Chapter 5 – Part 2: Her Life Is Over 2

Concubine Yue sighed and said, “Yuru, I came today to tell you something. Today…” She hesitated. “…Today, the Gu family came to present betrothal gifts.”

Liu Yuru’s eyes widened in shock. Almost instantly, she understood what had happened! 

But a part of her still didn’t understand. The Gu family came to present the betrothal gifts? How could that be?!

Liu Yuru swayed. Yin Hong, flustered beside her, quickly lent support. She knew how ardently her mistress desired to marry Young Master Ye, how she waited for him day after day. How could… how could the Gu family have come to present betrothal gifts?

“Father,” Liu Yuru leaned on Yin Hong, her voice strained, “Father… what did he say?”

“Master has already agreed,” Concubine Yue said regretfully. 

Liu Yuru closed her eyes in pain.

Concubine Yue stood and took Liu Yuru’s hand gently. “Yuru, I know this is difficult for you. But your father is doing it for your own good.”

Liu Yuru trembled but said nothing.

Concubine Yue pulled her to sit and spoke earnestly. “Listen, when you were going to marry into the Ye family, your father had reservations. The Ye family is scholarly and adheres to strict rules. With our merchant background, others would likely look down on you.

“Moreover, Ye Shi’an has gone to take the imperial examination. His future is limitless. If he becomes an official in the Capital, he may have other opportunities. Should he become like Chen Shimei, you would be the discarded wife facing hardship.”

Concubine Yue’s sadness deepened. “And if you go to the Capital, the distance would make it difficult for your father to see you. Your father is…quite upset about that. Just then, the Gu family came to propose.

“Your father considered that, although Gu Jiusi is somewhat uncultured and unrestrained, the Gu family is wealthy and influential. Madam Gu’s brother holds a high position in the Capital, and Master Gu is the wealthiest man in Yangzhou. Meanwhile, Gu Jiusi lacks ambition and certainly won’t relocate to the Capital.

“You would remain in Yangzhou and enjoy a luxurious life. We’ve spoken with the Gu family—Master Gu and Madam Gu value you highly. In the future, you’ll be the principal wife, the mistress of the household. With your life in your hands, let Gu Jiusi indulge his temperament as he wishes.”

Liu Yuru remained silent. As Concubine Yue spoke, she had gradually regained her composure. She now realized what had transpired.

The Gu family had come to propose marriage. With their financial power, they must have promised a large sum.

Faced with such wealth, what did marrying off a daughter matter? What did offending the Ye family matter? Being able to grasp money in hand was the most important thing.

Why had Concubine Yue grounded her? Why did she become drowsy after eating breakfast this morning?

Those were all Concubine Yue’s scheme to settle this marriage. She was afraid Liu Yuru would make a scene, that she wouldn’t agree!

But how could she be willing?

Liu Yuru almost gnashed her teeth. She had waited so many years for Ye Shi’an. She had given all her life’s hopes to him.

In the end, she was told to marry Gu Jiusi?! This Gu Jiusi, whom all the young ladies from prominent families in Yangzhou City avoided, turning pale at the mention of his name, the one everyone cursed as a demon king?!

They said it was for her own good, that she could enjoy a life of luxury. If that were true, so be it. But what if that dream was true?

Now that the Youzhou Military Governor was Fan Xuan, if that dream was true, then by marrying Gu Jiusi, she would lose not only the stable lifetime she’s been yearning for but also her life!

She certainly wasn’t afraid of death, but if she died, what about her mother? Her mother only had her. A woman without a son always faced the risk of being cast aside in the family.

If she died, who would support her mother? Who would take care of her? 

Moreover, if she really died, could her mother still live on?

Thinking about this, Liu Yuru’s entire being turned cold.

Seeing Liu Yuru’s silence, Concubine Yue patted her hand and said gently, “Yuru, don’t think too much. If you marry into the Gu family, your mother will also live well. Not to mention other things, just your mother’s illness—the doctor said before that it needs to be maintained with precious medicinal ingredients.

“Our family doesn’t have the ability to find the medicine your mother needs, but if you marry into the Gu family, what rare treasures in the world can’t be found? Yuru,” Concubine Yue half advised, half threatened, her eyes seemingly full of worry, “think about your mother, hmm?”

Liu Yuru said nothing and opened her eyes. She suddenly became calm and quietly looked at Concubine Yue.

Being looked at by such a clear gaze, Concubine Yue suddenly felt a chill in her heart. She felt that Liu Yuru seemed to have seen through her, but dismissed the thought.

What could a fifteen-year-old girl understand?

Her worries disappeared in a flash. A moment later, she saw Liu Yuru lower her head and say with some sadness, “Can… can I discuss this with my mother?”

“Silly child,” Concubine Yue said gently, “your father has already decided, and the betrothal gifts have been accepted. Do you still have a way out? If you break off the engagement, Yuru, you’ll never find a family like the Gu family again.”

Concubine Yue wasn’t wrong about this point. If she really went to break off the engagement, in this life, she might only be able to marry down to poor scholars, butchers or peddlers.

Liu Yuru was silent for a moment and put on a resigned attitude. “Since Father and Concubine-Mother have already decided, then let it be. But the Ye family… there should be an explanation.”

Concubine Yue immediately said, “Don’t worry about this. I’ve already sent someone to tell Old Madam Ye. No one expected the Gu family to suddenly present betrothal gifts. They are wealthy and influential, and we don’t dare to offend them. Old Madam Ye will understand.”

Liu Yuru couldn’t say anything. Concubine Yue had schemed everything and didn’t leave her any room. At this moment, she really wanted to tear off Concubine Yue’s mask and perish together with her. However, reason restrained her.

She didn’t. Instead, she lowered her head with tears in her eyes and said in a hoarse voice, “Concubine-Mother has handled everything so thoroughly. Yuru is also at ease.”

With that said, she stood up and said softly, “Concubine-Mother, it’s time for my mother to take her medicine today. I’m worried and want to care for her. Is that alright?”

Concubine Yue was silent for a moment. Liu Yuru was going to marry into the Gu family after all. It was better not to make enemies if possible. Now that Liu Yuru appeared resigned, continuing to be a good concubine-mother would allow her to hook a big fish in the future.

So she said gently, “If you don’t mind the trouble, then go see her and take good care of your mother. Now that you’re engaged, we don’t need to put on a show for outsiders. The grounding order is lifted.”

“Thank you, Concubine-Mother.” After receiving permission, Liu Yuru thanked her profusely. 

Concubine Yue left with satisfaction.

Once she was gone, Liu Yuru raised her head. She clenched her fists, her expression cold.

“Miss…” Yin Hong said fearfully, “what do we do… what should we do?”

Liu Yuru didn’t say anything. She only said to Yin Hong, “Go call Yunyu from the outer courtyard and have her go find my mother with me.”

Yin Hong didn’t understand what Liu Yuru wanted to do but agreed and went down.

After Yin Hong left, Liu Yuru sat on the chair, clenched her teeth, and finally lowered her head, letting her tears flow freely.

It was over. 

She knew it clearly. 

No matter how much she took revenge, no matter how much she did, her life was already over.