C4 She Had Ruined His Reputation!

A strikingly handsome young man stood there, as graceful as a tree swaying in the breeze. Dressed in dark attire, his demeanor was refined and distinguished. His features were exceptional, striking a balance between delicate and robust, with a healthy complexion that spoke of a privileged upbringing. He sat atop a magnificent horse, a perfect match for his noble bearing.

"Xiao Jing'an?" The young master of the Xiao family, born into prominence and adored by many. But what did he have to do with her?

Actually, he had everything to do with her. This Xiao Jing'an was the very young master her maid had mentioned—the one she was planning to elope with. Was this all part of an elaborate scheme?

Who could have convinced the eldest son of the Xiao family to play along with such a charade?

"Alright, my lady, you've seen him. Let's go," Xiao Jing'an said, his face adorned with the gentle smile characteristic of someone from an aristocratic family. He nodded at Chu Jiuge without dismounting, yet his demeanor was far from arrogant. As a member of the Xiao family, he had the privilege to act as he pleased.

"Someone like that dares to dream of you? She's got some nerve," sneered a woman in red, casting a disdainful glance at Chu Jiuge. Malice flickered in her eyes as she raised her right hand, aiming her whip at Chu Jiuge's face. "Today, I'll teach you a lesson: a toad has no right to lust after swan meat."

Chu Jiuge's expression changed, and she took a step back...

"Yunhua, be careful with your hand," Xiao Jing'an remarked, noticing the woman in red's actions but making no move to stop her. Instead, he smiled indulgently.

"Snap!" The whip cracked, startling everyone at the city gate. They stepped back, a few casting sympathetic looks at Chu Jiuge...

Having crossed the eldest daughter of the Yuen family, this Miss Chu, the future North Duke Consort, was in trouble. If her face was ruined, would the North King still marry her?

Even if she were to marry, she would likely just be brought home as a respected ornament.

"Aah..." A scream pierced the air, but...

The expected chaos didn't unfold. Chu Jiuge stood firmly in place, while the woman in red, Yuen Yunhua, the eldest daughter of the Yuen family, had fallen from her horse.

Yuen Yunhua's whip lashed out, but Chu Jiuge caught it. The whip's end was barbed, and when Yuen Yunhua yanked it back, Chu Jiuge instinctively let go. Yuen Yunhua, overexerting herself, lost her balance and tumbled backward...

"Oh my gosh!" someone exclaimed. Witnessing someone challenge the Yuen family was a rare sight indeed. This Chu family daughter certainly had guts.

"Yunhua." Xiao Jing'an, seated on his prized horse, turned pale. He dismounted swiftly and rushed to Yuen Yunhua's side, gently helping her up. "Are you okay?"

"My face..." Yuen Yunhua had the misfortune of landing face-first, her once-beautiful face now marred by a cut from a sharp stone.

Yuen Yunhua's face was ruined!

"Don't worry, Yunhua. The Xiao family has an expert who can craft the finest beauty elixirs. I'll make sure you get the best one," Xiao Jing'an reassured her softly, his voice tender, his eyes filled with deep concern.

Turning to Chu Jiuge, Xiao Jing'an's expression darkened. The charming smile typical of someone from an aristocratic family vanished, replaced by fury and menace. "Chu Jiuge, you better hope Yunhua is unharmed. If her face is ruined, I'll make sure your entire family pays dearly."

Chu Jiuge had only pulled Yuen Yunhua down in self-defense, with no intention of causing harm. Seeing the injury on her face, she wanted to offer help, driven by her healer's instinct. But upon hearing Xiao Jing'an's threat, she chuckled, "Oh, really? She's allowed to hit me, but I'm not allowed to defend myself?"

She couldn't recall ever offending these two individuals...