Taiping Lie 348. The Xu family's attitude, ruthless rejection

Although she knew that what she proposed was not right, Dongfang Hui could not give up. Not only was she angry about Xu Qingchen's ruthless squeezing, but her status also did not allow her to walk out like that. Nowadays, Li City is still full of powerful people, and even the Ding Palace cannot say that there are no spies in the palace. I am afraid that as soon as they walk out of the gate of Ding Palace, the news that the owner of Cangmang Mountain personally proposed to Master Qingchen on behalf of his disciple and was still rejected will spread throughout the whole Li City. It's not that Dongfang Hui doesn't want to leave, but she is also in a difficult situation now.

After a moment of silence, Dongfang Hui quickly put aside unnecessary thoughts and looked up to ask, "If that's the case, I wonder if I can meet Mr. Hongyu and his wife in person? To be honest, I haven't seen Mr. Hongyu for nearly 20 years."

Ye Li was about to refuse, but she saw Xu Qingchen nodded to her imperceptibly. Although she was a little confused about Xu Qingchen's thoughts, Ye Li did not ask too much, and called Zhuo Jing to ask where Xu Hongyu and Mrs. Xu were at this time. Zhuo Jing replied: "Mr. Hongyu is in the study, and the first and second wives are talking to Mrs. Yang in the guest house." Ye Li nodded and said: "Go and ask my uncle and aunt to come over."

Zhuo Jing took the order and left. The hall was silent for a while. Dongfang Hui had something on her mind. She was slapped in the face by Xu Qingchen just now, so she was in no mood to talk about it. As the host, Mo Xiuyao just lay on Ye Li's lap and closed his eyes to rest. His silvery white hair was casually spread on Ye Li's legs and the soft couch. He didn't care that there were guests. Xu Qingchen and Ye Li were also calm people. They sat down and sipped tea, looking calm and composed. On the contrary, Dongfang You, although he was mentally prepared for Xu Qingchen's refusal again, he inevitably felt a little more lost and painful when he heard Xu Qingchen's refusal again. There was also a little more resentment in his eyes when he looked at Xu Qingchen.

Originally, marrying Xu Qingchen was just a temporary measure. Even Dongfang You herself didn't think it was necessary. She just thought Xu Qingchen was the best choice. But after Master Qingchen rejected her again and again, Dongfang You became interested. If Dongfang You originally chose to marry Xu Qingchen because Master Qingchen was the cousin of Princess Ding and the first counselor of Ding Palace, and then Master Qingchen himself, then her obsession now has nothing to do with Xu Qingchen's identity.

Seeing Dongfang You's expression, Ye Li sighed secretly in her heart. Xu Qingyan's words really came true. In fact, this matter itself was Dongfang You's own arrogance. At the beginning, she probably didn't think that she would have any feelings for Xu Qingchen. That's why she said it so openly. As she said, it was just a cooperation that benefited both parties. But since Master Qingchen was known as the Fairy Master, it was too easy for a woman to fall in love with him. If Dongfang You had such a love disaster, it was entirely her own fault.

Soon, Xu Hongyu and Madam Xu arrived. Following behind them was Xu Qingyan, who was eager to create chaos.

Seeing Xu Hongyan, Dongfang Hui also stood up and said with a smile: "Brother Xu, you are still as charming as ever after not seeing you for many years." It must be said that Dongfang Hui is a very charming woman, even though she is not young anymore. Perhaps it is her identity as the owner of Cangmang Mountain that makes her have the confidence and neatness that are different from other women in the world. But she does not make people feel strong and annoying. Only Sun Huiniang, the wife of Sun in Xiling Imperial City, has such a feeling. But she is more elegant and restrained than Sun Huiniang. Sun Huiniang only makes people feel neat, smart and strong, but she makes people feel awe and admiration from the bottom of their hearts.

Xu Hongyu nodded and said with a faint smile: "Mrs. Dongfang."

Ye Li stood up, stepped forward and said softly, "Li'er and the prince didn't handle things well, and they troubled my uncle and aunt." Madam Xu took her hand and said with a smile, "What are you talking about, kid? How can it be troublesome when it comes to Qingchen's marriage? If I can help your elder brother marry a good wife, I will be willing to be busy every day."

"Mother..." Xu Qingchen didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It seemed that her mother was really angry and upset about his reluctance to get married. She never forgot to scold him at any time and anywhere.

Madam Xu glanced at him sideways and said unhappily, "Do you have anything else to say? If you hadn't been so reluctant to get married, this wouldn't have happened."

Young Master Qingchen touched his nose and silently accepted it. Dongfang Hui and Dongfang You's faces changed. Although Madam Xu did not speak to them, it was clear that she was scolding Xu Qingchen. To others, it sounded more like she was saying that Dongfang You had no sense of shame and insisted on sticking to Xu Qingchen. Dongfang Hui's expression was just slightly stiff, but she quickly recovered. If Ye Li had not been paying attention to her, she would not have noticed it. Meanwhile, Dongfang Hui stroked the broken hair on her temples, smiled lightly and said, "Brother Xu, my sister-in-law speaks so quickly, which is rare."

Madam Xu then turned around to look at her, then turned back to look at Xu Hongyu and asked, "Master, there is actually another younger sister in our family?" Do you think that this lady can't hear that you are mocking me for not looking like a lady from a famous family?

Xu Hongyu smiled calmly and said, "Madam, what nonsense are you talking about? You have been married to the Xu family for more than 30 years. Don't you know who we are? This is Madam Dongfang from Cangmang Mountain. We have met several times when Madam Dongfang was away from home in her early years."

"I see." Madam Xu nodded and said apologetically, "Madam Dongfang, I am sorry for my rudeness. Please forgive me."

Dongfang Hui just felt a stomachache. It's true that she hasn't been down the mountain for twenty years, but she has also experienced a lot in these years. She has never felt that she is so disliked, or have the people down the mountain changed too fast in the past twenty years? If Xu Qingchen is hiding hostility, then Madam Xu has clearly been hostile to her. Looking at Xu Hongyu standing next to Madam Xu, Dongfang Hui felt a sense of sudden enlightenment. But at the same time, she felt that she was even more wronged, although she did have some fantasies about Xu Hongyu when she was young. But after knowing that Xu Hongyu was married and she would return to the mountain to take over Cangmang Mountain, she cut off this thought. If Madam Xu was hostile to her because of this matter, it would be a bit too petty.

The guests of honor were seated. Madam Xu looked at Dongfang Hui calmly and smiled, "Just now, Li'er sent someone to say that Madam Dongfang wanted to discuss Qingchen's marriage with us. I wonder what Madam has to say?"

Although Dongfang Hui felt a little embarrassed, she still calmly said what she meant, and very tactfully expressed Cangmangshan's willingness to marry into the Xu family. Madam Xu glanced at Dongfang You calmly and said, "Madam Dongfang, do you know the process of marrying into an ordinary family?"

Dongfang Hui was startled. Before she could answer, she heard Madam Xu continue, "Accepting the marriage proposal, asking for the name, accepting the marriage proposal, accepting the betrothal gift, asking for the date, and welcoming the bride. Even if the royal family is a noblewoman who is given a name by the royal family, only the closest people know it. Miss Dongfang is already famous before she gets engaged. If she really gets married, she can skip the step of asking for the name. That's all. Women with outstanding talents and appearance should always be tolerant. In the past, the names of famous ladies from various families in Chujing were occasionally circulated, but none of them were as famous as Miss Dongfang. However, the future daughter-in-law of the Xu family does not seek to be stunningly beautiful or famous. There is only one thing, she must follow the rules and abide by the rules."

Dongfang Hui looked a little unhappy. Mrs. Xu's words clearly meant that Dongfang You did not meet the Xu family's standards.

"Madam Xu, how come I don't abide by the rules?" Dongfang You, who was standing aside, couldn't help but step forward and asked unconvinced.

Madam Xu glanced at her indifferently and did not answer her question.

Xu Qingyan stood behind Xu Hongyu, poked his head out and said with a smile: "Miss Dongfang. There are four virtues for women. Speech, work, appearance and virtue. I wonder how many of them Miss Dongfang has?" Speech does not require eloquence, but the words must be appropriate. Dongfang You is quite eloquent, but she has never used them in the right occasions. As for appearance, Dongfang You cannot pass the test of having practiced seductive arts, not to mention anything else. Virtue is even more nonsense. For a woman who is planning how to use her husband's family to build her own business before getting married, virtue is nothing to her. In a word, it doesn't matter who Dongfang You marries, but if she wants to enter the Xu family, there is no door or window, let alone a door.

Dongfang Hui's gaze fell on Xu Qingyan, "Is this the Fifth Young Master?"

Xu Qingyan seemed to be unaware of the pressure in her eyes. He smiled and stepped forward, bowed and said, "I am Xu Wu, and I have met Madam Dongfang."

Dongfang Hui smiled and said, "Young Master Xiaowu is quite eloquent."

Xu Qingyan said with a smile, "I am rude, Madam. Please forgive me. But my elder brother is shy and embarrassed to say many things. As his younger brother, I can't help but say a few words. In the future, my elder brother will be in charge of our Xu family. If he marries a sister-in-law who is not presentable, it will be a disgrace to our Xu family, right?"

"Qingyan!" Xu Hongyu frowned slightly and glanced at Xu Qingyan with disapproval. But there was no blame in his tone. It was obvious that Xu Qingyan's words touched his heart, but he was just not able to speak directly because of his status. If he really didn't want to hear Xu Qingyan's rude words, why would he wait until he finished speaking before scolding him?

Having said that, Dongfang Hui also understood that this marriage could not be negotiated at least today. She was not the kind of person who did not know when to advance and retreat. Rather than sitting here and continuing to be humiliated, it would be better to leave early and think of a good plan after returning. Thinking of this, Dongfang Hui adjusted her expression and smiled lightly, "In this case, today we are disturbing Prince Ding and Princess. I will take my leave first." Ye Li did not try to keep her, and smiled and said, "Madam, take care."

Dongfang Hui nodded and said to Dongfang You: "You'er, let's go."

Dongfang You bit her lip and looked at Xu Qingchen, but Xu Qingchen seemed to be unaware of her gaze and calmly drank his tea. Dongfang You's face turned pale and she suddenly said, "Master Xu Wu said that there are four virtues of women, but I don't know how many of them Princess Ding has?"

"You'er, shut up!" Dongfang Hui shouted. Being scolded by her master in front of so many people, Dongfang You's eyes turned red instantly, but she was stubborn and refused to admit defeat.

Madam Xu smiled faintly and said, "Cangmangshan is really well-educated."

Xu Qingyan said with a smile: "Sister Li'er naturally has all four virtues. More importantly, Prince Ding likes her, and the Xu family doesn't like you." No matter how many rules there are, they can't get rid of the word "like". Not to mention that Ye Li is recognized as a wise wife in the world. No, in fact, in the eyes of many people, she is not just a wife. The title of Princess Ding is enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with Prince Ding. Even if Ye Li can't do anything, as long as Prince Ding likes her, there is no problem. Similarly, even if Dongfang You is outstanding in everything and has extraordinary talents and looks, the Xu family doesn't like such a daughter-in-law, and no matter what they say, it's useless. And the Xu family's requirements for daughters-in-law are obviously different from those of Prince Ding's mansion. If Dongfang You really has the ability of Ye Li, the Xu family may not refuse. The problem is that she doesn't have it.

Dongfang You's face turned pale. Dongfang Hui couldn't bear to see her disciple embarrassed like this. She glanced at her unhappily and said, "Are you not leaving yet?"

Dongfang You had no choice but to follow his master silently.

After seeing off the guests, Xu Qingyan approached Xu Qingchen with a smile and said, "Brother, how is it? Did my younger brother get it right?" Xu Qingchen looked at him calmly, "What did you get right?"

"Don't deny it, that Dongfang You has taken a fancy to you. Look at the look in his eyes just now, so resentful, as if you, big brother, have given up on him in the end." Xu Qingyan said with a smile.

"Pa!" Madam Xu raised her hand and slapped him on the forehead. "What do you mean by starting over and giving up? What nonsense have you learned outside in the past few years. I tell you, women from Cangmang Mountain are not allowed to enter our Xu family." Xu Qingyan covered his forehead and said puzzledly: "Mom, Dongfang You definitely can't enter our house. My brother definitely doesn't like her." Madam Xu snorted and said: "Not only your brother, but anyone else is not allowed. Not even Dongfang You!" After that, she turned around and walked out with a flick of her sleeves.

Xu Qingyan touched his forehead, looked at Xu Hongyu and said, "Dad, why do I feel like Mom has something else in her words?"

Xu Hongyu raised his hand and tapped him on the forehead, "You think too much." He waved to the others and followed them.

Xu Qingyan looked at Ye Li and the other two with resentment, "Why am I always the one who gets hurt?" His eldest brother bullied him, his mother spanked him, and now even his father, who was so elegant and self-reliant, hit him.

Xu Qingchen looked at him with a half-smile, and Xu Qingyan quickly shrank back and slipped out in a flash.

"Dongfang Hui is a smart person." Xu Qingchen said lightly while tapping the armrest.

"Aren't smart people just pissed off by Master Qingchen?" Mo Xiuyao said lazily. Xu Qingchen smiled faintly and said, "That's because of Dongfang You. If it weren't for Dongfang You, I'm afraid Dongfang Hui wouldn't be so easy to deal with."

"Brother Qingchen seems to dislike Dongfang Hui?" Mo Xiuyao asked with some curiosity. Xu Qingchen rarely expresses his dislike for a person directly. Logically, Xu Qingchen should have never met Dongfang Hui. Hearing this, Ye Li couldn't help but look at Xu Qingchen curiously. In fact, it was not only Xu Qingchen, but also Mrs. Xu's attitude towards Dongfang Hui was a little wrong. This made Ye Li have to guess that the relationship between Dongfang Hui and her uncle was not as light as her uncle said. However, it was not good to speculate about the elders so recklessly, so she had to suppress it in her heart.

Xu Qingchen did not hide it, and said calmly: "It's nothing, I just robbed a few letters from Dongfang Hui."

"Huh? Could it be that..." Mr. Hongyu really has a confidante or something outside?

Seeing the two people sitting there with similar expressions, Xu Qingchen shook his head helplessly and said, "What are you thinking? It was just Dongfang Hui's one-sided entanglement. Dad didn't even see the letter. But it happened to be seen by me and mom. At that time... mom had just been pregnant with my fourth brother. She felt a little depressed when she saw Dongfang Hui's letter." Ye Li blinked and said, "Uncle, don't you know what Dongfang Hui meant?"

Xu Qingchen thought for a moment and said, "She probably doesn't know. I received all the letters she sent to the Xu family. The first one only contained some words of thanks."

"Didn't Big Brother give the letter to Big Uncle?" Ye Li asked.

Xu Qingchen frowned and said, "My father was not at home when I received the first two letters. The letters after that were a little... I was still a little young at the time, and I didn't think it through." Xu Qingchen was less than ten years old at the time. He couldn't understand many things, especially the relationship between men and women, so he didn't think about how to deal with it best. In fact, it would be fine if the letter was sent directly to Mr. Hongyu. But now it can be regarded as a blessing in disguise. Mr. Hongyu doesn't know Dongfang Hui's original feelings, and he won't feel embarrassed because of their past friendship when dealing with the affairs of Cangmang Mountain. Of course, Ye Li absolutely believes that Mr. Hongyu will not sacrifice his public affairs for personal reasons.

"If that's the case, my aunt..."

Xu Qingchen said, "Mother knew what father was thinking and believed in him. But Dongfang Hui knew that father already had a wife and a child but still wrote such a letter, so mother ruthlessly humiliated her."

"Brother, do you dislike Dong Fanghui because of this?" Ye Li asked.

Xu Qingchen pondered for a moment, frowned slightly and sighed: "Maybe it's because she is the first person I hate."

Hearing this, Ye Li couldn't help but smile. Outsiders only thought that Master Qingchen was born with the appearance of a fairy. If no one told them, who would know that Master Qingchen had done some not-so-smart tricks when he was young for the sake of his parents' feelings and the third party who wanted to break into his family?

"I'm afraid Dongfang Hui won't give up easily, not to mention Dongfang You's wishes. Now that this matter has become a hot topic, if we choose someone else at this time, it will be a huge blow to the reputation of Cangmang Mountain and Dongfang You." Thinking about what just happened, Xu Qingchen frowned. Mo Xiuyao said indifferently: "It doesn't matter if she likes to fight to the death, anyway, it's not us who will be embarrassed in the end. Besides, Lei Zhenting also needs time to make arrangements, and we also need some time to find out the details of Cangmang Mountain. Let them make trouble if they want to."

Xu Qingchen said, "Dongfang Hui is not the kind of person who will not turn back after hitting a wall. What if she cancels the marriage plan and simply cooperates with Prince Ding's Mansion?" In this way, although Dongfang You's reputation will be somewhat damaged, Cangmangshan's reputation will not be damaged at all. As for Dongfang You, as long as two years pass, this matter will be over, and with Cangmangshan as a backer, she will not have to worry about not being able to marry into a good family.

Mo Xiuyao frowned and said, "No matter what, Prince Ding's Mansion has no intention of cooperating with Cangmang Mountain. Compared with their so-called cooperation and assistance, this prince prefers annexation. Besides, now is not the time to make fun of Lei Zhenting." Because of Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao does not look down on women. But a group of women who think they are smart have been dreaming of secretly controlling the world for hundreds of years. Mo Xiuyao has no intention of dealing with such people.

"Let someone tell Mo Jingli about Dongfang Hui. Oh, and give Ren Qining a copy as well. After all, he is a descendant of the previous dynasty, and seems to have some connection with Cangmang Mountain." Mo Xiuyao said with a smile.

Xu Qingchen smiled handsomely, "Let Mo Jingli and Ren Qining pester them? That's a good idea..." These two are people who will do anything to achieve their goals. It's definitely impossible to deal with Prince Ding's Mansion in Licheng, but it will definitely be no problem to cause trouble for Dongfang Hui.

Mo Xiuyao touched his nose and said, "In this way... I have time to think about how to deal with Ren Qining. Where is Tan Jizhi now?"

Ye Li said: "It's in the dungeon of the palace."

"Very good, A'li, accompany me to meet him." There was a faint cold light flashing in Mo Xiuyao's eyes. If an outsider saw it, his scalp would definitely go numb, wondering who Prince Ding was trying to plot against.

Dongfang Hui and Dongfang You returned to their temporary residence. Without waiting for Dongfang You to say anything, Dongfang Hui stared at her coldly and said, "From now on, you are not allowed to mention the marriage with the Xu family again."

Dongfang You was stunned, not understanding why the master suddenly changed his mind after just one visit to Prince Ding's Mansion, "Master..."

Dongfang Hui waved her hand and said, "No need to say more. Aren't you embarrassed enough today? The Xu family will not agree to marry you."

"Master, no. Master Qingchen is just..."

Dong Fanghui interrupted her and said, "Do you think it's just Xu Qingchen? No one in the Xu family would agree."

"However, the Xu family has never forced their children to marry, as long as Master Qingchen..."

"Will Xu Qingchen marry you?" Dong Fanghui asked coldly.

Dongfang You was speechless. Looking at the cold eyes of his master, he said unwillingly, "But if I don't join the Xu family, then Cangmang Mountain and Prince Ding's Mansion... Prince Ding will definitely not let me enter the mansion..."

Looking at the confused disciple in front of her, Dongfang Hui sighed helplessly. She softened her tone and said, "Master is wrong. You are not suitable to be the heir of Cangmang Mountain..." It is true that the heirs of Cangmang Mountain in the past generations were married to the rulers of various countries, but that was because they all understood the calculations of human hearts and knew how to advance and retreat with reason, and Dongfang You could not learn these at all. Even if she wanted someone to help her secretly, it would be extremely difficult.

"Master, you...you don't want your disciple anymore?" After hearing Dongfang Hui's words, Dongfang You's face turned pale and he said in panic.

Dongfang Hui patted her hand and said, "How could the master not want you? You are the master's only disciple. Don't interfere in the current affairs. The master will send someone to send you back to Cangmang Mountain in a few days. The master still expects you to take over Cangmang Mountain in the future." Cangmang Mountain is isolated from the world. Dongfang You just doesn't understand the ways of the world, but she is not stupid. With the help of the elders and the steward, it will be no problem for her to take charge of Cangmang Mountain in the future. It's just that the situation and struggles below the mountain are indeed not suitable for her.

"Master, I..."

"Okay, you can leave now." Dongfang Hui said in a deep voice.

Seeing that his master's face was not looking good, Dong Fangyou had no choice but to turn around and leave.

In the room, Dongfang Hui stared at the empty room in a daze, and finally sighed helplessly after a long time. After not seeing each other for many years, she thought she had already forgotten him. Now that she suddenly saw him again, she realized that she had never forgotten him. But that person...