Transmigrated into a Historical GL Novel as the Scumbag Heroine - Chapter 50

Three years later.

The skies were clear and bright. Cheng Yu had gone early to the Hanlin Academy, while Qiu Luo finished her business affairs and tossed the account book to Qiu Erlang.

“This is the tavern’s profit for the month. Double-check the numbers, and if they match, you can go withdraw the silver yourself.”

Her so-called “borrowed” little brother had followed her to the capital. After training at the shop for two years, he proposed the idea of opening a tavern.

Seeing that he had become much more mature and steady in his actions, Qiu Luo asked about his plan. Once she saw he had everything well thought out, she discussed it with Cheng Yu and agreed to invest in the venture.

Qiu Erlang didn’t let her down. For the past year, he had worked from dawn to dusk, throwing himself into the business—keeping a close eye on everything from the kitchen to the front hall. At last, he’d made it a success.

Just last month, he paid back the money they had lent him. Now, whatever he earned was truly his.

Without even looking at the account book, Qiu Erlang grinned. “No need. You’ve always been the best at math. Your numbers are never wrong. I’d just be showing off.”

Qiu Luo chuckled. “Hurry and check it. I deliberately wrote one thing wrong. Let’s see if you can spot it—otherwise, how will you be the head manager if you can’t even do the accounts?”

Qiu Erlang: “…”

Are you sure you’re really my sister?

Two hours later, Qiu Erlang came into the study holding the account book. He had gone over the figures three times and still hadn’t found anything wrong.

Seeing Qiu Luo, he looked a little guilty—but he was genuinely seeking guidance. He didn’t want to be tricked by the shop accountants in the future without even realizing it.

“Sis… I couldn’t find the error. Could you show me where it is?”

Qiu Luo smiled. “There wasn’t an error. That means you got everything right.”

Qiu Erlang blinked. What did she mean?

Wait… she tricked me? Just for fun?

He stared at her, completely at a loss. Qiu Luo finally sobered and said,

“You’ve studied hard these past two years—especially in arithmetic. Why don’t you have more confidence in yourself?”

This was her final lesson for her younger brother: believe in yourself.

Realization dawned on Qiu Erlang. His shoulders slumped at first, feeling like she was just messing with him, but then he brightened—he hadn’t made a mistake.

Seeing him silent, Qiu Luo said earnestly,

“Erlang, you’re grown now. You need to learn to be independent, to think for yourself, and not let others sway your decisions too easily.”

Qiu Erlang understood. He knew his sister meant well and was speaking from the heart.

Still, he grumbled, “But you’re not ‘others.’”

Qiu Luo was his sister—his only true family. Of course he would listen to her.

Not only would he listen, he’d be happy to. That’s what made him feel safe—knowing he had a sister watching out for him.

“I can’t look after you forever,” Qiu Luo said with a smile. “It’s about time you started a family of your own. You’ll need someone to share your burdens and talk things through with.”

Her “borrowed” little brother had grown into someone reliable—not only not dragging her down, but shining in his own right. There had even been a few families proposing marriage in the past year. But Qiu

Erlang always brushed them off, saying he wasn’t in a rush.

Qiu Luo didn’t push him. Although, by the standards of the time, he was already considered old for a bachelor—many his age already had several children.

But coming from a modern mindset, Qiu Luo knew Erlang hadn’t even reached legal marriage age by her original world’s standards. So she’d always supported the idea of him waiting a couple more years.

Three years had flown by. Erlang was now twenty, and both Madam Cheng and Cheng Yu had expressed their concern—making Qiu Luo feel like a rather unqualified elder sister.

She knew she couldn’t ignore the norms of the times. It was time to take this seriously—setting a marriage might ease everyone’s mind.

When the topic of marriage came up again, Qiu Erlang immediately waved it off. “Let’s talk about that in a couple of years.”

Qiu Luo didn’t respond this time—she just looked at him with a gentle smile.

Erlang rubbed his temples. He could tell she was serious now, so he fell silent.

Qiu Luo studied his expression, and suddenly an idea struck her. “Wait… do you already have someone in mind?”

As soon as she said it, Qiu Erlang turned away, his face reddening instantly.

Seeing his reaction, Qiu Luo laughed. “Who is it? I’ll go propose on your behalf tomorrow. You’ve been hiding this well!”

But Erlang looked troubled. After some hesitation, he muttered, “I want to marry Sister Ah Mo.”

Qiu Luo’s smile slowly faded. “Ah Mo is six years older than you.”

Ah Mo was Madam Cheng’s personal maid, sold into servitude as a child and raised by Madam Cheng. She had once vowed to serve the old lady for life and never marry.

She was clever—aware that, as a maid, her options were limited. Rather than marry someone unknown, she preferred a quiet, comfortable life in the Cheng household.

Both Madam Cheng and Cheng Yu respected her decision and had agreed to keep her in the household indefinitely.

Who would’ve thought Erlang’s beloved was someone right under their noses?

Erlang quickly added, “Madam Cheng always says, ‘Marry a woman three years older, and you’ll hold a golden brick.’ Ah Mo is six years older—that’s two bricks! I just like older women.”

Qiu Luo responded coolly, “Cheng Yu is now working at the Hanlin Academy, and she’s an official. Our family’s businesses are thriving all over the capital. Even if your bride isn’t a noble, she should at least be from a wealthy family’s legitimate daughter. Ah Mo is a servant—a low status.”

Her gaze was unreadable, but her tone was clearly disapproving.

Erlang’s brows furrowed. “But you’re the one who said people aren’t defined by rank. In my eyes, Sister Ah Mo is better than any noble daughter. She’s the best.”

Qiu Luo relented slightly. “Well, given her background, letting her be your concubine is already lifting her up.”

Erlang immediately objected. “I want to marry her properly—with a matchmaker and a dowry. You said a good man loves only his wife.”

Before Qiu Luo could respond, he added stubbornly,

“I don’t care what others say. I just want to marry Ah Mo. Anyone else can marry whoever they like.”

Qiu Luo’s face darkened. “So, you’re ignoring my advice now?”

Without hesitation, Erlang knelt. “Sis, didn’t you just say a man needs his own judgment, not to be swayed by others? I only want Ah Mo. If you won’t agree, I’ll never marry.”

Qiu Luo frowned but didn’t tell him to rise. “Then tell me: what is it about Ah Mo that makes her worth your begging for?”

Erlang: “She’s beautiful.”

“That’s just lust. Beauty fades. When she gets old, you’ll regret it. There are plenty of prettier girls.”

Erlang: “She’s kind.”

“Many girls are kind.”

Erlang: “She’s thoughtful.”

“So are many others.”

Erlang: “She’s… she’s just perfect.”

“There are countless girls better than her.”

Erlang snapped. “But she’s the only Ah Mo! I only want her.”

Qiu Luo took a deep breath. Her tone turned solemn.

“If you truly understand my expectations, then know this: once you marry her, you must treat her with complete sincerity. If you ever stray, take concubines, or behave like other men, I will disown you. I mean it.

Are you ready for that?”

“I’ve been ready for a long time.” Erlang had made up his mind over a year ago, ever since he first fell for Ah Mo. He admired the way she managed everything for Madam Cheng with grace and patience.

He’d carefully hidden his feelings, working hard until he could prove himself—only then daring to bring it up.

Even if he was speaking earlier than planned, he felt he had earned the right. He knew exactly what he wanted.

Qiu Luo looked at him for a long moment, then smiled.

“All right. I’ll speak with your Sister Cheng tomorrow and ask Ah Mo’s opinion. If she agrees to marry you, we’ll set the wedding date.”

Erlang was stunned. “You’re agreeing? You don’t care that she’s older, or of lower status?”

Qiu Luo shot him a look. “You’re the one marrying her. What use is my disapproval? And besides—am I that kind of person?”

Erlang quickly stood up, laughing. “Right, right! You’re the best, Sis. I was so scared!”

Qiu Luo nodded with satisfaction. “Your Ah Mo is the best. Since you want to marry her, you go ask her yourself.”

Her little brother was reliable—for now. If he ever proved otherwise, he’d be in for a beating. She wouldn’t go easy on him.

“Okay! I’ll go now!”

That evening, Cheng Yu returned home. After dinner, Qiu Luo told her the news.

“Erlang has feelings for Ah Mo? Ah, that explains a lot.”

Qiu Luo raised an eyebrow. “Explains what?”

Cheng Yu winked. “Haven’t you noticed? Even though Erlang’s busy with the tavern, he comes home every night—and always goes to see my mother first. And Ah Mo, ever since she heard my mother wanted to arrange a match for her, has refused every proposal. She also gets up early and stands at the gate for half the morning.”

“You’re saying Erlang doesn’t just want to see your mother, and Ah Mo isn’t there just to see you off?” Qiu Luo still sounded doubtful—but realization was dawning.

Cheng Yu laughed. “Exactly. Erlang’s probably going for a glimpse of Ah Mo. And Ah Mo? She’s watching him head out early. They didn’t use to do this before.”

Qiu Luo finally understood. So, it wasn’t one-sided. They liked each other all along.

She laughed. “I was worried Erlang was in love alone—but turns out it’s mutual.”

The two women shared a smile. Neither Qiu Luo nor Cheng Yu ever treated their servants as lesser.

So, when it came to Erlang’s choice, they had no objections.

Cheng Yu gave Qiu Luo a playful scold. “Still, did you have to scare him like that?”

Qiu Luo chuckled, pulling her into her arms and kissing her lips. “I had to be sure he was serious. If it was just a passing crush, it could ruin Ah Mo’s life.”

Luckily, her little brother hadn’t disappointed her. He’d done well today.

Cheng Yu leaned against her, idly tugging at her collar. “You’re still worried about him? Don’t you trust the kind of person he’s grown into?”

“That’s true. My years of teaching weren’t wasted.”

Cheng Yu giggled. “Teaching? When did you do that?”

“Of course I taught him—how to be loyal to his wife and love only her.”

With that, Qiu Luo swept her up and carried her toward the bed.

“What are you doing? Put me down!”

“My lady, the night is short, and you have two days off ahead. You can sleep in.”

“Rogue—mmph…”

Before she could finish, her words were swallowed by a kiss. The bed curtains fell. The candle flickered.

Moonlight bathed the world as passion stirred the shadows within the bed…