Chapter 121: Paying a Visit

The news of Liang Xiao’s intention to propose to the Xu family spread rapidly through every street and alley. Since Zhang Zhongheng had gone straight to the Liang residence to demand an explanation, many people were already aware of the situation; when Liang Xiao followed him to the Xu manor and dropped such a shocking bombshell, it was inevitable that the news would travel like wildfire.

The common folk cared little for the rivalries between the Zhang and Liang families. When discussing the matter, they were more inclined to support the idea of Liang Xiao and Xu Ruojin becoming a family. This was hardly surprising. Zhang Zhongheng had stormed over to make a scene, repeatedly claiming that his fiancée had lost her virtue. Liang Xiao, rather than offering excuses, had openly admitted the truth before the public: he had indeed rescued Miss Xu from the water. Since it was an act of mercy, and the Zhang family was so obsessed with the incident, it seemed only logical that Liang Xiao should take her as his wife.

The common people did not care about who acted as matchmaker or whose lineage was more prestigious. They understood one simple principle: Liang Xiao had taken responsibility and intended to marry the girl; if the Zhang family insisted on making such a fuss, they should just step aside. The townsfolk were already weary of hearing about the Zhang family’s endless drama involving mistresses and concubines. Master Liang had merely saved someone from drowning, not committed a crime of passion; there was no need for such rigid, stifling moralizing. Such pretenses were only for the wealthy and elite.

Madam Liang had initially worried that her son would be unable to handle the Zhang family’s unreasonable harassment. However, upon hearing the news of the impending proposal, she collapsed to the ground in a faint. The Liang household descended into chaos as servants rushed to find a physician and track down Liang Xiao. After much commotion, Madam Liang finally regained consciousness, though she kept her eyes shut tight, tears streaming down her cheeks. Mother Fang wiped them away with a handkerchief, moistening it to soothe her face, but the more she wiped, the more uncontrollably the Madam wept.

"Madam, the young master has his own reasons," Mother Fang whispered.

"Do not speak for him. He only wishes to sever all ties with the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage estate, to avoid any association whatsoever," Madam Liang replied, looking at her attendant. "My own brother sent people to deliver New Year’s gifts and letters, and Yan’er has wanted to marry him since she was a child, yet he chooses to play such a cruel game! Does he still consider me his mother? Does he still acknowledge me as the one who gave him life?"

"You know as well as I do that times have changed," Mother Fang said, biting her lip. "The young master is still filial to you. When you fainted earlier, the servants were too afraid to touch you, but he carried you to the bed himself, waited for the doctor, and fed you the medicine spoonful by spoonful. He only left once the doctor confirmed you were out of danger."

Madam Liang turned her head away, refusing to speak. Her heart was shattered. "It would be one thing if he simply refused to marry Yan’er, but why—why choose a girl from the Xu family?" She looked at Mother Fang. "I truly regret being consumed by guilt and sending you to be a tutor for that Xu Ruojin. With a family like that becoming our in-laws, how are we supposed to go on living?"

"Miss Ruojin is actually quite decent..."

"No matter how decent she is, she is only a girl from Zhonglin County; how can she even begin to compare to Yan’er?"

Madam Liang’s retort left Mother Fang with nothing more to say, her eyes fixed sadly upon her mistress. After a long silence, Madam Liang realized that complaining was useless. The matter had reached a point where even if she intervened, Liang Xiao would not change his mind. As for her? To avoid the humiliation, she decided to ignore the matter entirely.

"Where has he gone?"

"When he left, he said he was going to ask the elder of the Jiang family to act as the chief witness for the wedding."

Madam Liang’s heart felt as though it had been pierced by shards of ice; she could no longer find the words to speak.

When Zhang Zhongheng returned home, he was met with such a fierce scolding from Zhang Zhongliang that he couldn't get a single word in. Zhang Zhongliang had already been irritable because Yan Hongwen had been ignoring him since his arrival in Zhonglin County. He had intended to smooth things over after the New Year and hurry back to the capital, having no desire to linger in such a backwater town. But before he could even stir, he heard that Zhang Zhongheng had rushed to the Liang residence. By the time he caught up, he was told that Zhongheng had already left with Liang Xiao for the Xu manor.

A chill ran down Zhang Zhongliang’s spine. Having spent years in the capital, he knew all too well what kind of man Liang Xiao was. He did not believe for a second that Liang Xiao would be manipulated by a novice like Zhang Zhongheng; he immediately realized that Zhongheng had walked straight into a trap. Before he could rush to the Xu family, the news arrived: Liang Xiao was going to marry Xu Ruojin and would propose tomorrow. It felt as if a heavy hammer had struck his head, and he felt a burning urge to throttle both the mother and son.

Upon confronting Madam Zhang, Zhang Zhongliang managed to extract the truth in just a few sentences. Even though he had to address her as "Aunt," he showed no mercy, frightening her to the point of collapse.

"Self-righteous and utterly disastrous!" Zhang Zhongliang roared, wanting to slap the boy. "Do you know who Liang Xiao is? He is a warrior who has waded through battlefields and shed blood with his own hands. Do you think you are capable of playing games with him? Now look at this mess—he is going to propose to the Xu family. What are you going to do?"

"If the Xu family really marries into the Liang family, you won't just have offended everyone; you will have completely disgraced the Zhang name!"

"But... but it was Yan Hongwen who told me to go bother Liang Xiao! It’s all his fault!" Zhang Zhongheng tried to deflect, though he felt a pang of guilt. He had calculated every possibility, but never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that Liang Xiao would actually marry Xu Ruojin. It was entirely beyond the scope of his comprehension. "Besides, Liang Xiao is the son of a disgraced official. Isn't it fitting that he marries such a common woman?"

Zhang Zhongheng’s words were the final straw for Zhang Zhongliang, who struck him hard across the face, drawing blood from the corner of his mouth.

"You know nothing!" Zhang Zhongliang hissed. "Even though General Liang was demoted to this region, do you know where he is now? Liang Xiao may be severely injured, but aside from the General, no one else in the Liang family has been convicted of a crime! Do you think the rest of the Liang family are fools? Madam Liang’s own brother is the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage. Do you think those connections are just for show?"

"Even if only to save face, they will surely retaliate against the Zhang family. You have forced the legitimate heir of the Liang family to marry the illegitimate daughter of a petty registrar. Not even the old patriarch will be able to weather the fallout from this, do you understand?"

Zhang Zhongheng’s heart skipped a beat. "Then... I’ll just refuse to let him marry her, won't I?"

"Do you really think this is still something you can control?"

Suddenly remembering Mo Rong, Zhang Zhongheng blurted out, "No, it can't be. I must find that woman immediately. She must die! We must cut the weeds and pull up the roots!"

"Who are you talking about?"

"The Mo family."

"Then go! What are you waiting for?"

Yan Hongwen spoke with Xu Yaohui until late into the night before ordering Zhu Fang to prepare the carriage. He left Zhonglin County with his servants, heading back to the capital. Even though tomorrow was New Year’s Eve, he traveled without rest, his heart devoid of any festive joy.

Xu Ruojin remained in her small courtyard, calm and motionless. She was waiting for the man to appear that night. She had a heart full of questions and grievances; the anger she had suppressed was ready to erupt at any moment. Mother Huang had intended to keep watch, but was dragged away by Hong Chun. Chun Cao accompanied the young mistress alone, waiting anxiously for the visitor.

At the hour of the Ox, a few light taps sounded against the wall behind the house. Xu Ruojin shuddered, bit her lip, and went to the side room. There was a small door, which Chun Cao opened to reveal the imposing silhouette of Liang Xiao.

Xu Ruojin met his gaze, yet all the anger she had bottled up seemed to vanish, leaving her unsure of where to begin. Liang Xiao entered the room as if he owned the place. "Is the wine ready?"