Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 349 - 348. The Xu Family’s attitude, ruthlessly rejected

Chapter 349: 348. The Xu Family’s attitude, ruthlessly rejected

348. The Xu Family’s attitude, ruthless rejection

Although Dongfang Hui knew that her proposal was somewhat inappropriate at this time, she couldn’t just give up. It wasn’t just her pride that had been stung by Xu Qingchen’s merciless put-down; her status simply wouldn’t allow her to walk away like this. Licheng was still a hub for many influential people, and even Prince Ding’s Mansion couldn’t guarantee there weren’t spies from other factions within its walls. She feared that the moment they stepped out of Prince Ding’s Mansion, news would spread throughout Licheng: the master of Cangmang Mountain had personally proposed a match for her apprentice, only to be rejected by Young Master Qingchen. It wasn’t that Dongfang Hui didn’t want to leave; she, too, was caught in a difficult situation.

After a moment of silence, Dongfang Hui quickly composed herself and looked up. "In that case, may I meet Mr. Hongyu and his wife personally? After all, it has been over twenty years since I last saw Mr. Hongyu."

Ye Li was about to refuse but saw Xu Qingchen give her a subtle nod. Though somewhat puzzled by Xu Qingchen’s intentions, Ye Li didn’t question him. She summoned Zhuo Jing and inquired about the whereabouts of Xu Hong Yu and First Madam Xu. Zhuo Jing replied, "Mr. Hongyu is in the study. First Madam and Second Madam are in the guest courtyard speaking with Madam Yang." Ye Li nodded. "Please ask Uncle and Aunt to come here."

Zhuo Jing departed with his orders, and silence descended upon the hall. Dongfang Hui, preoccupied and still smarting from Xu Qingchen’s rebuke, was in no mood to speak. Mo Xiuyao, the host, simply lay his head on Ye Li’s lap and closed his eyes to rest, completely unconcerned by the guests’ presence. His silver-white hair fanned out casually over Ye Li’s lap and the soft couch. Xu Qingchen and Ye Li were both composed individuals, each calmly sipping their tea with an air of unruffled poise. Dongfang You, on the other hand, though somewhat prepared for Xu Qingchen’s repeated rejections, couldn’t help but feel a fresh pang of disappointment and heartache upon hearing his refusal once more. Her gaze towards Xu Qingchen now carried a hint of resentment.

Initially, Dongfang You’s desire to marry Xu Qingchen had been a matter of expediency. She herself hadn’t considered it essential, merely viewing Xu Qingchen as the best option. However, Young Master Qingchen’s repeated rejections had caused her to develop genuine feelings. Her initial decision to marry Xu Qingchen was primarily influenced by his identity as Princess Consort Ding’s cousin and the Prince Ding’s Mansion’s chief strategist. Now, however, her persistence had become entirely unrelated to Xu Qingchen’s status.

Observing the change in Dongfang You’s expression, Ye Li sighed inwardly. It seems Xu Qingyan’s unfortunate prediction was true. This whole affair is indeed a case of Dongfang You overestimating herself. Initially, she probably didn’t think she would develop any feelings for Xu Qingchen. That’s why she could so brazenly propose what she claimed was merely a mutually beneficial partnership. However, with Young Master Qingchen known as the ’Immortal Young Master,’ it was all too easy for a woman to fall for him. If Dongfang You is indeed caught in this emotional snare, it’s entirely her own doing.

Soon, Xu Hong Yu and First Madam Xu arrived, arm in arm. Naturally, trailing behind them was the incorrigible troublemaker, Xu Qingyan.

Upon seeing Xu Hong Yu, Dongfang Hui also rose to her feet, smiling. "Brother Xu, it’s been many years, but you still look as distinguished as ever." One had to admit, Dongfang Hui was a captivating woman, despite her age. Perhaps her position as the master of Cangmang Mountain endowed her with a unique confidence and decisiveness that set her apart from ordinary women. Yet, she didn’t come across as overbearing or unpleasant. Her demeanor was somewhat reminiscent of Madam Sun, Sun Huinang, from the Xiling Imperial Court. However, Dongfang Hui was more elegant and understated; Sun Huinang exuded an air of competence, astuteness, and assertiveness, while Dongfang Hui inspired a deeper sense of awe and admiration.

Xu Hong Yu nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "Madam Dongfang."

Ye Li stood up and approached them, speaking softly, "Li’er and the Prince have handled things poorly, troubling Uncle and Aunt." First Madam Xu took her hand and chuckled. "What are you saying, dear? This concerns Qingchen’s marriage; how could it be troublesome? If we can find a good wife for your elder cousin, I’d gladly keep busy every day."

"Mother..." Xu Qingchen was at a loss, caught between amusement and exasperation. It was clear his mother was truly fed up with his prolonged bachelorhood and never missed a chance to tease him about it.

First Madam Xu shot him a look, retorting irritably, "Do you have anything to say? If you weren’t so reluctant to marry, would we be in this situation today?"

Young Master Qingchen rubbed his nose and silently accepted the admonishment. However, the expressions of Dongfang Hui and Dongfang You shifted. Although First Madam Xu wasn’t addressing them directly, her words, ostensibly a reprimand for Xu Qingchen, could easily be interpreted by others as a rebuke to Dongfang You for shamelessly pursuing him. Dongfang Hui’s expression stiffened momentarily but she quickly recovered. Ye Li, who had been watching her closely, was likely the only one to notice. Smoothing a stray lock of hair from her temple, Dongfang Hui smiled faintly. "Brother Xu, Sister-in-law indeed has a knack for speaking her mind so directly."

Only then did First Madam Xu turn to look at Dongfang Hui. She then turned to Xu Hong Yu and asked, "Husband, do we actually have a ’younger sister’ in our family?" Does she think I can’t tell she’s mocking me for not being a model of high-born elegance?

Xu Hong Yu replied with a gentle smile, "Madam, what nonsense are you speaking? You’ve been married into the Xu Family for over thirty years; surely you know who our relatives are? This is Madam Dongfang from Cangmang Mountain. We met a few times many years ago when she was traveling for her training."

"I see." First Madam Xu nodded, then said apologetically, "Madam Dongfang, please forgive my rudeness. Don’t take offense."

Dongfang Hui felt a knot tighten in her stomach. True, she hadn’t descended the mountain in twenty years, but she had experienced much in her life. Never before had she felt so unwelcome. Or had the people in the world below changed so drastically in two decades? If Xu Qingchen’s hostility was veiled, First Madam Xu’s was blatantly obvious. Glancing at Xu Hong Yu, who stood beside First Madam Xu, Dongfang Hui felt a flicker of understanding, yet this only deepened her sense of being wronged. Although she had harbored some youthful fantasies about Xu Hong Yu, she had suppressed those feelings as soon as she learned he was married and that she was to return to the mountain to assume leadership of Cangmang Mountain. If First Madam Xu held such a grudge over something so trivial from the past, it seemed rather petty.

Once the hosts and guests were seated, First Madam Xu looked calmly at Dongfang Hui and offered a slight smile. "Earlier, Li’er sent word that Madam Dongfang wished to discuss Qingchen’s marriage with us. What did you wish to say?"

Though feeling somewhat awkward, Dongfang Hui gracefully reiterated her purpose, tactfully expressing Cangmang Mountain’s desire to form a marital alliance with the Xu Family. First Madam Xu glanced coolly at Dongfang You before asking, "Madam Dongfang, are you familiar with the customary marriage proceedings among ordinary families?"

Dongfang Hui was taken aback. Before she could reply, First Madam Xu continued, "The proposal, inquiring of the name, determining auspiciousness, sending betrothal gifts, setting the date, and welcoming the bride. Even for imperial family unions, where marriages are decreed by royalty, only the closest relatives would know the bride’s maiden name. Miss Dongfang’s name is renowned throughout the land even before any betrothal, so the ’inquiring of the name’ step could certainly be skipped. That aside, exceptionally beautiful and talented women often deserve a degree of leniency. In the past, the names of noble young ladies from prominent families in the Capital of Great Chu were occasionally known, though none achieved Miss Dongfang’s level of fame. However, the future daughter-in-law of the Xu Family is not required to possess world-toppling beauty or widespread talent. There is only one essential criterion: she must be well-behaved and strictly adhere to the traditional upbringing of a maiden."

Dongfang Hui’s expression soured. First Madam Xu was clearly stating that Dongfang You did not meet the Xu Family’s standards.

"Madam Xu, in what way have I not adhered to a maiden’s traditional upbringing?" Dongfang You, who had been standing to the side, stepped forward, her tone challenging and unconvinced.

First Madam Xu merely cast a fleeting glance at her and did not deign to reply.

Xu Qingyan, peeking out from behind Xu Hong Yu, chuckled. "Miss Dongfang, there are four virtues for women: proper speech, womanly skills, appropriate appearance, and virtuous conduct. I wonder how many of these you possess?" Proper speech doesn’t require eloquence, just that words are used fittingly. Dongfang You is certainly articulate, but she never seems to use her words in the right context. As for appearance, setting other things aside, the mere fact that she practiced charm techniques disqualifies her. Virtuous conduct is even more out of the question. For a woman who, even before marriage, is already scheming how to use her husband’s family to advance her own ambitions, ’virtuous conduct’ is as substantial as a fleeting cloud. To put it bluntly, Dongfang You can marry anyone she pleases, but if she hopes to enter the Xu Family, she won’t find so much as a window, let alone a door.

Only then did Dongfang Hui’s gaze fall upon Xu Qingyan. "This would be Fifth Young Master Xu?"

As if oblivious to the pressure in her gaze, Xu Qingyan stepped forward with an amiable smile and a courteous bow. "I am indeed Fifth Xu. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Madam Dongfang."

Dongfang Hui chuckled. "Fifth Young Master has quite a nimble tongue."

Xu Qingyan laughed. "Please forgive my impertinence, Madam. It’s just that my elder brother is rather reserved and often finds it difficult to say such things himself. As his younger brother, I naturally feel compelled to speak up a bit. My brother is destined to manage the Xu Family’s affairs. If he were to marry a wife who is not presentable, wouldn’t it bring shame upon our entire family?"

"Qingyan!" Xu Hong Yu frowned slightly, casting a disapproving glance at Xu Qingyan. However, there was no trace of actual reproof in his tone. Evidently, Xu Qingyan’s words resonated with him, though his position prevented him from saying so directly. If he truly disapproved of Xu Qingyan’s bluntness, why would he have waited until he had finished speaking before offering a mild rebuke?

With matters having reached this point, Dongfang Hui understood that, at least for today, the marriage proposal was a lost cause. She wasn’t one to press her luck foolishly. Rather than endure further humiliation, it was better to leave and strategize. Coming to this decision, Dongfang Hui composed her features and said with a calm smile, "In that case, we have imposed on Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding today. We shall take our leave now." Ye Li did not try to detain them, smiling as she said, "Safe travels, Madam."

Dongfang Hui nodded and said to Dongfang You, "You’er, let’s go."

Dongfang You bit her lip, her gaze fixed on Xu Qingchen. Unfortunately, Xu Qingchen seemed utterly oblivious, calmly lowering his eyes to sip his tea. Dongfang You’s face paled. Suddenly, she spoke, "Regarding the four virtues of women mentioned by Fifth Young Master Xu, I wonder how many of those Princess Consort Ding possesses?"

"You’er, be silent!" Dongfang Hui snapped, her voice sharp. Scolded by her master in front of so many people, Dongfang You’s eyes instantly reddened, yet she stubbornly refused to back down.

First Madam Xu smiled faintly. "Cangmang Mountain certainly has excellent upbringing."

Xu Qingyan, still smiling, said, "Sister Li’er naturally possesses all four virtues. More importantly, Prince Ding likes her just the way she is, and the Xu Family doesn’t like you the way you are." No amount of rules could override genuine affection. It wasn’t just that Ye Li was widely acknowledged as a capable helpmate. In fact, in the eyes of many, she was more than that; the name of Princess Consort Ding already stood equal to that of Prince Ding. Even if Ye Li possessed no skills, as long as Prince Ding favored her, it wouldn’t be an issue. Conversely, even if Dongfang You excelled in every aspect, possessing outstanding beauty and talent, it would be meaningless if the Xu Family didn’t approve of such a daughter-in-law. And the Xu Family’s requirements for a daughter-in-law were clearly different from those of Prince Ding’s Mansion. If Dongfang You truly possessed talents comparable to Ye Li’s, the Xu Family might not have rejected her. The problem was, she didn’t.

Dongfang You’s face was ashen. Dongfang Hui couldn’t bear to see her disciple so humiliated. She shot Dongfang You a displeased glance. "Are you not leaving yet?"

Defeated, Dongfang You could only follow silently behind her master.

After seeing the guests off, Xu Qingyan, still grinning, sidled up to Xu Qingchen. "Elder Brother, what do you think? Was I right?" Xu Qingchen looked at him impassively. "Right about what?"

"Don’t deny it. That Dongfang You has taken a liking to you. The way she looked at you just now, so reproachful, as if you had toyed with her affections and then cruelly abandoned her," Xu Qingyan chuckled.

"SMACK!" First Madam Xu slapped him on the forehead. "What ’toyed with affections and abandoned’? What sort of ridiculous things have you been learning out there these past few years? Let me tell you, no woman from Cangmang Mountain is to enter the Xu Family’s doors!" Xu Qingyan clutched his forehead, confused. "Mother, Dongfang You certainly can’t marry into our family. Elder Brother would never be interested in her." First Madam Xu snorted. "Not just your elder brother. No one! Not Dongfang You, not any other woman from there!" With that, she turned and swept out of the room.

Xu Qingyan rubbed his forehead and looked at Xu Hong Yu. "Father, I get the feeling Mother’s words have a hidden meaning."

Xu Hong Yu raised his hand and tapped him on the forehead. "You’re overthinking it." He waved to the others and followed his wife out.

Xu Qingyan looked mournfully at Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao, and Xu Qingchen. "Why am I always the one who gets hurt?" His eldest brother bullied him, his mother hit him, and now even his father, usually so refined and self-possessed, was tapping him on the head.

Xu Qingchen regarded him with a half-smile, and Xu Qingyan quickly backed away, then darted out of the room.

"Dongfang Hui is a clever woman," Xu Qingchen remarked lightly, tapping his fingers on the armrest.

"A clever woman who was nonetheless thoroughly provoked by Young Master Qingchen, wasn’t she?" Mo Xiuyao said languidly. Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "That was for Dongfang You’s sake; deep concern can often cloud one’s judgment. If Dongfang You weren’t involved, Dongfang Hui would likely not be so easy to deal with."

"Brother Qingchen seems to really dislike Dongfang Hui?" Mo Xiuyao asked, curious. Xu Qingchen rarely showed such open dislike for someone. As far as Mo Xiuyao knew, Xu Qingchen shouldn’t have even met Dongfang Hui before. Hearing this, Ye Li also looked at Xu Qingchen with curiosity. It wasn’t just Xu Qingchen; First Madam Xu’s attitude towards Dongfang Hui was also rather strange. This led Ye Li to suspect that Dongfang Hui’s past relationship with her uncle might not have been as casual as he had implied. However, it wasn’t appropriate to speculate wildly about the affairs of her elders, so she suppressed her curiosity.

Xu Qingchen wasn’t secretive about it. "It’s nothing much," he said lightly. "I just happened to intercept a few of Dongfang Hui’s letters back then."

"Oh? Could it be...?" Did Mr. Hongyu really have a secret lover?

Seeing the almost identical expressions of surprise on their faces, Xu Qingchen shook his head in resignation. "What are you two imagining? It was merely a one-sided infatuation on Dongfang Hui’s part. Father never even saw the letters. However, Mother and I did. At that time... Mother had just become pregnant with Fourth Brother. Seeing Dongfang Hui’s letters put her in low spirits for a while."

Ye Li blinked. "Uncle didn’t know about Dongfang Hui’s intentions?"

Xu Qingchen thought for a moment. "He probably didn’t. I intercepted the few letters she sent to the Xu Family. The very first one only contained words of gratitude."

"Brother, you didn’t give the letters to Uncle?" Ye Li asked.

Xu Qingchen frowned slightly. "Father wasn’t home when the first two letters arrived. The subsequent ones were a bit... I was quite young then and didn’t think things through." After all, Xu Qingchen was not yet ten years old at the time. He didn’t quite grasp many things, particularly issues related to romantic relationships, so he hadn’t thoroughly considered how best to handle the situation. In retrospect, there probably wouldn’t have been any harm in giving the letters directly to Mr. Hongyu. However, it had serendipitously worked out. Since Mr. Hongyu was unaware of Dongfang Hui’s past feelings, he wouldn’t feel constrained by any old sentiments when dealing with matters concerning Cangmang Mountain. Of course, Ye Li had absolute faith that Mr. Hongyu would never let personal feelings compromise his official duties.

"If that’s the case, what about Aunt...?"

Xu Qingchen said, "Mother knows Father’s heart and trusts him. The only reason Mother disparaged Dongfang Hui so openly was because Dongfang Hui wrote those kinds of letters knowing full well that Father was already married and had children."

"Is that also why you dislike Dongfang Hui, Brother?" Ye Li asked.

Xu Qingchen paused, then sighed softly with a slight frown. "Perhaps it’s because she was the first person I ever truly disliked."

Hearing this, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile. Outsiders probably imagine Young Master Qingchen was born with that ethereal, immortal-like demeanor. If he hadn’t said so, who would have known that as a young boy, Young Master Qingchen had once resorted to some less-than-clever tactics out of concern for his parents’ marriage and to ward off a third party attempting to disrupt their family?

"Dongfang Hui probably won’t give up easily. Setting aside Dongfang You’s own wishes, with this matter having caused such a stir, if Cangmang Mountain were to choose someone else now, it would be a huge blow to both their reputation and Dongfang You’s," Xu Qingchen said, his brow furrowed in thought as he considered the recent events. Mo Xiuyao remarked nonchalantly, "It doesn’t matter if she wants to cling stubbornly. In the end, we won’t be the ones losing face. Besides, Lei Zhenting needs time to make his arrangements, and we also need some time to thoroughly investigate Cangmang Mountain. Let them make a fuss if they want."

Xu Qingchen said, "Dongfang Hui isn’t the type to keep banging her head against a wall. What if she abandons the marriage alliance and simply seeks to cooperate with Prince Ding’s Mansion?" That way, although Dongfang You’s reputation would suffer somewhat, Cangmang Mountain’s prestige and standing would remain largely intact. As for Dongfang You, with Cangmang Mountain backing her, she wouldn’t have trouble finding a good match in a couple of years once this incident blew over.

Mo Xiuyao frowned. "Regardless, Prince Ding’s Mansion has no intention of cooperating with Cangmang Mountain. Compared to their so-called cooperation and assistance, this Prince prefers annexation. Besides, now is not the time to provoke Lei Zhenting." Because of Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao didn’t underestimate women. However, he had no patience for a group of women who fancied themselves clever, dreaming for centuries of secretly controlling the world.

"Have someone leak information about Dongfang Hui to Mo Jingli. Oh, and give a copy to Ren Qining as well. After all, he’s a descendant of the former dynasty and seems to have some connection, however slight, to Cangmang Mountain," Mo Xiuyao chuckled.

Xu Qingchen’s handsome face broke into a slight smile. "Let Mo Jingli and Ren Qining pester them? A good idea..." Both men were known to stop at nothing to achieve their goals. They couldn’t do much against Prince Ding’s Mansion in Licheng, but they could certainly cause Dongfang Hui some trouble.

Mo Xiuyao rubbed his nose. "This way... this Prince will also have some time to consider how to deal with Ren Qining. Where is Tan Jizhi now?"

Ye Li replied, "He’s in the mansion’s dungeon." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"Excellent. Ah-Li, accompany me to see him." A faint, cold light glinted in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes. An outsider seeing it would surely feel a chill run down their spine, wondering who Prince Ding was plotting against this time.

「」

When Dongfang Hui and Dongfang You returned to their temporary residence, before Dongfang You could say anything, Dongfang Hui stared at her and said coldly, "From now on, you are forbidden to mention the marriage with the Xu Family again."

Dongfang You was stunned, unable to understand why her master had suddenly changed her mind after just one visit to Prince Ding’s Mansion. "Master..."

Dongfang Hui waved her hand dismissively. "Say no more. Haven’t you been humiliated enough today? The Xu Family will not agree to let you marry into their household."

"Master, that can’t be. Young Master Qingchen just..."

Dongfang Hui cut her off. "You think it’s only Xu Qingchen? No one in the entire Xu Family will agree."

"But the Xu Family has always refrained from dictating their children’s marriages. As long as Young Master Qingchen..."

"Will Xu Qingchen marry you?" Dongfang Hui asked icily.

Dongfang You was speechless. Looking at her master’s cold, stern gaze, she said with some resentment, "But if I don’t marry into the Xu Family, then Cangmang Mountain and Prince Ding’s Mansion... Prince Ding certainly wouldn’t allow me into his mansion either..."

Looking at her bewildered disciple, Dongfang Hui sighed in resignation. Her tone softened slightly as she said, "It’s my fault. You are simply not suited to be the successor of Cangmang Mountain..." It was true that the successors of Cangmang Mountain, upon entering society, traditionally married influential figures from various nations. However, those successors all understood how to scheme, manipulate people, and navigate situations with grace—qualities Dongfang You simply hadn’t acquired. Even if she wanted to help her secretly, it would likely be an incredibly difficult task.

"Master, you... you’re not abandoning me, are you?" Hearing Dongfang Hui’s words, Dongfang You’s face turned pale, and she asked in panic.

Dongfang Hui patted the back of her hand. "How could your master abandon you? You are my only disciple. Don’t involve yourself in these matters any further. In a few days, I will arrange for someone to escort you back to Cangmang Mountain. I’m counting on you to take over Cangmang Mountain in the future." Cangmang Mountain was a secluded place. Dongfang You, though naive and unversed in social etiquette, was not inherently unintelligent. With the assistance of the Elder and other stewards, she would face no problem eventually taking charge of Cangmang Mountain. However, the power struggles of the world below were truly not for her.

"Master, I..."

"That’s enough. You may leave," Dongfang Hui said gravely.

Seeing her master’s displeased expression, Dongfang You had no choice but to turn and leave.

Alone in the room, Dongfang Hui stared blankly into the empty space, lost in thought. After a long while, she finally let out a helpless sigh. So many years had passed; she thought she had long forgotten. Now, seeing an old acquaintance again, she realized she had never truly forgotten. But that person...