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Mei Xin stamped her feet in frustration, shouting, "Second Uncle!"
However, Yuan Yingwu paid her no mind and strode purposefully into the inner courtyard.
As soon as he entered, a thunderous roar echoed like a clap of thunder: "You wretched child!" Immediately, a long spear shot through the air, aimed directly at Yuan Yingwu. The spear's wind was fierce and carried a hint of malice, threatening to strike him in the face.
Unfazed, Yuan Yingwu reached out and grasped the spear shaft firmly, applying just enough pressure to hold it steady. He then raised an eyebrow and chuckled leisurely, saying, "Father, if you strike me again, I might just retaliate!"
Duke Ning, Yuan Xiangqian, seeing this, reluctantly released his grip but maintained a stern tone as he declared, "Today, I will expel you from the Yuan Family!"
At that moment, Yuan Xiangqian's illegitimate son, Yuan Yinghua, hurried over with an anxious expression. He implored loudly, "Father, please don't do that!"
Niu Peng followed closely behind and knelt before Yuan Xiangqian with a thud, pleading, "Your Grace, please calm your anger! That woman's father is the savior of the Young Lord. The Young Lord is redeeming her to repay a debt of gratitude; there are no romantic feelings involved."
Mei Xin also rushed over to echo his plea. "Father-in-law, please don't be angry. Second Uncle is still young; he probably didn't think it through before doing something that would tarnish the Duke's Residence's reputation."
Yuan Xiangqian laughed in anger and pointed at Yuan Yingwu coldly. "Still young? With a reputation like his, which woman would ever marry him?"
Mei Xin refused to give up and continued to persuade him. "Father-in-law, don't say that. Didn't the Liu Family accept our marriage proposal? They have two daughters who are both as beautiful as flowers; surely one of them will marry into our family."
After pondering for a moment, Yuan Xiangqian found Mei Xin's reasoning sound and chose not to argue further.
Seizing the opportunity, Yuan Yingwu slipped into the kitchen and devoured a meal in haste.
After finishing his meal, Yuan Yingwu learned that his grandmother was looking for him and hurried to the main hall. His father and siblings were already waiting there, but his grandmother had yet to arrive.
"What does Grandmother want with me?" Yuan Yingwu casually asked Mei Xin.
Feigning deep thought, Mei Xin speculated, "Perhaps it's about the Liu Family wanting to withdraw from the engagement."
As soon as she finished speaking, they heard a loud announcement from outside: "Old Madam has arrived!"
An elderly woman with a kind face and vibrant spirit entered the hall slowly with the support of an old servant. She was none other than Duke Ning's mother and Yuan Yingwu's grandmother.
"Mother!" Yuan Xiangqian was the first to step forward to greet her.
"Grandmother!" both Yuan Yinghua and Mei Xin bowed respectfully.
Old Madam walked gracefully to her seat at the head of the hall and scanned everyone with authority before speaking. "I have just received news that Liu Ruyi, the illegitimate daughter of the Liu Family, is willing to marry into our family."
Yuan Yingwu was taken aback by this news and thought to himself: "She would agree to marry under these circumstances? What is Liu Ruyi thinking?"
Old Madam continued, "The commotion surrounding Wu'er has drawn much attention; we fear his family may become a laughingstock. Therefore, we will offer double the betrothal gifts to propose marriage to both daughters of the Liu Family. We will also include some additional valuable items to ensure we give them face."
"Understood!" Mei Xin nodded in agreement.
Yuan Yingwu returned to his room and said to Niu Peng, "Prepare a set of clothes for the young servant who will deliver the betrothal gifts. I want to personally see this Miss Liu!"
The next day, the front of the Liu Residence was bustling with excitement as everyone eagerly awaited the betrothal gifts from the groom's family. Li Ming arrived first, clearing his throat before announcing loudly, "This is the betrothal gift I have prepared for your esteemed daughter!" His voice was clear and melodious, but the gift itself surprised everyone.
"Three pounds of tea leaves!" a servant reported loudly.
The servants of the Liu Residence couldn't help but chuckle at such a meager gift, bursting into laughter. Liu Rumeng, standing nearby, felt her face flush slightly in embarrassment. However, thinking of Li Ming's future as a Chancellor, she managed to suppress her laughter.
Next, another servant reported, "A basket of chicken eggs!"
Li Ming quickly added, "These eggs are fresh." His tone carried a hint of helplessness, as if he were trying to defend this pitiful offering.
The servants erupted into laughter once more. Liu Rumeng held back her amusement; after all, hadn't she mocked her sister in her previous life? Back then, Liu Ruyi had also endured similar ridicule. But their mother, Yao Xueying, could no longer tolerate it and left in a huff. Seeing this, Liu Rumeng hurried after her.
"A pile of junk! The things I usually give my servants are better than this," Yao Xueying complained angrily.
Liu Rumeng took her mother's arm and gently advised, "Mother! He is still poor now; once he passes the imperial examination, things will improve. If I endure some humiliation now, it will pay off greatly in the future."
Before she could finish speaking, a loud shout interrupted them: "Ning Guo Gong Fu has sent their betrothal gifts!"
Dozens of people marched in carrying the gifts, creating a spectacular scene. Yuan Yingwu, dressed as a servant, blended in with the crowd and walked at the forefront.
Seeing this, Yao Xueying sneered, "Their great rewards don't need to wait for the future; they have arrived now." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
Liu Rumeng felt frustrated but was powerless to change the situation. The servants were buzzing with excitement.
"So much!"
"And it's not over yet!"
"This box is huge and heavy; it must contain plenty of gold and jewels!"
After the people from Duke's Residence set down boxes filled with gold and jewels, Zhang Yue stepped forward and gestured to the side. "Everyone has worked hard! Please take a moment to rest and enjoy some tea."
Yuan Yingwu led everyone to the designated resting area.
At that moment, Liu Ruyi emerged from her room. Dressed in simple yet elegant attire with her hair elegantly styled up high, she exuded a gentle grace that made her seem like an otherworldly fairy.
Upon seeing her, Yuan Yingwu's eyes lit up as he silently praised her: "What a beautiful girl!"
Zhang Yue rushed over to Liu Ruyi excitedly and said, "Miss, why did you take so long to come out? Look! The betrothal gifts from Duke's Residence are almost filling up the courtyard!"
"She is Liu Ruyi!" Yuan Yingwu thought to himself.
The servants of Liu Residence continued their discussions among themselves.
"The dowry from that poor scholar is worth less than the box from the Duke's Residence!"
"Indeed! If the Second Miss saw this, she would surely regret it."
...
"You worthless servants, how dare you speak ill of your master behind their back? I'll tear your mouths apart!" Liu Rumeng suddenly appeared behind the servants, reaching out to strike them.
But her hand was caught by Liu Ruyi, who rushed forward. "This marriage was chosen by my sister herself; why take it out on the servants?"
Releasing Liu Rumeng's hand, Liu Ruyi continued, "If my sister is envious of this dowry, why not just switch our marriages back immediately?" Her voice was soft yet firm, her gaze carrying a subtle sharpness.
Liu Rumeng naturally would not agree to that. She stood there, her delicate features framed by her beautiful eyes wide open, filled with defiance and a fighting spirit. She stubbornly retorted, "Who says I'm envious? That Li Ming may be poor, but he offered more than half of his family's wealth as a dowry to marry me; that shows how much he values me!" As soon as she finished speaking, the air around them seemed to freeze for a moment. Her words sounded like self-comfort to some and a provocation towards Liu Ruyi to others.
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