Xie Di stroked his beard and laughed heartily: "You're too kind, my dear niece."

"Does Uncle Xie know Zheng Jinlian?"

"Who is Zheng Jinlian? That name sounds familiar," Xie Di asked with a smile.

Su Wanwan raised an eyebrow sharply: "So Uncle Xie doesn't recognize you."

However, she was led to the laundry department and fell into the trap set by Xia Xueyi.

Su Nan interrupted their conversation with a smile:

"Alright, it's getting late, so let's not keep Brother Xie and Young Master Xie from going back any longer."

Xie Pi finally spoke: "Father-in-law, I will send a matchmaker to your door tomorrow to formally arrange the marriage and bring Miss Su into our family as soon as possible."

Su Wanwan's expression turned completely cold.

Su Nan, however, seemed unaffected, replying in a kind tone, "No problem."

He escorted the Xie family members to the door and helped them into their sedan chairs before turning around and going home.

Seeing Su Wanwan and Su Wanying standing in the courtyard, he simply said:

"It's getting late, you should all get some rest, we still have to visit relatives tomorrow."

After saying that, he walked towards the hanging flower gate.

Su Wanwan didn't move, her back to the hanging flower gate: "Father, who have you betrothed to Young Master Xie?"

“You are my only daughter, so naturally it’s you.” Su Nan stopped, her voice weary.

"However, if you really don't want to get married, you'll have no choice but to marry your cousin Wan Ying to him."

Su Wanwan turned her head and stared sharply at Su Nan's back.

His eyes were filled with disappointment.

Wan Ying was only thirteen years old.

Xie Pi was more than ten years older than her.

Is her father threatening her?!

Su Wanying was also shocked, her mouth agape and unable to close.

I don't know how this got involved me.

My second uncle is really being too presumptuous!

She walked slowly to Su Nan's side, her tone pleading:

"Second Uncle, please don't agree to the marriage with the Xie family, okay?"

He turned back to look at Su Wanwan with pleading eyes:

"My sister has someone she loves, so please don't try to break them up or force her to do something against her will."

"Since you're surnamed Su and enjoy the protection of the Su family, you should contribute to the Su family." Su Nan sneered.

A cold glint flashed in his eyes:

"The Xie family is a prestigious family with a history of hundreds of years and is the leader of a prominent family in Jiangnan."

"It is your good fortune to be able to marry into the Xie family. Others would love to be so lucky. Don't be ungrateful."

After saying that, he flicked his sleeves and entered through the hanging flower gate.

Su Wanying was so anxious she was almost in tears.

Why has my second uncle suddenly become so heartless?!

She tugged at Su Wanwan's sleeve, her innocent little face scrunched up in a frown: "What should we do, sister?"

She spent far more time with Su Nan than with Su Wanwan.

They had even faced danger together.

My second uncle has always been emotionally stable and unflappable.

I've never seen him speak so harshly before.

Did you get upset after arguing with your sister today?

Su Wanwan took a deep breath and gently rubbed Su Wanying's little face soothingly:

"It's none of your business. Come on, sleep with your sister tonight."

After the two sisters finished washing up and went to bed, they both lay with their eyes open, unable to fall asleep.

What happened in southern Jiangsu today was truly unexpected.

"My second uncle is wrong."

"The Xie family is a prestigious family, but isn't the Xu family of the Duke of Wei's mansion also one?"

"How much suffering did my sister endure in the Xu family before she finally escaped?"

"Only when the entire dowry has been donated will things settle down."

"Are they trying to push my sister into a fire pit again?!"

Su Wanwan hugged Wan Ying and gently stroked her back: "Did you know about the Xie family before?"

Su Wanying nodded: "Madam Xu, the wife of Minister Xie, often comes to visit our home."

It's not unusual for the wife of the second-ranking official to visit the first-ranking official's home.

However, Su Wanying was still young at that time and could not participate in the social interactions between the mistresses.

She paused, then seemed to suddenly remember something, and added:

"Young Master Xie and my brother are still close. When we saw you off at your wedding that year, his attendant even came with our boat, saying he was going back to his hometown in Zhejiang to deliver a message."

Su Wanwan froze.

My heart felt like it was being squeezed tightly, and my whole body was uncontrollably cold.

The Xie family accompanied them, as did the Xia family, Zheng Jinlian, and others...

Three characters who were originally completely unrelated are now connected to the riverside fire three years ago.

So, was the Xie family also involved in that murder and arson plot back then?

Having served as an official for many years, my father was well aware of the power struggles among various factions in the imperial court.

They dared to refuse even the emperor's marriage proposal, yet they valued the Xie family so much that they readily agreed to the marriage?

Su Wanwan felt her mind was in complete turmoil and couldn't make sense of it for a while.

I simply left it aside and let things unfold as they will.

Early the next morning, Su Nan was going to take Su Wanwan to pay New Year's respects at the Marquis of Changning's residence.

Su Wanying had nothing to do at home alone, so she went with them.

A section of Chang'an Avenue was completely blocked by people.

The onlookers began to discuss:

"How audacious! Riding a horse and dragging someone through the street!"

"The second young master of the Duke of Baoguo's mansion is known for his recklessness. Anyone who dares to provoke him is courting death!"

Su Wanwan heard the discussions outside through the carriage curtain and couldn't help but prick up her ears.

There has been no news of Gu Ziyu for a long time.

She sent Heying to check on the situation.

Before He Ying returned, Gu Ziyu's powerful and murderous voice could be faintly heard:

"A young lady's reputation is of paramount importance. Anyone who dares to criticize others or provoke me, Gu Er, must have the courage to bear the consequences!"

"Anyone who dares to spread rumors, cause trouble, or tarnish someone's reputation will be warned by the example of the Marquis of Zhenyuan's heir!"

When He Ying turned around, he was so frightened that he was almost out of his wits, and patted his chest, saying:

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