Chapter Sixteen: The Fiancée

Gently brushing over the surface of the betrothal paper, a cold gleam flickered in his eyes. For this “fiancée” he had never truly approached, his heart no longer held the slightest affection.

He carefully slipped the betrothal contract into his sleeve, adjusted his attire, and stepped out the door, heading toward the Yang residence.

The streets of the capital were bathed in morning light filtering through the mist, the stone pavements faintly illuminated by the sun. Pedestrians were sparse; shopkeepers yawned as they prepared to open for the day.

Yet Chu Nan’s footsteps were steady and purposeful as he crossed the tranquil street, making his way to the Yang estate.

Moments later, Chu Nan stood before the grand gates of the Yang residence. He glanced up at the imposing manor: the towering vermilion doors intricately carved with cloud motifs, flanked by stern-looking guards.

The Yang family was, after all, a renowned military household in the capital, their presence commanding respect.

A faint smile curved Chu Nan’s lips as he lightly knocked on the door knocker.

The guards’ expressions shifted upon recognizing him. They exchanged glances and whispered, “Isn’t this the shopkeeper from the Chu family’s small business? What could he want at the Yang estate?”

One guard, recognizing Chu Nan’s identity, quickly bowed and said, “Young Master Chu, please wait here. I will inform the master at once.”

He hurried inside, his mind troubled by the uncertain implications of Chu Nan’s visit, unsure how to relay the news to Yang Ruyan.

Shortly after, footsteps echoed from within, and Yang Ruyan appeared at the door, clad in simple blue attire. Her expression was cold, tinged with impatience, arms crossed as she looked down at Chu Nan from above.

“Young Master Chu,” she began with undisguised weariness, “what brings you to the Yang estate today? If it concerns the betrothal, there is no need for words. The Yang family will send someone to handle it in due time.”

Chu Nan smiled faintly, though the warmth never reached his eyes. Slowly lifting his gaze to meet hers, a chill curled at the corners of his lips. “Ruyan, why must you wear such a cold facade?”

“I did not come to the Yang estate today to entangle myself with you further.”

Yang Ruyan’s brow furrowed slightly at his icy tone, clearly unprepared for such detachment. She sneered, laced with scorn. “Chu Nan, we are from two different worlds. This marriage was merely arranged by our grandmothers in their time. I, Yang Ruyan, hold a noble status and could never associate myself with a mere common merchant.”

“Since you understand this, you should know that continuing to cling to this is nothing but self-humiliation.”

Listening to her icy rebuke, a flicker of disdain flashed in Chu Nan’s eyes.

He raised his hand and lightly shook the betrothal paper from his sleeve, revealing it clearly before the gathered eyes. Then, raising his voice, he declared, “Yang Ruyan, I have not come here to entangle myself with you today, but to settle this matter. I am here to divorce you!”

The words “divorce” struck like thunder.

Nearby townsfolk halted their steps upon hearing, eyes wide as they turned toward the unfolding scene at the Yang estate’s gate.

In the capital, who did not know the Yang family’s influence?

Yang Ruyan was favored by the young marquis of the Heavenly Sword Marquisate and had always held herself in high esteem.

And now, this small-time merchant from the Chu family stood boldly at the Yang residence, shouting “divorce” aloud—a sight utterly unimaginable!

Whispers spread among the crowd:

“Isn’t that Chu Nan? I heard he’s betrothed to Miss Yang, but… why is he the one divorcing her?”

“Hah, this is a disgrace to the Yang family! A noble military daughter, publicly being cast off by a mere merchant—this must be a first in the capital!”

“Tsk, tsk, Chu Nan is bold indeed, even daring to offend the Heavenly Sword Marquisate!”

The murmurs swelled with amazement, ridicule, and pity, all eyes fixed on Yang Ruyan and Chu Nan, turning the scene into a spectacle.

Yang Ruyan’s face instantly paled, anger flashing in her eyes, mingled with humiliation and vexation.

She had never imagined Chu Nan would so openly proclaim “divorce” before the Yang estate, shattering the family’s dignity.

If word reached the young marquis Liu Dingkun, the alliance between the Yang family and the Heavenly Sword Marquisate might be jeopardized.

“Chu Nan! You…” Yang Ruyan’s voice trembled with suppressed fury, “How dare you speak such madness here! You are but a merchant—how dare you claim to divorce a member of the Yang family?”

Chu Nan remained calm, sneering coldly. “Ruyan, your noble status places you far above a merchant like me. I came here today precisely to fulfill your wish.”

“Since our statuses are worlds apart, then this betrothal shall be torn asunder!”

Without hesitation, Chu Nan ripped the betrothal paper apart before all, scattering the fragments like snowflakes in the morning light across the steps of the Yang estate, signaling the end of this marriage.

Yang Ruyan’s breaths grew rapid, fists clenched tightly, her gaze icy as it bore into Chu Nan.

Her fury burned fiercely, wishing she could have him thrown out and beaten senseless.

Yet now, the piercing gazes of the onlookers made her feel deeply humiliated.

The Yang family’s honor had been publicly shredded; no amount of anger could quell the shame within.

She forced a bitter laugh, managing a disdainful smile, her eyes sharp. “Chu Nan, do you think you’ll gain anything by this?”

“You’re but a petty merchant. Divorcing a Yang family lady—what good will that do you? Aren’t you afraid it might cost you your life?”

Chu Nan remained unfazed, speaking with calm resolve. “Ruyan, do you know what dignity means? We have no love or loyalty between us—why cling to this any longer?”

“Today, I, Chu Nan, personally come to divorce you. From this moment forth, I sever all ties with the Yang family.”

“As for risking my life, my fate lies in my own hands.”

His words rang out resolutely, earning nods of approval from the crowd. Many secretly admired Chu Nan’s courage and decisiveness.

Watching Yang Ruyan’s cold expression, a mocking smile played on his lips.

He spread the torn betrothal paper flat on the stone steps before the Yang estate, then boldly pressed his thumbprint in red ink onto the paper, the vivid mark glaring under the sunlight.

“Ruyan, today I, Chu Nan, sever all relations with you here and now.”

With that, he casually tossed the contract fragments to the ground, casting a cold glance at Yang Ruyan, his eyes filled with undisguised contempt.

“Chu Nan!” Yang Ruyan’s face darkened to iron, her chest heaving violently with rage.

Raised in pride and arrogance, commanding military power despite being a woman, many nobles in the capital dared not cross her.

Yet now, she was openly humiliated by a mere merchant before all eyes—it was unbearable.

Chu Nan ignored her fury, lightly brushing dust from his sleeve as if standing before the Yang estate was itself a stain.

Then, straightening his posture, he turned and strode away without once casting a backward glance, leaving no trace of lingering attachment for Yang Ruyan.