Chapter 1074 - 454: Male Concubine (Part 3)
Yueyao fell silent for a moment.
Zhuang Ruolan said, "Yueyao, don’t blame me for speaking out of turn. The Lin Family thinks too highly of themselves. If you really marry a girl from such a family, you will find it difficult in the future." A young lady of noble status can certainly hold her head high, but not with the kind of attitude shown by the Lin Family. It was the Lin Family who brought up the engagement in the first place; what kind of attitude is this now? If it were her brother, she would definitely call off the marriage.
Although Yueyao didn’t particularly like Miss Lin’s naivety and lack of awareness, Tingzheng liked her, so she said nothing more at the time. After all, it was Tingzheng’s future, and she was just his sister, and a married one at that. It was enough to manage Tingzheng’s marriage arrangements. But now, Yueyao was truly angry—what did the Lin Family mean by this? They were clearly stepping all over them!
Yueyao said to Zhuang Ruolan, "Cousin-in-law, I’m really sorry for letting you suffer this injustice with me."
Zhuang Ruolan naturally wouldn’t be angry with Yueyao. Not even Yueyao expected the Lin Family to have such an attitude. "It’s nothing, I’m just worried about you. The Lin Family’s actions are like slapping you in the face. If such a sister-in-law comes into your house, you and your brother will certainly grow distant." Her sister-in-law also came from a prestigious family, but she was sensible and understanding, and they got along very well.
Yueyao smiled and said, "I will handle this matter properly."
Zhuang Ruolan returned after having lunch.
Xiang Wei, upon learning that the Lin Family was unwilling to set a wedding date, simply said two words: "Call it off." With such insincerity from the other party, there was no need to continue with the engagement.
By this time, Yueyao had calmed down and thought carefully. She felt that something must have happened to change the Lin Family’s attitude: "Xiang Wei, did something happen to Tingzheng?" The engagement was the Lin Family’s proposal, and even if they wanted to keep their daughter longer, they had already agreed to set the wedding for the end of next year. It was unlikely for the Lin Family to leave no room for negotiation.
Xiang Wei scoffed, "What could have happened? If the Lin Family is unwilling, then leave it be. Tingzheng is hardly afraid of not finding a bride."
After hearing Xiang Wei’s words, Yueyao felt even more that there was something amiss, "What exactly is going on? Don’t you dare lie to me."
Xiang Wei hadn’t expected Yueyao to be so perceptive and decided not to hide it from her any longer, "There’s a rumor going around in secret, saying that Tingzheng is the Ninth Prince’s male companion." This rumor was only spreading in private and hadn’t become public knowledge.
Upon hearing this rumor, Xiang Wei instinctively didn’t want to tell Yueyao. She knew that Tingzheng’s outstanding appearance had always been a concern for Yueyao, and after all these peaceful years, it was only as he approached adulthood and marriage that such rumors surfaced, making it difficult for Yueyao not to feel distressed.
Xiang Wei used to think Tingzheng was delightful to look at, so she felt Yueyao’s worries about Tingzheng’s looks were unnecessary. But now, it seemed Yueyao’s concerns were not without reason.
Yueyao said in shock and anger, "Didn’t you say the Ninth Prince isn’t interested in women?" After saying this, Yueyao’s expression changed multiple times. "Could it be that the Ninth Prince isn’t interested in women but rather in men?"
Xiang Wei quickly said, "No, it’s a rumor spread by those with hidden agendas." In the Great Yuan Dynasty, the male wind was also prevalent, and with Tingzheng’s good looks, she really couldn’t give a guarantee. However, in front of Yueyao, she had to say it like this.
Yueyao felt a bit relieved, "Is the Lin Family changing their attitude because of this rumor?" If that’s the case, then this engagement truly couldn’t proceed.
Xiang Wei nodded, "It’s highly likely that’s the reason. Miss, call off the engagement!" The Lin Family had assessed Tingzheng for a long time before settling the engagement, but now, just because of an outside rumor, they immediately changed their attitude. Such a family is truly not advisable.
Yueyao also wanted to call off the engagement, but she had to discuss it with Tingzheng first.
Xiang Wei said helplessly, "If you tell him, he’ll definitely be unwilling to call off the engagement."
Yueyao chuckled softly, "If I tell him everything and he still doesn’t want to call it off, then from now on, I won’t meddle in his affairs." She couldn’t possibly degrade herself by pleading with the Lin Family. She had no interest in families that could only share wealth but not hardship.
Hearing this, Xiang Wei laughed, "Alright, Miss, those are your words. You can’t go back on them." Xiang Wei thought sometimes Yueyao was too soft. But fortunately, Yueyao had the virtue that if something really crossed her bottom line, she wouldn’t stay passive.
Yueyao somehow sensed a schadenfreude vibe from Xiang Wei.