Feng Anning always felt that she was afraid of Shen Qiu.

It was strange, considering she was the precious daughter of the Feng family. She had been spoiled and pampered since childhood. Master Feng and Madam Fu doted on her, and all her brothers and sisters in the household yielded to her wishes, causing her to develop a proud temperament that held nothing in high regard.

However, there were two exceptions.

One was Shen Miao. Feng Anning herself didn’t know how she had come to play with Shen Miao. Shen Miao, who had a reputation for being stupid, coarse, and uncouth, had unconsciously stopped making ridiculous gestures. Since they studied together at Guangwen Hall and shared a table, Feng Anning gradually discovered that Shen Miao could even be considered somewhat clever.

In youth, one often admires those who seem more profound than oneself. Moreover, the contrast between Shen Miao’s previous coarseness and her subsequent dignity was like night and day, making the difference all the more apparent.

Feng Anning couldn’t help but want to play with Shen Miao. She looked down on the other young ladies from official families at Guangwen Hall, but showed particular favor to Shen Miao. Shen Miao neither flattered her nor curried favor with her, treating her with an air of indifference. Instead, Feng Anning found Shen Miao more genuine than those young ladies who often followed her around with flattering words.

Feng Anning felt she might be a little sick in the head.

Leaving Shen Miao aside, the second person who wouldn’t yield to her was Shen Qiu.

Speaking of Shen Qiu, his reputation was excellent among both elders and juniors. Even having such a notorious sister did not affect his good name in the slightest.

Feng Anning had seen Shen Qiu once or twice before and thought he was just a handsome young man who appeared as warm as sunshine and seemed very approachable.

But as she gradually became familiar with Shen Miao and consequently encountered Shen Qiu up close several times, she began to feel inexplicably afraid of him.

First, Shen Qiu did not show her the courtesy that other noble young masters did. Perhaps it was because Shen Qiu was originally from a military background, with a rough temperament that lacked refinement. Second, he treated Feng Anning like a stranger and didn’t regard her any more highly just because she was Shen Miao’s friend.

This was intolerable for the proud and arrogant Feng Anning.

But whenever she wanted to lose her temper, she would see Shen Qiu’s sharp gaze as he barked orders at his soldiers, and she would inexplicably back down.

Feng Anning herself didn’t understand. If Xie Jingxing of the Marquis Lin’an’s household was the male tyrant of Dingjing, shouldn’t she at least be considered a female tyrant? She held nothing in high regard, so why was she so helpless against this pair of siblings?

Her eldest brother scolded her, saying she only knew how to be domineering at home.

Feng Anning was annoyed. Each time, she would say that the next time she saw Shen Qiu, she would be haughty and proud. But when she met him, she would shrink her neck, lower her eyes, and walk past him.

Even Shen Miao’s cousin, Luo Tan, noticed this, saying, “Why is Anning always quieter than usual whenever she comes to the Shen residence?”

Shen Miao replied with a half-smile, “Or rather, she becomes quieter when she sees my elder brother.”

Feng Anning was furious with embarrassment: “What nonsense are you talking about? I can be quiet whenever I want. Do I need anyone’s permission?”

Luo Tan shouted towards Feng Anning’s back: “Cousin Qiu, why did you suddenly appear?”

Feng Anning’s body immediately stiffened, and she was about to run away when she saw Luo Tan pointing at her, laughing uncontrollably: “My little cousin was telling the truth. Could it be that the thing the Feng family’s young lady fears most is Cousin Qiu?”

Feng Anning angrily got up, vowing never to speak to Luo Tan again.

…

What happened later was somewhat unexpected for Feng Anning. She went out with Shen Miao, but due to her carelessness, Shen Miao fell into the hands of bandits. Naturally, Feng Anning was filled with remorse, and Shen Qiu’s attitude made her even more terrified.

Shen Qiu questioned her without mercy.

With Shen Miao missing, Feng Anning was distraught. Someone must have told her brothers about Shen Qiu’s angry rebuke. Her brothers, feeling sorry for their sister, all said, “That Shen family’s eldest brother was going too far. At this point, the right thing to do is to search for the Shen family’s young lady. How could he blame a young girl like you? You’re already feeling guilty. How could he add frost to snow?”

“No,” Feng Anning covered her face and said, “He’s right. It was my fault to begin with.”

While she was worried about Shen Miao, she also felt self-loathing, thinking she was truly detestable, and that Shen Qiu must hate her too.

Fortunately, Shen Miao returned alive and well. However, Feng Anning no longer dared to set foot in the Shen residence. It wasn’t for any other reason but that she felt very ashamed. If it weren’t for her, Shen Miao wouldn’t have suffered such hardship. Although the outcome was good, the process was not made up.

She wanted to go to the Shen residence very much, to see Shen Miao, to banter with Luo Tan, or even to see Shen Qiu, but she had to restrain herself. Even when Luo Tan sent her an invitation, Feng Anning declined.

She had a proud temperament. To others, she might seem thoughtless, but she was, in fact, very stubborn. She couldn’t bow her head or pretend nothing had happened, so she simply punished herself this way.

Who would have thought that Shen Miao’s marriage would encounter such a great mishap?

When Feng Anning heard her father and brothers discussing court affairs, she learned that the Shen family was a target of criticism. Whoever married Shen Miao would not be doing the Shen family any favors, and especially not Shen Miao herself. Even her marriage had become a sacrifice for power struggles. What could Shen Miao do?

Feng Anning thought of her eldest brother.

Feng Zixian had a gentle temperament and proper appearance. More importantly, Feng Anning knew her eldest brother was a true gentleman. It would be much better than marrying someone like the Crown Prince. So she persuaded her eldest brother to propose to the Shen family.

Feng Zixian was initially surprised, but he had indeed heard Feng Anning talk about Shen Miao quite a bit. He felt that although Feng Anning was spoiled, she had no hidden agenda. Someone whom Feng Anning thought was good wouldn’t be a treacherous person.

Feng Zixian agreed to visit the Shen residence to take a look, but in the end, he was rejected by Shen Miao.

Nevertheless, Feng Anning’s relationship with the Shen residence improved somewhat because of this. On her way back to her residence, she encountered Shen Qiu, who probably knew about Feng Zixian’s visit. He glanced at her and thanked her.

Just one “thank you” made Feng Anning lie in bed tossing and turning with excitement.

Feng Anning’s maid cautiously asked her, “Young miss cares so much about the Shen family’s eldest young master, worrying for him, being happy for him… Could it be… could it be that you have feelings for the Shen family’s eldest young master?”

“What nonsense are you talking about?” Feng Anning instinctively retorted, her eyebrows standing on end, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

The maid was startled and immediately knelt, saying, “This servant has spoken nonsense. Please forgive this servant.”

But for a long while, she didn’t hear Feng Anning’s response. Just as the maid was feeling anxious, she heard from above, “Alright, you may rise.”

Feng Anning bit her lip while looking in the mirror.

Some things, even if not acknowledged or spoken about, don’t mean they haven’t happened. If even her maid could see through it, Feng Anning thought, she must have been quite obvious. At the very least, she hadn’t fooled her maid, let alone Shen Miao’s eyes.

If Shen Miao knew her feelings, would she tell Shen Qiu… Does Shen Qiu know?

Feng Anning looked at the mirror somewhat irritably.

The young lady in the mirror had a beautiful face, with large eyes, a pretty nose, and slightly upturned lips, giving her the air of a young mistress.

She feared nothing in heaven or earth, except for the Shen siblings. Not to mention Shen Miao, who was simply mysterious. But what was she afraid of when it came to Shen Qiu, who was considered by everyone to be the most approachable, kind, and forgiving person with an open personality?

What she feared wasn’t Shen Qiu but herself—the self that in Shen Qiu’s eyes might appear spoiled, troublesome, unable to distinguish right from wrong, and incapable of anything.

When you long for someone, you constantly scrutinize yourself, wondering where you’ve gone wrong. If the other person is excellent, you question yourself three times, wondering if you’re worthy of them. You carefully try to present your best side, diligently doing things, but still can’t help feeling anxious, fearing you might make a mistake somewhere.

Ironically, the more nervous you are, the more mistakes you make, and the more you embarrass yourself in front of the other person. When Shen Qiu rebuked her for Shen Miao’s incident, she was sad because she feared he despised her. When Shen Qiu thanked her, she could immediately cheer up. Being happy for him, worrying for him—Feng Anning could think of those actresses in traveling troupes outside the gates, who would raise their orchid fingers and sing.

“Plant a bright red bean on the grave of longing; when the bean ripens and falls upon the heart, I ask, do you know?”

The lyrics were too vulgar, but Feng Anning thought they were quite right, as if they had sung out all her feelings.

But she also thought her situation was probably hopeless, as Shen Qiu showed no particular interest in her. Feng Anning became gloomy and disinterested, feeling that singing alone was meaningless.

To make matters worse, Shen Miao got married at this time, marrying far away to Great Liang.

This not only meant that Dingjing would have one less friend, but it also meant that she would no longer have a reason to go to the Shen residence and harbor her secret thoughts.

Feng Anning felt very disheartened.

…

Times change, and no one expected Dingjing to undergo such dramatic changes.

Perhaps the clever ones knew, officials knew, people in the palace knew, but Feng Anning, a noble daughter who didn’t concern herself with worldly affairs, was clueless.

Overnight, Emperor Wenhui became gravely ill, and Prince Ding Fu Xiuyi seized power. Some princes died, some were punished, some were injured, and some fled. Officials in Dingjing were all fearful for their safety.

Feng Anning didn’t understand what had happened, but she could see the grave expression on Master Feng’s face and the daily busyness of her brothers.

Until one day, Master Feng called Feng Anning to his room and said to her, “Anning, you’re not a child anymore. It’s time for you to get married.”

Feng Anning sensitively guessed what Master Feng was about to say next. Though it was too sudden for her, almost without thinking, Feng Anning immediately replied, “Father, I don’t want to get married yet. I want to stay by your side and my mother’s and my brothers’.”

Master Feng, who had always doted on her, this time did not follow her wishes and said, “Silly child, how can a young lady stay at home forever without getting married? Do you want to be an old maid? Your cousin will be coming to Dingjing in a few days. You should take him around for a tour.”

The implication in these words was somewhat suggestive. Feng Anning had never been one to remain calm, and she immediately stood up, exclaiming excitedly, “Father, what do you mean?”

“Reckless as always, what kind of behavior is this?” Master Feng frowned. “What do I mean? Your cousin is coming to Dingjing, and as his cousin, what’s wrong with showing him around?”

“Showing him around? I’m not a servant, why should I be the one to do it?” Feng Anning said. “Besides, there’s still the eldest brother and the second brother. I won’t go!”

“You!” Master Feng’s face darkened. “You must go!”

Master Feng had never spoken harshly to Feng Anning from childhood to adulthood, but today, he was giving Feng Anning no face in front of the servants. Feng Anning felt both hurt and wronged, so she simply stood up and said, “Father, our Feng family isn’t short of money. There’s no need to engage in the business of selling daughters. I haven’t seen this cousin for many years. If you don’t find it awkward, I find it uncomfortable having nothing to say. Don’t tell me you’re planning to set us up as a cousin match under the pretext of hospitality? I won’t do it! Whoever wants to go can go, but I don’t want to!”

Having spent time with Luo Tan, her speech had become somewhat crude.

Master Feng suddenly stood up and slapped Feng Anning hard on the face.

Feng Anning was stunned, her face stinging with pain. She looked at Master Feng in disbelief, only to see him not even raising his eyelids as he said, “Go back to your room and reflect on your behavior. Don’t say that the Feng family has raised such a shameless daughter!”

All the servants around were shocked.

Master Feng had never been willing to hurt Feng Anning even with his little finger. Once, when a teacher at Guangwen Hall punished Feng Anning by hitting her palm for poor schoolwork, Master Feng, upon seeing the marks on Feng Anning’s hand, said he would fight that teacher to the death. Now, he had personally slapped Feng Anning.

Feng Anning cried out and ran out the door. She ran back to her room, closed the door, threw herself on the bed, and cried her heart out.

She had only met that distant cousin once when she was a child. That cousin was older than her and would smile as he called her “cousin sister.” He wrote beautiful calligraphy and could recite excellent poetry even in his youth. However, Feng Anning had personally witnessed him kissing the lips of her family’s maid when he was still just a boy.

Feng Anning thought it was extremely disgusting and told her family about it, but the Feng family members all thought she had seen wrong and wouldn’t believe her. This made Feng Anning dislike this cousin even more.

Not to mention receiving him, she didn’t even want to meet him. Moreover, Feng Anning was not a three-year-old child; she naturally understood the implication behind Master Feng’s words. Master Feng was intending to match her with this cousin, who was beautiful on the outside but rotten on the inside.

The more Feng Anning cried, the more heartbroken she felt. The man she liked didn’t like her and probably thought she was a burden. Her father and brothers, on the other hand, wanted her to spend her life with someone she detested. Shen Miao and Luo Tan had both left, and she had no one to talk to in Dingjing. She felt full of grievances with no way to express them. Now her father was even hitting her. Feng Anning truly felt that life was unbearably difficult.

But she was spoiled, not only spoiled but also very stubborn. Master Feng might not dote on her anymore, might detest her, but she remained as obstinate as ever. She even started a hunger strike in protest, refusing to yield and meet that disgusting cousin.

In the past, such a hunger strike would have the household running around in circles, but this time it had no effect. Master Feng even escalated the situation, becoming increasingly firm in his stance.

Feng Anning and Master Feng remained at an impasse until Feng Zixian returned from his duties outside Dingjing. Upon learning of the situation, he came to comfort her.

Feng Zixian said, “Sister, don’t blame Father. Father has no choice now. The situation in Dingjing is unstable, and our Feng family is in a precarious position. Father wants you to marry early to avoid disaster. Cousin Cao comes from a wealthy family. If you marry him, you won’t have to worry about food or clothing. Moreover, he’s talented and good-looking, and he’s also a relative, so he won’t mistreat you after you go there. Elder brother knows you feel wronged, but times are different now. If it weren’t for this situation, you could certainly choose a husband to your liking, but now… Anning, please endure it. Father has no choice. Marrying him is better than staying with our family and facing an uncertain future.”

Feng Anning was stunned by what she heard. No one had ever told her these things before. In recent days, she had noticed the Feng family members busily going back and forth, which made her wonder. But whenever she asked, Master Feng would dismiss her. This time, regarding her marriage, Feng Anning truly hadn’t connected it to these matters.

She asked, “Elder brother, what do you mean? Is the Feng family going to be in trouble?” Without waiting for Feng Zixian to answer, she continued, “If the Feng family is truly in danger, as a daughter of the Feng family, how can I stand aside and watch coldly? Does Father think that marrying me off, letting me avoid all this, is for my good? If we’re family, shouldn’t we share joys and sorrows?”

Feng Zixian sighed and said, “Sister, I understand your sentiments, but many things aren’t as simple as you think. You want to share the Feng family’s joys and sorrows, which is admirable, but how can Father and Mother bear to let you suffer? You’ve been pampered since childhood, and we don’t want anything to happen to you. Moreover, there are those with evil intentions. What if they use you to threaten the Feng family?” After a pause, Feng Zixian continued with difficulty, “If you stay with the Feng family, not only will you be unable to help, but you’ll also distract Father and Mother, perhaps even becoming the Feng family’s weakness. If you marry into the Cao family, not only will Father and Mother be at ease, but the Cao family might also be able to provide some assistance.”

Feng Anning remained silent for a long time.

“Anning…” Feng Zixian, seeing her not speaking, was concerned.

“Elder brother, I’m fine,” she took a deep breath and smiled at Feng Zixian. “Let me think about it.”

Seeing that she didn’t want to discuss it further, Feng Zixian knew that it would be hard for Feng Anning to accept such a change all at once. He didn’t say more and left on his own.

After Feng Zixian left, Feng Anning looked at the bronze mirror in a daze, her hands trembling slightly.

Human fortunes can change overnight. Feng Anning never thought that in what seemed like just a single night, she could go from being an envied young lady to being in such danger. She never imagined that she would become a burden.

In her youth, she had lived too naively and recklessly, not knowing that heaven was stingy and cruel. It gave you good fortune in the first half of your life, only to demand repayment with an unstable future.

On one side was continuing to throw tantrums and live her own life, and on the other was her family.

Feng Anning wondered if Shen Miao had felt the same conflict when she was trying to protect the Shen family, constrained at every turn, having to think thoroughly before doing anything.

She looked at herself in the mirror—a beautiful and pampered young lady. Could she bear such a huge responsibility?

This couldn’t continue. Feng Anning thought that even if she wanted to be spoiled, she needed someone to pamper her. Not everyone was like the Feng family, and she couldn’t be under the Feng family’s protection for her entire life.

Besides… the person she liked didn’t like her anyway.

Feng Anning made up her mind.

…

Feng Anning’s transformation surprised everyone.

She agreed to Master Feng’s suggestion and decided to meet and converse with Young Master Cao, perhaps even becoming his wife in the future.

The Feng family knew why this was happening, but they were helpless. Among the few paths ahead, this seemed to be the only one that would allow Feng Anning to live more comfortably. If possible, they wouldn’t want Feng Anning to suffer even a bit of hardship, but when hardship became inevitable, they preferred she suffer less, even less.

Feng Anning’s transformation wasn’t just in her attitude towards Cousin Cao but also in her temperament. It was as if she had become a different person overnight, becoming somewhat silent, which to outsiders appeared to be sensible and gentle, but to the Feng family, it was heartbreaking. However, whenever they asked Feng Anning about it, she would just smile and brush it off.

Young Master Cao was quite satisfied with Feng Anning. After all, she was beautiful, and now that she had changed her temperament, she became more docile and pleasing. He quite liked her.

Soon, it was almost time to discuss marriage.

The Feng family and the Cao family exchanged the couple’s birth charts. Feng Anning sat in her room, staring blankly at the flowers and plants outside.

Then she heard her maid running over in a hurry, saying, “Oh no, oh no, young miss!”

“What’s the matter?” Feng Anning asked.

“The young master was beaten at the Zuixian Pavilion!” the maid said. “He was beaten by the General’s eldest son, Young Master Shen!”

Feng Anning initially didn’t care about what the maid was saying, but when she heard the last sentence, she couldn’t help but be surprised and asked, “You said… who beat him?”

“The Shen family’s eldest young master, the elder brother of the Shen family’s third daughter!” The maid was so anxious that tears were about to flow. “Young Master Cao is making a scene in the residence, saying he wants to cancel the marriage.”

…

When Feng Anning arrived at the main hall, she saw Madam Feng and Master Feng calling Young Master Cao “worthy nephew” and trying to persuade him. Young Master Cao, however, was still furious. Upon seeing Feng Anning appear, he immediately rushed over to her.

Only then did Feng Anning see that Young Master Cao’s face was bruised all over, seemingly beaten quite severely. Especially the two black eyes, which made her involuntarily laugh out loud.

Seeing this, Young Master Cao became even more enraged with embarrassment. He pointed at her nose and scolded, “Since you’ve already been secretly involved with that Shen Qiu, why bother with this marriage to me? Are you planning to marry into my Cao family to make me wear a green hat?”

“Silence!” Master Feng’s face darkened. This Young Master Cao’s words were truly offensive. Although he wanted Feng Anning to marry him, Feng Anning had been spoiled by Master Feng since childhood. How could she be humiliated like this?

Feng Anning also stopped laughing and said, “Young Master Cao, watch your words. I thought someone of your status wouldn’t engage in gossip and slander, but it seems I was mistaken.”

Having spent much time with Shen Miao, her speech had acquired a touch of mockery. Young Master Cao was momentarily speechless, but then sneered, “Why put on such a lofty act? If you didn’t have something going on with him, why would he stand up for you for no reason?”

Stand up for her?

Feng Anning frowned, and Feng Zixian asked, “Anuo, tell us what happened.”

Anuo was a servant boy of the Feng family. Since Young Master Cao was temporarily staying at the Feng residence and was not very familiar with the roads in Dingjing, Feng Zixian had assigned one of his servant boys to Young Master Cao for convenience.

Anuo stepped forward, nervously glanced at Young Master Cao, and then slowly explained.

It turned out that Young Master Cao, while appearing to treat Feng Anning with care and respect, seemingly a person who adhered to propriety, was actually not so proper in private. He wanted to marry Feng Anning only because her family background and appearance were suitable. Although Young Master Cao’s household had no concubines, he had been with many women.

While drinking at the Zuixian Pavilion, a group of his newfound friends in Dingjing asked him, “Young Master Cao, we hear that the Feng family’s daughter has a proud temperament. Now that you’re here drinking and having fun, will you have to restrain yourself in the future?”

“What a joke!” Young Master Cao replied, “It’s natural for a man to socialize outside. Besides, by marrying her, I’m elevating her status. Not every woman can enter my Cao family. If I weren’t considering her docile and obedient temperament, it wouldn’t be her turn to enter the doors of my Cao residence.”

“Docile and obedient? Isn’t it said that Miss Feng is arrogant and presumptuous, with no one in her eyes?”

Young Master Cao smiled smugly, “That’s just a rumor. I think she probably knows her place and is deliberately trying to please me. Well, seeing how obedient and hardworking she is, if she doesn’t cause me trouble in the future, if she’s cautious and prudent, I’ll also cherish her more.” Towards the end, there were some obscene jokes, which were quite excessive.

Young Master Cao was enjoying himself when suddenly he saw someone walking towards him from another table with large strides. Before he could react, he received a solid punch and was knocked to the ground. The person delivered a few punches and kicks, beating Young Master Cao until he was crying for his parents. Finally, he heard the person say, “The Feng family’s eye for sons-in-law is really poor! Such a weakling wants to marry the Feng family’s daughter?”

Everyone around was stunned. Young Master Cao, having lost face and been beaten, was furious. When he asked about the person’s identity, he was told it was the General’s eldest son. Since Young Master Cao couldn’t afford to offend Shen Qiu, he came to make trouble for the Feng family instead.

Master Feng and Madam Feng’s faces turned ashen upon hearing this. They weren’t angry at Shen Qiu but at Young Master Cao’s behavior. They had originally thought that since he was a relative who appeared proper, they wouldn’t have known Young Master Cao’s true face if this incident hadn’t occurred. If he looked down on Feng Anning, why did he come to propose? If Feng Anning were to marry into the Cao family, wouldn’t she be jumping into a fire pit? How could they expect a man who didn’t respect his wife to truly love and protect Feng Anning for a lifetime?

Master Feng was furious: “I see you indeed deserved to be beaten. Since you look down on the Feng family so much, the Feng family can’t afford a big shot like you. Get out of here!”

Young Master Cao was stunned and said in disbelief, “What?”

“Didn’t you hear? He told you to get out,” Feng Anning said coldly. She made no effort to hide the disgust in her eyes. Many years ago, she had personally witnessed this Cao person dallying with a maid and had long held no illusions about him. If it weren’t to help the Feng family, she wouldn’t have compromised. Now that the masks were off, there was nothing more to say.

Her heart was, unexpectedly, somewhat relieved.

Young Master Cao was about to say something else, but he was already being escorted out by Feng Zixian, whose face had turned ashen.

Madam Feng looked at Feng Anning, feeling a sour pain in her heart. She had almost let her daughter fall into a fire pit. It was Feng Anning who comforted her instead.

But Feng Anning’s marriage arrangement was ultimately ruined.

…

Without having to deal with the disgusting cousin, Feng Anning’s days became much more relaxed. Although the Feng family was still in a precarious situation, she was no longer obsessed with things as before. Let everything take its natural course.

But she never expected to encounter Shen Qiu on her way out.

She hesitated, not knowing how to speak. Meeting again, she felt awkward and didn’t know what to do, no longer having her usual straightforwardness.

But Shen Qiu walked over first.

Feng Anning saw him approach. He appeared increasingly tall and majestic, handsome and dashing. Compared to those soft, weak young masters, he was like a man forged from iron.

In an instant of confusion, she blurted out, “Why did you beat Young Master Cao?”

Shen Qiu frowned and said, “That kind of person, what’s wrong with beating him?”

“You shouldn’t have beaten him,” Feng Anning shook her head. “It’s a troublesome time now. If he harbors resentment because of this, he might retaliate behind your back. To break ties at this moment…” She didn’t know why she was saying this; in her confusion, she just found something to say.

Shen Qiu stared at her: “If I hadn’t beaten him, would you have married such a person?”

Feng Anning was startled, then softly said, “Perhaps. What’s wrong with that?”

“What’s not wrong with that?” Shen Qiu suddenly had a hint of anger in his voice. He said, “That weakling, carousing outside, talking behind his fiancée’s back, and you’re willing to marry him?”

Feng Anning looked up at him: “What does this have to do with Deputy General Shen?”

She was a bit hopeful.

“Jiaojiao instructed me to look after you before she left. If she knew you married such a person, she would be angry,” Shen Qiu said. “Naturally, it’s related to me.”

Feng Anning’s hopes dimmed, and she said, “Thank you for your concern, Deputy General Shen, but times are different now. In Dingjing, at this juncture, families willing to marry me are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. I don’t have many choices, but still, thank you for your kindness.”

Shen Qiu was stunned.

After saying this, Feng Anning gave him a light curtsy and turned to leave.

She had always been straight and proud, like an untamed wild horse. Looking at her back now, she seemed very thin.

Shen Qiu inexplicably felt a pain in his heart. He felt that the once somewhat spoiled girl, who would be afraid when she saw him, had grown up at some point. But as she grew up, she had somehow acquired more sadness, making one feel compassionate.

Action preceded thought. He suddenly strode forward and grabbed Feng Anning’s arm, pulling her back.

Feng Anning looked back at him in surprise.

Shen Qiu looked into her eyes. In an instant, he made a decision—a decision that, many, many years later, he would still laugh about involuntarily when he recalled it, a decision he would be grateful for his entire life.

He said, “Nonsense, how can you say you have no choice? What about me?”

Feng Anning’s eyes suddenly widened.

“Look at me, am I not better than that Cao person?” he repeated.

Military men value emotions, unlike the roundabout ways of scholars—direct and passionate, sincere and genuine.

Two red clouds immediately appeared on Feng Anning’s face.

She said, “If I say yes, would that count as private mutual consent?”

This time, it was Shen Qiu’s turn to be stunned.

The young lady smiled like a flower, looking up at him, and said word by word, “Yes.”