Chapter 2300 - Some Rejoice, Others Weep

The crux of the matter was that the ancient Zhong Family had declined, and its influence had waned.

In stark contrast, Sun Zangyun’s family was flourishing, and they had a powerful backer, the Donghua Sword Pavilion. The Zhong Family simply didn’t dare to refuse this marriage alliance.

It was Bao Yun who’d told Su Yi all of this.

Although Zhong Xinlan never once brought it up, Su Yi could say with some degree of certainty that Bao Yun wouldn’t lie about this. She was, after all, one of Zhong Xinlan’s closest friends.

When Wan Zitian saw Su Yi sink into silence, he couldn’t help but ask, “What happened, Brother Fuyou?”

“Do you remember Zhong Youqi?” asked Su Yi.

“Of course,” sighed Wan Zitian. “I grieved for years after he died in the Boundless Battlefield.”

“His descendant has run into a bit of trouble,” Su Yi said calmly. “I’m not just going to get involved. I’m going to make sure the problem is solved once and for all!”

......

Seven days later, early in the morning.

The Zhong Family estate was covered in colorful lanterns. Everyone was busy preparing for the upcoming celebration.

Today was their leader’s daughter’s wedding. In just an hour, Sun Zangyun, his family, and his friends would come to welcome the bridge.

The bridal chamber.

The unparalleled divine daughter considered unmatched in both art and music had long since donned her wedding veil and ceremonial dress.

Her lavish attire highlighted her jade-like, beautiful features.

However, there was lingering worry on her brow.

“Xinlan, we’ve wronged you.” Zhong Xinlan’s mother stood beside her, the rims of her eyes red with unshed tears.

As a mother, she naturally knew that her daughter was opposed to this marriage alliance, but there was nothing for it. The Zhong Family was one of Donghua Sword Pavilion’s subordinate factions; they were in no position to refuse.

It was just that by accepting, they’d... wronged her daughter!

The mere thought of it filled her with sadness.

“Mother, as a member of the Zhong Family, I naturally have to do my part,” Zhong Xinlan said tenderly. “Don’t overthink this, and besides... Senior Apprentice Brother Sun and I have known each other for years. Marrying him...”

Here, she almost lost control of her bitterness and hurt. She took a moment to steady herself before continuing. “I... don’t feel at all wronged.”

Her mother sighed. “You’ve been considerate from a young age, and you’ve always done your utmost to help the family. Even now, you’re worried that I’ll be sad. You... are too understanding for your own good.”

The rims of Zhong Xinlan’s eyes reddened, and she just barely managed to hold back tears.

It’s true. I’ve always considered the clan’s wellbeing, but... who has ever considered mine?

Suddenly, her thoughts turned to Su Yi.

If only Senior Su were here. He and my clan ancestor were dear friends. I’m sure he could help me...

After returning from Cloudy Heights Temple, she scoured her family’s ancient tomes. Finally, she discovered that her ancestor, Zhong Youqi, had been close friends with Li Fuyou.

And Li Fuyou was one of Su Yi’s past lives!

Now, Zhong Xinlan finally understood why Su Yi had taken such good care of her on their way to Cloudy Heights Temple.

She’d rallied her courage to invite Su Yi to her wedding, but she didn’t dare to ask him for his help. This was, in part, because it was too sudden. Asking for help out of nowhere might irritate him.

It was also because she didn’t want Su Yi and the Donghua Sword Pavilion to fight.

She knew that Su Yi was already beset by enemies on all sides. His situation was already dangerous.

How could she possibly ask him to endanger himself further by opposing Donghua Sword Pavilion at a time like this?

That was why she limited herself to asking Su Yi to attend her wedding as a guest. She was just asking him to serve as a witness.

As for the rest? Zhong Xinlan didn’t dare to let her imagination run wild.

“Don’t blame your father. He’s the leader of the family, but he’s your father, too. He dotes upon you more than anything. If circumstances hadn’t forced his hand, there’s no way he’d have let you suffer such a grievance,” said Zhong Xinlan’s mother. “He hasn’t come to see you today because he’s afraid he’ll lose control of his emotions and ruin your wedding. If he did, that would only hurt everyone in the Zhong Family.

“Ultimately, if the Zhong Family wants to flourish, we have no choice but to curry favor with the Donghua Sword Pavilion.”

Zhong Xinlan’s mother looked exhausted.

Zhong Xinlan nodded. “I can endure this humiliation today because our family is weak and unable to bear fierce winds and waves. But one day...”

Her eyes suddenly filled with incomparably staunch determination. “I’ll naturally change all of this. I won’t let a similar tragedy befall anyone else in the family, either!”

She rose to her feet. “Let’s go, mother. The wedding procession... is due to arrive soon.”

Her mother’s heart shook. She suddenly felt as if her daughter had become a completely different person.

She even seemed a bit unfamiliar!

Moments later, her heart sank.

She resents his marriage alliance after all.

......

All of the Zhong Family higher-ups were gathered in the clan’s grand hall.

When Zhong Xinlan walked in, veiled, made-up, and ready for her wedding, she instantly became the center of attention.

Many of the old-timers had complicated looks on their faces. They knew that this marriage alliance had hurt Zhong Xinlan deeply.

But more of them beamed with delight.

“Xinlan, your marriage to Sun Zangyun is the family’s good fortune. It’s absolutely cause for celebration! You’ve brought honor onto us all, and all of us take pride in you!” an old man said with a smile.

“Marrying into the Sun Family is fortunate indeed, both for Xinlan, and for the entire family!”

“Xinlan, you’re fortunate indeed. Don’t forget us after you’ve married into the Sun Family!”

“The Sun Family’s betrothal gifts were incomparably generous. Never mind the rest; even just the ten Divine-Grade mineral veins are enough to boost our family fortunes to new heights!”

These prominent members of the Zhong Family were radiant with delight and full of longing and anticipation for the benefits this alliance would bring them.

Zhong Xinlan’s gaze was cold, and she said nothing. She felt indescribable helplessness and revulsion.

They’re using my wedding, my special day, a one-in-a-lifetime occasion, to benefit themselves. It’s bad enough that they aren’t ashamed of themselves. How can they possibly be enthusiastic about it all?

𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

“Enough!” Zhong Xinlan’s father suddenly interjected, his expression cold. “No need for any more such talk. Just mind your own business!”

The atmosphere instantly died down. Everyone knew that no one was angrier about this marriage alliance than their leader. No one had opposed it more fiercely, either.

“Father, this is my day of celebration. Don’t look so cold,” Zhong Xinlan said suddenly. “You don’t need to worry anymore. I’m... fine.”

Her father’s expression was suddenly conflicted. He couldn’t hide his shame. It was to the point that he didn’t dare to meet his daughter’s gaze.

“Xinlan... your father... is just too inept...” He clutched his fist, his eyes bulging with fury and his voice bitter. “I...”

But before he could finish, Zhong Xinlan smiled. “Father, you don’t need to say anymore. I understand. Today, please just be happy for me. After all, it’s my wedding day.”

Zhong Fu pursed his lips, and the rims of his eyes reddened.

But it was then that the ringing of gongs and the beating of drums resounded from outside the hall. Immediately afterward, a delighted, shrill voice filled the air.

“Family Head, the Sun Family’s wedding procession has arrived!”

Boom!

Everyone in the hall frantically shot to their feet and went to greet them.

Like ministers scrambling to welcome an emperor.

Zhong Xinlan took in their toadyish, servile demeanor. She couldn’t help but sigh.