Chapter 145

Chapter 145: I Do Not Want Her

“My daughter… my daughter… d-doesn’t know…” Liu Yan’s face drained of all color.

Sheng Zhi Wan asked again, “Yesterday, it was Second Young Master Shang who saved Eldest Young Lady Liu. Is the Second Young Lady Liu willing to marry him?”

Helpless, Liu Yan looked to her mother.

Madam Liu, at this moment, was also speechless.

Meanwhile, Shang Xiu Yuan’s thoughts grew chaotic.

[Shang Hang Yu saved Liu Yan! But must Liu Yan marry him simply because of that?]

How could a notorious scoundrel deserve the legitimate daughter of the prestigious Liu family?

If Shang Hang Yu married Liu Yan, with the Liu family’s support, wouldn’t he become a rival for control over the General’s estate?

[I absolutely cannot allow him to marry Liu Yan!]

With this thought, Shang Xiu Yuan stepped forward and bowed, saying, “Princess, there’s no need to insist. It is understandable. Xing Yu has a notorious reputation. For Liu Residence to offer their Second Young Lady to marry him already repays the favor more than enough.”

“Princess might not be aware, but previously even daughters from smaller households have refused marriage proposals from Xing Yu. Mother has been deeply worried over his marital prospects.”

Hearing this, Sheng Zhi Wan’s eyes grew cold. “What do you mean, Eldest Young Master Shang? Are you suggesting that Second Young Master Shang is unworthy of Eldest Young Lady Liu?”

“This…” Shang Xiu Yuan sighed, “It’s our fault for spoiling Xing Yu.”

Though not explicit, his words clearly implied agreement with Sheng Zhi Wan.

“Interesting,” Sheng Zhi Wan sneered openly. “Eldest Young Master Shang truly cares for Second Young Master Shang. First, you allowed your friends to ridicule and belittle him openly. Then, you snatched away his official duties. And now, after he saved someone’s life, he’s unworthy even of Liu Residence’s illegitimate daughter?”

Shang Xiu Yuan flushed deeply. “Princess, there’s no need to misunderstand me. I merely spoke the truth.”

“Does speaking truthfully make it right?” Sheng Zhi Wan turned toward Madam Liu and Liu Yan. “Eldest Young Lady Liu, without Second Young Master Shang saving you yesterday, you’d have drowned, wouldn’t you?”

Liu Yan bit her lip fiercely. [I’d rather he hadn’t saved me!]

“Of course,” Sheng Zhi Wan continued, “If Eldest Young Lady Liu would rather not have been saved by Second Young Master Shang, she can always jump back into the river again to prove her virtue through death.”

“My daughter…” Liu Yan naturally did not want to die, or she wouldn’t have struggled so desperately yesterday.

Sheng Zhi Wan cut her off, “You neither wish to die nor have your reputation tarnished. As far as I know, Second Young Master Shang never forced Eldest Young Lady Liu into marriage, did he? Even when Madam Liu visited the General’s estate yesterday, she was outright refused.”

“Instead of accepting the refusal, Madam Liu created this spectacle of an illegitimate daughter who supposedly jumped into a well out of despair. Dare I ask—if the Second Young Lady Liu never fell into the river, nor was she rejected in marriage, how exactly did she become so ill?”

Madam Liu’s expression alternated between pale and dark, unable to respond clearly. After a moment, she forced out, “Princess… This is a private affair between Liu Residence and the General’s estate. You shouldn’t interfere!”

“Indeed, I shouldn’t. However, Second Young Master Shang is my lifesaver. Originally, I came here simply as a witness. Who knew I would stumble upon such a ridiculous farce?”

“Princess could choose not to see this! Liu Residence will surely remember your kindness and generosity.”

Madam Liu didn’t understand why Shang Xiu Yuan was helping Liu Residence, but if the General’s estate wasn’t pursuing this matter further, blocking Sheng Zhi Wan’s interference was her only hope.

At this, Sheng Zhi Wan softened her stance. “Alright. This matter truly has nothing to do with me.”

Madam Liu brightened. Was Princess Ning finally backing off?

“As long as Second Young Master Shang himself agrees and is willing to marry Second Young Lady Liu.”

Madam Liu’s face fell immediately.

Shang Hang Yu had already rejected the match yesterday. Clearly, he was aiming for Liu Yan!

After all, who would willingly choose an illegitimate daughter over the legitimate one?

Liu Yan lowered her head, her fingernails digging into her palm.

[No matter what, I will never marry a notorious rake!]

If Shang Hang Yu chose her, she would…

She glanced toward a nearby pillar.

[I’ll smash my head right into it!]

Shang Xiu Yuan quickly interjected, “Xing Yu is probably out causing trouble again today. When he returns, I’ll ask him personally.”

Dragging out the matter was best. Later, who knew what changes might come? Sheng Zhi Wan couldn’t control everything!

“Yes…” Madam Liu echoed.

Sheng Zhi Wan lowered her gaze slightly, hiding her amusement. Liu Residence and the General’s estate were cooperating so closely—one would almost think Shang Xiu Yuan belonged to Liu Residence.

At this moment, the butler hurriedly entered, whispering something to Madam Liu after briefly greeting Sheng Zhi Wan.

Madam Liu’s expression turned ghostly pale at once.

Sheng Zhi Wan raised an eyebrow. “What happened, Madam Liu?”

“No… nothing.” Madam Liu forced a smile.

Sheng Zhi Wan nodded knowingly. [It seems Shang Hang Yu has arrived.]

“In that case, I’ll leave first. As for witnessing the marriage, let’s wait until Second Young Master Shang agrees.” Sheng Zhi Wan stood up to leave.

“Wait!” Madam Liu hurriedly called out.

Sheng Zhi Wan glanced back, “Does Madam Liu still have something to say?”

“Princess rarely visits us. Why not stay a bit longer for tea?”

She simply couldn’t allow Sheng Zhi Wan to go out now…

“No need,” Sheng Zhi Wan replied, ignoring Madam Liu’s feeble attempts to stop her.

As Sheng Zhi Wan approached the entrance under Madam Liu’s anxious watch, a familiar voice drifted over.

“Second Young Master Shang, please wait a bit longer… Madam will be here shortly. Ah, Madam, you’re finally here!” The doorman exclaimed in relief upon seeing Madam Liu.

Madam Liu nearly fainted when she caught sight of Shang Hang Yu.

[This troublemaker! Why now of all times?]

“Princess!” Seeing Sheng Zhi Wan, Shang Hang Yu’s eyes immediately brightened, and he courteously approached her.

His respectful demeanor reminded Liu Yan, who had hidden herself behind Madam Liu, of yesterday’s humiliation. He had simply walked away without a word.

Liu Yan bit her lip bitterly.

“What a coincidence,” Sheng Zhi Wan murmured, recalling Shang Hang Yu’s previous teasing words, cheeks warming slightly. Avoiding his gaze, she turned toward Madam Liu, “Madam Liu, shall we speak here?”

Taking a deep breath, Madam Liu forced another smile. “Since Second Young Master Shang has come, he is our guest. Let us move to the Flower Hall.”

Soon, everyone returned to the Flower Hall.

With Shang Hang Yu’s arrival, Sheng Zhi Wan abandoned thoughts of leaving and sat down again.

Madam Liu secretly gave Liu Yan another pointed look towards the wall, prompting Liu Yan’s hesitant understanding.

Sheng Zhi Wan succinctly described the day’s events, Shang Hang Yu attentively watching her as she spoke.

Feeling unsettled by his gaze, Sheng Zhi Wan quickly looked away. After finishing, she finally asked him, “I met Second Young Lady Liu today. Though not as lovely as Eldest Young Lady Liu, she’s still quite beautiful. Since she hasn’t objected, I assume she agrees. What do you think, Second Young Master Shang?”

Without hesitation, Shang Hang Yu firmly met her eyes and declared:

“I do not want Second Young Lady Liu!”