I won't let shady characters cross my threshold.

When Madam Gu was young, Lord Pingning was devoted to her alone, never entertaining any other woman. Seeing Gu Xin’s wavering heart and his shameless words, she was furious and sharply commanded, “Be quiet.”

Turning to Jiang Shuwan, she comforted her gently, “My dear, rest assured, as long as I am here, the position of mistress of the house will belong to you.”

Jiang Shuwan, touched by Madam Gu’s kindness, bowed slightly with her hands folded at her waist and said respectfully, “Thank you, Madam. I know you favor me. Once I enter the Pingning residence, I will be dutiful to you and carefully manage everything here.”

Madam Gu, growing ever fond of Jiang Shuwan’s poised and graceful demeanor, took her hand and gently patted it. “I always knew you were a good girl. I was never mistaken.”

Lin Rou watched their joyful exchange with a growing unease. If Jiang Shuwan became mistress of the Pingning household and was so favored by Madam Gu, she knew her own days would not be easy.

Looking up, she saw Jiang Shuwan gazing down at her with a mocking smile, which only heightened her anxiety. Jiang Shuwan, seeing Lin Rou’s panic, felt a deep satisfaction.

Jiang Shuwan stepped forward until she was just a few paces from Gu Xin, standing face to face and smiling lightly. “Young Master, on your engagement day, you were caught in such an act with another woman, and I happened upon you. Though my Pingning household has fallen on hard times, I will not allow my future husband to be so dishonored. Since you and your cousin are mutually fond, I shall not be the villain to break your bond. You may marry the one you love. As for me, I will only wed a man of noble character. Therefore, I hereby dissolve our engagement.”

Everyone stared at Jiang Shuwan in disbelief. She had always been devoted to Gu Xin, vowing never to marry anyone but him, quietly enduring any hardship without complaint.

Lin Rou smiled expectantly, thinking that if Jiang Shuwan did not marry Gu Xin, perhaps she could become his bride.

Gu Xin was stunned by this unexpected declaration. He could not believe Jiang Shuwan, whom he had valued, would spurn him and cause him to lose face. His expression darkened as he glared, ignoring Lin Rou, and snarled, “Jiang Shuwan, what do you mean? The engagement with the Pingning household is not something you can just cancel!”

Jiang Shuwan looked at him with disdain and sneered, “Young Master, perhaps you misunderstood. When did I say I wanted to cancel the engagement? I merely intend to change my fiancé to Lord Pingning himself.”

Everyone was shocked, as if she had been possessed. Earlier in the hall, they thought she was only speaking nonsense, but now it seemed she truly intended to marry Lord Pingning.

They all knew that although the body of Lord Pingning had never been found, after falling from such a high cliff with so many sent by the Emperor searching in vain, he was likely devoured by wild beasts. Yet she insisted on marrying him—either she was mad, or possessed by a demon. After all, what sane young woman would choose to become a widow waiting for a lost husband?

Gu Xin’s face twisted with rage upon hearing that Jiang Shuwan would rather marry a dead man than him, losing all his previous pride. He pointed at her angrily, “Jiang Shuwan, are you insane? Lord Pingning is my father, and he is dead. You want to marry a corpse?”

“Young Master, be careful with your words. Lord Pingning has only been missing for fifteen days, and even the Emperor has yet to make a final judgment. How can you declare him dead so hastily?” Jiang Shuwan stepped closer, her expression serious. “Your desire to inherit his title is all too obvious.”

“I... I...” Gu Xin stammered, unable to form a coherent reply.

“Slap!”

Madam Gu struck him hard across the face. Gu Xin reeled, clutching his cheek. “Grandmother, don’t listen to Jiang Shuwan’s nonsense. That’s not what I meant...”

Before he could finish, Madam Gu cut him off angrily, “Silence!”

Gu Xin shut his mouth in frustration. Madam Gu gave him a contemptuous glare, full of disappointment. Then she softened her tone and looked at Jiang Shuwan. “Young lady, are you truly willing to marry into our family?”

Jiang Shuwan nodded resolutely. “Yes. Madam, I have thought it through. Lord Pingning was a man of integrity, pure and noble—a perfect match for me.”

Madam Gu was surprised by her words, her smile broadening. Such a charming young woman—how could she not be fond of her?

“But my son’s fate remains unknown. If he never returns, you would suffer greatly.”

She cared deeply for this beautiful and obedient girl but could not bear to see her youth wasted in widowhood.

Jiang Shuwan replied, “Madam, Lord Pingning devoted his life to the court. If I marry him, perhaps I can bring him good fortune, helping him overcome misfortune and return safely. Should he never come back, I would remain faithful to him and be buried beside him.”

Madam Gu had long struggled to accept the possibility that her son was truly gone. Weeks earlier, Gu Xin had told her of a blessing ceremony at the Mercy Temple, where it was said that Lord Pingning had been devoured by beasts. To ensure his soul’s peaceful reincarnation, they needed to perform a ritual to dispel the evil spirits. This was why she petitioned the Emperor to grant a ceremonial tomb for Lord Pingning and urged Gu Xin to marry quickly before the mourning period ended, both to honor the deceased and to carry out the ritual.

Only she and Gu Xin knew of these matters. Hearing Jiang Shuwan’s willingness deepened her satisfaction with the girl.

“Jiang Shuwan, are you mad?” Gu Xin stared at her in disbelief. To choose widowhood over marrying him was unthinkable.

Madam Gu shot Gu Xin a warning glance, and he dared not speak further.

Lin Rou was also stunned. Jiang Shuwan’s madness gave her hope to become the young master’s wife, perhaps even mistress of the Pingning household. But if Jiang Shuwan married Lord Pingning, she would be her mother-in-law, and no matter what, Lin Rou would be beneath her. With Madam Gu’s favor, if they joined forces against her, her days would be miserable.

Madam Gu looked at Jiang Shuwan with tender affection. “My dear, rest assured, whether Lord Pingning returns or not, the mistress of the Pingning household will only ever be you. I will not allow any unworthy person into this house.”