Time Travel: The Noble Family

After returning to the Capital City, I realized how insignificant I was and that I couldn’t stand up for my sister at all. It was then that I resolved that I must make something of myself in the future. The following year, I joined the Primus Battalion.

In the military camp, no matter how hard or tiring it was, I persevered with gritted teeth. Many people there had heard of my sister’s great name. Since she was one of the Beauties of the Capital, it was not surprising they knew of her. However, trying to pry details about my sister from me was a daydream—topics about a young lady could not be casually discussed.

Of course, I actually felt there wasn’t much to say about my sister. From what I remembered, apart from practicing calligraphy or painting, I had no other impressions of her.

Even though my sister broke off the engagement with Shen Congwen, many suitors still came forward, but unfortunately, she didn’t fancy any of them. When even the Heir to Marquis Yongding, Guan Jingshuo, who was a Palace Graduate in both civil and martial disciplines, was refused, the news spread everywhere in the Capital City, and even within our military camp. People often joked with me, asking what kind of person my sister was looking for.

Just when I was worried about my sister’s marriage, I suddenly heard that she was betrothed to An Zhichen, the Third Young Master of Marquis Weiyuan’s Mansion, who had saved me that day.

An Zhichen had a bad reputation and a complicated status, and I felt this marriage wasn’t a good one. Unfortunately, when I rushed back to the Capital City to talk about it with my sister, she only smiled and told me, "The marriage has been settled and can’t be undone."

Hearing this, I was very frustrated. I always thought that someone good enough for my sister should be even more outstanding than Guan Jingshuo, not someone like An Zhichen, who had a bad reputation and looked unlikable. I truly felt that An Zhichen was not a match for my sister.

My sister knew my thoughts and didn’t explain much, only saying: "Tingzheng, a man’s appearance is not important, what matters is skill and a sense of responsibility, someone who can protect his wife and children. An Zhichen will protect and be good to your sister, that’s why she chose him."

Hearing this, I felt particularly distressed, realizing I was too weak to protect her. If I had enough ability, she wouldn’t have chosen An Zhichen.

No matter how unwilling I was, it was of no use— the marriage had already been decided and couldn’t be changed. My sister already broke off her engagement once; she absolutely could not break off a second one. While I was extremely frustrated, my sister asked me to visit the house in Yuhua Alley.

It was there, in Yuhua Alley, that I saw An Zhichen. When I saw that dark face, I felt like pouncing on him and beating him up. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do it; no matter how much I disliked An Zhichen, I couldn’t hit him because he was betrothed to my sister, making him my brother-in-law in name.

An Zhichen noticed my intention and only said, "I will treat Zichang well."

Hearing this, I fiercely said, "If you dare treat my sister poorly, I’ll beat you to the point of searching for your teeth on the ground." Without looking at An Zhichen’s expression, I took the young servant and left.

Before my sister got married, someone maliciously spread foolish rumors about her eloping with someone. My sister, pure and chaste, how could she elope with anyone! Luckily, my brother-in-law wasn’t swayed by this and simply postponed the wedding by half a year.

Half a year later, my sister married into the An Family, and I moved out of the Ma Family to live in the An Mansion. It was at this time that I finally felt the sensation of home.

Not long after my sister got married, she began worrying about my own marriage. Before long, she took a liking to a girl from the Zhang family.

At that time, I actually felt I was too young to get married so early, preferring to achieve some academic success before discussing marriage arrangements. However, my sister mentioned that I was the only heir of the Lian family and should marry early to continue the family line. Hearing this, I no longer argued.

When I met Miss Zhang from the Zhang family, I was deeply disappointed. Her appearance was far too ordinary. Although my sister had warned me that her looks were average, seeing her in person was even more underwhelming than I imagined, leaving me somewhat disheartened. After a brief conversation with her, I became even more disappointed; her plain looks notwithstanding, she lacked any talent, with no sign of brilliance whatsoever.

Just as I was thinking of finding an excuse to leave, a very beautiful girl suddenly came up. While this girl was indeed pretty, she appeared frivolous, which also repelled me. Conveniently, I used this as an excuse to leave, pretending to be in a huff.

Later, my sister told me it was all a misunderstanding, and that Miss Zhang didn’t do it on purpose. At that time, I wanted to say that I didn’t fancy Miss Zhang, but I didn’t want to make things difficult for my sister, so I eventually agreed to go meet her again.