02, Continue the Previous Fate (Part 2)

The annulment of a marriage engagement is a devastating blow for any woman. Even the daughters of noble families face a bleak future if their engagement is called off, as it becomes impossible for them to marry into a good family thereafter. A woman of Chu Lianyi's background, who should have been a favored legitimate wife in a prominent family, now fears that she may not even find someone willing to take her as a concubine.

Chu Lianyi woke up from her nap, and the housekeeper came to report. The look in her eyes was quite strange, which made it impossible for her not to feel suspicious

"Change my clothes for me, we are going to Honghu Courtyard." That is the courtyard where Chu Qing resides.

Oh, use the box of peach blossom paste that we made this spring.

"Yes," the daughter heard. " Chu Lianyi lowered her head

When Chu Lianyi arrived at Honghu Courtyard, the courtyard was silent, and the two young servants standing at the entrance were still trembling, indicating that Chu Qing had lost his temper.

Chu Lianyi had never expected that her father would dismiss her so quickly. She had initially wanted to ask her father if he knew the details, but this father had never been close to her. Although she was a victim and received sympathy from others, making a scene without regard for her dignity would not only be futile but might also irritate others further, adding the label of a "shrew" to her name. Therefore, Chu Lianyi held back her emotions, her eyes reddening, and quietly withdrew.

Miss, the Third Madam has brought the Sixth Miss and the Ninth Miss to see you

People say that the young ladies of the Chu family are all great beauties, but from what I see throughout the entire household, there is not a single girl who can compare to our young lady. " An Xiang then assisted Chu Lianyi in putting on a bracelet adorned with golden twisted silk and lily patterns, lifting her hand and saying, "This hand is even more lustrous than top-quality sheep fat white jade; the Yan family will eventually blame themselves for being blind.

Chu Lianyi said: "Did Father not say that everything is up to him?" Although she did not know how this man could take charge, there was no other choice now. In fact, regarding the matter of breaking off the engagement, Chu Lianyi felt no sadness at all; she was merely afraid of the consequences, uncertain of where this floating weed of the Chu family would end up in the future. Such an uncertain future cast a shadow of worry over Chu Lianyi's face.

Although Chu Qingquan is approaching middle age, he appears refined and handsome, clearly a striking young man in his earlier years. In Chu Lianyi's memory, he has not smiled for many years. When their mother was alive, he would often play with her, but after her passing, he seemed particularly impatient to see her. Every meeting was hurried, with a furrowed brow.

Baihua Deep is the name that Chulianyi, the head of the family, changed herself; its original name was Jingchun Courtyard, which was given by the Third Madam when she was in charge of the main house. She found the name that Madam Chu had originally given to Lianyi not solemn enough, so she had someone rewrite the three characters "Jingchun Courtyard." Later, Anxiang privately learned that the Third Madam's nickname contained the character "Chun," and she mentioned it to Lianyi, adding a layer of meaning to the name.

They say that the young lady's heart is like that of a venomous scorpion, killing without a blink. It is unclear how it came to be, but the incident of the young lady killing those two servants has spread far and wide.

Did you kill two people with a stick at that time

What is the reason? One cannot simply break off an engagement without cause

Shu Ying and An Xiang, seeing that there was no one around, had the little girl guard the door before quietly informing Chu Lianyi of the situation

An Xiang and Shu Ying followed Chu Lianyi back to "Deep in the Hundred Flowers." Shu Ying gave An Xiang a glance, and the two of them lagged behind, whispering: "We will take turns keeping watch over the young lady at night; we must not let her do anything foolish"

Chu Lianyi chuckled softly, "Only you know how to win my favor"

Chu Lianyi calmed down, rising to pace around the room. The excuse for breaking off the engagement was clearly untenable; the incident involving the killing of a servant occurred five or six years ago. Why was the engagement not called off back then, and why bring it up now? Moreover, which prominent family has not secretly borne a debt of life? To use this as an excuse now, it is likely that there is more to this matter, yet it is she, Chu Lianyi, who is left to bear the blame

Madam San recalled the character "Chun" in her name, and thought, aren't these twelve young ladies clearly mocking her? "Oh, you twelve young ladies are indeed precious, even the name of a courtyard can conflict with her. If this character 'Chun' conflicts with her, then why did she choose a name associated with a hundred flowers? Aren't all these flowers blooming in spring?" Madam San covered the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief and laughed mockingly.

Shu Ying had a good temper and was not at all annoyed. With a smile, she said: "In spring, young ladies are prone to illness. The old women in the courtyard all say that our young lady's beauty is so stunning that it shames the hundred flowers, which is why Lady Spring is jealous. Therefore, in our courtyard, no maid or wife is allowed to have a name that includes the character 'Chun' (spring). Third Madam, it is said to be quite effective; since then, the young lady's health has improved significantly"

"Is that you, Yi'er? Come in." There was a hint of despair in Chu Qingquan's voice

Chu Lianyi was taken aback; it seemed that the Yan family was indeed intent on something. When she established her reputation at the age of nine by killing two people, they were all aware of it. "Yes."

"Breaking off the engagement?" Chu Lianyi's voice rose by an octave, yet her complexion was not pale; instead, it grew increasingly flushed, nearly bursting with anger.

An Xiang quickly responded, "Miss, what instructions do you have?"

On this side, An Xiang and Chu Lianyi were softly chatting and laughing, while on the other side, Shu Ying was leading the Third Madam along with the Sixth and Ninth Young Ladies into the courtyard

After Chu Lianyi left, Chu Qingquan stood at the gate, watching her depart for a long time. Only when he could no longer see her figure did he slowly return indoors. Although he usually dared not look at the face that resembled his deceased wife, it certainly did not mean he could tolerate others defiling it.

You already know. Chu Qingquan's voice was filled with exhaustion

Shu Ying shot a glance at the talkative Xing Ya beside her. Although what she said was not wrong, the blame for not managing the servants properly had been placed on the young lady. Given the current situation, it was imperative not to let any disturbances arise from the third madam. "Xing Ya, why haven't you knelt and apologized to the third madam yet?" Shu Ying turned to the third madam and said, "Madam, please do not be angry. This is all Shu Ying's fault. My young lady is usually in poor health and has no time to manage such a little maid. It is all Shu Ying who has been in charge. Today, we have offended the madam, and I ask for your forgiveness."

No secret can escape the eyes of the young lady, even the most subtle of matters. This delicate heart may not always be a blessing. With a pleading glance at the shadow standing beside Chu Lianyi, the shadow gritted her teeth and nodded. This matter cannot be kept under wraps; sooner or later, the young lady will find out. It is better to inform her early, so she can be prepared.

Has the master returned from the yamen? Chu Lianyi took a deep breath

The Yan family is truly overstepping their bounds. The pastel-colored tea cup with entwined lotus flowers in Chu Lianyi's hand fell with a clatter onto the small redwood table inlaid with mother-of-pearl, spinning in place

In fact, Chu Lianyi is neither arrogant nor impetuous; she has simply come to understand her own prospects and has made a firm decision. Although she cannot control the future, she must strive for it.

"Returning to Lady San, it was changed five years ago. The young lady's health has always been poor, and the master invited a great immortal to take a look. It was said that the character 'Chun' from the Jingchun Courtyard clashed with the young lady's birth chart, which caused her distress, hence the name was changed." Shuying specifically brought this matter up, immediately darkening the previously gleeful expression on Lady San's face.

An Xiang followed behind Chu Lianyi, "Miss, Miss, is this all right?"

"In the depths of the hundred flowers, when was the name changed?" Lady San raised her head to glance at the four large gilded black characters on the door of the treasure bottle, curling her lips in disdain

Unfortunately, good news does not leave the house, while bad news travels a thousand miles. Coupled with the deliberate promotion from several other families, the people in the residence have begun to murmur and gossip.

The girl quickly raised the red velvet curtain upon seeing Chu Lianyi arrive

Madam San's lips curled slightly upwards to the right, and her smile was asymmetrical, which made her appear particularly arrogant, and she did not respond.

You, sigh..." Chu Qingquan did not blame Chu Lianyi at all, "As for the matter of those two lives, Father will naturally help you handle it. Fortunately, they were all sold in by human traffickers, and there are no parents or fathers to report it. As for the Yan family, everything will be decided by Father. You may go back now." Chu Qingquan waved his hand.

However, since the Yan family dares to sever ties with the Chu family, they must have already decided to use this excuse to the fullest, to the point where it is known by all. It is likely that people in every street and alley are already aware of the notorious reputation of Chu Lianyi. Regardless of whether the matters of the Yan family will come to light in the future, Chu Lianyi is already destined to be a victim.

Madam San listened to Shuying and Xingya's words, and her face became longer than a horse's. How could a mere little maid from the main house dare to contradict her? This was truly outrageous. Instead of being angry, Madam San smiled, wiped her temples with a handkerchief, and gently said: "It has been a long time since I last came here, and today I have indeed gained some insight. Since the twelfth young lady has taken charge, even a yellow-haired little maid dares to contradict her mistress. No wonder..." Naturally, it was no wonder that the male side wanted to withdraw from the engagement.

"I have returned," Shuying quickly said. She had already sent someone to inquire and guessed that the young lady would definitely go to find the master after hearing the news

Chu Lianyi stood at the door and gently called out, "Father"

Shu Ying also nodded slightly, thinking to herself that the young lady truly had a temperament that could take things in stride and let them go. She remained neither arrogant nor impatient in the face of challenges, treating even the most significant matters with indifference. Such a state of mind is something that even individuals in their seventies or eighties may not possess

Chu Lianyi heard the sound and then stepped into the room. On ordinary days, Chu Qingquan was busy with official duties and had long exempted her from morning greetings. As for the evening, although he also exempted her, Chu Lianyi insisted on coming to pay her respects every day. However, she often just stood outside the door, as Chu Qingquan was always unwilling to see her. Since the passing of Madam Chu, the relationship between father and daughter had grown distant, sometimes not seeing each other for ten days or half a month, and their daily interactions were merely a few exchanged words at the door.

After five or six days had passed, Shuying and Anxiang saw that Chu Lianyi was eating and sleeping well, and they finally breathed a sigh of relief, "Our young lady is truly extraordinary" Anxiang looked at Chu Lianyi with eyes full of admiration

The more one endures and feels wronged, the more it evokes sympathy from others

Subtle Fragrance

Yes. An Xiang nodded slightly, both of them felt that the girl was too calm about this matter, not crying or making a fuss. They thought that she had only lost her temper at the beginning, and assumed that she was keeping everything bottled up inside, worrying that she might not be able to cope.

Chu Lianyi glanced at Anxiang, her neck recoiling, her voice trembling, appearing as if she had committed a crime, "What happened today?"

Initially, the third lady imposed rules on Lianyi every day in the main room, forcing her to engage in needlework, which compelled Lianyi to resolutely seize power, leading to the events of today

An Xiang responded softly, using a golden hairpin to pick up the peach blossom paste and placing it in Chu Lianyi's palm. She blended it with rose water and applied it to her face, which was already moist and fair, now adorned with a hint of delicate peach blossom pink, making her look exceptionally charming.

Father" Chu Lianyi stood in front of Chu Qingquan and called out softly once more

The little girl, Xingya, who was following Shuying, whispered: "Moreover, where do the flowers bloom in spring? The lotus blooms in summer, and the plum blossoms in winter."