Only after Wang Qingchen hesitated again, saying with some difficulty, “However, regarding what you mentioned about marrying my sister to me…” Seeing Wang Qingchen’s troubled expression, Xia Wentao immediately grew displeased. “Since you yourself admitted that you haven't believed those slanderous rumors about my sister, why are you still unwilling to marry her? Is there something wrong with her?” Xia Wentao’s direct question left Wang Qingchen momentarily speechless. The truth was, it wasn't that Xia Wentao's sister was lacking; it was simply that Wang Qingchen didn't know her, hadn't spent any time with her. To suddenly be asked to marry her under these circumstances left him genuinely unsure how to proceed.

Of course, Wang Qingchen was aware that in this era, such arrangements were common—spouses often remained strangers until the wedding day. This very custom was the reason he had been desperately trying to delay the marriage. However, this was a reason he couldn't simply voice. To others, it wouldn't sound like a legitimate excuse; after all, wasn't this the norm for everyone? Should he admit he had someone else in his heart? Yet, such deception felt impossible. Not only was Xia Wentao his good friend, but the very fact that Xia Wentao, representing the woman’s side, had brought up the matter so openly showed immense sincerity. To be planning deception when met with such earnestness made the words stick in his throat.

After a moment’s thought, Wang Qingchen said, “You are well aware of my family’s circumstances. Are you not afraid that your sister would suffer if she followed me?” Hearing this, Xia Wentao was startlingly frank. “Qingchen, we are good friends, so I will be direct. Given my sister’s situation, she won’t find a suitable match here in the Capital. We would have to look outside the city, but even then, my parents cannot guarantee a good match. And even if we found one outside the Capital, who can guarantee that family won't eventually hear the rumors? But you are different. You knew my sister’s engagement was broken, yet you showed not the slightest hint of scorn. This allows our family peace of mind in entrusting her to you. Furthermore, you are now a Juren; you’re about to participate in the Metropolitan Examination. If you pass, it will truly be a gain for the Xia Manor.”

Xia Wentao’s candidness only made Wang Qingchen more at a loss for words. It was precisely because Xia Wentao had been so sincere and open that refusing him became even harder.

After speaking, Xia Wentao noticed Wang Qingchen’s continued hesitation and sighed. “Think it over carefully, and tell me once you’ve decided.”

With that, Xia Wentao departed. Before coming, he had anticipated that Wang Qingchen might have formed a bad impression of his sister due to the gossip and therefore refuse the match. Now, while Wang Qingchen wasn't rejecting her due to a bad impression, he clearly harbored some other reservations, as he hadn't agreed immediately. However, since Xia Wentao had emotionally prepared himself for a refusal, the lack of an immediate positive answer left him slightly disappointed, yet not devastated—at least it wasn't the worst outcome. Thinking this way, his spirits lifted slightly. Regardless of the final result, he had at least fought for his sister.

After Xia Wentao returned, he decided to inform Madam Xia about the discussion. Upon hearing it, Madam Xia became furious. “Good! It seems that boy is just like those others; he looks down on Ting’er because her reputation is tainted! Hmph! I wouldn’t approve of him either—just a poor country bumpkin, daring to look down on my daughter!”

Xia Wentao immediately felt a headache coming on at his mother’s words but quickly tried to soothe her. “Mother, you misunderstand. Qingchen didn't look down on Sister. I think he has some hidden difficulty he can’t speak of.”

“What hidden difficulty? He definitely thinks your sister’s reputation is ruined, which is why he refuses. Those scholars prize their reputation above all else; why would they want to marry someone with a sullied name? Ah, poor Ting’er, ruined by that bastard Fu Lan!” Madam Xia lamented sadly.

Xia Wentao felt sorrow listening to his mother, yet a sliver of hope remained in his heart. He truly believed Qingchen could agree and bring his sister happiness.

Unbeknownst to Madam Xia and Xia Wentao, who were inside discussing Wang Qingchen’s refusal to marry Xia Wanting, Xia Wanting herself was just outside, preparing to pay her respects to Madam Xia, and overheard the entire conversation.

Xia Wanting had already been distressed by the day’s slanderous gossip. Hearing her brother and mother discuss the matter only intensified her misery, stirring a sharp feeling of unjust humiliation within her. When had she, the dignified Second Miss of the Xia Manor, fallen to the point of being despised by a mere country boy? She was the innocent victim here—not only had the Fu family broken the engagement, but the world insisted on pinning the blame on her. Now, even a country boy scorned her! The thought brought a tight, suffocating pressure to her chest, an urge to release it.

Thus, Xia Wanting abandoned the idea of paying respects and left immediately. The maids in Madam Xia’s courtyard found it odd that the Second Miss had come only to turn back.

Xia Wanting didn’t return to her own residence; instead, she sought out her brother’s young servant and inquired about Wang Qingchen’s lodgings.

Xia Wentao’s servant was already surprised to see the Second Miss approaching him. When she asked about his friend’s address, he found it even more peculiar—why would the Second Miss suddenly need the location of the Young Master’s friend? Nevertheless, despite his confusion, the servant provided Xia Wanting with the information.

Having obtained the answer, Xia Wanting resolved to go directly and demand an explanation from Wang Qingchen: what about her was so unacceptable?

The Second Miss leaving the manor was no small matter. The staff quickly reported to the steward, who dared not make a decision alone. However, seeing the Second Miss’s furious demeanor, he couldn't bring himself to refuse her request. Consequently, the steward arranged a carriage and a significant escort for her, then rushed off to report the situation to Madam Xia personally.

When Madam Xia heard the steward approaching, she knew something outside his purview requiring a higher decision had occurred, and immediately told him to enter and report.

The steward, upon facing Madam Xia, recounted the events precisely, while worrying privately about what punishment he might face.

Madam Xia first found the news unbelievable; her daughter was usually so demure. But then she glanced at her son, and a possibility dawned on her. She quickly summoned the maids from the courtyard and asked if the Second Miss had visited recently.

Upon questioning, a maid immediately confirmed that Xia Wanting had been there but had not entered. This information should have been reported sooner, but the maids had hesitated to interrupt Madam Xia and her son during their serious discussion.

Hearing the maid’s confirmation, Madam Xia and Xia Wentao exchanged a look, instantly guessing where Xia Wanting had gone.

Seeing his mother’s sudden anxiety, Xia Wentao quickly said, “Mother, don’t worry. I’ll go bring Sister back right now.”

In truth, Madam Xia was less concerned about her daughter’s physical safety, knowing the steward had sent a strong escort. Her true worry was something else—her daughter’s reputation. Although she found it hard to believe her usually reserved daughter would act so rashly—something she might have done before the broken engagement with the Fu family—the reality was before her. Madam Xia could only prepare for the worst, praying the situation wouldn't spiral into the outcome she dreaded most.

Xia Wentao also considered his sister’s reputation, but his primary concern was how Wang Qingchen would view his sister for approaching him so recklessly. He feared this display would guarantee Wang Qingchen’s refusal. With a sense of resignation, Xia Wentao sighed internally; it seemed the search for a brother-in-law would have to start anew.

As Xia Wentao prepared to rush toward Wang Qingchen’s location, Xia Wanting had already arrived at the residence shared by Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng.

Stepping down from the carriage, Xia Wanting suddenly felt a wave of timidity. The bouncing journey had managed to dissipate some of the blazing anger she had bottled up. More powerfully, the thought of entering and facing that country boy’s condescending gaze brought a strong desire to retreat.

However, the arrival of the Second Miss had created quite a stir. Wang Qingchen and Zhao Cheng’s neighborhood consisted of ordinary commoners who rarely saw such ostentatious displays. As a result, several curious onlookers had gathered to watch.

These people were merely curious spectators, but their pointing fingers and occasional snickers felt accusatory, almost mocking. Confronted by this atmosphere, Xia Wanting’s suppressed anger flared up again. Why were these people pointing at her? Had she done something wrong? With this thought, her imposing posture returned. Ignoring the servant girl’s plea, she strode forward and knocked sharply on the door.

Inside, Wang Qingchen heard the knock and immediately thought, No way, has Xia Wentao come back so soon for an answer? But he hadn't figured out how to refuse yet. What should he do now?

Despite his misgivings, Wang Qingchen resigned himself to opening the door, only to be confronted by the spectacle waiting outside.