Xia Wanti didn't know why she had asked that question; she had completely forgotten her original purpose for coming here. The doubt flashed through her mind, and she blurted it out. Having asked, she felt a bit bashful, but the desire to know the answer outweighed her shyness, so she put the embarrassment aside and focused on awaiting Wang Qingchen's reply.

Wang Qingchen paused in thought. Hadn't he just answered this very question? Did Xia Wanti not hear him? Or perhaps she heard but immediately dismissed it?

Regardless, he couldn't dwell on such thoughts now. He quickly reiterated his reasons, even polishing them slightly—stating how his entire focus was currently on the Metropolitan Examination and he hadn't contemplated marriage; citing the vast disparity between their families' standing, claiming he was unworthy and feared she would suffer if he did marry her, and so on.

Regarding Wang Qingchen's refusals, Xia Wanti perceived them as mere excuses, nothing more than pretexts for his unwillingness to marry her. She was certain that in his heart, he still minded that she had a broken engagement and a tarnished reputation; his current words were simply a more high-sounding veneer to conceal his true feelings.

"And you still say you don't care that my reputation is ruined!" With that, Xia Wanti became aggrieved again, feeling foolish for having believed him moments before.

As Xia Wanti started weeping anew, Wang Qingchen was truly at a loss, standing there dumbfounded. Meanwhile, Zhao Cheng, who had recovered from his initial shock, had automatically shifted into spectator mode.

"This, I truly didn't think that..." Wang Qingchen genuinely lacked experience in comforting women. In situations like this, beyond repetitive explanations, he simply didn't know what else to do. Xia Wanti’s tears threw him into a panic.

No matter how Wang Qingchen explained himself, Xia Wanti seemed resolute in her conviction: Wang Qingchen despised her poor reputation. Everything he had just said so righteously must have been a lie. Thinking this, how could Xia Wanti not feel heartbroken? She was already miserable enough; now she had to endure deceit too!

While Xia Wanti was engulfed in sorrow, Wang Qingchen’s mind overheated, and he did something so impulsive that even he found it utterly bewildering. This action caused Zhao Cheng, the spectator nearby, to clamp his hands tightly over his mouth, stifling the gasp that threatened to escape.

Wang Qingchen first rubbed his temples, then suddenly seemed to forget he was in ancient times. He strode forward and pulled Xia Wanti into an embrace, patting her back and murmuring, "There, there, don't cry! Stop crying!"

With Wang Qingchen’s embrace, Xia Wanti indeed stopped crying—or rather, she was too shocked to remember how. She stared blankly at him, tears still clinging to her eyelashes!

Since Xia Wanti had quieted down, Wang Qingchen let out a breath of relief. So, what those romance dramas claimed was true! However, he felt like he had forgotten something important—what was it?

Before Wang Qingchen could recall what he had forgotten, a furious shout erupted from behind them: "Well, well! You refused to agree to marry my sister earlier, but now you’re just... Qingchen, you owe me an explanation!"

Xia Wentao, upon learning his sister had come over, rushed here fearing Wang Qingchen would form a worse impression of her. He hadn't anticipated that after hurrying as fast as he could, he would arrive only to witness such a scene. Worse still, the opening of the door when he entered meant several household servants undoubtedly glimpsed the sight. It wasn't just one or two people; how could he ensure every servant would keep silent?

Hearing Xia Wentao’s enraged voice, Wang Qingchen finally remembered what he had overlooked. Heavens! Was this an era where one could casually embrace a woman? Was this an era where embracing a woman carried no consequences? Good heavens! Unless she was a woman from a brothel!

Wang Qingchen hastily backed up two steps, then stared blankly at his own hands, desperately wishing for the possibility of time reversal.

Over there, Xia Wentao was highly displeased that Wang Qingchen only stared blankly at his hands without speaking. However, a sliver of reason remained. Recalling that others must have seen the scene when he pushed the door open, he quickly gave an instruction to the young attendant following him, then dismissed the other servants before striding forward in anger: "Qingchen, you must give me an accounting for this!"

Zhao Cheng, who had been enjoying the spectacle, realized the situation had escalated. He was no longer surprised by Wang Qingchen’s sudden action or the fact that this woman was Xia Wentao’s sister. He quickly moved forward, fearing Xia Wentao might lose control and strike Wang Qingchen.

"Brother Xia, please calm down. Let's sit and discuss this properly," Zhao Cheng interjected to mediate.

Xia Wentao glanced at the suddenly appearing Zhao Cheng, then waved a hand at him. "Zhao Cheng, stay out of this. Any brother seeing this situation would not let it go."

Since Xia Wentao had put it that way, Zhao Cheng didn't know how to persuade him further. Fortunately, Wang Qingchen finally snapped out of the shock he had inflicted upon himself. While regretting his desperate, ill-conceived action, he had also grasped the repercussions of what he had done—his action was even worse than what that young master of the Fu family had done! If he didn't offer a resolution today, the situation Xia Wanti faced going forward would become even more perilous!

Realizing this, Wang Qingchen spoke as if making a momentous decision: "Brother Xia, your sister has been here a while, she must be tired. Why don't we arrange for her to return and rest first? As for the rest, we can discuss it later!"

Upon hearing Wang Qingchen's suggestion, Xia Wentao grasped his meaning. Since what they needed to discuss likely concerned Wang Qingchen marrying his sister, it was indeed inappropriate for her to remain there.

Thus, Xia Wentao nodded and instructed Xia Wanti’s maid to escort her back. As for Xia Wanti, her mind was utterly blank; she could recall nothing, understand nothing, merely following whatever others told her to do.

After Xia Wanti was led away by her maid, Wang Qingchen, Xia Wentao, and Zhao Cheng finally sat down again.

Since Wang Qingchen had already made up his mind, he was no longer flustered. He first poured tea for Xia Wentao and Zhao Cheng, then poured one for himself.

Xia Wentao watched Wang Qingchen’s unhurried demeanor with considerable anxiety. Logically, given what had just happened, he had every right to forcefully demand accountability from Wang Qingchen. However, partly because Wang Qingchen was a good friend, and partly because he wanted Wang Qingchen to voice his desire to marry his sister himself—so that his sister wouldn't be blamed later—he held back. Despite having some confidence that Wang Qingchen was a responsible and upright man, he felt uneasy before Wang Qingchen made a clear statement. Now, it seemed Wang Qingchen was deliberately testing him with this calm facade.

Seeing Wang Qingchen still unwilling to speak, Xia Wentao finally initiated, "Qingchen, what happened today will certainly have more than a small impact on my sister. What are your thoughts on the matter?"

Wang Qingchen looked at Xia Wentao for a moment, then stated gravely, "Brother Xia, I acted rashly today. Rest assured, I will take responsibility."

Although Wang Qingchen had always tried to delay his marriage, preferring to avoid it if possible, what happened today was undeniably his mistake. He didn't know why his mind had flared up to embrace Xia Wanti so impulsively. This was not modern society; this was the very real ancient world. If this was mishandled, the consequences for the entire Xia household would be severe. Therefore, even if the Xia family didn't press the issue, Wang Qingchen was certain he must bear the responsibility.

With Wang Qingchen’s declaration, Xia Wentao felt a wave of relief. It was good that Wang Qingchen had accepted the situation himself; this made matters much simpler. The family had already considered Wang Qingchen as a potential candidate for a son-in-law, and now that this incident had occurred, it would be easier for the family to accept the outcome.

With the matter settled, Xia Wentao didn't linger. He was eager to return home to discuss the situation with his family, hoping to finalize the marriage arrangement as quickly as possible to prevent rumors from spreading, which would further damage his sister's reputation.

After Xia Wentao hurried off to consult his parents, Zhao Cheng, seeing Wang Qingchen still somewhat stunned, didn't stay long either. After a few words, he also left, advising Wang Qingchen to take some time to reflect.

Wang Qingchen had no idea what he needed to reflect upon. Although he had decided to marry Xia Wanti, his mind was currently a confusing whirl. He thought of many things: his original notions about a wife, the potential reaction of the Xia family, his own family's stance on the matter, and even how he would manage his relationship with Xia Wanti in the future. Despite the multitude of thoughts, no single issue had been resolved.

Wang Qingchen turned and lay down on the **, thinking of Xia Wanti moments before. Despite her upsetting tears, based on her earlier words and behavior, she didn't seem difficult to get along with. Thinking this, Wang Qingchen finally found some solace. Oh well, even if it hadn't been Xia Wanti, it would have been some other woman he barely knew. By comparison, Xia Wanti at least shared a destiny with him, and she was someone he knew more about than a complete stranger.

With that realization, Wang Qingchen accepted the marriage from the bottom of his heart. Having accepted it, he naturally needed to inform his family immediately. Wang Qingchen quickly sat up again, contemplating how to convey the news in his letter home.