Facing her angry mother and brother, she said, "He has deep feelings for the girl he brought back from Bianzhou. I don't want to interfere between them, and I certainly don't want to call his many women sisters in the future."
"Earlier, I didn't realize the pressure on the Lu family's descendants; this time, he made it clear to me, and I should retreat wisely."
Thinking of her dream where Liu Manrou constantly called her sister and addressed him as lord, and often hinted at the nighttime labor while holding her waist, Xie Wanqing couldn't help but redden her eyes: "I have a particularly small heart, only want to marry a man as devoted as my father, and I don't want to be a tolerant and magnanimous Marchioness."
These words were heard by Xie Wen, who had just entered the room, his steps slightly halted. He looked up at his wife and daughter and asked, "What's wrong with Wanwan? Did that Lu family boy act foolishly again?"
Mrs. Zheng held her daughter's hand and gently patted it while conveying what she had just heard to her husband with anger and said: "He acted as if it were a favor, saying it wouldn't affect our Wanwan's position as the main wife, as if we were climbing up to their family."
It's a joke; they are all hereditary marquises. No matter whom their heiress marries, it is the position of the main wife. If it weren't for their heiress being of single mind, given her character and appearance, even the imperial mansion or duke's family would be suitable for the marriage.
It would not be impossible for her to marry a prince as his main wife either.
Xie Wen, with a gentle temperament and a considerable amount of tolerance, also changed his expression at this moment, slapped the table, and stood up: "Lu Ziyuan, what a Lu Ziyuan, truly thinks he's got a firm grip on our family's girl, doesn't he?"
Not to mention that when he proposed marriage he had said having Xie Wanqing was enough; even if he hadn't said it, if he truly wanted a concubine, he shouldn't have this attitude towards his fiancée.
Who doesn't need the consent of the main wife to take a concubine?
Speaking in a condescending tone, saying it wouldn't affect their girl's position as the main wife, does he think the Xie family has no one here?
No wonder the cherished and beloved young girl, who's all invested in him, is hurt and speaks of not wanting to marry.
Xie YanYu, who had been silent all along, saw this and said, "I've long seen that Lu Ziyuan isn't a good man. Since Wanwan has also seen his true colors, I'll go with Father to the Lu family tomorrow to break off the engagement."
As soon as the words fell, the room fell silent.
"With the wedding day approaching, discussing breaking off the engagement now is a great matter and should not be decided rashly." Mrs. Zheng looked at her daughter and hesitated, "Wanwan, have you really thought it through? Is this not just a moment's impulsive decision?"
The greatest fear is that 'not wanting to marry' was something the girl said in a moment of anger upon hearing that her fiancé has women around him.
If they truly go to break off the engagement and she regrets it later, it would be truly embarrassing.
Although Wanwan is not reckless, to avoid any chances, neither Mrs. Zheng nor Xie Wen dared to decisively agree.
After all, everyone in the family has seen her infatuation with Lu Ziyuan.
After pondering for a moment, Xie Wen said, "It's best not to rush this matter. Wanwan, think it over first, and let Father investigate for a bit to find out what the situation is with the woman he brought back from Bianzhou."
Xie Wanqing didn't expect her parents to unquestioningly agree without hesitation.
She wasn't disappointed upon hearing this, and merely said seriously: "I've thought it through very clearly. Brother is right; Lu Ziyuan is not a good man. Father and Mother can wait a few days. No matter how long, my answer will still be the same."
According to the dream scenario, after a few days, the news of Lu Ziyuan keeping an outside mistress should come out.
Based on Lu Ziyuan's character, this news surely wouldn't have been spread by him.
Therefore, whoever spread the news is obvious.
Liu Manrou has never been a particularly restrained person. Born as a mere maid, she finally became the second wife of Wuyuan Marquis Mansion due to Lu Ziyuan's favor and, more importantly, her ambition.
Being the second wife isn't enough for her; she wants the position of Lu Ziyuan's legal wife, the Marchioness of Wuyuan Marquis Mansion.
After supper, the sibling duo came out from their parents' courtyard.
Xie YanYu turned his head to look at his younger sister, comforting her: "Wanwan, don't worry. As long as you've made up your mind not to marry, Lu family's bridal sedan won't take you away."
"I'm not worried," Xie Wanqing felt touched and her nose soured, grabbing his sleeve, she'll rarely be coquettish: "Brother, I don't want to marry anyone anymore. I'll stay at home as an old maid. You won't dislike me, will you?"
Xie YanYu paused for a moment, thinking she ate very little for supper, and spoke softly: "Don't be afraid. Even if the engagement is broken off, you can still find someone to marry."
"..." The tearful intention in Xie Wanqing's already wet lashes instantly disappeared, quickly letting go of his sleeve: "I'm going back, Brother. Walk slowly."
On the way back to the courtyard, she kept silently complaining: No wonder he doesn't have a wife at his age; in the dream, she has been married for two years, yet as the brother, his marriage hasn't even been set. Truly a waste for that handsome face!
Also, which girl would like such an emotionally unresponsive fool?
No matter how handsome he is, it doesn't matter!
......
The sky was dimly lit, and lights were already on in Jianxia Courtyard.
Xie Wanqing took off her hairpins, gathered her hair to her chest, gently combing it with a jade comb, her gaze falling on Er Xia, who was quietly bustling around.
...Since the dream is true, then Er Xia climbing into Lu Ziyuan's bed must also be true.
She is a maid who has served her since childhood; in name they are master and servant, but in fact, their sisterly bond is only as deep as this.
Erqing protected her until death, and Er Xia...
In the dream, she had been married into Wuyuan Marquis Mansion for less than half a year when Liu Manrou gave birth to a son. During her confinement, Er Xia seized an opportunity to offer herself and got into Lu Ziyuan's bed.
What's annoying is that she used her courtyard for it.
In the warming room of Shaoguang Courtyard, during nap time, Er Xia, who was supposed to bring her hot milk, went into the room with Lu Ziyuan.
When she couldn't wait any longer and went looking, she heard noises from inside.
At the time, it felt like a dream, now thinking about it really pierces the heart; she stood at the door facing the cold wind and listened hard for quite a while until the room settled down, before tremblingly pushing the door open.
Compared to Lu Ziyuan, at that moment, she cared more about Er Xia's betrayal.
She even asked Er Xia, with her disheveled clothes and flushed face, if it was Lu Ziyuan who forced her.
Even though, during the time standing at the door, she didn't hear a single cry from a lady in distress.
Indeed, facing her question, Er Xia, all flushed, seemed satisfied yet embarrassed, glanced at her quietly.
This incident dealt such a blow to Xie Wanqing, second only to Erqing's death.
As to why she was so stubborn and broken-hearted, Er Xia's betrayal contributed significantly.
With thoughts wandering back, Xie Wanqing watched Er Xia in front of her, who handled things flawlessly and prioritizes her in everything, pondering.
She never thought her personal maid liked her fiancé.
The Xie family never had a habit of preparing concubines for daughters, Erqing and Er Xia's futures she'd already planned and talked out with them.
As long as they meet the person they fancy or wish to marry, she'd return their contracts and prepared them each with a marriage silver dowry.
After the wedding, if they wished to return to serve her, they could do so at any time.
But Er Xia had her eyes set on her husband and even acted on it.
Lu Ziyuan was not picky, and he indulged at once.
Now, she finds it disgusting enough to make her vomit out last night's dinner.