Tao's family caused a commotion, tarnishing my reputation, but none of this was enough to make the Xue family withdraw from the marriage.

At this moment, Lady Dowager also realized the seriousness of the situation. Merely hinting at the issue was clearly ineffective, and a stronger approach was needed.

She assigned Shen Anyong to go to her father and try to persuade him, hoping to use her favoritism to stop this marriage.

But her father loved his career more and was not willing to offend the Shen family for the sake of pleasing his daughter. In the end, Shen Anyong was scolded and left with an ambiguous conclusion.

Lady Dowager tried to persuade Anyong to be sensible, but her covert methods never stopped. She even poisoned my food.

I tested for poison with silver needles at every meal, but still fell for her scheme. This poison was so deadly that the silver needles didn't reveal it. But after ingesting it, ugly sores erupted on my face and became pus-filled scabs that lasted for days.

This malicious woman not only frightened me, but also shocked my father. Seeing that the engagement with the Shen family was already settled, suddenly encountering this event, how could this be good?

After careful consideration, my father felt that he needed to confess to the Xue family. This matter couldn't be kept hidden.

Lady Dowager and Shen Anyong were delighted, waiting to see the Xue family come to cancel the marriage and shatter my dreams.

In their eager anticipation, Xue Huaiyi arrived at the mansion from outside the city, wearing armor.

However, contrary to their expectations, he did not come to cancel the marriage.

Xue Huaiyi led his soldiers straight to the front of the house. The Shen family's servants saw that they were all lightly armored cavalry from the military camp and knew that this was not to be taken lightly. They quickly turned and went to report.

But Xue Huaiyi did not come as a guest. Without waiting for the report, he forcefully pushed his way in. When the servants tried to block him, the soldiers pulled out their swords and forced them back.

Upon hearing that Xue Huaiyi personally came to the door, my father knew that he had come to demand justice. He hurriedly went out to greet him, so flustered that he even lost a shoe:

"General Xue, General Xue... It is my fault for my negligence. I couldn't properly manage my daughter. She is greedy and careless, not knowing the severity. She ate some random things and suffered from this strange illness..."

Xue Huaiyi didn't want to listen to his excuses. He coldly uttered five words:

"Hand her over to me."

My father seemed like he didn't understand, standing dumbfounded, not knowing who he was referring to:

"General Xue, please calm down. Although my eldest daughter's appearance is ruined, my youngest daughter is beautiful. You have also seen her..."

"Bring out Shen Anqing, now."

Xue Huaiyi shouted angrily, like thunder on a training ground, making the entire Shen mansion tremble.

Soon, I, covered by a veil, was brought out. At that moment, I was still very nervous. They say that men prioritize looks over promises. Would the desperate Xue Huaiyi also break my heart?

"Is it serious?"

His voice was gentle.

I, covered by the veil, simply nodded.

"Let me see."

Timidly, I evaded his slowly reaching hand.

"Come with me."

After saying that, he grabbed my hand and was about to leave. The several guards who were protecting me wanted to step forward to block him, but they were scared off by the glinting blades.

"Everyone in this courtyard, listen to me clearly. Those who have harmed my bride before our marriage will be severely punished. I, Xue Huaiyi, swear upon the heavens that this grudge will be avenged."

"This grudge will be avenged, this grudge will be avenged, this grudge will be avenged..."

Amidst the soldiers' shouting, I left the Shen mansion with Xue Huaiyi.