C4 The Prodigal Turned Back

The old Marquis of Jingyuan and the old Earl of Jingning were brothers who played a significant role in the former emperor's ascension, earning their noble titles. The two families were closely linked and relied on each other, making them a formidable force that the Cui family dared not offend. This was why Cui Waner didn't dare to break off her engagement.

However, after the passing of the two old noblemen, both families lacked successors, and their fortunes dwindled year by year. Their current show of prominence was merely a facade, a desperate attempt to maintain appearances. Otherwise, in a previous life, the Marquis of Jingyuan's family wouldn't have agreed to Cui Waner's request to break off the engagement for a mere 10,000 taels of silver.

Thinking of this, Cui Zuoyu felt a pang in her heart. She had been foolish. Before, Yaen Ting only knew that her brother was a successful businessman in the South, with extensive connections, but he didn't know the extent of her brother's wealth. It wasn't until she easily produced 10,000 taels in her previous life that Yaen Ting's interest in her brother's fortune was piqued.

Later, when the crown prince needed money, Yaen Ting schemed to falsely accuse and frame her brother, offering all of her brother's confiscated assets to the crown prince in exchange for a chance to rise to power. Ironically, the prince Yaen Ting backed ultimately lost to the unexpected rise of the second prince, rendering all of Yaen Ting's meticulous plans futile.

Cui Zuoyu's eyes suddenly widened. That's right, her brother was still alive and well!

"Miss, we've arrived at the Yongjing Marquis Mansion."

Cui Zuoyu snapped back to reality, her eyes stinging as she fought back tears. Her expression turned resolute; this time, she was determined to protect her brother.

She called the maid at the front of the carriage closer and whispered a few instructions, "Zi Luo, later on..."

Zi Luo was someone her brother had sent to her, someone who had died protecting her in the past. She was trustworthy.

Seeing Zi Luo nod calmly, Cui Zuoyu felt reassured. As she stepped out of the carriage, she immediately drew countless gazes.

She wore a stunning dress of deep red with intricate peony patterns, overlaid with a sheer layer of golden silk. The ensemble was so dazzling it was almost blinding, yet it exuded elegance rather than vulgarity, embodying the charm of an extraordinary beauty.

In front of the Marquis Mansion, people couldn't help but express their admiration.

"No wonder Yaen Ting turned over a new leaf after meeting her just once, determined to marry her. Only such a beauty could capture his heart."

"But I've heard that the eldest daughter of the Cui family, while beautiful, has a rather unruly and troublesome nature. She's been a troublemaker since she was young. Her sister, on the other hand, is said to be gentle and composed, much better than her," someone couldn't help but remark.

Not far from the carriage, a voice rang out loud enough for Zuoyu to hear. She smirked, unfazed, not even sparing a glance in that direction, and walked straight toward Mrs. Qian and Waner's carriage.

"Waner, let's go together," she said, linking arms with Waner, who had just stepped down from the carriage. Zuoyu's smile was warm, embodying the closeness of sisterhood.

"Doesn't it bother you when people speak about you like that?" Waner asked, her brows furrowed, realizing things were not as she expected.

Mrs. Qian had always intended to let Zuoyu fend for herself, never teaching her how to interact with others, allowing her to act on her impulses. In the past, when Zuoyu heard such remarks, she never took them lightly and often retorted. Her reputation suffered partly because of this.

Angry? Zuoyu's eyes flashed with a hint of sarcasm. Was she supposed to get upset, only for Waner to come out and smooth things over, showcasing her own grace and virtue?

"Don't worry, Waner, I've figured it out," Zuoyu said nonchalantly. "I've never met that person before, and I doubt they've met me. They're just parroting rumors they've heard. There are plenty of people like that in the world. I can't get upset with every single one of them."

Cui Waner felt a twinge of suspicion; such words were not something Cui Zuoyu would typically say.

Cui Zuoyu glanced around, then leaned in to whisper to Cui Waner, "Getting worked up is bad for your health, especially for your face. No matter how important something is, it can't be more important than my face. I won't let unrelated people ruin my looks."

Cui Waner relaxed; this was the Cui Zuoyu she remembered.

Linking arms, Cui Zuoyu and Cui Waner stepped into the Marquis Mansion, overhearing whispers behind them.

"To say something like that, Miss Cui must be quite open-minded. Rumors really are unreliable."

"Exactly, haha. Just now, someone claimed the Second Miss was much better than the eldest. Look at her; how is she better? It's laughable."

"How not? The Second Miss is set to marry into the Yongjing Marquis Mansion, while the eldest is marrying into the Jingning Earl Mansion. Isn't it obvious which is better?" someone argued stubbornly.

The group exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

"One is the eldest son of the Marquis, who's been in a coma for six months—practically a living dead man. The other is the heir of the Earl, still studying at the academy with a bright future ahead. Saying the former is better than the latter is a joke, isn't it?"

The lively chatter and laughter gradually died down as the men and women took their seats.

"Waner, don't listen to them," Cui Zuoyu said, sitting next to Cui Waner. Her face was full of concern as she quietly held Waner's hand under the table. "Young Master Yaen will wake up, I'm sure of it."

The words lacked conviction, and after hearing so much gossip along the way, Waner's frustration finally boiled over. She abruptly pulled her hand away from Zuoyu's grasp, knocking a teacup off the table. It hit the floor with a sharp clatter.

Yaen Jinying, known for her pride, believed she should be the center of attention at her own birthday banquet. But ever since Cui Zuoyu arrived, her entourage, though still echoing her words, couldn't help but let their gazes drift toward Zuoyu, much to Jinying's annoyance.

Hearing the commotion, Jinying immediately flared up. "Cui Zuoyu, what did you do this time?" she snapped, her tone tinged with dissatisfaction. "This is my birthday party. If you have any tricks up your sleeve, don't play them here."

Although it was Waner who dropped the teacup, Jinying's words made it sound as if Zuoyu was behind it all.

Waner spoke gently, "Jinying, don't blame our sister. I dropped the teacup by accident; it had nothing to do with her."

"Waner, stop defending her," Jinying replied, looking frustrated. "She's caused you trouble so many times since we were kids. Why can't you see that?"

"You've got it wrong, Jinying," Waner said with a rueful smile. "Our sister isn't like that. She's just straightforward, but she's really good to me."

"You're impossible!" Jinying huffed, choosing not to say more.