My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 18 Part 3

The Ji family had always acted so noble, but when it came to their interests, they had no qualms about bringing this token to force the issue. You's mother couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.  

You Lingxiao glanced at his mother, then gently closed the box. Though he was displeased by the Ji family’s aggressive approach, he didn’t show it, instead maintaining a respectful demeanor.  

"Uncle Ji, I haven’t forgotten my engagement to Taoyu. I originally planned to announce it at the banquet, but with the metropolitan exams coming up early next year, I’ll have to leave soon to prepare. If we hold the wedding now, it’ll be too rushed."  

"Your family has been so kind to me, and I want to give Ji Taoyu the best wedding possible. That’s why I didn’t want to rush into it. I should’ve discussed it with you earlier, but my leg was injured, and I hadn’t gotten the chance—"  

Ji Yangzong had no patience for these flimsy excuses. He cut straight to the point. "Lingxiao, you’ve passed the provincial exam at a young age, and your future is bright. Our Ji family is just a humble rural family with modest means. We know our place, this small temple can’t hold a great Buddha like you."  

"Today, we’ve come to discuss with the You family. The betrothal back then was decided too hastily, and now we realize it was a mistake. To avoid holding each other back, we’re returning this love knot. Please take it back."  

You Lingxiao and You's mother were both stunned. They hadn’t expected the Ji family to come and cancel the engagement.  

You Lingxiao panicked, he’d never intended to break off the engagement. He genuinely liked Ji Taoyu, moreover they’d grown up together.  

Just as he was about to speak up, You's mother grabbed his arm, silencing him, and took the box. "The Village Head is right. Marriage should be mutual. If one side is unwilling, forcing it would only make both children miserable."  

"We’ve relied on the Village Head’s support all these years. Since this is your wish, we won’t stand in Tao ger’s way. He’s handsome and skilled in medicine, he’ll surely find a better match. If this is what you want, we won’t delay him further."  

With that, You's mother took out a sizable pouch and pushed it forward. "Back then, our family was struggling, and it was only with the Village Head’s help that Lingxiao got to where he is today. This small token is our thanks, please don’t think it too meager."  

Huang Manjing glanced at the fifty taels of silver inside the pouch and scoffed. "What generosity, Sun niangzi. But as the village head, it’s only natural to support promising young scholars in the village. There’s no need for such courtesy."  

Ji Yangzong saw how readily You's mother agreed, she must have been hoping for this outcome for a long time.  

There was none of the respect and humility she’d shown before Lingxiao passed the exams. Truly, the world was cold, and people’s hearts were fickle.  

Now that he understood the You family’s true nature, he had no desire to engage further. "Since the matter is settled, we won’t disturb Lingxiao’s studies. May you pass the metropolitan exams with flying colors, our Mingxun Village will be proud." 

"Thank you for your auspicious words, Village Head."  

You's mother added, "Oh, to spare Tao ger from village gossip, we should clarify this matter publicly. We wouldn’t want people to think the two families are still betrothed and delay Tao ger’s chances with other families."  

"Sun niangzi is so considerate. We’ll mention it at the next village gathering - big or small, everything gets announced there anyway."  

"That would be perfect."  

As Ji Yangzong and Huang Manjing stood to leave, You Lingxiao suddenly grew anxious and chased after them. "Uncle Ji! Aunt Huang!"  

You's mother yanked his arm back, her brows furrowed in warning not to complicate things.  

As You Lingxiao hesitated, Ji Yangzong turned and said, "Lingxiao, your mother has sacrificed much to raise you. Filial piety comes first, listen to her well, and you’ll have a bright future. From now on, focus on your studies. There’s no need to visit our house and waste time, worrying your mother."  

With that, the couple strode away.  

"Uncle Ji! Uncle Ji!"  

You's mother said, "They’re long gone. Stop shouting."  

"Mom! How could you just let Uncle Ji cancel the bethoral?!"  

You Lingxiao, seeing he couldn’t catch up, turned to his mother in frustration.  

You's mother sneered. "You think the Ji family actually wants to cancel the bethoral? They’re just playing hard to get, using your feelings for their boy to pressure you."  

"If you act like you can’t live without him now, they’ll have you wrapped around their fingers forever."  

You Lingxiao frowned. "But they returned the betrothal token. How is this a ploy?"  

"Ji Yangzong has been village head for years, he’s shrewd. Back then, he only agreed to the bethoral because he saw your potential. Now that it’s time to reap the benefits, you think he’d really give up so easily? Their farmland still needs your protection from taxes. With October approaching, he’s getting desperate, that’s why he’s making this move."  

"Don’t let your emotions ruin our plans. Just wait and see, he’ll drag his feet on announcing the broken bethoral, hoping we’ll change our minds."  

You Lingxiao relaxed slightly at his mother’s analysis.  

"I will pass the metropolitan exams!"  

____

Huo Shu, watching from the shadows, saw the Ji couple enter the You family empty-handed and leave empty-handed, their faces dark. Once they were gone, he stepped out, satisfied that the matter was settled.  

Arms crossed, he watched the retreating figures. The Ji family had swallowed their pride and taken the loss for their child’s sake, voluntarily canceling the bethoral. Their resolve impressed him.  

But whether he was impressed or not didn’t matter. What mattered was that the little crybaby had finally kicked that You bastard to the curb.