He saw Shang Xi get up at night, intending to leave the cabin.

Zhao Qinglian quickly set up a soundproof barrier around the four people.

Shang Xiye paused abruptly, sat back down, and looked at Zhao Qinglian with a puzzled expression: "Mother...?"

“Ye’er, I know that you and Feng Yao have a deep affection for each other, and I also know that cultivators should break free from the shackles of the mortal world and should not be as foolish as ordinary people, but…” Zhao Qinglian hesitated and felt that she could not say it, but when she thought that if her daughter-in-law really left in three years, Shang Xiye would probably not be able to live if he had no one by his side to hold him back, she had to speak up.

"Mother, what exactly do you want to say?" Shang Xiye frowned slightly.

His cool gaze swept over the lively Wanqikaf.

A very bad and unpleasant premonition rose in his heart.

“You… your father’s struggles with the Dongdan and Zhou families were extremely dangerous and even brutal. He almost lost his life once, but Kaf’s father stepped forward to take the blame and clear your father of suspicion. However, Kaf’s father contracted a serious illness as a result and passed away not long after Kaf was born…” Zhao Qinglian continued to circumvent the previous generation’s relationships, hoping that Shang Xiye would be more accepting of Kaf after learning more about the grudges of the previous generation.

"Mother, please speak your mind!" Shang Xiye clenched his fists slightly on his lap. With his extraordinary intelligence, he had already guessed some of the clues.

However, he couldn't believe it;

He couldn't believe that his seemingly intelligent and worldly mother would still choose to bring up such a foolish thing, knowing full well that he only had eyes for Yao Yao.

He couldn't believe that his exceptionally clever wife would pretend not to know and even intentionally help his mother, creating such an opportunity for his mother, him, and Wanqikaf to be alone together!

He harbored immense anger and resentment.

But his mother and his young wife were people he deeply loved, so he couldn't lose his temper.

He could only force himself to endure it and try to find out the reason.

“Actually, long before I left Kyoto to find your father, your father and Kaf’s father had already made a marriage alliance. You and Kaf were betrothed since childhood.” Zhao Qinglian dared not look at Shang Xiye’s face, lowered her eyes and forced herself to tell him this.

"What!" Before Shang Xiye could speak, Wanqi Kafu exclaimed in surprise: "Aunt, you, you must be joking. My cousin and Yaoyao are so loving, and Yaoyao treats me so sincerely, like a sister. I don't want to break them up or hurt Yaoyao's feelings."

Zhao Qinglian tightened her grip on Wanqikafu's hand and said, "Child, your aunt naturally knows all this, but do you know why? Your father and your uncle are clearly sworn brothers, yet you call me 'aunt' instead of 'aunt'. It's all because of this marriage. This is a vow made between your father and your uncle; if we don't obey it, how can your father rest in peace in heaven?"

"Their oath is to exchange my and Yao Yao's lifelong happiness for it," Shang Xiye sneered, his eyes flashing like ice, cold and intimidating. "Mother, since you brought this up after understanding your son, you must have put in a lot of effort in secret and already persuaded Yao Yao. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so fearless and unscrupulous!"

"Ye'er, Mother..." Zhao Qinglian had no words to express her suffering.

"Big brother..." With this sudden turn of events, Jun Shimi didn't know how to offer any advice.

His gaze lingered subtly on the delicate, flower-like Wanqikaf several times.