Break up the marriage anonymously
Princess doesn't believe him!
Qi Guanlan gasped, took out the jade pendant, and threw it at them.
"The evidence you want!"
The princess picked it up and took a look. She was immediately furious. How could she have raised her daughter? She was blind and had chosen the wrong person.
Qi Guanlan looked at his mother with teary eyes and complained, "Mother, you just think I'm useless and you can't stand the sight of me every day."
"Mother will go and settle accounts with the Cao family right now!"
"Go!" Qi Guanlan's tone was completely flat, as if he had given up completely. "It would be best if everyone outside knew that I, Qi Guanlan, had been cuckolded."
"Anyway, I'd be a laughing stock if I stayed, so I won't get in my mother's way. I'm going to become a nun!"
The princess froze, turning around awkwardly. "It was my fault, Lan'er. You wait, I'll definitely resolve this for you."
"Really?" Qi Guanlan's gaze was deep, as if he didn't believe it. The hot-tempered princess felt a surge of anger; she had been underestimated by her son.
The next day, the princess and Lady Cao had a big argument while boating together. The princess abandoned the boat and left. A few days later, the two had a complete falling out.
The sisters' relationship was broken, and in a fit of anger, the princess made Qi Guanlan and Cao Xi break off their engagement. Onlookers had different opinions, but most were glad for Cao Xi, that she didn't waste a beautiful flower on a worthless man.
In the elegant and tranquil main hall, the princess sat at the head of the table, her thick, black hair tied up with a peacock blue jade-inlaid gold-winged hairpin. Her arrogance was even greater than before. "If you live up to your potential, your mother will definitely find you someone better, more docile, and more sensible than the Cao family."
We absolutely cannot let that person from the Cao family outdo us.
Qi Guanlan casually fiddled with the blood jade agate beads, while the four nanmu armchairs in the west wing stretched out, taking up half of the space.
He looked up and saw that the dishes on both sides of the table had been replaced. On the left, there was a Guanyin statue with many children and blessings on a high table, and on the right, there was a short-mouthed vase with a hundred children design. He held back the words that were on the tip of his tongue. Oh no, his mother had started to go astray.
"Mother is still so young and beautiful, why not find someone she likes?"
The princess glared at him. "What nonsense are you spouting?"
"Mother, you don't still have feelings for that heartless man, do you? He's probably starving to death in some corner of the world by now."
"You brat, get lost!"
Cao Xi returned to the powder shop, never expecting that there would be a day when the engagement could be dissolved peacefully. From the moment she gave away the jade pendant, having taken advantage of someone's sincerity, she told herself that once the decision was made, there was no going back.
Unexpectedly, she was picked up by Wen Ruo, then stolen by a rogue, and after several days of twists and turns, she ended up in her father's hands.
A few days ago, when the two met, Wen Ruo asked a peculiar question: "Everyone knows that marriage should be between people of equal social standing. Young Master is also a pure-hearted man. Are you really not afraid that others are just trying to climb the social ladder?"
Though my words may be presumptuous, you are a perceptive person, quick to notice subtle signs and understand profound truths. This young lady truly possesses a brilliant mind, and it would be a waste of her talents to be running errands.
She replied, "We grew up together, but Guanlan's youthful spirit is lacking, and he is not a good match for me. You don't understand."
"Don't understand?" Wen Ruo's mind raced, and she finally couldn't help but ask, "Is the young master really impotent?"
She chuckled in surprise. The girl's words were indeed vulgar. However, since the dancers and musicians had all failed, she had no reason to act recklessly. Although she was called a playboy, Qi Guanlan was a man of integrity.
She didn't want to be a teacher, nor did she want to wait for a prodigal son to turn over a new leaf, but unfortunately, her voice carried little weight.
"It's not what you think, it's that I have someone I like."
"I can help you."
"Do you know who you're going against? My dad can crush you like an ant."
Wen Ruo seemed to be frightened. After thinking for a long time, she said with a serious expression, "Including physical pain, one hundred taels."
She was truly the most daring and reckless woman she had ever met.
She had considered the worst-case scenario, so why not give it a try? With Wen Ruo being beaten, she took the opportunity to help her deal with the hooligans. After leaving the study, all that was left was to wait. When she saw someone watching her from the pavilion, her heart was already calm.
Fortunately, the clouds cleared and the sun shone through.
"Don't be so reckless next time. If you encounter someone ruthless, you might lose your life."
Wen Ruo took it as a well-intentioned reminder and was extremely grateful.
Mother said that breaking up a marriage is a crime punishable by heaven; retribution may be delayed, but it will come eventually. However, there are so many ill-fated relationships in the world that even a princess cannot avoid them. Who can say whether it's a blessing or a curse? She earns her living by risking her life.
Her current appearance was reflected in the bronze mirror of the powder shop. Her hair was styled in a cloud-like bun by her mother, Shiliu, and the exquisite cloud-shaped tassel hairpin was a gift from Miss Cao. It matched her light green floral gauze dress perfectly. She looked at the rouge beside her and suddenly widened her eyes. Seventy coins! Is it made of gold?
My mother said she was beautiful. After meeting Cao Xi, I realized what it meant to be scholarly and elegant. She wore a crimson satin dress with a gold sash tied with an orchid and jade pendant. When she walked, her steps were like rippling water, each step like a lotus blossom, radiant and dazzling.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call Qi Guanlan ungrateful.
With the hundred taels of silver left, Wen Ruo straightened his back and calmly returned to the noisy and chaotic commoners' street, as if taking a leisurely stroll. He glanced at the shops along the way, some of which were doing poor business, and wondered how long they could stay afloat.
The hairpins and jade ornaments were laid out on the table. Wen Ruo was overwhelmed with choices. She tried them on one by one, but she could always find some flaws. They were indeed not as good as the ones given by the young lady. As she picked and chose, the stingy owner's eyes were like cold knives.
On a whim, Wen Ruo stood in front of the roast chicken shop and lavishly bought a whole roast chicken and half a tael of loose liquor. She exclaimed with emotion: "That sucker is truly my lucky charm."
Passing by the back gate of the princess's mansion, the high-walled courtyard had been quiet lately, as the young master still owed her a sum of money.
Qi Guanlan was released from his confinement. Beneath the Pixiu golden crown, his fair and handsome face exuded nobility. He wore a vermilion wide-sleeved robe with gold patterns, and a gold and jade belt tied around his tall and slender waist. It was clear that a lot of thought had been put into his attire.
Red rain fell from the sky. Young Master Qi changed his ways at Yunjin Tower, drinking tea instead of alcohol. There were seven or eight Ru kiln celadon cups on the table, some of which were untouched. He leaned lazily against the backrest, occasionally asking if Jingtangchun had arrived.
"Young master, the errand boy is here."
"Why are you so late? The gold is practically melting from my warmth."
"Young Master?" An unfamiliar voice interrupted him. Qi Guanlan frowned. "Where did Xiao Qiang go?"
"I don't know."
With no one to play with, even the luxurious bed and soft pillows couldn't keep the young master. He wandered aimlessly in the street with a droopy face, and his low-class trinkets only made Qi Guanlan more annoyed.
Emptiness! Loneliness!
The young master's heroic act of announcing his engagement has left him with no one to confide in!
Who will offer advice on the midday meeting? Him?
...
Suddenly, Qi Guanlan's eyes lit up. He quickly squeezed through the crowd, not caring that his deerskin boots were dirty. He pushed aside the last obstruction and, sure enough, he was right.
With a vengeful clenched fist, he grinned wickedly and said, "Xiao Qiang, where have you been making your fortune dressed like that?"
Wen Ruo turned around in pain, her gaze like a cold blade drawn from its sheath, locking onto the culprit. Qi Guanlan, feeling cold, awkwardly withdrew his hand and took several steps back. When they were a person's distance apart, he looked at her again and again, feeling wronged and confused, unable to restrain himself.
"Young master, have you mistaken me for someone else?"
Qi Guanlan nodded blankly. With her almond-shaped face, willow-leaf eyebrows, and light makeup, she was fair-skinned and beautiful, with a cool and aloof temperament. She looked completely different from everyone else, even her voice was different. Why did she look so familiar to him?
"I'll let it go this time, but I'll be more careful next time." Why did he come out? It seems the princess has softened her heart again.
What a coincidence to run into such a sucker! The young master is dim-witted; he probably wouldn't guess that he has a special skill.
Wen Ruo nodded slightly, turned around gracefully, leaving only her back view. Her demeanor was more like Cao Xi's, and her figure was three-tenths similar to Xiao Qiang's. One was like heaven and the other like earth. How could there be such a contradictory woman? Qi Guanlan's mind was in a mess. He scratched his head but couldn't find the thread.
It was autumn, and the garden was quiet and secluded. The pavilions were layered, the spring water cascaded down, and golden millet swam in the water like fish. The fragrance of osmanthus filled the courtyard, and occasionally the sound of a zither could be heard, making it a unique and delightful place.
"Young master, what do you want with me?"
It's really in the way.
The road is... Qi Guanlan subconsciously swallowed his words. This woman's temperament was somewhat similar to Cao Xi's. If he said those words, would she, like Cao Xi, coldly stare at him, then turn around and leave, not showing her face for a month?
This won't do. He was at his wit's end, hating himself for being at a loss for words. Suddenly, he caught sight of Zhao Heng above and had an idea. "It's your honor to travel with me. If you don't want to, that's fine too," he said, pointing to a spot not far away where people were playing pitch-pot. "As long as you beat me, we can go our separate ways."
"I've long heard of your reputation, and seeing you today, I can confirm it's well-deserved." Wen Ruo was convinced. Could it be that the young master was unaware of Cao Xi's love for him? Otherwise, how could he not get rid of her? She could say she had learned about 70% of what Cao Xi had learned.
"Young master, you mustn't go back on your word."
"Enough with the chit-chat. My word is my bond," he strode over, shooing her away with a few words, then winked and urged her to hurry up, "You go first."
It was practically a forced sale. Wen Ruo accepted the three sticks. The young master was capricious; nothing was surprising. She would just play along with him.
Wen Ruo looked at him, and their eyes met. He immediately lowered his head and pretended to be very busy. Just as the atmosphere became tense, the sound of the zither began to play, gentle and tender, as if it were a blessing for a couple in love.
The echo lingered in her heart. She looked up to search, but all she saw were desolate rockeries and withered stones. She didn't understand music theory, but a sense of melancholy arose inexplicably. Suddenly, a burst of exciting flute music, like ten thousand horses galloping, collided together, like pearls falling onto a jade plate, scattered in all directions. She wondered who was watching the spectacle with such enthusiasm.
Many people came to their senses, their eyes filled with the desire to win or lose, and some even had the idea of gambling. Someone shouted, and many more people rushed in, whispering in groups of three or five, and the last bit of desolation vanished in an instant.
Zhao Heng was standing among them when he heard this and suddenly burst into laughter: "Qi Guanlan, so you're opposing me because you admire me."
Qi Guanlan skillfully ignored it. Business was important. As long as he didn't engage, the other party would be helpless. He straightened his back and asked, "Will you go first or should I?"
"Young Master, are you here to enjoy the scenery too?" Wen Ruo took the arrow and the first arrow flew from his palm. Suddenly, he smelled a fragrance of ambergris mixed with the fresh scent of orchids.
She turned her head and saw Zhao Heng touching the arrow and looking at the opposite side provocatively. He immediately exposed her shortcomings: "He's waiting for Yang Cong. You know Yang Cong, right? He's the illegitimate son of the Yang family. He does nothing but follow Young Master Qi and bullies others. He's probably afraid of not finding the right person, so he called in a pretty face to keep him in check. Miss Zhou must have something wrong with her eyes to actually like Young Master Qi's face."
"roll!"
"My beauty, will you choose me or him?"
She was wrong. She should have realized long ago that the young master was capable and would never lack spoiled brats around him.
Why should she go to such lengths when she can find something nearby?
It seems the next customer has been found.
However, she was now caught between a rock and a hard place, like a rabbit being stared at by two pairs of eyes.
Wen Ruo was in a real bind. Zhao Heng looked gentle, but it was all an act. His arrogant gaze betrayed him. How could a vengeful, venomous snake be compared to a naive, snarling peacock?
She frowned, took a small step back, glanced at the spout of the pot, and said defiantly, "Are you saying that, young master, that I can't win?"
"One step ahead!"
Zhao Heng's eyes lit up, and with a flirtatious gesture, he picked up a small braid, his tone as deliberate as could be, "Look at my mouth, it's really clumsy, I deserve a beating! I deserve a beating!"
The two exchanged glances and conspired together. Qi Guanlan's hair was practically standing on end. "What a joke! If I asked her to choose, I wouldn't even look at Cao Xi, let alone you. I'm just giving you a few nice looks. Do you really think you're some kind of fairy descended from heaven?"
"Pretend! Everyone knows that Young Master Qi has remained chaste for someone, but unfortunately, that person doesn't even look at him."
"Pah, pah, pah! Talking to someone with such a foul mouth like you makes my nose feel dirty." Qi Guanlan childishly pinched his nose with his left hand and elegantly threw the first arrow.
A draw.
"Young Master's words are inevitably biased. There's nothing wrong with keeping oneself pure and virtuous. The Emperor and Empress are of one mind; doesn't Young Master Zhao envy them? It seems we don't see eye to eye. I'm afraid I won't be fortunate enough to appreciate the scenery of the Hundred Gardens." I'll find another opportunity to test Yang Cong another day.
Qi Guanlan's expression turned slightly worried.
“Young Master Qi, we are not on the same path. It’s fine not to throw the last two arrows. Farewell.”
The beauty froze. Who blocked her way? That sleeve looks familiar. Isn't that what I wore today? Why did they reach out? Qi Guanlan's eyes widened as he stared at that hand, his mind about to explode. He simply held the arrow horizontally in his hand, "If you leave, where will I put my face?"
"Young Master Qi, this is flirting."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Heng instantly forgot his displeasure. He raised his chin and grinned mischievously, "The daughter of the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review is here. Why don't we ask her to report to the authorities?"
"Young Master Qi?" Zhou Xuanyan's clear voice carried a hint of shyness as she greeted Zhao Heng with measured manners. Then, she turned her head and scrutinized Wen Ruo's slightly worn dress, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes.
"Young Master Qi is flirting with this young lady."
Not only did the customer leave, but he also looked at me with hostility. Zhao Heng, you've done a lot of harm.
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