Chapter 264 - 133: Prevent Her from Speaking Out
"Hmm!" Shi Lian had no time to sympathize with their mutual outpouring of feelings, not even enough time to greet him properly, as she hurriedly recounted what she and Cai Yun had heard, in a state of six gods without a master: "Sang Lang, what should we do about this! Although Aunt Fang left today, she might come back tomorrow or the day after to find my elder sister-in-law, and by then, wouldn’t it be—"
Sang Yufei was also stunned for a moment, finding the situation somewhat laughable yet pitiable. He had seen Shi Rui at the banquet; she was still a little girl with double hair buns and a round face, and the thought of marrying a child as young as her sent a chill down his spine.
"Don’t panic, let’s think of a solution," Sang Yufei tried to comfort her with his words, but in reality, even he felt unsure. However, they absolutely could not let Aunt Fang take the initiative to speak.
It wasn’t that he was afraid of rejecting the proposal; after all, the age difference between him and Shi Rui was too significant, and Shi Rui was still too young. Just on this point alone, he could easily decline the marriage proposal, and even if Second Master Shi and Aunt Fang were displeased, their displeasure would be limited. After all, Shi Rui was far too young; they couldn’t possibly force the issue and make someone wait for three to four years!
But in doing so, Sang Yufei would be at a disadvantage to propose marriage to the Shi family for Shi Lian, as it would be an obvious slap in the face to the second house of the Shi family. Mrs. Wang, who detested trouble the most, certainly wouldn’t be willing to offend her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, and since Shi Lian was not her own daughter, why would she needlessly stir up trouble for her?
"Aunt Fang will surely bring it up again, how can I not be anxious!" Shi Lian was so agitated that she was almost in tears. The words slipped out before she realized, and she felt utterly embarrassed. Her face flushed crimson with shame as she hung her head, not knowing what to say.
"You go back first! Let me think about it some more! Don’t worry about Aunt Fang anymore, just pretend you don’t know about this. I will meet with my sister later and talk to her," Sang Yufei advised her soothingly.
Shi Lian, no longer able to maintain her composure, tearfully asked Sang Yufei: "Have you, have you thought of a solution?"
Sang Yufei slightly raised his eyebrows and replied: "If worst comes to worst, I’ll just avoid it. I’ll leave the Shi Mansion for the capital tomorrow. Once I’m gone, perhaps this matter will no longer be an issue. Miss Wan is my younger sister, and no sister manages her brother’s marriage affairs. It’s useless for them to talk to Miss Wan about it!"
Shi Lian felt a surge of joy in her heart, followed by reluctance as she said: "Are you going away so soon?" Although they could not meet every day, knowing that he was staying at her family’s place and that they were so close to each other, she had been in high spirits these past days! Suddenly hearing that he was leaving made it hard for her to accept.
"Leaving a few days earlier or later makes no difference, don’t worry. Now go back quickly, don’t let others see you!" Sang Yufei said with a smile.