Chapter 49: Noble Person

It turned out Du Ruo was from the same village as Xiao Liangchen.

What a coincidence.

Jiang Youyi didn't take it to heart; there would be plenty of opportunities to teach that little bitch a lesson. The most pressing matter right now was to coax Xiao Liangchen.

Come to think of it, Jiang Youyi had fallen for Xiao Liangchen at first sight.

The Jiang family was not short on money, but they lacked heritage. Unfortunately, none of the nephews in the family were good at studying; they were all only interested in money.

To change their family status, the Jiang family decided to find a scholar with outstanding literary talent and marry their daughter, Jiang Youyi, to him. Once that person passed the imperial examinations, they would spend heavily to pave his way, thus gaining a political power base that truly belonged to them.

After searching high and low, they finally found Xiao Liangchen, who best met their criteria.

Xiao Liangchen was not only overflowing with talent, but he was also of a suitable age and had a distinguished appearance. What was even rarer was that his character was honest and kind; he would surely be grateful and repay their kindness in the future.

Jiang Youyi had been reluctant at first, feeling that she was being used as a bargaining chip by her family, but ever since she saw Xiao Liangchen once, her heart had been completely captured, and she had been unable to extricate herself since.

Xiao Liangchen, however, appeared unwilling.

With no other choice, Jiang Youyi had to put effort into pleasing him. Knowing Xiao Liangchen was filial, she often sent valuable gifts to Madam Liu and would occasionally invite Xiao Liangchen out to cultivate their relationship. Unfortunately, the results were minimal; Xiao Liangchen remained as cold and indifferent as ever.

Yet, the more he was like this, the more obsessed Jiang Youyi became, to the point where she would marry no one but him.

"Brother Xiao, we haven't paid our respects to the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva yet. Shall we go now?" Jiang Youyi looked at Xiao Liangchen with deep affection.

Xiao Liangchen pursed his lips, his gaze drifting toward Du Ruo.

Du Ruo picked up the basket on the ground and turned to leave.

Xiao Liangchen gritted his teeth and chased after her.

"Brother Xiao..."

Jiang Youyi wanted to follow, but Liu Shi hurriedly pulled her back, fawning over her as she coaxed, "Don't mind them. Chen'er is just passing a message for her maternal family; he'll be back soon."

That girl definitely looked like she had heard everything. If she went outside and started spreading rumors, it would be troublesome, and this marriage proposal might fall through.

The only solution now was for Chen'er to stop her.

Liu Shi had seen with her own eyes how much that girl had liked her son back then.

Xiao Liangchen finally caught up to Du Ruo at the blue stone steps.

Du Ruo turned back, her tone somewhat impatient, "Why are you following me?"

Xiao Liangchen took a deep breath and then asked, "You heard what my mother and I were saying, didn't you?"

"Yes." Du Ruo laughed mockingly, "What, is Young Master Xiao planning to kill me to silence me?"

Xiao Liangchen stared at her for a long time, the sorrowful emotions churning and fermenting in his eyes, finally brewing into blood-red streaks.

"Aman, have you... always hated me?"

Hated him for being cowardly and incompetent, unable to protect her; hated him for not even having the courage to stand by her side; hated him for not daring to even say a word for so many years.

Du Ruo was stunned. She didn't, actually.

Without love, where would there be hate? She had no particular feelings for this childhood sweetheart of the original owner—not liking, not disliking, just whatever.

However, the original owner had truly loved him, right up until the moment she died...

"I have never hated you, never."

Du Ruo decided to take this opportunity to voice the original owner's heart, considering it fulfilling her last wish. "I know you couldn't help it. Actually, even if you hadn't distanced yourself from me back then, I would have distanced myself from you. The outcome would have been the same, so you don't need to feel guilty."

Speaking of this, Du Ruo couldn't help but feel sad for the original owner. This was all the evil deed of Du Mingzhu, tearing apart two lovers.

"You have grand ambitions and a bright future. None of this should be ruined because of me, so I don't blame you."

"Regardless of everything, I hope you meet a good person for the rest of your life."

After saying this, Du Ruo felt a momentary weightlessness of the soul, as if something had drifted out of her body, and she felt relieved and unburdened.

It was probably the original owner's obsession.

Xiao Liangchen's tears finally rolled down. His heart ached so much he couldn't breathe, and his voice was as hoarse as a broken sieve.

"I'm sorry..."

Du Ruo shrugged, "It's fine, I forgive you."

She didn't want to stay and watch a handsome man cry. Besides, people were coming and going here; it wouldn't be good if someone from Longquan Cun saw them, as it would easily lead to gossip.

Just as she was about to leave, Xiao Liangchen twitched the corner of his mouth and spoke again.

"Actually, I called you back not because I was afraid you would spread those words, but to tell you that I have decided to call off the marriage with the Jiang family."

Du Ruo said, "Oh."

What did that have to do with her? If it were someone else, she might offer a few words of warning to avoid harming the girl; but if it were Jiang Youyi, heh, she would give her two words—serves you right!

Dogs biting dogs, let's see who's fiercer.

"If Young Master Xiao has nothing else, I'll be going." Du Ruo returned to her cold, distant attitude.

She really didn't want to have any more entanglements with Xiao Liangchen.

Just then, Yao Yulan walked down the stairs. Seeing Du Ruo, her eyes lit up, "Oh, sister-in-law, you really missed out! Up there, you can not only pray for blessings but also draw lots! I drew a top-tier lot today!"

The lot text said that their family had a noble person to help them, and they would soon make a fortune!

She was grinning from ear to ear.

Du Ruo didn't really believe in these things, but it was a good omen, so she was still very happy for Yao Yulan.

The two of them talked and laughed as they headed down the mountain.

Xiao Liangchen stood there for a long time before turning back to the woods.

Jiang Youyi had long since grown impatient, but she still held back her young lady's temper. "Brother Xiao, can we go offer our prayers now?"

Xiao Liangchen was silent for a moment, then performed a deep bow toward her.

"Miss Jiang, I am grateful for your deep affection, but our two families are not well-matched in status. It is truly inappropriate, so let us drop the matter of discussing marriage."

Jiang Youyi froze. "Why?"

Although Xiao Liangchen's attitude had not been very enthusiastic before, he had never shut the door on the matter. If it were because of a mismatch in status, he should have refused from the very beginning, not waited until now to say so.

So, this isn't the real reason at all, is it?

Liu Shi was also stunned by this sudden turn of events and hurriedly glared at her son. "You child, what are you saying? How could Miss Jiang mind our family's status? She..."

"Enough, Mother!" Xiao Liangchen interrupted Madam Liu, the expression on his face more resolute than it had ever been. "I have already decided."

He apologized to Jiang Youyi and left without looking back.

"Chen'er! Chen'er!"

Liu Shi called out a few times, but seeing that her son had no intention of stopping, she had no choice but to force a smile at Jiang Youyi. "Miss Jiang, please don't worry. Matters of marriage have always been decided by the orders of parents and the words of matchmakers. Both his father and I have agreed to this, so he must agree whether he wants to or not! Don't be anxious; just wait at home for my good news."

After saying this, Liu Shi chased after him in a flurry of agitation.

The mistress and her maid were left standing there, unable to collect their thoughts for a long time.

"Miss, he... he just left like that?" The maid pointed in the direction where the two had disappeared, stamping her feet in anger.

Jiang Youyi's expression was grim. Where exactly had things gone wrong? Everything had been fine when they arrived, so why did he suddenly say he wouldn't marry?

What exactly happened in between? Could it be...

That's it, it must be!

That little bitch Du Ruo must have said something to Xiao Liangchen just now, making him mistakenly believe that she was a vicious woman, which is why he was in such a hurry to get rid of her.

Bitch, she can't have a good marriage herself, so she can't stand to see others have one either!

Trying to get revenge on her, are you? Fine, let's see whose revenge is more ruthless!

A cruel smile curled the corners of Jiang Youyi's mouth. "Let's go. It's been a while since I've been to the Du Fu. Let's go see Sister Mingzhu today."

Du Mingzhu had always been a useful blade.