He wanted the person Qin Yuxiu had abandoned to clear his name, so he wouldn't be branded as a heartless man. What a clever scheme! But the Gu family wasn't easy to bully.
Officer Qin smiled apologetically: "We know that our child acted inappropriately at this time. But the Emperor is unaware that Yuxiu and Yaoniang were previously engaged. If this gets out now, it will be a disaster for both the Qin family and the Gu family."
Aunt Qin added, "Yes! What's that saying in the storybooks? Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger; the emperor's wrath is the most unpredictable. If the emperor finds out, neither of our families will be in good shape." She said "our" but her eyes kept darting between the four members of the Gu family.
Her condescending tone annoyed everyone. Mr. Gu, though displeased, pondered the matter carefully upon hearing it.
Seeing that things were going well, Officer Qin quickly added, "It was indeed our fault, Yaoniang! But if we were to say that our eldest son had sought a higher social standing, not only would his reputation be damaged, but Yaoniang would also become a rejected bride, making her future marriage prospects difficult. It would be better to consider that our two families were merely acquaintances and had never been engaged. This would be best for Yaoniang! If this matter is resolved peacefully, Yaoniang will also be our daughter, and we will certainly cherish her and not let her suffer any injustice."
"No need! Yao Niang has parents and brothers who love her dearly, and she would never become someone else's daughter without a proper arrangement!" Mr. Gu also knew that it would be best for Yao Niang if both families presented a united front, claiming that the two children had never been engaged. But deep down, he was still uneasy.
Moreover, many residents in the small town are related by marriage, and Qin Yuxiu's marriage to Yaoniang was not unknown to everyone, so such an explanation is bound to be full of loopholes.
He hesitated, twirling his thumbs together, and said, "Although the engagement between Yaoniang and Yuxiu is not explicitly stated, the neighbors are all aware of it. Even if we don't say anything, others may still know."
Upon hearing this, Aunt Qin knew that the matter was already seven or eight parts settled. She chuckled and said, "As long as you don't admit it, what others say is just hearsay. It can't be taken seriously!" She had already prepared a way out.
Officer Qin nodded repeatedly.
Madam Gu glanced at her husband's face. After so many years of marriage, she knew that her husband, like herself, understood that the only way to minimize the harm to Yao Niang was to remain silent together. Although she accepted this arrangement, she was still indignant at the Qin family's behavior, yet she didn't know how the Qin family could retaliate to relieve her anger. Therefore, she pursed her lips and remained silent.
Having achieved her goal, Aunt Qin had other plans. She looked Yao Niang up and down with satisfaction and said, "Yao Niang, it's just that Da Lang is already engaged to the Xie family, so you can't be their first wife. Our Qin family is a kind family. If you can't bear to part with Yu Xiu, I guarantee that after you enter the family, you'll be second only to the Xie family's wives. With my backing, no one will bully you..."
She continued speaking, unaware that the faces of everyone in the hall had become extremely grim. The Gu couple were already ashen-faced, and Gu Pingsheng's veins were bulging. He tried to step forward, but Gu Yaoniang held him back tightly.
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