After the favored concubine remarried, the aloof and powerful minister forcibly took her away.

Chapter 179 I'm Not Willing to Settle

Pei Yuanrong's words instantly made the atmosphere in the hall tense.

Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Pei Yanzhi's eyes; he was indeed considering marrying Xiang Ning.

But he also knew that the old lady would not agree, and there would be many obstacles to making this happen.

That's why Pei Yanzhi didn't say it out loud, intending to take things slowly.

However, Pei Yuanrong's suggestion brought back the thoughts he had just suppressed.

"Yuan Rong, don't talk nonsense."

Dong Yan frowned and reprimanded Pei Yuanrong.

Hearing his mother's words, Pei Yuanrong turned his head away and said with some dissatisfaction, "If that concubine knew her place, she shouldn't have persuaded my elder brother to cancel the marriage."

Pei Yuanrong didn't give Xiang Ning a friendly look the last time he saw her.

Now that she knows Pei Yanzhi is going to cancel his marriage for her sake, she feels even more disgusted.

Pei Yuanrong had always felt that her elder brother was the kind of person who never showed his emotions and was calm and composed.

This was also the first time she had seen him go to such lengths for a woman.

How do you know she bewitched me?

Pei Yanzhi glanced at Pei Yuanrong sideways and said this indifferently.

It was he who seduced her; he was unwilling to accept defeat, and his greed and selfishness led him to try and tempt her.

Because from the very beginning, she was unwilling to stay by his side.

Xiang Ning said that she was surrounded by shackles and a cage.

"Brother, she is of lowly status and is not worthy of you at all!"

Upon hearing Pei Yanzhi's words, Pei Yuanrong immediately stood up.

She didn't want to see her proud eldest brother become the second uncle.

"You are a woman too, how can you say things that belittle others?"

Pei Yanzhi's gaze was sharp as he stared intently at Pei Yuanrong, his voice cold and stern.

"Status and position are merely worldly shackles; how can they be used to measure a person's worth?"

"Even if I were to marry her, so what?"

Pei Yuanrong was stunned speechless by Pei Yanzhi's words. She stood there, her face full of disbelief.

She never imagined that her usually calm and reserved elder brother would refute her so vehemently over a concubine.

Seeing this, Dong Yan quickly stood up to smooth things over: "Yanzhi, Yuanrong is just concerned about you and has no ill intentions. Marriage is a big deal, and you should consider it carefully."

“Miss Lin is gentle and virtuous, and is a good match for our Pei family. If this marriage is successful, it will be of great benefit to both the Pei family and you.”

"Furthermore, consider the old lady's health. If she knew about this, I'm afraid..."

Dong Yan hesitated, then stopped speaking.

As far as she was concerned, it didn't really matter who Pei Yanzhi married; it wasn't their business as the second branch of the family.

But Pei Yanzhi was someone she had watched grow up, and Dong Yan couldn't bear to see him make a mistake that would lead to further mistakes.

That's why I offered a few more words of advice.

Pei Yanzhi lowered his eyes slightly, and after a moment, he said in a softer tone, "Second Aunt, I understand your good intentions. However, marriage is a major event in my life, and I want to make my own decision."

After saying this, Dong Yan looked at her two children and waved for them to leave.

“Yanzhi, you know that the old lady will absolutely not agree to you marrying Xiangning. Isn’t your fourth uncle a perfect example?”

“As your second aunt, there are some things that I shouldn’t say, but since you call me second aunt, I can’t bear not to say them.”

Dong Yan sighed deeply, her eyes filled with affection as she looked at Pei Yanzhi.

Pei Yanzhi also knew that in Dong Yan's heart, she truly treated him as her own child.

"I understand, but Auntie, is life just about settling for less?"

“If it were before, perhaps it wouldn’t matter, but now, I’m not willing to compromise.” He slightly curled his lips, and after saying this, he didn’t continue.

Dong Yan looked at him, took a deep breath, and ultimately decided not to try to persuade him any further.

Everyone has their own destiny; perhaps this is the path Pei Yanzhi chose.

"So how do you plan to tell the old lady?"

Madam Pei saw through Pei Yanzhi's intentions, which is why she urged Dong Yan to propose marriage.

"No rush, my second aunt will just say that I've been busy lately and can't spare the time."

Pei Yanzhi bowed to Dong Yan in thanks, and Dong Yan nodded in acknowledgment: "As you know, such an excuse cannot be used for long."

"I see."

After saying this, Pei Yanzhi turned and left. Dong Yan watched his retreating figure and couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

After leaving the Pei residence, Pei Yanzhi's heart remained unsettled.

He knew that it would not be easy to be with Xiang Ning openly and honestly.

Back at the suburban mansion, Xiang Ning greeted him with her usual gentle smile.

But this time, there was something different in Pei Yanzhi's eyes when he looked at her.

On the carriage ride back, Pei Yanzhi wondered if it would be easier for him to marry Xiang Ning if she regained her identity.

But then she thought, if she regained her identity, the Lu family would definitely not hand her over to him.

Once the kite breaks free of its string and flies away, he can no longer hold onto it.

Why do you look so worried?

Xiang Ning looked at Pei Yanzhi and said this. Upon hearing this, Pei Yanzhi stepped forward and took her hand.

He placed her hand to his lips, kissed it lightly, and then shook his head: "I'm just a little tired."

Hearing this, Xiang Ning nodded: "Then, Pei Lang, go and rest for a while?"

Pei Yanzhi did not let go of her hand, but instead pulled her closer and whispered, "A Ning."

"I was just thinking about our future."

I wonder if they will go their separate ways or stay together through thick and thin.

However, Pei Yanzhi knew perfectly well that it was most likely a case of enemies meeting with intense hatred.

Xiang Ning was taken aback, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes. She lowered her head slightly and said, "Pei Lang, I dare not think about it."

She dared not think about it, nor did she consider it; it seemed there was no future for them.

Pei Yanzhi gently stroked her cheek and lifted her chin: "You are the most precious existence in this world."

Listening to his words, Xiang Ning felt that it was all unbelievable, like a bubble or an illusion that would vanish if touched.

She could feel that her memories were fragmented and that she seemed to be forgetting some very important things.

But she really couldn't remember anything. Only what Pei Yanzhi told her kept filling in the gaps in her memory.

Xiang Ning really wanted to ask him why she was like this. In her memory, he seemed to be an indelible presence.

But there is nothing else.

This mansion was like her cage, trapping her here and locking her very existence inside.

"The old lady won't accept me. You know how difficult this is."

Xiang Ning slowly withdrew her hand and frowned as she looked at him.

She wanted to tell herself that she liked him, but sometimes when she looked into his eyes, she couldn't bring herself to say the word "like."

She felt that she was just making do with him.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."

Pei Yanzhi reached out and pulled her into his arms: "I can't bear to see you suffer."

(End of this chapter)