Chapter 6: I Will Not Marry

After recovering from a serious illness, I chatted with my mother for a while before preparing to visit my busy father.

As Bian Yalan approached the study, she was stopped by a servant at the door. Perhaps her father had urgent matters to discuss?

"I've come to visit Father. When will it be convenient?" Bian Yalan asked the servant. The servant replied, "Miss, it may not be convenient for a while. Master is currently discussing matters with Young Master Cong."

Her elder brother? He was born out of wedlock and, although adopted by her mother, could not inherit the title of Duke of Zhengguo. However, he was diligent and well-educated, and had achieved success in the imperial examinations. He was currently a highly regarded young talent.

Narrowing her eyes, Bian Yalan brushed past the servant and confidently approached the door, straining to listen carefully.

Faintly, she heard something about a marriage proposal?

"What's going on?" Bian Yalan asked the servant.

The servant explained in a flattering tone, "Congratulations, Miss. Lady Liang wants to arrange a marriage for His Highness. She asks Young Master to pass on the message, and His Highness will personally visit later."

Lady Liang's son? Song Shiwei?

Bian Yalan's eyes turned red, as if a fire was about to burst out.

No, she didn't want to marry!

Bian Yalan's mind heated up, and she rarely acted recklessly. Without thinking, she pushed open the slightly ajar door and rushed in.

Startled, Master Bian scolded, "Who is so rude?"

"Father! I won't marry," Bian Yalan blurted out without thinking. "I shouldn't be involved in this marriage."

"Outrageous!" Bian Yacong scolded, squinting at Bian Yalan. "Father and I are discussing official matters. You should leave first."

Master Bian, who doted on his daughter the most, restrained his anger and put on a gentle smile. This sudden change of mood made his face ache.

"This official matter is my marriage. How can I leave?" Bian Yalan urged anxiously. "I won't marry, period."

Master Bian had never seen his daughter so determined. Lady Liang, the mother of the current Third Prince, should be a good match for the family.

How could he know Bian Yalan's thoughts?

The current Third Prince, Song Shiwei, the future Prince Gong, was the man who conspired with Bian Yayun in her memory, causing her to suffer and slowly die in agony for the sake of his grand ambitions.

"Sister!" Bian Yacong's temper flared. "How can an unmarried girl like you talk about marriage so openly? Aren't you ashamed?"

"What's there to be ashamed of?" Bian Yalan retorted. "I'm just fighting for myself."

"Fighting? It's the parents' orders and the matchmaker's words. How dare you act so recklessly?" Bian Yacong didn't want to argue with his sister, but her words were too disrespectful. "Moreover, he is the Third Prince. Marrying him would be a sacrifice for you."

"Of course it would be a sacrifice," Bian Yalan didn't hold back. "What's so great about a prince? I'm not interested."

A servant outside suddenly delivered a message that the Third Prince was waiting at the mansion.

"I'll go and greet him!" Master Bian said, straightening his clothes.

Bian Yalan felt as if a thunderbolt had struck her, almost causing her to lose her composure.

"Father!" Bian Yalan tried to calm herself, but was blocked by Bian Yacong, who ignored his brother's hints. "Father, I think His Highness's frequent visits, no matter how discreet, will inevitably lead to gossip. The Duke of Zhengguo's mansion already has enough honor and doesn't need any more embellishment."

Master Bian was taken aback. He never expected his daughter to say such things, and although he had his own concerns, he also felt troubled.

Bian Yalan shook off her brother's hand and held it, "The prince's affairs are not something a subject should get involved in. Marrying the prince may bring a moment of dignity, but if it offends the emperor, won't it cause trouble for the Duke of Zhengguo's mansion?"

Her words made sense, but unfortunately, her brother didn't understand.

"Cong, come with me to meet him," Master Bian said leisurely. "My daughter has grown up."

Bian Yacong shook his head at her and followed their father out of the study.

Bian Yalan was left alone, stomping her feet and shouting after their retreating figures, "Father, brother, I won't marry."

She didn't want to be involved in old affairs and bring disaster to the Bian family.