Chapter 600 - 201: The Noble Lady of Jintai (Part 2)

Over the years, the number of young masters from esteemed families coming to propose marriage had been so great they threatened to wear out the Hong Family’s threshold. They included the legitimate sons of the other two great families and the sons of Court officials. Yet, if Hong Qingzhu expressed even the slightest dissatisfaction, Hong Shixian would never force the issue and would reject them all. As a result, she remained unmarried.

The Hong Family Grand Elder had originally assumed that even if the Patriarch intended to form a marriage alliance with Yang Jing, he would choose one of his many daughters born of concubines. After all, such alliances were inherently driven by the family’s interests.

But he had never imagined that the Patriarch would be willing to betroth his most beloved legitimate daughter, Hong Qingzhu. The importance placed on this union far surpassed any ordinary familial calculation.

Just then, Hong Shixian looked up at the guard standing outside the door and said in a deep voice, "Hong Liu, go and bring the Second Miss here."

The guard outside, dressed in sharp black attire, stood tall and straight. Upon hearing the order, he immediately bowed. "Yes, Patriarch."

With that, he turned and strode away.

About the time it takes an incense stick to burn, a set of light, quick footsteps sounded from outside, carrying the unique, nimble grace of a young woman.

A moment later, a charming figure emerged from behind the carved wooden door.

Hong Qingzhu was dressed in a water-green silk gown, its hem embroidered with delicate white plum blossoms. She was tall and slender, with a face as exquisite as the finest porcelain doll. Her dark hair was gathered into a loose bun, fastened with a jade hairpin set at a jaunty angle, which only accentuated her jade-like, translucent skin.

As soon as she entered, she first offered the Hong Family Grand Elder a graceful curtsy, her voice as clear as a silver bell. "Grand Elder."

She then walked briskly to Hong Shixian’s side, picked up the purple clay teapot from the table, and expertly refilled her father’s cup. Her movements were gentle, with a touch of charming innocence.

"Dad, what did you call me for?" Hong Qingzhu asked with a wide smile as she handed the cup to Hong Shixian, her eyes dancing with excitement. "I have plans with Lin Wumei to go hunting outside the city. If I’m any later, we’ll miss our chance."

Hong Shixian gazed at the apple of his eye, a gentle smile gracing his features. "Qing Zhu," he said slowly, "I called you here because I have something important to tell you."

Hong Qingzhu blinked her large, bright eyes. The smile on her face faded slightly as she asked in confusion, "What is it, Dad? You had to call me back just for this?"

Hong Shixian lifted his teacup and took a small sip. His gaze rested on his daughter’s lovely face as he asked calmly, "Have you heard the name Yang Jing before?"

At his words, Hong Qingzhu furrowed her brow. She tilted her delicate chin upward and thought for a moment before replying uncertainly, "Yesterday, while I was at the Rouge Pavilion with the fifth Miss Lin, I think she mentioned him briefly. Said he was some disciple of the Xuanzhen Sect who trains diligently and is quite strong?"

"Correct." Hong Shixian nodded, his tone tinged with approval. "He is a genius disciple of the Xuanzhen Sect. Just yesterday, in the final match of the Fushan Grand Competition, he tied for first place with Chu Yunhai of the sect’s Celestial Derivation Peak. Right now, within the Xuanzhen Sect and even throughout all of Jintai Prefecture, he’s the man of the hour."

Hong Qingzhu let out a soft "Oh," her eyes still filled with confusion. "Dad, why are you suddenly telling me about him?" she asked, puzzled. "I don’t even know him."

Hong Shixian set down his teacup. The smile slowly vanished from his face, replaced by a much more solemn expression. His gaze burned into Hong Qingzhu as he spoke, enunciating each word. "Qing Zhu, I am preparing to betroth you to him. This will serve as our marriage alliance."

"CRASH—"

The purple clay teapot trembled in Hong Qingzhu’s hand, slipped from her fingertips, and fell to the gleaming floor tiles. The pot shattered, splashing scalding tea everywhere as clouds of steam billowed upward.

She stared blankly at her father, the color draining from her face. Her eyes were wide with disbelief, and her voice trembled. "Dad... you can’t be serious. Why would I be part of a marriage alliance with anyone?!"

Hong Shixian looked at her stunned expression. His voice remained calm, but it held a steely resolve. "I am not joking. Prepare yourself. In a couple of days, I will arrange for the two of you to meet and get acquainted."

Only then did Hong Qingzhu realize there wasn’t a hint of jest in her father’s eyes—only resolve.

The last shred of hope in her heart vanished. An overwhelming sense of being wronged washed over her, and her eyes immediately reddened.

Seeing this, the Hong Family Grand Elder, who was sitting to the side, simply lifted his teacup and drank his tea in silence, not daring to utter a single word.

’This was the Patriarch’s family affair, and a matter concerning the entire life of the apple of his eye, no less. Even as the Hong Family Grand Elder, how could he possibly presume to interfere at a time like this?’

Tears, like pearls from a broken string, rolled down Hong Qingzhu’s pale cheeks, splattering onto her dress and leaving behind dark, wet marks.

She had always believed she would be allowed to follow her heart in marriage, to choose someone she truly loved. She never imagined her father would betroth her to a complete stranger for the sake of the family’s interests.

Her appearance was so pitifully lovely that it would stir compassion in any heart. Even the Hong Family Grand Elder, watching from the side, couldn’t help but sigh to himself.

Hong Qingzhu sobbed, her vision blurred by tears. She tightly clutched the hem of her gown, her voice thick with anguish. "Dad, you promised me! You said the Hong Family didn’t need me to secure its position with a marriage alliance! You said I could choose someone I loved, that my choice of husband would depend on my heart, not his family status!"

At her words, the gentleness on Hong Shixian’s face faded. After a moment of silence, he slowly shook his head. "I did say that, but that was before I met Yang Jing. I have seen him with my own eyes. He is young, yet his bearing is calm and steady. In terms of his talent for the Martial Dao and his physical appearance, he is a top-tier choice. He is more than worthy of you."