The stench of such blatant green-tea artifice is practically overflowing.

The gardener led Shu Nian to a secluded corner, where no one else was around.

“What is Fu Zhouye’s position within the family?” Shu Nian asked as soon as she spoke, not quite sure why this was the first question on her mind.

Perhaps it was because she had observed that Fu Zhouye seemed overlooked in this illustrious family, which stirred a trace of sympathy within her.

The gardener hesitated for a moment before speaking, “Miss, I have grown up in this estate since childhood, so I know some of the family’s inner workings. However…”

Shu Nian took a deep breath and gestured subtly, implying her willingness to offer more money for information.

The gardener whispered, “Mr. Fu, nominally the legitimate eldest son of the family, his mother hailed from European royalty.”

“Yet, at the start, he was not valued much within this family,” he said with a hint of regret.

“His father married his mother mainly to secure the family’s wealth and status.”

“Fu Zhouye’s mother never received the respect she deserved in this household.”

Shu Nian waved her hand, encouraging him to continue.

The gardener went on, “After Mr. Fu’s mother passed away, the old master remarried quickly.”

“He always hoped that another son, Fu Hengzong, Fu Zhouye’s third younger brother, would become the next heir.”

“But Fu Zhouye was cunning and, at just nineteen, had already grasped the real power of the family. Now, the entire fate of the Fu family rests on him.”

Shu Nian’s expression darkened. Indeed, his stepmother and half-brothers naturally feared and opposed him.

They were wary of Fu Zhouye’s abilities and influence, worried he might threaten their own status and interests. But after the old master’s death, sooner or later, he would drive them out of the family.

So, they had surely been quietly seeking opportunities to weaken Fu Zhouye’s power, even hoping to replace him.

Just like yesterday, when Fu Hengzong’s gaze brimmed with a thirst for power and deep-seated fear of Fu Zhouye.

Shu Nian also wanted to inquire about the woman who liked Fu Zhouye.

Ding Zhiyu was the child or close relative of a high-ranking official, boasting a prestigious family background.

This setup was undoubtedly from an elite political family! Yet, she was burdened with two indulgent parents.

Ding Zhiyu’s parents had once been senior executives at A City Asset Management Ltd., but they were investigated for embezzlement and bribery.

After rapid promotions, their mindsets grew unbalanced, and they began abusing their power for personal gain.

Starting with accepting red envelopes, they became obsessed with money and power, ultimately descending into criminal behavior.

Later, since Mrs. Fu had married into the Fu family and gained some authority, she brought her only niece to live with her, taking good care of her.

Having seen Fu Zhouye’s charming appearance since childhood, it was understandable she grew fond of him.

Other inquiries were things Shu Nian already knew from before.

Shu Nian casually handed the gardener a generous red envelope of 500,000 yuan and gave a slight nod of thanks.

Seeing the gratitude in the gardener’s eyes, Shu Nian felt a little uneasy and quickly walked away.

The gardener watched her retreating figure and murmured, “Respect is the foundation of any employment relationship.”

He had never felt respect in this so-called noble family and often faced the threat of unemployment.

Being dismissed by such a grand family meant no one else would hire him afterward.

Servants provide service, but that does not mean they can be treated carelessly.

For example, Ding Zhiyu, who always acted like the lady of the Fu family, frequently beat and scolded the servants whenever things displeased her.

The gardener sighed as he watched her walk away, “Alas, people truly are different.”

Shu Nian walked slowly down the mansion’s corridor. When she turned a corner, she unexpectedly encountered Ding Zhiyu.

Ding Zhiyu stood there. She was indeed quite beautiful, with delicate features and fair skin.

Her hair was straight and jet black, falling to her waist—classic long black hair—giving her a cold and stunning aura. She wore a simple yet elegant white dress.

Shu Nian observed this attire.

Though beautiful, it felt somewhat monotonous and distant.

And there was one flaw: why did her gaze seem so unfriendly toward Shu Nian?

But she had long prepared herself mentally.

After all, coming to the Fu family with Fu Zhouye meant dealing with centuries of intrigue and scheming. If there were no petty quarrels or political maneuvering, it wouldn’t be a true ancient family.

Besides, Fu Zhouye had given her so much money.

She was already ready to take a beating — as long as it didn’t leave her disfigured.

Ding Zhiyu’s eyes were filled with vigilance and hostility.

Her voice remained calm but every word carried a threatening undertone: “Miss Shu, I noticed you’ve been getting close to Brother Fu lately.”

The thick scent of jealousy practically spilled over — a textbook example of a low-level manipulator.

Shu Nian stopped and replied with calm determination, “Miss Ding, Fu Zhouye and I have long been married. He is my husband. Isn’t being close normal? If we weren’t, that would be abnormal.”

Ding Zhiyu sneered, stepping closer with a low, oppressive voice: “Married? In this family, there’s no such thing as a lover. I advise you not to get too deep, or… you’ll bear the consequences.”

Shu Nian’s eyes darkened.

“But my dear husband cares for me every day. This morning he even asked if I was tired!”

Her tone was coquettish, filled with playful charm. “He even helped me put on my shoes!”

She lifted her shoe slightly for emphasis.

Ding Zhiyu’s face turned sour.

“Do you know who I am?”

“I am a lady of the Fu family. If you don’t leave Brother Fu alone, you’ll regret it.”

Her words dripped with menace.

Such scheming.

Shu Nian smiled but said nothing.

Ding Zhiyu pressed on, “Everyone knows I like Brother Fu. Do you know why I’ve liked him for so many years?”

Her eyes were scornful, her tone sarcastic.

“Because he likes me too. Marrying you was just a temporary measure.”

Shu Nian, newly arrived, knew that if she lost her temper, she would only alienate the elders and cause a scene.

She smiled faintly, a cunning glint in her eyes.

“Miss Ding, I don’t understand what worries you. I have no other intentions toward my husband, and I certainly won’t affect your position as Miss Ding.”

Upon hearing “husband,” Ding Zhiyu’s expression changed sharply.

Her voice grew shrill.

“No intentions? You think I don’t know your ambitions?”

She ground her teeth.

“You women always pretend to be innocent, but your minds are full of schemes. I see right through you—a manipulative little green tea bitch.”

Shu Nian shook her head, her voice calm and resolute.

“Miss Ding, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“But isn’t it true that you want power and status?”

A flicker of panic crossed Ding Zhiyu’s eyes as the truth struck a nerve.

She tried to compose herself.

Coldly, she said, “This is between Fu Zhouye and me. It’s none of your business. I warn you, if you don’t leave Brother Fu alone, you’ll regret it.”

What was going on? Clearly, she was the one who should be hysterical.

Why couldn’t Shu Nian control her own emotions?

Shu Nian’s gaze sharpened like a blade.

She noticed Ding Zhiyu’s emotional wavering.

Just as Ding Zhiyu was about to lose control,

Shu Nian’s eyes suddenly shifted to a nearby corner.

Several figures were silently watching the scene.

She understood immediately.

Deciding to respond to Ding Zhiyu’s provocation with a more subtle approach,

Shu Nian gently touched her forehead.

Her voice carried a hint of weakness: “Miss Ding, my head feels dizzy, and I feel a bit nauseous.”

Ding Zhiyu sneered, full of disdain, “Trying to play the victim in front of me? That won’t work.”

Yet Shu Nian’s performance had only just begun.

She leaned against her forehead, her face displaying a pitiful, tearful beauty, evoking sympathy.

Playing the manipulator’s game to leave the manipulator with no room to maneuver.

Under Ding Zhiyu’s gaze, Shu Nian slowly approached Fu Zhouye.

Her steps seemed unsteady, as if she might fall at any moment.

In full view of Ding Zhiyu, Shu Nian deliberately staggered twice.

Finally, she “accidentally” fell into Fu Zhouye’s arms.

Shu Nian’s eyes reddened instantly, her voice trembling slightly.

“Sorry, husband, after talking with Miss Ding for a bit, my head suddenly aches. Maybe my body is too weak.”

Fu Zhouye looked at her acting and couldn’t help but smile.

Hearing his laughter in his embrace, she gave him a glare.

He then gently held her waist and softly said,

“I told you to rest well in the bedroom. Why didn’t you listen?”

This man was truly bewitching!

Her voice carried a trace of grievance.

“It’s just that you left, and I was bored!”

She patted his shoulder.

“It’s all your fault.”

Fu Zhouye caught the hand that was flailing about.

Suddenly, he smiled and leaned closer.

His gentle breath swept across her cheek.

“Yes, yes, it’s my fault, Ah Nian. I won’t do it again.”

This scene was witnessed by Fu Yuzhou standing nearby.

He looked at Shu Nian’s performance and couldn’t help but sigh: This second sister-in-law truly invoked pity, making his second brother marry despite the family’s opposition.

She resembled a classical beauty, gentle yet impossibly regal.

Meanwhile, Ding Zhiyu stood aside, her face dark as iron.

She had intended to intimidate and scare Shu Nian into backing down but never expected this kind of counterattack that completely ruined her plan.

Not only was Shu Nian unshaken by her threats, but she also leveraged her vulnerability to win the sympathy and support of onlookers.

Shu Nian, nestled in Fu Zhouye’s arms, struggled to hold back a laugh.

Playing the manipulator was surprisingly satisfying — she loved seeing them disapprove yet helpless to do anything about it.