Chapter 521 - 488: Annulment of the Engagement (Part 1)

Chapter 521: Chapter 488: Annulment of the Engagement (Part 1)

Yun Huai arrived promptly and followed the protocol to greet Zhao Xi.

Zhao Xi had only heard from Xue Yinhuan about her maternal family in Jiangnan. Her biological mother was skilled in winemaking and passed the craft onto her, though she was too young at the time to learn much.

As for the Yun family, it was his first encounter.

After glancing at Yun Huai, Zhao Xi asked, "May I know how to address you?"

The marriage arrangement with Xue Yinhuan had not yet been finalized, so calling him "Uncle" at this point would seem presumptuous and disrespectful.

Yun Huai cupped his hands, "Yun Six Lang, the single name Huai."

Zhao Xi realized, "Ah, Yun Six Lang, please have a seat."

Once they were seated, Zhao Xi got straight to the point, "I heard Yun Six Lang has come to see me for a matter?"

He did not directly mention Xue Yinhuan, safeguarding her reputation. After all, it wouldn’t sound good for a young lady to go to the Divine Soldier Bureau for three consecutive days waiting for him.

From an elder’s standpoint, Yun Huai was opposed to his niece’s marriage, despite the match being with a prince, for a concubine is still a concubine, subject to the main wife’s dominance for a lifetime.

"I am the little uncle of His Highness’s prospective concubine, Xue Yinhuan. My visit to the Capital is partly to inquire after His Highness’s well-being, and also, on behalf of the Yun family elders, to ask why His Highness wishes to take Huanhuan as a concubine?"

When Xue Yinhuan mentioned that her uncle was coming regarding the marriage, Zhao Xi had already anticipated this question. Nonetheless, he felt puzzled as to why her natal family showed little concern for her marriage, yet her maternal family proactively sought him out in the Capital?

Yun Huai easily discerned the thoughts of the person before him and smiled, "No offense meant, Your Highness. Huanhuan’s parents passed away; hence, her maternal family inevitably has to exert extra effort to support her."

Zhao Xi nodded, "Indeed, as Yun Six Lang mentioned, with Miss Xue’s parents gone, she needs someone to look after her, and I can pledge to care for her for a lifetime."

"So, Your Highness wishes to take her as a concubine due to guilt towards my brother-in-law, correct?"

Zhao Xi did not deny it.

He always acted with integrity, not adept at embellishments, unable to lie to the little uncle of the Yun family stating he had affection for Xue Yinhuan.

Zhao Xi’s response and reactions were already anticipated by Yun Huai, who gently laughed and said, "Many in this world can promise to care for her for life; yet, only you, Your Highness, cannot offer her the position of main wife."

With long fingers playing with the black glazed cup on the table, he solemnly stated, "Whether Your Highness wishes to repay a debt or compensate out of guilt, the sentiment is appreciated by the Yun family. However, we still ask Your Highness to reconsider taking her as a concubine.

The Yun family is not a prestigious clan. The reason I dare speak these words before Your Highness today is solely out of heartfelt care for my niece. Should Your Highness accept my suggestion to let Huanhuan regain her freedom, the Yun family will be eternally grateful. If Your Highness insists on taking her, I have nothing more to say."

The statement was expressed earnestly and flawlessly.

Zhao Xi could discern that the man opposite was not much older than him, yet his demeanor in conversation was quite like that of an elder.

"I can understand Yun Six Lang’s concerns," Zhao Xi said. "However, this decision was originally made by Miss Xue herself. Now with changes afoot, shouldn’t we ask for her opinion?"

Yun Huai’s expression was calm, "Marriage is a major event, decided by parental command and matchmaker’s words. Huanhuan’s parents are not present, and as her uncle, I cannot leave her unattended. She’s only fifteen, her perspective bound to be short-sighted and considerations lacking. In matters besides marriage, I can follow her wishes, but not in a marriage matter. As long as Your Highness lets her regain her freedom, whatever becomes of her, whether success or trouble, the Yun family will take responsibility."

The approach of the Yun family was assertive, indicating a high level of attention for Xue Yinhuan, even more than her own family.

Having such family members to look after her, Zhao Xi felt assured, "Since Yun Six Lang has spoken thus far, I can certainly not bind her any longer. Let’s do this, give me a few days to devise a solution that can successfully dissolve the engagement while preserving her reputation."

Yun Huai smiled and expressed gratitude.

Setting aside the matter of Xue Yinhuan, he genuinely admired the fifteen-year-old Prince opposite him. Though not entirely seasoned and prudent, at least Zhao Xi’s words and ideas were tending towards maturity.

After a moment of silence, Yun Huai smiled and extended an invitation, "I’ve heard Your Highness is skilled in riding and archery. Would I have the chance to spar with you?"

Zhao Xi showed no resentment about the earlier matter and agreed readily, "Once the matter is resolved successfully, let’s set a date for it."

"It’s a plan."

...

Xue Yinhuan had been waiting outside the teahouse, and soon saw the two of them come down.

She initially thought her little uncle might dispute the matter with the Eldest Prince, yet both appeared composed, showing no signs of discord.

"Uncle." Xue Yinhuan approached and greeted.

Before Zhao Xi, she was hesitant to ask about the discussion.

Once they went their separate ways, she softly asked, "Uncle didn’t argue with His Highness, did you?"

Yun Huai looked at her for a moment, answering a different question, "Huanhuan, the Eldest Prince has agreed to dissolve your marriage engagement. From now on, the Xue Family won’t take care of you; the Yun Family will. What the Xue Family can’t give you, the Yun Family will."

Xue Yinhuan was taken aback and asked Yun Huai, "He agreed?"

"A ruler does not speak lightly."

"Oh." Xue Yinhuan turned around.

On the way back to the mansion, the uncle and niece did not speak at all.

...

"Ah Jie, you’re back?" Xue Yan was feeding the rabbits and shouted a greeting when he saw his uncle and sister.

"Ah Yin." Xue Yinhuan walked to his side, slowly squatted down, reached out and rubbed the rabbit’s snow-white fur, asking, "You were feeding them when we left, why are you still feeding them now? Aren’t you afraid they’ll eat too much?"

Xue Yan replied, "I need to fatten these two little ones up quickly, so that when I leave, they’ll have the energy to keep Ah Jie company."

Saying that, he glanced at Xue Yinhuan’s expression, then at Yun Huai standing behind him, timidly asking, "Uncle, how did your discussion go?"

Yun Huai said, "Your sister won’t be a concubine for anyone again. Later, I’ll talk to your grandfather to arrange her marriage anew."

The siblings squatted on the ground feeding rabbits with their backs to Yun Huai, and Xue Yan leaned close to Xue Yinhuan, asking, "Ah Jie, are you happy?"

Xue Yinhuan pulled at the corner of her mouth but said nothing.

Xue Yan said, "If you have any thoughts, you can tell uncle, he’s not such an unreasonable person."

Xue Yinhuan dropped her lashes, "With father and mother gone, it’s only right for uncle, as the elder, to decide such a major matter as marriage."

"But if you’re not willing, you won’t be happy marrying someone else."

"Ah Yin, adult matters are not as simple as you think."

"I don’t understand," Xue Yan scratched his head, "I just worry that if Ah Jie marries someone she doesn’t like, she’ll end up like our mother..."

Xue Yinhuan’s expression suddenly changed, and she stopped him, "Ah Yin!"

Then she turned stiffly to look at Yun Huai, and indeed saw that uncle’s gaze had become complex, as if suddenly covered with a shadowy mist, the vermillion on his forehead appearing especially sharp and piercing at this moment.

Xue Yinhuan pressed her lips together, "Uncle, Ah Yin he..."

Before she could finish, Yun Huai turned and left.

Xue Yinhuan, fearing what might happen, patted her chest and feigned annoyance as she tweaked Xue Yan’s ear, "From now on, don’t mention mother in front of anyone, especially uncle and grandfather, understand?"

Xue Yan, realizing his mistake, drooped his head and muttered an "Oh."

"You!" Xue Yinhuan sighed, torn between affection and helplessness, "When will you grow up?"

Hearing this, Xue Yan slowly lifted his head, his eyes full of grievance as he looked at her, "Ah Jie, do you dislike me?"

Xue Yinhuan laughed with exasperation, "Yes, Ah Jie dislikes you, so you must work hard to grow up, okay? Stop being so reckless and worrying everyone."

Xue Yan’s eyes turned red, and he suddenly leaned against her shoulder, "Ah Jie, I miss mother. When I’m at grandmother’s house, I dare not mention a word, fearing uncle’s wrath. Only on mother’s death anniversary each year can I cry freely."

"I miss mother too," Xue Yinhuan said, "But she’s not here anymore. You need to be a little man. When Ah Jie marries and can’t visit Jiangnan to see you, you have to be strong on your own and don’t cry so easily, understand?"

"Mm." Xue Yan choked as he nodded.

——

Yun Huai walked out of Xue Yan’s courtyard.

The words his nephew had just said reminded him of certain past events, leaving him in a foul mood. Several servants greeted him along the way, but he ignored them, walking along the edge of the lotus pond until he stopped beneath a willow tree. Suddenly, he struck the thick trunk with his fist.

Coincidentally at this time, the steward of Minister’s Mansion came over and was startled, "Uncle, have the servants in the mansion failed in their duties and upset you?"

Yun Huai closed his eyes, suppressing the hostility in them, then turned his head, his expression more gentle, "When will Minister Xue return from Lower Court?"

The steward replied, "I estimate it’ll be a little while yet. If you have urgent matters, I can send someone to the government office to inform him."

"No need." Yun Huai rubbed his hand where the skin was broken, and as he walked forward, his voice drifted back, "Just inform me when he returns to the mansion."