Volume One, Chapter 15: Rejecting the Marriage Proposal

Shang Yinqiong had made up her mind. She was determined to call off this marriage; after all, Cheng Xu’s true affection was for Shang Runyu. Surely, Runyu would be even more eager to break off the engagement than she was.

Madam Yu scrutinized Shang Yinqiong but found no anger or irritation on her face. Her expression was as calm and still as a deep, undisturbed well. This only deepened Madam Yu’s suspicion.

After all, the previous Shang Yinqiong had been constantly chasing after Cheng Xu, bringing shame upon the Duke’s household, which was why the Duke held such disdain for her.

“Qiong’er, when you marry into another family and become their daughter-in-law, you must temper your temper. Don’t mention the affairs of the palace. We will tell outsiders that you went to the temple to pray for your grandmother’s health,” Madam Yu said, her words belittling Shang Yinqiong to the lowest depths.

Shang Yinqiong clenched her hand tightly on the bench before slowly relaxing it. “Mother, the marriage arrangements have been described by grandmother as merely a verbal jest between elders. If you insist on this, causing grandmother displeasure, I fear father will also find it difficult.”

She invoked the Duke’s name at the right moment, for only he could control Madam Yu.

Madam Yu’s expression stiffened slightly but quickly recovered, a fleeting coldness flashing in her eyes. “Qiong’er, wasn’t it you who relentlessly pursued that young heir? I had no choice but to visit the Duke of Jingguo’s household to arrange this. How has it come to be that I am the one at fault?”

“Mother, I never meant such a thing. But you know well that the young heir never cared for me. Even if the families had forged the union smoothly, my future would not have been happy. Would you wish to see your daughter walk into misfortune?” Shang Yinqiong’s words carried a sincerity that even surpassed Madam Yu’s feigned maternal affection.

She wasn’t simply playing the role of a devoted daughter—if she were capable, she would play it forever. Otherwise, she would tear off this mask.

Madam Yu was taken aback. Just as Runyu had said, Shang Yinqiong had changed—not only had her tongue grown sharper, but her temperament had also become steadier. If they tried to provoke her again to make the Duke despise her, it would no longer work.

It seemed a new approach was needed.

“Qiong’er, are you truly willing to give up? Didn’t you spend countless nights stitching sachets and handkerchiefs by candlelight, straining your eyes, all to present them to that young heir?”

Madam Yu had initially favored this marriage. Upon learning that Cheng Xu had been spoiled and had no hope of inheritance, she had lost interest. But the Duke insisted that this union was no joke—an arrangement made by the previous generation—and no matter how unwilling both families were, someone had to marry.

Hence, she persistently urged Shang Yinqiong to win over the young heir.

At the mention of the past, Shang Yinqiong’s expression hardened. She remembered all too well that her entire family had wanted her to replace Shang Runyu as a servant in the palace, disregarding her dignity and the suffering she would endure as the concubine of the Prince of Yan.

It was laughable, really. Her only hope had been Cheng Xu. The two families were already betrothed, though unofficially, but it was common knowledge. If Cheng Xu agreed, no matter how reluctant his mother was, she would have to accept it.

Shang Yinqiong never truly wanted to trouble him—she only wished for the families to formalize the engagement so she wouldn’t have to return to the palace.

She knew Cheng Xu’s reluctance and had repeatedly assured him that even if the engagement were broken, she would not object.

No matter how much she pleaded—kneeling before him, enduring mockery and ridicule—he remained unmoved and even mocked her with his companions.

“Shang Yinqiong is like a toad lusting after a swan. She has no sense of her place, daring to force this marriage here,” they sneered.

“Who knows? Maybe everything she says is fabricated, just to wed Cheng Ge.”

Shang Yinqiong wanted to deny it, but they never gave her the chance.

In their eyes, she was dirt fallen to the ground—just touching her was unlucky.

What had Cheng Xu said then? “At this point, you still want to shamelessly covet your sister? How wicked your heart must be. Honestly, the one I like is your second sister. I will never marry you.”

With those words, Cheng Xu tore away from her grasp.

By inertia, Shang Yinqiong fell into the mud, filthy from head to toe.

She could never forget the humiliation of that day, and her resolve was broken. It didn’t matter much to her anyway. She only sought warmth—the smiles and slight affection her parents showed whenever she approached Cheng Xu.

She longed for that warmth.

“Qiong’er, what’s wrong? You look lost in thought,” Madam Yu’s voice brought Shang Yinqiong back from her memories.

She shook her head lightly and replied softly, “Mother, nothing.”

The sharpness in Madam Yu’s eyes returned. “Qiong’er, why haven’t you called me mother since you came back? Not even your father? Are you holding a grudge against us for sending you away so harshly?”

Before Madam Yu could finish, Shang Yinqiong interrupted, “Mother, you worry too much. By the way, I have no feelings whatsoever for the young heir Cheng. I hope you won’t speak like this again. People can change.”

She had no desire to suffer.

Madam Yu smiled awkwardly, forcing herself to continue, “Then I really have been thoughtless as a mother.”

“But although the marriage cannot continue, the bond between our families must not be broken. In a few days, the Duke of Jingguo’s household will host a banquet. I will take you and Runyu along so you can meet the gentlemen of the capital and settle your betrothals. Only then will my heart be at ease.”

Madam Yu’s affectionate demeanor left no room for reproach.

If not for the faint calculation hidden in her eyes, nearly invisible, and the truth grandmother had revealed to her, Shang Yinqiong might have been deceived by this facade of maternal love.

She removed the jade bracelet from her wrist. “Mother, you may keep these gifts.”

She did not want to be accused of receiving bribes in secret.

Madam Yu placed the jade bracelet back into its wooden box. A maid nearby, perceptive, handed over a porcelain bottle.

“Qiong’er, this is a healing ointment prescribed by a doctor. Don’t be fooled by its small size—it’s very effective. For the wounds on your hands, just apply it and within three days new flesh will grow. If you use it on your face, your skin will become white and tender.”

Madam Yu said this as she placed it into Shang Yinqiong’s hand.

Shang Yinqiong looked up, her features gradually blooming with a radiant beauty that reminded Madam Yu of the most troublesome person in her heart.

She brought the bottle to her nose and inhaled gently.

The scent... was so familiar.