The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 1082 - 246: Did it Die? _2

Chapter 1082: Chapter 246: Did it Die? _2

"Both young ladies are studying," Pei Yuan said, not pleased with Zheng Yuehan’s lack of genuine companionship to Xie Yi and instead scheming about matters of the General Mansion. She let Xie Yi entertain Zheng Yuehan and asked her to visit Jiujiu, Xixi, and Happy, the three little radishes.

Zheng Yuehan felt snubbed and turned her head to look at Xie Yi with a somewhat chilly gaze. She had spoken so highly of this place, yet it seemed even those who merely lodged at the General Mansion looked down on her, and by extension, she was disregarded as well.

On the other side, Pei Wendong and Chang Yonglin were coming over together.

Upon seeing them, Xie Yi felt delighted and came forward to greet them with a bow.

Noticing she had something to say, Pei Wendong asked with a smile, "Is there something on your mind?"

Zheng Yuehan also noticed the two young men and thought that they were both exceptionally handsome, much superior to her own fiancé, which only increased her disdain for her fiancé’s family. She approached Pei Wendong with a smile to greet him, introducing herself, "...I am Xie Yi’s older female cousin."

Chang Yonglin gave her a once-over and a slight, cold smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Pei Wendong politely greeted her then turned to Xie Yi, who seemed hesitant to speak. Did she have some kind of problem?

Xie Yi, realizing he understood, suddenly felt her eyes welling up with tears, as she quickly glanced at Zheng Yuehan and then looked earnestly at him.

Pei Wendong was moved, thinking that he needed to find her later to see what the trouble was, "Xie Ze has some issues with his studies, I’ll talk to you about it later."

Xie Yi nodded eagerly.

Zheng Yuehan observed Xie Yi with a darkening look in her eyes. Pei Wendong was also superior to her previous betrothed, and now she was here to spoil her plans?

After greeting them, Pei Wendong and Chang Yonglin went to see Pei Qin. The Rong Clan wanted to negotiate peace and were even sending a Princess to marriage. This year’s autumn examinations’ policy discussions would likely draw topics from the Wa Ci raid and the Rong Clan’s incursions. Pei Qin had returned too late the night before, so they were not yet aware of the specifics.

Pei Qin had only just gotten up and eaten breakfast, having returned late the previous day and after being tormented half the night by a certain someone.

As they approached, Pei Yuan informed them of Zheng Yuehan’s arrival, "...The Zheng family harbors ulterior motives, and I’m not sure if Xie Yi is being kept in the dark or if it’s intentional."

"Xie Yi is probably being kept in the dark too. She seemed hesitant to speak this morning but was interrupted by that Zheng Yuehan," Pei Wendong thought of Zheng Yuehan’s deliberate dress and furrowed his brow.

"The Zheng family dragged their feet twice before on settling the engagement, but now it turns out they had such plans all along, and that Zheng Yuehan is indeed betrothed! How shameless!" Pei Yuan exclaimed angrily.

"What’s there to be ashamed of! Breaking off an engagement may be disgraceful, but if she could marry the brother of a General who enters court as an officer, she would be an officer’s wife! That’s several notches above her previous match!" Chang Yonglin laughed.

"Elder sister! I’m thinking of getting engaged," said Pei Wendong, looking at Pei Qin.

Chang Yonglin didn’t wait for Pei Qin’s approval and grabbed hold of him, saying, "What’s the rush! After all, she’s living right here in our house, she can’t run away! If the Zheng family dares bully us, we must teach them a lesson. They must think we’re easy to bully!" giving him a look.

Pei Wendong’s eyes flashed.

Chang Yonglin had already cheerfully told Pei Qin and Pei Yuan to not get involved, "Leave this to us! Sister Qin, you go ahead with your work at the Manufacturing Bureau, and Pei Yuan, you just need to look after Jiujiu, Happy, and Xixi, our three little radishes!"

Pei Qin yawned, "Just don’t overdo it."

"Don’t worry, Sister Qin! None of us lack a sense of measure!" If Brother-in-law Qin were to get involved, the whole Zheng family would wait to be finished! They should feel lucky that we are the ones dealing with this!

Pei Wendong then changed the topic and began discussing the matter of the Rong Clan’s peace overture with her.

Though Pei Qin was not an expert in examination tactics, she could still remember and understand what the chancellors said. She recounted their discussions to them without problem, "You’ll have to rely on your own reading comprehension from here."

The two of them thanked her and left with their notes to consolidate and melt down the information, aiming to draft a policy essay.

Pei Wendong also had Xie Yi’s matter in mind, and before dinner, he came to talk to Xie Yi.

Neither were in the courtyard; they had gone strolling in the garden again.

"Let’s go!" Chang Yonglin pulled him along towards the garden, reminding him as they walked, "Should Brother-in-law Qin be back by now?" At this hour, Brother-in-law Qin was likely at the training field practicing.

Pei Wendong followed him into the garden, puzzled.

Xie Yi was gently persuading Zheng Yuehan with a troubled expression, "General Mo is cold by nature and particularly dislikes being disturbed. It’s best not to go there."

Chang Yonglin gestured for the servants following them to leave and quietly approached, watching the two women outside the training field. With a sneer of mockery, he said, "Just watch."

Pei Wendong saw Xie Yi and Zheng Yuehan gazing at Mo Heng in the training field, and suddenly his mind went blank.

"Now you see what they’re here for, right? Understand why the engagement wasn’t settled?" said Chang Yonglin to him.