Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Ji was too stunned to speak.

She had imagined many possible reasons why Ji Wanyuan might refuse to marry, but she never expected this to be the reason.

She had always known her daughter was straightforward and spoke without thinking, but hearing it said so bluntly still made Mrs. Ji feel rather awkward.

Clearing her throat lightly, she said, "Well, Wen Eldest Master has always kept his distance from women. It's understandable that he might have had a moment of youthful passion. After all, you have a child now. Once you marry him, everything will work out in the future."

*Kept his distance from women?* She hadn't forgotten that Wen Qiyan married someone else the year after her death, and the two lived happily together into old age!

That someone was her longtime rival, that woman from the Lin family, Lin Nianxi.

Thinking of this, Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but grit her teeth secretly.

Mrs. Ji handed the meal to the little maid beside her and coaxed the tearful Ji Wanyuan, "There, there, don't cry anymore." She wiped her tears and patted her back.

"Didn't you always say before that Mrs. Wen was prejudiced against you and was mean to you?"

"Today at the Wen residence, your mother really gave them a piece of her mind. Mrs. Wen was left speechless by your father and me, her face turning all sorts of colors. I imagine she won't dare put on any mother-in-law airs in front of you in the future."

"If the Wen family really remains ungrateful after this and still gives you a hard time, you can just come home. Your mother will stand up for you, alright?"

Ji Wanyuan never used to cry much before, but these past few days she had been crying all the time. She couldn't sleep well at night, barely ate during the day, and had lost weight.

Looking at her daughter's face, no bigger than her hand, now with a sharp chin, swollen red eyes, and a bright red nose, Mrs. Ji's heart ached too.

To make matters worse, the imperial physicians were completely useless, actually failing to diagnose her pregnancy. They gave her medicine that disrupted her meridians, almost made her miscarry.

Regarding the physicians who had previously visited the Ji residence, aside from Imperial Physician Fu, Mrs. Ji had spoken to Chancellor Ji, asking him to remember them well and at least teach them a lesson.

If their medical skills were so lacking, they shouldn't be out here practicing medicine.

Hearing Mrs. Ji's words didn't make Ji Wanyuan feel any better.

In the stories, Wen Qiyan was an utterly devoted and filial son. Her mother had today publicly humiliated his parents in front of him. He would definitely get back at the Ji family twice as hard.

If she really married into that family, entering the Wen family's den of wolves, would she have any good days ahead?

Wuwuwu...

Ji Wanyuan cried even more sorrowfully.

"I don't want to marry him, and I don't want you to stand up for me anymore either. Can't we just stay far away from the Wen family?"

She didn't want the Ji family to fall, she didn't want anything to happen to her parents who doted on her, and she didn't want to have a child.

If she had known she would learn all this, that it would lead to her getting pregnant and cause her to die in difficult childbirth, she never should have been so foolish as to drug Wen Qiyan and do that messy, disgraceful thing with him.

Besides, the act itself wasn't as wonderful as the books and manuals described—something about floating in ecstasy, ascending directly to paradise...

*Pah, it's all lies.*

Based on her personal experience, there were only two words: pain and fear. And after that, she never wanted to do it again.

Who knew she'd be so unlucky to get pregnant on the very first try?

Back then, she was truly deceived by Wen Qiyan's handsome, majestic face. He wasn't aloof and immortal-like at all. He was sinister, terrifying, simply a heartless evil spirit.

Seeing her daughter being so stubborn and unreasonable, Mrs. Ji was about to put on a stern face and scold her for making a scene.

But Ji Wanyuan spoke again, "Mother, please just indulge your daughter this once. Have Father go and cancel the marriage arrangement. I don't want to marry Wen Qiyan. Before, didn't Father..."

As she spoke, she let out a sob.

"...didn't Father select a husband for me, planning to have him marry into our family? I think he's quite good. Although not as handsome as Wen Qiyan, he's still better than many others."

"I want to marry him."

In her panic, she thought of this person.

She had seen him once from afar before. She heard he came from a humble background, seemed dull and wooden, reeked of poverty, and was only moderately good-looking.

She hadn't been interested, so she didn't inquire further and soon forgot about him. Now she was truly clutching at straws in her desperation.

"Weren't you absolutely refusing to marry him before? Complaining that he wasn't as tall as Wen Qiyan, not as handsome as Wen Qiyan?"

Mrs. Ji truly couldn't bear the thought of Ji Wanyuan marrying out. Hearing her daughter take a step back, she began to ponder.

After all, that humble scholar, He Xun, was carefully chosen by Chancellor Ji. He had passed the imperial examinations this year and was now working at the Dali Temple. Although his official rank wasn't high, his future prospects could be fostered.

Since he was someone the Ji family had chosen, perhaps he could tolerate this matter of the child? They could just offer more benefits to appease him. Even if He Xun harbored dissatisfaction, he would be living in the Ji residence, under the watchful eyes of the Ji family. He wouldn't dare lay a hand on Ji Wanyuan.

"Your daughter has changed her mind." Ji Wanyuan refused to tell the truth.

"Mother, please, just say yes, alright? Can't your daughter stay by your side? I don't want to go to the Wen family."

She clung to Mrs. Ji, crying and acting spoiled, nuzzling her head against her. She even threatened that if Mrs. Ji didn't agree, she wouldn't eat and would starve herself to death.

With things having reached this point, with talk of life and death, what else could Mrs. Ji do?

"Alright, alright, my little ancestor. Hurry up and eat. After all this fuss today, aren't you tired?"

"But will Mother agree or not?" Without a definite answer, Ji Wanyuan refused to eat.

"I agree, I agree. I'll discuss it with your father tomorrow, alright? Can you eat now?"

Finally getting a concession, Ji Wanyuan felt slightly relieved. She pouted haughtily, saying the chicken soup had gone cold and needed reheating.

Seeing this, Mrs. Ji poked her forehead.

"..."

That night, Mrs. Ji and Chancellor Ji deliberated for a long time.

Chancellor Ji was naturally displeased, as the matter had already been settled.

But Mrs. Ji made a fuss, Ji Wanyuan made a fuss, and even the next morning, his adopted son, Ji Lingyue, joined in advising him.

If he didn't agree, it would seem like he was being stubborn and acting alone.

After much thought, he had no choice but to overturn the previously settled arrangement.

A few days later, he summoned He Xun. Without beating around the bush, he directly told him that Ji Wanyuan was pregnant, and the Ji family hoped he would accept this child as his own.

"I am aware this wrongs you," Chancellor Ji said, "but you are the only one who can bear this wrong. After all, she is my only daughter. She has been spoiled since childhood and has caused this mess. I have severely reprimanded her, and she is currently under house arrest. I believe she will not dare repeat such behavior in the future."

"Rest assured, if you agree to the Ji family's request, you will become a part of the Ji family from now on. I will also do my utmost to support your official career."

With that, He Xun bowed with his hands clasped. "Your Excellency flatters me. I owe everything I am today to the Ji family's help. Moreover, Miss Ji is beautiful and charming. Marrying her isn't a hardship—it's my honor."

Chancellor Ji looked at the man before him, a look of satisfaction gradually spreading across his face.

"Good."

The Wen family had been busy preparing the betrothal gifts. Since this came up so suddenly and the Ji family was not an ordinary family, they couldn't afford to cut corners. So, despite Mrs. Wen's deep dissatisfaction and dislike for Ji Wanyuan, she still threw herself into the preparations. More importantly, she was going to have a grandchild.

Even with all the rushing, it still took time.

During this preparation period, Chancellor Ji and Mrs. Ji paid another visit.

Mrs. Wen thought the Ji family had come to hurry them along. As she directed servants to bring tea and snacks, she explained they were already working as fast as they could. It would probably take about two more days before they could formally propose to the Ji family.

"The matchmaker has already been invited, live geese and other items are prepared, and the list of gifts is being drawn up. Primarily because of Miss Ji's noble status, my husband said we must do this properly, so I—"

Mrs. Wen didn't get to finish. Mrs. Ji cut in, saying it wasn't necessary.

The other party had arrived with an air of superiority. Mrs. Wen had swallowed her pride repeatedly, and now being cut off mid-sentence, even her good temper was strained, and she nearly lost her composure.

"What is the Chancellor's wife implying?"

Today, the Censorate had matters to attend to, so both Mr. Wen and Wen Qiyan were not at home. She was left alone to deal with the Ji family, which required her full attention.

Mrs. Ji said, "After returning home, we've given it more thought over the past few days and decided this arrangement is still unsuitable."

Unsuitable in what way?

A sense of dread settled in Mrs. Wen's heart.

Sure enough, Mrs. Ji was quick to continue. "We should call off this marriage."

"This... this can't be!" Mrs. Wen immediately frowned.

"Since Miss Ji has already been physically intimate with Qi Yan and is carrying the Wen family heir, of course they must marry."

If Ji Wanyuan weren't pregnant, who would want this marriage?

Why did it seem like their Wen family was eager for this marriage, begging the Ji family for it?

Now that everything was settled, the Ji family suddenly went back on their word. Mrs. Wen simply couldn't fathom why.

She asked Mrs. Ji if she was dissatisfied that the Wen family's preparations were a bit slow. If that's really the problem, they would work through the night and go to the Ji family to propose tomorrow.

"No one knows about this yet, so there's no need for you to busy yourself, Madam," Chancellor Ji stood up and said.

The two didn't say much more, tossed out a few final words and left.

They left Mrs. Wen behind, seething with anger. "No... what on earth does this mean?"

Angrily, she hurriedly sent a maid to summon Mr. Wen and Wen Qiyan back.

With busy court schedules, it was improper to return for a domestic matter. By the time the father and son returned home, it was already dinner time.

On the way back, they had already learned about the incident.

Upon hearing the servant's report, Wen Qiyan showed no reaction, calmly perusing a map.

Mr. Wen frowned in confusion, questioning, "Could it be that Chancellor Ji sensed the Emperor's intention, became wary, and thus rejected the marriage?"

"Your son does not know," the person beside him replied indifferently.

"This matter likely needs to be reported to His Majesty," Mr. Wen sighed. It wasn't even autumn yet, but there were already so many troubles.

Upon returning, they naturally comforted the displeased Mrs. Wen, listening to her scold and curse the Ji family several times.

"Qi Yan, how do you plan to handle this?" Mrs. Wen said she wouldn't interfere anymore.

"Mother, please calm your anger. Your son will handle it."

Mrs. Wen said irritably, "You'd better handle it quickly! You didn't see how arrogant the Ji family was when they came today. If we were to marry into such a family, who knows what would happen in the future. Our Wen family also doesn't—"

"Alright, alright. Today, I brought the lotus seed cake porridge you like. Please try some..."

Mr. Wen gave Wen Qiyan a meaningful look.

Understanding, he left the main hall.

"..."

Learning that the marriage was called off, Ji Wanyuan felt relieved. That day, she ate several extra bowls of rice and drank several bowls of soup.

Seeing her neither crying nor making a fuss, with an appetite better than usual, Mrs. Ji felt slightly reassured.

"Tomorrow, you should meet with He Xun. According to your father's intention, it's just a formality."

"Your daughter understands."

After speaking, she saw Mrs. Ji staring at her. Ji Wanyuan stuffed a spoonful of soup into her mouth, her cheeks puffed out, and added,

"Mother, don't worry. I will definitely go to meet him."

She didn't like He Xun, but marrying him could change the events in the storybook. She was willing to do this. She didn't want to die, nor did she want anything to happen to the Ji family. As for Wen Qiyan, he could go wherever it was cool!

She didn't like him anymore.

Seeing that she indeed had no other thoughts, Mrs. Ji was completely at ease.

The night was peaceful. Ji Wanyuan took her prenatal medicine and unusually slept a sweet, sound sleep.

But she never expected that the next day, she would be shaken awake by Feicui.

"Miss! Please get up quickly!"

Ji Wanyuan was drowsy. "Wh-what's wrong?" She lazily tried to lie back down.

Feicui said urgently,

"A decree has arrived from the palace! His Majesty has bestowed a marriage between you and Eldest Young Master Wen!"