Chapter 83 Conspiracy Exposed Xu Mingxia's Marriage

  Before she could finish speaking, Yan Yuwei burst in from outside. She exclaimed excitedly: "You really will have a grand wedding and marry me?"

  Fan Yicheng was stunned, clearly not expecting Yan Yuwei to still be there, hiding at the door and eavesdropping on his conversation with Xu Mingjin. His face turned red, but he didn't say a word.

  "He said he wants to marry you with a grand procession, I heard it!" Xu Mingjin exclaimed loudly: "And it's three months from now!"

  Fan Yicheng hastily said: "I didn't say three months..." Xu Mingjin interrupted: "Not three months, do you want to wait for three years? By then the yellow flowers will have withered! Don't tell me about avenging your parents' grievances and not getting married, are you going to spend your whole life without taking revenge and not marrying a wife? Aren't you delaying the girl's marriage by doing this? I don't believe it! If your ancestors knew, they would be willing to see you end up alone. You should hurry up and marry a wife, then have a lovely child, I'm sure your ancestors will be more pleased to hear that news."

  Xu Mingjin was full of praise and criticism for the child, but she herself didn't mind at all. Yan Yuwei's face turned red as she listened. As for Fan Yicheng, he was finally touched by Xu Mingjin's words. He had a strange thought in his heart - his parents must be very happy to hear that he has a son...

  Thinking so, he no longer insisted on his previous idea. Fan Yicheng said to Yan Yuwei: "When shall we get married?"

  Yan Yuwei never expected Fan Yicheng to ask her this question, and she suddenly blushed so much that she could bleed. Xuming Jin saw the situation and burst out laughing: "Uncle, how can you ask someone like that? Marriage is a big deal, parents are in charge, you should take Yan sister back to Liu City to meet her parents in person, then... leave the rest of the things to the matchmaker."

  Fan Yicheng couldn't help but say, "Jin'er, why do you know so much about these things?" Xu Mingjin thought to herself: After watching so many ancient costume dramas, of course she would be familiar with such trivial matters. She said, "If you haven't eaten pork, have you even seen a pig run?"

  "Ah." Fan Yicheng responded, then fell silent. Xuming Jin seized the opportunity to bring up the topic of Fan Yicheng's marriage again, suggesting that they should move forward with the wedding plans today. She said: "Uncle, since you don't have any major tasks at hand and Zhang Shuozi is already capable of handling the embroidery workshop on his own, why not take advantage of this period to bring Yan sister back to her hometown? She must be homesick after being away from home for so long. At the same time, we can also finalize your wedding plans..."

  Fan Yicheng was stunned, Xu Mingjin said he would do it and did it, wasn't this too fast? He hadn't even thought about it yet! But when he looked up, he saw Yan Yuwei secretly gazing at him with a bashful face. Fan Yicheng's heart immediately softened, and after thinking for a moment, he said: "It's not possible now, Shuangzi is capable of handling things on his own, but Chun Xiang was injured, and more than half of his heart is with Chun Xiang now. He definitely won't have the energy to take care of the embroidery workshop during this time."

  Xu Mingjin said: "Then let's wait until Chun Xiang recovers and is in good spirits before going back, will that do?"

  Fan Yicheng thought for a moment and said, "That's okay, anyway, Chun Xing's injury won't fully recover in two or three months."

  Xu Mingjin heard this and said: "No way, you'll be going back in a month!"

  Fan Yicheng looked at Xu Mingjin's expression, which brooked no argument from anyone, and couldn't help but laugh: "Jin'er, this is Uncle's marriage, why do I always feel like you're pushing me to the altar?"

  Yan Yuwei couldn't help but burst out laughing at the side.

  Xu Mingjin also laughed and said, "Uncle, who told you to do things as slow as a turtle? If I didn't rush you, Yan sister would have waited until the flowers withered!"

  Everyone laughed at this remark. Xu Mingjin added another sentence: "Uncle, you will thank me in the future."

  Fan Yicheng smiled and said: "No need to say in the future, I'm already very grateful to you now."

  Xu Mingjin took out the jade pendant given to her by Xuan Yuanze and handed it to Fan Yicheng, saying: "Uncle, if Yan Zhifu does not agree to your marriage, you can show him this jade pendant of the Second Prince and tell him that you are now serving under the Second Prince."

  Fan Yicheng took over and suddenly realized: "It turns out that Ze Gongzi is the second prince, not the crown prince."

  Xu Mingjin said, "That doesn't make a difference either. The Second Prince and the Crown Prince are biological brothers after all. The Second Prince is also one of the most loyal members of the Crown Prince's faction. If nothing unexpected happens, Yan Zhifu should agree to marry Yan Jieyu off to you."

  Fan Yicheng took over the jade pendant and put it away on his body. He said, "If not absolutely necessary, I won't easily take out the jade pendant to show people." Yan Yuwei suddenly said, "My father is not a selfish person as you described."

  Xu Mingjin let out a soft sigh and began to tell Yan Yuwei about the stories he knew from his past life, such as "The West Chamber", "Peony Pavilion", and "The Legend of the White Snake". He also talked about some other melodramatic plot twists that appeared in various TV dramas. Yan Yuwei listened with her eyes wide open, unable to react for a long time. Fan Yicheng, who had probably spent several years as a beggar, was also quite familiar with this kind of thing and sat there with a bitter smile on his face.

  Xu Mingjin saw the situation and knew that he must be thinking in his heart, if the Fan family was still there, he would not be in this identity now, and he wouldn't have to fear Yan Zhifu's difficulties. Xu Mingjin comforted: "Uncle, don't think about past things, live well now, strive for the future is the most important. Maybe things are not as bad as you thought!"

  Yan Yuwei said: "Wei Chen, I didn't know my identity would make things so difficult for you..." Fan Weichen said: "No, I've never had a hard time because of identity issues. What I'm afraid of is your dad."

  Yan Yuwei said: "Don't worry, when the time comes, I'll get my dad to come and persuade him."

  Xu Mingjin shook his head on the side, naive child, you will cry later.

  Xu Mingjin saw that there was nothing else to ask, so he went to Chun Xing's courtyard and accompanied Chun Xing for a while before reluctantly bidding farewell and returning to the Xu residence.

  In the Bi Xia courtyard, separated from the Fei Cui garden by three courtyards, Xu Mingxia sat alone under a Chinese parasol tree in the yard, motionless for several hours. Her personal maid couldn't help but persuade her: "Miss, you haven't eaten anything for two days, even an iron body can't take it, please eat something!"

  Xu Mingxia ignored the little maid's words. At this moment, she raised her eyes to look at the leaves of the paulownia tree above her head, and through the gaps, she could see the blue sky and white clouds outside. But all these things were meaningless to Xu Mingxia. In the entire Shangshu Mansion, apart from her mother, what else was there that she cared about? However, her mother couldn't help her anymore, and even she herself was struggling to protect herself. And as her mother's daughter, she couldn't even see her face. How humiliating it was for her to live like this!

  Since she was placed under house arrest, she had not received any news from Princess Yang Lian of Pingxi. Xu Mingxia knew that she had become a discarded child. The position of imperial concubine promised to her by Yang Lian, she would never be able to get it again. She was unwilling! But what could she do about being unwilling? Xu Mingxia thought to herself, probably not long from now, Father would find someone for her to marry off to.

  Xuanyuan Xizhi, this man she had secretly admired since childhood, was now forever out of her reach.

  What's the point of living anyway? Xu Mingxia asked herself quietly.

  The little maid looked at her mistress with a helpless expression, wanting to advise her but feeling it was pointless. For so many days, she had wasted countless words and brain cells trying to persuade the former Miss Xu, but to no avail. She was too lazy to try again.

  It's unknown whether Old Lady Xu still had a soft spot for Xu Mingxia, who was her most beloved granddaughter. Two days passed like this, and then Xu Mingxia fell ill in bed. Finally, Old Lady Xu came to visit her.

  Mrs. Xü supported the little maid's hand and slowly walked into Xu Mingxia's bedroom, seeing Xu Mingxia's face on the bed suddenly becoming much thinner, her heart ached instantly. Originally, she had heard from the little maid that Eldest Miss hadn't been eating or drinking anything lately, but she hadn't quite believed it. However, looking at Xu Mingxia's haggard and thin appearance in front of her, she began to regret why she hadn't believed it earlier.

  Xu Mingxia hadn't had any visitors for many days. The only sounds she heard all day were the footsteps of the little maidservants coming and going. Today, however, she suddenly heard a few footsteps that didn't sound as light and quick as usual walking in. She lifted her big eyes, which looked even more prominent due to her thinness, towards the person who came in. Her eye sockets were suddenly filled with sparkling tears, and she choked out a call: "Grandmother..."

  Mrs. Xu was heartbroken by the call, and she was supported by her maid to come to Xu Mingxia's bedside, where she sat down in a chair. At this time, Xu Mingxia had already struggled to sit up, and she instructed her maid: "Quickly go get a soft cushion, grandmother is old and can't sit on such a hard chair..." Mrs. Xu said: "You quickly lie down, don't make them come and go busy, I'll just sit for a bit and then leave."

  Upon hearing Old Lady Xu's words, Xu Mingxia's eyes dimmed. She forced a smile and said, "Grandmother is right."

  Madam Xü saw Xü Mingxia like this, and her heart was even more distressed. She said: "I heard from the servants that you haven't been eating well these past few days? A person is made of iron, but food is steel; if you skip one meal, you'll be starving, how can you be so willful?"

  Xu Mingxia said in a low voice: "My granddaughter can't eat."

  Mrs. Xü sighed and stroked the hair by Miss Xü's ear, saying softly, "Do you blame your father for keeping you under house arrest?"

  Xu Mingxia lowered her head and said, "The granddaughter dare not. The granddaughter can only blame herself and the maids in the courtyard for being too careless, Father's actions are justified."

  Mrs. Xü listened to Xu Ming's words, saying that she didn't blame her father, but looking at his expression, how could she not be resentful? She looked at Xu Mingxia's current haggard appearance, and the blaming words couldn't be spoken out loud. The words on the tip of her tongue changed to: "You should take care of your body first, don't go without eating or drinking again, I'll talk to your father in a few days and get you released."

  Xu Mingxia's eyes lit up as soon as she heard it, and she asked cautiously: "Grandma, is what you said true?"

  Mrs. Xulooked at Xu Mingxia like this, and wondered when Xu Mingxia was so careful in front of her closest grandmother? It seems that Ytier's anger and Ye Niang's affairs have made her like a frightened bird, unable to find any sense of security, even her own grandmother, she didn't dare to believe it. Mrs. Xu hugged Xu Mingxia tightly and comforted her in a low voice: "Xia'er, don't be afraid, Grandma is here, Grandma will always love you..." Xu Mingxia nestled in Mrs. Xu's arms, and those tears flowed like a river...

  At this time, Xu Mingxia's maid Qiao Yin and another maid walked in with Xu Mingxia's lunch, and the aroma of food immediately filled the entire room. The two maids arranged the dishes on the dining table one by one, and then came over to say: "Old lady, since you are here today, please advise our young mistress to eat more."

  Mrs. Xu exclaimed in surprise: "This meal time has long passed, how come Xia'er's side is just having dinner now?"

  Cuiyin smiled and said, "The old lady doesn't know, just now at lunchtime, the dishes we brought over, Miss didn't eat a single bite. Now, I saw the old lady coming, thinking that the old lady has always been kind to Miss, she must be able to persuade Miss to eat some rice. Therefore, I took the liberty of asking the kitchen to re-make a few dishes that Miss loves and brought them over."

  Madam Xü heard this and couldn't help but glance at Qiao Yin, seeing a delicate and refined young woman standing there, looking very youthful, seemingly one or two years younger than Xu Mingxia. In an instant, Madam Xü understood that this maid must have been personally chosen by Ye Yiniang as a dowry maid for Xu Mingxia. Now it seemed that this maid was clever and understanding, with a keen mind, just like a green leaf, and with her around, Xu Mingxia's beauty was even more striking. Ye Yiniang had a good eye for choosing people.

  "Old Mrs. Xu asked warmly: 'What's your name?'"

  Qiao Yin saw that Old Lady Xu's expression didn't seem angry, so she respectfully replied: "This servant's name is Qiao Yin."

  Madam Xü smiled slightly and said: "Is that Qiao Yin? She's indeed a clever and understanding good girl. Sun Nainai, reward her."

  As soon as the words fell, the nurse next to Mrs. Xu stepped forward and handed a purse to Qiao Yin. Qiao Yin hastily took it and thanked her repeatedly.

  "Alright, come and lay out the dishes for your master," said Mrs. Xu lightly. Chao Yin hastily tucked her pouch into her bosom and went forward with another maid to move the small dining table in front of Xu Mingxia's bed and set out the dishes for her.

  "Good child, eat quickly!" said Mrs. Xu as she looked at Xu Mingxia.

  Xu Mingxia said: "Grandma, have dinner with me?"

  Mrs. Xu smiled and said: "Grandma just had lunch, at this time don't mention rice, even tea is not what she wants to drink, you hurry up and eat, no need to let Grandma have any."

  Xu Mingxia nodded and slowly ate the dishes in her bowl. Old Lady Xu's eyes swept over the food on the table, seeing a dish of pigeon, a dish of lotus fragrant pork ribs, a dish of stir-fried bamboo shoots, and a large bowl of swallow's nest congee. She nodded in satisfaction. The kitchen didn't seem to have reduced her food portions even though Master had confined Xu Mingxia. Old Lady Xu said: "You've been hungry for a long time, don't eat too much at once, drink more swallow's nest congee, it's good for your stomach."

  Xu Mingxia nodded, but looking at the large bowl of bird's nest congee, she felt a bit worried. Such a large bowl, even on normal days, she couldn't finish it, let alone now when she was extremely hungry. Xu Old Madam saw Xu Mingxia's expression and knew she was worried about not being able to eat it all, so she said: "Just eat your fill, if you can't finish it, I won't blame you."

  As a result, Xu Mingxia only ate a few mouthfuls and couldn't eat anymore. She really couldn't eat any more, so Xu Mingxia lifted her pitiful little face to look at Old Lady Xu. Old Lady Xu sighed and said, "If you can't eat it, just leave it for now and eat when you're hungry later. Next time, don't be allowed not to eat again. At your grandmother's age, you can't have your grandmother running over to supervise every meal, can you?"

  Xu Mingxia blinked her eyes and said, "How about Sun girl going to her grandmother's house for meals every day from now on? It can accompany you, and you can also supervise me eating, isn't it a win-win situation?"

  Mrs. Xu smiled and said, "Good, this is very good. Later, I'll go find your father to talk about it."

  Xu Mingxia's face broke into a smile. This sickly appearance of hers, when she smiled, felt especially haggard, and Old Lady Xu felt a pang in her heart once again.

  After Madam Xü left, Xü Mingxia's spirits were particularly good. Qiao Yin said: "Miss, do you think the old madam can persuade the old master?"

  Xu Mingxia snorted, saying: "In this world, there is only one person whose words can make my father absolutely and unconditionally obey, and that person is Grandma." She smiled and said: "Since Grandma has promised me, it's just a matter of time before Father agrees. My house arrest will be lifted sooner or later, but I couldn't wait any longer, so Grandma must tell Father about this as soon as possible. Otherwise, do you think going hungry is pleasant?"

  Qiao Yin exclaimed "Oh" and praised: "Miss is wise."

  Xu Mingxia took out a letter and said to Qiao Yin: "When I go to my grandmother's house for dinner tonight, you will give this letter to the little servant guarding the door. Let him hurry up and leave the mansion to find the princess of Pingxi Wangfu. There is someone waiting at the gate of Pingxi Wangfu. Tell him to be careful." Qiao Yin nodded and said: "Miss, what if Old Lady asks why I didn't follow you today? Why don't I let Xiaoyu go do this?"

  "No way!" Xu Mingxia coughed, her face turned somewhat pale, she had been hungry for several days, and the damage to her body was still great. She said: "This matter is very important to me, this letter, I only feel at ease handing it over to you. Don't want it to go through other people's hands, do you understand?" After finishing, she looked at Qiao Yin with an extremely serious gaze.

  "Let me die if I don't! I will definitely follow Miss's words and won't let this letter fall into others' hands."

  Xu Mingxia nodded in satisfaction.

  In the evening, as expected, a servant from Chunhui Yard came to take Xu Mingxia to Old Madame's place for dinner. She glanced at Cai Yun without making a sound, and slowly walked out of the yard with another maid, getting into the sedan chair heading to Xu Laofu's Chunhui Yard. However, Xu Mingxia's whole heart was on the letter in Cai Yun's hand, silently praying: Heaven, you must let Consort Yang Lian see that letter...

  Arriving at Chunhuiyuan, Xu Mingxia unexpectedly found Xu Ruoyi was also there.

  Xu Ruoyi also saw Xu Mingxia and was shocked. Originally, Xu Mingxia had a plump figure and an elegant appearance, but now she was thin and weak, unable to withstand the wind. He had heard Old Lady Xu say that Xu Mingxia hadn't eaten or drunk anything for days, but he hadn't believed it. But now the reality was right in front of him, and he couldn't help but believe it.

  Xu Mingxia stepped forward, tears streaming down her face, saying: "Father, Xia'er knows she was wrong, please forgive Xia'er this one time!"

  To be honest, Xu Ruoyi still couldn't forgive Xu Mingxia from the bottom of his heart. He was never a person who could easily forgive others. However, since Xu Mingxia was young, he had always held her in high regard, more so than his other children. Moreover, considering how Xu Mingxia had become now, he really couldn't bear to blame her anymore. Xu Ruoyi said: "Xia'er, where did you get that from? When has Father ever blamed you? You're just too careless! The maids in your courtyard have done something unforgivable, and Father is taking it out on you - you won't blame Father for this, will you?"

  Xu Mingxia shook her head repeatedly and said with a sincere and fearful tone: "How dare the daughter blame the father? She only hopes that the father will not blame the daughter for being unable to discipline the servants properly."

  Xu Ruoyi didn't actually believe that the poison was given by Xu Mingxia, so he just put Xu Mingxia under house arrest. When Old Lady Xu pleaded for mercy, he let Xu Mingxia out. He vaguely felt that the incident that day wasn't targeting him, but his sixth daughter, Xu Mingjin. He had simply picked up the cup of tea by mistake. Although he didn't know who wanted to harm Xu Mingjin, seeing her carefree appearance and considering the many things that had happened recently, he just ordered someone to keep an eye on the movements in Feicui Garden and around the mansion. He did this not to monitor Xu Mingjin, but to protect her. As for his eldest daughter, she shouldn't have let people take advantage of her, so he punished her slightly. But he didn't expect that his eldest daughter would protest by going on a hunger strike. Originally, he was very angry, but seeing how thin his eldest daughter had become, the anger in his heart had disappeared without a trace.

  Xu Ruoyi's heart ached as she said: "Xiay'er, how did you become so thin?"

  Xu Mingxia's eyes turned red, and she was about to cry. Old Lady Xu saw this and quickly hugged her, saying: "Alright, alright, don't ask anymore, the dishes are all ready, let's eat quickly! Xia'er, you must eat a bit more." Xu Mingxia nodded in Old Lady Xu's arms, and everyone sat down. In an instant, the maidservants poured in, one after another, and in an instant, the large round table in Madam Xu's dining hall was filled with all sorts of delicacies from mountains and seas. Old Lady Xu pulled Xu Mingxia to sit beside her, saying: "You must eat a bit more." Xu Mingxia nodded tirelessly, picked up the dishes in front of her, and slowly started eating.

  Returning to her own Bixia Temple, Xu Mingxia hastily dismissed everyone and left only Qiao Yin to talk.

  "Has the letter been sent out?" Xu Mingxia asked anxiously.

  Qiao Yin nodded and said, "I'll give the letter to the little servant at the gate. I watched him call someone to replace him on guard duty, then he slipped away towards the Ping Xi Wang Fu."

  Xu Mingxia felt relieved upon hearing that. However, she still asked anxiously, "Wasn't anyone seen?"

  "Miss, there's no need for you to say that, I'm wide awake! Absolutely no one saw me, so don't worry."

  Xu Mingxia finally felt completely at ease.

  In the Emerald Garden, Xu Mingjin sat in the study of the west wing, with a letter spread out on the table in front of him. It was exactly the same letter that Xu Mingxia had given to Qiaoyin. Standing in front of the table were two people, Autumn Cloud and Jade Bamboo.

  "Master, it turns out that the eldest young lady and Princess Pingxi of Wang's family have colluded with each other. They secretly harmed Miss. But when did they get in touch?" Yuzhu asked doubtfully.

  Xu Mingjin smiled faintly and said, "Do you still remember the scene at Huguo Temple?"

  Yu Zhu Dao said: "Of course, I remember that time when the young lady insisted on following you, and you had no choice but to agree to let her follow you to the Huguo Temple, where they met Prince Ping Xi and his wife..."

  "Chapter 084, still directly poisoning me to death... Xu Mingjin listened and got a headache, do these two people have to hate her so much? She didn't do anything that harmed the world."

  Xu Mingjin turned his head to look, Xuan Yuan Qi had already gotten angry with a pale face, and the veins on his forehead were constantly bulging. Xu Mingjin was afraid that he couldn't hold back from making a sound and startling those two people, so he hastily made eye contact with him, telling him not to make a sound. Xuan Yuan Qi saw Xu Mingjin's actions, and his furious expression finally calmed down.

  At this time, next door, Xu Mingxia was silent for a moment and said: "Okay, let's do it as you said. But what kind of poison is good? Can I make my sixth sister suffer less?"

  Yang Lian Dao: "Do you have poison there? If not..."

  The words had not been finished, when suddenly a loud noise was heard, and Yang Lian, the Crown Prince's wife, and Xu Mingxia turned their heads in surprise. They saw Xuan Yuan Qiyue standing at the door with an angry expression. The two beautiful faces immediately lost their color.

  Yang Lian said: "Husband, how did you end up here?"

  Xu Mingxia's heart was racing like a drum, what to do? He heard her and his wife plotting against the person he cared about most, what to do? What to do?...

  Xu Mingjin stood alone next to the wall, listening to Xuan Yuan Qi's loud kick on the door next door, and the shocked cries of the Crown Prince's wife and Xu Mingxia. She stood there in a daze for a moment. Just now, Xuan Yuan Qi was here with her, listening to Yang Lian scolding them as cheap people, and he was furious, suddenly turning his head and leaving, which scared her. She thought he was going to leave! Unexpectedly, he actually ran next door to kick the door... such behavior is not good. Can she report him for damaging public property? ... Xu Mingjin muttered in her heart. At the same time, she also perked up her ears and listened carefully to the movements next door.

  Today was truly too exciting! Too thrilling! Xuming Jin thought to herself, she had never seen a scene where the wife and mistress fought with a man together before, today she could finally satisfy her little wish!

  In the next room, Xuan Yuan Xizhi stared at Yang Lian without saying a word, watching until her face turned pale as paper and beads of sweat rolled down her forehead. Only then did he speak: "How do you plan to poison Miss Xu Liu to death? What kind of poison are you using? Is it colorless and odorless or will she collapse with just one touch? With so many people around Miss Xu, it won't be easy for you to poison her to death, will it? Do you need my help?"

  Xu Mingjin felt a chill run down her spine and took several steps back. Xuan Yuan Qi was actually dissatisfied with her not dying quickly enough, and he even wanted to help his heartless Crown Prince consort deal with her together. It turned out that all his words about how much he liked her and couldn't live without her were just lies! Xu Mingjin thought resentfully. Then, suddenly, a realization struck her - what was wrong with her? Why did she have these strange thoughts? Xuan Yuan Qi and she were from two different worlds. Why would he want to help her? Shouldn't he be helping his own wife instead? What reason did she have for him to help her deal with his own wife? Who was she to him, anyway?

  Judging from his usual behavior, he had no reason to help himself. Xu Mingjin thought to herself, quietly and slowly backing out of the private room. Then she slowly made her way downstairs. Although Xuan Yuan Xizhi's eyes were on Yang Lian, his mind and ears were fully focused on the movements of Xu Mingjin in the next room. As soon as Xu Mingjin took a step, he noticed. When Xu Mingjin was about to slip away, he really wanted to rush out of the private room and follow her. However, he knew that the situation in front of him did not allow him to do so. He really couldn't tolerate these two people anymore.

  After Xu Mingjin's footsteps disappeared in the corridor, Xuan Yuan Qishi's face became very unsightly.

  "No, no need." Yang Lian lost his usual calmness. Even if they met on the street, they would just snort and turn away. Is the sun rising from the west today? Why is Li Yu Shi visiting? And with his son? Wait, with his son? Why did he bring his son along? Could it be that Xu Ming Xia's pale face was because of this?

  Xu Ruoyi's face turned ugly.

  After Li Yu Shi entered, the two exchanged pleasantries, and then Li Yu Shi introduced his son, Li Min Zhi. Xu Ruo Yi paid particular attention to Li Min Zhi because of Xu Ming Xia's strange behavior earlier. It turned out that this 16 or 17-year-old boy, who was notorious in the capital for being a bully, had a slender build and a delicate face, but his demeanor seemed somewhat frivolous. However, there were two long scratches on his face, which made him look ridiculous. Xu Ruo Yi thought to himself: This young master Li doesn't seem as despicable as the rumors make him out to be, but he does have some of that spoiled rich kid air about him. It seems that the rumors are somewhat true, although they're exaggerated.

  After everyone sat down, Li Yu Shi directly got to the point: "Recently, my son has caused a great disturbance, I have brought him here specifically to apologize to Xu Shangshu. If you want to beat or punish him, it's all up to you."

  Xu Ruoyi was left bewildered, completely perplexed. The young master Li Min stepped forward and explained: "Lord Xu, it's all because of my nephew Meng Lang's recklessness. Today, at a embroidery shop, he saw your daughter Miss Xu and was immediately smitten, thinking her to be a heavenly being. Miss Xu also fell deeply in love with him at first sight... we've already become intimate."

  Xu Ruoyi had just taken a sip of tea when he heard this sentence, and suddenly spat out the tea, splashing Li Minzhi's head and face. He calmly took out an embroidered handkerchief and slowly and carefully wiped away the tea from his face and head. Since Xu Ruoyi took out the handkerchief, his eyes had been fixed on it, which was embroidered with a piece of colorful cloud and mist. This was the pattern that his eldest daughter Xu Mingxia loved to embroider on her handkerchiefs, Xu Ruoyi was certain. That was indeed Xu Mingxia's handkerchief, absolutely true.

  Xu Ruoyi thought of Xu Mingxia's pale face when she had just heard the servant report, and he already believed that it was true. His face turned iron blue with anger, and Li Yu Shi saw this and feared that he would beat his son again, so he hastily stepped forward to shield Li Minzhi behind him. Although this son was uneducated and bullied men and women every day, he was still his late-born child, and Li Yu Shi loved him dearly. Moreover, his son had already been scratched by Miss Xu into such a state, and couldn't be beaten again.

  Xu Ruoyi's voice was strained as he asked, "What you're saying... is it true?" His heart ached at the thought that if what Li Gongzi said was indeed true, then Xu Mingxia would have no choice but to marry him. The mere thought of his beloved daughter, whom he had doted on since childhood, being married off to this good-for-nothing, lecherous scoundrel made his heart feel cold and numb.

  "Master Xu, don't be sad. If I can marry Miss Qianjin, I will definitely treasure her like a precious gem and never let her feel sad or heartbroken." said Li Minzi.

  Although Xu Ruoyi already believed Li Min's words for the most part, he wasn't entirely convinced. Therefore, he said: "This matter is not trivial, whether what Young Master Li said is true or not, I'll have to call out Xia'er to ask her, please calm down and wait a moment." As he spoke, he instructed his servants to bring over both the elder and younger sisters, no matter what.

  Li Minzhi sat there, listening to Xu Ruoyi's instructions to the servants, and couldn't help but smile slightly. It seemed that Xu Shangshu had already believed his words, otherwise he wouldn't have given such instructions to the servants. It seemed that he had begun to suspect his own daughter. Perhaps when Li Minzhi and his father arrived, Xu was originally talking to Miss Xu, and only hastily escaped after hearing the servant report their arrival. Thinking of this, a hint of a smile appeared on Li Minzhi's face, but with the two scars left by Xu Mingxia on his face, this smile was inexplicably terrifying.

  That Miss Xu, although not as beautiful as Miss Liu, was still a beauty. Xuan Yuan Qi liked her very much. Therefore, when Xuan Yuan Qi took her to his own secret courtyard and said that the beauty would be given to him, he agreed without hesitation. Even if Xuan Yuan Qi said that he would marry her as his wife afterwards, he did not hesitate at all.

  The hall fell silent, with each of the three people lost in their own thoughts, and no one had the heart to break the silence. The maid refilled the teacups for everyone before Xu Mingxia reluctantly came over. Suddenly, Li Minzhi's spirits lifted, but as he moved, he pulled on the wound on his face, causing him to grit his teeth in pain. This Miss Xu was indeed fiery! But he liked it.

  Xu Mingxia had just entered when she saw Li Minzhi's face, which was so detestable that it made her want to escape immediately. Her feet stopped involuntarily, and she wished she could turn around and run away.

  "Xia'er, come here." Xu Ruoyi said. The uncertainty in his heart originally disappeared when Xu Mingxia came in and showed a terrified expression on her face.

  Xu Mingxia had no choice but to step forward, bowing her head in a greeting towards Xu Ruoyi. Her eyes didn't dare to glance at Li Minzhe beside her. But she could feel his scorching gaze, making her even more uneasy.

  "This is Uncle Li," Xu Ruoyi introduced to Xu Mingxia, using his eyes to hint at her to greet him. This might be her future father-in-law, so it's better to give him a good impression.

  Xu Mingxia reluctantly bowed her head and greeted Li Yu Shi with a courtesy: "Hello Uncle Li."

  Magistrate Li only saw a woman with elegant manners and beauty like a flower, curtsying in front of him. He felt an inexplicable sense of pleasure. Originally, he was still somewhat unwilling about his son marrying Xu Ruo's daughter, but now that he had seen Xu Mingxia, that reluctance immediately vanished. His own uneducated and untalented son could marry such a beautiful young lady from a good family? That would be a real gain! Thinking this way, Magistrate Li's expression towards Xu Mingxia became kind and amiable.

  "Xia'er, do you know this young master Li?" Xu Ruoyi asked.

  Xu Mingxia really wanted to say that she didn't know Li Minzhi, but when she returned to her own courtyard, thinking back and forth, she felt that Xuan Yuan Qiji could hand her over to this Master Li. This shows that he doesn't have any feelings for her at all. Originally, as a clean and pure daughter, she couldn't even make him have a little good impression of her. Now that she has become a withered flower, thinking of marrying him is hopeless in this life, and can only be expected in the next life. In fact, Xu Mingxia still didn't understand one thing: even if she was still pure and clean now, it would still be hopeless for her to marry him in this life.

  She now has only two paths to take. One is to marry Li Mianzhi, and the other is to become a nun. Xu Mingxia thought about it carefully and felt that she couldn't bear the life of chanting sutras in front of ancient Buddhas. Moreover, she was only 28 years old, at the peak of her beauty and youth. How could she be willing to dedicate her beauty to the ancient Buddhas? The son of Li Yu Shi is a scoundrel, and Xu Mingxia didn't expect him to love her deeply. Never mind, she would marry him anyway. At least she could still enjoy wealth and glory, without having to live a simple life in a Buddhist temple.

  Xu Mingxia nodded.

  Xu Ruoyi said: "This young master Li has said that he has admired you for a long time, and now he has come to your doorstep to propose to you. What do you think?"

  "It's all up to Father." Xu Mingxia lowered her head. To outsiders, she seemed to be blushing, but in fact, she just didn't want people to see her discontent.

  How could Xuming Xia be willing? Her heart is all on Xuanyuan Qiji, even if she can't marry him as a royal noble, at least she can marry an outstanding young man from a prestigious family. But in the end, she can only marry the son of a humble Yu Shi! How can she bear it?!

  "Since that's the case, Xia'er, you can go rest now, it's very late." Xu Ruo Yi said. It seemed like he was being considerate of her, but in reality, he just didn't want her to continue losing face here. Xu Ruo Yi's old face had already lost all its dignity.

  Xu Mingxia couldn't wait for him to finish speaking! Upon hearing this, he hastily bowed to the several people in the hall and quickly retreated.

  As soon as Xu Mingxia left, Xu Ruoyi's expression returned to normal. He said: "Today is already late, so I won't keep you all here for long. As for the marriage, let's ask a matchmaker to come and do things according to custom. What does Lord Li think?"

  Li Yu Shi hastily stood up and said: "It's only right, it's only right! Actually, I came to your house today mainly to bring this unfilial son of mine to let Lord Xu vent his anger. Please don't be polite, this unfilial son has done such a thing, I won't protect him either. Please, Lord Xu, severely punish him! Only then can my heart feel better."

  Li Minzhi also said in front of Xu Ruoyi, with a remorseful expression: "Uncle Xu, it's all because of my momentary mistake that I made such a big mistake. I hope Uncle Xu can forgive me for my sincere repentance."

  Xu Ruoyi looked at Li Minzhi, indeed having a teeth-gnashing feeling, but if he really beat him up, would Li Yushi, that old bald villain, just stand by and watch? From his understanding of Li Yushi, this person was extremely protective of his own. He especially loved to say some grandiose words, if you took them seriously, he would turn against you. It's likely that when he said he wanted to beat up Li Minzhi himself, it was just a joke, and if he were serious, he would immediately stand in front of his son and protect him. Absolutely couldn't touch a single hair on Li Minzhi's head.

  "Now that you've come to your senses and taken responsibility for the little girl, I won't blame you. Just make sure to treat her well from now on." As she spoke, Xu Ruoyi suddenly shed a bitter tear.

  "Uncle Xu can rest assured, I will treat Miss Xu like a precious gem." Li Minzhi stood up and solemnly guaranteed.

  Xu Ruoyi nodded. At this point, he could only nod, what else could he do? Li Minzhi's guarantee was true or not, but at least he had the heart to do so. Whether Xu Mingxia's future days would be good or not depended on herself, and as her father, he could only do this much for her.

  A few days later, news spread in the capital that Xu Shangshu's eldest daughter was engaged to Li Yushi's third son.

  Xu Mingjin was shocked upon hearing the news, never expecting that Xu Mingxia would end up marrying Li Yushi's third son. It seemed that fate had its own way of arranging things. The encounter between the two at the An Guo Hou Fu was indeed a fateful one! However, whether Xu Mingxia was happy about it or not was anyone's guess. Xu Mingjin speculated that she probably wasn't, after all, the person she loved in her heart was Xuan Yuan Qi Yu, wasn't it?

  Xu Mingjin thought with a bad heart, since Xu Mingxia ended up like this, I wonder what kind of result the Crown Prince's wife would be? Xu Mingjin thought for a moment, recently there hasn't been any rumors coming out from the Pingxi Wangfu, it seems that she is indeed safe and sound. It seems that status is also a kind of benefit. You see, Xu Mingxia ended up like this, but the Crown Prince's wife doesn't have any problems, isn't it because she is Xuan Yuan Qi's official wife?