Although Princess Qingfu was angry, she had to admit that Huo Changyuan was indeed an excellent son-in-law. Throughout the capital, the other sons of noble families had only just moved out of the inner court at Huo Changyuan's age and were waiting for their fathers to help them obtain official positions. Few were like Huo Changyuan, who had both performed meritorious deeds and been conferred the title of marquis.
Huo Changyuan's father, the old Marquis Jingyong, had died in battle in the ninth year of Jianwu. At that time, the Huo family had gotten into some trouble, and the subordinates had speculated about Yang Shoufu's intentions. Using Heir Huo Changyuan's young age as an excuse, they refused to let Huo Changyuan inherit the title. During that time, Marquis Jingyong was an empty shell. He had the name of the Marquis Household, but he had no head of the household. Everyone could step on him.
The Huxue Clan was young and widowed, and they were bullied. She gritted her teeth and refused to lower her head, stubbornly raising her seven-year-old son. Fortunately, Huo Changyuan also lived up to expectations. When he turned sixteen, the Imperial Clan Court still had no intention of returning the title to the Huo family. Huo Changyuan knew that he could only rely on himself, so he ignored the heartbroken Huxue Clan and entered the battlefield at the age of seventeen.
Coincidentally, in the same year, the case of the Xue family, which had accumulated for many years, was resolved. The Huo family smelled the scent and tentatively sent a memorial to the palace asking for the title to be conferred. Although there was no reply, the memorial was not returned. The Huxue Clan was overjoyed, knowing that there was likely some progress on their son's inheritance.
Huo Changyuan was also a ruthless person. In his second year in the army, he achieved great merit on the battlefield and officially entered the eyes of the public. After that, he won several consecutive victories. When the Emperor heard this, he was overjoyed and personally received Huo Changyuan at a celebratory banquet. Seeing that Huo Changyuan was young, the Emperor was curious and asked him why he wanted to join the army. Huo Changyuan told him about his widowed mother. For some reason, the Emperor was silent for a long time. Finally, he sighed and said, "Pity the hearts of all parents in the world. My Crown Prince has been lost for twelve years. If he's still alive, he should be around your age. "
When the Emperor asked about Huo Changyuan's age, he became even sadder. "He's only eighteen years old. He's even one year younger than you. You're still like this even with your mother's protection. He's all alone outside, wandering among the commoners. Who knows how much suffering he'll have to endure. "
The Emperor choked with sobs and left the banquet early. After the Emperor left, the hall was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. In the end, it was Yang Shoufu who raised his cup. Only then did everyone take the opportunity to raise the atmosphere again.
No one dared to comment on the internal affairs of the palace. However, after the Emperor asked that question, an official from the Ministry of Rites came the next day to ask why Huo Changyuan had not yet received his title. The higher-ups only needed to casually ask a question, and the attitude of the people below completely changed. Very quickly, the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Clan Court said that it was the negligence of a minor official. In the tenth month, they sent Huo Changyuan an iron-clad letter.
Becoming a Marquis at the age of eighteen, relying on his own efforts to gain the recognition of the Emperor. He also made illustrious contributions in the military. Huo Changyuan became an instant hit in the capital, and Marquis Jingyong also became a hot new noble in the capital.
No matter how biased Princess Qingfu was, at this moment, thinking about her nephews and nephews in her maternal family, and then thinking about her own children and grandchildren, she still had to admit that everyone was different. Huo Zhangyuan really didn't let her down. The Huxue Clan raised a good son. No wonder he dared to be so flamboyant.
Therefore, the Huxue Clan did not come to cancel the marriage at all. Canceling the marriage for no reason would greatly affect Marquis Jingyong's reputation. However, Huo Changyuan himself was here. Without Cheng Yujin, there would be other noble young misses who would fight to marry into his family.
From the very beginning, Cheng Yujin and Huo Changyuan's marriage had been advantageous to the Cheng Family. Princess Qingfu felt that this was a thorny problem. Her family definitely did not want to cancel the marriage. However, the Huxue Clan had personally come to their door. She heard that even Huo Changyuan had come. If they stubbornly refused to let go, it would be too shameful. Princess Qingfu did not know what to do for a moment. She secretly complained in her heart. She had already sent a servant girl to inform Old Lady Cheng of the news. Why hadn't she come yet?
Just as Princess Qingfu finished thinking this, there was a knock, knock, knock sound from outside. Princess Qingfu let out a sigh of relief. She stood up and said: "Mother has come."
Old Madame Cheng walked in surrounded by the crowd. She was wearing a brown woven gold vest with a dark colored short jacket inside. The collar was decorated with fine fluff. When the Huxue Clan saw that Old Lady Cheng had also come, they could only stand up and say with a smile: "Old Lady Cheng has come."
Although the Huxue Clan stood up, they did not show much respect. Her son was Marquis, and she was now the Old Lady. In terms of seniority, she was older than Marquis Yichun. However, because Old Lady Cheng was older, the Huxue Clan gave the Cheng Family face.
Old Lady Cheng noticed the change in the Huxue Clan and her heart sank. In the past, when Cheng Yujin and Huo Changyuan were married, the Huxue Clan and Princess Qingfu were of the same generation. When they saw Old Lady Cheng, they had to salute her. But now, the Huxue Clan only nodded and did not consider themselves to be of the younger generation. It seemed that the marriage between Eldest Sister and Huo Changyuan was really not going to happen.
When Old Lady Cheng walked closer, the servant girls hurriedly came forward to replace the tea set with a new brocade mat. Old Lady Cheng leaned on her walking stick and was supported by a servant girl. She slowly sat down on the wooden armchair.
When the Huxue Clan saw this scene, they felt contempt in their hearts. Their Second Young Lady had done such a shameless thing, and their Eldest Young Lady had taken the credit for her younger sister. Each of the girls they raised was more undignified than the other. Where did Old Lady Cheng get the confidence to show off in front of her?
However, they were all noblewomen and usually paid attention to face. The Huxue Clan did not show the contempt in their hearts. Instead, they smiled at Old Lady Cheng and said, "Old Lady Cheng, long time no see. How is Madam's health these days?"
Old Lady Cheng looked calm and said, "Old Lady Huo, thank you for your concern. This old lady's health can be considered healthy."
"The weather is cold and dry these days. Old Lady, you must be careful of your internal heat."
"Thank you for the reminder, Madam." Old Lady Cheng smiled and agreed. She suddenly changed the topic and said, "This old lady has become more and more muddle-headed in recent years. It is thanks to the filial piety of my granddaughters, especially the Eldest Young Lady. This old lady is not boasting, but this old lady watched the Eldest Young Lady grow up with my own eyes. Usually, she is well-behaved and good at needlework. Which of the ladies who visit this old lady do not praise her when they see this old lady's granddaughter? This old lady has doted on her the most since she was young. In recent years, my health has become worse and worse. I am just waiting to see her settle down and fulfill her last wish. "
The Huxue Clan's smile was a bit faint and said, "Old Lady is right. The Eldest Young Lady is indeed a good person. After I became a widow, I rarely went out, but I have heard of the Eldest Young Lady's good reputation. However, the matter of children's marriage is not something that can be agreed upon just because you are good. If Yuan 'er is not willing, then … as his mother, there is nothing I can do. "
Old Lady Cheng's expression did not change and said, "Agreed? What do you mean agreed? Living a life is not a matter of looking at flowers on horseback. Marriage is a matter of marrying two surnames. What is important is that the two families are well-matched in social status. How can a decision be made based on a momentary liking? Young people are impetuous and always think about things like love. This is taking in a concubine, not a wife. Marquis Huo is also here today, right? This old lady will personally talk to him. "
Old Lady Cheng had been managing the family business for so many years. She was not joking around with her daughter-in-law. Once her face darkened, people and ghosts would vanish. The Huxue Clan was also suppressed by Old Lady Cheng's imposing manner. They could only turn their faces and say, "Go and invite the Eldest Master here."
Huo Changyuan was indeed at the Marquis of Yichun today. When he found out the truth about Xue Ye yesterday, he was shocked and astonished and did not sleep the entire night. After daybreak, Huo Changyuan made up his mind to come to the Marquis of Yichun to break off the engagement and marry the Goddess Xue Ye who had truly saved him.
Huo Changyuan got up and went to the Huxue Clan to talk about this matter. Although the Huxue Clan felt that it was not good to go back on their words, if their son wanted to break off the engagement, then so be it. The Huxue Clan did not say another word. They changed their clothes and went to the Marquis of Yichun with their son.
The Huxue Clan entered the second gate to see their mistress. Huo Changyuan was in the outer courtyard, so he went directly to see his former father-in-law, the Crown Prince of Marquis Yichun, Eldest Master Cheng.
Early in the morning, the Cheng Family's Eldest Master, Cheng Yuan-hsien, had just come out of his beautiful concubine's room. His mind was still in a gentle dream when he saw his future son-in-law come looking for him. He even said that he wanted to break off the engagement. One could imagine Cheng Yuan-hsien's shock and anger.
When Huo Changyuan and Cheng Yuan-hsien came in, their expressions were not good.
Since the elders of both parties were present, there was nothing to hide. Huo Changyuan and Cheng Yuan-hsien went straight into the inner room and sat with the women. After they stood up and changed seats, Old Lady Cheng looked at Huo Changyuan and asked in a deep voice, "Marquis Huo, although we are of the same rank, I am still much older than you. As an elder, I would like to ask you a few questions. Is that okay? "
Huo Changyuan cupped his hands and said, "Marchioness, please."
Old Lady Cheng saw that Huo Changyuan was neither servile nor overbearing, and that he knew when to advance and retreat. She felt that it was a pity. She really thought highly of this young man. She could foresee that his future was limitless. It was really a pity that she could not tie him down with marriage.
Old Lady Cheng asked, "Do you really want to break off the engagement with Eldest Sister?"
Huo Changyuan paused for a moment, then said in a firm voice, "Yes."
His firm attitude made Cheng Yuan-hsien angry. Old Lady Cheng suppressed Cheng Yuan-hsien with her eyes and asked, "Why?"
Huo Changyuan remembered that bone-chilling winter night. He struggled to wake up from the ice and fire. As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw a bright and beautiful woman smiling at him.
He could clearly hear the sound of his heart beating. He thought, so it was her yesterday who warmed him with her skin. It was as if the soft and fragrant feeling of her skin was still lingering on his fingertips.
Huo Changyuan thought, to be able to marry her in this life, it must be the fortune of his life.
However, Huo Changyuan did not expect that she would lie to him! To think that such a beautiful woman would have such a vicious heart.
Huo Changyuan's thoughts returned to the present. He looked at the Old Lady Cheng, who had expectant eyes, Princess Qingfu, who did not care, and Cheng Yuan-hsien, who looked like he was about to hit him. He said word by word without hesitation, "There is no reason. Your family's eldest daughter may be good, but she is not suitable for me."
Cheng Yuan-hsien really wanted to roll up his sleeves this time, but Qingfu quickly pulled him back. The Huxue Clan also stood up and shouted, "What do you want to do?"
In the midst of the chaos, a clear voice came from the entrance of the main hall, "Marquis Jingyong, forgive me for not agreeing with your words."
Everyone turned around in shock. When Old Lady Cheng saw who it was, she stood up and knocked her walking stick against the ground, "Eldest Sister, why are you here?"
Huo Changyuan thought that Cheng Yujin's "not agreeing" meant that she did not want them to cancel the engagement. He was very annoyed and said, "I have already made up my mind. Marriage cannot be forced. Eldest Miss and I will part on good terms. Eldest Miss, please don't make things difficult for both of us."
Cheng Yujin's face carried a dignified, elegant, and perfect smile as she elegantly and gently walked in from outside. After entering, she did not pay attention to Huo Changyuan. Instead, she first greeted the elders, "Yujin pays respect to grandmother. Father, mother is well. "
Huo Changyuan had never been treated so coldly before. His expression darkened even more. He thought that canceling the engagement with this woman was the best way to stop losses. Huo Changyuan's expression did not look good. He asked, "Miss Cheng, what is the meaning of this?"
"I am only a weak woman. How would I dare to have an opinion about Marquis Jingyong?" Cheng Yujin looked at him with a smile. Her back was straight, and her eyes were clear and bright like the moon on the cliff. She was noble and beautiful.
However, as soon as she finished speaking, Cheng Yujin did not wait for anyone to respond. Instead, she continued, "But everything has to be reasonable. When Marquis Jingyong was unconscious, it was I who rescued you from the cave and brought you to mother's villa. This is the first reason. After being rescued, it was you who rushed to propose marriage to Marquis of Yichun. I, Cheng Yujin, have never forced you, and my Cheng Family has never begged you. This is the second reason. Two months after the engagement, the whole city knew about it, but you secretly broke the agreement and openly came to cancel the engagement. You even spoke rudely to my elders. This is the third reason. First, you are unjust. Second, you do not believe me. Third, you are shameless. You are so heartless, unjust, and unfilial. I would rather not marry for the rest of my life than be ashamed to be your wife. Today, in front of all the elders, I will make it clear to Marquis Jingyong that I, Cheng Yujin, am ashamed of Marquis Jingyong's character. Therefore, I want to cancel the engagement with Marquis Jingyong. "
The people in the main hall stood there in a daze. They did not know what Cheng Yujin was doing. Since ancient times, there had only been cases where the husband divorced the wife and the husband broke off the engagement. When had the wife ever taken the initiative? The Huxue Clan was completely stunned. Old Lady Cheng was the first to react. She secretly praised herself for not raising her in vain. She was smart. Huo Changyuan was determined to cancel the engagement. Seeing that there was no way to salvage the situation, she might as well say it herself. In any case, she had the moral advantage. As long as she did it well, Cheng Yujin might be able to become a prominent family in the future.
Old Lady Cheng made up her mind. Her attitude instantly changed. "Fine. Since your family is obsessed with this and insists on doing such heartless and unjust things, then the Cheng Family is not afraid of you. Marquis Huo, you are doomed to destruction if you continue to be unjust. You are on your own now. "
Princess Qingfu and Cheng Yuan-hsien did not know how to react. Cheng Yujin's long tirade was indeed satisfying. Arguments between decent people were indeed different. But, did they really want to cancel the engagement?
Huo Changyuan was stunned by Cheng Yujin's long tirade. When he came back to his senses, he was furious. This evil woman actually made a false accusation. However, Huo Changyuan thought about it again. He was a man, so he could not be calculative with a weak woman. After all, she was Mo'er's older sister. For Mo'er's sake, he would let her have some verbal advantage.
The Huxue Clan was stunned for a while. When they came back to their senses, they immediately glared at Cheng Yujin. Huo Changyuan stopped his mother and said, "Mother, no matter who took the initiative, it's fine as long as the engagement is canceled. Miss Cheng, since you are a woman, I won't argue with you about this. I hope you will keep your word and cancel the engagement as soon as possible. "
"Marquis Jingyong actually looks down on women like this?" Cheng Yujin laughed. In front of Huo Changyuan, she took out the marriage contract and deliberately tore it into shreds slowly. "The one who didn't keep his word is Marquis Huo. I hope you remember that it's not that you don't want to argue with me, but that you can't win."
Cheng Yujin tore the marriage contract into shreds. When she let go, the shreds fell to the floor. Cheng Yujin took one last look at Huo Changyuan, as if nothing had happened. She said her goodbyes to the elders one by one before turning to leave.
Even if Cheng Yujin was scolding people, she had to make sure that she was impeccable and had the moral high ground.
Huo Changyuan looked at her back. At a time like this, her back was still dignified and beautiful. Her steps were not too long or too short. They were so precise that it was as if she had calculated them beforehand. Huo Changyuan's expression became increasingly gloomy. Suddenly, he flicked his sleeves and left in anger.
Cheng Yuan-hsien and the others were left behind. They looked at each other in dismay, unable to regain their senses for a long time.
Huo Changyuan quickly caught up with Cheng Yujin. After all, with her pace, it was easy to catch up with her. Huo Changyuan called out from behind. Cheng Yujin acted as if she didn't hear him and ignored him. Huo Changyuan couldn't bear it anymore. He grabbed Cheng Yujin's arm and said, "Stop!"
Cheng Yujin also couldn't bear it anymore. She turned around and slapped him. "Let go!"
Huo Changyuan was shocked when Cheng Yujin slapped him. He didn't expect that a woman would dare to hit him, so he couldn't avoid it. Unfortunately, Cheng Yujin's strength was limited. She regretfully shook her hand that was throbbing in pain. It only turned red, but it didn't disfigure this scum. Otherwise, his career would be ruined.
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