Chapter Twenty: A Kind Father and a Filial Daughter

Under Wan Qi Yue’s care, Pu Lada gradually recovered day by day, her spirit brightening considerably. From initially not uttering a single word, she now took the initiative to help Bai Lu and Qiu Fen with their tasks.

A master with three servants—how joyful that was.

Yet, in the neighboring courtyard, Wan Qi Feng and Wan Qi Hui were far from happy.

“What? You really want to break off the engagement?” Wan Qi Feng slammed the table and rose abruptly.

“Butler Fang, what is the meaning of this?” He glanced at the person below who was signaling him silently, then dismissed the others from the room.

Once the servants had left, the two men abandoned all pretense.

“Ah, don’t even mention it. Your third daughter’s reputation has never been good, and the master wanted to call off the engagement from the start.”

“That day, when the heir was attacked, a fortune teller treated him and claimed that your third daughter’s destiny clashes with the heir’s, which brought this misfortune. So naturally, the marriage is no longer suitable. Now, there’s no way to salvage this—just return the betrothal gifts quickly.”

Butler Fang waved his hand and plopped down in his chair, sipping his tea noisily.

“What? How can we trust the words of some charlatan! Has the Wan Qi clan gone senile in these troubled times?” Wan Qi Feng’s face flushed red with anger, his hands trembling as he grabbed a teacup and smashed it to pieces on the floor.

Butler Fang choked on his tea at this outburst, coughing violently.

“Are you trying to get yourself killed?” He glanced around to ensure no one else was present before relaxing slightly.

Realizing his mistake, Wan Qi Feng calmed himself.

“What are we to do then? Butler Fang, you must help me!” He grabbed the butler’s hand anxiously.

“Ah, this matter... I really don’t have a solution, it’s just that...” Butler Fang’s eyes darted evasively, implying much more beneath his words. After years in officialdom, Wan Qi Feng understood immediately. He pulled out a stack of silver notes and pressed them into the butler’s hand. With two fingers, the butler counted the notes, smiled, and tucked them into his chest pocket, offering reassurance:

“Don’t panic. Let me think this through. But your third daughter will have to put in some effort. Once I inform you of the heir’s schedule, if necessary... we might just have to make the marriage a done deal.”

Wan Qi Feng looked as if he’d heard something unimaginable, then retorted, “How could the proud general’s household stoop to such things? What would become of our family’s honor?”

“Father, I don’t care!” Wan Qi Hui pushed open the door and entered abruptly.

“Listen to what you’re saying!” Wan Qi Feng flicked his sleeve and pulled her aside.

“Father, I love Brother Ling. As long as I can be with him, I don’t care about honor!” Wan Qi Hui’s eyes brimmed with tears, pleading earnestly.

“Hui’er, a woman’s virtue is more important than anything,” he said with a heavy heart, advising his daughter.

Wan Qi Hui clutched his sleeve tighter. “Father, I don’t care! The title of the Wan Qi household will eventually belong to Brother Ling. When that time comes, I’ll be the lady of the Wan Qi estate, which will greatly benefit your career!”

No one knows a father better than his daughter. Wan Qi Hui had struck the very chord Wan Qi Feng treasured most, leaving him unable to refuse.

Wan Qi Feng desired status and wealth above all else—even if it meant sacrificing his daughter.

“Alright, alright. Let me think it over some more. You may leave for now.” He patted Wan Qi Hui’s hand, signaling her to go.

The two men continued their discussion for a long while longer.

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(Red Maple Pavilion)

Bai Lu announced, “Miss, Master has arrived.”

Was today’s sun rising from the west? Curious, Wan Qi Yue put down her food and rose to greet Wan Qi Feng.

“Daughter, have the recent meals been to your liking?” Wan Qi Feng stepped forward and gently stroked her head.

“It’s mostly simple fare, so suddenly eating these dishes feels a bit unfamiliar,” Wan Qi Yue replied with hidden meaning, which made him uneasy.

Wan Qi Feng’s face flickered with anger but quickly shifted to a look of guilt as he said, “It’s all my fault for letting you suffer.”

Wan Qi Yue smiled and shook her head, then rose to offer him a cup of tea.

“Father, I only wish to spend the rest of my life dutifully by your side, caring for you. I ask for nothing else.”

Seeing her like this, Wan Qi Feng actually shed two genuine tears. Anyone unaware would think this a perfect scene of filial love between father and daughter.

Taking her hand, he said, “Good daughter, I know you’re sensible. It’s just that I see too few attendants serving you here. How about I send more people to assist?”

“No need, Father. How many servants could one person like me possibly require?” Wan Qi Yue shook her head, suspecting he only wanted to plant spies in her quarters.

“Very well, if you insist. But you seem lonely staying in this courtyard. The weather has been fine these days. Perhaps you can go out for a stroll with Little Pu to clear your mind?” he suggested cautiously.

“All right.” Wan Qi Yue nodded in agreement but rolled her eyes inwardly. Finally, the point was made: they wanted her to go out and see if any suitors worthy of her dowry might appear, as her mother had said.

“But Father, Little Pu might not be able to accompany me,” Wan Qi Yue added.

Wan Qi Feng’s face immediately turned anxious. If Little Pu couldn’t go with her, who would watch over her?

“That’s impossible! He must stay with you. How could I rest assured about your safety if you are alone?”

Wan Qi Yue deliberately mentioned, “I know that, but a few days ago, Little Pu was beaten badly by Butler Wang and hasn’t recovered yet.”

“What? Is that so?” He frowned, disbelief written all over his face.

Yet, his knowing eyes betrayed his thoughts.

“Father, do you know why Butler Wang did that? Could it be because he resents me? Unable to bully me, he took it out on Little Pu, who just arrived in my courtyard?”

Wan Qi Feng gave an awkward smile and quickly defended Butler Wang, “No, no, don’t worry. I will speak to him!”

“That’s not necessary. I’ve already reprimanded him. How dare he call me by name and act so aggressively? I was so angry I hit him twice. Father, you won’t be mad at me, right?” Wan Qi Yue tugged at his sleeve, looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes.

Wan Qi Feng’s expression grew complicated. Remembering how she had injured a servant and stormed out that day, she seemed like a different person—but he dared not ask more.

“Of course not. He was insubordinate and deserved punishment!”

“Thank you, Father. I’ll go get ready now and take Little Pu out this afternoon.” Wan Qi Yue stood and bowed to him. He nodded and watched her leave, already formulating another plan in his mind.

Back in the main hall, he summoned Butler Wang and eyed his limping figure.

“Was this done by the second young lady?”

Butler Wang grinned through gritted teeth and nodded.

“When did she become so formidable? That’s my daughter, Wan Qi Feng’s daughter,” he said, not angry but somewhat proud.

After giving Butler Wang further instructions, he left.

Following orders, Butler Wang called Little Pu over.

“Oh, healed already? Youth is a blessing. Your wounds have healed, but mine haven’t!” Butler Wang put his hands on his hips, disdainfully tossing a single earring from his sleeve onto the ground before Little Pu.

Little Pu picked up the earring in an instant, excitement flooding his face. “This is my mother’s earring! How did it end up with you?!”