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As Su Yuntang's words fell, the hall was instantly enveloped in silence.
Old Hu and Madam Hu exchanged astonished glances, seemingly unable to believe their ears.
"What did you say?" Madam Hu asked sharply. "Su Yuntang, do you know what you are saying?"
Su Yuntang knelt upright, her expression calm as she repeated, "Madam, Sir, I dare to propose that I replace the young lady and marry into the Long Family."
"Absurd!" Old Hu slammed his hand on the table, anger flaring. "How can a physician's daughter take her place in the Long Family? If they discover this, where will the Hu Family's reputation be? The Long Family would never let this go!"
Unfazed, Su Yuntang replied with composure, "Sir, please consider. The Long Family has never seen the young lady, and she resembles me in age and appearance. I was once a young lady from a prominent family myself; it is only due to misfortune that I now practice medicine. With a little disguise, I would not raise any suspicions."
"Even if you can manage to disguise yourself somewhat, do you think the Long Family is an easy match?" Madam Hu's tone remained stern. "If this matter comes to light, not only will your life be in danger, but our Hu Family will also face disgrace and blame!"
Su Yuntang lowered her head slightly. "Madam's concerns are noted. However, with the marriage between our families already arranged, if it is suddenly canceled, I fear the Long Family will not let it slide easily. Given their influence in court, the Hu Family’s salt business may not survive..."
Her words struck at Old Hu's hidden fears. Although the Hu Family was a prominent clan in Yangzhou, their salt distribution relied entirely on the emperor's favor. Without a powerful ally like the Long Family, life for salt merchants would be difficult.
Madam Hu snorted coldly and asked, "Why are you willing to take such risks? Su Yuntang, what is your true intention?"
"The Hu Family has shown me kindness, and the young lady treats me like a sister," Su Yuntang said earnestly but firmly. "Moreover, my family has fallen into hardship; if this succeeds, I could secure a prosperous and safe place for myself."
A glimmer of intelligence flashed in Madam Hu's eyes as she realized this girl was quite clever and spoke without leaving any loopholes. She scrutinized Su Yuntang; no wonder she carried herself with such poise—she must have come from a distinguished family.
"Safe place?" Old Hu sneered at that moment. "Do you think this is child's play? If the Long Family discovers your true identity, what will you do then?"
Su Yuntang spoke softly but resolutely: "If discovered, I will take full responsibility for this matter; it would be my deception against my masters under false pretenses. I will ensure that the reputation of the Hu Family remains untarnished."
Her words were decisive enough to make Madam Hu glance at Su Yuntang again with renewed interest. This girl indeed had some courage; however...
"There’s no need for you to speak further; our priority is to search for Qing Xi," Madam Hu said to an elderly maid standing nearby with a nod of her chin. "Take Su Yuntang and lock her in the woodshed; assign someone to watch over her closely!"
As night fell and darkness enveloped the woodshed, Su Yuntang sat cross-legged on a pile of straw, her expression tranquil. Suddenly, the door creaked open gently as Liu Mama entered with an oil lamp and a bowl of porridge.
She instructed the servant at the door to stand back and carefully closed the door, then handed the bowl of porridge to Su Yuntang.
"Miss Su Yuntang, please don't blame the madam; she is quite anxious as well. You know how important this marriage is to the Hu Family."
"Grandma," Su Yuntang said, taking small sips of her porridge, "the madam must have already considered my previous suggestion, hasn't she?"
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