Miss Truth
Chapter 170 - 109: The Xiao Family of Lanling

Chapter 170: Chapter 109: The Xiao Family of Lanling

The three of them followed the shaded path back to Yingmei Temple, and as they reached the middle of the mountainside, the faint sound of a qin wafted up from below.

Ran Yan paused in her steps, as this qin music was one of her indispensable daily entertainments these past days, always playing the piece "Phoenix Seeking His Mate." It was always the same piece, yet each time there were subtle differences, but today the music was almost out of tune, the haphazard playing coming abruptly to a stop after a brief spell.

Ge Lan stole a glance at Ran Yan, guessing that she must know who was playing the piece; at this moment, besides the heartbroken Sang Chen, who else could play such a lonely tune?

Ran Yan had only paused momentarily before continuing to climb the hill.

Reaching the bamboo forest, they saw Ran Yunsheng in a sable robe, frowning as he stood on the staircase, looking at her with furrowed brows.

Seeing this, Ge Lan guessed that Ran Yunsheng had something to say and tugged on Wan Lu’s sleeve, the two of them retreating a few yards away.

Ran Yunsheng sighed in disappointment, "Ah Yan, you really won’t listen to advice."

Ran Yan did not respond, and he continued, "Today, the Xiao Family of Lanling came to propose marriage, and it’s about Xiao Song. Ah Yan, tell Shilang the truth, did you already have your eye on him? Is that why you did not agree to Mr. Sang’s proposal?"

It was no wonder Ran Yunsheng thought this way; what were the odds that right after Sang Chen made his proposal, the Xiao Family would follow suit!

Ran Yan was as surprised as when she heard about Sang Chen’s proposal, "The Xiao Family is proposing marriage?"

Her romantic fortunes had seen too many ups and downs: one moment hotly pursued, then shunned by society as if she carried a plague, and now, the wheel of fortune turned, and not one but two prestigious clans had come to propose! The first thing that Ran Yan thought of was that Ran Wen must be ecstatic!

"You didn’t know?" Hearing the tone of her voice, it indeed did not seem like she was pretending, which eased Ran Yunsheng’s displeasure somewhat, "This time, your marriage is going to be settled no matter what. Be it the Cui Family from Boling or the Xiao Family from Lanling, they are the kind of clans our smaller clan wouldn’t even dare to dream about... Alas! I’m afraid Uncle has already changed his mind."

"What do you mean?" Ran Yan removed her mask, revealing a deeply furrowed brow. Xiao Song had a reputation for being a husband who brought misfortune to his wives; could it be that Ran Wen was so swayed by interests that he was willing to marry off his own daughter to meet her doom?

Ran Yunsheng’s eyes revealed a complex expression, feeling that telling the harsh truth would be too cruel for Ran Yan, but given the circumstances, she had to understand the situation, "The Xiao Family from Lanling holds military merits on the Clan Chronicles, whereas the Cui Family from Boling are a scholarly noble clan. In terms of ranking, it’s a few places lower, but Xiao Song is the legitimate third son of Duke Song, a young man appointed Assistant Minister of Ministry of Justice, holding significant power within the Xiao clan, far surpassing the Cui Family’s six branches with scanty population. Uncle and the clan elders..."

Ran Yan was slightly taken aback, Duke Song Xiao Yu!

The Xiao clan was vast; the Qi Dynasty and Liang Dynasty during the Southern Dynasties were both established by the Xiao family, once imperial, prosperous, and brimming with notable figures. During the Southern Dynasties, the Xiao clan produced thirty prime ministers, thereby earning the saying, "Two dynasties’ emperors, nine Xiao Prime Ministers." Thus, Ran Yan hadn’t really considered Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu, the Sui Dynasty’s remnant official, whose sister was Empress Xiao of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty, had achieved the position of Silver Chariot Grandee at a young age, a more legendary figure than Xiao Song. With the fall of the Sui Dynasty, Xiao Yu, a man of integrity and talent and son-in-law to the Empress Dugu of the Grand Ancestor, consequently gained the trust and heavy use of Tang Taizu Li Yuan.

After the ascension of Emperor Taizong Li Shimin, he was once praised in a bestowed poem: "The fierce wind shows the strength of grass, turbulence reveals a loyal subject." But because of his overly straightforward nature, often blushing and quarreling in the court, causing chaos among the civil and military officials, he was frequently dismissed and sent home for reflection, as if it were a part of daily life.

"Duke Song has been appointed Assistant Minister four times, and the last time he was dismissed by the Emperor to reflect at home was in the eighth year of the Zhenguan era. Though he only holds the post of Inspector of Qi State now, everyone knows that the Emperor is bound to call him back sooner or later... So if you marry Xiao Song, there would be many opportunities for the Ran Family to gain power through this alliance," Ran Yunsheng simply laid out the facts. Between Xiao Song and Sang Chen, the Ran Family would undoubtedly choose Xiao Song, against which Ran Yan’s life appeared incredibly trivial.

Ran Yan also listened clearly, understanding that it wasn’t up to her to decide whom she would marry. From a clan’s perspective, the only relation this had to her was— to obediently abide by the decision.

"So, it sounds like there’s nothing much to do with me," Ran Yan said languidly.

Ran Yunsheng naturally heard the repression behind her words and consoled her, "I will try my best to maneuver around, but Shilang has limited ability. Both the Ran Family from Boling and the Xiao Family from Lanling are beyond my control, so in the end..."

"I understand, Shilang, thank you." Ran Yan looked at Ran Yunsheng with concern, noting his slightly emaciated appearance, "You must also take care of your own health... For this matter, perhaps we could cooperate with the Gao Clan."

"The Gao Clan?" Ran Yunsheng’s eyes lit up. Ran Yan’s stepmother was certainly no easy mark, but then his expression fell again, "She would definitely not want you to marry Xiao Song, but she would be even less willing to see you married to Mr. Sang. Xiao Song is known to bring bad luck to his wives. If you really married into their family... Perhaps... in her eyes, that would be all pros and no cons."

"Do you think the Gao Clan would be willing to let Ran Meiyu marry into the Xiao Family?" Ran Yan’s lips curved into a smile, certain that the Gao Clan’s matriarch would be more than willing.

But... upon further reflection, Ran Yan had no choice but to dismiss the idea in her heart. If she truly did that, she would surely bring ruin to the entire Ran Family, and even Ran Yunsheng wouldn’t be able to escape the fallout.

"Shilang doesn’t have to take my words seriously, I was too impulsive today when I sought out Sang Chen. I assure you, such a thing will not happen again. You must take good care of yourself... I don’t want to marry into the Xiao Family, this matter..."

Ran Yan started to speak but was interrupted by a languid voice, "Hmm, it seems Seventeen truly has someone she fancies. Let me guess..."

Ran Yan swiftly turned around, coldly staring at the handsome man in a purple robe and wide attire.

Upon recognizing the newcomer, Ran Yunsheng’s expression subtly changed. He had no idea how long Xiao Song had been there or how much of their conversation he had overheard. Even Ran Yan’s last remark was enough to offend the entire Xiao Family. But what concerned him the most at this moment was the implication in Xiao Song’s words—did A’Yan already have someone in her heart?

"Killing a man every ten steps, leaving no trace for a thousand miles?" Xiao Song asked directly, without any attempt to beat around the bush.

"If Young Master Xiao has any spare energy, perhaps he should focus more on the case. The people of Suzhou would be grateful for that." Ran Yan’s gaze was icy, and she grew even more wary of Xiao Song. Why was he so suspicious of her? She could guess; it was likely because of the umbrella and the medicine in the tea.

The first time Ran Yan met Xiao Song, he was in pursuit of Su Fu, and she suspected he hadn’t given up on that yet. So, was his marriage proposal to her also because of this?

"Shilang, may I have a word alone with your sister?" Xiao Song asked Ran Yunsheng with a faint smile on his face.

Seeing Ran Yunsheng hesitate, Ran Yan said, "Don’t worry, Shilang. Young Master Xiao is, after all, a court official and not like the typical frivolous noblemen. He presumably won’t do anything indecent."

Xiao Song’s brows arched. Calling him different from the typical frivolous noblemen was still a roundabout way of calling him frivolous. Watching Ran Yan transform from calm to a sharp-clawed little beast, Xiao Song was not upset but somewhat pleased.

"Lady Ran, let us set aside personal grievances for now. For this case, I ask for your assistance. As for the reward, as long as it is within mine and Inspector Liu’s abilities, you may make two demands of us," Xiao Song said, his expression turning serious.

Ran Yan’s eyes brightened, "Really?"

"Of course, it’s true! My word, Xiao Song’s word, is as irreversible as spilled water." He could see right through her intentions, "Seventeen, aren’t you just trying to get me to call off the marriage proposal? I’ll tell you; my grandmother is full of tricks. I’m just the one who missed catching a fish. As long as you help Inspector Liu solve the case within five days, your request won’t be a problem."

Xiao Song had always been cautious of his grandmother keeping tricks up her sleeve. Hence, when he learned that the marriage proposal entourage sent by his grandmother had four groups, Xiao Song had people intercept them along the way. Unexpectedly, she had managed to sneak Shu Niang in with the betrothal gifts into Suzhou undetected, and settled matters.

"I don’t believe you," Ran Yan stated flatly, causing Xiao Song to almost choke with frustration, his usual perfect façade beginning to crack.

"Unless after we go to the Government Office, Inspector Liu bears witness, and you establish an oath with me," Ran Yan said. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please cast your recommendation ticket, monthly ticket at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.)