Chapter 52: Schemes Woven in Secret

“I came here in person this time to represent the attitude of the Ye Family,” she declared. “The Ye Family will absolutely not allow Tianlin to continue any relationship with you.”

“Furthermore, the Su Family was expelled years ago, a stain that remains. Now, before too many people find out, it’s best to resolve this quickly, lest it become a joke for others. I trust you have enough self-awareness.”

Jiang Yingxia’s words were as firm as iron, her face brooking no argument. Five whole years had passed; to say the Su Family didn’t recognize Ye Tianlin would be outright false. In her eyes, all of this was nothing but a calculated scheme by the Su Family, deliberately cultivating such a situation in hopes of leaping into prominence—a plan meticulously devised.

Unable to bear it, Zhao Shanhe hastily interjected, “Madam, isn’t this a bit—”

But before he could finish, Jiang Yingxia raised her hand to silence him, rebuking, “Everything I do is for the sake of the Ye Family. I do not wish Tianlin to be deceived. Of course, you’ll be compensated, but only if you agree to divorce!”

Divorce!

Su Rulan felt as if struck by lightning from a clear sky, her face drained of color, heart wrung with agony. What was most unbearable was that all her struggles and the humiliation she had endured these five years were now being interpreted by Jiang Yingxia as—scheming?!

Zhao Qing, burning with indignation, couldn’t help but grit her teeth, “This is sheer prejudice! Rulan has been bullied in the Su Family so much she can barely lift her head. How could things be as you imagine?”

“I don’t care about any of that. I want results, now!” Jiang Yingxia demanded.

“What about the child Rulan is carrying?” Zhao Qing pressed.

Jiang Yingxia hesitated for a moment before replying resolutely, “It’s simple. Once the child is born, it will belong to the Ye Family. I’ll raise it myself. As for any other issues, as I said, you’ll be compensated, but from now on, you must keep everything secret.”

Zhao Qing was so furious she could barely contain herself. This was even more humiliating than what the Su Family had done before. Ignoring the difference in status, she was about to argue on the spot.

Sensing trouble, Zhao Shanhe quickly pulled Zhao Qing back, shooting her a warning look and lowering his voice, “Don’t say anything, Zhao Qing. As much as I'd like to help, we are only servants, after all.”

“I…” Zhao Qing’s face was ashen, her throat choked with stones, but she understood Zhao Shanhe’s helplessness and could only avert her gaze toward Su Rulan.

Su Rulan steadied herself, forcing down her panic, meeting Jiang Yingxia’s gaze with fragile resolve. “Auntie, I think you misunderstand. My relationship with Tianlin has never been as you say.”

“I’ve already been quite polite, sparing you harsher words. Don’t mistake my patience for weakness. Do you know what news I heard the moment I arrived in Jiangnan?” Jiang Yingxia’s face turned cold.

“What news?” Su Rulan asked.

Jiang Yingxia snorted, “People are saying you’re involved with the Wang Family of Yandu, that the child you carry isn’t Tianlin’s, but someone else’s. It’s scandalous!”

Su Rulan drew in a sharp breath, trembling as she explained, “That’s a lie, pure slander meant to ruin me. Please, don’t believe it.”

Jiang Yingxia replied, “I don’t know whether the rumors are true or false, but I absolutely refuse to allow someone with such gossip attached to them to marry into the Ye Family. So there’s no need to explain further—I will never have a good impression of you.”

With that, Jiang Yingxia produced a bank card, placing it on the table. “There’s enough money in this card for your family to live comfortably for a lifetime. How much exactly, you’ll see for yourself.”

“Now, take this card and do everything I require. And you must not let Tianlin know that all this was my idea. I trust you’re clever enough to choose wisely.”

Staring at the bank card, Su Rulan found it utterly unacceptable. If she took the money, it would be the greatest humiliation, a stain on five years of love.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept this money. I know the Su Family has a history, and it makes a poor impression. If there are things about me you dislike, Auntie, I will do my best to improve, so you might gradually change your opinion and come to trust me.”

Jiang Yingxia slammed the table in anger. “It seems the Su Family’s appetite is larger than I thought. This isn’t enough for you? Don’t think that just because you’re Tianlin’s wife, you’re the Young Mistress. The Ye Family will never acknowledge you!”

“Time will prove everything,” Su Rulan replied, forcing herself to stand firm.

“If you don’t appreciate kindness, so be it. In that case, Tianlan Corporation will cease operations immediately. All contracts in your hands will be withdrawn and nullified from today onwards!” Jiang Yingxia declared, her words thunderous.