In the main hall of the front courtyard, a maidservant lowered her head and served tea. Princess Qingfu calmed down and endured for a long time before saying, "Madam Xue, a child's marriage is not a small matter. Have you thought it through?"
The Huxue Clan smiled and said, "Since I've come to see the princess, I won't do such a brainless thing. Eldest Miss is indeed a good girl. The princess and Marchioness have been raised well, and I'm happy to see them. However, when it comes to the marriage of young children, both parties must be willing. This kind of thing cannot be forced. "
Princess Qingfu was infuriated when she heard this. 'Both parties are willing?' Pei! Did she think that the Marquis of Yichun wanted to marry Huo Changyuan?
Princess Qingfu cursed in her heart. She wasn't angry because her nominal daughter's engagement had been broken off, but because Cheng Yujin's engagement had caused such a big commotion. If the engagement was broken off now, wouldn't she lose face?
Princess Qingfu was angry, but she had to admit that Huo Changyuan was indeed a good son-in-law. Looking at the capital, the young masters of other noble manors had just moved out of the inner courtyard at Huo Changyuan's age and were waiting for their parents to help them obtain official positions. There were very few people like Huo Changyuan, who had performed meritorious deeds and been conferred the title of marquis.
Huo Changyuan's father, the old Marquis Jingyong, had died in the ninth year of Jianwu. At that time, the Huo family had gotten into some trouble. The subordinates guessed at Yang Shoufu's intentions and used Heir Huo Changyuan's young age as an excuse to prevent Huo Changyuan from inheriting the title. During that time, Marquis Jingyong was an empty shell. It had the name of the Marquis Household, but there was no one in charge. Everyone could step on it.
The Huxue Clan was widowed at a young age, and they were bullied like this. She gritted her teeth and refused to bow down. She stubbornly raised her seven-year-old son. Fortunately, Huo Changyuan did not let him down. When he turned 16, 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 Huxue Clan and went to the battlefield at the age of 17.
Coincidentally, in the same year, the Xue family case, which had accumulated for many years, was cleared. The Huo family smelled the scent and tentatively sent a memorial to the palace asking for a seal. Although there was no news, the memorial was not returned. The Huxue Clan was overjoyed. They knew that their son's inheritance of the title was most likely going to happen.
Huo Changyuan himself was also a ruthless person. In his second year in the army, he achieved the greatest merit on the battlefield and officially entered the public eye. After that, he won several consecutive battles. When the Emperor heard the news, he was overjoyed and personally received Huo Changyuan at the celebration banquet. When the Emperor saw that Huo Changyuan was young, he was curious and asked why he wanted to join the army. Huo Zhangyuan told the Emperor about his widowed mother. The Emperor didn't know what to do, but after listening for a long time, he finally sighed and said, "The hearts of all parents in the world are pitiful. My Crown Prince has been lost for twelve years. If he were still alive, he would be about your age. "
When the Emperor asked about Huo Changyuan's age, he became even more sorrowful. "He's only 18. He's even younger than you by a year. You have your mother's protection, and yet you're still like this. He's alone outside, wandering among the common people. 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 silent that one could hear a pin drop. In the end, Yang Shoufu raised his cup, and everyone took the opportunity to lift the atmosphere again.
No one dared to interfere in the internal affairs of the palace. However, after the Emperor asked that question, officials 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. Soon, the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Clan Court said that it was a small official's negligence. In October, they sent Huo Changyuan an iron certificate and an imperial letter.
He became a marquis at the age of 18 and relied on himself to gain the recognition of the Emperor. He also had outstanding achievements in the military. Huo Changyuan became an instant hit in the capital, and Marquis Jingyong also became the hottest 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's request to cancel the marriage was not false 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 were other noble young ladies who would fight to marry him.
From the beginning, the marriage between Cheng Yujin and Huo Changyuan had been won by 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. She heard that even Huo Changyuan had come. If they did not let go, it would be too shameful. For a moment, Princess Qingfu did not know what to do. She secretly complained in her heart. She had already sent a servant girl to inform Old Lady Cheng. 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 is here."
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 Madam is here."
Although the Huxue Clan stood up, they were not very respectful. Her son was Marquis and she was now the Old Madam. In terms of seniority, she was older than Marquis Yichun. However, seeing that 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 approached, 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 last. 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 their disdain. Instead, they smiled and said to Old Lady Cheng, "Long time no see, Old Lady. How is Madam's health these days?"
Old Lady Cheng's expression was calm as she said, "Thank you for your concern, Old Lady Huo. My body is still healthy."
"The weather is cold and dry these days. Old Lady, you must be careful of your internal heat."
"Thank you for your reminder." Old Lady Cheng smiled in response. She suddenly changed the topic and said, "I have become more and more muddle-headed in recent years. Usually, it is thanks to the filial piety of my granddaughters, especially the Eldest Young Lady. I don't want to boast, but I watched the Eldest Young Lady grow up with my own eyes. Usually, she was well-behaved and good at needlework. Which of the ladies who came to visit didn't praise my granddaughter when they saw her? I doted on her the most since she was young. In recent years, my health has become worse and worse. I am waiting to see her settle down and fulfill her wish. "
The Huxue Clan's smile was a bit faint as she 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, marriage is not something that can be agreed upon even if you are good. If Yuan 'er is not willing, then … as his mother, I can't do anything. "
Old Lady Cheng's expression did not change as she said, "Agreed? What do you mean agreed? Life is not a matter of looking at flowers on horseback. Marriage is a matter of having two surnames. What is important is that the two families are of equal social status. How can a decision be made based on a momentary liking? Young people are hot-headed and always think about love and relationships. This is taking in a concubine, not a wife. Marquis Huo is also here today, right? I 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 be destroyed. The Huxue Clan was also suppressed by Old Lady Cheng's imposing manner. They could only turn their faces away and say, "Go and invite the Eldest Young Master here."
Huo Changyuan was indeed at the Marquis of Yichun today. When he learned the truth about Xue Ye yesterday, he was shocked and astonished and did not sleep the entire night. When the sun rose, 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 find 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 anything else. 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 Young Master Cheng.
Early in the morning, the Cheng Family's Eldest Young Master, Cheng Yuan-hsien, had just come out of his beautiful concubine's room. His mind was still in a gentle state when he saw his future son-in-law come looking for him. He even said that he wanted to break off the engagement. It was easy to 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 be avoided. 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. For the time being, as an elder, I would like to ask you a few questions. Is that alright? "
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 bind him 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 used her eyes to suppress Cheng Yuan-hsien 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 had 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 actually lie to him! How could such a beautiful woman 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 as if he was about to hit him. He said word by word without hesitation, "There is no reason. Your family's eldest daughter may be really 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 she entered, she did not pay attention to Huo Changyuan. Instead, she first greeted the elders, "Yujin pays respect to grandmother. Father and mother are 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 a cliff. She was noble and beautiful.
However, as soon as she finished speaking, without waiting for anyone to respond, Cheng Yujin 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 mountain villa. This is the first reason. After being rescued, it was you who rushed to propose marriage with 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, it is unrighteousness. Second, it is disbelief. Third, it is shame. You are such an unrighteous and unfilial person. 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 things clear to Marquis Jingyong. I, Cheng Yujin, am ashamed of Marquis Jingyong's character. Therefore, I will cancel the engagement with Marquis Jingyong. "
The people in the main hall stood there in a daze. They could not react to what Cheng Yujin was doing. Since ancient times, there had only been cases of husbands divorcing their wives and the men breaking off the engagement. When had the woman 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 an illustrious 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 an unrighteous thing, then the Cheng Family is not afraid of you. Marquis Huo, you are doomed to destruction if you continue to be unjust. You're 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 kind of evil woman actually made a false accusation. However, Huo Changyuan thought about it again. He was a man. He could not bicker with a weak woman. After all, she was Mo'er's older sister. For Mo'er's sake, he would let her take advantage of him verbally.
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, I won't argue with you on this matter because you're a woman. I hope you'll keep your word and cancel the engagement as soon as possible. "
"Marquis Jingyong actually looks down on women?" 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, it's 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 neither too long nor 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. It took a long time for them to regain their senses.
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 take it anymore. He grabbed Cheng Yujin's arm and said, "Stop!"
Cheng Yujin couldn't take 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. As a result, 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 from the slap, but it didn't disfigure this scum. Otherwise, his career would be ruined.
Cheng Yujin felt very regretful. Huo Changyuan touched the corner of his mouth in disbelief. He was furious, but he knew his manners and didn't hit back. He looked coldly at Cheng Yujin and said, "What, you're not pretending anymore?"
"What's there to pretend about? I'm the Marquis of Yichun. I've been praised for being dignified and quiet for many years. I can't even bear to step on an ant. Marquis Huo, you should be careful when you walk. The next time you bump into a rock, be careful not to cut your face and ruin your career for the rest of your life. "
"You …" Huo Changyuan was furious. He frowned at Cheng Yujin. He couldn't believe that there was such a woman in the world. He said angrily, "Fishing for compliments, hypocritical and pretentious. Who would marry a vicious woman like you in the future? It's a waste of your beautiful skin. "
Cheng Yujin laughed, "Thank you for your praise, Marquis. Marquis, haven't you heard that the more beautiful a woman is, the more deceitful she is? Do you think that all the women in the world are like your Little Sister Mo, innocent, kind, weak, and easy to bully? "
Cheng Yujin rolled her eyes. She didn't hide her disdain for Huo Changyuan, "I'm afraid you're an idiot."
"You!"
Cheng Yujin didn't want to look at this idiot again. She turned around coldly and suddenly saw a group of people standing not far away.
Cheng Yujin and Huo Changyuan happened to be blocking the only way out. The people stopped there. She didn't know how long they had been listening.
Cheng Yujin screamed in her heart that she had miscalculated. In the blink of an eye, she put on a dignified and beautiful smile. Her eyes quickly sized up the group of people. They appeared in the inner courtyard of the Cheng Family early in the morning without anyone to guide them. They must be relatives of the Cheng Family. The person in the lead was dressed in red with a black cloak. An official's pouch hung from his waist. His posture was tall and straight like a pine tree.
Cheng Yujin originally thought that this was her own family. If it was a relative of the Cheng Family, then her little overstep just now wouldn't be a big deal. But when she saw this man, she couldn't be sure of her guess.
To be able to dress in red, he must be an official of the imperial court. Moreover, his rank wasn't low. The wind in the morning lifted the snow in the night. His white hair made it difficult to see his appearance clearly. However, she was sure that he wasn't old.
Was there such a person in the Cheng Family who held a high position at such a young age?
The attendant beside the man coughed and deliberately said loudly, "Ninth Masters, Old Marquis is still waiting for you."
Ninth Masters?
Cheng Yujin suddenly realized. So it was him! The other party seemed to have had enough. He slowly walked over with many retainers. His eyes didn't even leave Cheng Yujin's body. Cheng Yujin had always been able to keep up appearances. She took a step back and made way. She turned her wrist slightly and performed a standard blessed bow, "Ninth Uncle, blessed."
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