Li didn't care about Cao at all; she only stared intently at Yu Qian himself.
The excruciating pain in her right leg caused cold sweat to pour down Li's forehead. She couldn't help but shift her position, her eyes filled with urgency. "Qian-ge'er, you used to be very fond of our Pingting. You even swore to the Empress Dowager that you would treat Pingting well for the rest of your life. That's why we were willing to betroth Pingting to you."
Now that the marriage has only encountered a minor setback, are you really going to give up?
Li spoke rapidly and forcefully.
After saying that, seeing that Yu Qian did not reply immediately, her heart sank and she threatened, "Brother Qian, a person's worth lies in keeping his promises. If you are so irresponsible and disregard our Pingting, then even if the engagement is called off, you can forget about finding a good marriage again!"
These words touched Cao's heart.
As Yu Qian recalled the beautiful times he and Dugu Pingting had shared, he couldn't help but raise his head, his expression softening slightly.
Because he didn't know what mistake Dugu Pingting had made, although it was certainly not a good thing, he still felt attached to Dugu Pingting because he hadn't heard those vicious things with his own ears.
After all, she's been with him for so long as his future wife.
Just as Yu Qian was about to respond, his father, who was clear-headed and fully aware of all the pros and cons, coughed lightly and said, "Qian'er, I have always taught you to think thrice before you act and not to act impulsively."
Mr. Yu's words brought Mrs. Yu back to her senses, and she echoed, "That's right, Qian'er, we are an upright family, how can we accept such an unclear daughter-in-law?"
You will be on the list of successful candidates in the autumn imperial examination and will then be granted an official position. We don't know anything about the princess's situation, but what if she has made a serious mistake? Wouldn't that have a huge impact on your future?
"You're our only child in the Yu family with a chance of passing the imperial examinations; we can't afford any mistakes!"
Upon hearing this, Yu Qian opened his mouth, then silently closed it again.
The entire family remained silent, seemingly abandoning the carefree princess to her fate.
Madam Li was so angry she almost vomited blood. Clutching her chest, she exclaimed, "Fine! Fine, fine, the Duke of Yu's mansion! So snobbish, disregarding past relationships, you'll get your comeuppance one day!"
Faced with such harsh accusations, everyone in the Yu household turned pale.
Yu Qian shrank back a little, a faint sense of guilt rising in his heart.
But having never disobeyed his parents in his entire life, he dared not do so this time either.
Before long, Dugu Xuancheng heard the commotion and came after them, taking the increasingly out-of-control Li Shi away.
Dugu Xuancheng looked embarrassed. "I'm ashamed. It's my fault for not restraining the princess well and causing you trouble. I apologize on her behalf."
The Yu family was already feeling guilty about the matter, but seeing that the Prince of Xiaoyao was so understanding, they were all grateful and didn't hold it against him.
After everyone left, Lady Cao sighed, "Our carefree prince is truly kind and easy to talk to. It's a pity he married the wrong person."
Duke Yu shook his head. "Forget about all this nonsense. The marriage between Qian'er and the princess is off. You should hurry up and find a better match for Qian'er."
Madam Cao sat down and took a sip of tea. "Of course, our Qian'er is an outstanding person, more than qualified to be a match for a princess. Why would he worry about not finding a husband?"
"Just pay attention and don't delay your child's marriage."
The two continued their discussion, completely ignoring Yu Qian's somewhat dejected and lonely demeanor.
Afterwards, Cao called her son aside and gave him a meaningful advice, "Qian'er, I know you are soft-hearted and somewhat reluctant to let go of the princess, but we have studied hard for ten years, it was not easy at all."
Before the princess's accident, I would have supported you in any way you wanted to interact with her.
But now she is clearly disliked by the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.
If you continue to marry her, you will be putting yourself in a very difficult position, and all your previous efforts will be in vain. Are you really willing to do that?
Even if you are willing, where will the expectations your father and grandfather have held for you over the years be placed?
These words completely dispelled Yu Qian's idea of reconciling with Dugu Pingting. Even if he still felt a little guilty, it would dissipate with the start of his next engagement.
...
Upon returning to the mansion, Li was forcibly confined there.
Last time, only two old women were allowed to watch over her, one of whom was Li's confidante, so she managed to escape when they weren't looking.
This time, Dugu Xuancheng issued a strict order: anyone who dares to neglect their duties again will be hanged from the roof beam with a white silk ribbon!
Thus, four strong and capable old women took turns guarding the area in two shifts every day, and they dared not be negligent in the slightest.
Despite trying every possible method, Li was unable to sneak out of the nunnery to tell Dugu Pingting about Yu Qian. Helpless, she could only pick up her pen and write a letter to her daughter.
——Huiming Nunnery.
Dugu Pingting's beautiful long hair was covered by a nun's hat, and she was wearing a worn-out gray robe. She looked drab and dull, completely lacking her usual vibrant and lively appearance.
The nun knew her identity and was originally going to assign her tasks, but after thinking about it, she decided to take it easy and not push a newcomer too hard.
They symbolically assigned her some simple tasks to tidy up the guest rooms.
Even so, Dugu Pingting refused to do so, spending her days sitting listlessly in her room like a soulless puppet.
But these tasks had already been assigned to her, and if she didn't do them, others would have to do more, which caused dissatisfaction among the other young nuns.
The abbess was too busy to help, and the other nuns, seeing that no one was standing up for Dugu Pingting, became even more ruthless in their harassment of her.
Sure enough, several young nuns hid under Dugu Pingting's window lattice. One of them was carrying a cloth bag, and something inside was wriggling.
Dugu Pingting was completely unaware that she had finally received a letter from home. Overjoyed, she became less perceptive, but after reading the contents of the letter, she collapsed onto the table and burst into tears.
No, she didn't believe it. How could Yu Qian be so heartless to her?
Even though she came to his door begging, he still refused to marry her as originally planned!
He's so cruel!
In her grief, Dugu Pingting was completely unaware that a small, bright green snake was nervously flicking its tongue as it approached her...
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