348 Xu Family's Indifferent Rejection

nd to search for Phoenix Grass had obviously failed.Dr. He asked with a glimmer of hope, "Mr. Shen, what about Phoenix Grass…"Shen Yang shook his head regretfully and replied, "Phoenix Grass is indeed...348. Xu Family's Attitude, Cruel Rejection

Although she knew that her proposal might have been inappropriate, Dong Fanghui could not give up so easily. Not only was she frustrated by Xu Qingchen’s ruthless rejection, but also because of her own identity, she couldn’t just leave like this. At present, the city of Li was still crowded with many heroes and elites, even the Ding Wangfu could not say that there were no spies from others in their household. It was feared that as soon as they stepped out of the gates of the Ding Wangfu, news of the owner of Cangmang Mountain personally proposing to Qingchen for his disciple being rejected would spread throughout Li City. Dong Fanghui did not want to leave, but she too was caught between a rock and a hard place.

After a moment's silence, Dong Fanghui quickly gathered her thoughts and looked up to ask, "Since you have said so much, may I know if I could personally meet Mr. Hongyu and Madam To be honest, it has been nearly twenty years since I last met with Mr. Hongyu."

Ye Li was about to refuse but saw Xu Qingchen subtly nod at her. Although she didn't understand Xu Qingchen's thoughts, Ye Li did not ask further. She summoned Zhuo Jing to find out where Xu Hongyu and the First Lady were. Zhuo Jing replied, "Mr. Hongyu is in the study room, while the First Lady and Second Madam are chatting with Yang Madam in the guest quarters." Ye Li nodded and said, "Please bring Auntie and Uncle over."

Zhuo Jing left to fulfill his mission, and the hall fell silent for a moment. Dong Fanghui was preoccupied with her thoughts, having just been humiliated by Xu Qingchen, she had no heart to speak. The host, Mo Xiuyao, directly lay on Ye Li's lap to rest. His silver-white hair casually spread over Ye Li’s lap, showing no concern for the presence of guests. Both Xu Qingchen and Ye Li were people who could remain calm under pressure, drinking tea calmly with a composed expression. On the contrary, Dong You had some preparedness in her heart for Xu Qingchen's repeated rejections, but hearing it again inevitably made her feel more disappointed and pained inside. The gaze she cast at Xu Qingchen was filled with resentment.

At first, her intention to marry Xu Qingchen was merely a temporary solution. Even Dong You herself did not think that this marriage was necessary; she just thought that marrying Xu Qingchen would be the best choice. However, after every rejection from Qingchen, Dong You found herself becoming more attached to him. If it were originally due to Qingchen's status as the nephew of the Ding Wangfu and the first strategist in the Ding Wangfu, followed by his own person qualities, her attachment now had nothing to do with Xu Qingchen’s identity.

Ye Li sighed inwardly when she saw Dong You's expression. It seemed that Xu Xiyang was right after all. This matter itself was something Dong You overestimated. At the beginning, she probably did not believe she would develop feelings for Xu Qingchen at all. Therefore, she could speak so openly about it; as she had said, it was merely a mutually beneficial cooperation. However, given that Qingchen was called the Immortal Prince, it was too easy for women to fall in love with him. If Dong You fell into this emotional entanglement, it would be entirely her own fault.

Soon after, Xu Hongyu arrived accompanied by the First Lady of the Xu family. Following them were Xu Xiyang who was always eager to stir up trouble.

Seeing Xu Hongyan, Dong Fanghui also stood up and smiled: "Brother Xu, still as handsome as ever despite being apart for so many years." It had to be said that Dong Fanghui was a very charming woman even though she was no longer young. Perhaps due to the identity of Cangmang Mountain's owner, she possessed confidence and decisiveness unlike ordinary women. However, it did not make her seem domineering or irritating. This kind of feeling was somewhat similar to Empress Sun Huiyang in Xi Ling Imperial City; yet, she was more elegant and reserved than Sun Huiyang who gave people a sense of sharpness and dominance.

Xu Hongyu nodded, smiling faintly: "Madam Dong."

Ye Li stood up and softly said: "Ling and the King have not handled this matter well. It has troubled Uncle and Aunt." The First Lady held her hand and smiled: "What nonsense are you talking How could there be any trouble over Qingchen's marriage If I can help your brother marry a good wife, it will all be worthwhile even if I am busy every day."

"Mother…" Xu Qingchen was at a loss for words. It seemed that his mother really despised him not getting married soon and didn't hesitate to remind him of this.

The First Lady glanced at him with displeasure, saying: "Do you still have something to say If it weren’t for your reluctance to get married, how could we be in such a predicament today"

Xu Qingchen scratched his nose and silently accepted this. However, Dong Fanghui and Dong You’s expressions changed instantly. Although the First Lady did not directly address them, her words sounded like she was scolding Xu Qingchen but to others it seemed as though she was criticizing Dong You for shamelessly sticking to Xu Qingchen. Dong Fanghui's expression only stiffened slightly before quickly recovering; if Ye Li hadn't been paying close attention, she might have missed this. She touched the stray hair by her temple and smiled faintly: "Brother Xu, your wife truly speaks frankly."

The First Lady finally turned to look at her and then turned to Xu Hongyu asking: "Sir, do we still have a younger sister in our family" As if she did not hear the sarcasm about Dong You not being a proper lady.

Xu Hongyu smiled faintly and said: "Madam, what nonsense are you speaking Have you been married to Xu Family for over thirty years and don't know who is part of our family This is Madam Dong from Cangmang Mountain; we had several encounters when she was out practicing her skills in the past."

"I see," the First Lady nodded, apologetically saying: "Madam Dong, I am sorry for my rudeness. Please forgive me."

Dong Fanghui felt a stomachache coming on. She hadn’t come down from Cangmang Mountain in twenty years, but she had gone through many things over these past decades; it was the first time she had felt so disliked. Was it that people’s attitudes towards her changed too quickly If Xu Qingchen was hiding his hostility, then this First Lady was openly opposing her. Looking at Xu Hongyu standing beside the First Lady, Dong Fanghui suddenly understood something. However, she also felt more wronged; although she had fancied Xu Hongyu a bit when young, once she knew he was married and would soon return to Cangmang Mountain, she cut off those thoughts. If the First Lady opposed her over this matter, it seemed somewhat petty.

After the main guests seated themselves, the First Lady looked at Dong Fanghui calmly and said: "Earlier, Ling sent someone to say that Madam Dong wishes to discuss Qingchen's marriage with us. May I know what you wish to say"

Dong Fanghui felt a bit awkward but still expressed her intention politely, conveying Cangmang Mountain’s willingness to marry into the Xu Family. The First Lady glanced at Dong You and said: "Does Madam Dong know how ordinary families proceed with marriage arrangements

Dong Fang Hui was taken aback and had not yet answered when Xu Dafu Ren continued, "Proposing marriage (Nacai), asking about the name of the bride (Wanming), announcing the astrological compatibility (Naji), presenting betrothal gifts (Nazheng), setting a date for the wedding ceremony (Qingqi), and finally welcoming the bride to the groom's home. Even in royal families where marriages are arranged by the imperial court, only close relatives know the maiden name of the woman. Miss Dong has already gained fame throughout the land before even getting engaged, so if she were to marry, there would be no need for the Wanming ritual. That aside, outstanding women deserve some leniency. In the past, the names of renowned noble ladies in Chu Capital occasionally circulated, but none had as much fame as Miss Dong. However, Xu Family's future daughter-in-law does not have to be a beauty or a woman with an illustrious reputation. She just needs to abide by propriety and respect the teachings for women."

Dong Fang Hui looked displeased; what Xu Dafu Ren said clearly indicated that Dong You did not meet the Xu Family's standards.

"Madam Xu, how have I failed in adhering to the teachings for women" Dong You could not help but step forward and ask with a hint of defiance.

Xu Dafu Ren gave her a cool glance without answering her question.

Standing behind Xu Hongyu, Xu Qingyan poked his head out and said with a smile, "Miss Dong, women are expected to possess the Four Virtues: proper speech (Nüyan), skill in needlework (Nügong), beauty (Nürong), and virtue (Nude). Miss Dong, I wonder how many of these virtues you embody" Proper speech does not require cleverness but appropriateness. Dong You is indeed talkative, but she has never used it appropriately. As for beauty, even if we overlook other aspects, her mastery of the art of seduction alone disqualifies her. Virtue is also irrelevant to a woman who plans to use her husband's resources before marriage—virtue means nothing to her. In short, Dong You can marry whoever she wants, but entering the Xu Family is out of the question.

Dong Fang Hui finally turned to look at Xu Qingyan and asked, "This must be the fifth young master"

Xu Qingyan seemed unaware of her disapproving gaze and bowed with a smile, saying, "I am Xu Wuyou, pleased to meet you, Lady Dong."

Dong Fang Hui smiled and said, "Young Master Wu is quite articulate."

Xu Qingyan replied with a grin, "I apologize for my rudeness. However, my brother's face is thin; he finds it difficult to say certain things. As his younger brother, I am naturally more outspoken. My eldest brother will be responsible for the Xu Family in the future, and if he marries a wife who doesn't meet our standards, we'll all lose face."

"Qingyan!" Xu Hongyu frowned slightly and gave Xu Qingyan an unsympathetic glance. But there was no reproach in his tone; clearly, what Xu Qingyan said resonated with him, even if he could not openly express it due to decorum. If he truly did not want to hear such unseemly words from Xu Qingyan, why would he wait until the end before scolding

Seeing that matters had reached this point, Dong Fang Hui realized there was no hope of discussing a marriage today. She wasn't the kind to stubbornly insist; it would be better to leave early and think of another plan later. With this thought in mind, she straightened her expression and said with a faint smile, "Since we are disturbing Duke Ding and his wife today, we should take our leave now." Ye Li did not try to detain them but smiled and said, "Madam, please proceed slowly."

Dong Fang Hui nodded and told Dong You, "You, let's go."

Dong You bit her lip, looking at Xu Qingchen. Unfortunately, Xu Qingchen seemed oblivious to her gaze, calmly sipping his tea. Her face turned pale as she suddenly spoke up, "Then how many of the Four Virtues does Duke Ding’s wife possess"

"You! Be quiet!" Dong Fang Hui sternly rebuked her; being scolded by their master in front of everyone made Dong You's eyes well up with tears but she stubbornly refused to back down.

Xu Dafu Ren smiled coldly, "Cangmang Mountain really knows how to raise women."

Xu Qingyan said with a smile, "Sister Liye is undoubtedly perfect in all four virtues. More importantly, Duke Ding likes her just as she is; Xu Family does not like you." Regardless of the rules, Ye Li was already acknowledged by many as an exemplary wife, and indeed, more than that—Duchess Ling's reputation stood shoulder to shoulder with Duke Ding’s. Even if Ye Li lacked talent or beauty, it didn't matter so long as Duke Ding approved. Conversely, even Dong You's exceptional qualities would be meaningless since Xu Family did not favor such a daughter-in-law. Moreover, the requirements for their future daughter-in-laws were clearly different from those of the Ding王府.

Dong You’s face turned deathly pale; unable to bear seeing her disciple humiliated like this any longer, Dong Fang Hui looked at her with displeasure and asked, "Why aren't you leaving"

Reluctantly, Dong You silently followed behind her master.

Af ter sending the guests off, Xu Qingyan approached Xu Qingchen with a smile and said, "Brother, how was it Did I hit the mark"

"What are you talking about" Xu Qingchen asked coolly.

“Don't pretend. Dong You clearly has her eye on you. Look at her look just now; she seems to think that you abandoned her.” Xu Qingyan chuckled.

"Bang!" Xu Dafu Ren smacked him on the forehead, “What abandonment What nonsense have you learned from others these years I tell you, no woman from Cangmang Mountain is allowed in our Xu Family." Xu Qingyan held his head and asked confusedly, "Mother, Dong You can’t enter our family anyway; Brother definitely wouldn't consider her.”

Xu Dafu Ren snorted, “Not just your brother—no one is acceptable. Not even Dong You!” With that, she turned around and left.

Xu Qingyan touched his forehead and looked at Xu Hongyu, saying, "Father, why do I feel that Mother has something hidden in her words"

Xu Hongyu raised his hand to tap on Xu Qingyan's forehead, "You're overthinking it." He then waved goodbye to the others and left.

Xu Qingyan looked at Ye Li and the other three with a grievance, "Why am I always the one who suffers" His elder brother bullied him, his mother patted him, and now even his father, who was usually refined and self-respecting, hit him.

Xu Qingchen gave him a smile that was neither here nor there. Xu Qingyan quickly stepped back and darted out of sight.

"Oriental Hui is quite clever," said Xu Qingchen lightly as he tapped the armrest.

"A clever person can still be easily angered by Young Master Qingchen" Mo Xiuyao asked lazily. Xu Qingchen smiled and replied, "That's because she cares about Oriental You, causing her to act rashly. If there were no matter concerning Oriental You, Oriental Hui might not find it so easy to deal with."

"Young Master Qingchen seems to dislike Oriental Hui" Mo Xiuyao asked out of curiosity. Xu Qingchen rarely openly expressed his disapproval towards someone. Logically speaking, Xu Qingchen should have never met Oriental Hui before. Upon hearing this, Ye Li also looked curiously at Xu Qingchen. Not only Xu Qingchen but even Lady Xu's attitude toward Oriental Hui was unusual. This made Ye Li wonder if the relationship between Oriental Hui and her uncle wasn’t as light-hearted as it seemed. However, guessing about a senior’s matter haphazardly isn't good either, so she held back in her thoughts.

Xu Qingchen didn't conceal anything and said calmly, "It's nothing much; I just intercepted a few of Oriental Hui's letters back then."

"Huh Could it be…" Master Hongyu actually had a red-haired lover outside

Looking at the unremarkable expressions on both seats, Xu Qingchen helplessly shook his head and said, "What nonsense are you thinking of It was just Oriental Hui's one-sided pursuit; Father didn't even see those letters. However, he happened to be seen by me and Mother. At that time…Mother had just conceived her fourth brother. She seemed rather depressed after reading Oriental Hui’s letter." Ye Li blinked and asked, "Uncle doesn’t know about Oriental Hui's intentions"

Xu Qingchen thought for a moment and replied, "He probably didn't know. The letters she sent to Xu Family were all confiscated by me. The first one only contained some words of gratitude."

"Did the eldest brother not give those letters to Uncle" Ye Li asked.

Xu Qingchen frowned and said, "When I received the first two letters, Father wasn't at home. After that… Well, at that time I was still a bit young and didn't think things through thoroughly." Xu Qingchen was barely ten years old back then; many things, especially those related to love affairs, were beyond his comprehension. Therefore, he never considered how best to handle the situation. Actually, delivering the letters directly to Master Hongyu wouldn’t have been an issue. However, this turned out to be fortunate as it allowed Master Hongyu not to know about Oriental Hui's feelings from back then and thus avoid any difficulties when dealing with Mount Cangmang due to past relationships. Of course, Ye Li fully believed that Master Hongyu would never let personal matters interfere with his duties.

"If so, what about Aunt"

Xu Qingchen said, "Mother understands Father's thoughts and trusts him. But since Oriental Hui knew back then that Father already had a wife and children yet still wrote such letters, Mother naturally wouldn't spare her face."

"Does the eldest brother also dislike Oriental Hui for this reason" Ye Li asked.

Xu Qingchen pondered for a moment, frowned slightly, and sighed, "Perhaps because she was the first person I disliked."

Hearing this, Ye Li couldn't help but smile. Outsiders thought that Young Master Qingchen had been born with his godlike appearance. Who would know back then that young Qingchen had done some not-so-clever things to protect his parents’ relationship and ward off an intruder wanting to enter their family

"Oriental Hui probably won't give up easily either, regardless of Oriental You's wishes. With the current commotion, if she were to choose another person now, it would severely damage Mount Cangmang’s reputation as well as Oriental You's." Xu Qingchen said with a frown after thinking about recent events.

Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "It doesn't matter whether she likes to harass or not; anyway, the one who will lose face in the end won’t be us. Moreover, Lei Zhen Ting needs time to prepare his plans. We also need some time to thoroughly investigate Mount Cangmang’s background. If they want to make a fuss, let them."

Xu Qingchen said, "Oriental Hui is not the type who would persist after hitting a wall; if she cancels her marriage alliance plan and only cooperates with Ding王府 (Ding Prince's Manor), how about that In this case, even though Oriental You’s reputation may suffer some damage, Mount Cangmang will remain unaffected. As for Oriental You, once two years pass and the matter is forgotten, finding a good match won't be difficult with Mount Cangmang as support."

Mo Xiuyao frowned and said, "No matter what, Ding Manor has no intention of cooperating with Mount Cangmang. Compared to their so-called cooperation or assistance, I prefer annexation. Besides, this isn’t the time to toy with Lei Zhen Ting.

"Have someone convey the message about Dong Fanghui to Mo Jingli. Oh, also give a share to Ren Qining. He is still a descendant of the former dynasty after all and seems to have some connection with Cangmang Mountain," said Mo Xiuyao with a smile.

“Have Mo Jingli and Ren Qining hassle them Great idea…” Both these individuals would stop at nothing to achieve their goals. It might not be possible for them to deal with the Dingwang Manor in Li City, but it should definitely be within their reach to cause Dong Fanghui some trouble.

Mo Xiuyao touched his nose and said, "In that case… I’ll have time to think about how to handle Ren Qining. Where is Tan Jizhi now"

"He’s in the manor dungeon," Ye Li replied.

"Very well. Come with me, Aili, and let’s go see him." Coldness flashed in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes, and if anyone else had seen it, they would have been unnerved by the sight of the Dingwang plotting against someone.

When Dong Fanghui and Dong You returned to their temporary residence, before Dong You could say anything, Dong Fanghui glared coldly at her. "Henceforth, you are not allowed to mention the marriage with the Xu family."

Dong You was taken aback. She didn’t understand why Master would suddenly change his mind after just one visit to Dingwang Manor. “Master…”

“No more talk,” Dong Fanghui interrupted, waving her hand dismissively. "Don’t you feel embarrassed enough today The Xu family will never agree to take you as a wife."

"Master, that can't be…"

"You think it’s just Xu Qingchen No one in the Xu family will agree," Dong Fanghui coldly said.

“But, the Xu family has never forced marriages for their children. If only Qingchen…,”

“Do you think that Xu Qingchen would marry you” Dong Fanghui asked icily.

Dong You was speechless and looked at her master’s cold gaze with reluctance in her eyes. "But, if I don’t join the Xu family, then Cangmang Mountain and Dingwang Manor… The Dingwang will definitely not allow me to enter his manor…"

Seeing the confused look on Dong You's face, Dong Fanghui sighed helplessly. She softened her tone before speaking again, "It’s my fault for being wrong about you. You are completely unsuitable to be Cangmang Mountain’s heir…" It was true that every successor of Cangmang Mountain who had entered the secular world had married a ruler from various countries, but it was because they understood how to manipulate people and maneuver in society. Dong You simply could not learn this, even if she wanted to. If someone were to secretly help her now, it would be very difficult indeed.

“Master… do you no longer want me as your disciple” Dong You’s face paled when she heard what Master had said and exclaimed anxiously.

Dong Fanghui patted her on the back. "How could I not want you You are my only disciple after all. Don’t get involved in this matter from now on, and in a few days, I’ll send someone to escort you back to Cangmang Mountain. After that, I still expect you to take over Cangmang Mountain." The mountain was isolated from the world above, and Dong You simply didn’t understand human relationships rather than being foolish by nature. With assistance from elders and managers, she would certainly be able to manage Cangmang Mountain in the future. It was just that the current political struggles were not suitable for her.

"Master…"

“Alright, you can go now,” Dong Fanghui said sternly.

Dong You saw that Master’s expression didn’t look good and had no choice but to turn around and leave.

In the room, Dong Fanghui stared at the empty space, lost in thought for a long time. She finally heaved an exasperated sigh. After many years of separation, she thought that she had already forgotten everything. Only when she suddenly saw her old acquaintance again did she realize that she never really forgot. It was just that…ord Ling probably sides with him too. Or... does Head of the Meng Family plan on marrying off Lady Mingyan to the Great Chu Kingdom"Given Meng Mingyan’s status, even if she entered the palace, she cou...