Chapter 106: Your Questions, My Answers

The curtain lifted, and Eldest Master Ning stepped in first, followed closely by Ning Yunzhao.

Upon seeing Ning Yunzhao, both Eldest Madam Ning and Ning Yunyan's eyes lit up.

They had already seen him just now, but that was amidst a crowd, with Ning Yunzhao being pulled close by the side of Old Madam Ning, and the siblings hardly exchanged a few words.

Now it was just them, the atmosphere felt remarkably different, filled with excitement, tension, and joy.

"Mother," Ning Yunzhao said with a smile as he bowed, "Yanyan."

Brother still called her Yanyan, without any sense of estrangement.

It had been a year since they last saw each other, and Ning Yunyan's tears started to fall as she burst out calling for her brother and threw herself towards him.

Eldest Madam Ning stretched out her hand to stop her.

"Ning Yunzhao, I have something to ask you," she said.

"Mother hasn't eaten yet, let's talk while we eat," suggested Ning Yunzhao, stepping forward to support her.

Still as considerate as before, knowing that she hadn't eaten.

Eldest Madam Ning looked at him, her expression softening a bit.

"No rush, just one question and then we'll eat," she said.

Not wanting to continue, Eldest Master Ning already started laughing.

"No need to ask, I'll tell you, this marriage is fake," he chuckled, "you can rest assured."

Fake!

Ning Yunyan almost shouted in excitement.

She knew it was fake, she knew her brother would never fancy that cheap slut.

Eldest Madam Ning also exhaled deeply, relaxing completely.

"This was also his uncle's idea," continued Eldest Master Ning, "Given the dire circumstances at the time, this was the best course of action."

"Come on Mother, can we eat now?" Ning Yunzhao smiled, reaching out his hand again to assist.

Eldest Madam Ning placed her hand on his arm but did not get up, instead looking at him.

"When will it be announced as fake?" she suddenly asked again.

Ning Yunyan nodded in agreement.

"Yes, yes that's crucial, brother, you don't know how these days the whole Yangcheng has been abuzz, everyone will believe it if we don't clear things up soon," she hastily added.

Eldest Master Ning twirled his beard and cleared his throat lightly.

"About that..." he began.

Ning Yunzhao took over his words.

"Father, let me talk to Mother," he said with a smile, holding Eldest Madam Ning's hand on his arm, earnest and composed, "We can't say anything for now, we need to wait a while longer."

Ning Yunyan looked stunned, gazing anxiously at him.

Eldest Madam Ning also looked at him with a smile, though it seemed somewhat forced.

"When will that be?" she asked, "One month? Two months? Three months?"

Ning Yunzhao looked at her.

"I need to discuss this with Miss Jun before deciding," he said.

At these words, Eldest Madam Ning gripped his arm tighter.

"Discuss with her?" her voice sharpened, "What if she never agrees to speak up? Are you going to live like this forever?"

The atmosphere in the room grew tense.

Eldest Master Ning was startled by Eldest Madam Ning's sudden burst of anger.

"Why are you shouting? Let's talk calmly," he said with a soft cough.

"Can he speak calmly?" Eldest Madam Ning snapped, turning to look at Ning Yunzhao and then taking a deep breath to soften her expression, "Ning Yunzhao, you don't have to hide the bad news, tell me the truth, did she threaten you?"

"There were no threats..." interjected Eldest Master Ning.

"I want Ning Yunzhao to tell me," Eldest Madam Ning interrupted him, looking at Ning Yunzhao again.

Ning Yunzhao smiled and patted her hand.

"Mother, really, there were none," he assured, "Let's have dinner, I will explain everything from beginning to end to you."

"No, I'm just a housewife, you don't need to explain everything in detail, just tell me briefly what happened," Eldest Madam Ning sat down, pushing a dish of snacks towards him, "Ning Yunzhao, if you're hungry, have a bite first."

"Brother, just tell us now, if you're hungry just hold on, do you know how long it's been since Mother ate properly?" Ning Yunyan spoke up.

Ning Yunzhao smiled in agreement and sat down beside Eldest Madam Ning as per her request.

"Then I'll do as Mother says, I'll keep it simple," he replied, "This matter is straightforward, it was out of necessity."

It was out of necessity, wasn't it?

Eldest Madam Ning looked at him.

"I assume Mother already knows about the matter between Miss Jun and Thousand-Man Commander Lu," Ning Yunzhao said.

"I know, I know," Ning Yunyan hurriedly nodded, "She seduced Thousand-Man Commander Lu, and even Duke of Chengguo's heir."

Eldest Madam Ning nodded as well.

Ning Yunzhao glanced at Ning Yunyan.

"Word of mouth really changes over a long distance." He said with a smile, looking towards Eldest Madam Ning, "Actually, it's because Jiuling Hall and Thousand-Man Commander Lu have a grudge. Thousand-Man Commander Lu is determined to drive Miss Jun away. As you all know, Miss Jun has gained a great reputation in the capital for helping and healing the people, and she's respected and loved by the public. Unable to do anything elsewhere, Thousand-Man Commander Lu resorted to using the matter of men and women."

Ning Yunyan looked at him, her expression somewhat complex.

It seems he's actually defending Jun Zhenzhen with these words.

Eldest Madam Ning clearly didn't want to hear this.

"I don't care about their matters, I just want to know, how did you get involved in their affairs?" she said, "Is it because she's trying to extricate herself from the situation by bringing up the old marriage agreement, aiming to seek our family's protection?"

Ning Yunzhao shook his head with a smile.

"No," he said, not waiting for Eldest Madam Ning to speak again, he continued, "As I just mentioned, Miss Jun is highly esteemed in the capital, and beloved by the people. So after this affair blew up, Thousand-Man Commander Lu was criticized and despised by the public."

Looking at Ning Yunyan.

"This is also why the Duke of Chengguo's heir intervened—he was standing up for Miss Jun."

Ning Yunyan couldn't help rolling her eyes.

She didn't believe that the Duke of Chengguo's heir would stand up for justice without reason—such talk was only believed by men.

Eldest Madam Ning frowned again.

"All these matters don't matter," she said. "I still don't understand how this involves you?"

"Since Miss Jun's issue has blown up and involves matters of men and women, people will inevitably inquire about her private life. This way, the past of our engagement will also be inevitably discussed," Ning Yunzhao straightforwardly said, "Her fame is illustrious and I've just become the top scholar; the old matter of the marriage agreement is bound to be brought up for discussion, which will inevitably drag me into it, so..."

"So we take the initiative instead of being passive, take control of this matter, silence those who gossip, and even gain a good reputation for ourselves," Eldest Master Ning couldn't help but interject, "So, it's that simple."

How is it that simple?

Eldest Madam Ning and Ning Yunyan looked astonished, turning their gazes between Eldest Master Ning and Ning Yunzhao.

"That's not right, how does this turn into taking initiative from being passive?" Eldest Madam Ning asked.

"With Miss Jun's current fame and the marriage issue being discussed, coupled with Yunzhao becoming the top scholar, it would inevitably bring up the past. If someone with ulterior motives were to use this, labeling Yunzhao as dishonest and disloyal, it could complicate his career," Eldest Master Ning stated while shaking his head, "You women don't understand the dangers of these bureaucratic waters."

"So, Mother, you asked if she was threatening me to seek protection, but actually, this is for my own safeguard," Ning Yunzhao explained.

Eldest Madam Ning looked at him, her expression still blank.

"I don't quite understand," she said. "Has anyone questioned this already?"

"Not yet, which is why we need to act first," Eldest Master Ning stated, "Should we wait until we are questioned and the topic becomes a matter of public debate?"

Eldest Madam Ning nodded at him.

"Right, what about when that happens? If others question, can't we respond?" she said, "We are not in the wrong here. She came asking for five thousand taels to break off the engagement, the whole of Yangcheng knows, what's there not to reply?"

"Is that something to be proud of?" Eldest Master Ning frowned, "Bringing this up, arguing and fussing about it—Yunzhao is a top scholar, holding a government office now, but before he shows any accomplishments, will he be mocked for being worth five thousand taels? You women, do you even understand?"

"Mother, this is beneficial for both parties," Ning Yunzhao said with a smile, "I would gain a good reputation, and Miss Jun would be liberated from a tough spot, it truly is killing two birds with one stone."

Is that so?

Is it a win-win?

Eldest Madam Ning looked dazed; it seemed correct.

"That's not right," Ning Yunyan suddenly said sharply, stepping in front of Ning Yunzhao, "Brother, do you actually like Jun Zhenzhen?"

This question made everyone in the room pause.

"Don't bring up likes and dislikes out of nowhere, let's talk about the main issue," Eldest Master Ning stated, "This has nothing to do with liking or not liking."

"I think it does," Ning Yunyan said, biting her lower lip and looking at Ning Yunzhao, "I don't understand the grand principles Father is talking about, but I have a woman's intuition."

What woman's intuition?

Eldest Master Ning frowned.

"You are so clever and capable; are you afraid of people making a fuss over your marriage affairs?" Ning Yunyan continued, looking at Ning Yunzhao, "My brother is not that kind of person, unless you want to make use of the marriage issue yourself."

Eldest Madam Ning turned her gaze to Ning Yunzhao, her confused look fading and replaced by a grave expression.

Yes, that's right, she didn't understand these precautions related to career that they were talking about, and she didn't care, but as a woman, she understood one thing.

If a man doesn't want to be involved with a woman, he has many ways to avoid it.

Similarly, if a man wants to be involved with a woman, he also has many ways to do so.

"Yunzhao, do you like Jun Zhenzhen?" she asked.

"Ah, you really are overthinking..." Eldest Master Ning slapped his thigh.

"I want Yunzhao to tell me," Eldest Madam Ning interrupted him sharply, standing up to look at Ning Yunzhao, "Tell me, do you like her?"

Ning Yunzhao's expression remained gentle, untroubled and calm, his eyes clear and straightforward.

Like her?

Wish to engage her in marriage?

Even if it's said to be false, still hoping that one day it becomes true?

"Yes," he said, looking at Eldest Madam Ning, "Yes, Mother, I do like her."