Chapter Three: The Hidden Truth Behind the Marriage Proposal, Emotions Quietly Stirring

Qu Wanqing forcibly suppressed the fury in her heart and quickened her pace.

Aunt Su followed closely, twisting her waist as she covered her mouth with a light laugh. "Oh my, sister, walking so fast as if rushing to be reborn! For a twice-married woman, having Mr. Li as a match is indeed something to seize upon."

Qu Wanqing stopped and turned sharply, her eyes piercing. "Aunt Su, don’t speak recklessly."

Aunt Su’s expression flickered slightly but soon returned to a coquettish smile. "Sister, your younger sister is only happy for you."

Qu Wanqing snorted coldly and headed toward the main hall.

Inside the main hall, the slick Mr. Li sat upright, fanning himself as he appraised Qu Wanqing.

He rose, leering as he approached. "Madam Qu, hearing about you is one thing, but meeting you is quite another." He reached out as if to touch her face.

Qu Wanqing stepped back, her face dark as iron. "Mr. Li, please show some respect."

Mr. Li advanced with a lewd tone. "Madam, no need to be so reserved—we are soon to be wed."

Qu Wanqing laughed bitterly. "Who said I’m marrying you? You’re imagining things!"

His face turned grim. "Madam, don’t refuse the wine only to drink the penalty cup. It’s a blessing that I have taken a liking to you." He grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his embrace. "Today, you must marry me!"

The servants nearby watched coldly. Cui’er was so frightened her face turned pale, unable to move.

Qu Wanqing struggled in vain, feeling both anger and humiliation, utterly helpless.

At that moment, a cold voice rang out: "Mr. Li, behaving like this in broad daylight—is this proper conduct?"

Jiang Yu appeared gracefully in a flowing blue robe, his gaze sharp.

Mr. Li’s arrogance vanished instantly; he awkwardly released Qu Wanqing. "Mr. Jiang, what a coincidence."

Jiang Yu ignored him and approached Qu Wanqing. "Madam, are you all right?"

Qu Wanqing shook her head and looked at him gratefully, her panic gradually subsiding.

Seeing Jiang Yu’s concern solely for Qu Wanqing, Mr. Li fumed but dared not act, forcing out a dry laugh before taking his leave.

---

Qu Wanqing felt a quiet thrill and turned to Jiang Yu. "Thank you, Mr. Jiang."

Jiang Yu smiled faintly. "No need for thanks, Madam. It’s my duty. There are too many eyes here; let’s go to the study to talk."

Qu Wanqing nodded and followed him.

The study was quiet and warm. Jiang Yu poured tea and asked, "Madam, are you truly unhurt? Any injuries?"

Qu Wanqing took the cup, a ripple stirring in her heart. Looking into his eyes, she was deeply moved. "I’m fine. Thank you for your concern." Her voice trembled slightly, eyes shy and admiring.

Jiang Yu’s heart stirred. With a sigh, he said, "No need for formalities—just call me Jiang Yu."

Qu Wanqing whispered his name softly, her heartbeat quickening.

Suddenly remembering Cui’er, she rose. "I should return now."

Jiang Yu stood and watched her retreating figure, his gaze complicated. Moving to the window, he peered at the darkening sky, murmuring, "Wanqing..."

Back in her room, Qu Wanqing saw Cui’er trembling and kneeling. Madame Lin stood with hands on hips, scolding, "You little slacker, dawdling while fetching water, trying to shirk work?"

Cui’er lowered her head, tears falling, too afraid to reply.

Qu Wanqing’s eyes darkened. "Madame Lin, it’s unbecoming to rely on your age to bully others."

Madame Lin was taken aback, then sneered sarcastically, "Madam has returned? I was just disciplining the servants—must you interfere?"

Qu Wanqing walked over and helped Cui’er up. "What fault has Cui’er committed to deserve such ire?"

Madame Lin was speechless.

Qu Wanqing sneered. "No words? You normally bully Cui’er and mistreat the staff, and today you pick baseless quarrels. Since your memory fails you, you won’t be managing household affairs any longer. Retire comfortably!"

Madame Lin panicked, dropping to her knees to beg, "Madam, please spare me. I know my mistake!" Then she glared at Cui’er, "Cui’er, apologize to Madam immediately!"

Cui’er timidly said, "Madam, I know my mistake."

Qu Wanqing nodded, and the servants grew even more respectful toward her.

---

After settling Cui’er’s matter, Qu Wanqing continued investigating Mr. Li’s proposal and noticed Aunt Su and Steward Zhao acting suspiciously close.

Could they be conspiring?

Late at night, Qu Wanqing sneaked into the study and found Jiang Yu there.

Surprised, she asked, "You’re here too?"

Jiang Yu turned, his handsome features illuminated by moonlight, eyes soft with warmth. "I’m also investigating Mr. Li’s proposal."

The cramped study brought them close, and Qu Wanqing could feel Jiang Yu’s comforting presence.

Their gazes met, charged with an ambiguous tension.

Her eyes fell on a letter, which she hastily read.

It revealed a plot between Steward Zhao and Aunt Su to drive Qu Wanqing away.

Shocked and enraged, her relationship with Jiang Yu grew even more delicate.

Jiang Yu slammed his fist on the table, vowing to make the conspirators pay. "How dare they! We won’t let this go!"

Qu Wanqing nodded, her eyes burning with determination. "It seems we must join forces."

Jiang Yu looked at her with steady resolve. "Exactly."

Qu Wanqing sensed a greater storm approaching...

"Wanqing..." Jiang Yu’s voice was low and hoarse as he reached out to gently caress her cheek, his eyes full of tenderness.

Her heart raced, her gaze dreamy...

Suddenly, Jiang Yu withdrew his hand, alert. "Someone’s coming!" He glanced toward the door.