Chapter 37 : why did you agree to the marriage?

The Wanyan family looked at each other in confusion.

It was already past the hour, with the sun shining brightly. Outside the hall, the winter sunlight was a rare warmth. The courtyard had a thin layer of undisturbed snow, sparkling under the sunlight. Inside the hall, a warming lamp was burning, and a few pieces of dried tangerine peel were placed on the cover, filling the room with a sweet, warm fragrance.

Cui Yunzhao noticed this and couldn’t help but feel a bit more relaxed.

But as her demeanor grew more relaxed, the Wanyan family became more resolute and prepared.

Originally, they had thought that this Cui family woman was no different from other high-born ladies benevolent yet detached, likely to ignore family matters and show disdain. Or perhaps they believed that Cui Yunzhao’s dissatisfaction was only because they were trying to take her dowry.

But dissatisfaction was only dissatisfaction.

They knew that Huo Zhan had merely been fortunate, rising step by step to the position of governor. They were well aware that the women in his family,Old Lady Zhao, Lin Xiu Gu, and Huo Xinzhi were easy to deal with.

In short, they were all quite easy to bully.

So the Wanyan family had come to the Huo household with a high degree of confidence.

And because of this, they hadn’t discussed beforehand how to handle the situation.

In the past, when bullying families without any strong backing, they usually intimidated and then softened, and it had always been successful.

Over time, this had become a habit. But now, Cui Yunzhao was not playing by the rules. She used her own methods to directly turn the situation around.

Threats and intimidation were useless, Cui Yunzhao was intent on negotiating according to principles.

However, since they were already here and the matter had escalated, with the Wanyan family and Huo family’s already strained relationship, they had no intention of backing down.

Moreover, they had strong confidence in their position.

After all, Huo Xinzhi had indeed hit someone, and it was a child from her former husband’s family. And now, Huo Tan needed a good reputation more than anything.

Thinking of this, Wanyan Shan glanced at Mrs. Jin, who in turn looked at Old Lady Zhao.

Old Lady Zhao, with her eyes on her nose and her nose on her heart, wore a stern face, clearly calculating the gains and losses in her mind.

Cui Yunzhao gave a light laugh, “We’re quite busy at home, and I have many matters to attend to. If your esteemed house cannot make a decision, we may not have the time to deliberate today.”

“After all, if your young master’s legs recover in a few days, there will be no evidence left.”

Cui Yunzhao’s voice was very gentle, but her words were startling.

“Without evidence, it would be slander and framing. As someone who values education and propriety, I have read the ‘Zhou Legal Code’ in the past. Let me think, how is framing defined and punished?”

Cui Yunzhao started off with great courtesy, her words and smiles giving an impression of friendliness.

The Wanyan family, who had always dealt with military families, had no idea what a high-born lady was like. Now, hearing every word from Cui Yunzhao, they knew that today’s matter wouldn’t end easily.

However, if it wouldn’t end easily, they certainly couldn’t leave empty-handed.

Old Lady Zhao’s expression darkened. She gave Cui Yunzhao a cold glance before addressing Mrs. Jin, “Head of the household, you speak.”

Mrs. Jin’s eyes flickered with a hint of satisfaction. Ignoring Wanyan Shan’s grim face, she straightened her posture and looked directly at Cui Yunzhao.

“As for our family, I will speak. Ninth Miss, now that there are both witnesses and evidence, what more do you have to say?”

Mrs. Jin was quite astute, directly defining the situation, clearly unwilling to waste any more words or give the other side any opportunity.

Cui Yunzhao, however, smiled.

She suddenly turned her attention to Huo Chengpu.

“Twelfth Young Master, are you willing to stand up?”

Cui Yunzhao understood that a child faces many challenges as they grow. Huo Chengpu, having lost his father at a young age and with poor health, had few playmates. His experiences at Zhang’s martial arts school, coupled with bullying, made it very difficult for him to become a man of strength and honor.

Old shadows always loomed over him, and his ongoing illness made him increasingly weak.

He might live out his days in darkness, suffering painfully and feeling powerless.

But now, Cui Yunzhao did not want him to remain so shrinking and helpless.

Look at Lin Xiu Gu, look at Huo Xinzhi, there was no useless person in the Huo family.

Huo Chengpu should not be one of them either.

From the start of the incident, Huo Chengpu should have been mentally prepared. He had been standing behind Cui Yunzhao, clenching his fists, biting his lips, and watching everything with the eyes of a child.

He saw his elder sister’s fear, his mother’s tears, and his elder brother’s anger.

All because of him.

If he were not so weak and incapable, he wouldn’t have invited trouble into their home, forcing his sister to face these dangers.

He felt anger and resentment, but also continued fear.

He had grown accustomed to fear and silence, fleeing from challenges.

What could he do? He didn’t know. But now, his elder sister was offering him another path.

She had pulled him from the mire, found him a good teacher and school.

And now, she was guiding him onto another path.

Perhaps it was a path full of thorns, but at this moment, Huo Chengpu felt a sudden reduction in his fear.

He didn’t want his mother to cry anymore, didn’t want his elder sister to live in such pain, and didn’t want to rely on his elder brother or second brother for everything.

He was also a man of the family.

He should uphold the family.

Huo Chengpu instinctively lifted his head, looking at Cui Yunzhao with eyes full of hope.

He still didn’t speak, but Cui Yunzhao had already found the answer in his gaze.

Cui Yunzhao felt completely reassured.

She suddenly smiled, her smile as warm and gentle as a spring breeze in March.

But as she turned her gaze back, her eyes were once again covered in the frost and snow of winter.

“Twelfth Young Master, come forward and show them.”

Huo Chengpu ignored his worried brother, Huo Chenzhang, and walked step by step to the center of the hall.

The bright morning sunlight streamed into the room, casting starry, shimmering patches of light on Huo Chengpu’s toes.

Huo Chengpu quietly looked at the sky for a moment, his gaze landing on Wanyan Cong, who was standing at the door with his head bowed and silent.

Huo Chengpu had once thought Wanyan Cong was tall and that he could never compete with him. But now, he felt he was nothing but a fool.

He was the real useless one.

When faced with problems, he was only a burden to his family, relying on the elders to stand up for him.

He wasn’t so terrifying after all.

Huo Chengpu stood there, his small face still expressionless, his lips tightly pressed together, showing signs of nervousness.

Lin Xiu Gu sat behind her son, watching his tender shoulders with tears welling up in her eyes.

She didn’t know why, but she felt her younger son was different now.

Huo Chengpu remained silent. He suddenly reached out and unfastened his belt.

The visit from the Wanyan family was so hasty that Huo Chengpu hadn’t had time to dress properly, he had only put on a simple short coat.

He undid his belt and removed the short coat, revealing a clean, white undergarment.

Mrs. Jin’s heart sank instantly.

She suddenly said sternly, “Huo Twelfth Young Master, what are you doing? In broad daylight, stripping in front of others, this is extremely unruly and disgraceful.”

Cui Yunzhao almost applauded her.

To use such terms, she wasn’t an ordinary person.

Huo Chengpu’s courage, previously bolstered, diminished somewhat under Mrs. Jin’s scolding.

His hands were stiff as he clung to his collar, standing there, somewhat at a loss.

After all, he was still a child, and Cui Yunzhao was already very gratified by his efforts.

She looked at Huo Chengpu with approval, then softly said, “Our Twelfth Young Master is only eight years old. Mrs. Jin, surely you wouldn’t expect even an eight-year-old child to adhere to strict etiquette and rules?”

“Moreover, you constantly speak of evidence and claim that Wanyan Cong was injured, but you’ve never shown us the injury. I am a person who values reason.”

Cui Yunzhao narrowed her eyes and said, “Since we need to clarify this matter, let’s start from the beginning. Twelfth Young Master, continue.”

Cui Yunzhao’s voice was always gentle, clear and melodious, like the trickling of a brook, pleasant to the ears.

Huo Chengpu was actually comforted by her voice. After a moment, he gritted his teeth and removed the last piece of his undergarment.

As he took it off, his thin, emaciated body and the bruises and injuries on his arms, waist, and back were exposed.

Huo Chengpu, understanding the situation, even turned around to show everyone clearly.

Cui Yunzhao saw his tense face and tightly pressed lips, offered him an encouraging glance, and said softly, “That’s enough, Twelfth Young Master. You did very well.”

Huo Chengpu’s gaze suddenly fell on Cui Yunzhao’s face, and he gave a shy smile.

His innocent and pure smile seemed to release him from the burdens he had been carrying, allowing him to finally feel the warmth of the sunlight outside.

So warm, so comforting, and his heart felt at ease.

Huo Chengpu put on his clothes and, step by step, returned to Cui Yunzhao’s side.

Cui Yunzhao smiled at him again and then raised an eyebrow as she looked at the Wanyan family.

“Today was actually quite fortuitous. We intended to visit your residence to discuss this matter. Since you’ve come to us first and even attempted to turn the tables, this issue must be clarified thoroughly.”

Cui Yunzhao’s gaze turned to Mrs. Jin, her eyes carrying a chilling coldness that made one shiver.

“Our Twelfth Young Master has been frail since childhood. As he grew older, he accompanied Eleventh Young Master to the Zhang family’s martial arts school. He was honest, obedient, and young, and so he was well-liked by the teachers and other students.”

Cui Yunzhao had already asked Huo Chengzhang about these matters, and he had been very clear.

Cui Yunzhao continued, “It’s a pity that some people are simply intolerant of a child.”

She emphasized each word, “Wanyan Cong from your family is now twelve, right? He should be four years older than Twelfth Young Master. I hadn’t seen him before, but now that I do, I understand why Twelfth Young Master fears you.”

“You use your age and height to bully a child weaker than you. Wanyan Cong, aren’t you ashamed?”

Cui Yunzhao completely ignored Mrs. Jin and paid no attention to Wanyan Shan’s suddenly changed expression. She pressed on relentlessly, throwing all her questions at Wanyan Cong.

Wanyan Cong was sweating profusely. He instinctively took a step back, but his injured right leg couldn’t support him, and he fell to the ground with a thud.

It was a pitiful and shameful sight.

Wanyan Shan’s face changed abruptly, and he shouted harshly, “Cui Madam!”

Cui Yunzhao didn’t even glance at him. She continued to press Wanyan Cong.

“You claim to be avenging your deceased cousin and blaming Twelfth Young Master’s sister for his death. But you know in your heart,” Cui Yunzhao’s tone was icy, each word piercing into Wanyan Cong’s heart, “You know very well that you cannot bully someone stronger or more skilled than you, so you targeted the weakest among your classmates, shamelessly bullying him to satisfy your own twisted pleasure.”

“Wanyan Cong, you are truly despicable.”

Wanyan Cong’s face went pale instantly.

He instinctively took a step back, not daring to lift his head, completely stunned.

He had never expected that his deepest secret would be exposed.

Now, under the pressure from Cui Yunzhao, even though his elders had repeatedly cautioned him before he left, he no longer cared about anything else.

He instinctively began to defend himself.

“I’m not despicable, I’m not!” Wanyan Cong’s voice still held the innocence of youth, but his words were venomous, “So what if I hit him? If it weren’t for his sister, my cousin wouldn’t have died!”

“He deserved it!”

Both Mrs. Jin and Wanyan Shan shouted in unison, “Shut up!”

But it was too late.

Wanyan Cong had already said everything he could and shouldn’t have said.

In that moment, the situation turned around.

The originally wronged party seeking an explanation had instantly become the initial bully. Especially since Wanyan Cong, frightened by Cui Yunzhao, had unintentionally spoken the truth, the Wanyan family’s authority had been completely undermined.

Mrs. Jin’s face turned grim. She glared fiercely at the useless Wanyan Cong and then looked up at Cui Yunzhao.

Mrs. Jin forced a stiff smile, “Young Master Cong is still a child, the words of a child are not to be taken seriously.”

“Heh.”

Cui Yunzhao suddenly laughed, but the sound was not pleasant, it was clearly mocking.

“Mrs. Jin, you’re being unreasonable. Didn’t you come here with Young Master Cong’s testimony as evidence? How is it…”

Cui Yunzhao lifted her eyelids and looked sharply at Mrs. Jin, “So, when your family benefits, the child’s words count, but when there are no benefits, the child’s words no longer count?”

“There’s no such thing in this world.”

Cui Yunzhao’s words shattered the last bit of illusion for the Wanyan family. Mrs. Jin opened her mouth but couldn’t figure out what to say.

Her family had always relied on their large numbers and experience, and they had never suffered a loss in Boling City over the years.

Today, they had hoped to take advantage of Huo Tan being away and use the evidence at hand. Even if they didn’t get the thirty acres of land, they could still extort some money.

But they never expected that the situation would reverse.

Mrs. Jin had never been defeated before, and Wanyan Shan was relatively young; both were momentarily at a loss, sitting there in silence.

Meanwhile, the Old Lady Zhao, sitting behind them, managed to maintain her composure.

Cui Yunzhao’s gaze slowly fell on the Old Lady Zhao. At this moment, Old Lady Zhao was also looking at her, seemingly trying to gauge how sharp she could be.

Cui Yunzhao, unfazed, maintained her poise, even smiling warmly at her.

Truly a noble lady, wise and composed, showing no signs of fear.

The Huo family would be hard to deal with in the future.

Old Lady Zhao’s heart sank. She withdrew her gaze and, after a moment, said, “Young Master Cong was injured and came here after taking medicine, which included something to relieve his pain. Consequently, it also affected his clarity of mind.”

“The words of someone whose mind is affected are not to be taken as evidence.”

Old Lady Zhao spoke slowly, “Your Twelfth Young Master was injured and beaten, but we don’t know where these injuries came from.”

She had quickly grasped the key point, thinking she was clearing Wanyan’s family of blame, but instead, she had fallen into Cui Yunzhao’s trap.

Cui Yunzhao had been waiting for this statement.

Upon hearing this, Cui Yunzhao sighed and said, “Our Twelfth Young Master is a good child. He never complains when wronged outside. If it weren’t for his elder brother noticing the injuries on him, we wouldn’t have known what had happened to him at the martial arts school.”

This was an excuse, and Huo Chenzhang lowered his head in shame.

Cui Yunzhao continued, “Even after discovering his injuries, he never revealed who harmed him, just to spare his elder sister’s feelings.”

Behind her, Huo Chengpu blinked and felt tears welling up in his eyes.

Many things he had never shared with his family were accurately guessed by his kind-hearted elder sister.

Opposite Cui Yunzhao, Huo Xinzhi had a somber expression, her withered hands tightly clutching her skirt, revealing her inner torment and struggle.

Cui Yunzhao went on, “Twelfth Young Master was bullied by the children of his elder sister’s former family. The reason for this bullying was that Wanyan Cong believed the death of his elder sister’s former husband was due to her. He sympathized with his sister and didn’t want her to face these things again, so he never mentioned his own suffering.”

“It’s laughable that there’s no familial affection at all. They are nothing but cowards who bully the weak and fear the strong. Otherwise, why would our two sons only bully the youngest, Twelfth Young Master, at the martial arts school?”

Cui Yunzhao turned her sharp gaze to Wanyan Cong, “Wanyan Cong, why didn’t you bully Eleventh Young Master? Isn’t Eleventh Young Master the younger brother of your elder sister?”

Wanyan Cong’s face turned ashen. With no one to help him, he collapsed onto the ground, twisted and helpless like a dead dog.

His eyes were vacant, sweat pouring down his face, and he no longer dared to say another word.

Cui Yunzhao suddenly turned to look at Huo Chengpu.

She didn’t say anything, but in that moment, Huo Chengpu completely understood the meaning in her eyes.

Elder sister was telling him: You see, that person is not scary, he’s just a coward who bullies the weak and fears the strong.

Cui Yunzhao withdrew her gaze and looked back at the Wanyan family.

She gave them no chance to recover, speaking directly, “Mrs. Zhao, Mrs. Jin, when Wanyan Cong bullied Twelfth Young Master, he did not avoid others.”

“We have already inquired at the martial arts school. Since Wanyan Cong had bullied Twelfth Young Master many times, almost all his classmates witnessed it, and even two martial arts instructors saw it.”

“Our witnesses and evidence are likely more numerous and accurate than yours.”

Cui Yunzhao, seemingly a bit dry-mouthed, took a sip of tea.

Today, due to the Wanyan family’s visit, the Huo family had not provided tea, and even the chairs were hastily arranged by Ping Shu, placed by the main door of the hall.

The noon sun was bright and warm, but the occasional winter breeze made them alternately hot and cold, very uncomfortable.

The Wanyan family had initially intended for a quick resolution, believing they had the upper hand. They hadn’t expected this turn of events, making their situation even more difficult.

The Wanyan family members had grim expressions.

Several aunts and older relatives who had followed along had lowered their heads, seemingly having decided not to get involved in the main family’s affairs.

After finishing her tea, Cui Yunzhao heard the Old Lady Zhao speak, “Alright, we can acknowledge that Young Master Cong did bully Twelfth Young Master. Since that’s the case, we won’t pursue the matter of your elder sister hitting Young Master Cong. Consider it settled.”

The Zhao matriarch was someone who could bend and stretch.

She clearly understood that they wouldn’t gain any advantage today, so she wanted to offset both sides and disregard the matter entirely.

Unable to gain anything, she didn’t want to be defeated here, allowing the other side to make unreasonable demands.

After speaking,Old Lady Zhao seemed ready to leave, saying, “I apologize on behalf of Young Master Cong. He is young and doesn’t understand much. I hope Twelfth Young Master and Madam Lin will not take it to heart.”

If it weren’t for the circumstances, Cui Yunzhao would have applauded the Old Lady Zhao.

However, with the Wanyan family coming here with extortionate intentions, Cui Yunzhao could never let them leave unscathed.

Just looking at the bruises on Twelfth Young Master’s body, Cui Yunzhao could not tolerate letting it go.

Hearing the Zhao matriarch’s words, Cui Yunzhao smiled lightly, “Old Lady Zhao, don’t be in a hurry. I haven’t finished speaking, and today’s matter isn’t over yet.”

Old Lady Zhao frowned and scolded, “Cui Madam, today you said your family is led by you, so I’ve been patient in discussing things with you. But for a junior to speak so to an elder is truly disrespectful.”

“If I were your grandmother, I would certainly discipline you properly.”

Though the Old Lady Zhao was becoming confused, she was still clear-headed enough to maintain the principle of not being extorted.

Now that the granddaughter-in-law has the ability to make the other party leave, she will stand by her side and protect her family’s property.

Old Madam Gu snorted, glancing at Old Madam Zhao with raised eyelids, “Your child is so cowardly and bullies the weak. The family discipline is lax. You should take care of your own household and stop meddling in ours.”

Cui Yunzhao nearly burst out laughing.

Old Madam Gu could really be sharp when she was angry.

Old Madam Zhao hadn’t expected her to be so unreasonable and almost lost her breath. She swayed a little and nearly fainted.

Madam Jin quickly got up to support her, helping her sit down to catch her breath before turning to look at Cui Yunzhao.

“Cui Madam, do you have anything else to say? You’re still young, so don’t learn those tactics of being unreasonable when you’re in the right. It’s unbecoming of someone from a prestigious family.”

Cui Yunzhao smiled, “So Madam Jin knows that our family is in the right?”

She set down her teacup and straightened her posture.

“Since that’s the case, let’s settle this directly.”

Cui Yunzhao said, “Based on the injuries on Twelfth Young Master, we can conclude that Wanyan Cong has beaten him no less than ten times. Considering your family’s face, let’s count it as ten times. As for the elder sister, who only beat Wanyan Cong once to seek justice for her brother, there is a difference of nine times. It’s unreasonable and unjust to offset these two.”

Cui Yunzhao continued, “Secondly, let’s talk about the death of the former brother-in-law.”

She raised her gaze and looked at the Wanyan family, “As far as I know, the former brother-in-law was also under General Lu. Being a military household, he started his military career at sixteen and was promoted to a unit leader in three years.”

Military ranks are strict, one starts as an ordinary soldier and slowly gets promoted based on military achievements.

In those three years, Wanyan Dawang was promoted from a soldier to a unit leader of twenty-five men, which was already quite impressive.

Of course, this couldn’t be compared to Huo Tan, who reached the rank of military envoy in just four years.

This level is significant as it marks a major change in status, so promotions slow down after reaching the rank of military envoy.

But that’s beside the point. Cui Yunzhao directly said, “When my elder sister and Wanyan Dawang were betrothed, her father had already passed away. But my family is a military household, and marrying into your family was a good match.”

“Two years ago, due to the war at Changting, Wanyan Dawang sacrificed himself for the country, ending this short marriage.”

“I want to ask, before the marriage, were the three letters and six rites performed? Were the marriage dates checked? Was a matchmaker consulted? Was it approved by your family?”

Cui Yunzhao’s tone became increasingly sharp.

“If that’s the case, why didn’t your family say my elder sister was a widow’s star at the time? If that was the case, why did you agree to the marriage?”

She paused for a moment, giving everyone a chance to breathe, then continued directly, “Could it be that your family was after my elder sister’s dowry?”

“Am I right?”