Zu An's heart skipped a beat: "What's wrong?"

Xiao Yao shook his head, seemingly recalling something, and after a long while he finally spoke: "This pendant used to belong to her mother, and later her mother passed it down to Manman. This is their most precious possession, and they would only give it to their closest lover."

Zuan silently put the pendant back. He didn't get the pendant from Da Manman's mother back then, so he didn't want to get jealous and snatch it away.

Xiao Yao chuckled: "Since you and Manman have this kind of relationship, then I can entrust her to your protection with peace of mind. I have to leave for a while and won't be able to protect her for a period of time, so I'm a little worried."

Zuan: "Senior is indeed protecting her."

It was pretty much what I had guessed.

Xiao Yao nodded: "Manman's mother died early, and later her father married a woman from the Yu family, and they had a younger brother, who is Pei Xing at today's banquet. Because her mother had no official status, Manman's position and situation in the Pei family has always been very awkward."

Hearing this, Zuan felt a pang of sympathy. He could easily imagine what kind of life Manman had gone through since childhood. Yet, when he first met her, she was all smiles and enthusiasm. Clearly, she had buried all her bitterness in her heart and used a smile as her protective shield.

“The Yu family mother and son, relying on their status as the legal wife and legitimate son, as well as their maternal family’s background, have made things difficult for Manman quite a bit. Pei Shao is also very biased, so Manman can’t stand the disturbance and rarely stays at home. She travels outside and has had some peace and quiet for a while.”

"However, after she returned this time, she was placed under house arrest by the Pei family and was no longer allowed to go out freely. I wanted to take her away, but she refused to come with me no matter what."

At this point, Xiao Yao's face showed pain.

"Why won't she leave?" Zu'an asked curiously. Da Manman shouldn't be the kind of person who would just swallow her anger and be bullied.

Xiao Yao chuckled self-deprecatingly: "I suppose it's because of what happened to her mother that she hates me a little."

Zu An's expression immediately turned strange. "You said you and her mother are just ordinary friends?"

Xiao Yao was clearly unwilling to delve into this topic, and continued, "After my investigation, I finally found out that Pei You wanted to marry her to the Prince of Qi as a concubine."

Although he had already learned about this from Pei You, Zu An was still furious when he heard it: "Zhao Zhi doesn't deserve it?"

Seeing his reaction, Xiao Yao nodded in agreement: "That's right. With Manman's talent and looks, it would be a waste for her to be the principal wife. To actually make her a concubine, Pei Shao has lost his mind!"

Zu An looked in the direction of the Pei family, thinking that he would never let Da Manman marry someone else.

“I couldn’t take Manman away, so I’ve been secretly protecting her to prevent her from being bullied. Unfortunately, I have to leave soon for something, so I’m relieved to leave her in your care,” Xiao Yao said with relief.

"Don't worry, I will protect her!" Zuan replied in a deep voice.

Xiao Yao nodded in satisfaction and took out a small wooden sword the size of a toothpick from his pocket and handed it to him: "Although your cultivation should be enough to handle all kinds of situations, just in case, take this with you. My sword intent is sealed inside. If you encounter any difficult enemies in the future, use it to attack them, which is equivalent to my full-force attack."

"In the entire Yunzhong Prefecture, there aren't many who can withstand my full-force attack." There was an air of arrogance in his tone.

Without waiting for Zu An to stop him, he quickly disappeared out the window: "Riding the wind on my sword, I vanquish demons across the land... You gave me a poem, and I'll return the favor with a gift. We're even now, hahaha!"

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It's been a long time since I wrote a thank-you list, mainly because I haven't updated much lately and I'm embarrassed. But many readers have been silently supporting me. Thank you to Sancai Milin, Tianchao Yemen, Shuyou, Changjian Youzaishou, Long Xiaoxiao, Qingshu Dage, Jianxue, Daozi Feibufei, Shuyou, Junyongzhi, Lvteng Gaomingyuan, Jieran Yishen Laibao, Bai Lawyer 123@Baidu, Na Leng Benzun, Jiba Da, Shuyou, Shuyou, Shen de Rizhi, Shuyou, Shuyou, Zhiai Renqi Song Qingshu, Du Diao Hanjiang Xue, Shaofu Shashou Song Da Niang, Guai Yao Dianmao, hh, Beifeng 1288, Ji Gongzi, Xiaotan Hongchenyuan, Chunai Zhanshi Wudi, Daren Wo Quan You Wang, Wanban Jie Shi Yiqi, Gusheng Ge, Langman Shangbei De Gushi, Marx, Shuyou, KartEric, tqhhw092, Massage Parlor, You Tanzhi...

Because there are so many people, there will definitely be some omissions. Please forgive me.

Today is the last day of 2021. On this day of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, I wish all readers of this book a happy and prosperous new year!

I will also try to update more frequently in the new year to repay everyone for your continued support!