Yun Ziheng didn't give Yuan Qingling a chance to speak; he went straight into his own words.

"Miss Yuan's father, well, it's really hard to talk about. Forgive my bluntness, but Miss Yuan's home is a living hell."

Yuan Qingling was startled.

"In just six months, you, a calm, composed, and vibrant woman, have been tormented to the point of self-abandonment and haggard appearance. This shows how terrible the underhanded schemes and insidious methods in the inner quarters are. They have truly harmed people greatly."

Just now, as I closed my eyes to rest, I had already devised a plan. Once I return to my residence, I will send people to spread the word that Miss Yuan, while on her way to Xiangguo Temple to pray for blessings, attracted a group of ruthless assassins, resulting in the injury of Young Master Yun. Now, the General's Mansion has already reported this matter to His Highness the Crown Prince, who was furious upon hearing that his uncle was injured.

Miss Yuan, as far as I know, your father has always been a selfish and self-serving man. Once he learns that this matter might affect his own interests and reputation, he will most likely sever his father-daughter relationship with you without hesitation. At that time, you will be able to completely break free from the shackles of this dreadful family and avoid being tormented by your stepmother in the future.

And I will welcome you into my family. However, once you sign that severance document, it means there will be no turning back, Miss Yuan. Therefore, I hope you will think carefully about how to make this decision.

“I didn’t mean to cut off your escape route, but Junye and Zhiyuan are my nephews after all. I’m being presumptuous, as I’m also related to the royal family, and I have to consider their situation. Lord Yuan is opportunistic. If he finds out that he can form a marriage alliance with the General’s Mansion, I’m afraid…” Seeing Yuan Qingling’s unpleasant expression, Yun Ziheng didn’t finish his sentence.

“Miss Yuan, to be honest, I may have met many women, but you are the only stranger whose name I can remember. I was born with a mission, and I may not be able to give you the love that an ordinary husband can give, but I will treat you with respect and care for you for the rest of my life, and protect you from following in your mother’s footsteps. I am willing to give my life to do so. Miss Yuan, you don’t need to answer me right away. Just give me your answer when you have thought it through.”

Yuan Qingling stated directly, "I am willing."

“But…” Yuan Qingling’s tone changed, “would your father and mother agree to you marrying someone like me who is not valued by the family, no, someone who has signed a severance agreement with the family?”

Yun Ziheng was caught off guard by Yuan Qingling's "I do," but upon hearing Yuan Qingling's question, he blurted out without thinking, "My father and mother never cared about family background, only about character. My mother still often mentions Miss Yuan's song, wanting to hear it again."

Yuan Qingling bit her lip, her brows furrowed.

Yun Ziheng was secretly pleased, but he didn't show it on his face. He asked calmly, "Miss Yuan, are you really not going to reconsider?"

He admitted that he had taken advantage of the situation somewhat, but he was unwilling to miss out on someone who suited his taste.

Yuan Qingling shook her head and said softly, "No need."

She had indeed considered her marriage, but she also understood that her father would definitely use her marriage as a bargaining chip to curry favor with the powerful. Even if she married into a high-ranking family, she would probably only be a concubine.

What her mother least wanted to see was her becoming someone else's concubine.

Therefore, marrying Yun Ziheng is the best choice.

Although the General's Mansion was a military family, everyone in the family was very kind and treated the servants well. The key was the ancestral precept of the General's Mansion: never take a concubine, even if it meant having no descendants.

This is why so many noble ladies would do anything to get into the general's mansion.

Although marrying into the General's Mansion would mean severing ties with the Yuan family, it was still something she had always dreamed of.

In the inner quarters, there were indeed many shady methods of tormenting people, and in the past six months, she had been worn down to the point of not being herself anymore.

She almost came to terms with reality and gave in to fate.

Unexpectedly, Yun Ziheng appeared.

She had left an empty room to tell him not to chase after her, but he still followed her and even thoughtfully prepared a carriage and clothes for her.

She told herself not to fall for him; all he needed was the eldest daughter-in-law of a general's mansion, not a parasitic vine that only cared about romantic love.

“Lord Yun, if what you say today is true, I am willing to marry you.” Yuan Qingling raised her head and looked at Yun Ziheng with a firm gaze.

Yun Ziheng nodded, and seeing her resolute expression, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"Okay, then about severing ties?" Yun Ziheng asked somewhat apologetically.

Yuan Qingling nodded, "Lord Yun, please just make the arrangements. I will cooperate fully."

Yun Ziheng sighed. It's better not to go back to the Yuan family.

Yun Ziheng took Yuan Qingling to Xiangguo Temple and then hurried back.

"Master, the doctor is already waiting at the estate," Yin Feng reported to Yun Ziheng through the curtains.

Yun Ziheng hummed in acknowledgment.

Yin Feng pursed his lips. When he was talking to Miss Yuan, he would talk a lot. His master's favoritism was too great.

Yin Mu glared at him, while Yin Feng tilted his head arrogantly.

General's Mansion.

"Have the two children been sent back?" Yun's mother, who had been sitting in the front hall, immediately went to greet Yun's father as soon as he entered.

Mr. Yun helped Mrs. Yun sit back down. “They’ve been sent back. Granny Gong and Eunuch Wu personally received them. I’m sending them back, so what are you worried about? Unlike those two rascals, they all ran away one after another. But you, you’re not feeling well, what are you waiting outside for? You should rest earlier.”

Yunmu smiled gently, but instead of responding to his words, she brought up another matter.

She spoke gently, “Heng’er said he was going to take the young lady from the Yuan family to Xiangguo Temple. This is the first time in his life that he has heard the name of another family’s young lady from his mouth.”

Yun's father frowned slightly and sighed.

"Speaking of which, the eldest daughter of the Yuan family is a pitiful child. Going to Xiangguo Temple so late at night must have been arranged by her family. I have never seen a family dote on their concubines and neglect their wives to such an extent. They don't love their legitimate daughter, but love those illegitimate sons and daughters who are not worthy of being in public."

Yunmu's brows furrowed with worry. "That child is exceptionally good. I really enjoyed the zither music at the palace banquet. He is unassuming and indifferent to fame and fortune. To have such a character at such a young age, I imagine he must have suffered a lot. He's pitiful."

"I just don't know if it's meant to be with our family," Yunmu said in a faint voice.

"You should be taking good care of your health. Why are you worrying so much? When Luo Luo comes back and sees you like this, the three of us will definitely give her a good scolding." Mr. Yun smiled and helped Mrs. Yun up, heading towards the bedroom.

Yunmu glared at him with a playful smile, "You really are getting old, why are you so long-winded? How could Luo Luo bear to scold you? Her health is indeed not very good now, and I don't know when my Luo Luo will be able to come back."

"Children and grandchildren have their own blessings; don't think too much about it, it's not good for your health," Yun's father comforted her.

Mica let out a long sigh and nodded helplessly.