Chapter 2: She Truly Does Not Deserve Me

Page (1/3)

Situla Loyuet sighed, “Liang Xiao, you are merely a merchant benefiting from your ancestors’ legacy, whereas Brother Lingyun is a rising star in the military, always concerned with the well-being of the world. He would never look favorably upon a man like you. If you were to meet, he would likely speak bluntly, unintentionally striking at your sore spots. Why invite humiliation upon yourself?”

Liang Xiao burst out laughing but composed himself and said, “It’s no matter. I’ve dealt with many in business; if he speaks harshly, it’s not a problem. After all, I always consider the bigger picture. I only wish to meet the unparalleled hero in your eyes. You know, not long ago, it was I who went to the frontier and struck down—”

“Liang Xiao! Stop making trouble! You just want to ruin the good thing between me and Brother Lingyun!” Situla Loyuet finally revealed her true colors, her patience gone.

“I originally came to see you, just to inform you. Even if you disagree, after being pressured into marrying you, I will divorce you. You cannot change the outcome!”

“I think Ningyan is extraordinarily beautiful. Though she’s just a maid, she suits you perfectly!”

With those words, Situla Loyuet stormed off in anger.

As she left, the atmosphere cooled.

Liang Xiao watched her retreating figure, filled with sorrow.

Mother, is this the daughter-in-law you have longed for?

He once thought failing to marry her while she was alive was the regret of his life.

Now he understood that it was, in fact, a blessing.

A sip of warm tea did little to quell the chill in his heart.

The maid Ningyan entered hurriedly, clutching a list, her face anxious.

“Young master! The young madam suddenly lost her temper with everyone just now. What should we do?”

Liang Xiao raised an eyebrow and smiled, “Who is your young madam?”

“Ah? The young madam of the mansion has always been Miss Situla…” Ningyan replied timidly.

“She has not formally entered the household, so she is not your young madam. Now she wants me to break off the engagement and let her be with Sima Lingyun.”

“Impossible!” Ningyan was shocked pale.

Liang Xiao took the list from her hand and sighed, “No need to prepare the betrothal gifts anymore. I will have to tidy up the family estate later.”

“What will you do, young master?” Ningyan’s expression turned worried.

Liang Xiao sneered coldly, “This is my home; it’s up to them to worry! I intend to see the Emperor and request the annulment of the decree.”

Ningyan’s face instantly paled as she warned, “Young master, we should consider other options—perhaps persuade Miss Situla to change her mind! Sima Lingyun’s marriage was granted by the Emperor himself. If you go, won’t you offend His Majesty?”

Liang Xiao smiled, “Do you think your young master is so shameless? I will go to the Emperor to ask him to cancel my engagement to Situla Loyuet.”

Ningyan snapped back to reality, nearly in tears.

“This match was personally arranged by the old madam for the young master. How can it be abandoned so easily? That would only help them!”

Liang Xiao patted her shoulder gently, comforting her.

“A true man fears not the lack of a wife. She is so heartless and treacherous; it’s better to see her true colors sooner rather than later.”

Page (2/3)

“I only regret not listening to Zifang’s advice earlier—not to pour my heart out to a family of ingrates.”

Seeing Ningyan at a loss, Liang Xiao felt a measure of comfort and was no longer so saddened.

This girl was raised by the old madam herself and had always been his personal maid.

Now that the Liang estate was no longer prosperous, only a few loyal guards and servants remained.

Sima Lingyun, a rising star in the military and the son of the Sima family, had recently earned military honors and had a bright future—naturally worlds apart from himself.

Marrying into the Sima family would bring connections, and Situla Loyuet’s father and brothers would have support in official circles.

The Situla family had long resided in the Liang estate.

Situla Loyuet’s father, Situla Tianliang, was never content with their status and wished to restore the family’s glory.

To that end, he spent much money to build connections, managing to secure a deputy general post.

Situla Loyuet’s elder brother, Situla Yinghao, currently a military captain, also owed his position to Situla Tianliang’s efforts.

With their recent frontier service, father and son’s promotions were assured.

Looking back now, Liang Xiao felt a chill run down his spine.

His sincere devotion had only nurtured a den of ingrates!

The credit for beheading Lord Zuo Xian belonged to him, yet it was Sima Lingyun who gained the honor.

Though unwilling, he understood that he must maintain a calm mind for now.

Watching Ningyan leave, Liang Xiao sighed silently.

It was time to change the situation.

“When Zifang returns, I must plan carefully with him.”

Zhuo Zifang, close to his age, was his life-and-death confidant.

Moments later, Ningyan came rushing back.

“Young master, Old Madam Situla wants you to meet her and the eldest son…”

At these words, Liang Xiao’s eyes sharpened.

“This is my home; they should come to see me.”

Fifteen minutes later.

Situla Loyuet’s mother, Madam Situla, and eldest son Situla Yinghao sat opposite Liang Xiao, no longer showing the former courtesy.

“Xiao’er, Loyuet should have informed you?” Madam Situla probed.

Seeing Liang Xiao nod, she lamented bitterly, “That girl is so disrespectful and hot-tempered. I have already scolded her harshly!”

Page (3/3)

Liang Xiao noticed Madam Situla made no mention of the money he spent to treat her illness, and Situla Yinghao echoed her sentiments.

He smiled and asked, “Have you met General Sima?”

Madam Situla nodded.

“He is less handsome than you and far less refined.”

Liang Xiao inquired, “How do you view this matter then?”

Madam Situla forced a smile.

“Since they are mutually fond and the Emperor has promised to wed Lingyun, Loyuet will rise with him and repay your past kindness…”

“You want me to consent to this?” Liang Xiao laughed wryly.

Madam Situla spoke earnestly, “Xiao’er, even if you cannot marry, my husband and I can still adopt you as our son. We are still one family. You are always understanding and should consider the greater good. Loyuet is not worthy of you.”

Liang Xiao stared coldly, fully aware of their intent.

Adopt me as a son?

They were simply valuing the remaining family fortune, planning to latch onto the Liang estate and continue draining it dry.

In the past year alone, the money he spent on Madam Situla’s treatment exceeded five thousand taels.

In the eyes of the Situla family, he had become a walking purse.

“She is indeed unworthy of me.”

The mother and son were stunned, clearly not expecting such words.

Madam Situla patiently said, “So you agree? Ah, if only Lingyun were as magnanimous as you, he would surely rise to the highest ranks. Such a pity…”

Liang Xiao found their sighs grating, the warmth of the past completely gone.

Situla Yinghao anxiously added, “Brother Xiao, we are still family! I will need your favor in officialdom…”

Favor? It was obvious they wanted him to fund their ambitions and open doors.

Liang Xiao found it both infuriating and laughable.

“Madam Situla speaks rightly, but I dare not demean myself as this adopted son. That will be all. Tomorrow I will have my steward settle the accounts. Prepare to leave.”

“Oh, Situla brother, the manor I lent you—I plan to sell it tomorrow. You need not go there anymore.”

Under the shocked gaze of the mother and son, Liang Xiao abruptly rose and left.

“If there is nothing else, I will go see His Majesty now. Steward, see the guests out.”