The letter of repudiation… The Marquis of Dingxi flinched internally. Had they come to collect gambling debts now?

“A letter of repudiation? What letter of repudiation?” The Marquis of Dingxi asked, feigning ignorance.

Playing dumb? Qi Yue was momentarily stunned.

She had anticipated numerous reactions from the Marquis of Dingxi, but never had she expected him to simply feign ignorance. How dare he pull such a stunt!

‘What letter of repudiation is this, Yue Niang dear?’ The Marquis of Dingxi had already shifted his expression to one of shocked anger. “My Lord,” Qi Yue offered a wry smile, saying, “In truth, I haven't come to interrogate Your Lordship about anything.

We can discuss this matter of the repudiation; the outcome will be the same, but perhaps the form should change—say, a mutual separation…” “Yue Niang, don’t say another word. I promise I will investigate this matter thoroughly, and I will certainly give you an explanation.

Rest assured, as long as I draw breath, no one will dare bully you.” The Marquis of Dingxi waved a grand hand, decisively ending the topic. Qi Yue grew anxious.

“My Lord, the words are written in black and white, and your seal is even affixed. How can you simply dismiss it like that?” she stated.

“My Lord, you are a man of your word; what you say makes an impact.” Indeed, indeed. The Marquis of Dingxi couldn't help but smile with a hint of smugness, then quickly suppressed it.

“Yue Niang, how could such a thing be? You are mistaken; you must have seen it incorrectly.” He straightened his expression and said sternly.

This was truly speaking nonsense with a straight face; Qi Yue had certainly witnessed it now. For a moment, her mouth hung open, unsure of what to say.

“How could I be mistaken? My Lord, stop joking.

I saw it with my own eyes,” she said, frowning. “Where is it?

Show me,” the Marquis of Dingxi said seriously, extending his hand. “Let me see.

Which audacious person dared to forge my seal?” “The Crown Prince… tore it up,” Qi Yue replied. “If you don’t believe me, call him here; he saw it too.” For the first time, the Marquis of Dingxi felt that his least favored legitimate son had done something thoughtful.

“Yue Niang, if it’s torn, it’s gone. If it’s gone, it’s gone.

Don’t dwell on it. You’ve been so exhausted these past few days—go rest well quickly, don’t worry about anything,” he said earnestly.

What did ‘gone is gone’ mean? Qi Yue looked at the Marquis of Dingxi.

She was an adult; how could she not understand the intentions swirling in the Marquis’s mind? “My Lord,” she sighed, saying, “I cannot guarantee I can save people every single time.

This kind of thing, ultimately, relies on luck. But I cannot stand by and watch someone die when I have the means to help.

Therefore, I will inevitably attract a great deal of trouble. This time, by sheer luck, I didn’t bring trouble to the Marquis’s residence, but next time, and the time after that, trouble will surely arise…” As she was speaking, someone swiftly pulled back the curtain and entered.

“The Crown Prince has arrived,” cried a young servant urgently at the same time. Chang Yuncheng, bringing a chill with him, stopped firmly.

“Yuncheng, you’re here too. Have you eaten?” The Marquis of Dingxi smiled quickly, adding with a hint of teasing, “I haven’t seen you for just a moment, and you’ve already followed your wife here?” Qi Yue and Chang Yuncheng’s faces both stiffened.

Did this have anything to do with it? “Not yet, Father hasn’t either, I presume?

I apologize for interrupting Father’s meal; we shall take our leave now,” Chang Yuncheng said. Good son, good son.

The Marquis of Dingxi couldn't help but beam with relief and joy, nodding repeatedly. “Yes, yes, quickly now.

Yue Niang has worked hard these past few days; go eat quickly, and have the kitchen prepare something good,” he said, eagerly ushering them out with a gesture towards the tea. “I’ve already eaten…” Qi Yue protested.

What a joke; she hadn't even explained anything yet. Chang Yuncheng reached out and grasped her hand, then turned and pulled her out.

As soon as they left, the Marquis of Dingxi hastily began giving orders. “Quickly, quickly!

Pack things up. I’m going to the estate by Swallow Cloud Lake for a couple of days.

It’s the perfect time to admire the lake scenery,” he announced. Admiring lake scenery in the dead of winter… The servants were utterly bewildered, but the aesthetic sensibilities of this refined Marquis were certainly different from their own mundane views, so no one dared to delay, rushing to relay messages, pack the necessary items, prepare the carriages, and select the accompanying retinue with hurried steps.

Meanwhile, Qi Yue was being dragged out of the Marquis of Dingxi’s study by Chang Yuncheng. “What are you doing?” Qi Yue struggled with all her might, but she couldn't break free.

Chang Yuncheng held her hand tightly, determinedly refusing to let go. Qi Yue’s strength was negligible in his eyes.

“You’re hurting my hand again!” Qi Yue was furious. Anyone would be angry when their well-laid plans were disrupted.

She simply hurried forward a few steps, planting herself in front of Chang Yuncheng, and used her other hand to grab his collar. Chang Yuncheng allowed her to make the move.

“With your strength, it’s no wonder you can’t break free,” he said, unable to help but chuckle at her exasperated expression. Qi Yue snatched hold of his lapel.

“Is this very amusing?” she looked at him, her eyes red—whether from staying up late or from his smile, he immediately retracted his grin. “Is it fun to toy with me like this?” Qi Yue faced him.

Her voice didn’t rise, and her tone grew slow. “Is it fun to watch me come when called and leave when dismissed like a dog?

Does it feel comfortable to show a smiling face when pleased and a cold one when displeased?” Chang Yuncheng looked at her, not releasing her hand, but gripping it tighter instead. He covered the hand gripping his lapel with his other one.

“I know, I am perfectly aware. I’ve been shamelessly clinging to your household, which is distasteful—and I find it distasteful myself.

I am sorry. In the beginning, I didn't know what else to do, I didn't know how to manage once I left, being in a strange place with no connections.

So, I shamelessly imposed myself on your family. You must believe me, I feel more uncomfortable than you do.” Qi Yue continued looking at him.

“Now, it’s fine. You’ve said what needed to be said, and I am prepared.

We can part amicably. Is playing like this meaningful?” Chang Yuncheng remained silent, only holding her hand.

Qi Yue’s chest rose and fell violently, as if the pent-up frustration was finally finding release. “And you—what are you pretending to be calm about?” She tried hard to shake off Chang Yuncheng’s hand, but to no avail.

“Can’t you speak frankly? Is it that hard to sit down and talk things through openly?

Why all the sudden shocks, the bursts of joy and anger? Is it so entertaining?” Chang Yuncheng waited until she finished speaking.

“Fine,” he nodded and said. “Fine what?” Qi Yue, having finally voiced so much, felt slightly better and snapped, “Fine what?” “Speak frankly, sit down, and speak properly,” Chang Yuncheng stated.

Qi Yue panted, looking at him. “Fine, but is it at your place or mine?” she asked, trying again to pull her hand free.

“You say,” Chang Yuncheng replied, holding fast. “Mine,” Qi Yue said, pulling her hand again.

“Let go.” Chang Yuncheng released his grip. Qi Yue rubbed her wrist, shot him a resentful glance, and turned to leave.

Watching Qi Yue and Chang Yuncheng enter the courtyard one after the other, A'Ru, A'Hao, Que Zhi, and the others who were conversing rushed to meet them. “Serve the meal,” Qi Yue commanded.

Seeing her expression, A'Ru dared not ask further and quickly signaled everyone to follow orders. The dishes were soon laid out—aromatic, delicious, and varied.

This time, there was Qi Yue’s favorite plain congee and small side dishes, and naturally, the meat and eggs that Chang Yuncheng preferred. Seeing Qi Yue eating quietly, Chang Yuncheng put down his chopsticks.

“Perhaps we should talk first,” he suggested. “Eating with a dark mood is not good for your health.” Qi Yue looked up at him.

“Oh? You understand the art of wellness too?” she asked with a hint of sarcasm.

Que Zhi, standing by, couldn't help but twitch her eyebrow and secretly glanced at A'Ru, seeing her expression remained calm, as if she hadn't heard anything. “Yes, I know a little,” Chang Yuncheng replied.

Qi Yue watched him for a moment, then let out a breath. “I’m fine.

We can talk after eating,” she said, the anxiety fading from her brow as she lowered her head to eat. Only then did Chang Yuncheng pick up his chopsticks.

“Try this Peony Cake. Father specially requested the recipe from the capital,” he hesitated for a moment, then picked up a piece of the browned cake, already sliced on the plate, and offered it to her.

Qi Yue accepted it. “Thank you,” she said, her tone calm, having reverted to politeness.

“And try this fish soup…” Chang Yuncheng continued, bringing a small lidded bowl in front of Qi Yue. “Having something savory and fresh in the morning is also good for the body.” After saying this, seeing the woman look over, he smiled.

“The governesses in the estate taught us from childhood what we should and shouldn't eat, and when and how much to eat,” he explained. The ancients were better at wellness than the modern people, Qi Yue thought to herself, saying nothing more, slowly eating with her head down.

Breakfast concluded in an atmosphere of unprecedented harmony, and Que Zhi and the others breathed a sigh of relief. Watching the couple settle into the room, Que Zhi personally served the tea before, at A'Ru's signal, exiting with a slight air of regret.

“I absolutely will not agree to being repudiated,” Qi Yue stated plainly. Chang Yuncheng looked at her and nodded.

“Yes, I do not agree either,” he responded. Qi Yue’s expression softened slightly.

“You see, neither my status nor your status allows us to make the decision about our marriage,” she continued. “Although my background is not worthy of you, I am otherwise faultless, so repudiation is completely unreasonable.

Therefore, a mutual separation would be fair to both of us.” Chang Yuncheng looked at the teacup in his hands without speaking. “You have no objection to this point, do you?” Qi Yue inquired.

Chang Yuncheng smiled but said nothing. “This isn't me being stubborn.

Since we are parting anyway, as long as the result is achieved, that’s what matters,” Qi Yue didn't mind. She also picked up her teacup and took a sip, her gaze drifting past the door, then she continued, “I must take responsibility for myself.

If I am at fault, I will accept the fault, but if I am forced to accept blame when I have done nothing wrong, even if it achieves the desired outcome, that is unforgivable to me. If a person doesn't even care about themselves, what is the point of living?” “Yes,” Chang Yuncheng replied, looking at her and smiling.

“That is well said. I like it.” Qi Yue smiled at him—a friendly smile, yet one marked by distance.

“See? It’s actually quite simple.

It’s much better now that we’ve sat down and talked it out. You don't need to be conflicted anymore; your mother’s worries and precautions regarding me were completely unnecessary.

In fact, I had this plan from the start, it’s just that in the beginning…” she said with a smile tinged with relief. When she mentioned the beginning, Qi Yue couldn't help but recall with a hint of nostalgia—at first, she still held hope of returning home… “…I just wasn’t ready yet, and I didn’t know the path I was supposed to take.

To say I wasn't scared would be a lie…” she laughed, with a touch of emotion. She had indeed been terrified—a strange environment, strange people, strange customs and rules… “In the beginning?” Chang Yuncheng suddenly interrupted her.

“You mean, you were prepared for this a long time ago?” “Yes, so you all worried too much. I genuinely never intended to cling to your family for life.

Seeing how scared you and your mother became…” Qi Yue couldn't help but pout. That meant all his struggles, his agony, and all the actions he had taken were merely a joke in her eyes… Chang Yuncheng smiled, though this smile was somewhat chilling.

“Forget about the past; I am ready now,” Qi Yue stated, looking up at Chang Yuncheng. “So, regarding this point of mutual separation—have we reached an agreement?” “No,” Chang Yuncheng stood up and said.

“Very well, then let’s discuss the property… Huh?” Qi Yue said with a smile, clapping her hands lightly in relief, but before they could settle, she froze abruptly, looking at Chang Yuncheng with astonishment. “What did you say?” Chang Yuncheng looked down at her from above.

“I said…” He smiled slightly. “Whether you stay or go, do you truly think you get to decide!” Qi Yue stared at him, her eyes wide.

“Have you already forgotten what I said?” Chang Yuncheng chuckled, taking a couple of steps closer, and pinched her chin. “Mutual separation?

You dream beautifully!”