Leaving the Yu residence, Xiao Anlan didn’t feel as relieved as he had expected. His mind was preoccupied with the image of Miss Yu, initially shy but later pale and flustered because of his words.

Frowning, he tugged at his tie, feeling inexplicably irritated.

The driver approached and asked, “Young Master, shall we head home?”

Xiao Anlan climbed into the car, paused for a moment, and then said, “To Wanchang Hotel.”

He wasn’t ready to face his mother’s questions at home.

Back at the Yu residence, Madam Yu, after a crying session, had Han Qing help Wanru to her room to rest. She then washed her face and went to find Master Yu, relaying their daughter’s words.

As she spoke, tears welled up again. “What should we do?”

Master Yu remained silent for a long time before letting out a heavy sigh. “Wanru is right. If Young Master Xiao is unwilling, we can’t force it.”

“But… should we just let the Sun family…” Madam Yu choked, “Everyone knows what a scoundrel Sun Er is. If Wanru ends up with him, what kind of life would she have? I’d rather jump into the Li River with her than let that happen!”

Master Yu stood up, wiping her tears gently. “Don’t say such things. If Wanru hears that, she might have the wrong idea.”

Sniffling, Madam Yu asked, “Then what should we do?”

Master Yu sat back down, deep in thought. After a long pause, he suddenly said, “The Xiao family has more than one son.”

Madam Yu quickly caught on, “You mean the second young master of the Xiao family? But… he’s the son of a concubine.”

Master Yu replied, “I’ve met the second young master of the Xiao family. Though his background isn’t ideal, he’s been diligent and hardworking since childhood. Now, he’s made a name for himself at a foreign firm. He’s a capable young man. Plus, he’s well-mannered and good-looking. Pairing him with Wanru wouldn’t be a disgrace.”

Madam Yu slowly stopped crying and nodded. “Now that you mention it, I remember hearing about the Xiao family’s situation from other ladies. Madam Xiao is known to be kind and fair, treating all the children equally, regardless of their mother’s status. The siblings get along well, without any discord. Even among the concubines, there’s harmony. The Xiao family has always been praised for their family values.”

Master Yu nodded and added, “The current situation is urgent, and we can’t afford to be too picky. Without forming an alliance with the Xiao family, there’s no one else in the city capable of standing up to the Sun family. I’m afraid the Sun family won’t give up easily.”

Madam Yu remained silent for a long while before sighing. “Even if he’s the son of a concubine, as long as he’s ambitious and treats our Wanru well, I have no complaints. But… Master, do you think the Xiao family will agree to swap the engagement to the second young master?”

“This situation is Xiao’s fault to begin with. Technically, we shouldn’t push too hard. But for Wanru’s sake, I’m willing to put aside my pride. I’ll head to the Xiao residence shortly to demand a clear answer.”

Madam Yu thought for a moment and said, “Let me go instead. If we’re seeking an alliance, we can’t be too forceful, or we’ll end up turning friends into enemies. I’ll visit Madam Xiao first to test the waters.”

“Very well,” Master Yu agreed. “Don’t mention anything to Wanru for now. That child is straightforward; if she knows our plan, she might not easily agree.”

“I understand,” Madam Yu nodded. She sat in a daze for a moment before ordering someone to send a message to the Xiao family and returned to her room to prepare and dress.

Meanwhile, Han Qing looked at her mistress’s red eyes, feeling both heartache and anger. “I thought that Xiao young master was a good man, but he’s just a treacherous villain!”

After washing her face and reapplying makeup, Wanru appeared calm, though her eyes still held a trace of redness at the corners.

She shook her head and said, “The engagement was arranged by the elders. Young Master Xiao was unaware of the situation, and he embraces modern ideas different from ours. We can’t blame him.”

“Miss, you’re still defending him! I think he’s just a big scoundrel!” Han Qing stomped her foot in anger.

Seeing Han Qing act like a little firecracker, refusing to accept any other viewpoint, Wanru could only smile and agree, “Yes, yes, you’re right.”

Han Qing quickly deflated, her face worried. “Miss, if the Xiao family refuses the engagement, what will we do?”

Wanru lowered her head, gently turning the handle of her fan in her hand. “At worst, I’ll marry into the Sun family.”

“But the Sun family—”

Han Qing was about to recount the Sun family’s numerous misdeeds when Wanru interrupted, “Is someone outside selling green bean ice? I’m thirsty. Go buy two portions.”

Han Qing listened carefully and indeed heard a vendor outside the back wall. She quickly grabbed two bowls from the kitchen and a few copper coins before running to the back door.

Once Han Qing left, Wanru let out a gentle sigh.

If she truly had to marry into the Sun family, what use would it be to discuss their faults now? It would only add to the sorrow.

….

That night, when Xiao Anlan returned home, he found the living room still lit, with Madam Xiao sitting on the sofa, arms crossed, waiting for him.

Seeing this, Xiao Anlan hesitated for a moment before removing his suit and draping it over the back of a chair. “Mother, why are you still awake?”

Madam Xiao smiled knowingly, “How could I sleep when the esteemed Xiao young master hasn’t returned?”

Xiao Anlan replied, “Who upset you this time?”

“You tell me. Do I need to remind you of your actions?”

Xiao Anlan immediately recalled the events at the Yu residence earlier that day and frowned slightly. “You know about it?”

Madam Xiao scoffed, “Your good deeds were bound to reach me. You speak sweetly to appease me, but turn around and pull a stunt like this. If Madam Yu hadn’t come to visit, how long were you planning to keep it a secret?”

Xiao Anlan’s interest was piqued. “What did the Yu family say? Did they agree?”

Madam Xiao almost sneered, “What choice did they have? Do you think you’re some kind of prized catch? Madam Yu told me that since you don’t like Wanru, then so be it.”

“They agreed?”

Xiao Anlan sank into the sofa, surprised at how smoothly things went, though he felt no relief or satisfaction.

Madam Xiao added, “But the engagement arranged by the elders can’t be canceled. Since you refuse, we’ll switch the groom to Anze.”

“What do you mean?” Xiao Anlan was taken aback.

Madam Xiao sipped her tea, “Just what I said. From now on, you don’t need to worry about it. Anze will take your place, and you can live as freely as you like.”

Xiao Anlan frowned, “Is this the Yu family’s idea, or yours?”

“Does it matter whose idea it is? The engagement is set, and Wanru will be my daughter-in-law.”

After a brief silence, Xiao Anlan thought of the shy girl and asked, “Does Miss Yu agree?”

Madam Xiao glanced at him, “Wanru didn’t come today, so I don’t know her thoughts. But she’s a dutiful child and won’t likely go against her parents’ wishes.”

Feeling a complex mix of emotions, Xiao Anlan pressed on, “Mother, integrity and filial piety are indeed important. But in this situation, even if the engagement is called off, no one would fault us. Must we sacrifice two people’s lives for appearances?”

Madam Xiao looked at him, her maternal concern evident, and sighed, “You don’t understand. The Yu family is scholarly, proud, and principled. Had they another option, do you think they’d cling to us? If they heard even a hint of reluctance on your part, they’d end it immediately to spare you from embarrassment.”

“What happened?” Xiao Anlan’s expression grew serious.

“It’s the Sun family again,” Madam Xiao said with a mix of disdain and disgust.

The Sun family had a terrible reputation in Liucheng, mostly due to the notorious second son, Sun Er. A lazy and troublemaking individual, his family’s influence grew significantly after his sister married a military leader in the provincial capital. Last year, he forcibly took a female student as a concubine, leading to her tragic suicide the next day. The ensuing scandal was only suppressed after the family paid off the victim’s relatives and sent Sun Er to the provincial capital temporarily.

Now, he had his eyes set on Yu Wanru. Despite his prior disgrace, he openly proposed marriage to the Yu family, only to be firmly rejected by Master Yu. Enraged by the refusal, he retaliated by sabotaging the Yu family’s businesses and declaring that anyone marrying Yu Wanru would be making an enemy of the Sun family.

“Given the Sun family’s backing, the Yu family had no choice but to seek our help. If not for this predicament, they wouldn’t have clung to us,” Madam Xiao concluded, her voice filled with emotion.

Xiao Anlan sat in silence, his emotions unreadable in the dim light.

Madam Xiao sighed, “Well, pairing Wanru with Anze seems fitting. He’s gentle, and she’s graceful—a perfect match.”

She moved to head upstairs, but Xiao Anlan suddenly asked, “Have you discussed this with Anze?”

“Not yet. I have to first communicate with his mother.”

“Are you sure Anze will agree?”

Madam Xiao turned to glance at him and said, “Anze is a filial child.”

The implication of this statement was that as long as Madam Xiao spoke up, no matter what Xiao Anze thought in his heart, he would agree.

If Xiao Anlan chose to remain silent now, then after tonight, this marriage would be completely unrelated to him, and the pressure of the marriage would shift to his second brother.

And wasn’t that exactly what he wanted?

Madam Xiao held onto the wooden railing as she walked up the stairs, with a crystal chandelier hanging down from the top floor, the huge crystals reflecting colorful lights around her.

Suddenly, Xiao Anlan called out to her, “Since it hasn’t been mentioned yet, there’s no need to tell the second mistress.”