Shang Ruyi looked up, and a young, handsome face appeared before her eyes.
The young man in front of her was about eighteen or nineteen years old, with sword-shaped eyebrows and phoenix eyes, extraordinarily handsome; not only that, he had a tall and robust build, with a wasp-waist and ape-back. Even wearing a refined green robe, he exuded a heroic aura typical of a martial artist, which both drew attention and made him impossible to stare at directly.
What a handsome young man!
Shang Ruyi came from a prestigious family, and knew many graceful noble sons, but upon first seeing such a handsome youth, she couldn't help but become entranced.
"You are—"
This young man looked down at her, his expression unreadable, but due to the gloomy weather behind him and his imposing presence, he exuded a highly oppressive aura. When he spoke, his voice was deep and magnetic, making her ears tingle.
"You don't even recognize the person you're supposed to marry?"
"What?"
Shang Ruyi was utterly confused, her eyes wide and bewildered as she looked at him. She saw the young man slightly part his thin lips and coldly say, "I am Yu Wenye."
"...!"
Shang Ruyi gasped!
Yu Wenye, the second son of the Yuwen Family!
Since she was promised to the Yuwen Family, she naturally had to understand their situation. Moreover, this second son of the Yuwen Family was already famed across the Two Capitals at such a young age, and rumors about him were never-ending.
Duke Sheng loved his son, who was said to be extraordinarily talented, adept both in literature and martial arts, and not only was he strikingly handsome, he was a sought-after prize among noble daughters in the Western and Eastern Capitals. Moreover, he was brave and battled valiantly, helping his father achieve repeated victories in Longxi, strategizing with a broad overview of the situation, and decisive at every turn, leading court ministers to call him—unparalleled in the world.
But, this so-called "unparalleled" young master had just left Shang Ruyi stunned beyond words.
He had just said—the person she was supposed to marry?
Seeing the shocked expression on Shang Ruyi's face, Yu Wenye coldly said, "What, are you all going back on your word again?"
Going back on their word?
Shang Ruyi's mind raced, vaguely understanding something.
Seeing she still hadn't responded, Yu Wenye's brows slightly furrowed: "Isn't it that you don't want to marry my elder brother, and instead want to—marry me?"
"...!"
Shang Ruyi's heart suddenly skipped a beat.
Now, she finally understood completely.
It turned out, the issue her aunt had just mentioned was resolved, and this was how it was solved.
Since she refused to marry the eldest son Yu Wenqian of the Yuwen Family, they simply switched her suitor to the second son Yu Wenye. This way, neither the engagement between the two families was violated, nor was her own wish. The matter was resolved!
Shang Ruyi felt quite distressed inside.
Although times had changed, and nowadays women no longer had to stay behind the red veil all the time, and she could bravely express her opinions on her marriage, in the end, breaking off an engagement was still shameful. And this wasn't just breaking an engagement, but rather marrying his brother, hurting one person while dragging another innocent into it.
Facing the "victim" who came to confront her, Shang Ruyi felt so ashamed she couldn't bear it, her cheeks flushed with heat, she said softly, "Young Master Yu Wen... don't blame me."
Yu Wenye looked at her coldly for a moment, and suddenly asked, "Why exactly won't you marry my elder brother?"
"..."
Shang Ruyi lowered her head, biting her lip, unable to speak.
Yu Wenye asked again, "Then, why do you want to marry me?"