Su Liyan carried Bengbeng back to her room.

A moment ago, in Aunt Zhao’s room, there had been too many people, so Su Liyan hadn’t been able to feed Bengbeng.

The room had been empty ever since Lu Yuan and Su Liyan left on their long trip.

Bengbeng had been sleeping with her grandmother the whole time.

A dedicated Maid cleaned Lu Yuan and Su Liyan’s room every day, ensuring it was spotless.

Su Liyan sat on the bed, lifted her clothes, and said, "My darling daughter, drink up."

Bengbeng looked at her mother’s skin, as fair as snowflakes in winter, and gurgled happily.

Bengbeng had been longing to nurse for a long, long time.

In Aunt Zhao’s room, Lu Yuan had said he wanted to have a few more daughters.

When Aunt Song heard this, she grinned from ear to ear.

Song Chi, who was standing beside her, had to tug on Song Meiqin’s sleeve and whisper, "Sis, mind your image."

As it was nearly noon and Song Chi had important matters to attend to, he didn’t stay for lunch at the Zhao Mansion and went on his way.

Su Liyan’s mother had already prepared a feast for her son-in-law and daughter, refusing any help from the Zhao Mansion’s chefs.

Lu Yuan looked at the table laden with food. After just a few bites, he could tell it was made by his mother-in-law.

For someone like Lu Yuan, who had tasted every delicacy imaginable, this feast wasn’t necessarily the most delicious he’d ever had. But its maker was unmistakable after just a few bites.

Every cook has their own signature touch, one that’s impossible to replicate.

Su Liyan’s mother also brought out a large bowl of handmade egg noodles and served a portion to everyone.

Lu Yuan and Su Liyan accepted their bowls. After slurping a few mouthfuls, they both praised her mother’s excellent cooking.

Su Liyan’s mother replied, "I’m just happy you enjoy it, my dear son-in-law and daughter."

The others joked, "We’re really benefiting from our connection to Lu Yuan and Su Liyan, getting to enjoy a meal so full of love."

Su Liyan’s mother said, "Anytime you all want to eat, I’m happy to cook for you."

Everyone ate, talking and laughing as they did.

The observant Su Liyan noticed Xiaoqian at the side, her head bowed as she picked at her food. "Mother, my two aunts," she said, "you’ve all met Xiaoqian, but let me give her a more formal introduction. Xiaoqian is a sister we’ve taken in. From now on, she’s part of our Zhao Mansion. Please take good care of her."

Xiaoqian was a Little Fox. Su Liyan, a Half-Demon herself, knew the suffering of her kind all too well. ’Since I’ve been rained on before,’ she thought, ’I should hold an umbrella for her.’

Xiaoqian looked at Su Liyan, her eyes filled with gratitude, then turned to everyone and said, "I... I’d really like to be a part of the family."

Aunt Zhao said, "Of course you can! From now on, you’ll live here at the Zhao Mansion. We’ll have the servants clear out a room for you right away. Don’t be so formal with us. We’re all family here."

Aunt Song added enthusiastically, "That’s right. Just make yourself at home."

Xiaoqian nodded, murmuring her thanks.

After lunch, Lu Yuan went to his room to take a nap by himself.

Su Liyan, meanwhile, carried Bengbeng to Aunt Zhao’s room.

She hadn’t gone on her own; she had been summoned by Aunt Zhao and Aunt Song.

In Zhao Qiao’Er’s room, Su Liyan found herself sandwiched between Aunt Zhao and Aunt Song, caught in a difficult position.

Zhao Qiao’Er said to Song Meiqin, "I’m the one who calls the shots in this Zhao Mansion. Every blade of grass and every piece of wood in this estate is mine! Tonight, my darling is sleeping with me!"

Song Meiqin retorted with disdain, "Oh, get over yourself. Everyone knows our nephew calls the shots in the Zhao Mansion now. You’re no different from me, and you’re not even as high-ranking as our Liyan."

What Song Meiqin said was true.

After all, Su Liyan was Lu Yuan’s officially wedded wife, so her status was naturally higher than that of Zhao Qiao’Er and Song Meiqin.

Zhao Qiao’Er pressed on, "Well, I looked after the baby for them! What did you do?"

Song Meiqin shot back, "I haven’t been idle, either! I’ve been managing the family’s businesses all this time."

One was the homemaker, the other the businesswoman.

’If I’d known it would be like this, I never would have come,’ Su Liyan thought.

Zhao Qiao’Er and Song Meiqin were fighting over who would get Lu Yuan’s first night back.

The two of them even asked for Su Liyan’s opinion.

Su Liyan thought, ’It’s just his first night back. What’s there to fight over? Can’t one of them just wait one more night?’

In a placating tone, Su Liyan said, "I won’t be competing with you two for a while... so how about one of you makes a small sacrifice and waits until tomorrow night?"

"No!"

"Absolutely not!"

Song Meiqin added, "I don’t even have a child yet! And you call yourself my dear sister? What’s wrong with letting me go first?"

Zhao Qiao’Er retorted, "You need the right timing to get pregnant, you know! Do you think you can conceive on just any random night?"

Song Meiqin said smugly, "Well, as a matter of fact, I’ve calculated the days, and tonight is the perfect time. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be fighting you for it."

Su Liyan, holding her baby, was getting a massive headache from the two aunts. "Fine," she said offhandedly, "why don’t you both go tonight?"

Though Su Liyan’s words were thoughtless, the two women took them to heart.

Zhao Qiao’Er’s eyes lit up. "That’s right, sister! One of us on his left, one on his right. Wouldn’t that solve everything? Why are we even fighting?"

Song Meiqin nodded vigorously in agreement.

Seeing that the two aunts had reached an agreement, Su Liyan instantly regretted her offhand comment.

Su Liyan thought, ’Oh, Lu Yuan... I didn’t mean to do that. You’re in for a tough night...’

The soundly sleeping Lu Yuan had no idea that a grueling assault awaited him that night.

When night fell, Su Liyan picked up Bengbeng and started to walk out of the room.

Seeing this, Lu Yuan asked, "Honey, where are you going? It’s already dark out. We should be getting to bed soon!"