That night, I hid in her room wearing the clothes of a servant playing the qin.

I didn't sneak out until the moon reached its zenith, quietly climbing over the low wall covered with camphor trees.

The camphor tree had tall branches and dense foliage, providing the best cover for me.

It should have been the time for everyone in the mansion to rest, but my father's study was illuminated by candlelight.

Although my father was particularly strict with his children, he was always diligent, frugal, and respectful, a good official.

The candlelight cast two figures on the window paper.

Were there others as well? I approached quietly.

My father's voice faintly came through the wall, but I couldn't hear it clearly.

"Brother Shi came here late at night, which shows your sincerity. I have no reason to refuse," he said.

"Brother Liu understands righteousness well, but there is one more thing. The compatibility of the young lady and the son of a dog is a perfect match. The fortune teller also said that they should get married as soon as possible," the other person's voice, unfamiliar to my ears, sounded even more muffled through the wall. He must be Mr. Wang.

"This... I wonder when Brother Shi intends?"

"The day after tomorrow is an auspicious day. Brother Liu, please consider..."

The day after tomorrow... I was shocked. Why such urgency?

My father also seemed surprised, "The day after tomorrow? Isn't it too rushed?"

"Ah, it's not rushed. Everything needed for the betrothal in the mansion is ready. We are only waiting for the young lady to step into the bridal sedan. Brother Liu, please don't refuse."

I was extremely anxious, praying that my father wouldn't agree.

"Alright then." My father's voice sounded, "However... the thousands of taels of silver that the Ministry of Works is short of, Brother Shi, you will have to take care of that."

My eyes widened.

What an honest Mr. Wang, what an upright father.

I bit my lip, lowered my body, and under the cover of the night, made my way to my second sister's room.

Perhaps my second sister was naturally kind and gentle, so my father didn't guard her as tightly as he did me. In addition, the darkness of the night provided cover, and I had no trouble meeting my second sister.

I recounted everything I had seen, watching as my second sister's face went from shock to despair.

Never before had I thought that my father would be this kind of person. I closed my eyes. Moreover, my second sister was the one directly involved.

"Second sister, let's run away," I mustered up the courage I didn't know where it came from.

Second sister smiled bitterly, "Run away? Where can we run to?"

I have the protection of my maternal family, but my second sister is nothing more than a daughter in name under my mother's authority.

"Our maternal family has prepared several country estates for me. We can hide there for a while. I suggest that," I proposed.

Seeing my second sister about to be pushed into the fire pit, how could I stand idly by?

I was extremely anxious and was about to persuade her some more.

"Alright." Second sister looked at me and agreed, "This will be hard on you, Ying'er. Just be sure to take care of yourself."

I nodded, and together with my second sister, we began to plan our escape.

We set the time for tomorrow evening.

With everything prepared, I lay on the bed, watching the candle on the table flicker on and off.

I sat up, picked up the snacks on the table.

It was still early, and I needed to gather my strength.

The candle flame gradually dimmed as the drops of wax fell.