With the Lin family’s division of property, no one was happier than Ren Shijia. The day after the division, she began arranging to move out of the Lin family residence. Lin Kun felt guilty toward his wife, so he naturally agreed to everything according to her wishes.

Though the Lin Kun couple hadn’t managed to buy a house in Baobing Alley, Lin Kun owned a three-courtyard compound in an excellent location that was also quite spacious, so Ren Shijia immediately began arranging the move.

Although the Lin family had divided their property, the interests between Lin Kun and the main branch weren’t so easily separated, but these were Lin Kun’s affairs to handle.

After the Lin Kun couple moved out of the Lin family ancestral residence, Ren Shijia hosted a banquet for relatives and friends at their new home. Ren Yaoqi naturally accompanied Li Shi there. Ren Shijia was very happy and, after drinking several cups of wine, pulled Ren Yaoqi into her room to talk.

“Qi’er, Aunt doesn’t know how to thank you. When little Cen was poisoned, it was thanks to your timely discovery, and this time we could move away from there was also because of you…”

Ren Yaoqi smiled and stopped Ren Shijia: “Aunt, we’re family. Wouldn’t saying such things make us seem like strangers?”

Ren Shijia couldn’t continue speaking and simply held her hand while looking at her with a smile.

However, compared to Ren Shijia’s contentment, the Ren family’s expressions weren’t so pleasant.

Old Master Ren had always felt he had Lin Kun under his control, but he never expected the Lin family would divide their property so quickly, and during a time when the Ren family was too busy to pay attention. Old Master Ren’s anger was unimaginable.

But the Ren family’s current situation wasn’t optimistic, and Old Master Ren had neither the energy nor time to specifically make a trip to teach his son-in-law a lesson.

Second Master Ren was currently causing trouble. The Ren family’s current predicament was partly his doing, but Old Master Ren temporarily couldn’t spare time to deal with him, yet Second Master silently struck first. He openly admitted to outsiders the inside story of the Ren family’s coal yard substituting inferior goods for quality ones, revealed some of the Ren family’s shady dealings over the years, and claimed publicly that Old Master Ren was heartless and unjust—though he had agreed on the surface to divide the family with the second branch, he had set them up behind the scenes, leaving the second branch with nothing.

Ren Yongxiang’s accusations directly pushed the Ren family into a quagmire. Old Master Ren regretted deeply and, realizing things were beyond control, could only choose to follow Lei Ting’s advice and calm things down first. Unfortunately, by this time, the opportunity had passed. Though the Lei family agreed to help the Ren family, they still couldn’t prevent the situation of everyone pushing down a falling wall.

Under the strain of worry and effort, Old Master Ren again vomited blood and fainted. The Ren family became even more frantic.

This time, Old Master Ren’s illness was more serious than before. His body hadn’t fully recovered from the previous trauma, and with the recent strain of worry and effort, this collapse left him unconscious.

Filial piety comes first in all matters. Regardless of Ren Yaoqi’s feelings toward Old Master Ren, she still had to follow Ren Shimin and Li Shi back to Baihezhen to visit him.

But the current Old Master Ren already showed his age completely, with no trace of the Ren family patriarch’s dignity. When the Ren family descendants surrounded him, he couldn’t even recognize who was who, nor could he speak clearly.

Fortunately, Old Master Ren’s life was preserved. Apart from his confused mental state, there was no danger to his life. The rest could only depend on gradual recovery.

Third Master Ren stayed home to watch over him for several days. After Old Master Ren’s condition stabilized, he returned to Yunyang City first. Li Shi, however, stayed several more days with Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua.

On this day, Ren Yaoqi was practicing calligraphy in her room when Sangshen came in to report that Second Young Master Yun had come to visit Old Master Ren’s illness, and Old Madam Ren wanted Ren Yaoqi to come to Ronghua Garden.

Hearing this news, Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but frown. After thinking it over, she still changed into clothes suitable for receiving guests and went to Old Madam Ren’s courtyard.

Yun Wenfang was sitting in the main room, talking with Old Madam Ren. Compared to several years ago, Yun Wenfang’s words and actions had become much more mature. Though Old Madam Ren was deeply distressed by Old Master Ren’s condition, she was still made to smile by Yun Wenfang’s few words.

After Ren Yaoqi entered and performed the proper courtesies, she stood to one side with lowered head, saying nothing. Besides Old Madam Ren and Yun Wenfang, the room also contained Ren Yaoying, who served at Old Madam Ren’s side, and Ren Yiyan, who had come to attend to Yun Wenfang.

Though Yun Wenfang was talking with Old Madam Ren, his eyes kept glancing toward Ren Yaoqi, while Ren Yaoqi maintained a calm expression as if unaware.

As they were talking, Ren Yaohua also entered.

Old Madam Ren frowned at her: “Why did you come out at this time?”

Ren Yaohua had rarely gone out these days, basically staying in her room doing embroidery, and Old Madam Ren hadn’t said anything about it.

Ren Yaohua glanced at Ren Yaoqi and lowered her head: “I was just looking for Fifth Sister to discuss needlework techniques. Hearing from a maid in the courtyard that she had come to Grandmother’s place, I followed.”

But Ren Yaoqi understood—Ren Yaohua must have heard that Yun Wenfang had come and, fearing she would suffer, had sought her out.

With a guest present, Old Madam Ren didn’t pursue the matter further, only saying: “Second Young Master Yun rarely visits. Since you’re all familiar from childhood, accompany him for a walk in the courtyard.”

Yun Wenfang was naturally pleased—he had come specifically hoping to find an opportunity to see Ren Yaoqi.

Ren Yaoqi said nothing. When Ren Yiyan led them outside, Old Madam Ren stopped Ren Yaoying: “Ying’er needn’t go. Stay and massage my legs.”

Ren Yaoying glanced at Yun Wenfang, then at Ren Yaoqi, her eyes showing some unwillingness, but she ultimately didn’t dare disobey Old Madam Ren’s wishes and obediently agreed with lowered head.

Old Madam Ren then looked at Ren Yaohua: “Didn’t you say you wanted to ask about needlework? Shanhu in my room is best at embroidery—stay and ask her.”

Ren Yaohua immediately sensed something was wrong and was about to refuse when Ren Yaoqi gave her a meaningful look, telling her to remain calm. Ren Yaohua slowly drew a breath and finally agreed with a lowered head.

Seeing that Ren Yaohua was also kept behind, Ren Yaoying felt somewhat more balanced, though her gaze still couldn’t help stealing glances between Ren Yaoqi and Yun Wenfang.

Ren Yaoqi, Ren Yiyan, and Yun Wenfang left Ronghua Garden together. Ren Yiyan conversed with Yun Wenfang along the way, while Ren Yaoqi remained silent from beginning to end, following at a distance behind them.

Not until Yun Wenfang turned to Ren Yaoqi and said, “I remember there’s a bamboo grove over there. Fifth Miss Ren once taught me to distinguish male and female bamboo.”

Ren Yiyan smiled: “Then shall we go look at that bamboo grove? We’ve had people tend it these past years, and that patch of bamboo has grown even better.”

Yun Wenfang naturally had no objection, but just as the three reached the edge of the bamboo grove, someone hurried over to tell Ren Yiyan that the eldest master was looking for him urgently in the outer courtyard and wanted him to come quickly.

Ren Yiyan couldn’t help but frown and glance at Ren Yaoqi. He naturally sensed something amiss and hesitated somewhat. But the messenger was very insistent, saying the eldest master required the eldest young master to come immediately. The Ren family had been unsettled recently, and Ren Yiyan was often summoned by his father for instructions, but with Yun Wenfang here, he couldn’t just leave and make a young lady entertain the guest.

However, Yun Wenfang said, “If Elder Brother has business, please go ahead. I’ve stayed at the Ren family before and am quite familiar with it, and Fifth Miss Ren is here too.”

Ren Yiyan looked at Ren Yaoqi and could only say: “Then I’ll go and return quickly.”

Ren Yaoqi also didn’t want to make things difficult for Ren Yiyan and nodded.

After Ren Yiyan left, he was still somewhat worried and secretly instructed his attendant to go to Qingfeng Courtyard to fetch Ren Yijun to accompany Yun Wenfang.

After Ren Yiyan left, Yun Wenfang’s gaze remained fixed on Ren Yaoqi.

Seeing him not speaking, Ren Yaoqi opened her mouth: “Is Second Young Master Yun only here to visit the sick today?”

Hearing this, Yun Wenfang smiled. He moved closer, stopping two steps away from Ren Yaoqi—a distance neither too far nor too close, not so far that Yun Wenfang couldn’t see Ren Yaoqi’s subtle expressions, nor so close that Ren Yaoqi would flee.

“I heard the Ren family has encountered great trouble. I want to help.” Yun Wenfang looked at Ren Yaoqi seriously.

Ren Yaoqi frowned: “What do you mean?”

Seeing Ren Yaoqi appear displeased, Yun Wenfang quickly explained: “Don’t misunderstand—this time I truly want to help you.”

Hearing this, Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but curve her lips mockingly and said coolly: “Help me? Second Young Master Yun, do you know what I want?”

The smile on Yun Wenfang’s face faded somewhat. He studied Ren Yaoqi’s expression carefully and frowned: “Don’t you want the Ren family to escape their predicament?”

Ren Yaoqi met Yun Wenfang’s gaze seriously: “What if I said I don’t want that?”

Yun Wenfang was somewhat stunned. He didn’t understand Ren Yaoqi, much less know what she had experienced. He simply felt that any woman would hope her natal family wouldn’t lose power, which was why he told Ren Yaoqi he was willing to help the Ren family.

But seeing the seriousness in Ren Yaoqi’s eyes, Yun Wenfang felt she wasn’t lying, and he couldn’t help feeling bewildered: “But why?”

Ren Yaoqi said coldly: “No particular reason. I only hope you won’t interfere in the Ren family’s affairs. Moreover, though the Yun family is powerful, you have no previous relationship with the Ren family—the Ren family cannot bear such a great favor!”

Yun Wenfang felt he had come with good intentions only to meet with Ren Yaoqi’s cold reception, and he grew somewhat angry. In his entire life, except before Ren Yaoqi, he had never humbled himself so much before anyone.

“What’s unbearable about it! As long as you agree to enter the Yun family’s gates, the Ren family’s affairs become the Yun family’s affairs!” Yun Wenfang’s good temper was nearly exhausted, and he said with some impatience.

After speaking, Yun Wenfang met Ren Yaoqi’s cold, mocking expression, and suddenly felt some regret. He had planned to talk properly with Ren Yaoqi before coming, and hadn’t intended to use this matter to threaten her.

He thought that as long as she agreed to him, he would defer to her in everything afterward and would willingly spend effort coaxing and accommodating her. But somehow, every time he saw Ren Yaoqi’s indifferent, calm appearance, he couldn’t help the irritation in his heart.

Yun Wenfang felt he had matured considerably, but when facing Ren Yaoqi, he always regressed to that irritable, quick-tempered youth.

Yun Wenfang exhaled and tried to suppress his anger: “Ren Yaoqi, I didn’t come to argue with you.”

Ren Yaoqi also felt somewhat weary. She could find ways to resolve conspiracies and schemes, but facing Yun Wenfang left her feeling helpless. She had exhausted all good and bad words, yet Yun Wenfang still wouldn’t give up.

Ren Yaoqi sighed, her voice becoming more gentle, and she spoke directly: “Second Young Master Yun, I remember I never provoked you. I don’t know what I did wrong to cause your misunderstanding. Why would you…”

Ren Yaoqi didn’t finish her words, but Yun Wenfang understood—wasn’t she asking how he had come to fancy her?

Yun Wenfang was silent for a long time. Just when Ren Yaoqi thought he couldn’t answer, Yun Wenfang looked up at her: “I’ve been having the same dream since childhood—dreams that are always about you.”

Yun Wenfang’s answer stunned Ren Yaoqi. She truly hadn’t expected this answer, which explained why Yun Wenfang had initially asked why she didn’t remember him.

Seeing Ren Yaoqi frown silently, thinking she didn’t believe him, Yun Wenfang curved his lips: “I’m not lying to you. In the dreams, you’re always looking at me and crying, constantly saying something to me, but I can’t hear you. The first time I came to the Ren family, in that corridor—for you it was our first meeting, but for me it wasn’t. I thought since I could dream of you, you must also dream of me, but you had no impression of me.” Yun Wenfang looked somewhat dejected as he said this.

But Ren Yaoqi thought: she didn’t lack an impression of him—her impression was extremely deep. But how could she explain to Yun Wenfang that what lay between them wasn’t the destined match he imagined, but a fateful disaster?

“Second Young Master Yun, that was just a dream. You can’t mistake it for having special feelings toward me.”

Yun Wenfang stubbornly shook his head, looking fixedly at Ren Yaoqi: “No, perhaps initially I was only curious about you, but now I can confirm my feelings. Ren Yaoqi, can’t you accept me? I… I will truly treat you well in the future.”

Yun Wenfang mustered all his courage for this confession. He felt his heart beating very fast, like drumming. He stared intently at Ren Yaoqi’s expression, as if her single word could determine his life or death.

But Ren Yaoqi ultimately shook her head. Though she said nothing, the rejection in her eyes was unmistakable.

Yun Wenfang felt his heart grow cold inch by inch, even experiencing a bewilderment of not knowing where he was.

“I’m sorry, Second Young Master Yun. I’ll take my leave first.” Ren Yaoqi curtsied and turned to go.

“Wait—” Yun Wenfang flashed forward to block Ren Yaoqi’s path, not letting her leave, but meeting her gaze, he didn’t know what he could say.

He had already done everything he should say and plead for—he no longer knew what to do.

Just as they were at an impasse, a slightly cold voice interjected: “Second Young Master Yun, may I ask if anything is lacking in our hospitality?”

Ren Yaoqi looked up to see Third Brother Ren Yijun walking over, frowning as he stared at Yun Wenfang.

Yun Wenfang also glanced at Ren Yijun, pressed his lips together, then looked at Ren Yaoqi again.

Ren Yijun impatiently walked over, pulled Ren Yaoqi aside, and stood before Yun Wenfang, raising an eyebrow: “Since Second Young Master Yun is a guest, wherever you’d like to tour next, I’ll accompany you. Fifth Sister, your third sister-in-law is looking for you—go to Qingfeng Courtyard to find her.”

Ren Yaoqi agreed, but Yun Wenfang didn’t even look at Ren Yijun, staring only at Ren Yaoqi as he suddenly said coldly: “If I tell your grandmother that the Yun family is willing to aid the Ren family, do you think she would fulfill my wish and marry you to me?”

Yun Wenfang was very clear about Old Madam Ren’s fawning attitude toward the Yun family—otherwise, he couldn’t have met Ren Yaoqi alone today. He hadn’t first approached Old Madam Ren about this matter precisely out of consideration for Ren Yaoqi.

But Ren Yaoqi didn’t treasure his feelings and always thought of escaping from him, pushing him as far away as possible. Yun Wenfang felt his unwillingness and sorrow. He certainly knew that saying this would make Ren Yaoqi even more disgusted with him, but he only wanted Ren Yaoqi to stop in her tracks—even her hatred was better than her indifference.

Yun Wenfang didn’t know why he was so obsessed with Ren Yaoqi alone. He only wanted Ren Yaoqi to look at him even once more.

Before Ren Yaoqi could react to Yun Wenfang’s words, Ren Yijun, who stood before him, was enraged. Without a word, Ren Yijun swung his fist at Yun Wenfang’s face.

Logically, a weak scholar like Ren Yijun shouldn’t have been able to hit Yun Wenfang, but that punch landed squarely on Yun Wenfang’s face with such force that it made him step back.

“Fulfill your ass! Get out! The Ren family hasn’t fallen so low as to sell daughters. If we truly reached that point, I’d rather burn the Ren family to ashes than sell daughters for glory—then no one should count on anything!” Ren Yijun pointed at Yun Wenfang and cursed.

After taking the punch, Yun Wenfang neither hit back nor cursed back. He only wiped the corner of his mouth expressionlessly and stubbornly looked at Ren Yaoqi.

Ren Yaoqi also looked at him expressionlessly.

Ren Yijun was furious and wanted to punch him again, but this time, Yun Wenfang casually raised his hand to block it without even looking.

Yun Wenfang ignored Ren Yijun’s curses, looked steadily at Ren Yaoqi once, then turned and left. He maintained a straight back throughout, but his retreating figure looked like a stubborn child.

Only then did Ren Yijun turn to Ren Yaoqi with an unpleasant expression: “What’s wrong with this lunatic? Does he think the Yun family can cover the sky with one hand in Yanbei?”

Ren Yaoqi didn’t want to discuss Yun Wenfang. She lowered her head to look at Ren Yijun’s hand and, seeing he had torn his skin from punching too hard, quickly said: “Third Brother, you’re injured. Go back and tend to it first.”

Ren Yijun waved his hand impatiently: “Tch, it’s just scraped skin. No, I’m going to follow that lunatic to make sure he doesn’t go speak nonsense to Old Madam. You go back first and don’t come out.” With that, Ren Yijun chased after Yun Wenfang.

Ren Yaoqi watched Ren Yijun’s departing figure, stood in place for a long time, then sighed and returned to Ziwei Courtyard.

She didn’t know if Yun Wenfang would use helping the Ren family escape their predicament as leverage for a marriage proposal. She only knew that if Yun Wenfang truly did so, Old Madam Ren would agree. But while Yun Wenfang could convince Old Madam Ren, he might not be able to convince the Yun family elders. Even if the Ren family wanted to cling to the Yun family tree, it couldn’t be done with just Yun Wenfang’s verbal promise. So, even making the worst assumption, this matter wasn’t something that could be accomplished immediately.

Soon after returning, Ren Yijun sent her a message—Yun Wenfang hadn’t gone to Ronghua Garden to see Old Madam; he had left after leaving the bamboo grove.

Yun Wenfang also knew that even convincing Old Madam Ren wouldn’t matter—the most important thing was getting the Yun family’s agreement. But before coming to the Ren family to find Ren Yaoqi, he had already made plans. He felt he could persuade the Yun family to relent because he held leverage, but the timing wasn’t right yet—he still had to wait.

In his entire life, Yun Wenfang had only taken a liking to Ren Yaoqi, and only because of Ren Yaoqi had he experienced unprecedented grievance and failure. He thought that for the rest of his life, he would never again allow anyone to influence his emotions like Ren Yaoqi did, making him unable to fight back, unable to scold, seeking but not obtaining. And this unique Ren Yaoqi—he wouldn’t easily let go.

As for the Ren family, since Old Master Ren fell ill, the external situation had improved somewhat. Though the Ren family had compensated quite a bit of money this time and their business was greatly affected, the Ren family had deep foundations after all—even a centipede dies hard.

But secretly, there seemed to be an invisible hand choking the Ren family’s throat. It didn’t want the Ren family to fall cleanly, but rather enjoyed watching it struggle desperately, wanting the Ren family to gradually weaken at a pace the Ren family members could witness.

In early June, Li Shi planned to take the Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua sisters back to Yunyang City. After all, Third Master Ren also needed someone to care for him, and Ren Yaohua’s wedding was approaching—Li Shi planned to add more items for Ren Yaohua.

However, Old Madam Ren refused to let Ren Yaohua leave, because Ren Yaohua was to depart in the bridal sedan from the Ren family’s old residence.

Ren Yaoqi thought it over and let Li Shi return alone first, while she stayed to accompany Ren Yaohua.

By July, the Ren family had communicated with the Lei family, who had learned of the Ren family’s intention to send Ren Yaohua’s concubine-born sister as a secondary wife to the Lei family.

A few days later, the matchmaker hired by Lei Ting’s family came to the Ren family once, expressing that the Lei family refused to accept concubines.