Reborn: The First Rank 'Madam” – C53

C53 – Disappointed

In the Kingdom of Great Yang, only merchants or lesser-known families would engage in such marriages. Such unions were typically arranged through concubines, and if the official wife passed away, she would ensure support for her husband. Both families involved in such unions retained their social standing.

Nevertheless, individuals with a scholarly background considered this practice disgraceful, and the Cao Family, regardless of their identity, would not accept such an arrangement.

Furthermore, his Third Sister, Zuo Shuqi, held the status of a concubine and was not qualified to become the official wife of the Cao Family. Moreover, her loss of virginity before marriage made it impossible for her to hold that position.

Additionally, one could even accuse the Cao Family of benefiting from the situation.

Zuo Shaoqing thought with relief: Fortunately, the Zuo Family had a suitable young lady. Otherwise, he might have had to endure further repercussions after last night’s ordeal. However, his Second Uncle was astute, and he probably wouldn’t agree to such a farce.

Zuo Shaoqing also had an unfavorable view of the two newborns in the Zuo Family. They behaved obediently in front of Mrs. Xue and her daughter but displayed a different demeanor in front of his inexperienced brother, Zuo Shaoqing.

“Madam has sent a messenger to the Cao Family to request a meeting. It seems both families need to discuss the annulment of the engagement.”

Zuo Shaoqing nodded, saying, “Find an opportunity to discreetly visit Master Cao and relay a message from me: Why search where there is no grass? Why fall in love with a flower? Also, inform him of what we witnessed last night.”

Both Luo Xiaoliu and Nanny Liu weren’t naive. They immediately opened their eyes and asked incredulously, “Could Master Cao have been set up by someone?”

Zuo Shaoqing looked at them with a wry smile and replied to Luo Xiaoliu, “Didn’t you see last night that Master Cao was ‘assisted’ into the backyard by two sturdy individuals? Do you believe he could have entered the backyard in a sober state?”

Moreover, if he accidentally found himself in Third Miss’ room and things took a favorable turn, who would believe that there was no manipulation involved?

“Ah?” In other words, someone deliberately orchestrated the encounter between Master Cao and Third Miss?” Nanny Liu promptly covered Luo Xiaoliu’s mouth when he uttered those words. “Don’t utter such remarks casually. Keep them to yourself!”

Luo Xiaoliu vigorously nodded his head. Even without Nanny Liu’s warning, he understood the gravity of the situation. Clearly, Nanny Liu was acting in his best interest.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

“Master, do you wish for Master Cao to discover the truth? Wouldn’t that turn the Cao and Zuo Families into adversaries?”

Zuo Shaoqing chuckled wickedly, “So what if it does? Does it concern us? What I desire is a feud between the two families!”

The middle-aged woman displayed no signs of weakness. “The Third Miss of the Zuo Clan is merely a woman. It’s improbable for her to enter our house in a three-on-six situation. Moreover, it’s uncertain who was responsible for last night’s incident. My master was intoxicated, while the three ladies were sober. In such a significant matter, why didn’t the three ladies make any noise or call for help? Who’s to say that the Third Young Miss didn’t frame our grandfather?”

Mrs. Xue’s expression shifted as she shattered a porcelain cup. “Audacious! You, a servant, dare to tarnish the reputation of my Zuo Family’s daughter! Even if Mrs. Cao herself were here, she wouldn’t utter such slanderous words!”

The middle-aged woman, not the official host, faltered under Mrs. Xue’s stern rebuke.

Zuo Shaoqing understood that Zuo Shuyuan would inevitably enter the Cao Family. Everyone wanted to exhibit their influence.

In essence, if the Zuo Family aimed to shift all blame onto Cao Zongguan and the Cao Family refused to bear this burden, retaliation was unavoidable.

Cao Zongguan, who had been silent, finally spoke, “Master Zuo, Madam Zuo, it is true that your nephew overindulged last night. I am unaware of how he entered the inner courtyard or the reason behind it... However, since this has occurred, I will honor my word. Nevertheless, our two families are still in the midst of discussing the marriage...”

Mrs. Xue impatiently cut him off, “Nephew, you understand that it’s impossible for sisters to marry the same man. I propose that we continue discussing the marriage between our families, but Shuyuan should be the bride.”

“Madam Zuo, you indeed have grand aspirations!” the middle-aged Cao woman retorted. “A woman like her, who seems up to no good, cannot become the mistress of the Cao Family. That’s what our lady would say even if she were here.”

“Then, what do you suggest...?” Mrs. Xue emphasized slowly, “The deed is done. If it weren’t for the interconnection of our families, the Zuo Family would never have accepted a delinquent nephew like him in the first place.”

Cao Zongguan’s eyes reddened, and he couldn’t help raising his voice in self-defense, “Madam Zuo, please exercise caution! Though I, Cao Zongguan, may not be a virtuous and upright man, I disdain such petty actions... Last night’s incident was a mere accident...”

Mrs. Xue waved her hand. “Whether it was an accident or not, it’s in the past. Let’s discuss Shuyuan and our nephew’s marriage now.”

When he woke up this morning, he found himself lying unclothed beside a girl. Initially, he assumed it was a servant girl seeking entry into the Cao family. However, a maid entered with a basin of water, and upon discovering the scene, she shrieked in shock, spilling the water and summoning help.

With that shout, he instantly recognized the woman in the bed. Fear gripped him as he realized... he had been intimate with his future sister-in-law.

Before he could comprehend the situation, a throng of people burst in, including members of both the Zuo and Cao families.

As he stood there, bewildered, listening to their clamor, his heart grew heavier with each passing moment.

He understood that his destiny with Zuo Shuhui had come to an end, and there was no longer any possibility of them becoming husband and wife. His typically affable face twisted into a grimace as he gazed at Mrs. Zuo and her husband.