The expression on Lady Yun’s face slowly darkened. "Is the Duke forcing me to agree? If that’s the case, then I have no choice but to agree." Lady Yun’s tone was cold. "How can you say that, my lady? I’m discussing this with you! I know you’re not happy about it, but in the long run, it’s for the good of the Duke Mansion. You’ve always been noble-minded, and I thought you would understand," the Duke said meaningfully. "Yes, the Duke isn’t forcing me, it’s just that the elders of the clan have been taking turns persuading me," Lady Yun snorted, "Forget it, big or small, the Duke has the final say in everything concerning the Duke Mansion. So, whether I understand or not, it doesn’t matter. The Duke can do whatever he wants! I just hope the Duke doesn’t forget about Heng’er and hurt his heart." The Duke sighed deeply, "Heng’er is my son, of course, I don’t want to see him hurt, but you have to believe that everything I do is for the good of the Duke Mansion. You know very well how much you’ve worried about Henger’s health over the years. If Heng’er were even a bit healthier, I would never..." Heng’er is now so frail that he can’t take on any responsibility. Moreover, due to his poor health, even after being married for several years, he still hasn’t been able to have children. He couldn’t let the title of the Duke Mansion end in his hands. So, he needed a healthy, capable son. This was for the good of the Duke Mansion and the entire Yun family line. The choice was clear. "Yes, it’s because Heng’er’s health isn’t good, but that’s not his choice." Yun Heng was raised by Lady Yun from a young age. Initially, Lady Yun didn’t pay much attention to him; she hoped for her own child. Later, after Lady Yun discovered she had health issues, she started raising Yun Heng as her own son. She personally supervised his food, clothing, and education, engaging many learned people to instruct Yun Heng, enhancing his knowledge. The motherly bond between them gradually deepened. Lady Yun never expected a Yun Ying to appear and, almost effortlessly, seize everything that should have belonged to Heng’er. "My lady, Yun Ying really likes Yun Heng as his brother. He told me that he will take good care of Yun Heng in the future," the Duke said, "Although Yun Ying has some misunderstandings about you now, those are small matters. In time, Yun Ying will see your goodness and respect you, just like Heng’er does." "I don’t seek his respect, I just hope he’s sincere with Heng’er," Lady Yun said. "He will be, I’m sure of it," the Duke promised. "Your Grace, I will return to my family and ask my brother for a few people. From now on, they will take care of Heng’er. If you agree, I will consent to the matter you mentioned. If you don’t agree, I will still consent to the matter. But you must know, Your Grace, I am not a person who is easily trampled upon," Lady Yun said word for word. "Having people you trust to look after Heng’er is the best option," the Duke said, "Rest assured, no one can trample on you lightly." "I hope Your Grace remembers what you’ve said," Lady Yun said. "Remember, I will definitely remember," the Duke replied. "I am a bit tired," Lady Yun stood up, "I won’t keep you any longer, Your Grace." "Alright, alright, take a good rest. I’ll leave right away," the Duke, in good spirits, took his leave without delay. "How could the Duke do such a thing!" After the person left, Magpie spoke indignantly, "How can he pressure my lady ? Over the years, how much my lady has sacrificed for the Duke Mansion and the Yun family. Can the Duke not see any of it?" "Magpie," Lady Yun admonished softly, "Don’t speak carelessly." "My lady, I feel it’s unfair to you," Magpie stubbornly said, "How can someone who appeared out of nowhere suppress you and the young master? Although the young master’s health is poor, he has always worked hard. Just because he isn’t healthy, does he deserve to be abandoned? How can a lowly woman gain an equal wife’s status?" "It’s one thing to say this in front of me, but do not speak in front of Heng’er, understood? If I find out you are speaking irresponsibly in front of Heng’er, don’t blame me if I disregard our relationship as mistress and servant," Lady Yun said sternly. No one felt more enraged than she did, but what could she do? That woman bore a good son. She used her position as an equal wife to negotiate with the Duke and the clan, forcing them to agree. Magpie opened her mouth, finally muttering weakly, "Understood." Lady Yun gently patted Magpie’s hand, "I know you’re standing up for me and Heng’er, but now, neither the Duke nor the clan is on our side anymore. All they see are their own interests." "They will meet their retribution," Magpie gritted her teeth. "I was thinking, once Heng’er gets better, I would fulfill your wishes. But I never expected... I’ve wronged you, Magpie," Lady Yun sighed, "Now, Heng’er cannot even take the Elixir like he used to." Lady Yun had met a Daoist who was skilled in Alchemy; after taking his Elixir, Yun Heng’s spirits improved significantly. The Elixir was extremely expensive. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novel⁂fire.net In the past, Lady Yun didn’t mind buying it. It was all charged to the public account. But ever since Yun Ying returned, no one knew what he said to the Duke, but the supply of the Elixir was cut off. They claimed that medicine was three parts poison and couldn’t let mysterious Elixirs ruin Yun Heng’s body. Therefore, Lady Yun secretly bought the Elixir for Yun Heng. "As long as the young master is well, it doesn’t matter what happens to me," Magpie said, "I will do my best to protect my lady and the young master." "Good child," Lady Yun was touched, "Don’t do anything foolish, Yun Ying is cunning, you’re no match for him. Though we are mistress and servant, I’ve always considered you... as family." "My lady," Magpie’s eyes brimmed with tears. "Good child, why are you crying? Don’t cry. If someone sees you, they’ll think I’m punishing my servant. Wipe your tears, I don’t require your service right now, go rest well," Lady Yun said, "Once you’re rested, don’t forget to make some snacks for Heng’er. He’s always loved your cooking." "I understand," Magpie replied. Magpie’s hatred for Yun Ying was at an all-time high. She thought if Yun Ying were dead, everything in the Duke Mansion would return to normal. The lady wouldn’t have to suffer, and the young master’s rights would be secured.