Although Dongfang Hui knew her proposal was somewhat improper, she couldn’t simply give up. Not only could she not swallow the anger at Xu Qingchen’s ruthless rejection, but her status also wouldn’t allow her to just walk away. Li City was still filled with distinguished guests, and even Prince Ding’s mansion couldn’t guarantee there weren’t spies within. Most likely, as soon as they walked out of the mansion’s gates, news that the Master of Cangmang Mountain’s request for her disciple to marry Young Master Qingchen had been rejected would spread throughout Li City. It wasn’t that Dongfang Hui didn’t want to leave – she was simply caught in an impossible situation.

After a moment of silence, Dongfang Hui quickly cleared away her excess thoughts and looked up to ask, “If that’s the case, might I be able to meet with Master Hongyu and his wife in person? It’s been nearly twenty years since I last saw Master Hongyu.”

Ye Li was about to refuse when she noticed Xu Qingchen giving her a subtle nod. Though somewhat puzzled by Xu Qingchen’s intentions, Ye Li didn’t question it. She summoned Zhuo Jing to inquire about the whereabouts of Xu Hongyu and the First Madam Xu. Zhuo Jing replied, “Master Hongyu is in the study, while the First and Second Madams are conversing with Madam Yang in the guest quarters.” Ye Li nodded and said, “Please invite Uncle and Aunt to come over.”

After Zhuo Jing left to carry out the order, the main hall fell silent. Dongfang Hui had matters weighing on her mind and, having just been humiliated by Xu Qingchen was in no mood for conversation. Mo Xiu Yao, as the host, had directly laid down to rest his head on Ye Li’s lap with his eyes closed. His silver-white hair spread carelessly across Ye Li’s legs and the soft couch, showing complete disregard for the presence of guests. Both Xu Qingchen and Ye Li were people who could maintain their composure, each sitting and drinking tea with natural ease. It was Dongfang You who, despite having somewhat prepared herself mentally for Xu Qingchen’s repeated rejection, couldn’t help feeling more loss and heartache upon hearing his rejection again. Her gaze toward Xu Qingchen carried additional traces of melancholy.

Initially, the proposal to marry Xu Qingchen had indeed been a strategic move, and even Dongfang You herself hadn’t felt it necessary – she had simply thought Xu Qingchen was the best choice. But after Young Master Qingchen’s repeated rejections, she had developed feelings. If originally Dongfang You had chosen to marry Xu Qingchen first because of his status as Princess Ding’s cousin and the First Strategist of Prince Ding’s mansion, and only secondarily for who he was as a person, now her persistence had nothing to do with his status.

Noticing Dongfang You’s expression, Ye Li inwardly sighed. Xu Qingyan’s prediction had truly come to pass. The matter itself stemmed from Dongfang You’s overconfidence – at the beginning, she probably never thought she would develop any feelings for Xu Qingchen. That’s why she could speak so openly about it being merely a mutually beneficial cooperation. But since Young Master Qingchen was known as the Immortal Young Master, it was far too easy for women to fall in love with him. If Dongfang You faced this emotional tribulation, it was entirely of her own making.

Before long, Xu Hongyu arrived with First Madam Xu. Following behind them, naturally, was Xu Qingyan, who never missed a chance to stir up trouble.

Seeing Xu Hongyan, Dongfang Hui also stood up and smiled, “Brother Xu, after so many years you still maintain your distinguished bearing.” Undeniably, Dongfang Hui was a charming woman, even at her age. Perhaps it was her status as Master of Cangmang Mountain that gave her confidence and decisiveness different from ordinary women. Yet it didn’t make people feel overbearing or annoying. This quality was somewhat similar only to Madam Sun Huiniang in Western Ling Imperial City. But she was more elegant and reserved than Sun Huiniang – while Sun Huiniang only made people feel her sharpness, cleverness, and dominance, she inspired reverence and admiration from the depths of people’s hearts.

Xu Hongyu nodded slightly and said mildly, “Madam Dongfang.”

Ye Li stood up and stepped forward, saying softly, “Li’er and the Prince have been discourteous, troubling Uncle and Aunt.” First Madam Xu held her hand and smiled, “Child, what are you saying? When it comes to Qingchen’s marriage, how could it be any trouble? If we could find a good daughter-in-law for your elder brother, I would gladly busy myself with it every day.”

“Mother…” Xu Qingchen didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It seemed his mother was truly deeply resentful of his continued refusal to marry. She never missed a chance to criticize him about it.

First Madam Xu gave him a sidelong glance and said irritably, “You still have something to say? If it weren’t for your continued refusal to marry, would we have today’s situation?”

Young Master Qingchen silently accepted it while rubbing his nose. However, Dongfang Hui and Dongfang You’s expressions changed. Although First Madam Xu wasn’t speaking to them directly, while her words appeared to be scolding Xu Qingchen, to others’ ears it sounded more like she was saying Dongfang You was shameless for forcing herself on Xu Qingchen. Dongfang Hui’s expression only stiffened briefly before quickly recovering. If Ye Li hadn’t been paying close attention, she might not have noticed. Dongfang Hui smoothed a stray hair at her temple and smiled faintly, “Brother Xu, sister-in-law certainly speaks frankly.”

First Madam Xu finally turned to look at her, then turned back to look at Xu Hongyu and asked, “My lord, did our family have such a sister?” You think I can’t tell you’re mocking me for not being like a noble lady?

Xu Hongyu smiled mildly and said, “Wife, what nonsense are you speaking? You’ve been married into the Xu family for over thirty years, how could you not know who our family has? This is Madam Dongfang of Cangmang Mountain. Years ago, when Madam Dongfang was traveling to gain experience, we met several times.”

“I see.” First Madam Xu nodded and said apologetically, “Madam Dongfang, please excuse my rudeness. Don’t take offense.”

Dongfang Hui felt waves of stomach pain. True, she hadn’t come down from the mountain in twenty years, but she had experienced quite a lot during those years. She had never felt so unwelcome before – had people below the mountain changed so much in these twenty years? If Xu Qingchen’s was hidden hostility, this First Madam Xu was clearly showing outright antagonism. Looking at Xu Hongyu standing beside First Madam Xu, Dongfang Hui had a somewhat sudden realization. But she also felt more wronged – although in her youth she had indeed had some fantasies about Xu Hongyu, after learning that Xu Hongyu was already married and that she would return to take charge of Cangmang Mountain, she had cut off those thoughts. If First Madam Xu was hostile to her over such a matter, it seemed a bit too petty.

After the host and guests were seated, First Madam Xu calmly looked at Dongfang Hui with a faint smile and said, “Earlier, Li’er sent someone to say that Madam Dongfang wanted to discuss Qingchen’s marriage with us. What did Madam wish to say?”

Although Dongfang Hui felt somewhat embarrassed, she still composed herself and repeated her intentions, very tactfully expressing Cangmang Mountain’s willingness to form a marriage alliance with the Xu family. First Madam Xu glanced lightly at Dongfang You and said, “Does Madam Dongfang know the proper process for marriage arrangements in ordinary families?”

Dongfang Hui was startled, but before she could answer, she heard First Madam Xu continue, “Proposing marriage, asking the name, consulting the fortune-teller, presenting betrothal gifts, choosing the date, and welcoming the bride. Even in royal marriages arranged by imperial decree, a maiden’s name is known only to extremely close family. Yet Maiden Dongfang’s name is already known throughout the world before any engagement – if there were to be a marriage, at least we could skip asking her name. This could be overlooked – one must be more lenient with ladies of outstanding talent and beauty. In the past, the names of noble ladies from various families in the Chu capital occasionally circulated as well, just not to the extent of Maiden Dongfang’s fame. However, the future daughter-in-law of the Xu family need not be devastatingly beautiful, or famous for her talents. There is only one requirement – she must follow proper etiquette and strictly observe the rules for young ladies.”

Dongfang Hui’s expression became difficult, as First Madam Xu’s words indicated that Dongfang You did not meet the Xu family’s standards.

“Madam Xu, how have I not observed proper etiquette?” Dongfang You stepped forward, asking somewhat defiantly.

First Madam Xu gave her a bland look, not bothering to answer her question.

Xu Qingyan, standing behind Xu Hongyu, poked his head out and said with a grin, “Miss Dongfang. There are four virtues for women: speech, work, appearance, and moral character. I wonder how many of these Miss Dongfang possesses?” Regarding speech, one needn’t be clever with words, just appropriate in speaking. Dongfang You were quite talkative, just never in the right situations. As for appearance, leaving aside everything else, the single point of having practiced seduction techniques would disqualify Dongfang You. The moral character was even more out of the question – a woman who, before marriage, was already calculating how to use her husband’s family to achieve her ambitions, what did moral character matter to her? In short, Dongfang You could marry anyone else, but as for entering the Xu family’s door – forget about the door, she couldn’t even get near a window.

Dongfang Hui’s gaze finally fell on Xu Qingyan, “This must be the Fifth Young Master?”

Xu Qingyan seemed completely unaware of the pressure in her gaze, stepping forward with a bright smile and cupping his hands in greeting, “This junior is indeed Xu Fifth, paying respects to Madam Dongfang.”

Dongfang Hui smiled, “Young Master Five certainly has a quick tongue.”

Xu Qingyan smiled, “This humble one is being rude, please forgive me, Madam. However, my elder brother is rather shy and uncomfortable saying many things. As his younger brother, I naturally must speak up a bit more. My brother will eventually lead our Xu family household – if he were to marry a sister-in-law who couldn’t properly represent us in society, wouldn’t that bring shame to our entire Xu family?”

“Qingyan!” Xu Hongyu frowned slightly, giving Xu Qingyan a disapproving look. However, his tone carried no trace of rebuke. Xu Qingyan’s words also resonated deeply with him, but his position made it inappropriate to say so directly. If he truly didn’t want to hear Xu Qingyan’s rudeness, why would he wait until after he finished speaking to reprimand him?

With things having reached this point, Dongfang Hui also understood that this marriage arrangement, at least today, could not be settled. She wasn’t the type to press on when unwelcome – rather than continue sitting here being humiliated, it would be better to leave early and consider other strategies later. With this thought, Dongfang Hui composed herself and said with a faint smile, “If that’s the case, we’ve troubled Prince Ding and the Princess today. We’ll take our leave now.” Ye Li didn’t try to keep them, smiling as she said, “Madam, take care.”

Dongfang Hui nodded and said to Dongfang You, “You’er, let’s go.”

Dongfang You bit her lip lightly as she gazed at Xu Qingchen, but unfortunately, Xu Qingchen seemed completely unaware of her gaze, calmly lowering his eyes to drink tea. Dongfang You’s face turned pale, and she suddenly spoke up, “Fifth Young Master Xu spoke of the four virtues for women, but I wonder how many of these the Princess possesses?”

“You’er, be quiet!” Dongfang Hui scolded harshly. Being rebuked by her master in front of so many people, Dongfang You’s eyes immediately reddened, yet she stubbornly refused to admit defeat.

First Madam Xu smiled faintly and said, “Cangmang Mountain certainly has a fine upbringing.”

Xu Qingyan said with a beaming smile, “Sister Li’er naturally possesses all four virtues. More importantly, Prince Ding likes someone like her, while the Xu family doesn’t like someone like you.” No amount of rules could overcome the simple matter of liking – not to mention that Ye Li was universally acknowledged as a capable partner. No, in many people’s eyes, she was no longer just a helper – the title of Princess Ding was enough to let her stand as an equal beside Prince Ding. Even if Ye Li knew nothing at all, as long as Prince Ding liked her, that would be enough. Similarly, even if Dongfang You excelled in every way, with outstanding talent and beauty, if the Xu family didn’t want such a daughter-in-law, nothing else mattered. The Xu family’s requirements for a daughter-in-law were different from Prince Ding’s mansion. If Dongfang You truly had Ye Li’s capabilities, the Xu family might not have refused – the problem was, that she didn’t.

Dongfang You’s face turned paper-white. Dongfang Hui, unable to bear watching her disciple embarrass herself further, gave her a displeased glance and said, “Aren’t you leaving?”

Dongfang You had no choice but to silently follow behind her master.

After seeing the guests out, Xu Qingyan approached Xu Qingchen with a grin, “Elder Brother, how about that? Didn’t your brother predict correctly?” Xu Qingchen looked at him blandly, “Predict what?”

“Don’t deny, that Dongfang You has fallen for you. Did you see that look in her eyes just now? So melancholic, as if Elder Brother had loved and abandoned her,” Xu Qingyan said with a laugh.

“Smack!” First Madam Xu raised her hand and slapped his forehead, “What love and abandonment? What kind of nonsense have you been learning outside these past few years? Let me tell you both, no woman from Cangmang Mountain is allowed to enter our Xu family’s door.” Xu Qingyan rubbed his forehead and asked puzzled, “Mother, Dongfang You definitely can’t enter our family, Elder Brother surely wouldn’t be interested in her.” First Madam Xu snorted lightly and said, “Not just your elder brother – no one can. Not Dongfang You, not anyone else!” With that, she turned and left with a sweep of her sleeve.

Xu Qingyan rubbed his forehead and looked at Xu Hongyu, “Father, why do I feel like Mother has some hidden meaning in her words?”

Xu Hongyu raised his hand and knocked him on the forehead, “You’re thinking too much.” He waved to the others and followed after her.

Xu Qingyan looked plaintively at Ye Li and the other two, “Why am I always the one getting hurt?” Their elder brother oppressed him, his mother slapped him, and now even his usually elegant and dignified father knocked him.

Xu Qingchen gave him an ambiguous smile, and Xu Qingyan quickly shrank back and darted out.

“Dongfang Hui is quite clever,” Xu Qingchen said lightly, tapping the armrest.

“Yet this clever person was still quite angered by Young Master Qingchen, wasn’t she?” Mo Xiu Yao said lazily. Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, “That was because of Dongfang You – when one cares too much, one loses clarity. Without Dongfang You’s matter, Dongfang Hui wouldn’t be so easy to deal with.”

“Brother Qingchen seems to dislike Dongfang Hui?” Mo Xiu Yao asked curiously. Xu Qingchen rarely showed direct dislike for anyone, and by all accounts, he shouldn’t have even met Dongfang Hui before. Hearing this, Ye Li also couldn’t help but look curiously at Xu Qingchen. It wasn’t just Xu Qingchen – First Madam Xu’s attitude toward Dongfang Hui had also seemed somewhat off. This led Ye Li to suspect that Dongfang Hui’s relationship with Uncle might not have been as casual as Uncle had described. But it wasn’t appropriate to make such wild guesses about her elders’ affairs, so she could only suppress these thoughts.

Xu Qingchen didn’t try to hide anything, saying plainly, “It’s nothing much, I just intercepted a few letters from Dongfang Hui back then.”

“Oh? Could it be…” Could Master Hongyu have had a companion outside?

Seeing the similar expressions on the two seated before him, Xu Qingchen shook his head helplessly and said, “What are you imagining? It was just Dongfang Hui’s one-sided pursuit, Father never even saw the letters. But Mother and I happened to see them. At that time… Mother had just become pregnant with Fourth Brother. Seeing Dongfang Hui’s letters made her quite depressed.” Ye Li blinked and asked, “Uncle didn’t know about Dongfang Hui’s intentions?”

Xu Qingchen thought for a moment, “He probably didn’t know. The several letters she sent to the Xu family were all intercepted by me, and the first one only contained words of gratitude.”

“Brother didn’t give the letters to Uncle?” Ye Li asked.

Xu Qingchen frowned and said, “When the first couple of letters arrived, Father wasn’t home, and the later letters were somewhat… I was quite young then and didn’t think things through completely.” After all, Xu Qingchen wasn’t even ten years old at the time, and many things, especially matters of romance, were beyond his understanding, so he didn’t know how best to handle it. Directly giving the letters to Master Hongyu wouldn’t have been a problem. But now it had worked out for the best – since Master Hongyu didn’t know about Dongfang Hui’s former feelings, he wouldn’t feel conflicted about past connections when dealing with Cangmang Mountain’s affairs. Of course, Ye Li believed that Master Hongyu wouldn’t let personal matters interfere with public duties.

“If that’s the case, regarding Aunt’s side…”

Xu Qingchen said, “Mother knows Father’s thoughts and trusts him. However, back then Dongfang Hui wrote such letters despite knowing Father was already married with children, that’s why Mother showed her no mercy in making her lose face today.”

“Is that why Brother also dislikes Dongfang Hui?” Ye Li asked.

Xu Qingchen pondered for a moment, then sighed softly with slightly furrowed brows, “Perhaps because she was the first person I ever disliked.”

Hearing this, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile. Outsiders thought Young Master Qingchen had been born with that immortal-like demeanor. Who would know that in his younger years, he had also done some not-so-clever little tricks to protect his parents’ relationship from a third party trying to intrude into his family?

“Dongfang Hui likely won’t give up easily. Aside from Dongfang You’s wishes, now that this matter has become such a sensation if they were to choose someone else at this point, it would be a huge blow to both Cangmang Mountain and Dongfang You’s reputation,” Xu Qingchen said thoughtfully, furrowing his brows. Mo Xiu Yao said carelessly, “Let her be persistent if she wants, in the end, we won’t be the ones losing face. Besides, Lei Zhenting’s side needs time to prepare, and we similarly need some time to investigate Cangmang Mountain’s background. Let them make trouble if they want.”

Xu Qingchen said, “Dongfang Hui isn’t the type to keep hitting her head against a wall. What if she cancels the marriage alliance plan and simply cooperates with Prince Ding’s mansion?” This way, although Dongfang You’s reputation would suffer somewhat, Cangmang Mountain’s authority and reputation would remain completely intact. As for Dongfang You, after a couple of years when this matter had passed, with Cangmang Mountain as her backing, she wouldn’t have trouble finding a good marriage.

Mo Xiu Yao frowned and said, “Regardless, Prince Ding’s mansion has no intention of cooperating with Cangmang Mountain. Compared to their so-called cooperation and assistance, This Prince prefers absorption. Moreover, now is not the time to toy with Lei Zhenting.” Because of Ye Li, Mo Xiu Yao didn’t look down on women. But a group of self-proclaimed clever women century after century dreaming of secretly controlling the world – he had no patience to deal with such people.

“Have someone leak information about Dongfang Hui to Mo Jingli. Oh, and give Ren Qining a copy too. After all, as descendants of the previous dynasty, they seem to have some slight connection with Cangmang Mountain,” Mo Xiu Yao said with a smile.

Xu Qingchen’s handsome face lifted slightly, “Let Mo Jingli and Ren Qining harass them? Good idea…” These two were both the type who would use any means to achieve their goals. They couldn’t deal with Prince Ding’s mansion in Li City, but giving Dongfang Hui some trouble wouldn’t be a problem.

Mo Xiu Yao rubbed his nose and said, “This way… This Prince will also have time to consider how to deal with Ren Qining. Where is that Tan Jizhi now?”

Ye Li said, “In the mansion’s dungeon.”

“Very good, Li’er, accompany me to see him,” Mo Xiu Yao said, a cold light flickering in his eyes. If outsiders saw it, they would surely feel their scalps tingle, wondering who Prince Ding was planning to deal with.

When Dongfang Hui and Dongfang You returned to their temporary residence, before Dongfang You could say anything, Dongfang Hui fixed her with a cold stare and said, “From now on, you are forbidden to mention marriage with the Xu family.”

Dongfang You was startled, not understanding why her master had suddenly changed her mind after just one visit to Prince Ding’s mansion, “Master…”

Dongfang Hui waved her hand and said, “No need to say more. Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough today? The Xu family will never agree to take you as a bride.”

“Master, that’s not true. Young Master Qingchen just…”

Dongfang Hui cut off her words, saying, “You think it’s just Xu Qingchen? Not a single person in the Xu family would agree.”

“But the Xu family traditionally doesn’t force decisions about their children’s marriages, as long as Young Master Qingchen…”

“Will Xu Qingchen marry you?” Dongfang Hui asked coldly.

Dongfang You were speechless. Seeing her master’s cold gaze, she said somewhat unwillingly, “But if I don’t join the Xu family, then Cangmang Mountain and Prince Ding’s mansion… Prince Ding definitely won’t let me into his mansion either…”

Looking at her naive disciple before her, Dongfang Hui sighed helplessly. Her tone softened somewhat as she said, “It’s my fault, you’re not suited to be Cangmang Mountain’s heir…” True, Cangmang Mountain’s heirs who entered the world had all married powerful rulers of various countries, but that was because they understood human nature and calculations, and knew how to advance and retreat appropriately, while Dongfang You simply couldn’t learn these things. Even if she wanted to help her secretly, it would likely be extremely difficult.

“Master, are you… are you abandoning me?” Hearing Dongfang Hui’s words, Dongfang You’s face turned pale as she asked in panic.

Dongfang Hui patted her hand and said, “How could Master abandon you? You’re Master’s only disciple. Don’t involve yourself in current affairs anymore, in a few days Master will send someone to escort you back to Cangmang Mountain. Master still counts on you to take over Cangmang Mountain in the future.” Cangmang Mountain was isolated from the world – Dongfang You merely didn’t understand human affairs, she wasn’t naturally foolish. With the elders and managers assisting, she would have no problem managing Cangmang Mountain in the future. It was just these situations and struggles below the mountain that weren’t suitable for her.

“Master, I…”

“Enough, you may withdraw,” Dongfang Hui said firmly.

Seeing her master’s displeased expression, Dongfang You could only turn and leave.

In the room, Dongfang Hui stared blankly at the space, lost in thought for a long while before finally sighing helplessly. After many years without seeing him, she thought she had forgotten. Now, suddenly seeing his face again, she realized she had never forgotten at all. It was just that he…