C6 Not Yet!

Wen Jiu was somewhat distracted, shock being the predominant emotion.

Xie Heng, the eldest son of the Xie Family, was destined to become the only non-imperial King in the realm due to his illustrious military achievements, commanding respect from both the court and the royal relatives, all of whom would cower before his might.

In her previous life, she had never encountered Xie Heng in Changping County.

Could it be that her rebirth and the concealment of last night's events had altered the course of history, leading to her premature meeting with Xie Heng?

The young man before her appeared to be in his late teens, clad in a dark red robe with a round collar, his face strikingly handsome. His phoenix eyes held a playful smile, exuding an effortless charm.

The youth inquired, "Are you Wen Clan's Jiu?"

Her first meeting with Xie Heng in her past life had been in the imperial city, where he was already the commander of a hundred thousand troops—the War God of Great Yan. On the day of his arrival, the citizens lined the streets for ten li to welcome him.

Girls who would tremble at the mention of his name now blushed upon seeing his striking features, all rumors of his fierce reputation fading into the distance.

Upon his arrival in the capital, his first act wasn't to pay respects to the Emperor or to rest, but to lead his troops in surrounding the Ministry of Revenue, terrifying the delinquent Minister to illness. Meng Chengyun, then the Deputy Minister, was at a loss and had Wen Jiu step in to negotiate and replenish the missing silver.

Xie Heng's first words to her then were the same—

"Are you Wen Clan's Jiu?"

Wen Jiu greeted him with a bow, "Wen Jiu pays her respects to General Xie!"

Xie Heng, unimpressed, responded with a single word: "Foolish."

It was unclear whether he was referring to her and Meng Chengyun's nocturnal flight from the Xie Family or her assistance with the Ministry of Revenue's finances.

One thing was certain: Xie Heng deeply despised her for these actions.

In the present, memories flooding back, Wen Jiu overheard the chatter outside her door, "Jiu is truly fortunate! To marry such a handsome gentleman without uttering a word!"

"The Xie family is renowned throughout Changping County for their virtue!"

Xie Heng gracefully dismounted his horse and quickly approached her.

As Wen Jiu regained her composure, she found herself staring into the magnified, handsome face of the young man.

"I am Xie Heng. Today, I am here on behalf of my aunt to welcome my fifth brother, Xie Qi, on the occasion of his wedding."

"I know! Jiu knows! There's no need for further explanation, Young Master Xie!" Mrs. Zhang interjected, almost desperate to silence Xie Heng.

Yet, given the Xie family's status, which dwarfed their own by immeasurable degrees, they dared not act so boldly.

Wen Fang offered a conciliatory smile, "We've explained everything to Jiu! She has agreed! How could she refuse such an auspicious match with the Xie family? Please, let's have the bride seated in the palanquin without delay, so as not to miss the auspicious hour!"

One by one, they seemed eager to simply bundle Wen Jiu into the bridal sedan and deliver her to the Xie family as if that settled the matter.

Wen Fang and Mrs. Zhang took hold of Wen Jiu, pushing her towards the palanquin. With matters having progressed to this stage, there was no turning back.

Xie Heng, however, paid no heed to the others, his gaze fixed on Wen Jiu with the intensity of a starlit sky. Shedding his earlier nonchalance, he spoke earnestly, "My fifth brother has been frail and sickly from a young age. Before departing, he made me promise to inform the lady of his condition. I must ask, are you truly willing to marry him?"

The sunlight broke through the clouds, casting a soft golden halo around the youth. It seemed as if he himself was bathed in a gentle, golden glow.

Wen Jiu lifted her gaze to meet Xie Heng's, just as she was about to respond.

Mrs. Wen, upon realizing it was the Fifth Young Master Xie Qi in question, turned deathly pale and quickly stepped in to shield Wen Jiu, declaring, "Jiu will not marry! I do not consent to this marriage! Jiu will not marry!"

Xie Heng had made it clear; he was here only to fulfill the duty of escorting the bride on behalf of his ailing brother, Fifth Young Master Xie Qi.

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately saw the Xie Family in a new light, admiring their transparency and integrity. Had Xie Heng not spoken up and simply brought the bride to the Xie residence, delivering her to the Fifth Young Master's room, the young lady, even upon realizing the groom had been switched, would have had no choice but to silently accept her fate. Such deceptions were not unheard of in the community.

Yet Xie Heng, by openly discussing the matter without any deceit, showcased the Xie Family's upbringing, a stark contrast to the impoverished families around them.

Conversely, the Wen family, acting as grandmother and aunt, seemed to be sending Wen Jiu off with unclear intentions, revealing a cruel streak.

"Ah, the Fifth Young Master... I've heard he's been unwell and never leaves the house."

"Ah, to reach marriageable age without ever stepping outside? Surely, it's more than just poor health!"

"Is the old Wen family essentially selling their granddaughter?"

Everyone knew that the Xie Family's Fifth Young Master was frail, his life hanging by a thread. Marrying off a fine young lady to him was like condemning her to a widow's fate.

"You gossipers! Stop spouting nonsense! Jiu agreed to this herself! Selling granddaughter? If you can't speak properly, then keep your mouths shut!" Mrs. Zhang's face flushed with fiery indignation as she lashed out at the accusers like a fishwife.

Despite the clamor and murmurs in the alleyway, Xie Heng remained unflustered. His attention was on Wen Jiu as he inquired, "Wen Jiu, what are your thoughts?"

He had come with a message from Xie Qi, who had repeatedly emphasized the need to make it clear that it was the ailing Fifth Young Master of the Xie Family seeking a wife. If Wen Jiu was reluctant, there was to be no coercion, to avoid ruining her life.

Xie Heng himself had little expectation of a positive outcome. It was common for girls to balk at the prospect of early widowhood, regardless of the suitor's character. Not chasing him away with a broom would have been considered lenient.

Yet Wen Jiu remained composed amidst the uproar, her serenity standing in sharp contrast to the indignation of the onlookers.

Xie Heng mused: Perhaps my fifth brother is fortunate to have encountered a young woman who stands out from the rest.

"Mother, don't worry. I'll make sure to clarify everything with Young Master Xie," Wen Jiu reassured Mrs. Wen in a soft tone. She stepped forward and addressed Xie Heng, "I have not yet come of age. Under the customs of the Great Yan Dynasty, a girl who has not come of age is not eligible for marriage."

"Not of age yet?"