Chapter Fourteen: The Option to Exchange Betrothal

“Head of the family, I have made myself very clear. Regarding this matter, I hope you can discuss it with His Majesty. If the imperial marriage contract cannot be easily dissolved, you may choose a suitable lady from the Su family to match His Highness.” She was determined to reject this marriage contract, and if anyone wanted it, they could take it; she had no desire for this worthless match.

Her words immediately stirred the thoughts of many present, including Xiao Jinghuai, who instinctively stared at Su Yunqi across from him, his heart pounding fiercely.

Su Zhentian, who had originally wanted to scold her, found himself reconsidering. After all, he had thought about substituting this marriage with his most cherished granddaughter, but due to the imperial marriage contract, he had tampered with things. If the parties involved resisted, then...

However, since she had taken the initiative to mention it, if the Third Prince and the Emperor could be persuaded, it might still be possible.

Still, he cautiously asked, “Are you sure you no longer want this marriage contract?”

“And His Highness? What are your thoughts?” she added, casting a glance at Xiao Jinghuai to gauge his opinion.

The former nodded in confirmation. “I’m certain.”

The latter suppressed the joy in his heart and said, “I do not like forcing someone. Since she does not want this, I have no desire to marry a woman who does not like me. However, the contract was arranged by my father, so I must trouble the Su family head to select another suitable candidate.”

Su Yunyue, standing nearby, brightened instantly, preparing to step forward and express her willingness, but Su Yunqi pulled her back. “Xiaoyue, you’re still injured. Don’t move recklessly; it might worsen your condition.”

She could see that her younger sister also had such thoughts, but it was impossible—Xiao Jinghuai was destined for her!

Xiao Jinghuai’s gaze burned intensely at Su Yunqi and naturally noticed Su Yunyue’s reaction. He frowned slightly and said, “There’s one more thing I hope the Su family head remembers: since the marriage is to be changed, the candidate must be approved by my father. Don’t just send anyone.”

The implication was very clear, and Su Yunqi heard it, feeling a warmth in her heart, sweet and delightful.

Su Zhentian also understood this. He had intended for Su Yunqi to take over this marriage, but he hadn’t expected the prince to be pleased with her. Naturally, he was in high spirits.

“Well then, what does His Highness think of Yunqi? She is the pride of our Su family!” he said proudly.

---

“I find her acceptable, but the final word rests with my father. However, rest assured, I will have my mother assist you,” he said, already feeling relieved at the thought of shedding the useless Su Yunqing and having a fiancée worthy of showing off.

“Yunqi, what do you think?” Su Zhentian thought it best to ask his precious granddaughter.

Su Yunqi shyly lowered her head and answered bashfully, “I will follow grandfather’s arrangement.”

“Good. Your Highness, rest assured, I will personally explain the situation,” he said with a smile, in high spirits.

The Su family members were all in good moods except Su Yunyue, who clenched her fists tightly in resentment toward Su Yunqi, thinking if not for her, this marriage might have fallen to her. She looked at Su Yunqi with dissatisfaction.

Su Yunqing naturally did not miss this moment. A cunning glint flashed in her eyes. “Su Yunyue, it seems you have something to say? Could it be that you want to volunteer to become the Third Prince’s concubine? Perhaps even a concubine has a brighter future than marrying some city noble, and with His Highness’s abilities in the future…”

She stopped abruptly, and Su Yunyue’s eyes lit up while Su Yunqi frowned.

Xiao Jinghuai grew uneasy and quickly said, “Su Yunqing, you must keep your word, do you understand?”

His tone was threatening, warning her to think carefully since the money hadn’t been received yet. He feared she might suddenly change her mind, refuse the money, and insist on marrying him.

Not to mention the principal wife, he wouldn’t even grant her the status of concubine.

“Your Highness, rest assured, I have no interest in you. As long as I get what I want, I won’t pester you,” she said, veiled in threat: without the money, this marriage wouldn’t be stable.

He ground his teeth and said, “Rest assured.”

“Since that’s settled, Su family, hurry up and give me my money. I’m busy returning to the academy,” she said, having achieved her goal, unwilling to linger any longer, eager to take the money and return to her cultivation.

“Bring the money!” Su Zhentian’s mouth twitched as a hint of curiosity appeared in his eyes. This granddaughter was unlike before—she had learned to resist and had changed drastically, showing no respect for him, her grandfather, addressing him as ‘family head’ constantly. Well, this was better; he didn’t want a disgraceful granddaughter.

---

He pondered her transformation, which seemed to have begun after the summoning day. Was she becoming arrogant because she had summoned a spirit beast, or had it always been deeply hidden? Regardless, a waste was still a waste—she was of no help to the Su family. How she fared was none of his concern. If she behaved excessively in the future, he wouldn’t hesitate to expel her. Now, stripped of the Third Prince’s fiancée title, driving her out would be but a fleeting thought.

For now, his priority was to secure Su Yunqi’s marriage, so he sent someone to get her the money.

Others in the Su family also noticed how Su Yunqing, once timid and shrinking, had changed. They believed she had become arrogant because she had summoned a spirit beast. They had investigated, discovering that the two spirit beasts were flawed, hardly worthy of such pride—truly disgraceful.

Su Yunqing ignored their gazes. After receiving the money, she glanced meaningfully at Xiao Jinghuai and strode out.

Once outside the Su family estate, she found Xiao Jinghuai’s guards waiting. They handed her a bundle with cold expressions. “Here, it’s all inside. His Highness said, ‘Take the money and keep quiet. Otherwise, you will never speak again!’”

“Don’t worry,” Su Yunqing said as she counted the gold coins in the heavy bundle, then left.

Though burdened with a heavy sum, her steps were light, for from this day forth, she bore no relation to Xiao Jinghuai.

As for the Su family, she would never return. No one would ever bind her again. She would grow stronger, control her own fate, and eliminate all who had wronged her!

---

Not long after she left, Su Yunyue immediately stepped forward, emotional. “Grandfather, this matter was our Su family’s fault. We allowed Su Yunqing to throw a tantrum and reject the marriage at will. Although we now have elder sister replace her to make up for it, it is insufficient to express our family’s apologies.”

“Hmm?” Many looked on with puzzled expressions. Su Yunqi sensed an ominous feeling. She tried to stop Su Yunyue, but the latter dodged her attempts first.

Su Zhentian frowned at her. “So? What are you trying to say?”