Chapter 110: Brother Yu’s Boyfriend Energy is Max! (Second Update)

Hu Tianming said, "That explanation is indeed viable. Since both bandits are dead and cannot testify, if my yamen explains it by saying that Second Brother Lin reported the case incorrectly out of ignorance of the facts, the subordinates will certainly not indulge in wild speculation. After all, it was a coincidence that yesterday, Second Young Master Wu happened to return with the carriage containing Cousin Yanyao. My yamen secretary and the head constable can serve as witnesses."

As he spoke, he looked at Wu Qingyu with a hint of admiration.

Grand Secretary Lin pursed his lips and remained silent.

In truth, Lady Meng had guessed correctly; he was indeed unhappy about having to accept a favor from Wu Xun and Lady Meng’s son.

However, given the current situation, this was the best solution. Firstly, it eased Lin Yanyao's predicament and restored the Lin family's reputation. Secondly—

If he were to let his momentary anger get the better of him and drive Wu Qingyu away, the situation would only escalate. Not to mention anything else, it would ultimately be his granddaughter who suffered.

Wu Qingyu could somewhat understand what the old man was thinking. Not daring to let the elder continue to struggle, he took the initiative and bowed, saying, "Grand Secretary, I have no intention of threatening your estate or applying pressure, nor would I dare use such a matter to make a deal with your household. The reason I came to propose marriage today, while partly a strategic measure, is also because I sincerely wish to take Miss Yanyao as my wife. I have met her a few times before, and I know she is a good woman. I know that you, and perhaps even your entire household, may have many reservations about me, or even my family. I dare not make impossible promises, but I can at least promise you that, for as long as I live, I will never let her suffer any grievances. I will honor her, cherish her, and take good care of her..."

The spirit of youth is always high-spirited. Perhaps it is only in this naive and impulsive age that one can make such a passionate promise, or even do something unconventional without regard for the consequences.

Grand Secretary Lin looked at Wu Qingyu before him. His heart was filled with complex emotions, yet a sense of loneliness and desolation suddenly appeared in his expression.

Reading the room, Hu Tianming felt that perhaps it was inconvenient for the old man to speak with him present, so he took the initiative to rise, bow to the old man behind the desk, and depart.

Wu Qingyu, confused, watched him leave. When he turned his gaze back to the Grand Secretary, he suddenly felt inexplicably nervous.

He swallowed hard and said, "I..."

He opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, the old man let out a long, weary sigh and said heavily, "Twenty-three years ago, in this very study, your father said the exact same words to me!"

At the end, he let out a bitter, self-deprecating laugh.

Perhaps not wanting Wu Qingyu to see the frustration and desolation on his face, he rose, walked to the window behind the desk, and stood with his hands behind his back, facing away from the room.

When the Lin family had confronted the Wus all those years ago, Wu Qingyu had already been old enough to understand reason, and naturally, he knew exactly what had transpired between Wu Xun and Lady Meng.

In truth, he had felt aggrieved back then, too. When Wu Xun sent his mother and him back to the capital, he was seven. Before that, his mother had always lived at her parents' house, and his father did not visit often, but in his mind, his mother was his father’s wife, and they were a simple, normal family!

But after arriving in the capital, he discovered that his mother was actually just a concubine!

No! After the Lin family confronted them, she was not even a legitimate concubine; she was merely a woman his father had hidden away, a woman without status!

And the three children who had arrived in the capital with her became outcasts with an embarrassing background!

At that time, Wu Qingqiong was still an infant and Wu Qingxue was too young to understand, but he had seen and remembered everything.

His father and mother had engaged in a shameful, illicit union!

And he, having no choice, became their son under those circumstances.

Although everyone eventually reached an agreement to hide the truth in order to maintain the family's dignity and his father's reputation, and his mother was promoted to the position of legitimate wife of the Marquis of Dingyuan—and even later received a title—nevertheless—

That past was like a thorn, deeply embedded in his heart—no, in the heart of everyone who knew the truth.

His eldest brother had always been cold to them "outsiders." His grandmother, while not cruel to the children, constantly slighted his mother and gave her cold shoulders. As for his father and mother, they never spoke of that matter again from that day on, but it was nothing more than self-deception and trying to cover up the truth.

Over the years, he had been troubled by this, to the point where he became obsessed with being better than Wu Qinglin. His mother always criticized him for being unreasonable and pedantic, but in fact, he was simply trying to suppress the deep-seated guilt and inferiority in his heart. He felt that only by outperforming Wu Qinglin could he hold his head high and escape the flaws and shadows of his birth.

Although he never admitted it, his constant disregard and targeting of Wu Qinglin and Wu Tan were merely a facade to mask his inner turmoil. If he didn't put on the mask of an unruly playboy, he felt he would be too ashamed to face them!

Although Lady Meng had officially entered the household after Lin Wanniang’s death, he still felt, morally speaking, that his mother and their siblings had stolen everything that belonged to Wu Qinglin and his sister.

Now that Grand Secretary Lin had brought up the past, even though he did not intend to question or blame him, Wu Qingyu still felt ashamed.

However—

Out of filial piety, as a son, he could not criticize his own parents in front of an outsider, no matter how much he disagreed with them.

Therefore, Wu Qingyu merely pressed his lips together and remained silent.

Even so, despite how awkward it was—

Since he was already standing here today, having said and done what needed to be said and done, he would not retreat for any reason.

He had arrived with great fanfare, bringing betrothal gifts, with hundreds of eyes watching from outside. If he left now, Lin Yanyao would likely never be able to recover her reputation for the rest of her life.

The time spent confronting the old man was excruciating.

Wu Qingyu clenched his fists tightly, saying nothing.

Outside, Lady Li was already anxious to the point of desperation, pacing the courtyard in a cold sweat. Then—

Lin Xiucheng also hurried back upon hearing the news.

"Brother Jingxi!" Seeing Hu Tianming standing in the courtyard, Lin Xiucheng first bowed to greet him before frowning and asking Lady Li, "What is going on? Why did Liu Sihai tell me that Wu Xun's second son has come to propose marriage? I just got back and saw many betrothal gifts at the gate. Did he bring them?"

"Indeed!" Lady Li, frantic, grabbed his hand and dragged him to the door of the old man’s study. "It’s been nearly half an hour, and there hasn’t been a sound from inside. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to just barge in... Husband, you are back just in time, please make a decision! The Jiang family came this morning and it already turned into a mess. What if—you just returned, the crowd watching at the gate hasn't dispersed yet, right?"

Lady Li was completely at a loss.

Having learned from previous experience, she was hesitant about betrothing her daughter again. Even though Wu Qingyu seemed reliable for the moment, she couldn't be sure. Now that Lin Xiucheng was back, it was as if she had found her backbone, and she left the decision entirely to him, the head of the house.

"Alright, I understand!" Lin Xiucheng quickly reassured her. "Don't panic, I will go in and see!"

He let go of Lady Li's hand and stepped forward to knock on the door. "Father, may your son enter?"

After waiting a moment without hearing a response, he tried pushing the door open and walked in.

Inside, the old man and Wu Qingyu were still standing in their respective positions.

Seeing him enter, Wu Qingyu quickly bowed. "Greetings, Uncle Lin!"

"Hmm!" Lin Xiucheng nodded slightly. He had never met this son of Wu Xun’s before, so he took the opportunity to quickly size him up.

He appeared to be a capable young man with a decent demeanor.

However, there was no time for small talk. He walked forward two steps and bowed to Grand Secretary Lin’s back. "Father, I have a general understanding of what happened in the house today. I wonder if you..."

Before he could finish, the Grand Secretary finally turned around.

Wu Qingyu quickly composed himself and stood straight.

The old man sat back in his chair, leaning on the desk, and said bluntly, "I am old, my eyes are dim, and my heart is weary. You are all parents now; you may decide the marriage of the children yourselves and discuss it. There is no need to ask me!"

If he were opposed, given his temperament, he would surely have said so directly.

Judging by this—

Did it mean he approved?

Lin Xiucheng thought Wu Qingyu had successfully persuaded him, and he couldn't help but glance at the young man.

Wu Qingyu, however, knew better—

The old man likely no longer trusted the men of the Wu family, but given the current situation, he was somewhat forced into a corner. For the sake of Lin Yanyao's future, he had to consider everything and make appropriate compromises.

The Grand Secretary waved his hand. "Go talk in your own courtyard. Is Jingxi still here? Call him in; I have words for him."

"Yes!" Lin Xiucheng, not dwelling on it, bowed and was about to call Wu Qingyu out when the old man behind the desk suddenly looked up, staring straight at Wu Qingyu.

Wu Qingyu immediately straightened his posture.

The Grand Secretary said, "The Lin family has no other demands of you, but—if you truly take that girl away, should any changes occur in the future, just bring her back to me safely!"

It was highly inauspicious to say such things while discussing marriage.

Lin Xiucheng knew his father must have been reminded of his late sister, and his heart skipped a beat. He said anxiously, "Father—"

The old man ignored him, his gaze heavy and fixed on Wu Qingyu.

Hearing this, Wu Qingyu felt a tremendous shock.

He subconsciously held his breath, meeting the old man's gaze. After a moment, he bowed deeply, offering no words, only a profound, respectful gesture!

It seemed the old man was deeply disappointed in the Wu family and his father. Only now did he realize how difficult it was for such an elder to temporarily overcome his inner obsession and grant his request today.

Seeing his attitude, the old man said no more and looked away.

"Let's go! Let's talk elsewhere!" Lin Xiucheng sighed slightly, patted Wu Qingyu on the shoulder, and led him out. They called Hu Tianming back in to see the old man, and then the couple took Wu Qingyu and left.

They did not go to the back courtyard but instead went to the front reception hall.

For the Lin family, ending this matter by going with the flow with Wu Qingyu was the perfect outcome. In truth, both husband and wife were inclined to agree. Although they questioned Wu Qingyu extensively, it was merely to further confirm his character and temperament, and they talked for nearly an hour.

Lady Li was like a person bitten by a snake who feared a rope for ten years; after all, she hadn't even been able to see through Jiang Pingzhi, whom she had watched grow up, let alone this Wu Qingyu, who was essentially a total stranger.

Therefore, she felt somewhat uneasy.

Lin Xiucheng, however, became more satisfied with this son-in-law the more they talked. Setting aside family background and appearance, their conversation revealed that Wu Qingyu was a sensible and responsible young man, and his literary and military talents were not lacking.

As for Lady Li's worries—

Before living together for years, who could truly know what was in another person's heart, or whether they would change their mind later?

Marriage, to put it bluntly, was half a matter of luck.

Therefore, Lin Xiucheng made the final decision and gave his blessing on the spot, though he expressed some concern: "You said you came here on your own initiative. What about the Old Madam and the Marquis of Dingyuan—"

"Uncle Lin, please rest assured. I am confident I can persuade my grandmother and mother. My father is not in the capital, but after I return today, I will discuss it with them and set a time for them to come in person. I know my actions today were not according to protocol; it is necessary for my elders to come formally so that there will be no gossip." Wu Qingyu said quickly. Fearing that the Lins might have more reservations, he added, "I am only the second son; my elders would not force my hand in marriage, and my cousin is well-liked by my grandmother. I came here today after careful consideration. I am absolutely certain of this; I would never use such an uncertain matter to play a joke."

Lin Xiucheng didn't know what else to say...

In the past, he never would have imagined his family would be joined with the son of Wu Xun and Lady Meng. After years of estrangement, it was impossible to completely resolve everything overnight, so looking at Wu Qingyu, he felt a complex mix of emotions.

Finally, he merely raised his hand and patted Wu Qingyu’s shoulder firmly to express his feelings, then instructed Lady Li to go to the gate to handle the betrothal gifts.

"Alright! I'll go at once!" Lady Li rose and looked at the sky. Apologetically, she turned back to Wu Qingyu: "It's past noon, and with the chaos today, we won't be able to hold a banquet... How about this? I'll have the kitchen prepare some food, and you can eat with Yaoyao and Tan'er. As for the formal engagement banquet, we can arrange that properly when the Old Madam comes, how does that sound?"

"I defer to your arrangements, Madam!" Wu Qingyu rose to thank her.

Lin Xiucheng had to report back to the old man, so he rose as well, and they all left the reception hall.

Lady Li had someone lead Wu Qingyu to Lin Yanyao.

At that moment, Lin Yanyao was worried that the old man would not yield, and she had been pacing her room anxiously all morning.

Wu Tan, however, seemed carefree, opening her jewelry box and excitedly trying on pieces one by one.

"Second Young Master, please!" Hearing the maid's voice outside, Lin Yanyao instinctively turned and ran to the door, grabbing the frame and looking out into the courtyard nervously.

Under the sunlight, Wu Qingyu walked toward her with long strides.

His brow was filled with a high-spirited smile, and that smile became dazzlingly brilliant the moment he met her gaze.

Lin Yanyao suddenly felt a sense of relief, but for a moment, leaning there, her mind went blank, and she didn't know how to react.

Wu Tan followed her out of the inner room, and one look at Wu Qingyu’s smug expression told her it had been a success.

"Heh!" She rolled her eyes. "It's good to be silver-tongued! You've managed to dupe the whole family!"

Lin Yanyao came back to her senses, her face flushing, and she turned back to scold lightly: "Tan'er! Don't talk nonsense!"

Wu Tan pouted, not teasing her further at this moment, and wisely shut her mouth.

Wu Qingyu stepped inside and smiled at Lin Yanyao: "The Second Madam asked you to host me for a simple meal; she has gone to the front gate to handle the betrothal gifts."

"Oh!" Lin Yanyao was still a bit shy, lowering her eyes slightly to avoid his gaze. "Then what would you like to eat? I'll have the maid tell the kitchen!"

Wu Tan walked over and sat at the table, quickly interjecting: "He's not picky. Just have the kitchen make what I like."

Lin Yanyao realized belatedly that her eagerness to please seemed a bit unreserved, and her face turned even redder. Not daring to say anything else, she quickly listed several of Wu Tan's favorite dishes and had the maid relay the message.

When Wu Qingyu waited for her to return, he said: "Also—have someone tell your mother that there is a chest of wedding candies among the betrothal gifts. I suspect the crowd outside hasn't fully dispersed yet; have the servants take it out and distribute it to them, that should get them to leave."

Chang Si was injured and bedridden, unable to serve, so it was another maid, Lanyu, who was attending to Lin Yanyao.

Lin Yanyao followed Wu Qingyu's instructions and sent her to pass the message to Lady Li. Everyone could finally stop worrying about this, and they waited for the meal with peace of mind. Wu Qingyu also told Lin Yanyao about his plan to have his elders come over in the next few days to discuss the marriage. Lin Yanyao simply nodded, saying little.

The meal, prepared by the small kitchen in Lady Li's courtyard, consisted of four dishes and one soup, and was soon served.

The three of them sat around the table.

With Wu Tan in the middle, Lin Yanyao felt somewhat awkward, and they didn't talk much during the meal. After finishing, Chang Tai arrived to report on the delivery of the betrothal gifts.

After listening to his report and confirming everything was in order, Wu Qingyu pulled him aside to whisper.

Wu Tan sat in the room, listening intently, but couldn't make out anything.

Seeing her still sitting there steadily, Wu Qingyu raised an eyebrow: "Not leaving?"

"I'm leaving! You owe me so many favors, hurry back!" Wu Tan immediately put down her teacup and stood up, running to him. She tilted her head and asked: "But what bad thing did you just order Chang Tai to do?"

Lin Yanyao had intended to see them out, and hearing this, she couldn't help but look at Wu Qingyu.

Wu Qingyu shrugged, nonchalantly: "Nothing much, just had him spread the word that the incident of Cousin Lin being abducted yesterday was purely a fabrication; it was just a prank I played to tease her."

"What?" They hadn't reported the specific details of the negotiations with the Lin family, so both girls were surprised, especially Lin Yanyao, who felt a bit lost amidst her shock.

Wu Qingyu smiled at her: "Don't overthink it. I don't mean to look down on you. I never cared about such things anyway, but you still have to go out and socialize in the future, and establish a footing among others. By pinning everything on me, people will at most treat it as a joke and understand the implication. It's better than you being gossiped about behind your back all day."

Such was the world; there was such unfairness between men and women.

For the same overstepping of boundaries, if done by a man, it was a romantic adventure, harmless; but if it fell on a woman, it could feel like a matter of life and death.

Lin Yanyao had originally thought that Wu Qingyu was being benevolent by not minding her reputation and by being willing to marry her to help her out of the predicament. She hadn't expected him to have thought so far ahead.

It was impossible not to be moved, and she felt her eyes grow slightly warm.

To keep herself from crying, she quickly shifted her focus: "But what about the Jiang family..."

The Jiang family knew the truth. What if they couldn't stand to see others happy and stirred up trouble again—

"I took the blame for them, so shouldn't they be tucking their tails between their legs and behaving? Would they really dare to stand up and announce to the world that it was a trap their son laid to climb the social ladder?" Wu Qingyu waved his hand indifferently. "The moment word of your incident spread, true or false, the Jiang family is related to yours, yet they couldn't wait to come and break off the engagement. Even if it were just a natural disaster—they aren't exactly people of integrity or responsibility. After the scene they made today, they've already been publicly shamed. Don't worry, they are guilty and afraid; they will never dare to jump out and say anything more about this matter."

Wu Tan didn't mention that she had intimidated the Jiang mother and daughter, but in any case, Wu Qingyu was right; the Jiang family would never dare to target this matter again.

Wu Qingyu didn't let Lin Yanyao see them out, and he left with Wu Tan.

Back in the old man's study, Hu Tianming walked back in. "Teacher..."

Just as he was about to speak, the old man interrupted him: "Tomorrow, submit a memorial to impeach Wu Xun!"