Chapter Twenty: The Marriage Arrangement

Shen Zhiyuan’s eyes flickered with a trace of disdain upon hearing the words. Yet before he could speak, Su Yanshu interrupted.

“Someone, take the dog away and bury it. Clean the courtyard,” Su Yanshu said, looking at Yu Shengsheng, “You rest in the courtyard.”

Then he added, “Don’t go anywhere.”

Yu Shengsheng’s soul had yet to fully return; she stepped forward, her voice cold, “Second Young Master, the heir’s matchmaking has nothing to do with me.”

Chilled to the bone, the last flicker of warmth in her heart was rapidly draining after hearing Shen Zhiyuan’s words. For her, escaping the Su family with Granny Wu and her grandson and spending the rest of her life with her beloved was the belief that sustained her through all hardships.

But if the Su family intended to marry her off to someone else, she would have no way out.

She needed an answer.

Unaware of this, Su Yanshu’s mind was in turmoil; he wished to quickly settle matters here and then consult Madam Su.

Yet Yu Shengsheng pressed him with questions.

He lowered his gaze, eyes cold and devoid of warmth. “What’s wrong? In such a hurry to leave the Su family?”

Yu Shengsheng was about to reply when Granny Zhou stepped forward. “Miss, you must be exhausted after keeping vigil all night. This old servant will accompany you to rest.”

Jin Baobao glanced at the large dog, then shielded Yu Shengsheng as they returned inside.

Su Zhiyi sighed softly, “My sister is estranged from us. No matter how much she resents us, she should not use such a lifelong matter to hurt Second Brother’s heart.”

Su Yanshu’s irritation deepened. “Yi, let Zhiyuan escort you back. I’ll go see Mother.”

Su Zhiyi lowered her eyes, concealing the hatred within—when had Su Yanshu ever left her behind, letting Shen Zhiyuan take her home?

All because of Yu Shengsheng.

Su Yanshu went to see Madam Su, who was having someone prepare snacks.

“You’ve come just in time. I’m about to visit Shengsheng. Come with me.”

His eyes flicked over the delicate treats. “Mother, have you arranged Shengsheng’s marriage?”

Madam Su’s smile stiffened slightly, her gaze drifting away awkwardly. “I have no say in this matter either.”

“Mother, you can’t hide it from me. Tell me the truth.”

Su Yanshu’s tone faltered momentarily. “She was sent home not because of etiquette lessons, but because of this marriage?”

Madam Su glanced at him, hesitating before sitting down.

“Mother!”

Madam Su quickly looked up at him but avoided his eyes, sighing helplessly.

“You’ve been clever and perceptive since childhood. Nothing can be hidden from you.”

“Yes, Shengsheng’s return is indeed connected to her marriage.”

Su Yanshu’s brow furrowed, frost slowly crystallizing in his eyes. “Marry her off to Kong Dezhao?”

Madam Su remained silent.

His voice barely concealed his anger. “Mother, you know very well what kind of people the Kong family are!”

“I know,” Madam Su’s eyes reddened, “But what good does that do? Would a mother like me agree to it?”

“But this is not up to me,” Madam Su wiped away tears, “I can only… try to care for Shengsheng more and prepare a generous dowry for her.”

Before she finished, Su Yanshu interrupted sternly, “You can’t decide this because of Grandmother’s wishes?”

Madam Su said nothing, her silence an unspoken affirmation.

“I’ll go find Grandmother.”

Turning on his heel, Su Yanshu left without looking back, though Madam Su called after him.

The matriarch had just finished her meal and was drinking tea. Hearing of Su Yanshu’s arrival, her mood brightened somewhat.

Among her grandchildren, Su Yanshu was her favorite.

Her son and eldest grandson were generals, often mocked for their roughness, but Su Yanshu was different—a refined exception grown from rough stock.

Gifted in literature and grace, a companion to the crown prince, he was the pride of the Su family.

If the crown prince ascended smoothly, Su Yanshu was likely to become the youngest cabinet minister.

“Quick, prepare the tea Yanshu likes.”

Su Yanshu entered, saluted, and got straight to the point. “Grandmother, Shengsheng’s marriage…”

The matriarch’s smile stiffened. “What? She still longs for the Shen family? To have you speak on her behalf is quite something. But this is impossible. Her marriage has already been arranged.”

“Is it Kong Dezhao?” Su Yanshu pressed.

She sipped her tea, then lifted her eyes. “You might as well know.”

Su Yanshu’s voice grew urgent. “Grandmother, we all know what kind of man Kong Dezhao is. The Southern Shun Prince’s mansion is a pit of fire. How can you…”

She set down her cup, cutting him off. “Yanshu, the Southern Shun Prince is restless, but his power is strong. The court can only appease him now. A marriage alliance is the most suitable way.”

“But it shouldn’t be Shengsheng…”

“Do you want Zhiyi to go instead?” The matriarch’s words held deeper meaning. “The Su family appears flourishing, but your father has long been at the border. The family needs a chance to prove itself so your father might return.”

“Yanshu, you are the Su family’s future hope. Shengsheng marrying into the Southern Shun Prince’s household, Zhiyi’s marriage to the Shen family—they are paving the way for your entry into the court.”

Su Yanshu’s clenched fists slowly relaxed.

---

Yu Shengsheng sat by the window, as if plunged into an icy abyss.

“Miss,” Granny Zhou whispered with concern, “Please don’t be anxious. I will try to find out more about this heir. If he is a suitable match, leaving the Su family might not be a bad thing.”

Yu Shengsheng smiled faintly, almost imperceptibly. “Granny, if he were a good match, would the Su family offer him to me?”

Granny Zhou’s throat tightened, heart aching as she lowered her head and carefully tended to Yu Shengsheng’s fingers.

Yu Shengsheng seemed oblivious to the pain. “Even if he were a good match, I wouldn’t accept.”

A damp, sultry breeze drifted in through the window, sticking to her hair.

Rain was coming.

Her heart hollow, the wind seemed to pass through her; she felt like a broken rag doll, tattered and full of holes, yet still at the mercy of others.

Being married into the Southern Shun Prince’s household was certainly not for her sake; it was likely for whatever advantage it could bring the Su family.

She could never allow herself to be manipulated so easily.

Clenching her fingers tightly, Granny Zhou gasped.

Yu Shengsheng remained unaware. “When is the imperial examination results announced?”

Granny Zhou shook her head. “I… don’t know.”

Jin Baobao entered with hot water. “Mistress, I know—it’s on the tenth day of next month.”

“The tenth of next month,” Yu Shengsheng repeated softly but resolutely. “Less than a month away.”

Jin Baobao continued, “Are you interested in the exams too, Miss? I heard the leading candidate this year will be a young man named Qi.”

Upon hearing this, a faint warmth flickered in Yu Shengsheng’s hollow, icy heart.

In the depths of her dark, somber eyes, a spark of light glimmered.

Qi Mubai—the one she held dear in her heart, who grew up with her in the countryside, once abandoned as a mere son of a common family.

Now, at last, he was about to rise above it all.

Yu Shengsheng looked at her reflection in the mirror, her brows set with determination.

No matter what, she would hold on until the announcement day.

Until Qi Mubai became the champion, her source of strength.

A sudden clap of thunder echoed outside. Yu Shengsheng rose and stepped into the rain’s curtain.