My strength increases by one percent every day; I can destroy stars with my bare hands.

Everyone instinctively looked at Li Xuancang.

He remained upright and composed, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and quickly discerned the cause and effect.

The inner court was determined to resist and secretly sent messages.

Music and ceremonial music resounded in front of the Pei residence, carriages and horses moved like dragons, and the grand procession of princes and nobles dominated the entire street.

Lin Zhenyue was dressed in a robe with python patterns from the Marquis's residence, exuding a solemn and dignified air.

Although the Marquis's mansion has declined in recent years, the prestige and influence accumulated over decades by its hereditary noble status are still unmatched by ordinary aristocratic families.

Beside him stood Lin Jingyan, dressed in white.

The father and son stepped into the Pei residence gate side by side, and the Pei family members had no choice but to stand up to greet them.

The thoughts of the Pei family members have changed.

In terms of official rank, the Marquis of Anzhou held a high hereditary title.

In terms of family background, the Lin family has a century-long history of nobility and profound cultural heritage.

In terms of descendants, Lin Jingyan, who studied Taoism at Wenxin Academy and was the best in the entire prefecture at a young age, is the future backbone of the civil officials of the Great Yan Dynasty.

In comparison, Li Xuancang, who had just been praised by the entire clan, was undoubtedly much less impressive.

In front of Qingya Hall, Lin Zhenyue spoke bluntly, his expression filled with determination.

"Grandpa Pei, Prefect Pei."

"Today, Mr. Lin and his son have come to my door, solely to rekindle the long-standing relationship between my two children."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Jingyan stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and spoke in a gentle voice.

"Esteemed elders of the Pei family, I am a childhood sweetheart of Miss Qingyuan of the Pei family. We have known each other since we were young and have been together for many years."

"When we were young and naive, we secretly pledged our lives to each other, promising to be together in the future and to keep our original aspirations."

"I have been diligently cultivating at Wenxin Academy for many years and dare not let personal feelings interfere with my spiritual practice. Therefore, I have been hesitant to visit you to ask for your hand in marriage."

"I have heard that the Pei family intends to betroth Miss Qingyuan to another. I dare not stand by and watch this good match go to waste, so I have taken the liberty of coming here to humbly request the Pei family to grant my request."

His words were sincere, reasonable, and frank.

The entire Pei family fell silent and hesitated.

The once-certain engagement has begun to waver.

Everyone unconsciously begins to compare the two.

In terms of background, Li Xuancang was just an ordinary commoner with no clan to rely on. He started from scratch and relied entirely on fighting on the battlefield.

Lin Jingyan is the eldest son of a noble family with a century-old lineage, a family with a long and illustrious history.

In terms of talent and future prospects, Li Xuancang was a brave general in the army, making his name through killing and fighting, but in the end he was a warrior on the battlefield, licking blood off the blade, and the future was uncertain.

Lin Jingyan is a core disciple of the Great Yan Wenxin Academy, skilled in both literature and martial arts, and is a prodigy cultivated by the dynasty.

Entering the imperial court, holding a high position, and wielding great power in the future is a sure path to lasting success.

Li Xuancang and Pei Qingyuan had never met before, while Lin Jingyan and Pei Qingyuan were childhood sweethearts, had known each other for many years, secretly harbored feelings for each other, and were engaged to each other—a match made in heaven.

Regardless of family background, cultural heritage, talent, future prospects, romantic relationships...

Lin Jingyan completely overwhelmed Li Xuancang.

The elders of the Pei family looked at each other, their expressions hesitant and their minds in turmoil.

The old man stroked his beard, deep in thought, a hint of relaxation in his eyes.

Pei Hongwen frowned, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts.

He appreciated Li Xuancang and recognized his loyalty, bravery, and potential, but potential is ultimately the future.

Seeing this, Lin Zhenyue and Lin Jingyan felt relieved. The father and son did not look at Li Xuancang once from beginning to end, completely ignoring him.

In the eyes of the father and son, Li Xuancang was nothing more than a reckless warrior who fought on the battlefield and was not worth mentioning.

After a moment's thought, the Pei family members had already quietly made up their minds.

She broke off the engagement with the Li family and instead arranged a marriage with the Marquis of Anzhou.

The room fell silent; the atmosphere was subtle and awkward.

Everyone was wondering how to bring it up tactfully.

Reassure Li Xuancang and prevent the matter from escalating and damaging the Pei family's centuries-old reputation.

They had even prepared their excuses: the time wasn't right, their children still had feelings for each other, they didn't dare to break them up, and they had no other choice...

All eyes were drawn to the figure in the blue robe in the hall.

Li Xuancang stood quietly in place, his expression calm and undisturbed.

He watched the Pei family members hesitate, waver, weigh their options, and feel regret.

Listening to Lin Jingyan's childhood sweetheart story and watching the two of them, a match made in heaven.

He understood everything perfectly, without a trace of anger, resentment, or grievance.

He was someone who married naturally, respected his parents, and followed the circumstances.

She never coveted this marriage, nor did she ever crave the power of the Pei family.

They already had someone they loved, were engaged, and were deeply in love at a young age.

Since that's the case, there's no need to dwell on it, lest it become awkward.

There's no need to put the Pei family in a difficult position, nor to humiliate myself.

Before any of the Pei family elders could speak up to call off the engagement, Li Xuancang slightly raised his eyes, his expression calm and composed, and took the initiative to speak.

"Elders, please don't be embarrassed. A gentleman does not take what others cherish."

"Marriage is about fate, and its value lies in mutual understanding and voluntary consent."

"Young Master Lin and Miss Qingyuan have known each other since childhood, their love is deep, and they have made a pact long ago. They are a match made in heaven."

"This marriage between me and the Pei family was never meant to be. Today, it is hereby called off and nullified."

Li Xuancang took the initiative to break off the engagement, which surprised everyone, and all eyes were on him.

There was no hysterical roaring, no angry questioning, no lingering resentment, and no embarrassing or out-of-control behavior.

Mingming was publicly robbed of her wedding, and then had to call off the engagement at the last minute, losing all face.

Yet he remained upright, composed, and open-minded.

Do not let gains or losses disturb your mind, nor let honor or disgrace show on your face.

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Xuancang bowed slightly to the crowd.

"I am deeply grateful for your hospitality and have taken my leave of the Pei family today."

He turned and left, his blue-robed figure upright and unyielding, each step deliberate, leaving the room deathly silent.

Everyone in the Pei family stared blankly at the departing figure, their hearts trembling, feeling inexplicably ashamed, and overwhelmed with mixed emotions.

Lin Jingyan stood there, his white robes exuding elegance, watching Li Xuancang's departing figure with a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.

He was the one who won, but he just couldn't be happy.