Chapter 142

Chapter 142: Apologizing on His Behalf

Liang Rao trembled all over, angered by Shang Hang Yu’s words.

Madam Liu’s face also flushed red, veins bulging on her forehead. Pointing at his departing figure, she shouted furiously, “Madam Shang, what is your second young master’s meaning? Does he disdain our Liu family’s Second Miss and refuse to take responsibility?”

Or perhaps, he fancied her Yan’er?

Outrageous!

A mere wastrel who had no shame to even look himself clearly in the mirror dared to covet her daughter!

Enraged, Madam Liu stormed out of the General’s residence.

Before leaving, she mocked Liang Rao bitterly, “What nonsense! A spoiled wastrel! Our Liu residence was already gracious enough not to mind his terrible reputation, yet now he dares to be picky!”

“Truly absurd!”

Madam Liu returned home, her fury unsubsided even after drinking two full cups of tea.

Upon hearing Shang Hang Yu’s reaction, Liu Yan couldn’t help but scoff aloud.

So, it was all an act.

Back then, he had shown such disdain, never even sparing her a glance. Yet now, he pretended to care. Ridiculous! Had he not saved her, she wouldn’t have even glanced his way.

“Enough, Mother. Why bother with someone like him?” Liu Yan comforted gently.

Madam Liu breathed heavily. “Let it be! A toad dreaming of eating swan meat—I’ll wait and see what kind of girl he ends up with!”

“So, Mother, you don’t intend to marry Second Sister to him anymore?” Liu Yan frowned.

“He’s the one being choosy. Why should we insist?”

“But news of him saving a Liu family’s daughter is already out. If he refuses to marry Second Sister and the rumors start dragging me into this… Mother, I’d rather die than marry him!” Liu Yan bit her lip fiercely.

Seeing her daughter like this, Madam Liu felt deeply pained.

“Rest assured,” she finally said through gritted teeth, eyes flashing cruelly, “then we’ll make it impossible for him to refuse!”

In Liu Xu’s small and remote courtyard, a frail figure sat silently by the window, staring blankly.

How had things turned out this way?

She wasn’t the one who fell into the water, nor was she the one saved. So why was she the one forced to marry?

And of all people…to that worthless wastrel!

Her heart filled with sorrow. She was only a concubine-born daughter of the Liu family. Her birth mother, favored briefly for her frail beauty, had been secretly executed after being caught with a lowly stableman just seven days after Liu Xu’s birth. Her father suspected she wasn’t his, ignoring her entirely.

All these years, she lived at a distant country estate, relying solely on her nanny.

Only last year did she find an opportunity, showing her pitiful life to her father, and thus gained his compassion to return to the capital.

She had never asked for riches or power, only wishing for someone kind-hearted and honorable to marry.

But Shang Hang Yu…

A good-for-nothing, spoiled fool. Even if he was legitimate, overshadowed by his capable elder brother, without the General’s protection, he would be lower than street scoundrels.

Liu Xu’s eyes reddened. Gently, she took out a roughly carved wooden butterfly from her dressing case.

“Together, butterflies dance among flowers; may this token reach a kindred heart, never to part…”

The door behind creaked open.

Panicked, Liu Xu hid the butterfly hastily.

Madam Liu didn’t even glance at her, coldly ordering the old women behind her, “Take her out and douse her with water!”

“Yes.” Before Liu Xu could react, she was dragged outside, and icy water poured over her again and again. Her fragile struggles were useless against the strong servants, her mouth muffled to silence any cries.

Only after she sat trembling, soaked and pale, did Madam Liu coldly say, “Don’t blame me, Xu’er. You fell into the water today and were saved by Second Young Master Shang, losing your purity publicly. If he agrees to marry you, fine. If not…”

“Either you die, or you live out your days in the clan temple.”

Turning to her nanny, she added, “Spread the word that Second Young Master Shang ruined Second Miss Liu’s purity, causing her to attempt suicide by jumping into a well, luckily rescued.”

“Yes!” The nanny left swiftly.

That night, as the Imperial Palace held a banquet for visiting envoys, outside the palace, a storm brewed.

Compared to the distant palace feast, the commoners eagerly discussed yesterday’s noble gossip.

“Have you heard? Second Miss Liu, the one rescued from drowning yesterday, tried to drown herself again!”

“Really? Why? She was saved only to attempt suicide again? Did she intend to die all along?”

“Of course not! They say she lost her purity when saved, and that wastrel Shang refused to marry her.”

“Was it that serious?”

“For noblewomen, it certainly is. After being held by another man, how could she find a suitable husband?”

“Poor girl! But why wouldn’t Second Young Master Shang marry her?”

“Why else? Arrogant pride, looking down on a mere concubine’s daughter,” someone sneered disdainfully.

“So what if she’s a concubine-born daughter? She’s still human! Everyone knows Shang Hang Yu’s reputation as a worthless fool. Liu’s Second Miss doesn’t disdain him, yet he has the nerve to reject her?”

With Liu family’s encouragement, rumors spread and twisted further, some even suggesting Shang Hang Yu took advantage of the rescue.

Madam Liu was pleased. She didn’t believe Shang Hang Yu could refuse now. Perhaps soon he’d be begging at Liu Residence’s doorstep.

Her guess was accurate. At that moment, the General’s mansion was in chaos. Shang Tian Hao’s face darkened as search parties failed to find Shang Hang Yu.

“Father, we can’t continue like this. If Liu Second Miss really dies, Xing Yu’s reputation will be utterly ruined…”

“Then let it be ruined!” Shang Tian Hao snapped, fuming.

“Not just Xing Yu, but our entire family,” Shang Xiu Yuan sighed. “If we can’t find Xing Yu, I’ll go and apologize to Liu Residence on his behalf, clarifying our position.”

“Fine,” Shang Tian Hao sighed bitterly. It seemed true—a merchant’s daughter bore no good fruit. Had he not needed Qin family’s support, he never would’ve married Qin Meng Cen.

“Go, but clearly state you’re acting for Shang Hang Yu. Don’t let others misunderstand.”

“Rest assured, Father.”