Chapter 591: Not Enough

Chapter 591: Not Enough

Seeing the unique atmosphere between the two, Lady Lu's face turned pale, but she also began to have doubts in her heart.

It seemed that Helian Lin really had feelings for Shen Nan. Even if Princess Pingyang disagreed, she couldn't openly contradict him now.

It seemed that today's matter would have to be postponed for now.

Seeing Lady Lu remain silent, Fang Li grew anxious, his nostrils flaring with frustration as he couldn't help but shout, "Aunt!"

Everyone's attention was drawn to him by this call.

Fang Li decided to go all out, venting his frustration at Helian Lin, "Young Master Helian, you'd better not set your sights on Miss Shen. Our Fang family has already discussed a marriage arrangement with the Shen family. In a couple of days, the engagement will be finalized, and Miss Shen will become my fiancée. Please, Young Master Helian, exercise some restraint!"

"..."

Su Youyue couldn't comprehend how, after just a few words, she was nearly being betrothed to someone else.

"This..." The people of the Duke's residence exchanged strange glances, and for a moment, no one stepped forward to reprimand him.

Indeed, Fang Li's words were misleading, making it sound as if the Shen and Fang families had already verbally agreed to the marriage. If that were truly the case, then naturally, there would be no room for discussion.

But if this were true, why did Lady Lu's earlier words suggest she was just beginning to arrange a match?

In truth, this wasn't entirely Fang Li's fault. When Lady Lu brought him here, she had said that today was about discussing a marriage proposal. In ordinary families, such discussions usually involve several prior communications, so both sides are well aware of the situation. Therefore, Fang Li assumed that both families had already communicated, and Miss Shen must have known about it.

So, seeing Su Youyue seemingly trying to attach herself to Helian Lin in front of him, Fang Li was almost amused by his own anger.

If it weren't for the fact that he felt Miss Shen had just spoken up for him, he would have already made a scene.

Yuwen Jing was initially dumbfounded, but upon regaining his composure, he sneered, "Fang Li, stop spreading lies here. The matter between Miss Shen and the Shen family has been widely talked about. I don't believe you're unaware that the Shen family no longer acknowledges her as one of their own. If your Fang family discussed the marriage with the Shen family, then go ask Master Shen and Madam Fang for their beloved daughter. What does this have to do with Miss Shen?"

As he spoke, he glanced at Helian Lin. Although he couldn't see the other's expression, having spent so much time with him, he could sense the emotions emanating from him.

Helian Lin's cold demeanor was almost murderous.

Fang Li also had no liking for Yuwen Jing, who had always been unfriendly towards him, and he chuckled, "Stop pretending to be clueless. What do you mean by spreading lies? I am prepared to marry Miss Shen with a grand ceremony. Can Young Master Helian do the same?"

Lady Lu, who was about to intervene, suddenly closed her mouth. She knew her nephew had misunderstood, but now she was more curious about how Helian Lin would respond.

A proper young lady wouldn't be eager to become someone's mistress.

And given Shen Nan's status, if she wanted to enter the princess's residence, she would likely only be able to become Helian Lin's mistress. Would Helian Lin dare to promise to marry her as his official wife with a grand ceremony?

If he agreed, Shen Nan might not even be able to become his mistress in the future.

But if he didn't agree, it would clearly mean asking her to be a mistress, which should make Shen Nan wake up and stop dreaming unrealistic dreams!

Having been through it herself, Lady Lu understood that girls of this age all dream of marrying a kind and wealthy young man.

Many people in the room secretly glanced at Helian Lin, clearly curious about his response.

Helian Lin sat there motionless, observing the emotionally charged Fang Li with an inscrutable expression. He often gave off the impression of a wild beast, both in physique and demeanor. When provoked, he seemed like a predator ready to kill its prey; when at ease, he appeared like a well-fed, lazy beast. But the most common emotion he displayed was calmness.

When calm, he seemed like a lurking presence beside you, and you could never tell whether he was pleased or angry, or when he might suddenly change and attack.

At this moment, as he observed Fang Li, it was as if he were watching a dog barking arrogantly in front of a ferocious beast, completely unaware of its own insignificance.

In that moment of silence, the people of the Duke's residence, who had been enjoying the spectacle, suddenly felt an inexplicable unease.

Before they could react, Lord Yuwen stood up first: "Outrageous nonsense! Elder Sister, why don't you kick this brat who dares to spout such outrageous nonsense in my residence out! My residence does not welcome such unworthy individuals! If you bring him again, don't bother showing up!"

This was the harshest thing Lord Yuwen had ever said to Lady Lu in decades, and it was the first time he had told her not to come back. Lady Lu was dumbfounded, and everyone in the residence was stunned. They looked at each other, each with a flash of anticipation in their eyes.

But after the initial thrill, they suddenly realized why Lord Yuwen had spoken so harshly.

They had been waiting to see how Helian Lin would respond, but that was a huge mistake!

This was a question Helian Lin simply couldn't answer. Everyone knew how strict Princess Pingyang was with her recently recovered son. Whether he answered or not, it would be wrong.

And Fang Li, who had posed this tricky question, was also at fault. Princess Pingyang would surely make him pay dearly.

Punishing Fang Li wasn't the issue; the problem was that he had made this blunder in their residence, in front of everyone.

If they hadn't steered the conversation away today, they'd surely face Princess Pingyang's wrath later.

Realizing this, everyone in the residence sweated nervously and started speaking one after another.

"Yes, Madam, I think Young Master Fang really has no filter. How could he spew such nonsense? He's already provoked Lord Yuwen twice today. You really shouldn't bring him here again."

"Why are you all just standing there? Escort Young Master Fang out..."

Everyone in the residence rushed to speak, all the while stealing glances at Helian Lin's expression, praying that the young master wouldn't lose his temper.

To be honest, even if he did lose his temper in the residence and smashed the place, word would get out, and the Emperor and Princess would still indulge him. They might even help him smash it!

After all, their royal family is notorious for siding with their own, no matter the reason.

Su Youyue, however, didn't take the issue seriously.

After all, she and Xie Yuan were already married.

Even if they got married again, it would just be a bit of fun between them. She didn't care about such superficial things. This guy had really hit a soft spot.

As she was thinking this, the man beside her suddenly spoke.

"Eight sedan chairs are not enough."

Helian Lin's tone was calm, but his words carried great weight, falling heavily on everyone's hearts. The people in the hall were momentarily stunned, looking at him hesitantly, almost unable to comprehend what he had just said.

The man didn't pause, as if he hadn't even thought it through. The words came straight from his heart, spoken without hesitation: "She deserves nothing less than a procession of twelve sedan chairs."