The prince is fierce: Who dares to steal my woman?

Chapter 171 Yu Xin'er Acts as Matchmaker

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin's expression changed slightly, a complex light flashing in his eyes: "What? Could it be that... you heard about Chu Liangchen's refusal to marry?"

Yu Xin'er nodded gently, a meaningful smile playing on her lips: "Yes, Father, I have indeed heard about it. But that's precisely why I must come back and fight for my sister's happiness."

A faint sadness settled on Yu Jin's usually dignified face.

"Fine," he said slowly, his voice tinged with helplessness and resentment, "Good news doesn't travel far, but bad news travels fast. Now, even you, a sheltered young lady who never leaves the house, know about Chu Liangchen's refusal to marry you. Where will your sister put her face in the future!"

Yu Xin'er gently put down the embroidered handkerchief in her hand, looked at her father with gentle but firm eyes, and smiled faintly, trying to comfort the Duke of Chu who was unwilling to accept the loss of his family's honor.

“Look at what Father is saying,” she said softly, with a hint of unwavering determination. “Both Minister Chu and my sister are proud and arrogant. To outsiders, my sister being rejected by him may seem like quite a commotion, but for our family, it’s not really a shameful thing. After all, marriage is a matter of mutual affection, and it cannot be forced.”

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin's brows furrowed even more deeply, as if they held an endless indignation at the injustices of the world.

"Hmph," he snorted coldly, his tone carrying an undeniable authority, "My daughter, Yu Jin's daughter, is a treasure that countless princes and nobles dream of marrying into their families. What virtue or ability does Chu Liangchen possess to dare refuse the marriage? This is not only disrespectful to your sister, but also contemptuous of my Yu family! How can such behavior not be considered shameful?"

Upon seeing this, a sly glint flashed in Yu Xin'er's eyes. She knew that Yu Jin, especially when it came to her sister, would not tolerate the slightest grievance.

“Look at what Father is saying,” she spoke again, her voice carrying a hint of coquetry, yet not without reason, “They say good things come to those who wait, and fate is the most wondrous thing. As far as I know, when Minister Chu was proposed to, he didn’t completely rule it out, leaving room for maneuver in his words. There must still be room for this matter to turn around. Why don’t you be patient and wait for the right opportunity, Father? Perhaps in the near future, things will take a turn for the better, and a brighter future will emerge.”

At this point, Yu Xin'er stood up gently, walked to Yu Jin's side, and gently put her hand on his shoulder: "Besides, with such outstanding talent and beauty, why would my sister have to worry about not finding a better match? Father, please rest assured, everything will be preordained."

Looking into his daughter's gentle yet firm eyes, Yu Jin's anger gradually subsided, replaced by a barely perceptible sense of relief. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, his tone becoming much softer: "Alright, alright, let's do as you say. Let's wait and see what tricks Chu Liangchen can pull."

Yu Xin'er took a sip of tea and slowly spoke to Yu Jin, who was sitting at the head of the table: "Father, to be honest, I met Minister Chu a few times at the banquet at the Duke of Qi's mansion, and we can be considered nodding acquaintances. Why don't you let me go there myself and try to persuade him to see how Minister Chu will react to the matter of marrying my sister?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin frowned slightly, his eyes filled with both doubt and helplessness. He looked at his daughter, who had been exceptionally intelligent since childhood, and felt a mix of emotions.

"What did you say? You can persuade that arrogant guy Chu Liangchen to marry your sister? That's no easy task."

Seeing this, Yu Xin'er's eyes were full of determination and tenderness: "Father, please let your daughter give it a try. I know this matter concerns the honor and disgrace of the family, and I am well aware of the difficulties involved, but since there is an opportunity, why not give it a try? Although I cannot say that I am close to Minister Chu, my previous encounters with him have left a good impression. Perhaps my words can move him."

Looking into his daughter's hopeful eyes, Yu Jin felt a surge of emotion. He knew that the current situation, with the grudges and entanglements between the Yu family and Xiao Jinyan weighing heavily on his mind, meant that if Yu Xin'er could help with matchmaking, it would undoubtedly be a key to breaking the deadlock. Well, he decided to try anything, even if it seemed hopeless; perhaps this truly was the only way forward.

"Alright, then go ahead and give it a try. Remember, be careful with your words, be sincere, and don't force it."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er's face lit up with a bright smile.

"Then I will go now and will certainly not fail my father's expectations."

After saying that, she turned around and walked firmly towards the door. Her elegant dress swayed gently, like a lotus flower about to bloom in the wind.

At this moment, Mrs. He, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but stand up, her eyes full of love and expectation.

“Xin’er, once you get this marriage arranged, the feud between our family and Xiao Jinyan will be resolved.”

Yu Xin'er stopped and looked back at Madam He, her eyes sparkling with determination and warmth.

"Mother, rest assured, your daughter will do her utmost to make this marriage happen."

Yu Jin slowly spoke to Yu Xin'er, saying, "Xin'er, once you successfully persuade Chu Liangchen to arrange this marriage with your sister, all the old grudges between your father and Xiao Jinyan will be wiped clean. The family property he took from us in the past will be considered as your dowry, and it can also be regarded as a generous gift for the marriage between our two families."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er felt a mix of emotions. She knew that although her father loved money more than anything, his deep paternal love for her sister Yu Zhen'er was genuine and unwavering.

These complex emotions made her sigh softly, but then her eyes hardened, and she said to her father, "Father, please rest assured, I will do my best. Just wait for good news."

After speaking, Yu Xin'er turned around, her figure swaying, and walked with light steps toward the courtyard where Chu Liangchen lived.

After passing through winding corridors and crossing an exquisite arched bridge, Yu Xin'er finally arrived at Chu Liangchen's residence.

The door was gently pushed open, and a breeze blew in, carrying a faint scent of books and flowers, which was refreshing and delightful.

Chu Liangchen was writing furiously at his desk when he heard the noise. He looked up and saw that it was Yu Xin'er. He stood up in surprise and said, "Madam Yu, what brings you here? This is a private residence, and it is really not appropriate for you to set foot here."

Yu Xin'er smiled slightly, walked slowly into the house, and said softly, "Minister Chu, you are mistaken. Although this place is not where I usually live, it is my maternal home. Why can't I come? Besides, I have important matters to discuss with you today."

Dressed in fine clothes, Chu Liangchen's expression held a hint of inquiry as he slowly spoke: "Madam Yu, is there something important you wish to discuss with me at my humble abode?"

Yu Xin'er moved gracefully into the hall. She bowed slightly, her voice gentle yet firm: "Minister Chu, the reason I have come here is to discuss the marriage of my sister, Yu Zhen'er."

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen frowned slightly. His gaze toward Yu Xin'er contained both polite distance and a hint of barely perceptible embarrassment.

"Madam Yu, I'm afraid Liangchen will be unable to comply with the marriage proposal to Yu Zhen'er."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er frowned slightly, but she did not show much disappointment. Instead, she changed the subject and said, "If it were my husband, Xiao Jinyan would hope that the Vice Minister would marry Yu Zhen'er?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen's expression changed slightly. He knew Xiao Jinyan's status and prestige in the court, and he couldn't forget how Xiao Jinyan had extended a helping hand to him when he was in trouble. He pondered for a moment, and finally spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of helplessness and determination: "If it is indeed Commander Xiao's order, Liangchen will obey without question."

Upon seeing this, Yu Xin'er's eyes flashed with a complicated expression. She asked softly, "What do you mean by this, Minister? Why can your husband's order change your mind?"

Chu Liangchen sighed softly, his eyes revealing sincerity and determination: "General Xiao has given me a second chance at life. I have made a solemn vow to be loyal to him for the rest of my life. I regard every order he gives as my life. How could I dare to disobey him in the slightest?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er gave a bitter smile: "In that case, it seems my husband is making things difficult for me."

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen immediately stood up, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and said sincerely, "Madam Yu, please don't say such things. I am unworthy of such a title. Marriage is a major event that concerns the happiness of two people for life. I am unwilling to force myself to marry, and I am even less willing to damage my friendship with Commander Xiao. I hope Madam Yu can understand my predicament."

A hint of unwavering resolve flickered between Yu Xin'er's brows. She parted her lips slightly and said, "Could it be that all of this is my husband forcing me into this predicament, putting me in such a difficult situation?"

Chu Liangchen frowned, his eyes flashing with complex emotions. He slowly spoke, saying, "Madam Yu, if it weren't for Commander Xiao's strong support, my beloved wife and I would probably never have met again in this life. He has been kind to me, and whatever request he makes, I will do my best to fulfill it, even if it is... this marriage."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er frowned slightly, her gaze sharp as if trying to see through Chu Liangchen's heart: "Could it be that Minister Chu's refusal of the marriage is solely for his beloved wife?"

Chu Liangchen took a deep breath, his gaze becoming exceptionally firm: "That's right. My feelings for Princess Xincai are as clear as day and night, and will never change until death."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er's lips curled into a complex smile: "So, if you had to make a choice between national duty and personal feelings at the crossroads, what would you choose?"

Chu Liangchen remained silent for a moment, seemingly engaged in a fierce internal struggle. Finally, he slowly raised his head, his eyes gleaming with unwavering resolve: "I choose the greater good of the nation. As a subject, I am keenly aware of the weighty responsibility on my shoulders; personal feelings must ultimately yield to the greater good."

Yu Xin'er nodded gently, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes: "It seems I was overthinking it. My husband was right about you. In your heart, the greater good of the nation always comes first, rather than being unable to extricate yourself from personal feelings."

Chu Liangchen smiled gently, a smile tinged with bitterness and relief: "Alright, Madam Yu, now that we both understand each other's feelings, I am willing to accept this marriage. For the sake of a greater mission, I am willing to sacrifice my personal happiness."

Yu Xin'er moved lightly to Chu Liangchen's side. She spoke softly, yet each word was firm and resolute: "Liangchen, your husband has high hopes for you. This marriage is not only a union of our two families, but also an important cornerstone of our common cause. You bear a heavy responsibility; do not let these expectations be disappointed."

Upon hearing this, Chu Liangchen gently smoothed the wrinkles on his sleeves, his gaze resolute: "Madam Yu, now that I have agreed to this marriage, I am prepared to bear everything. No matter how bumpy the road ahead may be, I, Chu Liangchen, will certainly not fail in my trust."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xin'er smiled meaningfully: "Liangchen, when our great cause is accomplished, whatever you desire, whether it is to divorce your wife and reunite with Princess Xincai, or to demote Yu Zhen'er to a concubine, is entirely up to you. I, Yu Xin'er, will not stand in your way."

Chu Liangchen was taken aback upon hearing this, his brows furrowing slightly as if he were puzzled: "Madam Yu, as far as I know, isn't Yu Zhen'er your own sister? We're such close siblings, how can you really bear to see me treat her like this?"

Yu Xin'er's expression instantly became complicated. She slowly turned around and looked at the peach blossoms in full bloom in the distance. The petals danced lightly in the wind, just like her chaotic thoughts at this moment.

"Minister Chu, there are some things on my mind that I find difficult to say. To be honest, although Yu Zhen'er and I both come from the Yu family, we are not born of the same mother. She is the legitimate daughter, who has been pampered and enjoyed endless love and glory since childhood; while I am just an unloved illegitimate daughter in the household, who has experienced the coldness of human relationships since childhood and is ignored by everyone."

At this point, a barely perceptible hint of hatred flashed in Yu Xin'er's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by deep sorrow.