It Was A Fake Marriage, But Jiu Qian Sui Took It Seriously - Chapter 12

At this moment, everyone in the courtyard realized that the Duke had come today to break off the engagement for Shen Qing Li.

When did these two have any interaction?

No one dared to ask another question.

Madam Lu was unwilling to accept this, her anger clouding her judgment. She gritted her teeth and confronted Shen Qing Li, “Breaking off the engagement is fine, but when did I ever use the money you earned from doing business for personal expenses? Slandering your elders—did your mother teach you to behave this way? ”

She was sure that Shen Qing Li would not have any evidence.

Even if the engagement was initially due to a mistake in the customs, she couldn’t allow Shen Qing Li to leave out of blame. Accusing her elders would be enough to ruin her reputation in Shengjing.

Shen Qing Li’s heart tightened again, feeling a bit regretful for bringing up so much. She had done these things sincerely, so naturally, she didn’t leave any evidence. No one around Madam Lu would testify for her.

Jun Mo Ran let out a chuckle. “So, you claim that your family has no intention of taking Lady Shen’s money? ”

Madame Lu, full of righteous indignation, loudly replied, “Our family never intended to take her money.”

The Duke calmly said, “How noble. Then return the hundred acres of fertile land and fifty estates under Lady Shen’s name to her.”

“A hundred acres of fertile land? Fifty estates? How much profit would that generate each year? All going into the Marquis’ household? ”

“And they claim they don’t want her money? ”

“No wonder they don’t want to break off the engagement…”

The scene erupted, and no one could believe the Marquis’ household would do such a thing, but it also seemed quite reasonable… With such a large amount of money, who wouldn’t be tempted?

Madam Lu was shocked. How could the Duke know so much about the affairs of the household? Qing Li sneaked a glance at the Grandmother Lu, who was glaring at her with sharp, triangular eyes.

Madam Lu trembled all over and dared not speak again.

Shen Qing Li’s mind was in turmoil. She never thought she could get those things back, let alone prove that the Marquis’ household coveted her dowry in this way.

She and her mother had come to seek refuge at the Yongwang Marquis’ household. Upon arriving, her mother had handed over some of their property to the Marquis’ household, hoping they would help manage it, which was essentially seeking protection with some wealth.

All of this was under MadamLu’s control. She would let Liu Li reconcile accounts with her every month, and she could see through those accounts at a glance, but she pretended not to know.

Her mother hoped that by giving them money, they would be kinder to her and her daughter. She was also willing to spend money for peace, and later, with the engagement to Jiang Zhi Li, she cared even less about these matters.

Seeing that the family was being accused by others, the old Marquis’ face turned dark. Who in the family hadn’t taken advantage of the Shen family’s property?

The old lady Marquis awkwardly said, “All of this was voluntarily given by Yingwan back then, hoping the Marquis’ household would help her manage it. She was in poor health, and Qingli was too young. I was afraid they would be deceived, so I had the household take over to assist in managing it…”

Jun Mo Ran smiled and said, “Lady Shen is now sixteen years old, and the engagement is off. Shouldn’t everything be returned to its rightful owner? ”

There was no room for doubt.

The old Marquis nodded. “Of course, of course.”

The Duke stood up and said calmly, “Complete the handover within three days.”

“I don’t want to hear any rumors regarding today’s event. Otherwise…” His gaze swept over everyone present, and the pressure was palpable. Everyone lowered their heads even more.

“Alright, it’s over. Disperse,” said Jun Mo Ran, his gaze dark and fixed on Jiang Zhi Li. “The matter is clear; I’m taking him away. Marquis, think about how to redeem him.”

Madame Lu’s heartbreaking cry echoed through the courtyard. Jun Mo Ran took Jiang Zhi Li away.

As the crowd dispersed, the Madam Lu glared fiercely at Shen Qing Li and accompanied the Yongwang Marquis to the study. They needed to discuss how to redeem their grandson.

Aunt Lu lunged at Shen Qingli, shouting, “You little wretch, I’ll beat you to death!”

Shen Qing Li dodged, causing Aunt Lu to fall flat on her face. Coldly, she said, “Aunt, please mind your words.”

She then turned and left. It was no longer possible to stay at the Marquis’ household. Once her mother’s condition improved, they needed to move out.

In the secluded courtyard, a familiar figure stood in the yard. His black python robe, made of Shu brocade, shimmered with rainbow colors in the sunlight.

Shen Qing Li was stunned, feeling a warmth in her heart, and her expression softened. She stepped forward and bowed, softly saying, “Thank you, Jiu Qian Sui Lord.”

Jun Mo Ran turned, his voice gentle and concerned, “No need for such formalities with me. Today’s matter might not be easily concealed, you…”

His voice was melodious and captivating, making her heart flutter.

Shen Qing Li felt a weakness spreading from her heart to her entire body. She took a deep breath to steady herself.

Before she understood what was happening to her body, she felt her vision darken, dizziness setting in, and her fingers losing strength. She seemed about to faint.

Just as she was about to squat down to ease herself, a strong hand firmly grasped her arm.

Seeing her pale face, Jun Mo Ran realized something was wrong and quickly helped her into a room.

“Quick, see what’s wrong with her!”

Shen Qing Li sat for a moment, regaining her senses as her vision cleared.

A faint sandalwood scent emanated from the man, providing a sense of calm.

After checking her pulse, Dr. Xiao Yang said she was overly fatigued and hadn’t eaten anything, causing her weakness. Some sugar water and rest would help.

Shen Qing Li thanked Dr. Yang and turned to see the concern in Jun Mo Ran’s eyes.

Seeing she was alright, he softly asked, “How are you feeling now?”

“Don’t worry, I’m fine. Sometimes when I skip breakfast and practice martial arts, this happens. I’ll be fine after a while,” Shen Qing Li said, lowering her head. His expression made her feel flustered.

His eyes were full of her image, his long lashes casting a faint shadow, and a thin layer of sweat on his high nose… He was really too handsome.

“I understand your intentions, Lord Jiu. I’m not afraid of rumors. Since the day I asked to break off the engagement, I never planned to marry again. As for the rumors… let them be. Once my mother’s health improves, we’ll leave Shengjing and stay away from all this trouble.”

Hearing this, the softness in Jun Mo Ran’s eyes faded a bit, and he said calmly, “Where do you plan to take your mother?”

She lowered her head, not noticing his change in tone, and gently said, “I haven’t decided yet. I’ll go see my mother first. You’ve helped me a lot, Lord Jiu. I can’t delay you any longer.”

Jun Mo Ran replied, “There’s no delay. I’ll go with you to see your mother.”

Shen Qing Li looked a bit incredulous. He was the revered Lord Jiu Qian Sui; how could he lower himself to visit her mother?

“Your mother once made food for me at the border. Why can’t I visit her?”

Of course, no one would dare say he couldn’t.

Shen Qing Li didn’t voice her thoughts and led him into the room. He was exceptionally talented and extraordinary, unmatched in both civil and military affairs. Yunsheng always believed no woman could match their Lord.

But now, seeing Lady Shen standing beside him like a perfect couple, they were indeed a sight to behold. The faint emotions surrounding them were delightful.

Who knows, maybe their manor would have a joyous occasion soon.