Chapter 2: The Only One Who Must Be Abandoned

In the front courtyard of the Marquis Manor, the main hall was bustling with life.

From afar, one could see everyone chatting and laughing; the younger generation outside the hall gathered around Qin He Shizi of the Marquis Manor, Qin Yan, and He He Shizi of the Yan Guogong, He Yan. Qin He was especially charming and dignified, receiving abundant favor.

Nearly all the children from the various branches who were presentable were there, all watching the gifts He Yan had given to Qin He.

"Level Two Beast Core? It's beneficial for cultivation."

"I like agate and jade; they look beautiful as hair ornaments."

"Yes, I like jade."

Women favored jewelry, while men preferred the cores used for cultivation.

When Qin Bi arrived, no one paid her any attention. A cousin greeted her, and everyone continued their lively conversation. He Yan glanced over; the man was handsome and noble, his brocade robe making him appear even more distinguished, but he only gave a casual sweep of his gaze.

Qin He spoke to He Yan: "I also want to go kill beasts."

He Yan turned his head and continued chatting with Qin He about the beast just mentioned.

Qin Bi suddenly felt her status within the Marquis Manor. She didn't care; if the marriage didn't work out, she could return with her third aunt. The younger siblings had grown up and were unfamiliar and distant from her.

After hesitating, Qin Bi walked to the main seat surrounded by the crowd.

"Why are you so late?" Qin Yan saw Qin Bi and smiled: "He He Shizi of the Yan Guogong has been here for quite a while. He brought gifts for the younger generation of the family. The one for you has already been sent, hasn't it?!"

Qin Yan was the Marquis He Shizi, the eldest legitimate son of the first branch, holding absolute weight among the younger generation in the Marquis Manor.

Qin Bi gave a polite smile: "A chest full of books."

Qin Bi dared not act rashly. Seizing the opportunity, she glanced at the gift tray on the table, then flicked her eyes toward He Yan: "Is this for Qin He? Beast cores, agate, jade—none of these are cheap items. He Shizi, did you come today to perform the marriage rites? Actually, you didn't need to send me anything at all. Just a chest of books. I haven't touched them; take them back."

Upon hearing this, Qin Yan's smile faded. Qin Bi was nitpicking over the gifts He Yan had given Qin He.

The second branch's daughter, Qin He's younger sister, became displeased and stepped forward: "What do you mean? The gifts He Shizi gave my sister are precious; are you jealous? They were given openly; there's no need for your sour remarks here."

The second branch's daughter spoke loudly with anger, causing everyone to stop their laughter immediately, their expressions varying.

"What could I possibly mean?" The second branch was displeased, but Qin Bi could not back down. She was in the right and had to make things clear. She said to He Yan: "If He Shizi intends to proceed with the marriage rites, then take back the gifts you have given."

He Yan narrowed his eyes: "We will discuss this when we return."

He was protecting Qin He, worried it would harm her reputation. Qin Bi's heart grew half cold.

The test was over; it was not what Qin Bi wanted.

Several legitimate sons of the Qin family wanted to speak, but Qin He, angered, pulled her sister back and said: "What's the big deal? Is it worth your sister-in-law making such a fuss over this? I don't want the gifts; He Shizi, take them all back."

"Why shouldn't we want them?" Qin He's sister said. "What does it have to do with her? They were given by the He Shizi."

Actually, it did have to do with her. He Yan was Qin Bi's fiancé, and they were currently discussing the marriage.

However, it didn't matter. Clearly, the entire Marquis Manor did not take Qin Bi's marriage seriously. Otherwise, the legitimate daughter of the second branch would not have spoken of any connection between He Yan and Qin Bi. He Yan's attitude toward Qin He gave the second branch's daughter confidence.

Qin Bi looked at He Yan, waiting for him to speak.

Qin He held her legitimate sister's hand, lowered her eyelids, and no one knew what she was thinking.

He Yan sat down calmly, poured tea, took a sip, then looked at Qin Bi. His eyes sharpened, his tone calm yet carrying pressure and contempt: "You compare yourself to Qin He? You were betrothed, but Qin He has only me."

These words were poisonous. Qin Bi was stunned.

The second branch's legitimate daughter was satisfied and gave Qin Bi a triumphant glare.

Qin Yan, the Marquis He Shizi, sighed and looked worriedly at the fourth branch's illegitimate younger sister. He Yan's words were hurtful. If they could clear the air later, it would be fine; otherwise, even after marriage, it would remain a grudge, and the couple might not live in harmony.

The children from the various branches exchanged glances, looking as if they had known all along.

He Yan and Qin He were originally a pair. For so many years, it was not easy for Qin He to wait for the Yan Guogong He Shizi; she was pitiable. If not for the fate of a husband-killer, Qin Bi's status would never have been able to match He Yan's.

Seeing Qin Bi's stunned expression, several brothers in the Marquis Manor found it hard to watch and shifted their gaze.

Qin Bi's heart ached with a tightening pain. It turned out she meant so little to He Yan. She had been betrothed, but her engagement had been ruined by two powerful ministers' sons. Don't ask Qin Bi how she knew; it was them who ruined it.

Her marriage had remained unsettled for a long time. Now He Yan used this matter to humiliate her. The past grievances she had suppressed could no longer be held back.

Qin Bi's eyes turned red, her eye sockets swollen with pain, but no tears fell. She was no longer angry; she seemed to calm down as if everything was settled. Qin He's transmigration was too successful; she couldn't match it.

"You despise me for being betrothed before." Qin Bi sneered.

Didn't He Yan know she had been betrothed? He Yan knew all along. Yet, despite despising her past engagement, he still wanted to marry her. Qin Bi felt it was not worth it for him. If he wasn't satisfied, he shouldn't force it.

"Let's break off the engagement then. Marry whoever you like." Qin Bi felt suffocated.

"Qin Bi." Qin Yan stopped her from saying something irreversible.

Marrying He Yan was the best choice for Qin Bi, for the Marquis Manor, and for everyone.

Qin Bi could only be the one to be abandoned.

At this moment, Qin Bi understood everything in her heart, but she did not intend to follow the arrangements of the Marquis Manor and the Guogong Manor.

Qin Lang, the legitimate son of the third branch, who had the best relationship with Qin Bi, felt pity for her and pulled her: "Stop talking. Go back to your courtyard."

"Slandering our second branch's Qin He, and we just let it go?" The girl felt unwilling to accept it.

"Have some shame." Qin Bi scolded.

The second branch's legitimate daughter flew into a rage.

He Yan's expression changed. He looked at Qin Bi and decided to speak plainly: "After we marry, I will bring Qin He into the household. She has waited for me for so many years; it hasn't been easy. I plan to make her a co-wife."

Qin Bi collapsed, dazed for a moment.

After all these years, it was still like this. He Yan had bullied her so badly. If she had to endure this, she might as well be dead. Qin Bi could not suppress her anger, but she dared not provoke the powerful ministers, and the Marquis Manor would not allow her to make a scene.

She broke down, tears bursting from her eyes. She looked at He Yan with hatred.

He Yan was unfazed. As he looked over, the expressions of the Qin family members changed. Now they truly felt sympathy for this illegitimate daughter of the fourth branch. Marrying He Yan was entirely to break the husband-killer fate.

Once the Yan Guogong He Shizi was no longer a husband-killer, he would immediately marry Qin He.

The second branch's legitimate daughter secretly rejoiced, holding Qin He with full admiration. Only her sister, Qin He, could be valued so highly by the Guogong He Shizi.

Qin Lang became displeased and opened his mouth to speak, but Qin Bi pulled him back. Only this third branch cousin was on her side; how could she let him ruin his future for her? Qin Lang and Qin Bi exchanged a glance.

Qin Bi shook her head, and Qin Lang deflated.

Qin Tang, the eldest legitimate son of the fourth branch, felt ashamed. He walked up to Qin Bi: "I will take you back."

Hearing her eldest brother's words, Qin Bi could no longer hold back her tears and nearly broke down, but few cared whether she cried or not; this was no place for tears, so Qin Bi hurried away.