Chapter 76: The Yun Family’s Grand Gathering to Choose a Husband

As Ye Qi spoke, he gradually drew closer to Yun Feiyue, his breath scented faintly with orchids...

"Stop!" Yun Feiyue raised her hand to halt his advance, then quickly retreated from the hall.

Only when he saw Yun Feiyue leave did Ye Qi curve his lips into a faint smile and follow her out.

Back at the Yun residence, in the Scarlet Blossom Pavilion.

Lady Murong approached Yun Feiyue with a gentle smile, exchanging a few words of pleasantry.

"Your mother has heard about the Red Lotus Token. It’s likely your foolish grandfather made a mistake and gave you the wrong dowry."

Yun Feiyue truly didn't want to talk about this. The temperament of Gui Ming was simply too overbearing—he had directly cut down so many people... She wasn’t sure if he did it to deliberately give her trouble.

Those participating in the Celestial Martial Ranking were all top talents from noble families across the lands. Killing them outright would definitely provoke demands for justice.

Thus, trouble would inevitably find its way to the Yun family.

Those so-called righteous men of the Ghost Path wouldn’t dare trouble the Ghost Path itself, but they would target the Yun family. After all, people bully the weak and fear the strong.

Lady Murong knew the matter was partly her fault as well, blaming herself for not knowing who the Red Lotus Token had contracted with.

"Yue’er, don’t take it to heart. I’ll go to the Murong family and speak to your grandfather. Since this all started with him, I’m sure he’ll provide an explanation. For now, under the pressure from the Yun and Mo families, no one dares openly seek your life. But in the shadows, they might resort to other means."

Yun Feiyue understood—she’d already considered all this. If she married Mo Feiyuan, it would be perfect.

As long as the Mo family remained the first family on the Jin Ge Continent, no one would dare lay siege to Yun Feiyue. It was a fine shield. Besides, she liked Mo Feiyuan.

"Mother, you needn’t worry for me. I know what I should do."

Only then did Lady Murong release a soft breath and nod. "As long as you understand. I’m always on your side. By the way, your grandfather said he has something to discuss with you. It’s probably about this matter. Go see him quickly!"

Yun Feiyue acknowledged and left the room to find the old master Yun.

A faint scent of ink lingered in his study.

He was reviewing the accounts of the Yun family’s shops.

"Grandfather," Yun Feiyue called out cheerfully as she bounced into the room.

Old Master Yun looked up at her, his mustache twitching upward as he broke into a wide grin. "My Yue’er is finally back! Come, let Grandfather look at you—are you hurt anywhere?"

Yun Feiyue shook her head. "I’m perfectly healthy—and I’ve advanced again. I’m now at the late stage of Martial Dao Seventh Level. That counts as a top expert on the Jin Ge Continent, doesn’t it?"

"Of course! Of course!" Old Master Yun nodded enthusiastically.

"Have you been eating well? Missed your grandfather? Grandfather missed you very much!" Yun Kuang said, affectionately patting her head.

Yun Feiyue laughed and nodded repeatedly, playing the obedient granddaughter in his presence.

After a while, Yun Kuang turned to serious matters.

"Recently, there have been proposals for marriage to our family."

Yun Feiyue wasn’t surprised—Mo Twelve had already told her as much.

"I’ve turned them all down."

"I'm afraid that won’t do," Yun Kuang said earnestly. "Mo Twelve is handsome—your father likes him. He’s capable, at the Eighth Level of Martial Dao, and far surpasses you."

... Grandfather, must you be so blunt? Since when was Father such a connoisseur of looks?

"My temperament is incompatible with Mo Twelve's. We quarrel often."

"Then forget him. But even your senior brother has come, with a letter from your master. Think carefully about whom you want. Frankly, I prefer your senior brother." Yun Kuang didn’t hide his preference.

Yun Feiyue exhaled and shook her head. "I don’t feel anything for him. We just don’t click."

"Who needs so many feelings to marry? Spend as you wish, play as you wish, I’ll indulge you in everything but this. You’re not young anymore, and it’s rare to find two men of status who don’t mind that you already have a child."

He spoke the truth. If Yun Feiyue hadn’t met Mo Feiyuan, she probably would have married by now.

But after meeting Mo Feiyuan, it seemed she could no longer settle for less.

"I want to marry Mo Feiyuan." Saying it aloud made her blush, but she felt much better for having said it.

Yun Kuang shot her a cold look and slammed his palm on the table. "Marry him? Not a chance!"

Yun Feiyue flinched—this was the first time the old man had lost his temper like this. He hadn’t even been so angry during the earlier battles.

For a moment, she couldn’t fathom his thoughts.

But Chunhua had told her she overheard Lady Murong’s plan: they wanted Yun Feiyue to marry Mo Feiyuan.

At first, she hadn’t been so set on it, but after all she’d been through, the desire grew stronger. She had made up her mind.

"Grandfather, what’s wrong with Mo Feiyuan?" She still had to consider his feelings.

Yun Kuang finally calmed down, feeling he’d gone too far. His granddaughter’s marriage made him angry as it was, and now she was being stubborn, insisting on Mo Feiyuan.

"It’s not that there’s anything wrong with him! It’s just that sometimes, a man who seems perfect isn’t necessarily the right choice." Yun Kuang sighed. "Your master’s letter clearly said not to let you marry Mo Feiyuan."

What was Master up to now? Even if he favored senior brother, he couldn’t be so blatant!

"Well, we don’t have to obey everything Master says. We have our own ideas, don’t we?" Yun Feiyue said calmly.

Yun Kuang thought for a moment, then said, "It’s not that I don’t want you to choose someone you like, but how do I know Mo Feiyuan truly loves you? What if he treats you poorly after marriage? All the previous matriarchs of the Mo family died mysteriously, and I don’t want my Yue’er to meet the same fate."

Yun Feiyue knew he was only thinking of her. In his mind, Mo Twelve and senior brother were both suitable.

But she truly felt nothing for either.

The atmosphere grew heavy.

After a while, Yun Kuang suddenly asked, "Are you interested in business?"

Business? What new trick was Grandfather up to?

"Grandfather, I’m really not."

"In fact, apart from Mo Twelve and your senior brother, there have been several other proposals. Why not meet them all? But..." Yun Kuang’s expression darkened. "As for someone like Ye Qi, don’t even consider him. A woman who wants to take a wife!"

Pfft—

Yun Feiyue almost laughed out loud. Grandfather really had a point.

"Anyway, take a few days to rest. I’ll send letters to all the suitors, inviting them to a grand banquet at the Yun family in seven days."

Yun Feiyue didn’t quite understand why Grandfather was in such a hurry, but there was no way to refuse.

"If Grandfather wants to, let him." In any case, she didn’t have to choose anyone.

Seven days later, Yun Feiyue lay in the courtyard, gazing at the sky. The air was fragrant with birds and flowers, fresh and clean...

She sipped tea and nibbled on pastries, feeling supremely at ease.

Little Mumu and Luo Yunhuang played inside the house.

Yun Feiyue and Ye Qi basked in the sun outside.

The Yun family’s grand banquet was in full swing ahead.

Elegant ladies and dashing gentlemen were the main attraction of the event.

It was said the number of handsome men was staggering...

Yun Feiyue’s love of beauty was thoroughly aroused.

Of course, all these men had been invited by Grandfather from all over, the most fashionable men in every region—even a few who were less attractive.

Those less attractive were either fabulously wealthy or powerful—each a dazzling figure.

In fact, the main purpose of this feast was to find a wife for Yun Feng and a husband for Yun Feiyue.

This hidden agenda had already spread among the invitees. Grandfather was determined not to let her marry Mo Feiyuan, so he’d brought in every type of handsome man to parade through the Scarlet Blossom Pavilion.

By his orders, Yun Feiyue had to observe them all—a pure test of her willpower!

"Feiyue, why don’t you come back to Jing Kingdom with me? There are many fun things and delicious foods there," Ye Qi said, sipping tea, his words light and teasing.

"No thanks. Grandfather strictly forbade me from associating with you. If I ran off with you, who knows what would happen?" Yun Feiyue snorted, eating another pastry.

Just then, Chunhua approached with a tray of sweets, smiling. "It’s not that troublesome, really. Just get through these next couple of days. Miss, I heard that Lord Shen Yin will also attend. Is that true?"

Yun Feiyue wasn’t sure, but the view ahead was truly mesmerizing—one handsome man after another, each vying for attention. Her heart fluttered.

If Mo Feiyuan was really coming, she hoped he’d hurry up.

"Chunhua, where did you hear that Mo Feiyuan would come?" Yun Feiyue asked casually.

Chunhua hesitated, then smiled. "I just heard it, from Xiao Wu who serves at Grandfather’s side. It shouldn’t be wrong..."

Yun Feiyue nodded thoughtfully. If it was true, that was good. But why would Grandfather let Xiao Wu know about such matters? He always acted with great caution.

Certainly, he wouldn't let something like this slip.

She turned to Chunhua. "What did Lord Shen Yin give you to play the spy?"

Her gaze was calm, even amused. Chunhua, however, dropped to her knees in fright.

"No, Chunhua... Chunhua doesn’t even know Lord Shen Yin..."

"Don’t lie to me. I dislike liars," Yun Feiyue said slowly, smiling at her.

Chunhua bit her lip, fists clenched, but refused to speak.

"If you won’t say, I’ll send you out of the Yun residence. I don’t really need another maid," Yun Feiyue said, sipping her tea again, turning to watch the festivities near Feiyuan Pavilion.

Little Mumu chimed in enthusiastically, "Yeah, let’s get one with a big chest..."

...

Chunhua’s tiny heart was wounded...

This young master really only cared about appearances! Didn’t he know brains were more important than a big chest?

Seeing Yun Feiyue say nothing more, and with Little Mumu looking eager to see her gone, Chunhua finally lost hope.

"Yes, Chunhua is indeed from the Mo family. I serve at His Lordship’s side... After Miss’s last incident, the real Chunhua died of illness, and I took her place."

As she spoke, Chunhua tore off her human-skin mask.

Beneath it, her face, if not stunning, was delicate and beautiful.

Yun Feiyue tilted her head at her. "Why did you impersonate Chunhua?"

The girl, nervous under Yun Feiyue’s gaze, quickly bowed and explained, "My name is Tong Ling, a maid at His Lordship’s side. He had me remain here undercover, though I never knew the reason. The only thing I know is that he cares for you."

"In the beginning, I reported your news to him every month. But as time passed and you disappeared, the reports stopped. Until you returned recently, I hadn’t contacted him in half a year. Everyone thought you were dead, and I thought I’d pretend to be Chunhua for life. Thankfully, you came back..."

Yun Feiyue nodded, thinking of Mo Feiyuan. This man clearly valued her; otherwise, he wouldn’t have placed such a beautiful maid at her side.

"Alright, I understand. There’s no need for you to pretend anymore. Chunhua and I were close; I don’t want anyone else taking her place. It’s unnecessary now."

Tong Ling bowed and stepped aside.

Luo Yunhuang smiled at the sight. "So Mo Feiyuan knows how to play these tricks!"

Little Mumu looked at the unfamiliar yet pretty face, rubbing his eyes. "So it was disguise magic. This sister is much prettier now... but... I suddenly miss Chunhua..."

Tong Ling could only sigh inwardly. He had disliked her for being ugly before, and now that she was pretty, he missed the old Chunhua. It was a bittersweet feeling.

Yun Feiyue didn’t care about such details—the main event was about to begin.

Lady Murong arrived with several others...

They came with imposing momentum and clear purpose.

"Yue’er!" Lady Murong called, coming to stand before Yun Feiyue.

Yun Feiyue immediately stood up, beaming at her.

"Mother, what’s wrong?"

She glanced aside and saw her sister-in-law—eldest daughter of the Jin family from Qing Kingdom.

Yun Yi’s wife was the daughter of a major clan in Qing, and although Qing and Chu were not on good terms, the Yun family’s commercial presence was everywhere. Yun Yi had met his wife while on a diplomatic mission.

Her sister-in-law was enchanting, with the distinct beauty of Qing women—her eyes in particular were captivating.

"Sister-in-law!" Yun Feiyue waved cheerfully.

Jin Yu nodded with gentle warmth, her voice soft and sweet. "Long time no see, little sister. You’ve only grown more beautiful."

Yun Feiyue didn’t take it to heart—it was just polite small talk.

"You’re the real beauty, sister-in-law. I’m nothing compared to you." She gestured for Lady Murong and Jin Yu to enter. "Shall we talk inside?"

Lady Murong shook her head. "No, go and see which one you’ll choose. This time, your grandfather truly wants you to make a choice. If you can’t, it won’t do."

Hearing this, Yun Feiyue fell silent.

So from beginning to end, Grandfather never intended for her to marry Mo Feiyuan. Even Chunhua’s words had been in Mo Feiyuan’s favor.

She hadn’t realized just how cunning Mo Feiyuan was, planting a spy at her side.

If there was a better choice, Grandfather would never let her marry Mo Feiyuan.

But if there weren’t, he was satisfied with Mo Feiyuan.

After a moment’s silence, Yun Feiyue stood up. "Alright, I’ll go take a look."

Lady Murong had expected a tantrum, but Yun Feiyue agreed so easily that she broke into a smile. "Yue’er is such a good girl!"

Little Mumu hurried after Yun Feiyue, clinging to her sleeve and climbing onto her shoulder. "Mother, wait for me!"

Yun Feiyue carried him toward the banquet.

To be honest, the place was filled with beauties and handsome men, each with their own distinct charm...

In terms of looks alone, Mo Feiyuan wasn’t the most handsome, but his aura was unmatched by anyone present.

Her gaze swept the crowd and finally paused.

Mo Twelve stood out wherever he was.

Dressed in red, with his striking looks and figure, he was always the center of attention.

Many women who had come for Yun Feng were now flocking to Mo Twelve.

At his side stood a man wearing a delicate golden gemstone mask.

The man was tall, his fingers slender. Though the women couldn’t see his face, they were drawn to him. He exuded a unique charisma.

"What is it? Have your eyes fallen on those two?" Jin Yu teased, her finger pointing at Mo Twelve and Yu Jue.

"One is stunning and radiant, the other elegant and refined. Both are excellent choices, and both have proposed. You can choose either..."

"Proposed?" Yun Feiyue and Luo Yunhuang echoed in surprise.

Naturally, they were shocked by Yu Jue. How could Yu Jue have proposed...

"In fact, if you like merchants, Grandfather actually favors Yu Jue. He has a good temper and looks... Grandfather has seen him, and he’s quite handsome. But perhaps it’s not convenient for him to show his face, being the kind of merchant he is." Jin Yu spoke with hidden meaning.

Yun Feiyue still couldn’t figure out what kind of merchant Yu Jue was.

"Qingwu Pavilion and the Yun family are competitors," she said, glancing at the man not far away.

Jin Yu smiled. "Before I married Yun Yi, the Jin and Yun families were rivals too. But now all is well. So, business competition is never permanent. With a marriage alliance, you become friends. I think Yu Jue is a good choice."

Her words were soft as silk, persuasive as honey.

"No," Yun Feiyue and Luo Yunhuang said in unison.

Yun Feiyue turned to Luo Yunhuang. "Why are you more excited than I am?"

Luo Yunhuang showed rare embarrassment, but Little Mumu jumped in, "Because Master cares about you! Mother, go choose quickly!"

Before she could approach, several strangers surrounded her.

"Miss Yun, do you remember me? You once saved me from drowning... Do you recall our bond?"

The speaker was effeminate, holding his hand in an orchid pose, reminiscing.

Yun Feiyue was instantly speechless, feeling as if she’d stumbled into a melodrama.

"Sorry, I don’t remember," she said, pushing the fop aside.

"Waaah, you’re abandoning me again—I can’t go on..."

Watching him flee in tears, Yun Feiyue felt ill at ease.

"How did rejects from previous marriage selections slip back in?" she grumbled.

Lady Murong, afraid Yun Feiyue might lose her temper and cause trouble, went to entertain guests, leaving Jin Yu with her.

Luo Yunhuang, meanwhile, took Little Mumu to flirt with the ladies.

"You’re so beautiful, sister! You’d make a great third aunt!"

"Oh, what a sweet boy! Naughty!"

"Little Mumu never lies. Third aunt, give me a hug..."

Thus, the child scored countless hugs.

Yun Feiyue, meanwhile, was surrounded by men.

"Miss Yun, I’m from the Wei family of Jing Kingdom, second son..."

"I haven’t said a word as a princess, and you, a mere second son, talk so much!" Ye Qi snapped at the man trying to chat up Yun Feiyue.

Actually, this was not so bad—most were scared off by Ye Qi. The rest she could handle herself.

But she was wrong. The allure of wealth was limitless. Coupled with her stunning looks, she was a magnet for attention.

Surrounded by men, she recited a calming mantra seven or eight times before regaining composure.

"Step aside!" she ordered.

Sorry, she wasn’t about to let them ride her coattails to the top.

At that moment, Mo Twelve burst over, brushing aside the crowd.

"Miss Beauty, did you miss me?"

Yun Feiyue shook her head. "No."

"But I have an agreement with Grandfather: if you don’t find someone you like among the crowd, you have to marry me!"

Mo Twelve raised his brow suggestively.

Yun Feiyue rubbed her forehead. Grandfather was too manipulative. Didn’t he know Mo Twelve’s looks were dangerous in themselves...

Not far off, Yun Feng was faring no better, surrounded by women and looking awkward.

Fortunately, Yun Hai arrived in time to help.

Yun Hai shielded Yun Feng. "Let’s stick to the rules, one at a time. No need for toasts! Today’s feast is for everyone’s enjoyment, so relax."

On such occasions, Yun Hai was always proper.

Yun Feng, taciturn, just tried to hide in the corner.

He was likely in the same plight as Yun Feiyue—ordered by Grandfather not to leave.

Looks like there was no escape for either of them that day.

"Don’t worry if there are too many people to choose from, Yue’er. I’ve already picked out some suitable candidates for you. If you like any, just tell me and I’ll arrange it... Grandfather is anxious to settle this. My own preference matches his—there are only a few we really consider. The rest are just decoration for the feast."

"There will be other activities tonight. Rest assured, we’ll find you a good husband."

Jin Yu covered her mouth and laughed softly, her manner impossibly refined.

Yun Feiyue stared wordlessly at them.

"Miss Beauty, if you don’t like it here, come with me! There may never be another chance!" Mo Twelve extended his hand.

Yun Feiyue knew what it meant if she took his hand. She wasn’t about to sell herself in front of everyone.

"I’ll go by myself!" She walked toward Yu Jue.

At least he wasn’t the candidate the Yun family most favored, and he posed the least threat.

Masked, no one knew what he looked like. That suited her just fine...

She could say whatever she wanted later.

"Would you care to stroll and talk of life, of martial arts, of the world?"

Yu Jue nodded gently. "Please."

His voice was soft, his manner just right—this man was gentle.

The two walked off together, and no one dared to pester further.

This was the scene Grandfather wanted, so he wouldn’t let anyone interfere.

Suddenly, the crowd quieted.

Yun Feiyue glanced behind to see that no one followed, and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you! Last time you gave me a healing spirit stone; this time I want to give you something. What do you want?"

She looked up at him with a smile.

Yu Jue replied softly, "I want nothing—only to ask if you truly love Mo Feiyuan so deeply. If not, give up. I could be a good match for you. Whatever you desire, I can give."

His tone was refined, not at all joking.

Though she couldn’t see his face beneath the mask, she could tell he was serious.

"Yu Jue, you’re someone I know, aren’t you?" Yun Feiyue looked at his mask.

The exquisite mask was carved perfectly, making one marvel at its beauty.

On someone else, it would seem pretentious, but on him, it fit just right.

"From today, let’s say we know each other. Sometimes I want to say we’ve long been familiar, but that would be a lie."

Yu Jue’s voice was smiling and gentle.

Yun Feiyue looked at him for a while, but couldn’t see through him. He didn’t resemble anyone she knew... Maybe she was overthinking.

"Yu Jue, you don’t seem like a merchant at all. Merchants shouldn’t be like you," she finally concluded.

Yu Jue didn’t refute, just followed at her side.

They chatted for a while about Yun Feiyue’s preferences.

Yet Yu Jue never revealed his own.

"I’ve heard the owner of Qingwu Pavilion is very capable. Yu Jue, you’re skilled, so you must know about the Mo family. What kind of family are they?"

Yun Feiyue only asked in passing, mentioning the Mo family—hoping Yu Jue would understand what she meant.

Yu Jue wasn’t a bad person to her—in fact, he treated her very well.

Such unmotivated kindness was hard to trust.

Yu Jue, however, seemed oblivious to her wariness.

"The Mo family is a dark clan—too dark for you. You should roam free and grow in your own time, untouched by outside interference."

He turned to her, hand on his ornate mask. "If you wish to see, one day I’ll let you. But not now. A woman I admire should not care only for appearances."

His expression was resolute, his voice gentle.

Yun Feiyue pressed her forehead. "You really don’t understand me. I’m actually a shallow woman who only cares about looks."

...

Yu Jue was momentarily speechless.

He silently watched her recede into the distance, leaving only a fiery, enchanting figure.

She leapt onto the roof of the pavilion, sitting there to survey the entire Yun residence.

At a corner, she happened to see Yun Feng and Yun Hai deep in conversation, looking rather secretive.

"Third Brother, with so many women around, you have to pick one, don’t you?" Yun Feiyue blinked at Yun Feng.

He glanced at her indifferently, a bit speechless. "I’m leaving."

Huh?

Yun Feiyue didn’t understand his meaning.

But Yun Feng simply turned and walked away...

He always was that arrogant.

Yun Hai then turned to Yun Feiyue with a smile. "Third Brother is going off to seek his own true love—he’s leaving the Yun family to grow stronger. After the Celestial Martial Ranking, he felt lacking and now wants to train himself."

"Third Brother is leaving?" Yun Feiyue had long guessed he wouldn’t choose any of these women, but hadn’t expected he’d leave because of it.

She quickly caught up with him.

"Third Brother, where are you going?"

He shook his head. "Just out for some training. If I married and settled down at the Yun family, I’d be like Eldest Brother."

Indeed, Yun Feiyue couldn’t imagine Yun Feng bringing some third sister-in-law home.

Yun Yi and Yun Feng were different—Eldest Brother was the heir, and a steady wife was ideal.

But Yun Feng was a swordsman, seeking strength and freedom all his life. He wouldn’t stay.

"At least tell Grandfather?" Yun Feiyue was helpless.

If Yun Feng just left without a word, it would be bad. Grandfather was old and might not live much longer, and he valued Yun Feng greatly.

She couldn’t imagine how angry he’d be.

"I’ll leave a note," Yun Feng said, picking up a brush and writing a few bold words:

"I’m going wandering."

No comment on the penmanship, but it was dashing.

With that, Yun Feng packed his storage stone and left.

Just like that...

Right in the middle of the Yun family’s grand banquet!

Yun Feiyue realized now she couldn’t leave herself! She’d been thinking that if Mo Feiyuan didn’t come, she would go, but now that Yun Feng had left, she didn’t dare.

She had to consider Grandfather’s feelings—he’d been in a foul mood lately.

"Young Miss, Young Miss... where are you?" A maid’s voice called from outside as she daydreamed.

Yun Feiyue turned to her. "What is it?"

"Old Master is waiting in the parlor—he says there’s an important guest."

Yun Feiyue agreed and went.

No doubt Grandfather was still busy arranging her marriage.

Sure enough, as soon as she entered, she saw Mo Twelve, Yu Jue, and others she didn’t know well.

Each was good looking, flawless in both features and form.

Little Mumu sat at Yun Kuang’s side, chatting with Grandfather.

"Don’t worry, Ancestor. No matter who Feiyue chooses, I support her," Little Mumu said solemnly.

Yun Feiyue entered, paid her respects, and slouched by Yun Kuang, as casual and lazy as ever, eyeing the suitors with indifference.

"So, what is it you all like about me?"

She had the air of a spoiled scion, her tone arrogant, surprising them all.

Lady Murong hurried to smooth things over. "Forgive her, Feiyue is just having those days—every woman has them."

That eased the tension somewhat.

One man stepped forward. "Greetings, I’m from Qing. Jin Yu’s younger brother, my name is Jin Jing."

"Jingjing? Twinkle, twinkle, little star, shining in the sky so far," Little Mumu sang gleefully.

Jin Jing’s face stiffened. Jin Yu didn’t look much better.

If not for the Yun family’s wealth and the dowry, she wouldn’t have let her brother come to propose.

"I think I’ve seen you before. As children, we practiced martial arts together. You lost, then cried to my mother that I’d hit you. She made me copy scriptures for months."

Yun Feiyue recalled it with annoyance.

Jin Jing looked equally embarrassed but tried to keep up appearances. "That was just childhood fun—a fond shared memory."

... Try copying scriptures for months and see how fond you feel.

"Ha, Brother Jin Jing, so easy for you to say!" Little Mumu praised.

Jin Jing was at a loss, unable to argue with a child. He could only retreat awkwardly.

"I’m Jun Qianmu from the Jun family of the South, a legitimate son..."

The Jun family—Jun Qianmu, cousin to Jun Shaomo.

Maybe it was the family genes, but he was good-looking, though Yun Feiyue disliked his gaze.

Something about his tone and eyes was off-putting.

Especially that last phrase, "legitimate son," which sounded unpleasant.

"Legitimate or not, your position is shaky, isn’t it? I hear your house lost its standing after two genius girls appeared in the second branch."

She made no attempt to hide her intent to embarrass him.

Jun Qianmu would have stormed out under normal circumstances, but now he had no choice—his position really was precarious.

To fix it, marrying Yun Feiyue was ideal.

"Our family isn’t as divided as people think. We all get along. If my younger sisters excel, we’re happy for them."

Yun Feiyue just smiled—she couldn’t care less if it was true or not.

She tore down each man’s pretense in turn, offending them all. She figured she ought to be able to leave now.

But Yun Kuang bellowed, "Where are you going?"

"I need to use the bathroom," Yun Feiyue said, sticking out her tongue.

... Yun Kuang regretted asking. Seeing the guests struggle not to laugh irked him further.

Little Mumu, seeing his mother slip away, shook his head and tried to take charge.

"My mother is in a bad mood, and it’s going to last. You’d best all take your leave!"

He cast a regretful glance at Mo Twelve. "Actually, I like Brother Mo Twelve best. We picked Senior Brother and Gentle Brother before, but Gentle Brother’s been gone a long time, and Senior Brother too."

He sighed, clearly thinking his mother only had eyes for Mo Feiyuan now.

"Brother Yu Jue seems nice, but I haven’t seen his face. In this world, looks matter—and a gold mask isn’t enough to win a wife."

Yu Jue’s hand trembled slightly—who knew what face lay beneath the mask.

Yun Kuang was angry, but also amused. Little Mumu was his youngest, a martial arts prodigy, and he couldn’t bear to scold him.

Little Mumu turned to Yun Kuang with a smile. "Am I right, Grandfather?"

Yu Jue inclined his head. "You’re right, but I fear I can only reveal my face on the wedding day."

His voice was still gentle and pleasant.

Yun Kuang knew Yu Jue’s strength. Beyond Qingwu Pavilion, he had other resources—like the Yun family, which outwardly was a business but also wielded private armies in Chu.

Qingwu Pavilion, by his estimation, was no weaker than the Yun family.

He could not afford to offend Yu Jue. "Apologies, children are thoughtless." He turned to Lady Murong. "Go see what’s keeping Yue’er—she’s been gone too long!"

As he spoke, Yun Feiyue returned. She’d found nowhere to hide—Grandfather’s people were everywhere.

"I’m back, Grandfather. Shall we continue?"

"Let’s," Yun Kuang said. "Since everyone’s intentions are clear, let’s hear why you wish to marry my Yue’er."

The answers were all the same: Miss Yun is virtuous, graceful, noble...

Frankly, Yun Kuang didn’t believe a word. He knew his granddaughter’s true nature better than anyone.

Only Mo Twelve and Yu Jue gave different answers.

Mo Twelve said, "It’s simply because Miss Yun is beautiful. I like beautiful women. Especially beautiful and fiery ones—they’re just my type. And, she doesn’t like me."

... So Mo Twelve actually liked her precisely because she didn’t like him.

Yu Jue merely said two words: "Fate."

Though cryptic, from his lips it sounded sincere, almost as if fate were real.

"That’s that. Yu Jue and Mo Twelve—choose one," Yun Kuang declared.

"I—" Yun Feiyue tried to protest, but he cut her off. "No other options."

"Can’t I be considered too?" At the door stood Beichen Yi, resplendent in imperial yellow robes, with a fresh smile. "I want to marry Sister Yue as well. What should we do?"

"Your Majesty!" The Yun family’s retainers bowed to Beichen Yi.

The rest offered perfunctory bows.

Beichen Yi quickly helped Yun Kuang up. "No need for ceremony, Old Master. If I become your grandson-in-law, I’ll owe you my respects."

He turned to Yun Feiyue. "Sister Yue, how about choosing me?"

——— End of chapter ———

A book recommendation from a friend:

One day, in the midst of war and smoke...

"Do you know why I didn’t kill you outright? I want to keep your head to bow to me, your hands to train my armies, your old eyes to witness how I, with two hundred thousand troops, will bring chaos to the world—so you may curse the heavens for letting a demon like me plague mankind. Now you understand? That’s what it means to be a demon consort."

Thus, it is said in the capital: alluring by nature, yet a harbinger of disaster.

Jump in and read... "Emperor’s Favor: The Alluring Consort" by Gu Nanxi

Robbery, deceit, seduction—him? No, it’s her.

Enchanting beauty, peerless elegance, bewitching all—her? No, it’s him.

In short: a cunning, lecherous, deviously charming lady falls for a dangerously handsome, upstanding young man.

Go ahead and try it...