second rule,” Old Lady Xiao continued, “is to manage the household diligently and frugally, avoiding extravagance and waste.” This too was manageable, Qin Luoli thought, nodding inwardly.

“As for the third rule…” Old Lady Xiao paused, her eyes locking onto Qin Luoli with a knowing smile, “Within one month, you must make Jingyuan…”

She deliberately dragged out the last word, teasing everyone’s curiosity.

Qin Luoli’s heart skipped again, as if an invisible hand clenched her chest tightly.

What was she supposed to make Xiao Jingyuan do within a month?

Could it be some impossible task?

Finally, Old Lady Xiao delivered the last demand: “Within one month, make Jingyuan… smile at you!”

“Ah?” Qin Luoli was stunned.

Make that eternally icy-faced Xiao Jingyuan smile?

That was harder than climbing to the heavens!

She even doubted whether Xiao Jingyuan ever smiled at all.

Lady Liu covered her mouth, snickering nearby, eyes gleaming with schadenfreude.

She thought Qin Luoli was doomed.

“Can’t do it, new bride?” Old Lady Xiao’s expression was half-teasing, half-serious as she looked at Qin Luoli.

Qin Luoli took a deep breath. “Your daughter-in-law will definitely do her utmost!”

Lady Liu’s grin stretched wide, nearly reaching her ears.

Her narrow eyes, sharp as poisonous snake fangs, flicked over Qin Luoli with barely concealed smugness.

“Oh, new madam, this isn’t just any smile. Making our Iceberg General laugh? Tsk, tsk, that’s tough!” she said mockingly, her tone dripping with glee at Qin Luoli’s predicament.

That sharp, venomous voice scraped against the eardrums, making one feel utterly uncomfortable.

Qin Luoli pretended not to hear Lady Liu’s provocations, not even sparing her a glance. Instead, she smiled faintly, as if to say: a mere jester is not worth my attention.

She knew well that arguing with such people only wasted time and energy.

The true battleground was never in words.

Seeing Qin Luoli so composed, Old Lady Xiao took from a nearby box of rosewood a jade bracelet, entirely green and translucent, emitting a faint glow — clearly no ordinary trinket.

“Luoli, this jade bracelet is an heirloom of the Xiao family. If you can tell me its origin and meaning, I will fully accept you,” Old Lady Xiao said calmly, yet with a hint of challenge.

Lady Liu curled her lips in disdain, thinking: This old woman is hard to please. Even I only know part of the jade’s history; how could a country girl like Qin Luoli possibly know?

Waiting to see her embarrass herself!

A twisted malice lingered in Lady Liu’s smile.

Qin Luoli took the jade bracelet, warm and smooth to the touch.

She studied it carefully, her mind racing through all she knew about jade.

Considering Old Lady Xiao’s emphasis on “heirloom,” she formed a rough guess.

“This jade bracelet, judging by its hue and texture, must be fine jadeite.

In ancient times, such jade was called ‘Imperial Green’ and is extremely precious. Its patterns resemble dragons and clouds, likely symbolizing the merits and glory of the Xiao ancestors.”

She paused, then continued, “I suspect this bracelet was bestowed upon the Xiao family’s ancestor by the imperial court in recognition of outstanding battlefield achievements.

It is not merely an ornament but a symbol of the family’s honor, reminding descendants to remember their forebears’ deeds.”

Old Lady Xiao listened intently, then exclaimed, “Good, good, good! The new bride is indeed wise to know the bracelet’s origin. Well done!” Her triple “good” expressed deep satisfaction.

Lady Liu’s smile froze; her eyes widened in disbelief.

How was this possible?

Qin Luoli had actually answered correctly!

Her carefully prepared anticipation of a spectacle ended before it even began.

“Wow! Sister-in-law, you are amazing!” Xiao Jingxuan clapped her hands excitedly, her innocent, radiant smile brightening the otherwise somber room.

Qin Luoli smiled faintly, inwardly relieved.

She knew this was only the beginning; much remained to be done.

At this moment, the ever-silent Xiao Jingyuan’s gaze slowly settled on Qin Luoli, a flicker of… admiration passing through his eyes.

He narrowed them slightly, as if pondering something.

“Well, it’s getting late. Everyone may disperse,” Old Lady Xiao said, breaking the silence, her eyes subtly fixed on Xiao Jingyuan.

Everyone bowed and left, leaving only Old Lady Xiao and Xiao Jingyuan in the room.

The others filed out, Xiao Jingyuan last, his deep eyes briefly shining with a rare appreciation as he watched Qin Luoli’s retreating figure.

This woman is rather interesting.

He stepped forward a few paces, nodded slightly, and in a low, cello-like voice said, “Ms. Qin, you handled today’s matters well.”

Qin Luoli bowed slightly, a modest smile on her lips. “Thank you for your praise, General.”

Inner thought: Praise?

That iceberg face actually praised someone?

Is the sun rising in the west?

Yet this “Ms. Qin” sounded so formal, as if addressing a stranger.

Well, at least it was progress — from “you” to “Ms. Qin.” At least she was no longer being ignored.

Observing their interaction, Old Lady Xiao cleared her throat, drawing attention back to herself and announced loudly, “Today, Luoli has passed the test and officially become a qualified daughter-in-law of the Xiao family.

From now on, she may participate in family affairs and share some responsibilities.”

At this, Lady Liu’s face instantly darkened, more ghastly than if she had swallowed a fly.

She shot Qin Luoli a venomous glare, as if she wanted to devour her alive.

“Hmph!” Lady Liu snapped her sleeves and stormed off, her slender waist swaying with anger.

Inner thought: What’s going on?

This country bumpkin was really accepted by Old Lady Xiao?

I refuse to accept this!

I will definitely drive her out of the Xiao family!

The servants nearby began congratulating Qin Luoli in turn: “Congratulations, Young Madam! Congratulations, Young Madam!”

The cheers rose like a deafening roar.

Qin Luoli smiled softly in thanks, her heart calm and steady.

She knew this was just the first step of a long journey, with many challenges yet to come.

Old Lady Xiao nodded in satisfaction, preparing to retire when suddenly, a raucous voice shattered the courtyard’s quiet.

“Grandmother! Grandmother! I heard you accepted that country girl?” With a burst of noise, Xiao Jingxuan, Xiao Jingyuan’s elder half-brother, barged in, looking displeased like a ruffled rooster.

Behind him trailed several unsavory companions, clearly troublemakers.

Xiao Jingxuan pointed at Qin Luoli arrogantly and rudely: “She must have used some cunning trick to deceive Grandmother!

A country girl like her could never be worthy of the Xiao family!” His followers cawed along like noisy crows.

Qin Luoli stood calmly, unfazed by his swagger.

She smiled faintly, her tone even but laced with sarcasm: “Young Master, you are mistaken. Whether I am worthy of the Xiao family is not for you to decide, but for Grandmother.

Or do you believe your judgment surpasses hers?” Her words, mild yet sharp, upheld Old Lady Xiao’s authority while subtly slapping Xiao Jingxuan’s face.

Xiao Jingxuan was left speechless, his face flushing bright red like a ripe tomato.

The surrounding servants scolded Xiao Jingxuan for his rudeness, their voices rising in condemnation.

“That’s right! How dare the Young Master speak to the Young Madam like that!”

“The Young Madam is personally recognized by the matriarch!”

“The Young Master’s behavior is outrageous!”

Embarrassed and enraged, Xiao Jingxuan was about to retort when Old Lady Xiao’s sharp rebuke silenced him: “Jingxuan! Show respect!”

Though her tone was low, it carried an unyielding authority.

Like a frostbitten eggplant, Xiao Jingxuan wilted.

He shot a final glare at Qin Luoli before slinking away.

The storm thus subsided.

Xiao Jingxuan took Qin Luoli’s hand, her smile blooming like a flower: “Sister-in-law, don’t mind him. Big brother is just a fool. Come, I’ll take you to our family’s backyard garden!”

The Xiao family’s inner courtyard, with pavilions, terraces, artificial hills, and flowing water, was a picturesque scene.

Xiao Jingxuan enthusiastically introduced the various spots to Qin Luoli, whose heart warmed at her sincerity.

She realized she was beginning to integrate into the Xiao family.

Yet just as Qin Luoli thought all was well, she noticed something odd about the layout of the inner courtyard, especially the positioning of the artificial hills in the backyard garden, which seemed to hide a secret.

A chill breeze swept by, making her shiver.

She sensed that the Xiao family concealed mysteries.

“Jingxuan, who designed the artificial hills in the backyard garden?” Qin Luoli asked casually.

Xiao Jingxuan tilted her head, pondering. “I think… it was passed down from our ancestors, but I’m not really sure.”

Qin Luoli’s gaze returned to the artificial hills, a spark of curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

“Is that so…”