Xu Chong, a martial artist, felt utterly humiliated after being pushed aside by Hua Xiangrong. His attendant rushed to support him, exclaiming, "Discussing such matters in public is inappropriate. If you have something to say, it should be discussed back at the manor!"
Grace glared at him and retorted, "If it's inappropriate to discuss such matters in public, then how was it appropriate for your master to lie and tarnish my reputation in front of everyone, without us even knowing each other or having a formal engagement? Xu Chong, are you using me as a scapegoat for some ulterior motive, or are you just incapable of promising to remain faithful?"
Xu Chong's expression became indescribably grim. Initially, his public declaration of wanting to marry Grace was merely to provoke others into saying she was unworthy. But now, Grace's interference had turned the laughter into murmurs and whispers, some even beginning to point fingers at him.
This was bad. If the engagement were called off now, people would say it was the Xu family who lacked sincerity first.
Gritting his teeth, he hardened his resolve and responded, "Since you insist, listen well. I have never heard of a real man needing to promise loyalty to a woman. According to the ancient traditions, a woman's duty is to bear children, assist her husband, and teach the children. In a family, a man is a woman's sky. Taking concubines or maidservants is for the sake of family lineage. A wife who opposes this is guilty of jealousy, one of the seven grounds for divorce. Even if Grace comes from a distinguished family, she should understand that once married, she must prioritize the family's interests."
Xu Chong didn't understand how Grace had so logically exposed his lies, but he intended to make her recognize her position regardless of whether the marriage went through. What he said might be blunt, but it was within traditional norms, and no one could say he was wrong.
Grace was dumbfounded. This man's shamelessness was beyond her comprehension. Were these men's minds filled with backward ideas? Modern civilization's opposite, indeed! They believed women should consider it a blessing to marry them, to sacrifice their dignity for the Xu family's sake? Did he think he had her trapped, that even if today's scheme failed to force the elders to cancel the engagement, he could still use ancient doctrines to dominate her after marriage?
This was outright bullying! What kind of family had her father found for her?
"Miss!" Hua Xiangrong, having reached her limit, spoke up. If they didn't fight back, this wouldn't end.
Grace had never been in a fight and didn't believe violence solved everything, but being bullied like this required action. Fine, she thought, it's better to suffer now than later. Saying he wanted to marry her, while plotting against her—this wouldn't end peacefully.
"Fight!"
At Grace's command, Hua Xiangrong sprang forward like an arrow, grabbing a long bench and lunging at Xu Chong. Preoccupied with his plans to provoke Grace into a rage to force the engagement's cancellation, Xu Chong didn't expect such ferocity. He raised his arm to block but still took a solid hit.
Hua Xiangrong swung the bench a second time, and soon they were exchanging punches and kicks. The shop erupted in chaos, with people scattering and shouting.
Yun Xiangyi, unable to contain her excitement, turned to the stunned Fang Qu. "Fang Gongzi, why are you still standing there? You took a beating for merely speaking the truth. Doesn't that infuriate you? Go get your revenge! How can you let him off after what he did to you?"
Fang Qu, already fuming, joined the fray upon hearing this, charging at Xu Chong.
The crowd, initially spectators, now fled in all directions, shouting in panic. The attendants, initially hesitant to report back, now ran to inform their masters.
...
General Xu An strode into the Central Military Governor's Office and immediately encountered Xu Yi.
Xu Yi teased, "Oh, Old Xu, here to see your future in-law for tea again?"
Xu An laughed heartily but didn't deny the "in-law" reference. "I'm here to get a dispatch order from the Ministry of Revenue. Is the marquis available?"
Xu Yi, a childhood friend from the same neighborhood and now living just a street away, was aware of the engagement talks between their families, though it wasn't widely publicized.
"The marquis went from the Ministry of Revenue to the palace. You might as well wait in the tea room. I have some matters to attend to, so I won't be keeping you company."
Xu Yi, being informal, excused himself and hurried away. Xu An settled into the tea room, where the attendants were noticeably more attentive since the engagement talks began.
Reflecting on the marriage arrangement… Last summer, Xu An's younger brother Xu Yi had a fight at their station, injuring an opponent who then reported the incident to the Left Military Governor's Office. Although both parties were at fault, the opponent had connections with the Duke of Pingjiang, a veteran noble, who pressed for military punishment against Xu Yi.
Xu An, though a second-rank general, was just a local commander in the capital and couldn't compete with founding nobility. Eventually, he sought the Marquis of Qingyun's help, who mediated and settled the matter privately.
After much thought, Xu An proposed his eldest son Xu Chong marry Grace, the marquis's daughter. Grace was notorious for her mischief and disobedience, with many believing she'd never find a suitor. The marquis, troubled by this, would surely welcome an early marriage for her.
Moreover, the marquis, as one of the youngest and most powerful founding nobles, was bound to be influential for decades. The Zhao family's lineage would grow deep roots in the Liang dynasty. While not necessary to curry favor, having such an influential in-law wouldn't hurt either.