Chapter 35: When Compatibility Is Lacking, Forcing It Yields No Fruits

Chapter 35: When Compatibility Is Lacking, Forcing It Yields No Fruits

Fang Mingyan gazed at Jiang Yunxin, and Jiang Yunxin returned his look with equal composure, her expression open and sincere.

One who has reached a dead end plays the card of having nothing to lose.

Suddenly, a glimmer of inspiration flashed before Jiang Yunxin's eyes.

"Ah, I've thought of a solution."

Fang Mingyan inquired with curiosity, "What method?"

Jiang Yunxin replied, "If I already have someone I love and have secretly crossed the bridge while publicly maintaining the appearance of propriety, making it a done deal, then the Ma family wouldn't force me to marry Ma Xiuneng, right?"

Fang Mingyan was startled. "Who is this person you have your heart on?"

"Anyone would do," Jiang Yunxin said. "Brother Long, Brother Xue, Brother Wang—haven't they all been married before?"

Fang Mingyan paused, then sternly said, "How absurd! A woman's reputation is of utmost importance. How could you behave so recklessly?"

Jiang Yunxin chuckled. "Your Excellency, would you say reputation is more important than freedom? If given the choice, would you rather be momentarily shamed as an immoral person but then left alone, or bear the title of virtue on a plaque, confined to a small courtyard for life?"

If it were truly a mutual affection, deeply rooted, that would be acceptable – it would be a willing sacrifice.

But what was happening now?

Was she supposed to be grateful for being sold and even help count the money?

Jiang Yunxin inwardly sneered. There's no way that would happen. If it came to that, I'll take everyone down with me.

If I can't have happiness, neither can anyone else. Be it the Jiangs or the Mas, they'll all suffer.

Fortunately, Fang Mingyan was unaware of her vengeful thoughts; otherwise, he might not dare to keep her in the Criminal Court.

Fixing her gaze on Fang Mingyan, Jiang Yunxin spoke resolutely.

"Your Excellency," she said firmly, "if you help me through this crisis, I will repay you in the future."

"In what way?"

Well asked, Jiang Yunxin replied without hesitation, "We'll talk about it later. There will be a time for repayment."

It was better to issue a blank check now and escape one calamity at a time.

Fang Mingyan pondered for a moment, "I'm not saying I can't help you. After all, you are indeed part of the Criminal Court now."

Jiang Yunxin's heart leapt with joy.

"But this is ultimately a matter concerning your family. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to intervene directly," Fang Mingyan's tone shifted.

The words sounded peculiar, and Jiang Yunxin sensed that there was more to Fang Mingyan's statement.

Sure enough, Fang Mingyan continued, "If I help you through this crisis, you'll owe me a favor. Promise me one thing in return."

Jiang Yunxin promptly responded, "No problem."

Fang Mingyan was surprised. "You're not even asking what it is?"

Although Jiang Yunxin muttered to herself that it couldn't be anything good, she displayed great trust in Fang Mingyan.

"Squire, if you're entrusting me with a task, it must be something within my capabilities," Jiang Yunxin said frankly. "Even if you haven't done me any favors, I wouldn't refuse." She chuckled. "Surely, you won't ask me to fly, would you?"

Jiang Yunxin's straightforwardness and integrity were apparent.

In contrast, Fang Mingyan felt somewhat shady.

He composed himself. "Don't worry, it won't be anything that would put you in a difficult position."

Indeed, he had a favor to ask of her. But Jiang Yunxin didn't mind; she'd deal with problems as they came, without overthinking the long-term consequences.

She could solve the current predicament on her own, but doing so would inevitably result in heavy losses on both sides.

When Jiang Yunxin left Fang Mingyan's study, her mood visibly improved.

True to his word, Fang Mingyan didn't let her down.

He didn't directly approach Jiang Yunxin's father about it. However, when the two families sought to match their horoscopes, Jiang Yunxin and Ma Xiuneng's astrological charts proved incompatible.

The master expressed deep regret, sighing repeatedly.

"The horoscopes of these two clash in heaven and earth. If they were to forcefully marry, the woman could endure, but misfortune would befall the man's family. At best, illnesses would plague them; at worst, the family could face ruin."

The Ma family was startled and somewhat skeptical. They sought a second opinion from another master.

The second master echoed the same conclusion.

There was nothing else to do. With their horoscopes not matching, no one dared to risk their family's fortune on such a union, no matter how eager they were for the marriage.

Thus, both families had no choice but to retreat, returning and canceling the gifts and dowry with great awkwardness.

Of course, this all unfolded after the fact. Upon learning the details, Jiang Yunxin was utterly in awe of Fang Mingyan. This was like combating superstition with superstition – an absurd solution to an absurd situation.

In this superstitious era, a new world gradually unfolded before Jiang Yunxin. It turned out that matters could be handled in such a way.

Last night, it was Long Qiao who had arranged for Cui Yun and her grandmother to stay at the inn. The physician had said that Cui Yun's grandmother needed rest, ideally lying down for four to five days. Hence, Long Qiao paid for a ten-day stay and, going the extra mile, even covered their meals thrice a day.

Long Qiao was Fang Mingyan's trusted aide, having grown up serving the Fang family. As Fang Mingyan was generous, Long Qiao didn't mind the minor expenses.

Upon reaching the inn, Long Qiao inquired, and the servant replied, "Was it the young miss from last night? She's still in the room. We delivered meals in the morning and noon, and saw her then."

Feeling slightly relieved, Long Qiao ascended the stairs.

Since Cui Yun needed to tend to her grandmother, they had requested a room. Initially, she planned to let her grandmother sleep while she rested nearby.

Knowing that Long Qiao had already booked the room, he wouldn't allow her to be so uncomfortable. Thus, he instructed the inn to bring in a small bed and place it beside the larger one.

This way, Cui Yun could both rest and attend to her grandmother.

Arriving at the door of the room, Long Qiao knocked.

Cui Yun promptly came to open the door.

"Lord Long," Cui Yun was startled to see Long Qiao. "Why are you here?"

Long Qiao didn't respond, merely proceeding inside.

He hadn't come alone; he had brought a few attendants with him, but they were waiting downstairs while he ascended alone.

Cui Yun sensed that Long Qiao seemed more serious than the previous night, and she felt a hint of tension.

"Lord Long," Cui Yun followed behind him, watching as he sat down at the table. She didn't dare to sit herself.

Despite his stern demeanor, Long Qiao still showed a touch of humanity as he asked, "How is your grandmother?"

"Much better after taking the medicine," Cui Yun hurried to say. "Thank you for your concern, Lord Long."

Long Qiao acknowledged with a soft "Mm." "Sit down."

Nervously, Cui Yun took her seat.

Then, Long Qiao's gaze fell upon Cui Yun, studying her intently. There was indeed a strong resemblance, especially in the eyes.

"Stand up," Long Qiao instructed. "Walk around a bit."

Cui Yun felt a chill. She sensed that Long Qiao's current demeanor resembled Ma Xiuneng's, but with an added severity that made it even more unsettling.

Cui Yun obeyed and circled around.

Long Qiao's expression grew even more solemn, as did his posture, though he seemed slightly shorter in stature.

"Lord Long, what's going on?" Cui Yun didn't dare to sit down. "Has something happened?"

Long Qiao placed his dagger on the table. "Tell me, do you have any sisters?"