Chapter 9: The Mu family's reaction

Inside the grand Mu mansion, the atmosphere was tense as news of Mu Zhenyu's marriage, and the unexpected substitution orchestrated by the Zhang family had reached the family elders.

Seated in the elegant drawing room, Mu Zhenyu's grandmother, Old Madam Mu, gazed coldly at the family assistant, her sharp eyes showing her displeasure.

"So, the Zhang family, rather than sending their true daughter as promised, has handed over their adopted one instead?" she questioned, her voice calm yet edged with restrained fury.

The assistant nodded, bowing his head respectfully. "Yes, Madam. At the last moment, they decided to substitute Miss Zhang Yujin with Miss Li Xinyue, their adopted daughter."

Old Madam Mu's lips pursed, her expression unreadable as she processed the news. "They truly think we are fools. Do they imagine we're too blind to see through such a ploy?"

Mu Zhenyu, who had been quietly observing the scene from a nearby armchair, finally looked up, his expression impassive but his gaze steady. His health was an open secret in the family, and his position as the head of the Mu Corporation was marked by both power and the weight of constant scrutiny due to his illness. For years, he had dealt with people treating him as though he were living on borrowed time.

"Grandmother...the Zhang family's motives are irrelevant now," Zhenyu spoke calmly, meeting her gaze. "Li Xinyue is now my wife. Whatever intentions they had, we don't need to entertain their drama ."

Old Madam Mu narrowed her eyes, noting the steel in her grandson's tone. "You may be indifferent to the matter, Zhenyu, but this is more than a personal insult. The Zhang family promised us their true daughter, and they dare to send us a substitute? They must think the Mu family can be played with like common merchants."

Seated beside Old Madam Mu, his father, Mu Wei, cleared his throat, his gaze also disapproving. "Zhenyu, while I understand your position, you must consider that this is a matter of family honor. Our family is not a small family , yet they treat us with this level of disrespect?"

Zhenyu's jaw clenched slightly, though he kept his calm demeanor. "Whether they respect us or not, we'll deal with it . I'm married to her, not you."

Old Madam Mu's gaze softened slightly as she considered her grandson's words, but her tone remained firm. "So be it. But I expect that if Li Xinyue truly intends to be part of our family, she will need to demonstrate that she's worthy of the Mu name. The Zhang family may treat her as disposable, but I will not allow someone who doesn't understand our family's values to carry our name."

Zhenyu nodded. "I agree, Grandmother. But perhaps you underestimate her." His voice was calm, but his eyes held a trace of something else. "The Zhang family may have thought her an unworthy substitute, but I've seen enough to believe she'll surprise you."

There was a pause as Old Madam Mu absorbed his words.

"Surprise me? Let's hope you're right, Zhenyu. And let us hope that she does not become another liability for us to manage. If she's truly different from the Zhang family, she'll prove it. But the Zhangs will not walk away from this unscathed. This is an insult we cannot simply forgive."

His father nodded in agreement. "I'm with mother. They believe they can make a fool of us, but they will see that we are not so easily dismissed. The Mu family's dignity cannot be undermined by anyone, not even the Zhangs."

Zhenyu met his father's gaze, giving a nod of acknowledgment. "We'll make sure the Zhang family understands the consequences. But I'd prefer we keep Li Xinyue separate from this matter. Whatever their reasons, she may be different from them."

The family sat in silence, each mulling over Zhenyu's words. Old Madam Mu's expression softened a little as she looked at her grandson, perhaps seeing for the first time a hint of something she hadn't expected—a spark, a new interest.

Finally, she said, "Very well. We will watch, and we will see. But Zhenyu, be cautious. Trust is a luxury we cannot afford easily, and if she does not meet our expectations, I expect you to address it as needed."

Zhenyu inclined his head, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. "Understood, Grandmother. I'll take responsibility for her."

As the tension eased, the conversation turned, but a sense of resolve hung in the room. They knew this marriage had brought with it an unexpected dynamic, and while the Zhang family's insult would not be overlooked, Li Xinyue's role in the Mu family was something only time would reveal.