Published: February 24, 2025
CHAPTER 3: The End of Affinity
At the Tan Residence, in the Guest Hall.
Tan Changchun, with lingering fear, inquired Tan Yun how he came to know that the housekeeper had been bribed by Situ Tianlun and Liu Boyi.
He also wanted to know where the alchemical formula for the spirit胎 pill had come from.
Tan Yun calmly told his grandfather that he received guidance from a great figure, who left behind the formula to help the Tan family through their crisis before departing.
Everyone believed this without a doubt. After all, they couldn't think of any other source for the formula Tan Yun had.
“Old Master Tan, since your esteemed family’s marriage has been postponed, we shall take our leave,” said one of the family heads.
“...”
The family heads began to take their leave one after another.
“Alas, everyone, please take care,” Tan Changchun said apologetically, clasping his fists to the crowd. “Today, it is my Tan family's oversight, and I hope everyone can forgive us.”
“Not at all,” one family head said solemnly. “Old Master Tan, fairness is in the hearts of the people; we believe what Young Master Tan has said.”
“Indeed, indeed...” the others echoed as they prepared to leave.
“Uncles, fathers, please wait a moment,” Tan Yun slightly bowed and said, “The wedding will still take place.”
Everyone was astonished; how could there be a wedding without a bride?
“Yun'er, are you confused?” Feng Jingru raised her hand and placed it on Tan Yun's forehead, perplexed. “You don’t have a fever, so why are you talking nonsense?”
“Yun'er, the family heads are busy; don’t make trouble,” Tan Feng glared at Tan Yun.
“Thud!”
Tan Yun suddenly knelt on the ground and shouted, “Grandfather, Father, Mother, I want to marry Yuqin! Please grant me this!”
As Tan Yun's voice fell, Nangong Yuqin, holding the wedding dress, stepped into the hall. She trembled, and the bridal gown fell to the ground.
Her mind went blank, and tears blurred her vision.
Feng Jingru cast a doting glance at Nangong Yuqin, then looked at Tan Yun with displeasure, saying, “Yun'er, don't blame your mother for speaking up for Yuqin.”
“Before you and Liu Ruyan were engaged, your mother repeatedly asked if you would marry Yuqin, but you said you didn’t like her at all.”
“If you don’t like her, why hurt her? Marriage is no child's play! Your mother does not agree!”
Feng Jingru spoke firmly. Although Nangong Yuqin was not her biological daughter, she treated her as her own.
“Mother, I swear to you that I truly love Yuqin. I would rather betray the world than betray her!” Tan Yun said earnestly. “Please grant me this.”
“Is this true?” Feng Jingru's expression softened slightly, but her heart was filled with joy. She liked Yuqin very much!
“Absolutely true!” Tan Yun said firmly.
“Since your mother agrees, you should still ask Yuqin for her opinion,” Feng Jingru said with a kind smile.
“Thank you, Mother!” After Tan Yun got up, he walked to Nangong Yuqin and said affectionately, “It is only today that I realize you are the destined wife for me, Tan Yun. Even if Situ Tianlun and Liu Boyi had not schemed to seize the Tan family's property, I would not marry Liu Ruyan.”
“Because the one I love is not her, but you.”
Tears fell from Nangong Yuqin's eyes; she felt so wronged. “My adoptive mother has tried to get me to marry you many times, but you have always refused… Yes, I like you and have always wanted to marry you. But I really can’t be sure if your feelings for me are genuine.”
“I understand.” Tan Yun softly said as he bent down to pick up the wedding dress from the floor and looked at Nangong Yuqin. “This can testify to my determination to marry you.”
“From the moment I let you choose the most beautiful bridal gown, I decided to marry you.” Tan Yun held the bridal gown in his left hand and gently wiped away Nangong Yuqin's tears with his right hand, saying softly, “I’m sorry that I was handling matters with Liu Ruyan earlier and couldn’t accompany you to choose the gown.”