to take me out to play. I asked you to take me out a few days ago, but you said you were too busy!" She wrinkled her nose and pouted, showing her displeasure."Brother Rong, this time you've been cau...Du Caiyi became a hot topic overnight, although her story was later cleared up by Fatty as a misunderstanding, it allowed many people to know her and this incident. The He family couldn't help but pay close attention to the matter. They were trying to use this to counter the Rong family, even summoning their think tank for an emergency meeting to discuss it. However, once Fatty spoke up, the thing that could have caused significant negative impact on the Rong family was easily resolved.

He's so dejected that he even feels the urge to smash his head against the wall, but there's nothing he can do about it. During this period, the Rong family, under Lin Meng's leadership, has become as impenetrable as a copper wall and iron gate. When Du Caixin's incident happened, it was the only chink in their armor that they could find, but this chink was quickly sealed shut. As for dealing with the Rong family, the He family really feels like they have the will but not the power.

Furthermore, as for the He family's business, there are no particularly outstanding descendants. The He family's past prosperity stemmed from three factors: the legacy of their predecessors, connections within the court, and the support of Rong Ling. However, the wealth accumulated by their predecessors has been largely depleted, several elder relatives who held official positions are currently under investigation and unable to steer the family, and Rong Ling, once a supporter, has transformed into a formidable adversary. This situation leaves the He family in dire straits.He Zhansuo is forced to take charge, but he lacks business acumen and experience. His only resource is the team of talented merchants recruited in the past. Yet, with his indecisiveness and reliance on subordinates during this turbulent time, things can only go downhill. The subordinates themselves are competitive. The He family's misfortune presents both a challenge and an opportunity for them. Some might vie for recognition by performing admirably before He Zhansuo, hoping to gain his favor. Others might exploit the chaos to secretly benefit themselves. This period of upheaval is the perfect time to act!

Thus, the He family was in disarray. He Zhansuo, born into the military, could lead his troops effectively, but he was at a loss when it came to this chaos within his family. His mother, He Mu, was also unable to offer much help in this situation. She had been a carefree socialite who only needed to maintain good relationships with other aristocratic women. Furthermore, He Lao Tai Tai (eldest matriarch) was a power-hungry woman who tightly grasped her authority and was suspicious of her daughters-in-law, fearing they would usurp her position. This left He Mu largely unaware of the company's affairs. However, as the eldest daughter-in-law, He Mu felt obligated to do everything she could to salvage the situation. Just when she felt overwhelmed and lacked the resources, news of Du Caiyi arrived, giving her a sudden stroke of inspiration and a plan.

Du Caiyi and Rong Ling had a pretty big grudge against each other, but in the end, Rong Ling stepped up to help her, and that's how her problems were swept under the rug. Now the He family's predicament is mainly because of Rong Ling as the CEO of Ya Dong, so asking Rong Ling to let the He family off would be a simple matter for him, considering he's both the CEO and the head of the family!

She, Du Caiyi, could bend down and have her daughter apologize to Rong Ling and Rong's mother. Then why couldn't she put on a brave face and beg Rong Ling for mercy! The He family and the Rong family had some deep-seated grudges, so she didn't ask for much, just let Rong Ling give the He family a way out. This should still be doable, right!

As soon as this thought entered her mind, it wouldn't subside. Instead, it gradually expanded and eventually took up most of her thoughts!

It's time for her to make her move!

It wasn't for herself, but for her son, and the grandchild who was yet to be born!

As soon as the decision was made, she began to think hard about the best strategy. And then it hit her: two people -- her daughter-in-law and her granddaughter. If they could get involved, their chances of success would surely be higher.

>>>>

At this moment, she couldn't help but feel grateful that at the time, because of her son's insistence, her son and daughter-in-law only temporarily signed a divorce agreement and didn't go through with getting the divorce certificate. At that time, the family was in chaos, and her son said that he would wait until everything calmed down before officially getting the divorce certificate. The family thought about it and agreed. You have to eat rice one bite at a time, and things have to be solved one by one. You can't just swallow everything at once and become fat!

So, she's still going to Li Yiping now, she still has a few points of face!

After thinking it over carefully, that night she set off by car.

After her divorce agreement, Li Yiping got a house of over 80 square meters located in Feihua District. It was quite a distance from the He family's home, taking forty minutes by car to get there. Since Li Yiping was called back to her hometown by Captain Wan because of Wu Shengnan's death, she hasn't left since. She and her daughter, Bingbing, have been living in that small apartment. Over 80 square meters with two bedrooms and one living room is enough for the mother-daughter duo. Li Yiping wouldn't put all her money into real estate; it would be pointless. It’s just a lifeless object, as long as she has a place to live. The extra money could be used for something more meaningful.

After He's mother arrived, although Li Yiping kept a composed face and her heart was somewhat chilly, she still invited her in. He's mother felt uncomfortable in the cramped living room right away. With just a quick glance, she felt a twinge of displeasure. She then glanced at her granddaughter who turned to look at her and called out "grandmother", but quickly shifted her attention back to the cartoon playing on TV. At that moment, He's mother felt a pang of desolation.

My little granddaughter didn't even give me a smile! That little girl used to love to laugh and be spoiled, but now she has a blank expression. She seems to have grown up all of a sudden, and her whole demeanor shows a kind of rejection towards others.

He Mother's heart couldn't bear it, so she smiled and called out her name as she walked towards her lovingly. Bingbing was held by He Mother, but her eyes were still fixed on the animation, as if it possessed infinite charm.

"Auntie, why are you here today..."

Li Yiping poured a cup of tea and brought it up, asking aloud. Since she signed that divorce agreement, she had changed her tune.

"He mother just replied softly. 'Come and see you and Bingbing, and let me see how you're doing, how Bingbing is doing' "

Is that all there is to it

Li Yiping didn't think so. Since she left the He family, in order to make a living, she rejoined the job market and picked up everything she had abandoned back then. She also started learning about the intricacies of the workplace again. At this time, Mother He came to visit her alone, saying that she was visiting out of old feelings. But Li Yiping didn't believe it. If she wanted to visit, she should have done so long ago, why wait so long

However, she didn't expose it either. She simply replied softly, "I'm fine, Bingbing is fine too, Auntie, just rest assured."

He Mother let out two dry, raspy laughs.

Li Yiping sat there, her gaze falling forty-five degrees downward, looking at Mrs. He, but not directly at her face, waiting for Mrs. He to reveal her true intentions for coming.

He mother sat for a while, then asked Bingbing some questions and Li Yiping some questions, using polite inquiries as a starting point to bridge the distance that had grown between her and them over time. However, both mother and daughter were not very enthusiastic in their replies, giving short, perfunctory answers.

It was awkward, so the atmosphere just wouldn't get going. Seeing this, Mrs. He stopped pretending and stated her purpose.

Li Yiping, upon hearing this, felt both amused and angry. Asking her to take Bingbing to seek out Rong Ling's forgiveness and plead for He Family's life This former mother-in-law had the nerve to say such things! She had practically been driven out of the He Family that day. What affection could possibly remain between them after all they had done How could they have the face to ask her for help after such ruthless actions She let this former mother-in-law in out of courtesy, but that didn't mean she would blindly obey her!

Give Rong Ling a way out, she Li Yiping and her daughter, where is there such a big face. What did your family do yourself, you have a number in your heart. Before uniting with the Liu family, they fought hard to suppress the Rong family, and in return they were suppressed by them, it is really normal but abnormal. How big of a face does she and her daughter have to be able to persuade Rong Ling to give them a way out! The former mother-in-law really thinks she is Lin Meng!

Besides, how could the former mother-in-law say such things She, her daughter, and Rong Ling are currently only barely maintaining a superficial relationship. After what Cousin Li Lanqiu did, I'm afraid even that little bit of face will be gone. Li Lanqiu nearly got Rong Ling killed outside, so Rong Ling must hate Li Lanqiu deeply. How could she, as her cousin, possibly have any good face for her She wouldn't go near Rong Ling, letting Rong Ling try to forget that there was ever someone like her who once claimed to be friends with Li Lanqiu. To come knocking on her door like this, asking for something... isn't she being foolish!

That former mother-in-law really doesn't know what's best, how can she not think about her, or about Bingbing Alright, she's no longer her daughter-in-law, so it's normal that she wouldn't consider her. But Bingbing is still her granddaughter, shouldn't she think more about her As long as you could put some thought into it, just a little effort, you wouldn't come to the door and say such foolish things.

So, she practically turned her face cold and refused Mother He.

"I'm sorry, but I can't agree to that!"

Knowing this beforehand, she immediately advised against it.

"Yi Ping, I'm coming to you to ask you to do this, not just for myself, but also for Bingbing, and for you. You and Zhan Su are like this now, but Bingbing is still a member of the He family, she is my granddaughter after all. This relationship will never change. As long as the He family exists, Bingbing will always have wealth and honor. Even if Bingbing is bullied outside, we, the He family, will definitely stand up for her. Children's paths are just beginning, there's a long way to go, no one can know what will happen in the future. So, for Bingbing, please help your aunt, okay"

"I'm sorry, my mind is made up about this. There's nothing I can do to help you. Besides, Bingbing and I don't have the face to handle this. You know Rongling hasn't given Bingbing and me any face for a long time now!"

“Oh, come on, I still have some face! Bingbing is different to Rong Ling after all. He’s watched her grow up for so many years. Although she's not his biological daughter, he cares about Bingbing more than even his own son over the past seven or eight years. So, Yiping, don't underestimate yourself. Please help with this, I'm begging you as an aunt, okay”

"Sorry!" Li Yiping bowed her head, that was all she could say. Her face was pale and a little dark.

He Mother frowned and then played another trick.

"Don't worry, Auntie won't let you help for nothing. You can tell me what you want!"

Li Yiping clenched her fist abruptly, her lips pressed tightly together. Her gaze towards He's mother's legs began to turn icy cold.

"But Mother He still felt quite good about herself as she said, "Look, your place is so small, you can barely turn around. How about you change to a bigger house Auntie will help you with the money. It's not easy for a woman to raise children alone, there will be many places where you need money in the future. Don't be shy, tell Auntie about your difficulties. Besides, we went to plead with Rong Ling, it wasn't to ask Rong Ling to directly let go of the He family, it was to ask Rong Ling for some face and not to make things too harsh on the He family, to give them a chance to catch their breath. This shouldn't be too difficult, let's go together and plead with him, it should work out—"

"Aunt, please don't say any more!" Li Yiping held back her anger and refused with a heavy tone. "I won't agree to this. If you came here today for this, then there's nothing more to say!"

She abruptly stood up, putting on a show of wanting to see her guest off!

What kind of house she chooses is her own business. What kind of life she chooses is also her own business, and no one else has the right to point fingers. She has left home, she is no longer a member of the He family, so put away that air of superiority, and that self-righteousness. If she had any intention of being better to her and her daughter, if she thought an 80-square-meter two-bedroom apartment was too small for them, then why didn't she find a better house when she kicked them out in the first place! She should still remember, back when they were arguing about alimony, those women in the house almost glared at her, thinking she was greedy for too much! Now that she needs help, she's so generous! In the end, she, Li Yiping, and her daughter are nothing more than pawns to them, tools to be used and measured by money. But unfortunately, she and her daughter don't want to be pawns, and they certainly don't care about their dirty money! Did the He family really think that when she married in, she was only after their wealth and status!

To pay someone off and then just dismiss them is truly the most insulting thing! She's sitting at home, inviting people in to be treated this way. Isn't she shameless!

She glared coldly, her heart seething with anger.

Mother He was shocked by Li Yiping's attitude. In her eyes, this daughter-in-law had always been obedient and well-behaved. Whatever the elders said, she would do. Even when it came to signing the divorce agreement, she didn't seem to have any backbone and signed it directly. The only sign of defiance seemed to be when she insisted that their daughter should stay with her, or she wouldn't sign. At the time, the old lady thought that Bingbing was unlucky like a broom star, so she agreed. She thought that the grandchild would be born soon, and losing her granddaughter wasn't a big deal. Besides, her son insisted on it, so Bingbing let her take her. Li Yiping had only stood firm once, and as soon as they agreed, she softened again. But now her attitude is so strong, which really made Mother He uncomfortable. Did she become someone else once she left the house

He's mother pulled her face down.

"Yi Ping, you have stayed with the He family for so many years. The He family has treated you very well. As for your own family, our He family hasn't been stingy in helping them either. Although you have left now, you can't forget your roots and the kindness they showed you, can you"

Li Yiping laughed angrily. "Aunt, the hats of 'ungrateful' and 'unkind,' I can't wear them. You should keep them yourselves. Think carefully about it. After I married into the He family, how much did Rong Ling help the He family because of me And of my own family, how many have truly benefited"

With Aunt He's personality of putting people down to elevate herself, the wives and daughters-in-law she chose all had to be to her liking. So, even the women who married into the family had an air of superiority, looking down on ordinary people. She was an exception because she fell in love with Zhàn Sù freely, so she eventually entered the family under Zhàn Sù's insistence to marry her, despite going against the wishes of all the elders. Everyone treated her with ostracism and some suspicion. It wasn't until Róng Lǐng arrived that things improved somewhat. But that deep-seated thought in their bones – "you married in to covet our family fortune" – never changed. As for mentioning her family, she only did it a few times. She asked the Hé family to help take care of some relatives on her side, and the Hé family agreed, but then they made sarcastic remarks and repeatedly brought up that small favor, making her feel quite annoyed. Later, whenever someone from her family came asking for help, she directly refused.

As a married daughter, she had such a wealthy in-law's family, yet she refused to lend a helping hand to her natal relatives. Behind closed doors, how much gossip did her natal relatives spread about her Do they know! In the end, she became an outcast, both inside and outside her household. This wealthy family is not easy to get into! How much hardship she endured!

So, don't come pointing fingers at her like you raised her. She's out now, she and the He family have nothing to do with each other!

"Auntie, there's nothing else. We're going to rest now!"

This time, she unceremoniously sent them off!

Mother He was momentarily stunned by her words, then realized she might have said something wrong. However, Li Yiping's attitude, while forceful, also revealed a lack of respect for her, which made her displeasure grow. Therefore, she turned her face cold and stood up.

No matter what, our family hasn't mistreated you. All these years, your food, clothing, and living expenses have all been the best. Even after you left, we haven't been stingy with compensation. Yi Ping, Bing Bing is here too. You and the He family, that's a relationship where even though bones are broken, there's still blood connection. If something truly happened to the He family, you definitely wouldn't be able to escape it. Auntie, I'm sincerely here today begging you, hoping you can think carefully about what I said!

Li YiPing was silent.

Seeing her clueless expression, He's mother felt a surge of both frustration and anger. She pursed her lips, then clicked her heels together as she walked away. But the closer she got to the entrance hall, the warmer she'd felt just moments ago began to cool. Her mind grew calmer, and with it came increasing regret. So, she resolutely turned back and said again.

"Yiping, please just do this for me! Let's go beg together, okay Just swallow your pride this once. It's just one time, we'll get through it, alright"

Li Yiping just watched her coldly.

He Mu began to contemplate whether she should kneel before the other party. But after all, Li Yi Ping had always been her daughter-in-law. There was no reason for her, as a mother-in-law, to kneel before her daughter-in-law. So she felt stifled in her heart and could only give Li Yi Ping a deep look.

"Auntie's words, please think about them carefully!"

Thus, with a deep sense of resentment, she left.

This mother-in-law of hers doesn't have any sense, so when her son steps in, things should improve a bit, right Women are like that, no matter how strong they seem, men can always sway them. After she left the house, she called her son who was still serving in the military and couldn't come home today. He Zhanxu listened to her words, remained silent for a long time before finally agreeing.

"I understand. I'll go find her tomorrow night!"

Mother He was overjoyed and gave him advice.

"I see, Yiping still has feelings for you. Why don't you go find her and coax her Tell her that you won't divorce her. That divorce agreement is just to appease Xiaoru. When Xiaoru gives birth, you'll send her away. If you say this, the possibility of Yiping helping will be much greater. After she really helps, then you can settle your own affairs. How about that"

He Zhanxu fell silent for ten seconds or so, then said, "Mom, you don't need to worry about this. I know what I'm doing!"

"Alas, I did this all for you, for your father, for our family," Mother He sighed and defended herself.

He Zhanxu's tone revealed weariness. "Mom, I know all that!"

Then, after offering a few soothing words, he hung up the phone, claiming to be busy.

He kept his word. The next evening, after leaving the barracks, he didn't go home but went straight to find Li Yiping. Li Yiping saw him through the cat's eye and was stunned for a moment, then hesitated, not knowing whether she should open the door for him. Her mother had come over last night and said those things, so he came today, probably still because of yesterday's incident. This man would be like her mother, asking her to plead for him!

The moment she thought about it, her heart ached, unbearable. So standing at the threshold, she hesitated to open the door. Until her daughter, hunched over her desk doing homework, looked up and asked her with a frown.

"Mom, is Grandma here again"

She shook her head then opened the door. Well, if this man was here about that, let her heart die a little more completely.

After he opened the door, he saw the man carrying a lot of things. She just glanced at it and spotted several children's items, including brand-name clothes and toys.

This man had a daughter in his heart, but she couldn't smile. She was afraid of his intentions. So, she stood at the threshold without letting him in and asked faintly, "What brings you here"

"and where she had offended Jiang Mu again! But that was Jiang Po Lang's mother, Lin Meng couldn't possibly argue with her or take it too seriously. With a smile, she greeted Jiang Mu politely."Hello,...