Transmigrated into a Historical GL Novel as the Scumbag Heroine - Chapter 41

Inside the carriage, silence settled.

“Madam, you’re too kind…” The nursemaid covered her face, nearly breaking into tears.

From Madam Cheng’s tone, the nursemaid finally realized: this mistress she had always respected and admired had truly washed her hands of the Cheng family.

Madam Cheng’s gaze was calm. She had already divorced that man, and her daughter had just severed all familial ties. Whatever happened to the Cheng family now had nothing to do with the two of them.

She had no time or interest to get involved—and she never would.

“Go back. Whatever happens to the Cheng family, it’s no longer my concern.” Her voice was light, without a ripple of emotion.

To her, Master Cheng, Concubine Tang, and the rest were now irrelevant strangers. She had no interest in meddling in the affairs of strangers.

Those detached words snapped the nursemaid back to reality. In a daze, she returned to the Cheng household. But the moment she saw Concubine Tang at the center of a gathering crowd, a heavy discomfort

welled in her chest.

Master Cheng, you fool…

—

Meanwhile, back in the carriage—

Qiu Luo glanced at the quiet and contemplative Cheng Yu. She hesitated a moment, then broke the silence. “Don’t be sad. You still have Aunt and me. It wasn’t easy for her to take such a stand.”

It was a good thing Cheng Yu severed ties with her father. Otherwise, with Concubine Tang meddling between them, who knew how messy things might get. The sooner it was done, the better.

As for Madam Cheng’s approach, Qiu Luo supported it wholeheartedly.

Cheng Yu smiled. “I’m not sad—actually, I feel relieved.”

From a young age, she had read widely and understood the burdens her mother bore—the guilt of being unable to bear more children, the pressure she placed on her only daughter. She had also long understood her father’s deep desire for a son.

That was why she’d grown up so quickly. She never neglected her studies and even learned to manage business affairs, hoping to ease her mother’s pain and share her father’s burdens.

But time had changed too much. This family had been crumbling for a while now.

She didn’t blame her mother. Ever since her father had insisted on bringing Concubine Tang into the household, ever since Tang became pregnant—Cheng Yu had seen the end coming.

It was always going to fall apart. It was only a matter of time.

Qiu Luo nodded. “Then that’s good. Once we return, just focus on your studies. Aunt and I will take care of everything else.”

Cheng Yu nodded with a smile. With her mother and Qiu Luo by her side, she truly felt at ease.

—

The Cheng family’s hundred-day banquet had turned into a full-blown scandal. Madam Cheng had deliberately made a scene, so now the whole county knew about the severed ties.

When so many people had witnessed it, it would be difficult for Father Cheng to ever take it back.

After such a farce, Qiu Luo and Cheng Yu shut their doors and returned to their own affairs, no longer paying any attention to Shen Yanding’s marriage proposal.

Madam Cheng didn’t even bother sending a gift to the Shen household. The bridges were burned—what was the point in pretending everything was fine? Honestly, it was a wonder she didn’t send someone to wail at their gates instead.

Maid Ah Mo returned after putting the unused gifts back into storage and reported, “Mistress, the Shen family has sent another messenger.”

This time, it was Shen Yanding’s personal servant, likely acting on his own. The Shen family still had to save face, after all.

Madam Cheng scowled. “Send him away. Nuisance.”

Ah Mo chuckled. “Don’t worry, Madam. I already turned him out.”

Madam Cheng nodded, then said thoughtfully, “In a few days, Yu’er and Qiu Luo will head to the provincial capital for the exams. I’m thinking of going with them. This household will be in your and Erlang’s care.

Don’t start trouble—but don’t fear it either. Once we’re gone, there’s no need to be afraid of anyone.”

Ah Mo was taken aback. “Leave it to me and Second Young Master? Madam, this…”

Madam Cheng waved her hand with a smile. “I’m not asking you to become tycoons—just gradually wind down our operations here. Then come find us in the capital. This county is too small. We can’t avoid annoying people forever. It’s exhausting—and distracting for Yu’er. Go fetch Qiu Luo.”

Her words hinted at a larger plan: to move the entire household to the provincial capital—perhaps even the capital city.

She had only one relative left here, a younger brother. But thanks to his wife, their relationship had long soured. Even after word of her divorce had spread, he hadn’t come to see her—not even once. Clearly, he feared she’d return to her maiden home.

Hmph. As if I’d go crawling back.

As for the household staff, it would be simple—those who wished to leave would be given generous severance. Those who wished to stay could come along.

Madam Cheng had lived long enough to see through human relationships. Old servants might be dependable, but if staying here means enduring misery forever, then better to cut ties.

Yes. Miserable. That’s how I feel about it now.

Soon, Ah Mo brought Qiu Luo into the hall.

Madam Cheng gestured for her to sit, smiling gently. “I’ve decided to go with you two to the provincial capital. After a while, Erlang can join us as well. Once we’re there, the two of you can marry.”

Qiu Luo was stunned. “Leave this place? Aunt, why such a sudden decision?”

They had vaguely expected the severing of ties, but an entire relocation? That was unexpected.

Madam Cheng sighed. “Just now, on the road, Yu’er’s nursemaid came to find me. She told me… Concubine Tang’s child may not be Cheng blood. I believe her. But don’t tell Yu’er yet—about this or the move. Wait until after her exams. No need to upset her now.”

Ah Mo’s eyes widened. So that’s why the mistress changed her mind so suddenly.

Qiu Luo was equally shocked. How dramatic!

Wait—if the child wasn’t Father Cheng’s, then technically, Cheng Yu remained his only trueborn child. The Cheng fortune could still end up hers.

But…

One look at Madam Cheng’s composed expression, and Qiu Luo understood. Neither Madam Cheng nor Cheng Yu had ever been interested in the Cheng family’s wealth.

Still, if the truth came out and Father Cheng realized Concubine Tang had been unfaithful, he might regret it all—he might even try to reclaim his wife and daughter.

That would be the worst outcome.

Qiu Luo quickly came to terms with the situation and nodded. “I’ll follow your lead. I’ll have Erlang stay behind to help out.”

“That’s just what I was thinking.” Madam Cheng smiled.

Time reveals all. Character is proven through hardship. People must spend time together to know each other.

In recent days, Madam Cheng had watched carefully. Qiu Luo was dependable, and she truly cared for her daughter.

You could tell by the way she treated her mother-in-law, and even the servants at Cheng Yu’s side.

As for Qiu Erlang—though a little impulsive, he was honest and sincere.

These siblings gave her peace of mind.

She was getting older. Someday, she would have to leave her daughter behind. It was time to make arrangements.

She instructed Ah Mo to bring writing supplies.

“Yu’er is a filial child. Ever since she set her heart on the imperial exams, she’s left everything else to me. Today, I’m handing her share over to you.”

Qiu Luo immediately caught the implication. “Aunt, that’s not necessary. The business is something Yu’er and I built together—I’ll manage it with care.”

Madam Cheng grew serious. “You two aren’t just business partners. You’re family. It’s true—I’m transferring everything to you today. But there’s a condition.”

She turned to Ah Mo. “Write this down.”

Qiu Luo listened silently, growing more and more exasperated.

Madam Cheng wasn’t handing the estate over immediately—it would only pass to Qiu Luo after her death.

All of it.

Only if Qiu Luo stayed true to Cheng Yu. If she ever broke her vows—took a concubine, remarried, or strayed in any way—she wouldn’t inherit a thing. In fact, everything under her own name would go to Cheng Yu.

In short: If you ever betray my daughter, you walk away with nothing.

Madam Cheng was binding Qiu Luo’s future, her reputation, and her livelihood to this relationship—staking it all to win her daughter a secure future.

Qiu Luo was speechless. She even wanted to laugh a little. She couldn’t deny—Madam Cheng understood her, but only just barely.

Yes, she was born poor. Yes, she liked money.

But she would never sacrifice her life for wealth—unless it was what she truly wanted.

Unless she willingly chose to walk alongside Cheng Yu for life.

She signed her name with composure, then said with a smile,

“Aunt, you really didn’t need to go to such lengths. As long as Cheng Yu doesn’t change her heart, I’ll never change mine.”

Hand in hand for a lifetime. Without regret or hesitation.

Madam Cheng’s expression softened. Her smile returned.

“Just think of it as an old woman’s need for peace of mind.”

She knew she was being pushy. She knew the agreement was unfairly one-sided.

But after all the heartbreak with Father Cheng, she couldn’t help it.

She feared that after she passed, her daughter would suffer.

She simply couldn’t rest easy.