Disperse without joy

  "Fourth sister, married off to a distant place, isn't it a pity for you?"

  She raised her head and saw Yun Xiang's sharp eyes, a smile in her heart, she said calmly: "The wise princess is being too serious, the orders of one's parents, the words of the matchmaker, how can a young girl like me make decisions about it? Moreover, Xiao Gongzi is dignified and elegant, young and refined, whether this marriage will be successful or not, it has its own destiny, why mention humiliation."

  Yun Jie suddenly recalled the rumors about this girl yesterday, and asked ambiguously: "Does Fourth Miss believe in Buddhism? I thought Fourth Miss was bold and daring, but unexpectedly she's following the Buddhist concept of cause and effect?" Having heard that she admired the eldest son of the Zhang family, yet didn't strive to marry into the Zhang family, it seemed as if she had compromised with reality.

  "Although Buddha's words are incomparable, my daughter does not believe in Buddhism." Yuan Yi smiled lightly, seemingly unaware of the probing in her words, and replied calmly.

  She believes in nothing but herself among all sorts of faiths in this world.

  There was a fleeting flash of brilliance on her body, sharp and unrestrained. Her seemingly gentle face suddenly became radiant, the scorching light made Yun Xiang Rong slightly narrow her eyes, lost in thought as she played with her vermilion-painted fingernails. She suddenly discovered that she couldn't see through the woman in front of her, who seemed intelligent and reserved, yet was also unrestrained and unconventional.

  But as a common girl, how did she forge such elegant and refined demeanor?

  Perhaps this is why Xiao Heng insisted on marrying her, as the two have essentially similar personalities. But is such similarity a blessing or a curse?

  Not to mention the undercurrents in the backyard, even the atmosphere in the front yard is not very relaxed.

  Zhu Changren hastily arrived at the main hall with a lot on his mind, paid his respects to Rui Wang, and invited him to take the seat of honor. Afterwards, he changed his usual reserved and serious demeanor, enthusiastically chatting with Rui Wang about everything from state affairs to gossip in the alleys, without missing a single topic, but deliberately avoiding any mention of seeking a marriage alliance, leaving Xiao Heng feeling cold-shouldered.

  Finally, Rui Wang couldn't hold back, muttering a curse under his breath at the old fox, before bringing up Zhu Changren's topic to today's purpose. "Zhu sir, I, Ben Wang, have come to visit you today, and it is to act as a matchmaker for my brother-in-law, to ask for the hand of your fourth daughter in marriage. Please, Zhu sir, grant us this union."

  Zhu Changren's face twitched, and he finally looked at Xiao Heng with a straight eye. However, this glance suddenly made him furious, and he sneered continuously.

  Only the master of the proposal, Xiao Heng, was seen at this time, like a person without bones, paralyzed in the chair, motionless. His brocade clothes were layered, with a faint scent, and his dark blue sleeves covered his face, blocking out the light. Just now, the conversation had not yet subsided, but as soon as it quieted down, one could hear the low sound of snoring quietly coming from him, which was particularly jarring in the empty great hall.

  This is simply outrageous! What attitude does this Xiao family's young master have?!

  Wei Gan's mouth twitched, and he thought to himself that things were not going well. He hastily made eye contact with the matchmaker in the hall. The matchmaker, who was wearing a bright green dress, was also skilled at reading eyes. She shook her plump body, narrowed her small eyes, and opened her throat to speak in a loud voice, saying: "I offer my congratulations to the Minister, sir! In all my years as a matchmaker, I have never seen any young lady receive the Duke's endorsement. Just spreading the news would make your family's reputation rise by several levels. Moreover, Young Master Xiao is talented and handsome, with a dignified appearance, and he matches well with the young lady of your household. It's truly a match made in heaven!"

  The sparrows outside were startled by her loud voice and flew away in a flurry, Xiao Heng was stunned and had no reaction at all. Seeing Zhu Changren's face turn increasingly pale, the matchmaker's heart quickened, she continued to speak with a forced tone: "This time, Young Master Xiao is truly sincere, just the betrothal gifts alone are thirty-two sedan chairs full, the courtyard is almost filled to capacity."

  Is he just a commoner who only looks at the betrothal gifts? Zhu Changren finally couldn't hold back the depression in his heart, and without regard for Rui Wang's presence, he slammed his fist on the table, "This is simply absurd! Without even asking our names, how can you talk about betrothal gifts and engagement? My Zhu family is also a dignified family of etiquette, where does the Xiao family put my Zhu family? This marriage proposal, I refuse." He bowed to Rui Wang, his anger not yet dissipated, saying: "Rui Wangye please forgive me, your humble servant was impolite." Then he turned and left.