Reborn and married in a swapped marriage, my aloof husband is too ruthless.

Chapter 11: The Truth Revealed, Trust Runs Deep

"Is Dr. Li here?" Su Jinxin's voice broke the tranquility of the pharmacy that night.

The young apprentice quickly came forward and led her to the back room.

Doctor Li was organizing medicinal herbs when he saw Su Jinxin visiting so late at night. He was quite surprised: "Young Madam Yan, it's so late. Is Young Master Yan feeling unwell?"

Su Jinxin shook her head and went straight to the point: "Dr. Li, I'd like to ask if Young Master Yan has prescribed any special medicines in the past few years? For example... anything other than treatments for his leg ailment?"

Doctor Li stroked his beard and pondered for a moment: "Young Master Yan's prescriptions are all prepared by me personally. Except for the one for treating the legs, it seems..." He suddenly stopped, as if he remembered something, and his expression changed slightly.

Su Jinxin keenly noticed this change and her heart tightened: "Dr. Li, is something wrong?"

Doctor Li hesitated for a moment, but finally took out a yellowed prescription from the medicine cabinet and handed it to Su Jinxin: "This is... three years ago, Young Master Yan asked me to prepare it, saying that it was to... strengthen the body."

Su Jinxin took the prescription and examined it carefully. Most of the listed herbs were for replenishing qi and nourishing blood, and there was nothing unusual about them.

But she always felt that things weren't that simple.

Back at the Yan residence, Su Jinxin tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.

Yan Cheng'an's secret weighed on her heart like a boulder, making it hard for her to breathe.

After much deliberation, she finally decided to tell Yan Cheng'an about her discovery.

The next morning, Su Jinxin placed the prescription and account book in front of Yan Cheng'an, took a deep breath, and said, "Yan Cheng'an, I have some questions for you."

Yan Cheng'an took the ledger and prescription, flipped through them casually, and suddenly his gaze fixed on the small print that read "Black Iron Ore, Fifty Jin".

He looked up at Su Jinxin, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Su Jinxin stared intently at him, not missing a single change in his expression: "Yan Cheng'an, what exactly are you hiding from me?" Yan Cheng'an was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter.

"My little fox, you've finally figured it out..."

He paused, his gaze deepening, "Since you've already discovered it, then I will..."

Yan Cheng'an's smile faded, and his expression turned serious: "Since you've already figured it out, then I'll lay my cards on the table."

He pointed to the prescription and said, "This prescription for strengthening the body is real, but it's just a smokescreen. I need everyone, including my uncle's family who are eyeing me covetously, to think that I'm terminally ill and vulnerable. That way, I can secretly accumulate strength and wait for the right opportunity."

He picked up the ledger, pointed to the line “Black Iron Ore, Fifty Jin”, and explained, “Black Iron Ore is not used for treating diseases, but for forging weapons.”

Su Jinxin suddenly realized why Yan Cheng'an needed such a large amount of black iron ore. It turned out that he was not suffering from a long-term illness, but was biding his time and secretly developing his own power.

"My little fox, you are indeed clever."

Yan Chengan affectionately pinched Su Jinxin's nose, "The reason I kept it from you is because this matter is too dangerous, and I didn't want to involve you."

Su Jinxin felt a warmth in her heart. It turned out that everything Yan Chengan had done was to protect her.

She felt ashamed of her previous doubts, but also happy to be trusted by Yan Cheng'an.

She stepped forward and hugged Yan Cheng'an tightly. Their bodies were pressed together, and Su Jinxin could feel his heartbeat and body temperature. Her heart was filled with happiness and a sense of security.

Yan Cheng'an whispered his gratitude and love in her ear: "Thank you, Jinxin, thank you for your trust in me." His voice was deep and magnetic, making Su Jinxin's heart beat faster.

"I..." Su Jinxin was about to speak when Yan Chengan interrupted her.

"Shh..." Yan Chengan placed his finger on her lips, "Don't say anything, I know you understand me."

He held her tightly, as if trying to meld her into his own body.

The feelings between the two were elevated at this moment.

Su Jinxin's position in the Yan family was thus further secured.

Madam Yan's trust and affection for her grew day by day, and she even entrusted her with the power of managing the household.

Those servants who once harbored resentment towards Su Jinxin now treat her with utmost respect.

As night deepened, Yan Cheng'an held Su Jinxin in his arms and whispered in her ear, "Jinxin, once everything settles down, we'll..."

Yan Cheng'an's voice was so low in her ear that it was almost inaudible, "Once everything settles down, we'll travel the world and live a carefree life."

Su Jinxin snuggled against him like a contented kitten, "It's a deal!"

Sweet days always fly by, and in the blink of an eye, a month has passed.

Su Jinxin's status in the Yan family rose like a rocket. Old Madam Yan listened to her almost everything and even handed over the power of managing the household affairs to her.

Those servants who used to treat her with disdain have now become obsequious, afraid of offending this "future mistress of the family."

Of course, a tall tree catches the wind, and the Yan family is not a monolithic entity.

Yan Cheng'an's second uncle, Yan Chengye, had always coveted the position of family head. When he saw his nephew, who was "sickly," suddenly change his ways and marry such a shrewd wife, he felt extremely envious!

Privately, he often urged his wife to speak ill of Su Jinxin to Old Madam Yan, saying that Su Jinxin "shows her face in public, which is unbecoming of a woman", and that she would corrupt Yan Cheng'an sooner or later.

That day, as Madam Yan was enjoying the newly arrived pre-rain Longjing tea, Yan Chengye's wife, also known as Madam Yan the Second, began her performance once again.

"Madam, it's not that I'm saying anything, but a woman should stay at home, take care of her husband and children, and not leave the house. Jinxin is always running around outside. What kind of behavior is this!"

Madam Yan put down her teacup and gave her a half-smile: "Oh? Then, in your opinion, Second Madam, what constitutes propriety?"

Madam Yan, who was in the middle of a lively conversation, was taken aback by the sudden question. Just as she was about to speak, she heard Su Jinxin and Yan Chengan's voices coming from outside the door.

"Grandmother, we've come to see you."

The two walked into the house hand in hand. Yan Cheng'an's face was rosy, and there was no trace of illness in him.

When Madam Yan saw this, her eyes almost popped out of their sockets. She thought to herself, "This kid is really good at pretending!"

Yan Cheng'an walked to the side of Old Madam Yan and gently patted her hand. "Grandmother, Jin Xin has worked so hard for the Yan family. Don't listen to the gossip of some people." His tone carried a hint of warning, and his sharp eyes swept over Second Madam Yan.

Su Jinxin calmly took out the account book and reported the recent income to Madam Yan in a clear and organized manner, neither humble nor arrogant.

With each word she spoke, Madam Yan's face grew increasingly grim, until finally she was completely speechless, as if she had swallowed a fly.

After Su Jinxin finished her report, Old Madam Yan nodded in satisfaction. "Jinxin, you did a great job. The Yan family is blessed to have you."

Then, she looked at Madam Yan, whose face was ashen, and said in a meaningful tone: "Some people, instead of worrying about others, should discipline their own children properly."

Madam Yan left in a dejected manner, giving Su Jinxin a fierce glare before she left.

Su Jinxin responded with a faint smile, but a hint of coldness flashed in her eyes.

As night fell, Yan Chengan embraced Su Jinxin and gently stroked her hair, saying, "You've worked hard."

Su Jinxin drew circles on his chest, "For you, everything is worth it."

“Three days from now, it will be the Yan family’s annual family gathering…” Yan Cheng’an paused, his gaze deep, “The show is about to begin.”

Three days later, the Yan family ancestral hall was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and all the members of the Yan family gathered together, but the atmosphere was tense and unsettling.

Yan Chengye and his wife sat in the corner, their faces gloomy, as if someone owed them millions of taels of silver.

Su Jinxin attended the event in a stunning outfit, which made her radiant and captivating.

She stood gracefully beside Yan Cheng'an, as if she was born to stand there and receive everyone's attention.

Madam Yan spoke first, expressing her expectations for the future of the family and emphasizing Su Jinxin's contributions to the Yan family.

Yan Chengan added a few words at the right time, his tone full of praise and love for Su Jinxin, which was so sweet it was almost sickening.

Next, Su Jinxin began her "performance".

She spoke eloquently, analyzing every aspect from business strategy to financial management, from personnel allocation to market expansion, leaving everyone speechless.

Those who were originally waiting to see her make a fool of herself were now dumbfounded, as if they had been struck by lightning.

Especially Madam Yan, whose face turned pale and then flushed, like a palette of colors.

The plans proposed by Su Jinxin were novel and bold, yet practical and feasible. Even the usually conservative Elder of the Yan family couldn't help but nod in approval.

"Jinxin, you are truly a remarkable woman who is just as capable as any man!"

"Indeed, with such a virtuous daughter-in-law, how could the Yan family not prosper!"

In an instant, praises arose one after another, and Su Jinxin's position in the Yan family was completely secured.

Yan Chengye and his wife looked even uglier. They never expected that this woman, whom they once regarded as a thorn in their side, would be so powerful!

After the family meeting, Su Jinxin and Yan Chengan returned to their room.

Yan Cheng'an pulled Su Jinxin into his arms, "My Jinxin, you are so amazing!"

Su Jinxin snuggled against him, "Of course, don't you know who I am!"

The two smiled at each other, their eyes filled with anticipation for the future.

“Next, we should…” Yan Cheng’an was interrupted by Su Jinxin before he could finish speaking.

"Wait, I think I forgot something..." Su Jinxin frowned and paced back and forth in the room.

"What is it?" Yan Chengan looked at her in confusion.

Su Jinxin suddenly stopped, her eyes lighting up. "I remember now! It's the Yan family's estate ledger!"