Chapter 63: A Scholar with a Proud Spirit

"It's my fault for not making things clear, which led to your misunderstanding, General Chu. This marriage contract was agreed upon between the Chu and Yu families many years ago, but it never specified who was to be engaged. Now that I am the only one left in the Yu family, naturally the marriage is considered to be between myself and Miss Chu. I am not one to force others against their will. The Yu family has fallen on hard times, and it is understandable if Miss Chu is unwilling to marry. Thus, I return the marriage contract to the Chu family. From now on, the Yu and Chu families will go their separate ways, never to cross paths again."

Although he now had nowhere to call home, he would not cling to the Chu family. The Yu family had indeed done the Chu family a kindness, but that kindness belonged to his ancestors; it had nothing to do with him, and he would not disgrace their memory. All these years, he had supported himself with his own hands. After the New Year, he would sit for the provincial examination. Once the marriage contract was returned, he would return to Jinzhou and prepare for the exam. The Yu family would not lose its dignity because of him.

Shen Zhao was full of doubt upon hearing this—was it possible for a marriage contract to be so vague? If it did not even specify the bride and groom, could it still be called a marriage contract? Looking at the young man’s resolute expression, she thought, this can’t do. You must not leave.

With a stern face, Shen Zhao said, "Do you look down on the Chu family, Zihuan? The Chu family is not so shameless as to break promises. Whether or not you return the contract, you are our guest. Come with me to the residence. If you refuse, it means you harbor resentment and disdain for us."

No matter what, she intended to keep Yu Zihuan here, though as for his marriage to Chu Miao, that was out of the question. This child seemed good and upright; Chu Miao was not worthy of him.

"This..." Yu Zihuan hesitated, but Shen Zhao cut him off, "Do you think so little of the Chu family, Zihuan, that you won’t even pay a visit?"

"Then I will not refuse your invitation. Forgive me for intruding," Yu Zihuan replied, resigned. He was deeply reluctant to set foot in the Great General's mansion, not wishing to be mistaken for someone chasing the Chu family across great distances to force a marriage.

He had never desired this union. He had only come to the capital to return the contract because he had no other choice. In Jinzhou, he had become the target of much gossip among the academy students, who whispered that he was shameless, a pauper hoping for a match beyond his station, daring to covet the noble Miss Chu. They said he should know his place, that he clung to the Chu family on the strength of an old contract, not realizing his own insignificance.

Since the Chu family's eldest daughter and her family moved to the capital, the criticism against him had only grown. He had done nothing, but because of the contract, everyone saw him as a disgraceful fortune-hunter, seeking to drive out the Chu family for his own gain.

He was determined to return the contract and sever all ties with the Chu family. If General Chu would not accept it, someone else would. Shen Zhao no longer cared to go to the Central Military Command. With the Xie family and Prince Loyal keeping watch, no one dared defy orders.

Now, the most important thing was to clarify the relationship between Mu and this young man.

Yu Zihuan followed Shen Zhao into the Great General’s residence, walking with eyes straight ahead, proper and composed, never glancing around at the grandeur.

As soon as they entered, they ran into Chu Miao and Chu Mu’s sister-in-law, Madam Zheng. Shen Zhao slowed her pace, remembering Zheng and recognizing her at once. But what were Chu Miao and Madam Zheng doing here? This path was the only way back to her own courtyard—were they waiting for her?

As she drew closer, Shen Zhao stopped at the turn of the corridor, not intending to eavesdrop, but she heard Chu Miao mention her name.

Yu Zihuan stopped as well, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. Was the general... eavesdropping?

"Mother, will this really work? If Third Uncle stands up for me, Father won’t force me to marry that fallen scholar, will he?"

"Don’t you trust your mother? Your father isn’t close to your grandmother or second uncle, but he would give his heart for your third uncle. Though he rarely comes to the capital, whenever there’s news about your third uncle, your father is more concerned than anyone. Don’t worry—your third uncle protects his own. He’d never let you be forced into a pit of fire."

"But Mother, Yu Zihuan still has the contract. Would Third Uncle take the blame for forgetting kindness and betraying old friends for my sake? And Mother, since you’ve just arrived at the General’s residence, did you confirm that Third Uncle passes by here every day?"

"Rest assured, Miao Miao. Listen to your mother. Let’s wait here together and see your third uncle before your father does."

Having heard all this, Shen Zhao stepped forward quietly—it turned out they were waiting for her.

As Shen Zhao approached, Chu Miao, who had been stretching her neck to look, immediately spotted her and called out sweetly, "Third Uncle, you’re back from your duties..."

But when Chu Miao saw Yu Zihuan behind Shen Zhao, her face darkened instantly, ugly with displeasure. "You..."

She was about to say, "You penniless scholar, have you followed me all the way to the General's residence?" but the words died on her lips as she was stunned by the scene.

Yu Zihuan looked strikingly like her third uncle.

She had always disliked Yu Zihuan, never sparing a glance for this fallen scholar. But looking closely now, Yu Zihuan bore an uncanny resemblance to her third uncle.

She hadn’t seen her third uncle in many years and only vaguely remembered his appearance. Just yesterday, seeing him again had refreshed her memory. Even if she had noticed Yu Zihuan before, she would never have thought him reminiscent of anyone.

Not only was Chu Miao wide-eyed with shock, but even the usually composed Madam Zheng couldn’t hide a flash of surprise.

Yet she controlled herself well, so brief that it was almost imperceptible.

The master’s insistence on marrying Miao Miao to Yu Zihuan—could it be he knew of this resemblance all along? She had met Yu Zihuan before and thought he looked familiar. Now she understood why: Yu Zihuan and the third uncle looked more alike than real brothers.

A thunderous realization struck—more alike than brothers! Her husband's and mother-in-law's words echoed in her ears. The old lady clearly disliked any mention of the Yu family, and from her tone, harbored only resentment, not gratitude.

Yes, resentment. Madam Zheng glanced repeatedly at Shen Zhao and Yu Zihuan. There were always people in the world who looked alike, but with the strange behavior of her husband and mother-in-law, a terrible suspicion crept into her heart.

No... surely not. Was she overthinking it? How could Third Uncle not be a true child of the Chu family, but rather of the Yu family?

Shen Zhao observed the reactions of Zheng and her daughter, finding them just as she had expected. But what did that flicker of panic in Zheng’s eyes mean?

"Sister-in-law, when did you arrive in the capital? Did you come with my elder brother? Why did you not send word so I could meet you at the city gates? This journey must have been exhausting."

She stepped aside, saying, "Zihuan, you know Sister-in-law and Miao Miao, do you not? Come, let us visit Mother, so she may have a good look at the Chu family's son-in-law. Zihuan, pay your respects to your future mother-in-law."

Shen Zhao felt little affection for Madam Zheng, the so-called virtuous and gracious sister-in-law she had met only once before. Zheng seemed utterly insincere, nothing like her reputation.

From what she had just overheard, even Chu Miao knew who would be blamed for dissolving the engagement, yet Zheng still urged Chu Miao to plead with her. Clearly, Zheng was not to be underestimated.

She had spoken deliberately, just to see how this two-faced sister-in-law would react.