"Mrs. Gu," Ye Qingchi said slowly, "Why haven't you brought out Young Master Fu's marital contract yet?"
Zhao realized what was happening and quickly said, "I'll return it to them right away."
Ye Qingchi gave a slight "Mm," his demeanor was cold and carried a hint of invisible pressure. He glanced coldly at Fu Old Lady with implicit threat, "What about Gu Shuang's?"
Things had already reached this point, there was no room left to maneuver.
The corner of Fu Old Lady's mouth twitched. She told someone to fetch Gu Shuang's marital contract, glared at Gu Shuang with cloudy old eyes, and laughed mockingly, "You got entangled with another man even before getting married. Fourth young lady is really a bold woman."
Gu Shuang panicked again, her small hands anxiously trying to break free.
Ye Qingchi was frank and aboveboard, the corners of his lips slightly hooked, "They're engaged, it's normal for them to hold hands."
It was at this moment that Qin finally came to her senses. She had wanted Gu Shuang to become her daughter-in-law for a long time. If Gu Shuang hadn't been engaged to Fu Xunzhi before, she would have brought her into the household earlier.
Now that her "ambitious" son was finally willing to help Gu Shuang get through this difficult situation, she was extremely happy and heartily laughed a few times, "That's right! My son and daughter-in-law were just holding hands! What business does the Fu family have interfering?"
Fu Old Lady didn't expect the dignified wife of the Chief Justice to say such unabashed words. "How can you say that?!"
Qin coldly snorted, "What's wrong with talking about normal marital relations? Weren't you young once? Didn't you share a bridal chamber with your husband? Didn't you give birth to a little bastard like Fu Xunzhi?"
"You, you, you..." Fu Old Lady was so angry her old face froze.
Qin continued, "Now that the marital contracts have been returned, my daughter-in-law doesn't care for your measly betrothal gifts at all. Old lady, you should take them back."
She pulled Gu Shuang to her side, smiling radiantly, "Oh right, at the Fu family's celebration banquet, old lady don't forget to bring Young Master Fu to have a drink."
Gu Shuang's face turned red, her gaze uncomfortably glancing at Ye Qingchi.
She knew he pitied her and was deliberately saying this to help her, but... if words like this spread, wouldn't it ruin his reputation?
As the number one bachelor in Bianjing, how would he find a wife in the future?
But at the moment, Zhao didn't think too much about it. She just felt extremely gratified in her heart and also laughed, "That's right, feelings transcend the failed marriage, old lady you must come for sure."
Fu Old Lady's face was extremely ugly, furious to the point of wanting to throw them all out.
Fu Xunzhi lowered his head without saying a word.
Gu Ying watched the two elders make sarcastic remarks. Seeing that the situation had reached this embarrassing point for the Fu family, he said, "Auntie, elder aunt, little sister's contract has been returned, let's go back."
Qin said, "Alright alright, Ying, hurry and take your little sister to the carriage first."
To avoid further conflict with the Fu family, it was best to return the betrothal gifts only after accounting with them, so that the Fu family could not use them as leverage in the future.
Gu Ying nodded and beckoned to Gu Shuang.
Gu Shuang lowered her brows and softly called out, "Big brother... you... you can let me go now..."
From his angle, Ye Qingchi could just see the blushing tips of her ears. He didn't force her anymore and reluctantly let go of the softness in his palm.
That trace of fragrance suddenly slipped away, leaving an inexplicable sense of loss in the man's heart.
Gu Shuang quickly pulled her small hand back and ran to Gu Ying without looking back.
Ye Qingchi rubbed the warmth on his fingertips that made people reluctant to let go, and after a long time finally gave a low laugh.
He was becoming less and less like himself.
In the past, he had only cared about his family. Fearless of heaven or earth, now just Gu Shuang leaving his side for a moment, made him somewhat reluctant.
What was he afraid of?
There was no chance between Fu Xunzhi and Gu Shuang anyway.
From today when the two annulled the engagement, that delicate little woman could only be his.
What did he have to worry about?
Ye Qingchi's features were clear and serene as he smiled helplessly at Gu Shuang's running figure.
When he turned back, it was Qin's bright black eyes eagerly looking at him, "Son, that was really well done! Your mother has wanted you to help Shuang'er for a long time but was afraid you'd be unwilling so I never mentioned it. I didn't expect you to stand up for her on your own initiative! I was worried you didn't like Shuang'er as a sister and wouldn't be willing to help her!"
Ye Qingchi stared at the busy Zhao for a while, raised his eyebrows, "I've never seen her as a sister."
Qin frowned in disapproval, "Qingchi, what's wrong with Shuang'er?"
Ye Qingchi calmly said, "I didn't say there was anything wrong with her."
Qin said irritably, "Then why are you always against her? Her mother is still here, be more careful what you say."
Ye Qingchi chuckled, "Do you have to make her your daughter?"
"What else?"
"Can't she be a daughter-in-law?"
"That's not bad either, wait, what are you saying?" Qin was shocked and suddenly widened her eyes, "Qingchi, are you serious?!"
Ye Qingchi just smiled ambiguously.
Qin was stunned for a moment, extremely surprised and opened her mouth.
Did she hear wrong? Had her son who was like an iron tree that never blooms finally developed feelings for a woman?
...
The carriages containing the betrothal gifts orderly entered and exited the Fu family residence.
Onlookers lined the road the whole way.
Before long, the matter between the Fu and Gu families became the talk of Bianjing.
Shang Jiao had stirred up this mess herself, now the waves were surging higher and higher.
She sat in the busiest teahouse in Bianjing listening for news.
What was originally just two insignificant broken engagements between fallen families had now suddenly become news of Gu Fourth Young Lady marrying into the main branch of the prestigious Ye family.
Everyone was shocked speechless.
She was also a bit surprised and picked up her teacup. Hesitated for a moment before tastelessly drinking a sip.
She had to admit, even as the fallen daughter of the Gu household, Gu Shuang was accomplished in zither, chess, calligraphy and painting. Delicate and graceful with a pitiable beauty.
But now she barely had a good reputation left in Bianjing.
She had assumed Gu Shuang would have a miserable time after calling off the engagement with Fu Xunzhi and that no one would want to marry her and she'd be bullied.
Yet unexpectedly, she had now cozied up to an even more prestigious family, the Ye Family.
How could the Fu family's threshold compare to the Ye family's?
That was a true and eminent family with hundreds of years of history. Generations of illustrious service, a household of honor and wealth. Profound academia, and outstanding personages appearing in every generation, clearly indicating the Ye Family's deeply rooted influence in Dong Li.
What right did Gu Shuang have to marry into the main branch of the Ye Family?
Shang Jiao pursed her lips, feeling somewhat unhappy in her heart, be it jealousy or resentment at the unfairness of fate.
In the end she was just a powerless and insignificant merchant woman. Other than being able to marry Fu Xunzhi, there was nothing else she could do.
She had already resigned herself to her fate.
Just then, as she was about to leave the teahouse, two plainly dressed old women came in surreptitiously glancing around. Seeing her, they pulled her out from both sides and bundled her into a carriage.
She was not nervous at all, because the moment she entered the carriage, she saw the wooden plaque hanging outside.
Carved on it was the character "Fu."
She thought, she had succeeded.
"Mrs. Gu," Ye Qingchi said slowly, "Why haven't you brought out Young Master Fu's marital contract yet?"
Zhao realized what was happening and quickly said, "I'll return it to them right away."
Ye Qingchi gave a slight "Mm," his demeanor was cold and carried a hint of invisible pressure. He glanced coldly at Fu Old Lady with implicit threat, "What about Gu Shuang's?"
Things had already reached this point, there was no room left to maneuver.
The corner of Fu Old Lady's mouth twitched. She told someone to fetch Gu Shuang's marital contract, glared at Gu Shuang with cloudy old eyes, and laughed mockingly, "You got entangled with another man even before getting married. Fourth young lady is really a bold woman."
Gu Shuang panicked again, her small hands anxiously trying to break free.
Ye Qingchi was frank and aboveboard, the corners of his lips slightly hooked, "They're engaged, it's normal for them to hold hands."
It was at this moment that Qin finally came to her senses. She had wanted Gu Shuang to become her daughter-in-law for a long time. If Gu Shuang hadn't been engaged to Fu Xunzhi before, she would have brought her into the household earlier.
Now that her "ambitious" son was finally willing to help Gu Shuang get through this difficult situation, she was extremely happy and heartily laughed a few times, "That's right! My son and daughter-in-law were just holding hands! What business does the Fu family have interfering?"
Fu Old Lady didn't expect the dignified wife of the Chief Justice to say such unabashed words. "How can you say that?!"
Qin coldly snorted, "What's wrong with talking about normal marital relations? Weren't you young once? Didn't you share a bridal chamber with your husband? Didn't you give birth to a little bastard like Fu Xunzhi?"
"You, you, you..." Fu Old Lady was so angry her old face froze.
Qin continued, "Now that the marital contracts have been returned, my daughter-in-law doesn't care for your measly betrothal gifts at all. Old lady, you should take them back."
She pulled Gu Shuang to her side, smiling radiantly, "Oh right, at the Fu family's celebration banquet, old lady don't forget to bring Young Master Fu to have a drink."
Gu Shuang's face turned red, her gaze uncomfortably glancing at Ye Qingchi.
She knew he pitied her and was deliberately saying this to help her, but... if words like this spread, wouldn't it ruin his reputation?
As the number one bachelor in Bianjing, how would he find a wife in the future?
But at the moment, Zhao didn't think too much about it. She just felt extremely gratified in her heart and also laughed, "That's right, feelings transcend the failed marriage, old lady you must come for sure."
Fu Old Lady's face was extremely ugly, furious to the point of wanting to throw them all out.
Fu Xunzhi lowered his head without saying a word.
Gu Ying watched the two elders make sarcastic remarks. Seeing that the situation had reached this embarrassing point for the Fu family, he said, "Auntie, elder aunt, little sister's contract has been returned, let's go back."
Qin said, "Alright alright, Ying, hurry and take your little sister to the carriage first."
To avoid further conflict with the Fu family, it was best to return the betrothal gifts only after accounting with them, so that the Fu family could not use them as leverage in the future.
Gu Ying nodded and beckoned to Gu Shuang.
Gu Shuang lowered her brows and softly called out, "Big brother... you... you can let me go now..."
From his angle, Ye Qingchi could just see the blushing tips of her ears. He didn't force her anymore and reluctantly let go of the softness in his palm.
That trace of fragrance suddenly slipped away, leaving an inexplicable sense of loss in the man's heart.
Gu Shuang quickly pulled her small hand back and ran to Gu Ying without looking back.
Ye Qingchi rubbed the warmth on his fingertips that made people reluctant to let go, and after a long time finally gave a low laugh.
He was becoming less and less like himself.
In the past, he had only cared about his family. Fearless of heaven or earth, now just Gu Shuang leaving his side for a moment, made him somewhat reluctant.
What was he afraid of?
There was no chance between Fu Xunzhi and Gu Shuang anyway.
From today when the two annulled the engagement, that delicate little woman could only be his.
What did he have to worry about?
Ye Qingchi's features were clear and serene as he smiled helplessly at Gu Shuang's running figure.
When he turned back, it was Qin's bright black eyes eagerly looking at him, "Son, that was really well done! Your mother has wanted you to help Shuang'er for a long time but was afraid you'd be unwilling so I never mentioned it. I didn't expect you to stand up for her on your own initiative! I was worried you didn't like Shuang'er as a sister and wouldn't be willing to help her!"
Ye Qingchi stared at the busy Zhao for a while, raised his eyebrows, "I've never seen her as a sister."
Qin frowned in disapproval, "Qingchi, what's wrong with Shuang'er?"
Ye Qingchi calmly said, "I didn't say there was anything wrong with her."
Qin said irritably, "Then why are you always against her? Her mother is still here, be more careful what you say."
Ye Qingchi chuckled, "Do you have to make her your daughter?"
"What else?"
"Can't she be a daughter-in-law?"
"That's not bad either, wait, what are you saying?" Qin was shocked and suddenly widened her eyes, "Qingchi, are you serious?!"
Ye Qingchi just smiled ambiguously.
Qin was stunned for a moment, extremely surprised and opened her mouth.
Did she hear wrong? Had her son who was like an iron tree that never blooms finally developed feelings for a woman?
...
The carriages containing the betrothal gifts orderly entered and exited the Fu family residence.
Onlookers lined the road the whole way.
Before long, the matter between the Fu and Gu families became the talk of Bianjing.
Shang Jiao had stirred up this mess herself, now the waves were surging higher and higher.
She sat in the busiest teahouse in Bianjing listening for news.
What was originally just two insignificant broken engagements between fallen families had now suddenly become news of Gu Fourth Young Lady marrying into the main branch of the prestigious Ye family.
Everyone was shocked speechless.
She was also a bit surprised and picked up her teacup. Hesitated for a moment before tastelessly drinking a sip.
She had to admit, even as the fallen daughter of the Gu household, Gu Shuang was accomplished in zither, chess, calligraphy and painting. Delicate and graceful with a pitiable beauty.
But now she barely had a good reputation left in Bianjing.
She had assumed Gu Shuang would have a miserable time after calling off the engagement with Fu Xunzhi and that no one would want to marry her and she'd be bullied.
Yet unexpectedly, she had now cozied up to an even more prestigious family, the Ye Family.
How could the Fu family's threshold compare to the Ye family's?
That was a true and eminent family with hundreds of years of history. Generations of illustrious service, a household of honor and wealth. Profound academia, and outstanding personages appearing in every generation, clearly indicating the Ye Family's deeply rooted influence in Dong Li.
What right did Gu Shuang have to marry into the main branch of the Ye Family?
Shang Jiao pursed her lips, feeling somewhat unhappy in her heart, be it jealousy or resentment at the unfairness of fate.
In the end she was just a powerless and insignificant merchant woman. Other than being able to marry Fu Xunzhi, there was nothing else she could do.
She had already resigned herself to her fate.
Just then, as she was about to leave the teahouse, two plainly dressed old women came in surreptitiously glancing around. Seeing her, they pulled her out from both sides and bundled her into a carriage.
She was not nervous at all, because the moment she entered the carriage, she saw the wooden plaque hanging outside.
Carved on it was the character "Fu."
She thought, she had succeeded.
