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Mei Xin stamped her feet anxiously, calling out, "Second Uncle!"
However, Yuan Yingwu paid no heed and strode purposefully into the inner courtyard.
As soon as he entered, a thunderous roar echoed like a clap of thunder: "Wretched spawn!" Following that, a long spear shot through the air, aimed directly at Yuan Yingwu. The spear's wind was fierce, carrying a hint of malice as it threatened to strike Yuan Yingwu's 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 hit me again, I might just fight back!"
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 eldest illegitimate son, Yuan Yinghua, rushed in, his face filled with urgency. He loudly advised, "Father, you absolutely must not do that!"
Niu Peng followed closely behind and knelt before Yuan Xiangqian with a thud, pleading, "Your Grace, please calm your anger! That girl's father is Young Lord's savior. Young Lord is redeeming her to repay the debt of gratitude; there are no romantic feelings involved."
Mei Xin also hurried over to support him, urging, "Father-in-law, please don’t be angry. Second Uncle is still young; he probably didn’t think this through and ended up causing trouble for Duke's Residence."
Yuan Xiangqian laughed in anger and pointed at Yuan Yingwu coldly. "Still young? With a reputation like his, which girl 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 beautiful; surely one of them will marry into our family."
After pondering for a moment, Yuan Xiangqian found Mei Xin's words reasonable and chose not to say more.
Seizing the opportunity, Yuan Yingwu slipped away to the kitchen and devoured a meal in haste.
After eating, he learned that his grandmother was looking for him and immediately headed to the main hall. His father, brothers-in-law, and others were already waiting there, but his grandmother had yet to arrive.
"What does Grandmother want with me?" Yuan Yingwu casually asked Mei Xin.
Mei Xin feigned deep thought and speculated, "Perhaps it’s about the Liu family's intention to withdraw from the engagement."
No sooner had she spoken than a loud announcement came from outside: "Old Madam has arrived!"
An elderly woman with a kind face and vigorous spirit slowly walked into the hall with the support of an old servant. She was none other than Duke Ning Yuan Xiangqian'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 also bowed respectfully.
Old Madam walked slowly to the main seat in the hall and cast a dignified glance over everyone before speaking. "I have just received news that the Liu family's eldest illegitimate daughter Ruyi is willing to marry."
Upon hearing this, Yuan Yingwu was taken aback internally as he pondered: “She’s willing to marry under these circumstances? What is Liu Ruyi thinking?”
Old Madam continued, "The commotion caused by Wu'er has stirred quite a bit of gossip; we should double the betrothal gifts to seek marriage from the Liu family’s eldest daughter. We will also add some valuable items to give the Liu family face."
"Understood!" Mei Xin nodded in agreement.
Yuan Yingwu returned to his room and said to Niu Peng, "Prepare a set of wedding attire for the messenger. I want to personally meet this Miss Liu!"
The next day, the front of Liu Residence was bustling with excitement as everyone eagerly awaited the arrival of the betrothal gifts from the groom's family. Li Ming was the first to arrive. He cleared his throat and announced in a clear voice, "This is the betrothal gift I have prepared for your esteemed daughter!" His voice was as melodious as jade, but the gifts surprised everyone.
"Three pounds of tea leaves!" a servant reported loudly.
Upon hearing such a meager gift, the servants of Liu Residence couldn't help but burst into laughter. Liu Ruming, standing nearby, felt her face flush slightly with embarrassment. However, thinking of Li Ming's promising future as Chancellor, she managed to suppress her amusement.
Next, the servant reported again, "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 paltry offering.
Another round of laughter erupted among the servants of Liu Residence. Liu Ruming tried to hold back her laughter; after all, she had once mocked her sister for similar reasons. Back then, Liu Ruyi had also endured it. But their mother, Yao Xueying, could no longer tolerate it and left in a huff. Seeing this, Liu Ruming hurried after her.
"A pile of junk! The things I usually give my servants are better than this," Yao Xueying complained angrily.
Liu Ruming took her mother's arm and gently advised, "Mother! He is still quite poor now; once he achieves success in his studies, things will improve. If I endure some hardship now, there will be great rewards in the future."
Before she could finish speaking, a loud shout rang out: "Ning Guo Gong Fu has sent their betrothal gifts!"
Dozens of people marched in carrying impressive gifts, creating a spectacular scene. Yuan Yingwu was dressed in servant attire and mixed among those delivering the gifts, walking at the forefront.
Seeing this, Yao Xueying scoffed, "Their great rewards don't need to wait for the future; they are here now." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
Liu Ruming felt frustrated but was powerless to change the situation. Meanwhile, the servants were buzzing with excitement.
"So much!"
"And there's more!"
"That box at the back is huge and heavy; it must contain plenty of gold and jewels!"
After the people from Duke's Residence placed down boxes filled with gold and jewels, Zhang Yue stepped forward and gestured to one side. "Thank you all for your hard work! Please take a moment to rest and enjoy some tea."
Yuan Yingwu led everyone to the designated area to rest.
At that moment, Liu Ruyi emerged from her room. Dressed in elegant attire with her hair styled high, she exuded a gentle grace that made her seem like an ethereal being untouched by worldly affairs.
Yuan Yingwu's eyes lit up at the sight of her, silently praising in his heart, "What a beautiful girl!"
Zhang Yue noticed Liu Ruyi and quickly approached her with excitement. "Miss, why did you take so long to come out? Look! The betrothal gifts from Duke's Residence are nearly filling up the courtyard!"
"She is Liu Ruyi!" Yuan Yingwu thought to himself.
The servants of Liu Residence continued their discussions among themselves.
"That poor scholar's betrothal gift is worth less than the box from the Duke's Residence!"
"Indeed! If the Second Miss saw these, 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 Ruming 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 Ruming's hand, Liu Ruyi continued, "If my sister is envious of this betrothal gift, why not just switch our marriages back immediately?" Her voice was gentle yet firm, with a hint of an imperceptible sharpness in her gaze.
Liu Ruming naturally would not agree to switch. She stood there, her delicate features framed by her beautiful eyes wide open, filled with defiance and an unwillingness to yield. She stubbornly retorted, "Who says I'm envious? That Li Ming, though from a poor background, offered more than half his family's fortune as a betrothal gift to marry me—clearly he values me!" As soon as she finished speaking, the air around them seemed to freeze for a moment. To those present, her words sounded like self-comfort mixed with a hint of provocation directed at Liu Ruyi.
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