Chapter 11 Divorce

The Qin Family’s eldest daughter-in-law, fearful of any changes, blustered, "Yunyi, I asked you to come over today because there’s something I need to discuss with you..." Before she could finish, a sharp glare from Old Sir Qin silenced her. Old Master Qin turned his head to Yunyi and said, "Sit down." Yunyi calmly walked to the sofa and sat down. "Did Mr. Qin ask for me because there’s some urgent matter?" Seeing Yunyi’s composed face, Old Master Qin knew the girl had likely guessed why she was called over today. He sighed inwardly. "Yunyi, with your grandfather gone, our Qin Family should have taken up the responsibility of looking after you. However, you and Jianghui, though betrothed as children, just don’t get along. I know that a forced melon isn’t sweet, so I wanted to see what you think." Yunyi wasn’t about to fall for his act. "I will listen to Mr. Qin. After all, this betrothal was agreed upon by you and my grandfather when you called on us all those years ago." With that statement, the ball was back in the Qin Family’s court. Old Master Qin closed his eyes and then reopened them. It took quite a while before he finally spoke, "Since the two of you are not destined to be together, let’s call off this marriage agreement. I, Qin Tiezhu, have wronged the Chu Family, and I will make proper amends." Yunyi was no fool; she wouldn’t refuse the Qin Family’s compensation. Her grandfather had once saved Old Master Qin’s life, and Old Master Qin, thinking he was getting a good deal, had shamelessly insisted on this child betrothal. The reasons were clear; no one was a fool. Now that the Chu Family was in decline, he was all too eager to cancel the betrothal for his grandson’s benefit, without any shame. Seeing Yunyi remain silent, Old Master Qin said awkwardly, "Yunyi, what are your thoughts?" Yunyi glanced around at the Qin Family members and said crisply, "Originally, it was because my grandfather saved your life that you approached us with this betrothal. Now, it is the Qin Family who wishes to dissolve this marriage agreement. You can handle it however you see fit. I have no objections." Old Master Qin was immediately overwhelmed with embarrassment. This girl is indeed not simple, he thought. Glancing at his eldest daughter-in-law’s expression, which showed she feared he would be too lenient with Yunyi, he said, "Yunyi, come with me to the study." Wu Lijuan was just about to intervene when a look from Old Master Qin stopped her. Yunyi was curious to hear what he had to say. Ignoring Wu Lijuan’s dagger-like warning glare, she got up and followed him into the study. Old Master Qin had asked to speak to Yunyi alone precisely to prevent his eldest daughter-in-law from saying something inappropriate and completely disgracing the Qin Family. He was well aware of his eldest daughter-in-law’s character and especially did not want Chuyunyi to witness the Qin Family making a fool of themselves. As for the compensation he was willing to offer, the fewer people knew, the better. He gestured to the chair opposite him. "Have a seat." Knowing that once the matter of calling off the betrothal was broached, the good relations between their families would end, he immediately opened a drawer. "Yunyi, the Qin Family has wronged you; it is I, Qin Tiezhu, who have failed your grandfather." As he spoke, he took out a property deed and handed it over. "This house was originally intended for you; it’s just that the reason for giving it has changed." Seeing Yunyi about to speak, he quickly interjected, "Please, don’t refuse. Only if you accept it can I alleviate some of the guilt in my heart." Yunyi voiced words of refusal, but inwardly, she had no intention of turning it down. This would perfectly settle the debt of gratitude between the Chu and Qin Families, and also resolve any ties the original owner had with the Qin Family. After some back and forth, and seeing that Old Master Qin was sincerely offering compensation, Yunyi accepted the property deed that already bore her name. When she came out, Yunyi returned to her original seat, her expression unchanged.