Cao Ying's tone was low, not one of strong resistance.

Because she knew very well how much her parents loved her.

Therefore, she even felt that she was being unreasonable and too willful.

Her parents had worried so much about her marriage, racking their brains to find her a good home.

"Ying'er, what makes you say that?"

Madam Cao was not angry, but rather puzzled.

Cao Ying has always been obedient and well-behaved, and she knows the good intentions of the couple. According to her personality, she should have been more shy after hearing her introduce Li Qingyao, and would never have said such a thing.

Joy? Could it be...?

"You have someone else in your heart?"

Madam Cao was a little angry. Which shameless scoundrel dared to seduce her precious daughter, whom she had raised with utmost care!

Thinking of this, Madam Cao became even angrier, but fearing she would frighten Cao Ying, she held back her anger.

Cao Ying hesitated to speak, which Madam Cao noticed and was furious inside.

"Don't you even trust your mother? If you can't give me a reason, then go back. Your marriage will be decided by your father and me. As a daughter, it's not appropriate for you to get too involved."

Only after hearing that her mother was about to kick her out did Cao Ying reveal her true feelings.

"Mother, Mother!"

My mother raised me with great difficulty and has worked hard for her daughter. I know all of this.

Young Master Li is good in every way, but he is not a good match for my daughter. Last time, when Mother inquired about Young Master Li's marriage with Madam Yan, my daughter actually knew the answer.

Did Mother not realize that Madam Yan's response that time was a rejection?

The parents went to great lengths for their daughter's future. But isn't there a hint of using their power to intimidate her by bringing up this old story?

Young Master Li seems to be an ambitious man. If he is forced to marry me today, how can the couple live in harmony? If I am rejected again, wouldn't the Cao family be disgraced because of me?

Mother……"

"Alas, how could I not know? We had already decided that if Li Qingyao was unwilling, then so be it."

For your happiness, what does it matter if the Cao family loses face? My son is so wonderful, do you really think you can't win Li Qingyao's heart?

Madam Cao looked at Cao Ying with affection. Compared to her daughter's future, what did losing face matter?

"mother!"

Cao Ying was in tears. She truly wished she could be reborn into her mother's womb and be her complete daughter.

"Mother, let it go."

Seeing Cao Ying's expression, Madam Cao was finally persuaded.

After leaving the courtyard, Cao Ying sent Bihe to the Li family.

"Go find Young Master Li and tell him that I am unwilling and that he should pretend that this never happened."

"Yes, Miss."

Bihe hesitated, not understanding why such a good son-in-law wouldn't accept her, but in the end she agreed and left.

———

"Qingzhang!"

"Auntie! Let me help you carry it."

Li Qingzhang happened to be in the county on business today. Upon learning that the county examination results were out, he went to see them and was about to go and congratulate Li Qingyao.

They bumped into Yan Min, who was carrying large and small bags of things and was preparing to go home.

Li Qingzhang's servant, Mu Xing, quickly stepped forward to help share the burden.

"Why did Auntie buy so much stuff?"

"Let's talk about it when we get home."

This matter was not good to spread, as it was not good for the woman. The Cao family only spoke to her in secret, so she went to buy the apology gift herself.

It's right by the door, just a few steps away from home.

Once inside, when only their own people were present, Yan Min relayed the Cao family's intentions to Li Qingzhang.

"Ying'er is a good girl, but unfortunately, Yao'er thinks too far ahead."

Li Qingzhang was stunned.

That woman is going to marry her cousin? Does she want to as well?

"Madam! Someone outside requests an audience!"

The doorman hired by the family came to deliver the news.

"Did they say who it was?"

"They said she was from the Cao County Magistrate's household, and she was a maid."

"Please come in quickly."

Upon hearing that the Cao family had sent more people, Yan Min quickly told the gatekeeper to invite them in.

"Nephew, should we avoid this place?"

"Okay, you can hide in the back room for a while."

Li Qingzhang went around from the main hall to the back hall.

"Greetings, Madam Yan. This servant is Bihe, a maidservant of Miss."

When Bihe entered, she greeted Yan Min.

“Miss Bihe, you mustn’t accept this. Did Miss Cao come here today to say something…?”

“Madam Yan, Miss said that she congratulates Young Master Li on passing the county examination. As for what the servants said earlier, you and Young Master need not take it to heart. Just pretend it never happened.”

Yan Min's heart went up and down with Bi He's words, but thankfully she eventually calmed down.

"this……"

Yan Min didn't finish her sentence, but Bi He already understood what she meant.

"Don't worry, Madam Yan, you know I'm here."

Yan Min breathed a sigh of relief. That's good. If Cao Ying had acted on her own, this matter might have been blamed on her family.

So, does this mean the matter ended in a half-hearted manner?

"Please rest assured, Madam. The message has been delivered. I will now return."

Bihe came and went quickly, giving Yan Min no chance to stop her.

"That's great, now we don't have to think about how to refuse."

"Qingzhang, wait, where is he?"

"Miss Bihe, please wait!"

Just as Bihe was about to get into the carriage, she was stopped.

"Young Master Li?"

"Miss Bihe, could you please pass on a message to your young lady?"

"No."

Bihe resolutely refused, swallowing back the words that Li Qingzhang was about to blurt out.

How could she possibly help a man from another family deliver a message to her young mistress?

Li Qingzhang was amused by the maid who was protecting her master, but he didn't laugh out loud.

"That's fine, you can go back now."

Feeling bewildered, Bihe muttered to herself before boarding the carriage.

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