Chapter 180 – Sold Her Just Like That

Chapter 180 - Sold Her Just Like That

The tone of Minister Su was filled with resentment, of course, he had never liked Lu Song in the past, and now it was just a different target.

If it weren't for the respect he held for his late wife's reputation, he truly would have driven out the Lu family who dared to propose marriage at that time.

Later on, no matter how he looked at Lu Song, he found him disagreeable—a man without literary or martial prowess, lacking outstanding talent, yet full of self-importance. He only managed to advance because Minister Su had continuously helped him, but then he acted as if it was all his own doing, often showing little respect towards his future father-in-law.

But seeing Nuan Nuan's genuine affection for him, he had no choice but to let things slide.

Now, as Minister Su scrutinized his new son-in-law, he couldn't help but carry over the feelings he had towards Lu Song.

Although this son-in-law appeared more heroic and handsome than Lu Song, the thought that he might have deliberately bewitched Nuan Nuan while serving her diligently filled him with anger.

As for Xie Changlou, the father of Xie Yuan, he didn't hold the common prejudices against him.

That man wasn't the villain others portrayed him to be; instead, Minister Su admired Xie Changlou greatly, which made him particularly lament the fate of the Xie family.

After hearing Su Zhenyun's words, a flicker of surprise flashed across Xie Yuan's eyes, but it was quickly concealed. "Minister Su, you see, I am actually the..."

Xie Yuan paused before uttering the last word: "chubby boy."

"A chubby boy?" Su Zhenyun was taken aback.

But soon, he recalled that there indeed was a child he used to call a chubby boy. The child was Nuan Nuan's childhood playmate, and their relationship was very close. Whenever he saw them together, he would be amused by how obediently the chubby boy followed Nuan Nuan around.

Back then, when Nuan Nuan was about five years old, Lu Song had already started ignoring her, which infuriated him. But at that time, Nuan Nuan had gained a close companion in the form of a chubby little boy.

He had even thought to himself that if his future son-in-law could treat Nuan Nuan as well as this chubby boy did, it would be perfect.

As for the chubby boy, that was simply what he called the child. Others referred to him as the little fatty, but he found 'chubby boy' more endearing, always asking Nuan Nuan where the chubby boy was.

"It's you?" Su Zhenyun's shock was evident as he stared intently at Xie Yuan's face, trying to find any trace of the chubby boy from back then, but he couldn't discern anything.

Yet Xie Yuan confirmed, "Yes, sir, you even gifted me a pearwood wooden sword back then, which is still kept in the Xie Mansion."

Hearing this, Su Zhenyun finally dared to believe that the handsome and rugged man standing before him was indeed the chubby boy from the past.

For a moment, it was difficult for Su Zhenyun to maintain his stern expression. After all, the child he had met many years ago had grown into a towering tree right before his eyes. It was hard for anyone to remain cold-faced in such a situation; they could only marvel at the swift passage of time and the changes in life.

"I never expected you to grow up like this! If you hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have recognized you."

Earlier, when Su Zhenyun looked at Xie Yuan's appearance, he found it somewhat displeasing. While he was certainly heroic and handsome, he seemed too cold, and there was concern that his personality might be too reserved, making Nuan Nuan feel bored.

But now, he realized that the chubby white boy from back then had grown into the dashing and cheerful figure before him—truly impressive.

Seeing Su Zhenyun's mood brighten considerably, Xie Yuan smiled slightly. "I also didn't expect that the vicissitudes of life could bring about such a significant change in a person."

A myriad of emotions surged through Su Zhenyun's heart. He had initially assumed that the chubby boy was the young master of some wealthy merchant, never expecting him to be Xie Changlou's son.

If he had known earlier, he would have extended a helping hand when Xie Yuan arrived at the Su Mansion.

"It seems our Su Mansion hasn't been attentive enough. If I had known it was you, sigh..."

Xie Yuan shook his head. "During my time in the mansion, life was much better than during my days in the palace. Minister Su not paying attention to me was actually beneficial."

Minister Su quickly understood his meaning, realizing that he had hidden his talents and endured humiliation for a greater purpose. He felt that the young man before him was indeed someone capable of achieving great things.

If he could continue treating Nuan Nuan well, he would indeed be a reliable partner.

Unconsciously, Minister Su's thoughts had changed.

"Past events are best left forgotten. However, from now on, you must treat Nuan Nuan well, or I won't spare you. Moreover, I'll warn you in advance that my son-in-law will never take a concubine. If you dare to do so, I'll immediately bring my daughter back home and let her divorce you!"

Though Minister Su was threatening him, his tone wasn't overly harsh.

A glint flashed across Xie Yuan's eyes as he hurriedly clasped his hands. "Rest assured, Minister. Marrying Nuan Nuan is the greatest wish of my life. Here, Xie Yuan swears that she will be the only one for me in this lifetime."

Seeing his sincerity, Su Zhenyun finally put his lingering worries to rest.

While he could support his unmarried daughter for the rest of her life, he still hoped she could find a lifelong companion.

With his daughter's marriage settled, he felt he had done right by Xi Xue.

"The tea you sent, I'll go check it out myself later. You don't need to come along; instead, stay and chat with Nuan Nuan for a while. She's been cooped up in the mansion all day and must be quite bored."

After Xie Yuan agreed, he headed back to the courtyard.

Watching his retreating figure, a trace of indescribable sorrow flashed across Su Zhenyun's face.

He had also promised Xi Xue a lifetime of devotion.

But Xi Xue had left him alone in this world...

A gentle breeze blew by, unable to dissipate the growing fragility and sadness on Su Zhenyun's face. He shook his head and quickly departed.

In the Wisteria Garden, Su Youyue couldn't help but mutter to herself.

Would Father have provoked Xie Yuan?

After all, Father rarely beat around the bush when speaking. Apart from valuing his family, he placed great importance on the integrity of a scholar, never stooping to speak in roundabout ways.

This attitude had earned him the disapproval of many in the imperial court.

What if he angered that black-hearted ghost, Xie Yuan, who was white on the outside but filled with black sesame seeds? What if Xie Yuan retaliated by digging pitfalls for him in the court?

Su Youyue grew increasingly worried. If not for the presence of others, she would have wheeled herself to the wall to eavesdrop.

Finally, Xie Yuan reappeared in the courtyard. Seeing her eagerly awaiting him, he quickened his pace.

"Where's my father?" Su Youyue looked expectantly behind him.

The man replied, "Minister Su has gone to see the tea I brought."

"???" Su Youyue looked at Xie Yuan disbelievingly.

How could her father have gone to look at the tea he brought? Wasn't that tea something Xie Yuan had sent to curry favor with him? Was her father so easily flattered?

Given her father's temper, shouldn't he have given Xie Yuan a cold and harsh lecture?

As if reading her thoughts, the man said slowly, "The Minister said to treat you well from now on."

"..."

Su Youyue was momentarily dazed.

So, her father wasn't being flattered, but rather, he had sold her out for a bit of tea!