Chu Ruoyan couldn't help but laugh after hearing this: "Auntie, have you come to the wrong person? You should be pleading with Grandma Yan instead!"
Lady Xue shook her head tearfully: "No, no, I haven’t! My Lady, you don’t understand—my mother-in-law dotes on her grandson the most. If Chengwu begs her, she’ll surely agree… Given the state of the Feng family now, and that scheming little wretch’s intentions, letting her marry into our family would ruin Chengwu’s life! Please, My Lady, set aside past grievances and help me this once, for the sake of the Yan family!"
The earlier words were all nonsense, but the last line struck a chord with her.
If Feng Ying married into the family, she would become the eldest daughter-in-law of the Yan household’s second branch.
With that, the two families would inevitably interact, and who knew how much trouble would arise.
"Fine, let’s go take a look."
Delighted, Lady Xue immediately led her to Shou’an Hall.
Before they even entered, they heard Grandma Yan’s cane thundering against the floor: "Outrageous! What mother wouldn’t prioritize her own son? Chengwu, don’t worry—as long as I’m here, your marriage to the Feng girl is settled!"
Yan Chengwu was overjoyed, but Lady Xue hurriedly interjected, "Mother, wait!"
The Yan grandmother and grandson turned to look, their expressions stiffening when they saw Chu Ruoyan.
"What’s the meaning of this, Second Daughter-in-law?" Grandma Yan asked, side-eyeing Chu Ruoyan but not daring to openly criticize.
Lady Xue pretended not to notice and said, "Mother, Feng Ying is cunning and deceitful—she’s no good match for my son…"
"Mother!" Yan Chengwu cut in, "Ying’er fell for me at first sight! There’s no scheme here!"
Lady Xue paled. "'Ying’er'? You’ve met again?"
Yan Chengwu hesitated before admitting, "Yes… Two days ago, we ran into each other at Lucky Restaurant and had lunch together…"
Before he could finish, Lady Xue gasped sharply. "That was the day you didn’t return home, wasn’t it?"
"Yes…"
Slap!
With all her strength, Lady Xue struck him, her entire body trembling. "How—how could you?!"
No matter what, Feng Ying was still the only daughter of General Feng Huan of the Northern Garrison. If Feng Huan came knocking, could Yan Chengwu bear the consequences?
But the slap only fueled Yan Chengwu’s defiance. He jutted his chin out and shouted, "So what? Ying’er and I are deeply in love—we couldn’t help ourselves! She even said she doesn’t blame me, as long as I propose, she’ll marry me! If we’re going to be husband and wife anyway, what difference does it make if it’s sooner or later?"
Lady Xue was too furious to speak, and Chu Ruoyan was equally stunned.
Feng Ying was truly ruthless—to avoid marrying the heir of the Zou family, who was rendered impotent, she dared to force the issue like this. Now, the Yan family had no choice but to accept her!
Grandma Yan declared solemnly, "If that’s the case, then we must arrange the proposal immediately!"
Lady Xue cried out in protest, turning to Chu Ruoyan with pleading eyes. Before the latter could speak, Yan Lin suddenly strode in.
"Mother, Wife, this is joyous news! We must trouble Mother to personally visit the Feng family to show our sincerity!"
His words left Lady Xue stunned. "Husband, you didn’t say this before…"
"That was then, this is now! Wife, haven’t you heard? The northern border is unstable—His Majesty has reinstated General Feng Huan, and he’s returning to the frontier in three days!" Yan Lin grew more excited as he spoke. Feng Huan’s reinstatement meant the Emperor bore no grudge against the Feng family! Feng Huan was a second-rank official with only one daughter. With such in-laws, perhaps he could even gain political leverage!
Lady Xue grasped his implication but hesitated. "But… that Feng girl is no easy woman to handle…"
Yan Lin glared at her. "Once she’s married in, you’ll be her mother-in-law. If she steps out of line, discipline her properly. Don’t ruin such a fine match!"
Hearing this, Lady Xue fell silent. Yan Chengwu beamed. "Thank you, Father! Thank you!"
Watching the second branch’s jubilation, Chu Ruoyan shook her head inwardly and remarked, "Uncle and Aunt, have you truly thought this through? The Feng family mistreated their matriarch, then were confined for correction—hardly a promising future."
But Yan Lin scowled. "A woman’s shortsightedness! The Feng family’s internal affairs are trivial compared to matters of state! If the Emperor reinstated General Feng, it means the family is rising again. Chengwu’s marriage must not be delayed—Mother, please take the official matchmaker and visit the Fengs tomorrow to propose!"
Chu Ruoyan smiled faintly. "Very well. Then I wish Uncle’s family success and prosperity."
With that, she turned and left.
Still waiting for the Feng family’s rise?
At the upcoming royal hunt, Feng Ping and his second son Feng Shuo would stage a rebellion.
When the entire family was branded as traitors and executed, she wondered if they’d still be laughing.
That night, when Yan Zheng returned, Chu Ruoyan told him about the matter.
The man frowned slightly. "Ignore them. The three Yan branches are already divided—the second branch’s fate has nothing to do with us."
Chu Ruoyan had expected this response and sighed. "The second branch doesn’t concern us, but Grandma Yan is still here. If her son and grandson are implicated, will she stay silent? She’ll come begging to you…"
Yan Zheng smirked coldly. "She’s begged for more than one thing. Must I grant them all?" He took her hand, his dark eyes solemn. "Ah Yan, you needn’t humor her either. If she pushes too far, I’ll send her to Guardian Temple or Reclining Buddha Temple—whichever she prefers. I’ll ensure she lives in luxury, far more filial than the Fengs."
Chu Ruoyan knew he meant it, which only deepened her worry.
After the Feng matriarch’s scandal, not just the censors but scholars nationwide were watching closely. No official, whether in the capital or the provinces, dared exile their mothers now.
If the Chief Councillor himself did so, impeachment memorials would flood the Emperor’s study by morning.
"Enough, we’ll discuss this later… By the way, did you know Feng Huan is leaving?"
"I know. I arranged it."
Chu Ruoyan was startled. Yan Zheng continued calmly, "The Feng family only produced one decent man—no need for him to perish with them. When news of the northern barbarians’ movements arrived, I submitted it immediately. The Emperor asked for recommendations, the court suggested Feng Huan, and so he was reinstated smoothly."
Chu Ruoyan understood. "No wonder he’s leaving in three days—you timed it right before the royal hunt!"
Yan Zheng nodded. Noticing her silence, he asked, "What’s wrong?"
She hesitated before he guessed, "Worried about letting Feng Huan go? Don’t be. I’ve investigated him—he’s truly loyal. Besides, his only daughter is marrying out. The crimes of the family won’t extend to her. As long as Feng Ying lives, he won’t dare act recklessly."
Such meticulous consideration softened her heart further.
Yan Zheng was not a merciful man by nature.
Yet he went to such lengths—all because of his promise to her: to spare the innocent.
Moved, she tilted her head up and leaned closer.
