Chapter 17: Marry Me

◎ If he could also gain her affection as she has for Hua Ji ◎

Yu Lian also didn't expect the officials to arrive so swiftly.

Hardly had breakfast been concluded when the gatekeeper rushed in, breathless, to report that officials from the government, accompanied by soldiers, had arrived at our doorstep.

Upon opening the door, the soldiers and officers stormed in and began to wreak havoc, slashing and chopping at anything in sight, causing considerable damage. Even the set of purple sandalwood table and chairs usually used for meals in the main hall were not spared from their destructive rampage.

Having finished the chopping, they were about to brazenly proceed to the East Yard to confront her father-in-law and mother-in-law. Yu Lian stepped forward to intercept them.

The group was led by two men. One was dressed in an official's robe, likely the commander of the soldiers. The other, wearing luxurious brocade clothing, appeared to be in his early twenties, with fair skin and handsome features. There was a hint of arrogance and recklessness in his gaze, suggesting he was a noble young master.

Yi Po whispered into the young lady's ear, "This is Li Xiang, the youngest legitimate son of the Ru Yang Marquis, and the Empress's own younger brother. He has quite a reputation in the capital. In the past, he envied the Prince's talent and fame, often slandering him behind his back. However, his reputation is built on his family's status and charm, unlike the Prince, whose brilliance is genuine and unparalleled."

Yu Lian suddenly understood. This was the marriage arrangement her grandmother had once made for her, involving the youngest legitimate son of the Ru Yang Marquis. Back then, she didn't comprehend why all the influential families in the city avoided her, refusing any connection with the former fiancée of the East Yuan Marquis's heir. Yet, Li Xiang had actively sought her out.

Now, Yu Lian grasped the situation. Even someone favored by the emperor wouldn't offend him lightly. There was only one explanation: Li Xiang's impulsive desire. Consumed by jealousy and resentment towards Hua Ji, he wished to marry his former fiancée. Once wed, he would likely humiliate her and make her life miserable, thus alleviating his previous grudge.

As Yu Lian emerged, Li Xiang's gaze fell upon her, transfixed for a long moment, his eyes unable to shift.

Until the beauty, with a furrowed brow, inquired, "What is the meaning of this?"

The leader of the soldiers bellowed in a gruff voice, "His Majesty has issued an imperial decree a while ago, stripping East Yuan Marquis of his title and official position, as well as the noble rank of the matriarch. The entire household has been demoted to commoners; it is no longer fitting for you to reside here. Why haven't you moved out yet after so much time?"

"I have come today on the orders of our superior to inspect the situation. I grant you one more day. If you have not vacated the premises by tomorrow, I will send people to remove you forcefully."

Yu Lian chuckled softly. "Our dynasty was founded on benevolence and righteousness. The law clearly stipulates that those whose estates are seized or titles revoked must be given a month to settle affairs before relocating. If one fails to move within this period, the authorities are entitled to enforce the law. As far as I recall, the imperial edict was issued less than a month ago. What authority do you have to evict us?"

"Hmph, simply because you've committed high treason, no one would dare to speak up in your defense even if I were to expel you right now! It would be wise for you to vacate the premises before tomorrow. If you delay any further, the embarrassment will be on your own heads."

He then turned to address the young Lord Li with an ingratiating smile.

"Wouldn't you agree? You've already pleaded with Empress Concubine for this residence. She, being deeply favored by His Majesty, merely had to mention it, and the Emperor agreed to reserve this estate for you until the day you achieve greatness and earn your place in society."

Li Xiang had long been captivated by the woman before him. He had heard of Hua Ji's fiancée, known as the most beautiful lady among the capital's aristocrats. That was why he had sought the Countess's intervention to negotiate a marriage with the Wei Duke's family, but he never imagined she would be this stunning.

Lost in admiration, he stared blankly. Upon hearing the question, he gently patted the soldier's head and said, "Is that how you address people? Show some manners and respect!"

Confused, the soldiers looked up to see the captivated expression on Young Master Li's face and understood the situation.

Young Master Li had long been known for his licentious ways, with a particular fondness for beauty. It was no surprise that he found this woman, with her captivating looks and icy demeanor, appealing.

He stepped back respectfully, not daring to interfere with what he perceived as a significant matter for Young Master Li.

Apologizing, he said, "My apologies, Sixth Miss."

Yu Lian replied coolly, "Sir, you are an official of the court, while I am merely a commoner's wife. Formalities aside, your apology is unnecessary and I cannot accept it."

Li Xiang approached two steps, a flirtatious smile on his face. As he tried to move closer, Yu Lian retreated several steps. He halted and said, "Lian'er, there's no need to be so courteous. You are a lady from the Marquis' residence, while he is just a messenger. How could he have the right to behave recklessly in front of you?"

With a wave of his hand, the soldiers hastily left, leaving only Li Xiang behind. The housekeeper was on edge; all five servants present, excluding the lame man guarding the entrance, were worried about any ill intentions the stranger might have towards the young madam.

Judging by his lecherous gaze, even though the young madam had already tied her hair in a married woman's bun, indicating she was married to the crown prince, such brazen behavior was unacceptable, especially addressing her by her pet name?

With no outsiders present, Li Xiang spoke frankly, "Earlier, I asked my mother to discuss our marriage with your family's matriarch. Why did you change your mind and refuse me?"

He glanced at the dilapidated courtyard with a tinge of envy. "What is so great about Hua Ji that you would forsake wealth and status to marry a deceased man?"

"You'll soon be cast out of this estate, homeless and without protection. With your extraordinary beauty, no one will be able to safeguard you. Aren't you afraid?"

Yu Lian's gaze remained cool and detached. "That is not a concern for you, sir. If there is nothing else, I kindly request that you return. Before the one-month deadline, our entire family will move out, so there is no need for you or any officials to come and evict us."

The more Li Xiang observed the beauty before him, the more he admired her. She was stunning whether she wore an expression or not, like a pure and translucent ice lotus, exuding extreme elegance.

Back then, when he heard that the Sixth Miss of the Wei Duke's residence had rejected his marriage proposal and instead entered the Hua residence on Hua Ji's execution day, dressed in a wedding gown, he had merely sighed at her foolishness and lack of appreciation. His feelings didn't extend beyond mild annoyance at being toyed with.

At this very moment, he was consumed with envy and hatred. How could Hua Ji, even in death, still have such a devoted and affectionate beauty by his side? What kind of fortunate destiny did he possess?

As the saying goes, it's not frightening when the intelligent hold power, but when the reckless do. Yu Lian had no desire to deal with these privileged, spoilt scions of noble families, for they acted impulsively and always had powerful patrons to clean up their messes. Now that the Hua family was in decline, all she sought was tranquility, so she lacked the audacity to engage with such individuals.

With a cold expression, she instructed Yi Po and the others to see the guests off while she turned and left.

Li Xiang called out, "If you're willing, leave the Hua residence now. I'll take you back to the Wei Duke's mansion. You can stay there just as you did before your marriage, and I'll ask my mother to make formal arrangements. We can start anew, find an auspicious day, and soon you'll be welcomed into my Ru Yang Marquis residence, living a comfortable life without having to read anyone's mood or worry about lacking wealth. My sister in the palace has bestowed fabrics and cosmetics upon the Hua family; they would not go to waste on someone as beautiful as you."

Seeing Yu Lian continue walking, ignoring him, Li Xiang grew anxious. He suddenly shouted, "I, Li Xiang, am twenty-one years old and have no official wife. Only a few concubines and chambermaids. If it bothers you, I can send them away as well."

Yu Lian came to an abrupt halt, not turning back as she said, "I am already taken, my husband's name is Hua Ji."

With those words, she departed gracefully.

The young man in exquisite Chinese attire stood mesmerized, gazing for a long while before he was willing to depart.

Yi Po and her daughter, Erya, wiped away their tears, deeply moved by the sentiment.

Upon the ascension of the new emperor, the Ru Yang Marquis's household became one of the most influential and prestigious in the capital, owing to the favor bestowed upon the imperial concubine. As Li Xiang had mentioned, if Lady Li were willing to remarry him, no one would dare to raise objections. A life of endless prosperity and glory awaited her within the Ru Yang Marquis's residence, and even her attendance at social gatherings would earn her the admiration and envy of other noble ladies.

Moreover, Li Xiang had promised to dismiss his concubines and chambermaids for the young lady, something he had never done for any other girl before. Yet, the young lady remained unmoved.

Yi Po commented to her daughter, "The young lady truly loves the crown prince with all her heart. If His Highness were still alive, he would surely be deeply touched by her devotion."

"You're right, Mother. I've never seen a woman like the young lady. Even a noble gentleman like Li Xiang is willing to dismiss his concubines for her, but she doesn't waver. If I were her, I would have regretted entering the Huafu long ago."

Yi Po patted her daughter's head. "What nonsense are you talking? How can you compare your small self to the young lady's integrity and character? Her love for the crown prince is as clear as day and as bright as the sun and moon, far beyond our simple understanding. These days, I've come to realize that the young lady isn't foolish. On the contrary, she is very clever and handles matters with great wisdom. Whatever she instructs us to do, we execute flawlessly. She has never been indecisive. Such a woman is highly sought after by prestigious families. If our estate were still in its heyday, the young lady would have been the perfect one to manage the household. With her at the helm, our family would surely flourish. For her to enter our estate during such a difficult time, solely out of her love for the crown prince, it shows that even if her reputation were tarnished, she would not worry about finding a suitable match."

Li Xiang stood there for a long while, listening to the mother and daughter's whispers before finally leaving.

His expression shifted unpredictably as he clenched his fists tightly.

Again, it was Hua Ji, Hua Ji, and more Hua Ji! While alive, this man had vied with him for fame and prestige, even causing the East Yuan Marquis House to overshadow the Ru Yang Marquis House. Now that he was gone, despite the East Yuan Marquis House's decline, there was still someone willing to marry into his family and devote her life to him.

And that person happened to be the woman he had set his sights on!

When Little Yu Shi rushed in, she collided with Li Xiang just as he was leaving. Li Xiang gave the child a sharp glance. Remembering her mother's words not to engage in petty squabbles or provoke trouble outside, Little Yu Shi swiftly dodged and darted inside.

But she was stopped by a servant.

Yu Shi cried out, "I am Yu Shi, the younger brother of Yu Lian. I have come to find my sister."

Li Xiang paused, then called the child over. "Come here, I want to tell you something about your older sister. You must relay this message to your mother and grandmother when you return."

Little Yu, initially disinclined to engage with her irritating brother, approached when she heard that it concerned her sister. She asked him what was the matter.

"Return to your mother and convey my words: Li Xiang has taken a liking to Yu Lian. Despite her impetuous marriage into the Hua residence, with Hua Ji now deceased, all of that is null and void. I am willing to escort her in grandeur with eight palanquins, to make her my lawful wife, disregarding any past circumstances and holding no grudges against your House of Wei Duke. Ask her for her thoughts and let her personally visit the Hua residence to persuade your sister. Surely you don't wish for your sister to be a widow, without a home, fine clothing, and constantly subjected to others' contempt?"

His words struck a chord with the child. Yu Shi was still young, his thought process straightforward. He didn't want his sister to be homeless and driven away by soldiers like today, nor did he want her to go hungry. Most importantly, he didn't wish for her to be bullied by others.

If marrying this man could spare her from such tribulations and ensure a comfortable life for her elder sister, why not do it?

But he still felt the need to exercise caution, asking, "Who are you? What makes me believe you? What if you're a villain?"

Li Xiang burst into laughter. "Tell your mother that her future son-in-law is none other than Li Xiang, the legitimate youngest son of the House of Ruyang."

With that, he left.

It was only upon seeing the child that he recalled the matter. Yu Lian's marriage would be decided by their elders; her consent was not crucial as long as the final outcome was achieved.

He would treat her well.

Should she bestow upon him even a fraction of the affection she had shown Hua Ji, he would cherish her with all his heart and never treat her worse than that deceased Hua Ji!

Yu Shi jotted down these thoughts before rushing back in. The doorman, upon learning that he was the young lady's brother, did not hinder him.

Many onlookers remained gathered at the entrance.

Within an hour, Li Xiang's conversation with the child had spread throughout the capital. There was no need for Yu Shi to relay the news to his parents and grandmother – the Wei Duke's residence had already been informed.

Receiving the news from her bookish attendant, Lady Yu, the third wife, rushed about the estate in anxiety. She promptly fetched some silver and instructed the servant to hire skilled protectors to safeguard her daughter at the Hua residence. Hardly had the attendant left when Lady Yu was summoned by the matriarch for a conversation.

Author's Note: